Nikon COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized Rangefinder Review

Updated June 2023 – added updated specs

The Nikon COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized rangefinder has incredible optics and comes with slope. In addition it has special anti-shake technology which sets it apart from the competition.

The Nikon COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized rangefinder is not a well-known device. Nikon is famous for cameras & lenses. However, the COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized is an excellent rangefinder with slope.

Note to Nikon: Marketing needs to get a better name for this device

In this review, we will explain how a rangefinder works, how slope works in a rangefinder, what features the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized offers and how to figure out if it is right for you.

We will also compare it to Bushnell’s line of rangefinders.

Let’s get started!

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

How To Choose The Best Golf Laser Rangefinder

If you need help figuring out which golf rangefinder is right for you, read our in-depth article How To Choose The Best Golf Rangefinder.

It will help you understand what rangefinder features are available, how they work, how you can identify what type of rangefinder you need, and ultimately how to choose the best golf rangefinder for yourself.

Nikon COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized Rangefinder Review

Nikon COOLSHOT PRO Key Features Overview

The COOLSHOT PROII golf rangefinder looks and performs like a champion! Nikon’s world-class optics provide an incredible view, while the OLED display ensures clear visibility regardless of weather conditions, so you can rely on its steadiness for unshakable confidence in every shot.

The COOLSHOT PROII can provide an extremely accurate slope-adjusted distance or can be placed in Tournament mode for regular yardages.

If you want a premium rangefinder with slope (and don’t need GPS), the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII is an incredible high-end option. Let’s look more at the features of the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII.

WHAT IS IPX?
IPX stands for Ingress Protection or International Protection. The rating designates the level of protection provided by a device against water, dust, or other fluids/particles. Each rating consists on 5 characters (some of which may not be present if the device does not provide resistance. IPXXXI - Ingress/International 
P - Protection
X - Solid resistance
X - Liquid resistance
X - Optional If the device was not tested, there will just be an X.RATINGS (only the top 5 listed here)
IPX1 – Protects from vertically dripping water
IPX2 – Protects from water hitting it at a 15° angle
IPX3 – Protects from water sprays up to 60°
IPX4 – Protects from splashing water from any direction
IPX5 – Protects from small water jets spraying in any direction

Nikon COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized Vs Bushnell

Bushnell makes (2) laser rangefinders with slope that we can compare to the COOLSHOT PROII:

Bushnell Pro X3

The Bushnell Pro X3 is Bushnell’s top-of-the-line laser rangefinder with slope.

How the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII STABILIZED differs from the Bushnell Pro X3:>The COOLSHOT PROII has incredible anti-shake technology
>The COOLSHOT PROII has an OLED display & the Bushnell Pro X3 has an LCD display
>The COOLSHOT PROII has a better looking display
>The Bushnell Pro X3 has an integrated magnet
>The Bushnell Pro X3 has dual-displays
>The Bushnell Pro X3 has a magnetic mount
>The Bushnell Pro X3 has a home elevation setting
>The Bushnell Pro X3 accounts for elements (elevation, temp, & altitude)

Bushnell Tour V5 Shift

The Bushnell Tour V5 Shift is Bushnell’s lower-priced laser rangefinder with slope that has great core functionality, but does not offer dual-displays or the elements functions that the X3 have.

How the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII STABILIZED differs from the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift:>The COOLSHOT PROII has incredible anti-shake technology
>The COOLSHOT PROII has an OLED display & the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift has an LCD display
>The COOLSHOT PROII has a better looking display
>The Tour V5 Shift has an integrated magnet

How Golfers Should Decide Whether To buy The Nikon COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized

All of this info is interesting, but the real question to answer is whether or not the COOLSHOT PROII is the right rangefinder for you. Hopefully, I can help you answer that question.

Alternative Laser Rangefinders With Slope

Assuming you are looking for a rangefinder with slope, there are some other great options. See our post (The Best Golf Rangefinders With Slope) for full details including comparisons of each rangefinder.

Here is part of that post that may help you figure out your best option:

Do You Want GPS With Your Rangefinder?

If yes, you have (2) great options (If no, move on to the next question):

Do You Want Your Rangefinder Without GPS?

If yes, you have (3) great options :

Full Spec List

• Stabilized optics and laser provide fast and accurate operation
• DUAL LOCKED ON ECHO flagstick recognition technology offers visual and audio confirmation
• ID (Incline/Decline) Technology displays the slope adjusted distance, in addition to actual distance for an uphill or downhill shot
• HYPER READ provides quick and stable measurement response regardless of distance (approx. 0.3 seconds)
• ACTUAL DISTANCE INDICATOR—External green LED confirms ID Technology (slope) is off, letting your competition know that ID Technology mode is not being used
• 8 second continuous measurement (press and hold power button to continuously measure single or across multiple targets)
• Waterproof and fog-proof
• Multilayer coated optics with multiple layers of anti-reflective coating to maximize light transmission, brightness and contrast
• Wide field of view (7.5°)
• High-quality 6x monocular with multilayer coatings for bright, clear images
• Diopter adjustment function
• Large ocular and long eye relief for easy viewing with or without eyeglasses
• OLED display with auto brightness and high visibility red display provide ideal contrast in all lighting conditions
• Range: 8-1,200 yards
• Magnification: 6x

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.

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.

Hybrid Laser Rangefinder/GPS

Manufacturers also realized the tradeoff between GPS devices and laser rangefinders so they came up with an innovative idea; laser rangefinders with GPS functionality built-in.

These rangefinders incorporate GPS in (2) different ways:

1. External display built into the rangefinder
2. Internal display with overlaid visuals in the viewfinder

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.

Ideally, you use the slope function in a practice round and note elevation adjustments in a yardage book. This would help you overcome this limitation and over time you should develop a sense of how uphill/downhill shots paly.

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.

Do You Need A Rangefinder With Slope?

Yes. This is actually a really easy answer. The slope functionality benefit is massive–especially if you ever play a course with elevation.

Typically, golfers make guesses at how far uphill/downhill a shot plays. Most of the time they are way off on their estimates. A rangefinder with slope takes the guesswork out of play.

It is legal to use, so why not make the game a bit easier by knowing the correct yardage.

If you are going to get a rangefinder, get one with slope and don’t think twice. I have used rangefinders with & without slope and wish I had purchased one with slope from the beginning.

Is A Slope Rangefinder Worth It?

Slope functionality adds about $50-$75 onto the price of a rangefinder. Based on the cost-benefit, it absolutely is worth it.

As mentioned above, it takes away the guesswork at uphill/downhill shots. You are then free to focus on hitting a great shot vs wondering if it is playing 10 yards uphill or 15.

Having accurate yardages is critical to playing great golf. That is why Tour Pros are strict about having exact yardages. It is that important.

Is A Slope Rangefinder Legal?

According to the USGA, you cannot use slope functionality in a tournament, competitive round, or a round of golf in which you post your score to GHIN.

You can however, use it in practice rounds. All of the rangefinders we are reviewing have an easy way to turn off the slope functionality.

Pairing a Rangefinder with a Launch Monitor

When you pair a launch monitor (such as the Bushnell Launch Pro) with a laser rangefinder, you are eliminating variables from your golf game–which is good! A launch monitor can help you dial in your exact distances for each club.

When you match 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 with slope 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.

Pair this with a launch monitor where you can dial in your exact distances, and you will be playing the best golf you are capable of.

See our page on Launch Monitors for reviews of the best models.