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Bushnell is the brand trusted by the majority of Tour Professionals. Mike Robertson puts the Tour V7 Shift to the test to see why that is the case…
Introduction
Bushnell has been one of the biggest names in the Distance Measuring Device (DMD) category for years now, and I previously used the V5, so was looking forward to getting my hands on the V7 Shift for this review. There is something very reassuring about using Bushnell when measuring distance to the flag. You know the number is the right one, and now it’s up to you to hit the shot!
The Bushnell Tour V7 Shift golf rangefinder looks and feels extremely premium, so let’s get stuck in with the review….
There is now a tonne of different rangefinder brands on the market, but to me Bushnell is the number one. The V7 Shift has all of the premium features that you would come to expect from Bushnell.
It just feels extremely premium in the hand. You can tell the materials used are high quality, and it is extremely sturdy even in the wind.
PROS
Pin seeker with a visual jolt that lets you know you have accurately got the flag
A multicolor OLED display
The ability to switch slope on and off
A range from 5 to 1,300 yards
CONS
If you have a V5 or V6 probably no need to upgrade
Compared to previous models: If you own a Bushnell there might not be a need to upgrade
Accuracy: accurate with one reading
Display: clear
Trusted by the Pros: No 1 brand on tour
First Impressions
If you’re into the little touches, then this ticked all the boxes… literally in some aspects. The TourV7 Shift came in a really nice box with instructions for use and also a neat little carry case with a carabiner clip to attach to your golf bag. The case is waterproof, which is definitely needed in the UK!
Bushnell Tour V7 shift | Source: NCG
There were instructions for use if you need that kind of thing, but we are pretty well versed here, so let’s get it out on the course.
How I undertook the review
This was quite a timely arrival because I was playing golf that afternoon at Woodsome Hall Golf Club. I popped the Tor V7 shaft in my bag and headed to the course. I had previously been using a watch from a different brand, but didn’t really like playing in it, so felt far more comfortable zapping the target before each shot.
What I found
It is easy to know what you want from a range finder, but I would say first and foremost it is that it feels nice in your hand and you get a quick, accurate reading of whatever it is you are honing in on.
Bushnell Tour V7 shift | Source: NCG
On the first at Woodsome Hall, there are fairway bunkers perfectly placed down the right-hand side of the fairway that you need to successfully navigate. The Tour V7 shift got a test case straight from the off. I could easily measure the distance to the back of both bunkers. It was quick, and the little jolt that it gives you reassuringly tells you that you have got the distance you were looking for.
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For the next approach shot, I could go straight at the flag. Again, the process was extremely quick. I did not have to have multiple goes at making sure I got the flag. The multi-colour OLED display confirmed I had 108 yards left in.
Bushnell Tour V7 shift | Source: NCG
To be honest, this continued for the whole round. The Tour V7 shaft was extremely quick at picking up the flag every time I used it and the slope feature – don’t worry, this was just the casual round – came in very handy, especially as there are quite a bit of elevation changes throughout this golf course.
The 12th hole is a good example, as it plays extremely uphill. After a decent drive, I zapped the top of the flag and was quickly presented with 121 yards /playing 129. I have played this course a number of times, so I knew that that was accurate, as it always plays an extra club.
NCG Final Say
The Tour V7 shift is everything you want from a rangefinder, and I highly recommend it to anyone reading this review. Yes, there are probably cheaper options on the market, but for a serious golfer playing lots of new courses, the reassurance that you are using one of the biggest names in the sector is worth that investment.
As golfers, we all know what it feels like to make a committed swing versus a non-committed one, and having in your mind that you have the correct distance definitely plays a part.
Bushnell Tour V7 shift | Source: NCG
How they compare to other rangefinders
As I have said, I think Bushnell are, in my opinion, the best brand in this category. I’m not entirely sure this is something that you would upgrade to, say, if you had the V5 or V6, but if you are looking for a new range finder, then the V7 shift has everything that you could possibly need.
One of my regular playing partners has a range finder from a brand I didn’t know, that he got from some sort of Instagram advert, and the difference between the two is stark. The quality of the materials used is night and day, and he is always having to have a few goes at getting an accurate reading – and the yardage changes by anywhere up to 5 yards each time, even from the same spot. I cannot live my life like that – Sorry, Steve – so the Tour V7 shift is staying in my bag.
Bite Magnetic Mount: Bushnell Golf’s exclusive BITE magnetic mount allows you to easily mount the Tour V7 Shift right on the cart bar
Link-Enabled Technology: Bushnell have now partnered with Foresight Sports to offer LINK-Enabled technology, taking your stock club yardages provided by your launch monitor to give you personalised club recommendations right in your laser rangefinder’s display.
Mike is a mad keen golfer, and you will often find him travelling the country playing the finest links courses he can find. His love of golf courses has landed him a spot as an NCG Top 100 panellist. He is a member at Moortown Golf Club and has a handicap of 3. Mike is keen on niche-golf merch and is a single strap MacKenzie bag type of guy – we call him woke but he just thinks he’s cool. He’s currently gaming a set of Callaway Apex CBs, PING G420 Driver, 5 wood and hybrid and an Odyssey White Hot putter.
