The Nikon Coolshot golf rangefinders are some of the best budget-friendly golf rangefinders on the market because they are fast, accurate, reliable, and affordable. Only the Nikon Coolshot 20i, 20i GII, 40i, 50i, 80i VR, and Pro Stabilized have slope technology and only the 50i and Pro Stabilized have a red LED display and built-in magnet.
Nikon Coolshot 20 vs 40 – Differences between the Nikon Coolshot 20 and 40
(1) Nikon Coolshot 40 will display distances in increments of 0.5 yards whereas the Coolshot 20 will display distances in increments of only 1 yard.
(2) Nikon Coolshot 40 has an accuracy of +/- 0.75 yards whereas the Coolshot 20 has an accuracy of only +/- 1 yard for distances shorter than 100 yards and +/- 2 yards for distances greater than 100 yards.
(3) Nikon Coolshot 40 has a maximum range of 450 yards to flags whereas the Coolshot 20 has a shorter range of 300 yards.
(4) Nikon Coolshot 40 has a maximum range of 650 yards to large objects while the Coolshot 20 has a shorter range of 550 yards.
(5) Nikon Coolshot 40 comes with Hyper Read technology which provides quick and stable distance measurements in approximately 0.5 seconds regardless of the distance while the Coolshot 20 will give you a stable measurement in several seconds.
(6) Neither the Nikon Coolshot 20 or 40 golf laser rangefinder come with slope compensation technology.
Differences among the Nikon Coolshot 20, 20i, 40, 40i, 50i, 80 VR, 80i VR, and Pro Stabilized
The biggest differences among the Nikon Coolshot 20, 20i, 20 GII and 20i GII are that the 20i and 20i GII can adjust distances for slope while the 20 and 20 GII have no slope and only calculate straight distances and the 20 and 20i have a range of 550 yards while the 20 GII and 20i GII have a range of 800 yards.
The Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized golf rangefinder is Nikon’s best golf rangefinder because it is the only one that comes with image stabilization technology that will make it much easier to acquire a distance measurement. It also comes with a red OLED display, slope adjustment technology, Hyper Read for fast measurement responses, and it is also waterproof and fog proof. It has the best range of any of the Nikon golf rangefinders and its’ ranging performance is comparable to the best Bushnell golf rangefinders. It can measure the distance to a flag that is 500 yards away and the distance to a large reflective object that is 1200 yards away.
The Nikon Coolshot 50i is their newest golf rangefinder. It comes with slope compensation, a built-in magnet, visual and vibration flag lock confirmation, crystal-clear red OLED display, and a maximum 1200-yard range to large objects. The Nikon Coolshot 50i is the only Nikon golf rangefinder that vibrates after flag lock and has a built-in magnet.
Comparison Table – Nikon Coolshot 20 vs 20i vs 20 GII vs 20i GII vs Pro Stabilized vs 50i
| Product Name | Included Features | Missing Features | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
 Nikon Coolshot 20 (No Slope, No Vibration; Cheapest) Learn More | • Range to flagstick: 300+ yards | • No slope compensation | • Dimensions (Length x Height x Width): 3.6 x 1.5 x 2.9 inches |
 Nikon Coolshot 20i (Slope, No Vibration) Learn More | • Slope compensation | • No vibration confirmation | • Dimensions (Length x Height x Width): 3.6 x 1.5 x 2.9 inches |
 Nikon Coolshot 20 GII (No Slope, No Vibration) Learn More | • Range to flagstick: 300+ yards | • No slope compensation | • Dimensions (Length x Height x Width): 3.6 x 1.5 x 2.9 inches |
 Nikon Coolshot 20i GII (Slope, No Vibration) Learn More | • Slope compensation | • No built-in magnet | • Dimensions (Length x Height x Width): 3.6 x 1.5 x 2.9 inches |
 Nikon Coolshot Pro II Stabilized (Slope, No Vibration) Learn More | • Slope compensation | • No built-in magnet | • Dimensions (Length x Height x Width): 3.8 in. x 1.7 in. x 2.9 in. |
 Nikon Coolshot 50i (Slope, Vibration, Magnet) Learn More | • Slope compensation | • No Image Stabilization Technology | • Dimensions (Length x Width x Height): 3.9 in. x 1.5 in. x 3.0 in. |
Similarities among the Nikon Coolshot 20, 20i, 40, 40i, 80 VR, 80i VR, Pro Stabilized
