MEMBER REVIEWS: Vortex Optics Golf Rangefinders | See What Members Are Saying

[SwingBlues]

Honestly, while Vortex Optics wasn't on my radar before, I'm now learning about your company's impressive history and legendary reputation in the Second Amendment and hunting worlds. 

 

It's fascinating to see your expertise in optics extending to the golf course!

Speaking of which, I'm currently on vacation, and something pretty interesting happened the other day. 

 

My wife was watching her favorite show, "SWAT," in our hotel. The episode revolved around rogue Marines dealing weapons, and I was only half-watching until the main character, Hondo, identified the firearms as high-end ARs equipped with state of the Art "Vortex Combat Optics."

Hold on a second... did I just hear that right?

Is that the same Vortex Optics now making waves in the golf scene with Vortex Golf?

🤯 Talk about a crossover!

Whether that was a stroke of genius in product placement or just a serendipitous line in the script, I have to say, well played!

Now, I'm even more excited to get back home and hit the links with my Anarch next Saturday.

From what I gather, the Anarch and Blade series represent Vortex Golf's initial foray into laser rangefinders, and honestly, my experience with the Anarch has been remarkably impressive. 👏

I know I might sound a bit biased given that I'm reviewing the Anarch, but as I shared in my review, when my buddy Dan had to choose between my trusty Bushnell Pro X2 and the Anarch, his answer was a resounding:

"Anarch."

 

👍

[DE-ILLINI]

I could not get out and play golf this weekend, but I was able to slip away to hit some balls on the range.  I took this opportunity to check how the distances measured by the Vortex Slope compared to my Shot Scope Pro SL2.  The Shot Scope has been in my bag for about 18 months after leaving my last range finder in the golf cart.  To compare the Vortex Blade to my Shot Scope, I set both in slope mode and shot flags on our driving range.  The range has a slight uphill grade.  I picked flags from 60 yards to 200 yards.  This is where the flags stop.  Below is a table summarizing the findings.

 

 

I found the Vortex measured the pin consistently about 3 yards shorter than the Shot Scope.  The slope adjustments were similar within 1 or 2 yards.  I was pleased with the results.  A couple of my playing partners have Bushnell range finders, and my Shot Scope is always within a couple of yards.  I have never really paid much attention whether it measured consistently long or short.  I find a couple of yards one way or the other typical when several people shoot the flag.  If I saw bigger differences I would be concerned.  Next week I am playing with a friend who owns a Bushnell.  I will see how the two compare.

 

A couple of additional thoughts on the Vortex Blade after using it:

• The Vortex Blade Slope is a compact and light range finder.  It also feels very well built.  It has a much more solid and premium feel than my Shot Scope.  The Shot Scope is a budget range finder, so this is what I would expect.
• The optics on the Vortex Blade Slope are fantastic.  They are crystal clear and graphics on the field of view simple and easy to understand.
• The Vortex Blade Slope locks on to the flags better than my Shot Scope.
• I actually like the LED lights which illuminate when in slope mode.  There are clear graphics which allow you to know you are in slope mode, but lights give me a definitive way to tell.
• As others mentioned the lifetime warranty is great peace of mind.

 

For its first attempt in golf range finders, Vortex has done a great job.  You can really feel the company has a history in the field, the optics are clear, and it quickly locks on the flag.  If you are in the market for a quality range finder, be sure to add Vortex to your short list.

 

[RSinSG]

34 minutes ago, DE-ILLINI said:

If I saw bigger differences I would be concerned.

Me too. If I’m being honest at a 9.2 handicap I’m not accurate enough to worry about 1-2 yards. However, if the difference was 5+ yards then it could affect which club I’d use, especially for short yardages.
 

I’ve been scoping all distances 2x with the Vortex and Bushnell and I haven’t used a different club yet because of a variance in distance. This thing is nice.

[MickeyTankBank]

Played my league 9 hole skins on Thursday, match play match on Friday, and a tournament on Saturday. Only took the Vortex Blade with me as my rangefinder. 

 

The good things: 

 

- It locks on the flag very quick. I had no real issues with not being able to hit the flag and get it to lock with the Pinsetter feature. Didn't notice any real issues with missing the flag and hitting the hill or tree behind the green. 

 

- The optics are clear and easy to read. Even while wearing sunglasses all round I was able to have a wide enough field of view to see what I needed to see. Sometimes when you take the first lense farther from the eye, it really narrows what you can see. I had no issues with that. 

 

- It's small and compact, really fits well in my hand. The magenta is slightly weaker than Bushnell's but had no problem staying attached to a rising cart. 

