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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+.
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.
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.
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.
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+.
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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.
