Are Rangefinders now completely commoditized?

[taylorcreek]

Buy a Vortex!!!! Just like Nikon and Bushnell, Vortex is an optics company. The difference is the Vortex customer service and warranty. It’s a transferable no questions asked deal. I recently had to service a scope I’ve had for 15 years and they sent a replacement to me no questions asked. Before I ordered the Anarch rangefinder I called them and asked them if the same applies to the rangefinder. They said yes. 
 

I think the gap from cheap to expensive in the world of rangefinders is certainly shrinking but the Vortex I bought is amazing. Image stabilization, crystal clear glass, accuracy, pin lock with vibration, and magnet have all been flawless. Not to mention it’s fully water proof. The difference to me is the peace of mind and customer service.

[taskerc]

Interesting  thread - I have a Bushnell XE - a few years old and a bit dim in the viewfinder, but it always works.  Played with a. guy who had some (he said highly rated) generic finder from Amazon.  Throughout the round he was getting whacky numbers - partially user error seeing slope vs normal) but also mightily struggled liking in on the pin or other targets.  I let him user the XE and he offered to buy it for me on the spot - of course I said no, but this was a single data point example that true commoditization in the rangefinder space is not where we are, currently.

[Milk Diesel]

Was using a Pinned rangefinder for a while. Unfortunately left it somewhere. Grabbed a cheap GogogoSport for around $50? I truly prefer it over the Pinned.

[alittleoverpar]

I've got a no-name rangefinder that I bought off of Amazon.  I think I paid $40 for it.  I primarily use my Garmin S70 watch for yardages, so I don't pull the laser out very often.  Once in a while to shoot a pin for an approach shot or to double check carry distance for a hazard.  For me the cheapo one works fine.  If I used it more frequently, I would probably go with a name brand option.

[parbung]

only one that i would recommend over a cheapo rangefinder is bushnell. 

 

my friend has one, and the pin locking is extremely good. 

 

 

[avguy]

A Bushnell I got some 15-16 yrs ago before slope setting was popular works fine still despite CR2 battery reliance.  I've accepted the fact that I don't "lock" the pin hardly ever.  My use purpose on a course has always been a general accuracy.  I only need a piece of the green, or the edge of a bunker or perhaps a tree or lake edge distance to clear.  

 

Pin distance in a game where hole outs are so rare seem luxury.  Can this use method not work for most of us in picking a club for a distance and elevation?