Shot Scope PRO ZR Laser Golf Rangefinder – Review

Shot Scope PRO ZR Rangefinder Review

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.

Shot Scope PRO ZR Laser Rangefinder – Best price when reviewed: £254.99 / $254.99

Not all golf rangefinders are built the same! In this review we take a closer look at the Shot Scope PRO ZR, the fastest-firing rangefinder that Shot Scope have made to date. I’ve been testing this rangefinder on the course over the last three months to see exactly how well it performs.

Read on to see how you can buy this at the cheapest price around, and whether or not it is worth the extra cost compared to a budget rangefinder.

Don’t want to read the full article? Skip straight to the section you want here:

Pros & Cons of Shot Scope PRO ZR Rangefinder

First Thoughts

Now we’re talking! Straight out of the box, I could tell this rangefinder is different to any other rangefinder I’ve tested so far. As soon as I picked it up the weight difference and the solid feel are like no other rangefinder I’ve used before.

Shot Scope PRO ZR

On the first test (in the garden) there are two things I love, firstly the red optics that really pop on the screen and secondly the INCREDIBLY quick readings. Aside from that, the modern design and matte finish with chrome highlights means this rangefinder not only seems to perform well, but it looks great too!

What’s in the Box

  • 1 x Shot Scope PRO ZR Rangefinder
  • 1 x Premium Rangefinder Carry Case
  • 1 x User Manual
  • 1 x Carabiner
  • 1 x Lens Cleaning Cloth

Key Features

  • Ultra clear LCD Lens with 6X Magnification
  • 1500 yard range with ±1 yard accuracy
  • Adjustable Slope Technology – able to be turned off for legal tournament play
  • 2 year Shot Scope warranty
  • Water Resistant to IPX5
  • Access to GPS maps with over 35,000 courses using the Shot Scope mobile app
  • Uses CR2-3V Battery lasts up to 4,000 measurements
  • Supplied with a durable Case, Carabiner & Lens Cleaning Cloth
  • Red/Black dual optics for varying light conditions
  • Built-in Magnet for attaching to a Golf Cart Frame
  • Premium build and Anti-Slip design
  • Enhanced Target-Lock – Vibration & Rapid-fire detection

Rapid-Fire Detection

The standout feature of this high-quality golf rangefinder is just how quickly it gives you accurate distance readings. This new rangefinder from Shot Scope gives accurate yardages quicker than I’ve ever witnessed before. A simple press of the large blue button gives precise readings in yards or metres depending on your preference.

The ZR also has target-lock vibration to confirm you’re locked on to the flag, bunker, tree etc that you’re aiming at.

Build Quality

This rangefinder has exceptional build quality. The additional weight helps to keep the rangefinder steady in harsh conditions. The ZR’s metallic body ensures a superior look, next-level strength and durability.

Aside from the quality of the rangefinder it also comes with the premium-quality storage case. The storage case is compact and easily fits in most pockets of a golf bag. Alternatively, for ease of use, there’s a carabiner which allows golfers to easily attach the rangefinder to the outside of their golf bag.

It’s important to have a good quality protective case for a rangefinder since invariably it will be dangling from a golfer’s bag, banging around throughout the round of golf.

The ZR is also water resistant to IPX5 meaning you can use it all year round

Sleek Design

The PRO ZR is a blooming good-looking rangefinder! I love the combination of the matte black metal DuraShield Hardshell case, coupled with the chrome highlights.

GPS Integration

When you purchase a Shot Scope ZR you get free unlimited access to Shot Scope’s GPS maps via their Shot Scope app. Access aerial GPS maps of any course in the world.

The maps are a perfect additional tool that combined with the PRO ZR to help you identify hazards, especially on blind doglegs and raised greens. Use the app to find additional GPS distances such as front, middle & back of each green, and also the MyStrategy feature to help shave shots from your score.

PRO ZR Modes

The PRO ZR has two main modes, M1 and M2. Using the M button on the top of the device it’s quick and simple to switch between them.

Shot Scope PRO ZR Mode Buttons

M1 mode is the “Golf Mode”. This allows you to press the blue button to obtain a distance to any target. If you hold the blue button the PRO ZR will “lock on” to the target and vibrate to confirm. When using budget rangefinders I have found this feature to be a little sketchy but with the PRO ZR it really works. The rangefinder easily picks up the flag even in gloomy conditions with numerous trees in the background.

The M2 mode is the continuous scan mode. This allows golfers to scan the horizon with the distances continually updating on the LCD display. It’s a nice feature for golfers looking to find how far it is to a certain point on a hole such as a dogleg or fairway bunker.

If you hold the mode button (M) you can switch the rangefinder between metres or yards depending on your preference.

Advanced Slope Technology

95% of modern rangefinders now have a slope mode, as does the PRO ZR. It’s important to note though that this shouldn’t be used in competitions since it will invariably be against the rules. The slope mode works in the M1 “golf mode” and can be turned on or off quickly using the blue sliding switch on the side of the PRO ZR.

When slope mode is activated you’ll see an adjusted distance to your target based on the elevation changes. You’ll also see the elevation change from you to the target and the angle of elevation.

For example: A 156 yard uphill shot of 7 degrees actually plays as 176 yards. Without Adaptive Slope technology your approach shot would come up 20 yards short.

Shot Scope PRO ZR Rangefinder Adaptive Slope Technology

It’s a handy feature to use when practising on a course but I have to say I have it switched off 99% of the time since most of my on-course golf is competitive.