 

The stuff that could use a tweak:

 

- The magnet being on the left side of the unit does get a little wonky when detaching it from the cart. You just have to fiddle with it a bit to turn it around in your hand. It could just be me and it being different than the other rangefinders. 

 

- The MENU button feeling the exact same as the MEASURE button and being right under your fingers had me pressing down on it a couple times. Having to exit the settings and go back to the normal rangefinder mode before shooting. I know the MEASURE button does have some small bumps on it but while using it I didn't even notice them. Raising that MENU button or making it smaller or just doing something to help make it a little more different than the MEASURE button would be nice. 

 

Other than those 2 small issues, it's a quality rangefinder and as good as any of the other top brands. For when I'm playing tournaments where slope is illegal it will be my choice. Just to take any doubt away from accidently flipping slope on. Good job @Vortex_Golf

[weems]

⛳ Update After 6 Rounds – Vortex Anarch

After receiving a replacement unit from Vortex (due to a small piece of debris that had been trapped inside the lens), I’ve now played three more rounds with the Anarch — and I’m happy to report that the quirks I previously experienced seem to be resolved.

✅ The new unit no longer has the delay between readings. I can now double-check distances with back-to-back shots quickly, which improves my rhythm and confidence during play.

✅ The build quality, optics, and accuracy all remain excellent — solid and confidence-inspiring, especially when compared with the other rangefinders I’ve used.

⚠️ One small issue still lingers: once or twice per round, the unit will jolt as if it locked onto the pin but seems to return a reading from the trees behind it. It’s not frequent, but it does happen.

🔄 Overall, I’ll continue to evaluate thoroughly, but for now the Vortex Anarch has become my primary rangefinder. Solid performance, reliable support, and great optical quality make it easy to keep in the bag.

[tj7644]

Another update:   I LOVE the image stabilization of the Anarch.  @Vortex_Golf has come up with a great feature that works perfectly with the great optics of this device.   The view is clear, and in focus whether I have my sunglasses on or off.   When I shoot the distance it reacts IMMEDIATELY with the stabilization and yardage.   I couldn't ask for more.   This thing rocks!!   I've previously posted yardages against other rangefinders.   I know the yardages with slope differ somewhat from others, and I don't know which is correct or the best with slope, but the Vortex slope yardage works for me.   And for accurate yardages without using slope, against other top rangefinders me and my buddies use, there had never been a difference of more than 1 yard.  In my mind, this Anarch is very, very accurate.

Edited May 13 by tj7644

[RSinSG]

I got another round in today and I'm trying to not sound like a paid spokesman for the company. However, this rangefinder is the clearest one I have ever used. It locks on the flag quickly and when using the scan mode it switches between distances very smoothly.

 

The only thing I wish were different is the boldness of the font that gives distances. I realize it's probably a combination of my old eyes and wearing transition prescription glasses, but I have to work harder to read the yardages. While the optics are not near as nice as this Vortex, my Bushnell's font is easier for me to read. If it had an adjust button to bold or change the font color so its stands out more it would be helpful for an old guy like me.

 

Other than that personal preference, there aren't really any things I can be critical about. All of us testing the different Vortex models are in agreement - between the quality of the rangefinder and the support of the company with excellent customer service and literally the best warranty I've ever seen, there is no downside to getting this scope. It really is that good.

[ScottHutch2]

Well, I have used the vortex for a couple rounds and it just feels like a part of me now. Played this past weekend at Fox Chapel in Pittsburgh, all of my playing partners asked about and tried my Blade slope. They loved the look and were impressed with the speed, accuracy, and feel. 
 

After a few uses, my concerns on magnetic strength was alleviated. I haven’t had any issues with the rangefinder falling off the cart. My experience with the blade slope has been great and I would highly recommend to others 

[tnrts345]

For the vortex testers and owners of an anarch. Is it worth it? I’m tempted by the features and clarity but it’s tough for me to move from bushnell after so many years. 

[agood3putt]

17 minutes ago, tnrts345 said:

For the vortex testers and owners of an anarch. Is it worth it? I’m tempted by the features and clarity but it’s tough for me to move from bushnell after so many years. 

I say yes just for the sole fact that it’s the clearest glass and the smoothest of the rangefinders on the market with the “image stabilization” features 

[tnrts345]

3 minutes ago, agood3putt said:

I say yes just for the sole fact that it’s the clearest glass and the smoothest of the rangefinders on the market with the “image stabilization” features 

Thank you, I tried other image stabilization but they absolutely stink at picking up the flag or were off by plenty with slope. Good to know it’s clear and actually works as planned, no surprise given the brand making them. Thanks for the insight!

