TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder - Laser Range Finder with Pinsensor - Laser Binoculars - with Battery

I bought this, like many, after baulking at the prices of the premium rangefindersI’ve used it quite a lot since buying it and can honestly say it’s been a great buyVery simple to use. I play mostly at my own club so pretty much use it for approach shots to greens. The pin finder mode, where the device outputs the distance to the closest object it locks onto in direct line of site, is excellent.....no more distances to the trees in the background! And because that closest distance found is shown constantly on screen after you’ve determined it, you can move the device around after exiting this mode and it still displays. On pin finder mode it took me a little while to work out a decent, never fail, quick technique for obtaining distances to flags. I found a post by another user that suggested zigzagging up & down the flagstick length. This always gets a reliable lock on the flagstick distance.It’s quick to use the device and doesn’t hold me up, but I tend to get to my ball and use it when partners are playing shots......I suppose I’m saying, if you play golf sensibly anyway, and are normally ready to play when it’s your turn, this won’t put any significant time onto shots. I store it loose on the bag during play so it’s quick to get to. Not sure therefore how easy it is to get it out of the protective carry case if that’s how some carry it.I have started to wear glasses and find these can interfere with use (probably because I can’t get used to wearing the stupid things yet). However, the magnification on the viewfinder makes use without my glasses in place quite easy.The battery’s are still going strong after many rounds so I think getting a full playing season from one set sounds reasonable, but it’ll always depend on how you use itBecause it’s stored loose in the bag, I’m not especially precious with it during play. It appears to be standing up to general use very well. Seems to not mind the wet. I have however seen a lot of discussion around the majority of the cheaper devices, that they don’t always work reliably when there’s moisture in the air, but I’ve not seen this with the tectectec. I will caveat everything I’ve just said by mentioning the fact that I’ve used this device through the driest summer for decades and it’s been given a pretty easy ride so far.In summary, good price for a solid, reliable device, that does a simple function very well. If I have any longer term reliability issues I’ll update this review but it looks as though it should have as much chance of holding up as any other device I’ve seen.Edit: August 2020. Two seasons of use and it’s still going strong. I fitted the neoprene cover I got as a free gift from Tectectec and the device appears to be pretty resilient. I don’t abuse it but I don’t treat it that carefully. It lives out of its case in one of my trolley bag pockets. I’ve still not had to replace the batteries. Some who use it constantly on every shot or play more than me, may have to, but it’s not a big cost issue. It gives reliable yardages when I compare to other rangefinders, budget or Bushnell price range. It works in the rain but I don’t really play in the rain much anymore as I can pick and choose my days. It’s quick to use. Basically, it does what it says it’ll do and seems that it’ll last a while yet. I’m glad I bought it.Edit: November 2021. Still going strong, still providing accurate yardages. I’ve changed the batteries now (sorry Greta, non-rechargeable). I’ll be honest in that there are probably a few decent budget range finders on the market these days, that would be equivalent to the TecTecTec, but kudos to this company; they were a trailblazer, and given they still sell these in volume after a few years, probably says more than reviews like mine ever can.

I wasn't sure whether to splash out £350 + on a Bushell but gave this a go. Bear in mind this is my first range finder. I have found the use of it a little more complicated ( albeit the instructions are straightforward - point and click) than I would have liked. Once I had mastered that (a) switch on (b) point and then (c) click again then it is fine. The only thing unsure with is that sometimes you get a range of lines and not clear why that is.Overall however at £200 less than the Bushell it is worth the money. Solid case, robust instructions and feels the part

I've edited my first review now that I've used the rangefinder on the course for over 20 rounds. I was immediately impressed with the company selling this, TecTecTec, who sent me an email before it even arrived giving information about the rangefinder and their money back guarantee. Now it's arrived, I'm happy with the case which looks sturdy to take the odd knock and which doesn't have the insane design of the Nikon Coolshot with holes in the case! Time will tell if the case is waterproof but I don't use the case as it's not easily fixed to a golf bag. There are one or two straps on the case but they don't help to fit the case onto the bag and they don't look all that robust. I'm having to keep the range finder in a pocket in my golf bag which means not using the case during the round. I'll look into getting a strap to attach it to the bag. The battery compartment looks solid and unlikely to come open by accident, unlike the Coolshot.I've found it quite easy to get distances on the golf course provided that you are under 200 yards from the flag. It can do longer distances if there's clear sight lines. On most courses, if you are that far away you don't get a great view of the flag. I'm not sure if I need distances from that far away as I'm not a big hitter. I've used a number of range finders and they all have a problem once you are that far away. I suspect that the use of a range finder is primarily for distances between 180 yards and about 50. I tested the range finder in the rain today and it worked well. I had an issue with a different brand of condensation on the lens when storing the range finder over night in a damp golf bag but that doesn't happen with the TecTec or not much. So a definite 5 stars and I highly recommend this rangefinder.

A good product that sits comfortably in the palm of your hand. Took a while to get used to the rangefinder and it is best left on ‘pin mode’ to accurately find the distance. Sometimes it is difficult to get a distance when there are trees behind the flag and it needs several goes to get it right. I still use a GPS watch to make sure the distance I get is accurate but has certainly improved my game and am rarely short of the flag now. Difficult to use on a windy day as you need a fairly steady hand. Worth the expense.

I have held off writing this review for about 6 months but having used the TecTecTec VPRO500 extensively in this time I can definitely recommend it. Personally, I can't justify spending £300 on a top of the range Bushmills rangefinder, and having compared the distances registered on the VPRO500 with those registered on a number of friends rangefinders I have always found them to be pretty much identical (to +- 1 yard at most).I always use it in Pinseeker mode and focussing is a doddle. It sometimes struggles a bit at 250 yards plus, but let's be honest why does a 15 handicap golfer need an exact yardage from 250 yards away.My only negative comment on this rangefinder is that it isn't able to focus in the fog. Not really a deal breaker for me and i'm also not sure if all rangefinders have this issue or whether its a limitation of the VPRO500.