Introduction
Rangefinders have become an essential part of a golfer’s pre-shot routine, helping with both course management and club selection. Yet, with so many options on the market, finding one that combines practicality, performance and convenience can be a bit of a challenge.
The NAVEE Mini Rangefinder might just be the one. As you may have figured from the name, this is smaller than your average rangefinder or laser. Compactness and practicality are front and centre of the design.
But while it might be small in size, does it still pack a punch with its performance? I gave it a run-out to check out its on course capabilities.
Keywords
Rangefinder, NAVEE, Slope compensation, fast flag lock, pocket-sized, triangular measurement, lightweight
NCG Summary and rating
NCG Summary
If you’re looking for a compact rangefinder the NAVEE Mini is a great option. It offers distance and slope that was simple and easy to use.
But it doesn’t stop there, NAVEE has added in a Triangular Distance Measurement. This allows golfers to find the measurement from their ball to the flag, regardless of their location on the hole. This is great for golfers who are bound to cart paths.
The OLED screen is tuned to all lighting and the Fast Flag Lock Vibration gives golfers added confidence in their readings. And it’s all packed into a ‘mini’ 166 gram package.
PROS
- Pocket-sized
- Easy to use
- Feature packed
- Precise
- Clear display
CONS
- I’d prefer it to be a little more eye-catching
Key Facts
| Dimensions | 88 × 50 × 32 mm |
| Weight | 116g |
| Water resistant | IP54 |
| Range | 5–1,300 yards |
| Display | Red & Green OLED Dual Display |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Modes | Scan, Flag Lock, Three-Point Measurement, Slope Compensation |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium battery |
| Measurement Speed | 0.1 seconds |
| Flag Lock Distance | 350+ yards |
Key benefits and downsides
| Key benefits | Downsides |
|---|---|
| Features: This doesn’t lack any of the big features other brands and rangefinders have despite its reduction in size. | Design: It’s a simple design and I would prefer a bit of colour. |
| Long-range: I had no issues zapping this from anywhere on the course and, with my golf game, that unfortunately wasn’t always from the middle of the fairway. | |
| Accuracy: If you don’t find yourself second guessing a yardage then you’re in safe hands. I definitely felt that way here. | |
| Size and weight: I’m one of those golfers who doesn’t like carrying around much on the course, so this is right up my street in that regard. |
First impressions
It’s small. The mini name is no joke. This is a lot more compact compared to other options out there.
I’ve used a lot of rangefinders in my time playing golf but admittedly none as compact as the NAVEE mini. Its design is certainly different to the standard options you find on the market but by no means does that affect its performance.
As standard, you get a sturdy carry case to protect the rangefinder and it’s also great for easy accessibility.
Performance
Let me start off by giving you a quick rundown of the stats. NAVEE say this can measure distances from five to 1,300 yards with ±1-yard accuracy thanks to six times magnification.
It’s pretty spot on. I had zero issues with locking onto a pin or a target, whether that be a bunker, penalty area or finding the distance to the start of a dogleg. It was capable of doing the lot.
In terms of accuracy, I compared to the higher end models such as the Bushnell Pro X3+. I found the NAVEE consistently measured three yards longer. The consistency was very impressive and so if this is your long device, the difference between devices isn’t an issue, just something to be noted.
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On-course use
On the course, the NAVEE Mini was straightforward to use. There are two buttons on the top, one to shoot with and the second to change mode.
One of the modes on offer is Accurate Slope Compensation, which is particularly useful as it takes into account the various changes in elevation to give a more adept yardage.
The Fast Flag Lock Confirmation also works well. This vibration confirmation is particularly handy as it gives you confidence the flag has been hit, not a tree in the distance.
The NAVEE Mini has an OLED coloured display that is designed to remain bright and clear in all conditions and has performed well.
Standout Feature
Despite its size, the NAVEE Mini is actually packed with some impressive tech. This includes the Triangular Distance Measurement feature. This was certainly a first for me and something I think a lot of golfers will benefit from. This feature allows you to measure how far your ball is from the flag without actually having to be at your ball.
So, for example, if you’re bound to stick to a cart path as a lot of golfers will be this winter, you can measure the point from you to your ball (point a) and then from you to the flag (point b), and the NAVEE Mini will calculate the distance between the two points.
It’s a really impressive feature that will save a lot of golfers time and effort during their rounds!
NCG Final Say
While its compact size and lightweight design are the first things you notice with the NAVEE Mini, it has so much more to offer. The readings are quick and easy to get. The slope feature is very convenient and Triangular Distance Measurement is a stand out feature.
If you’re looking for a new rangefinder, the NAVEE Mini is certainly worth checking out.
How it compares to other devices
I think most people might assume that because of its size it may lack the high-tech features other rangefinders have. I can assure you that is far from the case. In fact, I don’t think this misses much, apart from a touch screen but even that isn’t exactly worth the potential extra cost. NAVEE’s idea to make this a pocket-size rangefinder is a clever one and distinguishes it from their competitors.
Price information
RRP: £229
NOW HAVE YOUR SAY
Do you use a dIstance-measuring-device? If so, what type? And what do you look out for most in one? Let us know in the comments or by getting touch with us on X!
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