Trusted by 98% of Tour players, Bushnell has improved their premium rangefinders with the release of the Bushnell Tour V6 & Tour V6 Shift rangefinders.
The new rangefinders have officially launched.
With an updated PinSeeker algorithm, and you will have improved confidence that your rangefinder is locked on the correct target. In addition, Bushnell improved the design to make the Tour V6 rangefinders more weather-resistant.
Let’s take a look at the new updates to this popular line of rangefinders.
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What Has Changed From The Tour V5?
For 2023, Bushnell has made some minor changes to their premium rangefinders without increasing the price!
Below are the changes made in the brand new Tour V6 & Tour V6 Shift rangefinders:
Improved PinSeeker with JOLT
For the Tour V6 & Tour V6 Shift rangefinders, Bushnell has improved the PinSeeker technology to provide a more accurate lock onto the flag or other target.
Improved Weather-Resistant Design
The design of both models has been changed to improve their weather-resistant ability & both models are IPX6 rated.
This means the Tour V6 models can withstand powerful water jets from any direction (but not submersion).
See our post Understanding Waterproof Ratings for Golf Gear And Apparel for an explanation of IPX ratings
First Impressions of the New Bushnell Rangefinders (2023)
The Bushnell Tour V6 Shift is lightning fast to lock onto a flag. I love the red ring that flashes with PinSeeker. It leaves no doubt you are locked onto the flag.
The build quality is very impressive as well. It feels like a premium golf rangefinder in your hand while still being compact.
I am most impressed by the optics in the Tour V6. It is incredibly clear & the improved magnification makes it really easy to see targets.
Overall, this is a big win for Bushnell!
How Much Do the Bushnell Tour V6 & Tour V6 Shift Cost?
Bushnell will sell both models for the same price as the respective Tour V5 & Tour V5 Shift rangefinders:
Bushnell Tour V6 Golf Laser Rangefinder Summary
Trusted by 98% of Tour players, Bushnell has improved their premium rangefinders. With an updated...
According to Bushnell, 99.3% of PGA Tour pros use Bushnell Laser Rangefinders. There is a reason they use Bushnell–they are the best!
So how does the Bushnell Tour V6 & Tour V6 Shift fit into the picture? These models sit below the Pro X3. The Bushnell Pro X3 is their best performing laser rangefinder available. It contains extremely advanced slope functionality such as temperature & barometric pressure.
The Tour V6 does not contain slope functionality–that is where the Tour V6 Shift comes into play.
If you don’t care about temperature & barometric pressure, the Tour V6 models are incredible rangefinders and are highly recommended!
Differences Between Bushnell Tour V6 & Tour V6 Shift
The only difference between the 2 rangefinders is slope functionality. The Tour V6 Shift has slope functionality built in and the Tour V6 does not.
There are some slight color differences, but that is it. All of the other functionality is identical. See this comparison table for more details.
For mobile devices switch to portrait mode to see the entire table
| PinSeeker with Visual JOLT Technology (updated) | Flag Lock Technology | PinSeeker with Visual JOLT Technology (updated) |
| Range 500+ Yards to a Flag (updated) | Range | Range 500+ Yards to a Flag (updated) |
| 6x Magnification | Magnification | 6x Magnification |
| Bright, Clear Optics (2x brighter than previous generation product) | Optics | Bright, Clear Optics (2x brighter than previous generation product) |
| Built-in BITE Magnetic Cart Mount | Cart Mount | Built-in BITE Magnetic Cart Mount |
| Improved weather resistant design (IPX6) | Weather Resistance | Improved weather resistant design (IPX6) |
| Legal for Tournament Play | Tournament Legal | Legal for Tournament Play (with slope turned off) |
| Slope Function | Slope-Switch Technology | |
| Slope Functionality | New, Improved Slope Algorithm |
How Rangefinders Work
A laser rangefinder is a device that uses laser technology to measure distance. By bouncing a laser off of an object and measuring the time it takes for the laser to return, the rangefinder can calculate the distance to the object.
Laser rangefinders are used in a variety of applications, including surveying, navigation, and of course golf.
TECHNICAL EXPLANATION OF HOW A LASER RANGEFINDER WORKS The laser rangefinder works by sending out a laser pulse and measuring the time it takes for the laser to bounce back off the object. The laser rangefinder then uses the formula: Distance = (Speed of Light * Time) / 2 to calculate the distance to the object. The speed of light is a constant, so by knowing the time it takes for the laser to bounce back, we can calculate the distance.
