My Review of the Bushnell Pro XE golf rangefinder
The Bushnell Pro XE is an upgrade over the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift and Pro X2 because it has brighter and clearer optics and will give you more accurate distances for uphill and downhill shots. The Bushnell Pro XE comes with many useful enhancements including the capability to adjust distances for temperature and altitude and a 7X magnification power, 500 yard range to flagsticks, visual Jolt flaglock confirmation, and BITE magnetic mount.
If you want to read a more comprehensive comparison between the Bushnell Pro XE and Tour V5 Shift, then please read this article: Bushnell Pro XE vs Bushnell Tour V5 Shift
The only other golf rangefinder that can acquire flags 500 yards away is the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized. However, the Bushnell Pro XE is better than the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized because the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized cannot adjust distances for temperature and barometric pressure and it has a lower 6x magnification.
The Pro XE has much better optics and ranging capabilities than the Bushnell Tour V5, which is the cheapest Bushnell golf rangefinder with a built-in magnet and pin seeker with Visual Jolt technology.
The Bushnell Tour V5 is much better than the Nikon Coolshot 20 and 40 and the Callaway 300 Pro. However, the Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized is better than the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift because it has a longer range and unique features including a red OLED display and image stabilization technology. For more information about the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift and Nikon Coolshot Pro II rangefinders, please read this article: Nikon Coolshot Pro II vs Bushnell Tour V5 Shift.
The Bushnell Golf company always introduces new innovations to their newest golf rangefinder to improve their accuracy which is why over 99% of PGA Tour players use a Bushnell Rangefinder. The Bushnell Pro XE, Bushnell’s newest golf laser rangefinder, was released in March 2019 and it is the most advanced Bushnell golf rangefinder ever because of its improved optics and ability to compensate for temperature and adjusted altitude as well as slope. While the Bushnell Pro XE will compensate straight-line distances for elevation changes, just like the Bushnell Pro X2 and Tour V4 Shift, it will also compensate distances for the elements. This new feature called ‘Slope with Elements’ will help the Bushnell Pro XE adjust distances for the temperature and barometric pressure to give golfers even more precise compensated distances.
Also the JOLT technology found in previous Bushnell golf rangefinders (Pro X2, Hybrid, Tour V4 Shift, etc.) now has a visual component added to it. This new feature called ‘Visual JOLT’ will cause the rangefinder to vibrate as well as a red ring to flash in your viewfinder once the device has locked onto the flag. Also the Bushnell Pro XE comes with improved optics with a 7X magnification that allows you to see further more clearly than the 6X magnification of the Pro X2. The Pro XE also comes with a fully-waterproof metal housing, just like the Pro X2, and it has a BITE magnetic mount that allows you to easily attach the Pro XE right on the cart bar instead of placing it in the cart mount that you had to purchase separately. The Bushnell Pro XE will give you much more accurate distance information than the Bushnell Hybrid because of its higher magnification power and slope and elements compensation technology.
| Slope Compensation with Elements | PinSeeker with Visual JOLT | Built-In BITE Magnetic Cart Mount |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
| The compensated distances of previous Bushnell rangefinders have been taken to the next level with the Slope with ‘Elements’ feature. Temperature and barometric pressure have been added to Bushnell’s patented Slope Technology to give golfers the most precise compensated distances ever. | The JOLT feature of previous Bushnell rangefinders has been enhanced with a new ‘Visual JOLT’ feature. A red ring now flashes as JOLT vibrates to give the golfer even greater feedback and confidence to know you have locked onto the flag. | A new addition to Bushnell rangefinders is the exclusive BITE magnetic mount that allows you to easily attach the rangefinder right on the cart bar. |
Bushnell Pro XE vs Pro X2
The biggest difference between the Bushnell Pro XE and Bushnell Pro X2 is that the X2 only adjust distances for slope while the XE can adjust for slope, temperature and air pressure. Also the Bushnell Pro XE comes with a higher 7X magnification power while the X2 has 6X magnification, the XE has a longer 500 yard range to flags while the X2 has a 450 yard range, and the XE has vibration and visual flaglock confirmation while the X2 only vibrates after flaglock.
