I don't have a strong preference for a specific brand when it comes to golf equipment. I own a Ping driver and woods, Mizuno irons, TaylorMade wedges, and a Scotty Cameron putter. However, when it comes to my rangefinder, I tend to gravitate towards Bushnell. While I consider brands like Titleist, TaylorMade, and Callaway to be on par in terms of equipment quality, I see Bushnell as the top leader in the laser rangefinder industry.
They face numerous rivals in the struggle to provide thebest golf rangefinders- Garmin is circling like sharks, Blue Tees have significantly improved their performance with highly anticipated releases coming in 2026, and these are just two out of more than a dozen competing brands vying for your business. The Pro XM is Bushnell's second laser product released this year, and given how impressed by theTour V7 Shiftearlier this year, I was thrilled to bring it out atRoyal County Downto test it thoroughly.
The Pro XM is a recent addition to the wide range of Bushnell products, serving basically as a compact version of...Pro X3+, the most luxurious and most expensive item in this system. It is not yet available in the United States, but is positioned just below theTour Hybrid£549, which is £70 more than the Tour V7 Shift (£399) - so what makes it different from thebest Bushnell rangefinders?
As mentioned, this is essentially a mini-Pro X3+, and when I say mini, I mean mini! This device is incredibly small! A rising trend in the laser industry is creating compact, pocket-sized lasers that deliver strong performance, and this is Bushnell’s second 'mini' laser following their previous release of theA1-Slope last summer.
If I make a Star Wars reference, my first thought when I unboxed the Pro XM was that it reminded me of Baby Yoda—small and adorable, but don't be deceived by its appearance, it's a powerful performer, much like how Baby Yoda showcased his full strength in The Mandalorian.
Enough with the Star Wars mentions, let's discuss performance. A glimpse of what's coming is how this laser feels in your hand. It's smaller than the typical laser, but the quality of construction is excellent and significantly better than the A1-Slope, the most affordable laser in the lineup. It weighs under 200g, making it both noticeably compact and lighter than the Pro X3+. The design is similar to the Tour V7 Shift, featuring the same IPX6 waterproof casing and a highly dependable Magnetic BITE that we've grown used to.
Position it near your eye and you are greeted by a crystal clear display that establishes the benchmark for the laser industry. Bushnell's new OLED screen, introduced with the Tour V7 Shift, is featured here, and it is outstanding - numbers appear in bright red, making them simple to read, while the Pinseeker With Visual Jolt feature provides a red ring that flashes as JOLT vibrates to offer even more feedback and assurance when you have accurately targeted the flag. Standing on the tee of a Par 3 and receiving a distance to the flag has never been simpler.
Regarding features, Bushnell has enhanced their Slope Technology by giving it a significant boost – their new 'Elements Compensation' incorporates temperature and altitude for the most accurate adjusted distances possible. All you need to do is download the app and connect your phone with the laser.
Additionally, thanks to Bushnell's partnership with Foresight Sports, the Pro XM can use your standard club distances from your Bushnell launch monitor to offer tailored club suggestions directly on your laser's screen.
No matter how hard I try, I can't find anything wrong with this laser's performance. However, I don't like the new landscape case, which is different from the usual portrait case that has been used by Bushnell products, including the A1-Slope. The laser seems less convenient to access in this new case compared to the portrait one, and I believe it's a minor step backward, especially considering how well Bushnell's protective cases have performed over the years.
If you appreciate crisp, clear visuals, user-friendly operation, and accurate distance readings, all combined in a durable laser that's easy to carry, the Pro XM is definitely worth looking into.
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