[weems]

Just now, tnrts345 said:

Thank you, I tried other image stabilization but they absolutely stink at picking up the flag or were off by plenty with slope. Good to know it’s clear and actually works as planned, no surprise given the brand making them. Thanks for the insight!

If the image stabilization is an important feature to you, I would say this one is definitely worth it. 
 

I don’t know that you can find one with clearer glass, a magnet, and a lifetime warranty on top of a very premium build. It really is a great rangefinder and I’m very fortunate to have been selected. I have the Garmin z30 (not stabilized) and the Nikon cool shot stabilized and they have both been put to backup duty. 

[tnrts345]

2 minutes ago, weems said:

If the image stabilization is an important feature to you, I would say this one is definitely worth it. 
 

I don’t know that you can find one with clearer glass, a magnet, and a lifetime warranty on top of a very premium build. It really is a great rangefinder and I’m very fortunate to have been selected. I have the Garmin z30 (not stabilized) and the Nikon cool shot stabilized and they have both been put to backup duty. 

Quality of the picture and accuracy are what I look for and where bushnell was the top dog for a while. My V6 shift has been good for me but I’m intrigued by the Anarch for the premium next tier 

[SwingBlues]

27 minutes ago, tnrts345 said:

For the vortex testers and owners of an anarch. Is it worth it? I’m tempted by the features and clarity but it’s tough for me to move from bushnell after so many years. 

 

As a longtime Bushnell owner (Medalist and X2) and tester, I know exactly what you're thinking. Right now, laser rangefinders are a hot commodity—there's a wide selection available at competitive prices. You’ll find plenty of budget-friendly deals and hybrid options that combine GPS and laser technology. With so many choices, you can’t really go wrong.

 

BUT—

 

Go with the one that offers a lifetime warranty and exceptional customer service. I've reviewed several products here, and the folks at Vortex Golf have been outstanding to deal with—they answer emails, take calls, and even reply here. That kind of responsiveness makes all the difference.

 

Personally, I don’t want any more electronics in a laser rangefinder. I already have a GPS watch and a GPS app like 18Birdies. More electronics mean more risk—one drop, and suddenly it’s goodbye laser or hello credit card to fix or replace it.

 

Optically, Bushnell in the X2 is excellent but Anarch is better. Take a look at some of the screenshots from the view finder

 

I could have upgraded to the next generation after my Bushnell Pro X2, but I didn’t. If I were you, I’d go with Anarch PLUS and the warranty from Vortex Golf—it’s the smarter investment.

[tnrts345]

57 minutes ago, SwingBlues said:

 

 

As a longtime Bushnell owner (Medalist and X2) and tester, I know exactly what you're thinking. Right now, laser rangefinders are a hot commodity—there's a wide selection available at competitive prices. You’ll find plenty of budget-friendly deals and hybrid options that combine GPS and laser technology. With so many choices, you can’t really go wrong.

 

BUT—

 

Go with the one that offers a lifetime warranty and exceptional customer service. I've reviewed several products here, and the folks at Vortex Golf have been outstanding to deal with—they answer emails, take calls, and even reply here. That kind of responsiveness makes all the difference.

 

Personally, I don’t want any more electronics in a laser rangefinder. I already have a GPS watch and a GPS app like 18Birdies. More electronics mean more risk—one drop, and suddenly it’s goodbye laser or hello credit card to fix or replace it.

 

Optically, Bushnell in the X2 is excellent but Anarch is better. Take a look at some of the screenshots from the view finder

 

I could have upgraded to the next generation after my Bushnell Pro X2, but I didn’t. If I were you, I’d go with Anarch PLUS and the warranty from Vortex Golf—it’s the smarter investment.

 

I had the ProXE for a while and loved it when I played competitively but as that lessened so did the need for a premium range finder. Bushnell has been good to me but I miss illumination and the solid feel in hand. Thank you all for the insights, have one ordered and hope to see the improvements over my current range finder soon

[SwingBlues]

39 minutes ago, tnrts345 said:

I had the ProXE for a while and loved it when I played competitively but as that lessened so did the need for a premium range finder. Bushnell has been good to me but I miss illumination and the solid feel in hand. Thank you all for the insights, have one ordered and hope to see the improvements over my current range finder soon

 

 

 

I bought my Bushnell X2 refurbished from eBay years ago, so I didn’t pay full price—but it was a bit of a gamble. Luckily, it worked out for me, aside from a few instances when fog prevented it from locking onto a flag.