Want to know more about slope features on a rangefinder? Checkout our comprehensive guide to Slope Compensation Modes.

Mind-Blowing Distance

At 1500 yards this rangefinder had by far the longest range in our recent “Best Golf Rangefinders Review“. I’m not sure how important it is to be able to scope out a flag from that far, and in truth, I haven’t tested it. The furthest I tested was a 517 yard par 5 and the PRO ZR worked admirably at this range. It’s good to know though if I ever come across a 1500 yard long golf hole I have the tools in the bag to do the job … in terms of measuring, not hitting!

Dual Optics

The standout feature of the PRO ZR is the dual optics. This feature isn’t available on many other rangefinders and it’s truly a game changer, particularly if like me, you’re regularly playing in not-so-bright conditions.

Shot Scope Dual Red and Black Optics

Using the R/B button on the top of the PRO ZR you can quickly change between the red display or the standard black optics that you see on most rangefinders. The red optics are much more vivid than black when playing in low-level light. In bright conditions though you’ll likely want to revert to the standard black display.

CR2-3V Battery

This could possibly be my only negative about the PRO ZR. It uses a CR2-3V battery which eventually will need to be replaced. using disposable batteries is not great for the environment, I’d much prefer this to have a rechargeable battery. That said, at least I don’t have to remember to charge it!

Shot Scope suggest the battery should be good for up to 4,000 scans so you’re not likely to have to change the battery too often. They’re relatively cheap to buy, I picked up a pack of two Duracell CR2-3V batteries for under £8 from Amazon. Those, coupled with the one that was supplied with the rangefinder should last me a couple of years.

PRO ZR Product Specification

  • Measuring Distance: 1500 Yards
  • Magnification: x6
  • Field of View: 122m (7° of field of view)
  • Objective Lens: 25mm
  • Eyepiece Lens: 12mm
  • Exit Pupil Diameter: 3.9mm
  • Laser Type: 905nm, Class 1
  • Lens Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
  • Battery: CR2-3V
  • Measuring Time: 0.5-1sec
  • Measurement Accuracy: +/- 1yd
  • Angle Measurement Range: +/- 45°
  • Water Resistant: IPX5
Best-Golf.Rangefinders-Article

Shot Scope PRO ZR User Manual

The Shot Scope PRO ZR comes supplied with the user manual, but if you misplace it then you can download it here.

How to Find the Cheapest Price for the Shot Scope ZR Laser Rangefinder (£254.99 / $254.99)

Many of the top golf retailers stock the Shot Scope ZR, it’s worth checking each site to see if they who has the best offer on any given day but when I searched around the best price I could find was £254.99 / $254.99 on the Shot Scope official website using our 15% off Shot Scope discount code (STRIPEYGREEN).

*Throughout November Shot Scope are offering £50 off this PLUS use our discount code to buy the PRO ZR for just £212.49 or $212.49!

Check latest prices now:

Don’t forget to check out our discount hub to find the latest deals and savings for all your golf purchases.

Final Thoughts

This is everything you would expect from a premium golf rangefinder and more. The difference between basic and premium is not just the price tag. Although I would class this in the price bracket of a “premium golf rangefinder”, at £250 its price point is much cheaper than some other high-end golf rangefinders which are up to twice the price.

For me, the standout feature is the dual optics. The red colour data really pops in low-level light environments and is much clearer than the usual black optics in most rangefinders when conditions are slightly duller. Coupled with the ultra clear LCD display the Shot Scope ZR is one of the best golf rangefinders I’ve ever tested.

Aside from the optics, the ZR’s heavy-weight metallic body gives peace of mind about the build quality. This is a rangefinder that will last through the wear and tear of regular use in all weather conditions.

As with any Shot Scope product if there is a problem you have a customer service team of real golfers that understand exactly what you’re talking about, not a call centre reading from a script. Not only that, but you can buy this rangefinder with confidence. Shot Scope offer a 30-day money-back promise should you not be entirely satisfied.

If you’re serious about your golf and looking for a premium rangefinder with GPS integration then the Shot Scope PRO ZR Rangefinder should definitely be on your shopping list!

Don’t forget you can save 15% off the price on the Shot Scope website using code STRIPEYGREEN.

Bye for now!

Rob

How do I look after my rangefinder?

Avoid touching the lens when possible. If the lens becomes dirty, wipe it gently
with the cleaning cloth provided.

Avoid collision or heavy pressure when carrying or using the rangefinder, keep away
from heat or corrosives.

Keep the product away from moisture during storage. Please keep it in a dry, cool,
ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight, dust and temperature shock.

If the rangefinder comes into direct and prolonged contact with chemicals or sunscreen its appearance may be altered.

How do I replace the battery on the Shot Scope PRO ZR?

The rangefinder requires a CR2-3V battery and supports approximately 4,000 measuring times. When the battery icon appears on the screen it means the battery is low and should be replaced. The battery can be replaced by flicking open the battery compartment at the back of laser and twisting clockwise to open and replace the battery.

How do I turn the Slope Feature On/Off?

Slide the slope indicator switch on the side of the rangefinder forwards or backwards to turn slope on and off. This product is legal for tournament play when slope mode is disabled. Slope is activated when orange is visible. Slope is turned off when orange is not visible. Note that some tournament regulations may not allow the use of a rangefinder. This is typically the case with some professional events but is very unlikley in amateur golf.

Last Updated on 18/12/2024 by StripeyGreenTV

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