Motocaddy Pro 5000 Laser Rangefinder Review: Simplicity & User-Friendly Design

Introduction

Pop ‘rangefinder’ into any golf retailer’s website and prepare to start scrolling. They’ve become ubiquitous and there is barely a manufacturer that hasn’t had a go at producing one. 

So to get attention in such a cluttered marketplace you’ve got to be doing something a bit extraordinary. 

The last time we looked at a Motocaddy rangefinder – the Pro 3000 – we described it as a “reasonably priced” distance measuring device at a recommended retail price of £249. 

Oh, how things have changed. The renowned trolley manufacturer’s newest offering, the snappily-titled Pro 5000, is £80 cheaper – reflecting the huge plethora of options golfers have at the value end of the DMD market.  

So is there anything that sets Motocaddy’s new rangefinder apart? Let’s dive into my full Motocaddy Pro 5000 Laser Rangefinder Review

Keywords

Crisp visuals, simple design, quality case, user friendly, lightweight

NCG Summary and rating

NCG Summary

As point and click rangefinders go, this is up there. The huge viewfinder is a big positive, and targets are found quickly and with precision. A high-quality case cements the offering, but the slope mode could be more clearly displayed.  

PROS

• Large viewfinder promotes a clear image 
• Laser quickly locks onto target 
• Quality case 

CONS

• Very few if any but the slope mode could have a clearer display

Key Facts

Key benefits and downsides

First Impressions

When you pick up the Motocaddy Pro 5000 laser for the first time you’re initially looking for that point of difference. Yes, it looks sleek enough. Yes, that’s a sturdy, high quality, carrying case. 

But it also looks like lots of other rangefinders – particularly in its price range.  

Then you look through it. Wow, that’s a big image. Putting the viewfinder to your eye is like donning a pair of virtual reality goggles.  

It’s like the whole golf course suddenly fills the space. You have to squint with certain other models but if they’re just regular TV, this is 4K in comparison. 

The OLED display is crisp and it’s remarkable how much easier it is to pick a target when it looks like you’re looking through a projector screen. 

What strikes you next is the simplicity. In a market where rangefinders are starting to look like minicomputers, there is a refreshing lack of bells and whistles on this model. No LCD screens blaring out the yardage or showing you a layout of the hole. It’s an on-switch, a mode button, and a slider to activate slope. It’s gloriously old-school.  

How I undertook the review

I tested the rangefinder over 2 rounds of golf – one at Close House and one at Sandburn Hall.

What I found

Out in the fairways it couldn’t be easier. Just point, line up the crosshairs, and click. A satisfying green light flashes as the Motocaddy Pro 5000 acquires the target and then the rangefinder buzzes as it locks on.  

It picks up targets effortlessly, whether you are focusing directly or scanning between them. It’s really good at distinguishing from background noise, particularly trees, to give you a quick yardage.  

But I have yet to test it in drizzling rain, or low light, where I have found some rangefinders tend to struggle. Motocaddy, though, say the visuals are “super-clear… no matter the light conditions”. 

They also say it offers a range of 1,500 yards, and 350 to the flag, with accuracy to less than three feet, and clear 6x magnification. I used this at the same time as my Garmin Approach S70 watch and found the measurements were very consistent. 

Elsewhere, the Pro 5000 is easy to hold in the hand. The rubber grips are comfortable, but the rangefinder is also light at 220 grams.  

The premium hardcase is rugged and that – if you carry as I do much of the time – gives you confidence the rangefinder isn’t bashing around inside.  

The attachment on the back, which allows you to attach it to Motocaddy Accessory Station, is a nice touch. 

NCG Final Say

If you’re after a very solid rangefinder, which you can trust to perform accurately and quickly, the Motocaddy Pro 5000 might be the one for you. 

It’s solidly constructed, as you would expect from the renowned trolley manufacturer, and is light and comfortable to hold. It ditches some of the fancy accoutrements of rivals to offer a classic laser experience. And it does it very well.  

There’s no pointing about for 30 seconds trying to get the yardage. It finds the target and buzzes you in. The OLED display is a huge plus. The viewfinder is very big and it’s easy to focus. You will not struggle with this even if you require glasses or contact lenses.  

Overall, it’s a consistent and reliable experience and isn’t that really all we want in the heat of a round?  

Price information

RRP: £199.99 / $249

Other product details

Magnetic Cart Mount – Seamlessly attach to a riding cart for quick access

Pin Lock with vibration & visual confirmation – Vibrating pulse lets you know when you’ve hit the target

Automatic standby – Ensures battery efficiency and longevity

Adjustable eyepiece – Focus in for an optimised viewing experience

Toggle between yards & metres – Choose your preferred units of measurement

More information: Motocaddy UK / Motocaddy US

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