Bushnell Pro XE vs Tour V5 Shift
The biggest difference between the Bushnell Pro XE and Bushnell Tour V5 Shift is that the Pro XE can compensate for slope, temperature and barometric pressure while the Tour V5 can only adjust distances for slope. Also the Bushnell Pro XE has a 7X magnification while the V5 has a lower 6X magnification and the XE has a 500 yard range to flags while the V5 has a shorter 400 yard range.
Bushnell Pro XE vs Garmin Z80
The biggest difference between the Bushnell Pro XE and Garmin Approach Z80 is that the Z80 has both a laser and GPS while the Pro XE only has a laser. Also the Garmin Z80 comes with both laser and GPS distances along with 2-D course map overlays on the LCD screen while the Bushnell Pro XE only comes with laser distances and comes with no overlays.
How accurate is the Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder?
The ranging accuracy of the Pro XE is plus or minus one yard.
What is the range of the Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder to flags and large reflective objects?
The maximum range of the device will depend on the reflectivity of the target. The range of the Bushnell Pro XE to flags is 5 – 500 yards. The maximum measurement distance for most objects is 1000 yards while for highly reflective objects the maximum range is 1300 yards.
How do you use the Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder?
Depress the Fire button to activate the display. If the indicators and readings are blurry, then rotate the eyepiece in either direction until they are in focus. Place the aiming circle that is located in the center of the display over the target, hold the Fire button down until the range reading is displayed near the bottom of the in-view display. There will be crosshairs surrounding the aiming circle that tell you the laser is being transmitted. Once a range reading has been acquired, you can release the Power/Fire button which means the crosshairs will disappear. Once activated, the display will remain active and display the last distance measurement for 10 seconds. You can press the Fire button again to acquire the distance to another target. The maximum time the laser is transmitted is 5 seconds.
How do you make the image clearer in the Bushnell Pro XE?
How to make the image clearer – The Pro XE is equipped with an adjustable eyepiece (+/- 3.5 Diopter Adjustment) that allows you to rotate the eyepiece until the display indicators and readings are in focus.
What types of display indicators does the Bushnell Pro XE come with?
display indicators – The Bushnell Pro XE display includes the following indicators:
1. Aiming Circle surrounded crosshairs indicate laser transmission
2. Elements Mode
3. Battery Level
4. Compensated or ‘Play As’ Distance based only on Slope or both Slope and Elements
5. Slope (% grade)
6. Line of Sight Distance
7. Visual JOLT Indicator Ring
How does the Bushnell Pro XE Visual Jolt work?
This device always uses the PinSeeker mode with Visual Jolt to acquire the distance the flag without inadvertently getting the distances to background targets (i.e. trees) that might have stronger signal strength. To use this device, align the aiming circle reticle onto the flag. Next, press the Power/Fire button and move the laser across an area until the aiming circle at the center of the display is located over the flag or other target. Even if there are a group of trees right behind the flag, only the distance to the closest object (in this case, the flag) will be displayed. Once the device has locked onto the flag and acquired the correct distance, the JOLT Technology will provide two short bursts of vibration and the red ring (Visual JOLT Indicator) around the outer edge of the display will activate. There may be times when the laser beam only sees one object in its path. In this case, the distance will be displayed, but because more than one object was not acquired, no JOLT indication will be provided.
While pressing the Fire button, you can move the device slowly from object to object and intentionally force the laser to hit multiple objects to ensure that you are only displaying the closest of the objects recognized by the laser.
How do you turn off the slope adjustment function on the Bushnell Pro XE?
Slope Switch – You can enable slope compensation by sliding the Slope Switch on the side of the unit to the left so the red Slope indicator is visible. The Slope +/- mode will automatically compute an angle compensated range based upon distance and slope determined by the laser rangefinder and built-in inclinometer. This data is then combined with internal algorithmic formulas dealing with average club use and ball trajectories. The angle compensated range provides direction on how to play the shot (i.e. add distance if an incline, subtract distance if a decline). The display will show the percent grade of tilt/incline to the hole or obstacle (with the flag or other target in the aiming circle) and “Play As” compensated distance below the normal “Line of Sight” distance when the laser is fired. Slide the Slope Switch right, and your Pro XE now conforms to USGA Rule 14-3, with the slope compensated ranging feature removed.
