Pinned Prism+ Golf Rangefinder Review: If Apple did rangefinders, they’d look like this!

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In the market for a new golf rangefinder? The Pinned Prism+ is worthy of consideration – read on to find out why…

Golf distance measuring devices (or DMDs) were first used in 1995 with the introduction of laser technology. GPS devices arrived about five years later. And nowadays it seems that just about every golfer has one or both of these devices.

Pinned Golf was a started back in 2018 by three college friends with a stated mission to create golf-tech that is fun, stylish, affordable and helps golfers play better. As well as rangefinders, they make an award-winning GPS golf tablet, and, interestingly, speakers to attach to your bag.

Here we test the latest iteration of their laser rangefinder, the Pinned Prism+.

Pinned Prism + Golf Rangefinder Review: NCG Summary

5 star review
NCG SUMMARY

The Pinned Prism+ offers a clean and stylish rangefinder that looks the part

PROS

  • Rechargeable battery.
  • Stylish look in a range of colours.
  • 7x magnification and beautiful crisp display.
  • Magnet

CONS

  • None – there are cheaper options on the market but this is still good value

First Impressions

The Pinned Prism+ Golf rangefinder arrived in a luxurious white box containing a robust magnetic closure white carrying case (complete with a carabiner clip), rangefinder, instruction booklet, cleaning cloth, charging cable, cool ball marker and, lastly, a sticker. I’m not sure what the sticker is for but everything else looked smart, simple and straightforward. Let me put it this way – if Apple did rangefinders, they’d look like this.

Pinned Prism+ Golf Rangefinder Review

This laser has a rechargeable battery, which, when fully charged, is apparently good for 70 rounds. And there is a battery icon on the screen, so as long as you pay attention, you won’t run out of juice at a critical stage in your round.

Pinned Prism+ Golf Rangefinder Review

Out of the box, the Pinned Prism+ offered a clean appearance. I tested the version in white which is one of 6 colour options available. The supplied carrying case comes in the same colour as the rangefinder. The Prism+ is a predominantly textured plastic construction with a nice shape, offering a comfortable and ergonomic hold.

Pinned Prism+ Golf Rangefinder Review

As you would expect here is an eyepiece focus adjuster. The device offers x7 magnification, which is as good as you’ll get from a rangefinder, x6 being the norm.

The device is an absolute doddle to use. The single button on top switches the device on and off, and measures up to a range of 1300 yards! This button also enables screen brightness adjustment, on a range of 1-5. I always used the strongest brightness- why wouldn’t you?

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A button on the left side switches the slope function on and off. Beneath the eyepiece is the charging area which has a slot for USB-C charging, and also a button for switching from yards to metres (I’m still a yards golfer).

The device is designated as IP54 waterproof which means that it will resist splashes but not prolonged immersion. There is a magnet on the right side of the rangefinder which offers a secure hold to trolley or cart. Pinned claim that they’ve never had a failure from the three N52 neodymium magnets used in the Prism+, but I have to say I like to secure my rangefinder in a pocket or case.

The waterproof carrying case (remember, it comes in the same colour as the rangefinder) is as good as it gets. It comes with a magnetic closure, is velour lined and has a carabiner for handy attachment to your bag or trolley.

On course testing

The Prism+ offers a comfortable hold. I found it to be fast, accurate and easy to use. I particularly liked the simple but bright screen, with x7 magnification.

It doesn’t have the range of features offered by some competitor brands. I didn’t find that to be an issue but some might want a ‘scan’ mode providing continuous ranging, but, for me, that was more than offset by the speed and ease of use.

The screen has just the information you need and nothing that you don’t, and I think is the simplicity and clarity that is the particular attraction of the Prism+.

NCG Final Verdict

Laser rangefinders should be straightforward to use, and the Pinned Prism+ is as simple to use as any rangefinder I’ve tested.

It has a wonderfully clear display, has a fun choice of colours and is considerably cheaper than the premium competitor brands.

You can, of course, find more heavily featured rangefinders and there are cheaper alternatives. But as a mid-range option offering a strong balance of price, usability, fun and convenience then it’s just the job and comes highly recommended.


Pinned Prism+ Golf rangefinder review: The Details

RRP: £199

Colours: Red, Black, Navy, Pink, Green, White.

More info – Pinned Golf

Don’t forget to check out and like our YouTube channel – YOUR GOLF NCG – where you will find lots of hints, tips and equipment reviews.

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About the author

Jonathan Taylor

Jonathan also known as JT, is one of the biggest golf nuts on the NCG team.

He has quickly become a go-to for expertise on golf shoes and technical apparel. In fact he may have a different pair of shoes and a new waterproof jacket for every club medal he plays in.

He previously worked as a GP, which means he likes to get into the details of things, such as weighing golf shoes with his kitchen scales.

Jonathan is a member at Alwoodley Golf Club and regularly gets out on the golf course to maintain his handicap of five.

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