“Next Generation Rangefinders“

The Set-up

Many thanks go out to Blue Tees Golf and Vanessa Price from Read the Greens, Golf Media for giving me the opportunity to test and review this product.

What do you get when you take four friends that love golf, who want a rangefinder, purchase one and then a second, later replacing both because of poor quality? The answer is four friends forming a brand called “Blue Tees Golf”. Their goal is to bring golfers products (golf rangefinders) that are designed, manufactured, built and then sold at a fraction of the price of the competition.

Established in 2015, spurred on by the realization in which they thought that quality golf products were too expensive, the founders of Blue Tees Golf sought out a way to address this issue by providing golfers a cheaper alternative that was still feature-packed rangefinder that performed at a tour-level.

The Series 3 Max Golf Rangefinder with Slope is their latest creation. This is a laser rangefinder that is described as “Next Generation” with features that include…

  • Crystal Clear Display
  • Auto Ambient Display
  • Advanced Flag Lock
  • Pulse Vibration
  • Slope Switch and more.

The Series 3 MAX rangefinder offers Blue Tees’ most advanced software to date and “ultra-premium materials”, all in a next generation design. Colours available include navy, black, and most recently pink. Retailing at $279.99 USD or $328.99 CAD here’s a comprehensive look at what the golf consumer is getting.

The Transition

Admittedly, I don’t exactly have a wealth of experience using rangefinders. Prior to this testing, I had owned a Bushnell rangefinder a few years ago. That was until it had mysteriously disappeared from my golf cart to visit the restroom while playing golf in Florida. Ever since, the majority of my testing has involved GPS-type units.

So when I received the opportunity to test and review the Series 3 MAX rangefinder, I said yes. When it arrived, I wasted no time putting it to the test. I immediately went to Niagara Golf and Batting Cages and quickly recorded an unboxing video (see below) on what was a windy day. Be forewarned, there is some wind interference in the mic at the time of recording.

With the box now opened, I took time to investigate the product. Firstly, the box itself is well-done in that the branding is up front and centre. However, more importantly it’s how the rangefinder itself is packed and protected. Opening the flap on the box you find a relatively thick piece of foam/rubber protecting the hardware. The packaging nicely cradles the Series 3 MAX keeping it secured during shipping. This is a box that would have excellent rack appeal in any golf retail outlet. It’s a minor thing but, I do like the palm fronds incorporated into the logo effectively giving it a “coastal vibe”. The Series 3 MAX Rangefinder that was sent to me was the Navy Blue finish. The colour is solid with contrasting white and chrome detailing. Aesthetically speaking, the Series 3 MAX looks very much the part of a premium device.

In hand, the rangefinder fits very well. It’s rubbery texture feels good in-hand and in saying that, it also feels secure in-hand especially when it’s either raining or your hands are sweaty during the “dog days of summer”. Firing through the box you will see all of it’s contents. Included inside of the well-protected box are…

  • 1 Series 3 MAX Rangefinder
  • 1 Wrist Strap
  • 1 Waterproof Case
  • 1 Carabiner (for clipping to the bag)
  • 3 Blue Tees Golf branded CR2 Lithium batteries and
  • Paperwork

In “The Set-Up” I ran through the features that are incorporated into the device. It didn’t take me too long to see (both literally and figuratively) exactly how clear the 4K display was. Looking around at my surroundings, every object that I focused in on was clear. Impressive, seeing that I wasn’t wearing any glasses. With a slight tweak or twist of the eyepiece the image became even more clear. Reading the distances to the various targeted images was easy to read. Reading the distances on the scope was easy and clear in thanks to the display being in red. The “Auto Ambient Display” works exactly how it’s supposed to as the conditions were quite sunny one minute and then dark and dreary the next and the Series 3 MAX continued to work quickly and adjusted well to the lighting.