There are many similarities among the Nikon Coolshot 20, 20i, 40, 40i, 80 VR, 80i VR, and Pro Stabilized. Each of these affordable golf rangefinders weighs between 4 and 7 ounces and is between 4 and 6 inches long so all of these units will be lightweight and comfortable to carry around. They all come with 6X magnification (except for the Nikon Coolshot 20i which has a magnification power of 4X), multilayer coating, and diopter adjustment functionality which will give anyone who is either nearsighted or farsighted a clear view of the flag. Also all the units come with a rainproof (not waterproof) body. Each of these rangefinders comes fully equipped with a free CR2 battery, wrist strap, microfiber cleaning cloth, quick start guide, and a shock-resistant premium silicone case that safeguards the rangefinder against impact and poor weather.
How many measurement modes do the Nikon Coolshot golf rangefinders have?
All of the Nikon Coolshot golf rangefinders come with 3 measurement modes: (1) Single measurement mode (normal), (2) Continuous Scan mode and (3) First Target Priority Mode.
Single measurement mode (normal): All golf rangefinders have this mode. It enables you to take one measurement at a time by holding down the fire button.
8-Second Continuous Measurement feature: All of the units come with the 8-Second Continuous Measurement feature which will make it easy to target a small object. When the user pushes and holds down the Power button, the rangefinder will continuously measure the range for 8 seconds which minimizes the effect of hand shake, enabling easy targeting of a faraway small object like a flagstick. This is useful when trying to find measurements of multiple or very small or thin objects, allowing you to know the distance to hazards, pins, mounds, and trees in one push of a button. With this feature, you have the ability to scan across the green to easily pick out a flagstick from the background. Only the Nikon Coolshot 40 has a one-push continuous measurement. This means you can just press the button once and the unit will perform an 8-second continuous measurement. If single measurement fails, it automatically extends the measurement until succeeding for up to 4 seconds. Keeping the button depressed enables continuous measurement for up to approx. 8 seconds.
First Target Priority Mode: All of the units also come with First Target Priority Mode which will measure overlapping subjects and display the distance to the closest subject. It is useful for measuring the distance to a flagstick on a green with woods in the background. In this mode, laser beams are projected and reflected off of objects such as a flagstick or tree. This feature will display the range or distance to the nearest target among the multiple results obtained. This assures that the measurement shown is the pin and not any objects in the background. You can then exactly measure the distance to the flagstick, instead of a background object such as a tree. This is especially useful for approach shots.
Can you use the Nikon Coolshot golf rangefinders if you wear eyeglasses?
Large ocular with a long eye relief design: They all come with a large ocular with a long eye relief design that provides a wide field of view and easy viewing, especially for people who wear eyeglasses. It will give you a clear and comfortable view which will make it easier to spot small targets such as flagsticks.
Will the lenses of the Nikon Coolshot golf rangefinders give you bright and clear images?
The Nikon Coolshot golf rangefinders come with lenses with multilayer coating: All of the units also come with lenses that have multilayer coating which will increase light transmission. Multilayer coating applied to the lenses will give you a much brighter and clearer view. This increases light transmission and reduces flare and ghost due to light reflection. You can thus see just about all target objects on the course with clarity.
Lithium CR2 battery – All of these units use a lithium CR2 battery. The battery life lasts for approximately 20,000 measurements. They are not rechargeable.
Which Nikon Coolshot golf rangefinders can adjust distances for elevation changes (slope)?