 

The Pro XE is a fantastic rangefinder, but it comes with a hefty price tag and plenty of flashy features. Ironically, it doesn’t have image stabilization, which never crossed my mind until recently. I had been perfectly content with my non-stabilized X2—until last month, when I struggled to lock onto a flag 210 yards away. Maybe it was the heat, the walking here in Los Angeles, or even the beer, but I was definitely frustrated.

 

That said, my last round at Encino GC with the Anarch was a completely different story—I had an absolute blast zapping flags over 500 yards away! The three Par 3s were 200+ yards, and locking onto them was effortless. Honestly, it was mind-blowing how smooth and reliable the experience was.

 

I think Anarch is an incredible rangefinder and I hope we GolfWRX continue to provide valuable feedback to @Vortex_Golf to refine and improve it for a future versions.

 

I'm beyond impressed with its performance, speed, and stability—so much so that my buddy is just as hooked on it as I am!

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts too—jump in and share your experience! What’s working well, and what could be improved? Looking forward to your insights.

 

Welcome to the WRX Vortex Anarch family—let’s make it even better together! 👍

 

 

 

[tj7644]

14 hours ago, tnrts345 said:

For the vortex testers and owners of an anarch. Is it worth it? I’m tempted by the features and clarity but it’s tough for me to move from bushnell after so many years. 

It's entirely up to you.  The feature that makes it worth it to me is the image stabilization.   I don't care which bushnell model you have or use, it doesn't have that.  The optics of the Vortex are also great and clear.   But in reality, if those aren't features that are important to you, then maybe it's not worth it.   You can get what you need with what you have.   BUT....that being said, when you are in the market for a new rangefinder, Vortex needs to be at the top of your list.  And if you're in the market for better optics and image stabilization, the Anarch is the one.

[tnrts345]

54 minutes ago, tj7644 said:

It's entirely up to you.  The feature that makes it worth it to me is the image stabilization.   I don't care which bushnell model you have or use, it doesn't have that.  The optics of the Vortex are also great and clear.   But in reality, if those aren't features that are important to you, then maybe it's not worth it.   You can get what you need with what you have.   BUT....that being said, when you are in the market for a new rangefinder, Vortex needs to be at the top of your list.  And if you're in the market for better optics and image stabilization, the Anarch is the one.

Trusting the reviews of my fellow WRX family here and ordered an Anarch and tossed my Bushnell on the BST. Full confidence that it’ll be great like their other optics.

 

thank you everyone! 

[tj7644]

1 minute ago, tnrts345 said:

Trusting the reviews of my fellow WRX family here and ordered an Anarch and tossed my Bushnell on the BST. Full confidence that it’ll be great like their other optics.

 

thank you everyone! 

I know you'll be happy with it.   I know I am.   I haven't had a chance to experience the lifetime warranty, or the need for that matter.   But you throw in that and the customer service and we have a winner with @Vortex_Golf

[RSinSG]

11 hours ago, tj7644 said:

 I haven't had a chance to experience the lifetime warranty

I'm old and I've never bought anything in my life that had this kind of warranty. They always had some small print that let them weasel out of paying up. According to the Vortex warranty there is no small print which is pretty much unheard of (to me anyways.)

[tj7644]

On 5/5/2025 at 2:08 PM, tj7644 said:

Another surprise....In the box was a code for a free Vortex hat.   LOVE that.   You gotta love the little additions to this testing opportunity.   

My Free new hat came already.   I know it's simple to give away a hat, but these little customer service things from @Vortex_Golf are great in my mind.

[SwingBlues]

1 hour ago, tj7644 said:

My Free new hat came already.   I know it's simple to give away a hat, but these little customer service things from @Vortex_Golf are great in my mind.

 

NICE!!

Just ordered mine yesterday, and I’m already refreshing the tracking page like it’s the leaderboard on Sunday at Augusta. Can’t wait for it to get here!

 

But… @Vortex_Golf—any chance for a bucket hat?

 

You know, strictly for a neighbor who may or may not have impeccable taste in headwear.

 

Just throwing it out there.

[CircleC29]

On 5/14/2025 at 11:51 AM, tnrts345 said:

Trusting the reviews of my fellow WRX family here and ordered an Anarch and tossed my Bushnell on the BST. Full confidence that it’ll be great like their other optics.

 

thank you everyone! 

I'm sure that you will be happy with your purchase. I didn't test the Anarch but I've been nothing but impressed with @Vortex_Golf the company and their products!

 

Let us know your thoughts on the Anarch when you get it. 