How Does The Slope Function Work On A Golf Rangefinder?
Now that we know how laser rangefinders work, let’s take a look at how they are used in golf. Laser rangefinders are becoming increasingly popular among golfers because they can help you make more accurate shots.
Most laser rangefinders on the market today come with a feature called “slope.” Slope compensates for the elevation change between you and the flagstick.
For example, let’s say you are standing on a hill and looking down at the flagstick. The laser rangefinder will give you the distance to the flagstick, but it will also take into account the fact that you are standing on a hill.
This is where slope comes in. Slope will give you the adjusted distance to the flagstick, taking into account the elevation change.
Slope is a great feature to have if you are playing on a course with a lot of elevation changes. It can help you make more accurate shots and lower your score.
The Downsides to Using Slope Functionality
There can be a few drawbacks to using the slope functionality of a rangefinder, but they are limited to tournament play.
Firstly, you can become over reliant on it to provide the true distance to a target. While this works great in non-tournament play, you could struggle in tournaments if you can’t figure this out without the slope function turned on.
Secondly, if you forget to turn off the function in a tournament you will likely be disqualified. This is unlikely, but still something to consider if you play a lot of tournament golf.
Bushnell Tour V6 Shift (Rangefinder with Slope)
The Bushnell Tour V6 Shift is a new feature that provides slope compensation. This is especially useful when hitting approach shots into greens that are uphill or downhill from your position.
Trusted by 98% of Tour players, Bushnell has improved their premium rangefinders. With an updated PinSeeker algorithm, new electronics, and an improved weather resistance (IPX6), the Shift gets even better. The Shift includes Slope functionality.
Tournament Legal When You Need It
Slope-Switch Technology lets the golfer easily switch the Tour V6 Shift in and out of Slope mode. The Tour V6 Shift is legal during tournament play when Slope is disabled.
With the Tour V6 Shift, simply aim at your target, press the button on the side of the rangefinder, and hold it down until the display changes from “no” to “slope.”
The shift function will then automatically compensate for elevation change, giving you a more accurate distance to your target.
Now with an enhanced slope algorithm to provide golfers with even more precise tour-trusted compensated distances to account for the hole’s incline/decline.
Bushnell Tour V6 & Tour V6 Shift Shared Features
As mentioned above, the only technical difference between these 2 rangefinders is the slope functionality. With that out of the way, let’s look at the main features included with these rangefinders.
Updated PinSeeker with Visual JOLT
The Bushnell Tour V6’s PinSeeker feature is a godsend for any golfer. With it, you’ll always know when you’ve hit the pin.
Bushnell updated PinSeeker technology for the Tour V6 product line. This means you get even more accurate readings when locking onto the flag, or other targets.
Once activated, the PinSeeker will emit a red beam of light towards the flagstick. If the flagstick is in range, the beam will reflect off the flagstick and back into the rangefinder.
The visual JOLT feature will then provide visual and vibration cues to let you know that the flagstick has been targeted.
The ring around the flag on the rangefinder’s screen will actually flash red and the unit will provide vibrating pulses that you feel when the laser locks in on the pin.
This makes it easy to know when you’ve hit your target, and it takes all the guesswork out of wondering if you locked onto the flag. It is a great feature–especially if you have encountered rangefinders that make it difficult to tell when you have actually locked onto the pin.
BITE Magnetic Cart Mount
Integrated BITE magnetic technology makes attaching the Tour V6 & Tour V6 Shift right to a cart bar easy.
No more worrying about leaving your rangefinder in the cart console where it can’t be seen.
Tour Trusted Distance
Trust your Bushnell for precise distances that make all the difference — and add an edge to your game with yardage accuracy within 1-yard.
The Bushnell Tour V6 Shift comes with an enhanced slope algorithm to provide golfers with even more precise tour-trusted compensated distances to account for the hole’s incline/decline.
#1 on the PGA Tour
Bushnell is the undisputed #1 Laser Rangefinder in professional golf — used by 99.3% of PGA Tour Pros.
Bushnell Golf App
Unlock vital information including distances, hole layouts, and 3D flyovers powered by the latest additions and updates.
- Access to data for more than 38,000 worldwide golf courses including 3D flyovers
- Reliable and accurate front, center and back GPS-provided distances
- Shot planning with movable layup points
- Track and store your rounds and statistics including fairways hit and greens in regulation
- Wireless course and firmware updates for your GPS devices.