How does the Bushnell Pro XE Elements mode work?
Elements mode – You have the option of activating the Elements feature by pressing the Mode button (toggles between Elements on or off). “ON” is indicated by the Elements Mode icon in the display. When Elements Mode is on, the Slope compensated distance also factors in the air pressure or altitude and temperature at your location on the golf course. For example, the ball will travel farther through the thinner air at higher altitudes such as in Denver.
How does the Bushnell Pro XE slope mode work?
Slope mode – Press the Fire button to obtain distance to the flag or other objects. Once the range is displayed, release the Power/Fire button. Once you have released the Power/Fire button, a grade percentage and compensated range will be displayed beneath the standard distance. For example, if the true distance is 180 yards, but with a slope of +4 percent, the slope compensated (“play-as”) range is 182 yards.
Best Features of the Bushnell Pro XE
• Slope with Elements now adjusts readings for incline/decline and factors in temperature and altitude for the most accurate adjusted distances
• Switch on the side of the unit lets you turn on slope when you want it and turn it off for tournament play
• PinSeeker with Visual Jolt technology pulses in your hand and flashes a red ring around the viewfinder for greater feedback and confirmation that the rangefinder has locked onto the flag
• Longer, more accurate performance shoots flags at 500+ yards
• accurate to within +/- one yard
• BITE magnetic mount on the side of the unit sticks to your cart and keeps your rangefinder at hand
• Enhanced ultra-bright backlight display
• 7x magnification provides a clearer view of your target
• Extremely durable rubber-armored metal housing
• IPX7 fully waterproof rating
• Power Source 3-volt lithium (CR-2) (included)
• Dimensions: 4.5″ L x 3.2″ W x 1.5″ D
• Weight: 11.2 oz
• Ranging Accuracy: Accurate to within +/- one yard
• Measurement Range: 5–1300 Yards / 5–1189 Meters
• Display: Black Mask LCD with Ultra Enhanced Backlight
• Extra Long Eye Relief: 16 mm
• Exit Pupil: 3.5 mm
• Included Items: Premium Carrying Case and CR2 Battery
• Included with your purchase: Bushnell Pro XE rangefinder unit, Premium carrying case with carabiner clip, One CR2 battery, Instruction manual Bushnell Pro XE Rangefinder with Overview and How To Use The Bushnell Pro XE Rangefinder
What type of warranty does the Bushnell Pro XE come with?
It comes with the standard 2-year warranty that most golf laser rangefinders come with. The only better warranty currently available is the 5-year warranty from Nikon.
Is the Bushnell Pro XE Tournament Legal and Compliant with Tournament Rules?
Yes the Bushnell Pro XE is compliant with United States Golf Association (USGA) tournament rules as long as you do not use the slope and elements compensation function. The Pro XE comes with a slope switch on the side of the device that is a visible indicator of whether the slope technology has been enabled. When slope is enabled, the red Slope indicator is visible.
Does the Bushnell Pro XE come with a carrying case?
Yes it comes with a premium carrying case with a carabiner clip for attaching the device to your golf bag.
Video overview of the Bushnell Pro XE
Is the Bushnell Pro XE worth the money?
Yes, the Bushnell Pro XE is worth the money because it has clearer optics and will give you more accurate distances than the Bushnell Pro X2. The Bushnell Pro XE comes with many enhancements that make it worth buying including the capability to adjust distances for temperature and altitude and a 7X magnification power, 500 yard range to flagsticks, visual Jolt flaglock confirmation, BITE magnetic mount and fully-waterproof metal housing.
Is there a user manual for the Bushnell Pro XE?
Yes there is. You can access this pdf manual with information about the different features by clicking on this link. You can access a quick start guide by accessing this link.