Only the Nikon Coolshot 20i, 40i, 80i VR and Pro Stabilized come with Slope Compensation: The Nikon Coolshot 20i, 40i, 80i VR and Pro Stabilized come with the Nikon Slope-Adjusting ID (Incline/Decline) Technology feature that will help you get the slope adjusted distance for any uphill or downhill shot. The slope adjusted distance is a combination of the horizontal distance and change in height. It will eliminate second-guessing on how far uphill or downhill a shot will play which will make club selection much easier when facing a shot with elevation change.
Does the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized come with Image Stabilization Technology?
Only the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized comes with Stabilized Technology: Stabilized Technology will reduce vibrations of the image in the viewfinder caused by hand movement by approximately 80% and at that same time, the irradiated laser is also aligned. It will stabilize targeting and give you easy, fast measurements to the flagstick. You will be able to acquire a small subject such as a flagstick faster, and direct the laser onto the target more easily.
Which Nikon Coolshot golf rangefinders are waterproof and fogproof?
The Nikon Coolshot 20, 20i, 40, 40i, 80 VR and 80i VR are only rainproof while the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized is waterproof and fogproof: Only the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized has a waterproof and fogproof body design. The body of the Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized is filled with nitrogen gas and sealed which makes it both waterproof and fogproof. This means you can use this unit even in case of a sudden shower. The nitrogen gas prevents the inside of the optical system from fogging up or molding even under significant changes in temperature. All of the other Nikon Coolshot models (20, 20i, 40, 40i, 80 VR, 80i VR) are only rainproof.
Which Nikon Coolshot golf rangefinders will give you the fastest measurements?
Only the Nikon Coolshot 40, 40i, and Pro Stabilized come with quick, consistent measurement responses: Only the Nikon Coolshot 40, 40i, and Pro Stabilized come with Nikon’s original data processing algorithm, ‘Hyper Read’, which will give you a quick, consistent measurement response. This feature will display the distance measurement result with a fast and stable response even if the target is located far away.
The Nikon Coolshot 40i has the magnification power of 6X while the Nikon Coolshot 20i has a magnification power of 4X.
Comparison Chart – Nikon Coolshot 20 vs 20i vs 40 vs 40i vs 80 VR vs 80i VR vs Pro II Stabilized
| Features and Specifications | Coolshot 20 Learn More | Coolshot 20i Learn More | Coolshot 20 GII Learn More | Coolshot 20i GII Learn More |  Coolshot 40 Learn More |  Coolshot 40i Learn More |  Coolshot 80 VR Learn More |  Coolshot 80i VR Learn More | Coolshot Pro II Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slope Compensation | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| maximum range to flagstick | 300+ yards | 300+ yards | 300+ yards | 300+ yards | 450+ yards | 450+ yards | 450+ yards | 450+ yards | 500+ yards |
| Ranging Performance | 5 - 550 yards | 6 - 550 yards | 6-800 yards | 6-800 yards | 8 - 650 Yards | 5 - 650 Yards | 8 - 1000 yards | 8 - 1000 yards | 8 - 1200 yards |
| Distance measurement increments | 1 yard | 1 yard | 1 yard | 1 yard | 0.5 yards | 0.5 yards | 0.5 yards | 0.5 yards | 0.5 yards |
| Magnification (objects appear X times closer) | 6x | 4x | 6x | 6x | 6x | 6x | 6x | 6x | 6x |
| Ranging Accuracy | +/- 1 yard (shorter than 100 yards) +/- 2 yards (100 yards and over) | +/- 1 yard (shorter than 100 yards) +/- 2 yards (100 yards and over) | +/- 1 yard (shorter than 100 yards) +/- 2 yards (100 yards and over) | +/- 1 yard (shorter than 100 yards) +/- 2 yards (100 yards and over) | +/- 0.75 yards | +/- 0.75 yards | +/- 0.75 yards for distances less than 700 yards +/- 1.25 yards for distances greater than 700 yards | +/-0.75 yards for distances less than 700 yards +/- 1.25 yards for distances greater than 700 yards | Accurate to .75 yards inside 700 yards Accurate to 1.25 yards from 700-1000 yards Accurate to 1.75 yards beyond 1000 yards |