The speed that the Series 3 MAX Rangefinder processed the information was very quick in what seemed to be a millisecond, the information needed was in the viewfinder. As soon as the target was picked up (either a pin, sign, or tree etc.) the “Pulse Vibration” kicked into gear. A gentle vibration in the hand later and you had the crosshairs “locked-on” to your desired target.

The range isn’t a very good place to try the slope function of the Series 3 MAX so I took care of this facet of the testing on the golf course. Always remember that until further notice, the slope function is not allowed to be on during competitive rounds. Regardless, I have to admit that I love the functionality of the rangefinder reading slope. It really does help in providing quick and accurate yardages. With such an emphasis being placed on pace of play, the potential is very much there for the Series 3 MAX Rangefinder and it’s slope function to save time on the golf course. All of the guesswork is taken out of club selection. Or at least, the guesswork is mostly taken out. For example, my PW is my 130-135 yard club and any time that I got into that range, the Series 3 never lied. As a matter of fact, the information received vs my known yardages always correlated and resulted in proper club selection.

I can confirm that the rangefinder is water-resistant as it was something that I inadvertently tested during the unboxing. As it turns out, the sprinklers came on during my recording session. But, I would be able to perform better testing in this regard as I played in the rain. No ill effects were felt by the Series 3 MAX from the wet conditions. There it sat on the cart in the conditions attached by its magnetic strip. The magnetic strip itself is a cool feature, with it as you don’t have to fumble around the cart getting it out of the case and getting your information. Another small piece in the fight against slow play. Just sticking with the magnet for a second, I found the magnet is strong enough where it doesn’t loosen or fall off as you drive over bumps etc.

The waterproof hard case is excellent. But in its excellence within lies a potential issue. I don’t know if it’s the design of the case itself or a wonky zipper. I found that while opening or closing the zipper, it can be difficult as it does tend to get stuck. If this is all about keeping the case waterproof, then I totally understand the reasoning. If this is the zipper itself, my recommendation would be to source out a different zipper. Maybe, mine was an anomaly?

Speaking of anomalies. In the interest of full-disclosure I have to talk about a fluke occurrence during testing. This event took place on October 4th during a round of golf at The Pulpit Club. The day was a mixed bag of dark skies, rain, and fog. On ONE occasion I was sitting out from about 125 yards, give or take. I went to get a distance and it read 11 yards. I was puzzled, so I took another reading. Again, 11 yards. So, I powered the rangefinder down and turned it back on. Again 11 yards. It was weird. By the time I had gotten to the next tee, it was back to functioning normally. Ironically, two holes later I was talking about it with a playing partner and he informed me that his Bushnell had just done the same thing. Lighting? Reflection? When I asked VP of Sales Taylor Herber about this situation, it was one that they were unaware of. Part of an explanation can be read here…

“Being an electronic device we run into issues sometimes but not often with the unit reading incorrect distances. If this was an ongoing issue I would say we need to replace the unit. Let me know and I will reach out to the customer service team if need be.”

Taylor Herber – VP of Sales

Suffice to say, there has been no need for their customer service team to be involved as it was simply a “blip” on the radar.

The Finish

There is no doubt that the Series 3 MAX Rangefinder from Blue Tees Golf is a quality, premium product. Blue Tees Golf sought out to produce and provide quality products without a premium price tag and to this end, mission accomplished. Similarly the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift costs $100 more ($399.99 USD).

There are advantages to GPS units and/or rangefinders. So the preference really depends on personal taste. If I have the choice of the two, I am leaning all-day long towards rangefinders. No course downloads are needed (in some cases a subscription), it travels well and you just “point and shoot”. Moreover, when a measuring device also has slope you can get the whole enchilada for striking your next shot.

With ease of use, crystal clear optics, water-resistance, a high-quality weatherproof case the Series 3 MAX Rangefinder is a quality investment for your game if you’re in the market for a measuring device. I highly recommend this product.

For more information on the Series 3 MAX Rangefinder or any other Blue Tee Golf products, please Click Here.

Until The Next Tee!!

#fightandgrind #seeuonthenexttee

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