The new Shot Scope Pro L5 rangefinder is what we golf industry analyst types call a “trend bucker.”

What started as a simple how far device (you know, a device that pinpoints the flag and tells you how far) is now trending into new territory. Adaptive slope was a huge leap forward, as it took elevation into account when figuring your how-fars. Now you have rangefinders that sense wind and can even connect to apps and take wind speed and direction, temperature and barometric pressure into account, tell you a “plays like” distance and, yes, recommend a friggin’ club.

You even have rangefinders that, through the magic of a2 + b2 = c2, can triangulate the distance from your ball to the flag without leaving your cart.

But, sometimes, all you want is to channel your inner Johnny Nash so you can see clearly now on a bright (bright, bright) sunshiny day.

That’s where the new Shot Scope Pro L5 comes in. It gives you your how far number very clearly and that’s all it gives you.

Like I said, a trend bucker.

Shot Scope Pro L5 rangefinder: ole OLED

Shot Scope cleared the bases a couple of years ago when it released its Pro L2 rangefinder. It does everything you’d want from a basic rangefinder and, for $149, it’s a pretty solid value.

The new Shot Scope Pro L5 isn’t a replacement for Pro L2. Shot Scope doesn’t really work that way. It is, however, another option in your hunt for how far, with a quantifiable difference: an ultra-clear OLED display.

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays are everywhere in modern visual technology. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches and TVs all use variations of OLED for superior clarity, contrast and picture quality. OLEDs can turn individual pixels on or off, resulting in deeper blacks, higher contrast and brighter images.

“We’re not the first to do it,” says Shot Scope Chief Commercial Officer Gavin Dear. “It allows us to beam the numbers to your screen so it becomes even clearer than the display on the Pro L2. They’re brighter, more vivid and you can adjust the brightness up or down to five different brightness levels.”

Additionally, OLED technology consumes less power, which extends battery life.

Do you need OLED?

That part is up to you although, as consumers, we are suckers for a better picture, whether it’s on our phone, laptop or TV set.

As Dear mentioned, Shot Scope isn’t the first to use OLED. Bushnell, Nikon and Voice Caddie all feature OLED displays. Those units, however, are in the $300 to $600 range. The Shot Scope Pro L5 comes in at $229.99, an $80 premium over the Pro L2.

“If you look through the two, you’ll want the Pro L5,” says Dear. “We know we can produce really good value in the rangefinder market for under $300. That’s where we’re going to operate.”

You will find the Pro L5 to be a bit slimmer and a bit shorter top-to-bottom compared to the Pro L2. The body is slightly longer, however, to accommodate the display. The OLED screen also requires a new firing mechanism, which should translate into faster targeting.

After that, once you get your how-fars down, what more does a laser rangefinder really need to do?

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s as important as having a 3-wood,” says Dear. “There’s nothing worse than hitting a perfect 140-yard shot when you really needed 160. A rangefinder is a tool and everyone is trying to increase the value, but it’s hard.”

To Shot Scope’s credit, it is keeping things simple. Instead of a rechargeable lithium battery, the Pro L5 sticks with the tried-and-true replaceable CR2 battery. It’s also (thankfully) free of extras. It won’t tell you wind speed, direction or atmospheric condition. It doesn’t have a built-in GPS screen (although you can unlock the GPS function on the Shot Scope mobile app) and it won’t tell you what club to hit.

Some stuff you’re still going to have to do yourself.

Shot Scope Pro L5 rangefinder: Specs, price, availability

The new Shot Scope Pro L5 features all the basics you’d expect in a modern rangefinder. Along with the new, ultra-clear OLED display, the Pro L5 includes Adaptive Slope functionality to get accurate uphill or downhill distances. The new Gen 2 Rapid Fire system is faster and more accurate and you still have Target Lock Vibration. It includes a built-in magnet to hold onto your cart and it has a target range of 1,300 yards, in case you’re going for that par-12.

You’ll also be able to unlock the fully functional GPS map section of Shot Scope’s mobile app.

The Shot Scope Pro L5 is available in white or black for $229.99.

It’s available now on Shot Scope’s website and through major retailers.

For more information, visit shotscope.com.

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