[tj7644]

I hesitate to bring this up again,  but I was playing another round this morning.   In a 2 man league event.  My partner has a Bushnell X3.  Yardages again were virtually identical.   So no issues there.   And again I find the optics and image stabilization second to none.   But my home course is a mountain course with lots of elevation changes and some rougher terrain.   On one hole today,  the magnet on the Vortex lost it's grip on the cart and fell off going over that bumpy terrain.   My buddies bushnell didn't.   That is the 2nd time that has happened to me.  Guess what I'm saying is I wish the magnet was a little stronger. 

[SwingBlues]

SwingBlues review of:

VORTEX GOLF - ANARCH Laser Range Finder 

Part 5

For PART 1 of my review check it out here

For PART 2 of my review check it out here

For PART 3 of my review check it out here

For PART 4 of my review check it out here

 

I had an absolute blast testing out the replacement Anarch that Vortex Golf sent me earlier this week.

 

Played Woodley Lakes GC Los Angeles with my buddies, and it was another cloudy, super gray day. Chilly at 63°F, with a slight offshore breeze rolling in from the Santa Monica Mountains.

 

Here’s what stood out immediately with the Anarch today:

• The slope readings were accurate—mainly level, with a slight +01 at most. Makes sense, given the flat terrain, with some raised greens.
• Hardly any noticeable "red flare" when looking through the rangefinder. I kept the same Reticle Selection and Red Illuminated auto brightness settings.

• Super, super quick readings—significantly faster than my X2.

Poor Dan was stuck with his Amazon rangefinder, and you could practically do a full rocket launch countdown waiting for his laser to lock onto the flag...

10, 9, 8, 7... (still searching) 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... finally—135 yards.

 

But the image stabilization? Truly amazing.

There are a couple of driveable Par 4 holes and some lengthy Par 3s, and I was able to zap those flags Grease lightning fast ⚡⚡⚡

 

Take the Par 3 15th hole, for example. It usually plays around 205 yards, but today it was at 181. Locking onto the pin to the left of the green was effortless—so crisp and clear on such a gray, gloomy day:

 

 

 

The last time I used the Anarch, I wasn’t thrilled with the MENU button placement—I accidentally pressed it and ended up in menu mode. Ugh.

 

This time around, no accidental presses—not even once. That said, I still think it would benefit from being repositioned or more recessed. While I don’t play with gloves, it definitely needs to work seamlessly for golfers who do.

 

I had one instance where the Pinspotter locked onto the flag, but I knew the yardage reading was off. It read 165 yards, when in reality, it had to be somewhere around 60-ish yards.

Reshot the flag, and this time, it picked up the correct distance. Out of the 18 flags I shot, this happened only once.

 

For the record, I’ve had similar occurrences with my Bushnell Pro X2—so really, the bottom line is, you’ve got to stay aware of your expected yardage.

 

Looking forward to the next Round next Saturday 👍👍👍

 

 

Edited May 18 by SwingBlues

[DE-ILLINI]

I had a chance to use the Vortex Blade Slope again yesterday during my round of golf.  The Vortex continues to impress.  Clear optics and quickly locks on flags much quicker than my Shot Scope.  As @SwingBlues mentioned, I did have one occasion where it locked onto something other than the flag.  I reshot and got the correct reading.  This happens with every range finder, so you just have to trust your gut and reshoot the flag if something seems off.  My playing partner has a Bushnell.  We compared yardages throughout the round.  Always within a yard for both distance and slope.  Vortex makes some quality range finders.  If you are in the market, they should be on your list for sure.

[CanFred]

Great reviews so far!  Curious, what's one thing that surprised you most about the rangefinder so far?  Could be positive or negative?

[DE-ILLINI]

7 hours ago, ChrisATL said:

Great reviews so far!  Curious, what's one thing that surprised you most about the rangefinder so far?  Could be positive or negative?

For me it is the clarity of the optics and how quickly it locks on the flag.  I have predominately played budget rangefinders.  The difference is noticeable.  For me the Vortex range finder is a step above the more budget range finders. 

Edited May 19 by DE-ILLINI

[CanFred]

28 minutes ago, DE-ILLINI said:

For me it is the clarity of the optics and how quickly it locks on the flag.  I have predominately I have played budget rangefinders.  The difference is noticeable.  For me the Vortex range finder is a step above the more budget range finders. 

Thanks @DE-ILLINI - I have a “budget” rangefinder as well so it’s great to read this. 

[tj7644]

2 hours ago, ChrisATL said:

Great reviews so far!  Curious, what's one thing that surprised you most about the rangefinder so far?  Could be positive or negative?

For me it's the optics.   So clear, so easy to see whether I have sunglasses or not.   But the clear optics with the image stabilization... Game changer for me.   Absolutely love it!