- Pair compatible Bushnell Golf devices with the app and track your scores.
- Receive Call and SMS notifications for compatible Bushnell Golf devices.
How The Bushnell Tour V6 can improve your game
If you’re looking to improve your golf game, a laser rangefinder can be a valuable tool. By helping you accurately gauge distances to the hole, a rangefinder can help you make smarter choices about club selection and shot execution.
When you know exactly how far a target is, you can confidently select the right club. Indecision is a killer in golf and having precise measurements can help eliminate that.
In addition, a rangefinder can also help you avoid hazards on the course. By being able to accurately gauge the distance to potential hazards, you can make better decisions about whether or not to attempt a risky shot.
Learn How To Choose The Best Golf Rangefinder
If you still need help, read our comprehensive article How to Choose The Best Golf Rangefinder. We do an in-depth dive into rangefinder features, how they work, how you can identify what type of rangefinder you need, and ultimately how to choose the best golf rangefinder for yourself.
Final Thoughts
The Tour V6 from Bushnell is a must-have for any serious golfer. With features like PinSeeker with Visual JOLT and Bushnell’s Tour V6 Shift, you’ll be able to fine-tune your game and shoot lower scores than ever before.
If you’re looking for a state of the art golf laser rangefinder, look no further than the Tour V6 line from Bushnell.
Trusted by 98% of Tour players, Bushnell has improved their premium rangefinders. With an updated PinSeeker algorithm, new electronics, and an improved weather resistance (IPX6), the Shift gets even better. The Shift includes Slope functionality.
Trusted by 98% of Tour players, Bushnell has improved their premium rangefinders. With an updated...
Laser Rangefinders vs GPS Devices
Whether you want a rangefinder or GPS device, there is no wrong answer as to which device is better. Many players carry both devices to get the advantage from each.
There are a few key advantages that a golf laser rangefinder has over a golf GPS device.
First, laser rangefinders are generally more accurate than GPS devices. This is because they use laser technology to measure distance, while GPS devices use satellite technology. This means that laser rangefinders can be more accurate in measuring distances to the flag, hazards, and other objects on the course.
Second, laser rangefinders don’t require a satellite connection in order to function. This means that you can easily carry a laser rangefinder with you on the course, and don’t have to worry about losing a GPS signal. Occasionally satellite reception might be limited which leads to inaccurate yardages.
On the other hand, GPS devices can be attached to your bag, or worn on your wrist providing real-time yardage updates. With GPS, you always see a visual of the hole with yardages to hazards, the green and any target you wish.
Bushnell Tour V6 Alternatives
Hybrid Laser Rangefinder/GPS
Manufacturers realized the tradeoff between GPS devices and laser rangefinders so they came up with an innovative idea; laser rangefinders with GPS functionality built-in. If you want an alternative to a traditional rangefinder, these could be just the right fit!
These rangefinders incorporate GPS in (2) different ways:
- External display built into the rangefinder
- Internal display with overlaid visuals in the viewfinder
External Display
This innovative design incorporates an external display built right into the rangefinder body.
You get the benefits of a GPS unit and rangefinder with slope. This means hole overviews, hazards, layup distances, green views and more.
Some units also include the undulations on greens.
A Unit incorporating this design:
Internal Display
This design is different in that the GPS features are seen when looking through the viewfinder.
The visuals are overlaid on the actual hole you are looking at.
This shows you what hazards are in play around where you are aiming (via the range arc).
Units incorporating this design are:
Pairing with a Launch Monitor
When you pair a rangefinder & a launch monitor (see our review of the Bushnell Launch Pro) you are eliminating variables from your golf game–which is good! The Launch Pro can help you dial in your exact distances for each club.
When you combine that with the on-course precision of a laser rangefinder, you take the guesswork out of each shot. You can then focus on the target and executing your best swing.
So, if you’re serious about improving your golf game, a laser rangefinder is worth considering. By helping you get a better understanding of the course and making it easier to execute shots, a rangefinder can help you take your game to the next level.
See this article from Playbetter.com for 12 Reasons to Get a Golf Rangefinder for more info.
Frequently Asked Questions
Founder of TheLuxeGolf, I am an avid golfer with a single-digit handicap with over 20 years of experience playing golf. I use my analytics education from Georgia Tech to help me research and write the best articles on luxury & premium golf products! I love how analytics has seeped into every aspect of golf and how it can be used to provide incredible insights into your game. In my time, I’m either writing about golf, watching golf, or playing golf!