| Stabilized Technology - reduces vibrations of the image in the viewfinder caused by hand movement by approximately 80% | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| LOCKED ON (Green circle sign) - displays a green circle sign that indicates the distance to the flagstick has been measured | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| ID (incline/decline) Measurement Technology - displays slope-adjusted distances (horizontal distance +/- height); slope compensation feature calculates and adjusts yardage based on the amount of uphill or downhill incline (slope) for that particular shot | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Actual Distance Indicator - blinks to indicate that the Incline/Decline measurement function (ID Technology) is not in use | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Measurement response (HYPER READ) | No | No | No | No | Yes (0.5 seconds) | Yes (0.5 seconds) | Yes (0.5 seconds) | Yes (0.5 seconds) | Yes (0.3 seconds) |
| Continuous measurement Scan Mode (Fast, convenient measurements gives you continuous accuracy) | long button press measures targets for 8 seconds | long button press measures targets for 8 seconds | long button press measures targets for 8 seconds | long button press measures targets for 8 seconds | one push measures targets for 8 seconds | long button press measures targets for 8 seconds | long button press measures targets for 8 seconds | long button press measures targets for 8 seconds | long button press measures targets for 8 seconds |
| Vibrates when target locks in on flag | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Slope function can be disabled by pressing mode button | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| External LED indicator confirms when the ID technology (slope) is off | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| multilayer coating for bright, clear images | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Long eye relief design makes it easier for eyeglass wearers to look through the viewfinder | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Number of scanning modes | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Pinseeker Mode (Perfect for measuring overlapping objects, golf flags, hazards and wooded areas) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| First Target Priority mode (displays the distance to the closest object or the golf flag on a green with woods in the background) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Distant Target Priority Mode | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Angular Field of View (degrees) | 9 degrees | 9 degrees | |||||||
| Diameter of Objective Lens | |||||||||
| Eye Relief (mm) | 20.3 mm | 18.3 mm | |||||||
| Exit Pupil (mm) | 5 mm | 3.5 mm | |||||||
| Diopter Adjustment (degrees) | +/- 4 | +/- 4 | +/- 4 | +/- 4 | +/- 4 | +/- 4 | +/- 4 | +/- 4 | +/- 4 |
| Water Resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Fogproof | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 Year | 2 Year | 2 Year | 2 Year | 2 Year | 2 Year | |||
| Dust Resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Case (The shock-resistant case guards against impact and poor weather) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Metal Housing | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Tournament legal and conform to USGA rule 14-3/.05 | Yes | Yes (if slope mode is disabled) | Yes (if slope mode is disabled) | Yes (if slope mode is disabled) | Yes (if slope mode is disabled) | Yes (if slope mode is disabled) | Yes (if slope mode is disabled) | Yes (if slope mode is disabled) | Yes (if slope mode is disabled) |
| Physical Dimensions (Length x Height x Width) | 3.6 x 1.5 x 2.9 inches | 3.6 x 1.5 x 2.9 inches | 3.6 x 1.5 x 2.9 inches | 3.6 x 1.5 x 2.9 inches | 4.4 x 1.4 x 2.8 inches | 4.4 x 1.4 x 2.8 inches | 3.9 x 1.9 x 3 inches | 3.9 x 1.9 x 3 inches | 4.8 x 6.6 x 3.4 inches |
| Weight (in ounces) | 4.4 ounces | 4.8 ounces | 4.8 ounces | 4.8 ounces | 5.6 ounces | 5.6 ounces | 7 ounces | 7.7 ounces | 6.1 ounces |
| Battery Type | CR2 | CR2 | CR2 | CR2 | CR2 | CR2 | CR2 | CR2 | CR2 |
