The optics on the latest rangefinder model from the (still) relatively unknown glove and GPS Rangefinder brand Zoom, are said to be up to three times brighter and five times sharper than previous models. Sounds like a big improvement, right?
Golfalot have reviewed the previous two models: the Zoom Focus Tour and Zoom Focus X with both impressing us for build quality and ease of use, at a competitive price point when compared to the market leaders.
The promised improvements for 2024 however are due to the introduction of OLED, which we're used to seeing in modern day television screens and smartphones, to display crystal clear HD pictures.
Will this new introduction of technology elevate Zoom to the heights of Bushnell, Shot Scope and Nikon, making it one of the best rangefinders of 2024?
Who Is It Aimed At?
At £299 RRP, I'd be very surprised if a beginner or high-handicap golfer would opt to buy a Zoom rangefinder, it's a lot of money to spend on a brand that isn't necessarily widely trusted (yet) in the golf tech space. However if you look at the previous Zoom rangefinders, they weren't massively cheap either so this could still be seen as a 'budget' (I use this term loosely these days) rangefinder when compared alongside a Bushnell.
This device will tick the box for the golfer that is looking for something a little different, and maybe a little less expensive than the likes of Bushnell. But like I said I suspect the golfers that purchase the Zoom OLED Pro will be avid golfers looking that have a keen eye for new technology elevating their game.
The Tech
As mentioned, the main pull here is the use of Organic Light-Emitting Diodes, or OLED to me and you.
The laser has a vivid and ultra-clear view which makes it easier than ever to see details in the distance, while adjustable brightness settings mean that you can match the surrounding light conditions for easy viewing regardless of the weather.
The OLED Pro holds a range of up to 1200 yards with vibration feedback when locked on to the target, whilst slope mode is also available which can be toggled on and off for tournament play, whilst there is also 6x magnification.
Other features are as follows:
- ShapeVue OLED Display
- Magnetic Lock Technology (for easy access)
- Slope switch
- Adjustable focus
- Flag finder technology
- USB C Charging port (5000 measurements on a single charge)
- Shockproof
- IPX4 Water resistant
For extra reassurance, like all Zoom products, the OLED Pro is backed with a 2 year warranty after purchase as well as a 30-day money back guarantee if you're not satisfied.
Zoom OLED Pro GPS Rangefinder Review
I think that Zoom got off to a great start in the looks department with the OLED Pro Rangefinder. On first impressions alone, I was impressed by its premium, classic, and fairly unique looks.
The device features a distinct, lightweight ergonomic design, and comes with a metallic silver and red finish, with a black faux leather body, which combine to offer a build quality that feels sturdy in the hands but also looks contemporary to the eye.
The faux leather body also helps to offer extra grip to the rangefinder, which felt great in the dry conditions I tested in, however I would be interested to see how it fared in a downpour.
The looks are a nod to the similar 2021 Zoom Focus Tour, but the overall new package is a huge improvement; the more frequent flashes of red and cleaner metallic lines make all the difference.
In terms of size and weight, the OLED Pro comes in at 178g, is 10.3cm long, 3.7cm wide and 6.5cm in height. The lens itself has a diameter of 20mm, which all in all makes for a really compact package.
I found the rangefinder to fit relatively comfortably in the hands but it felt much smaller and a little lighter than the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift I reviewed at the end of last year. It was also therefore much shorter in length than the Shot Scope Pro ZR laser which is certainly one of the new rangefinder models to beat this year.
Some golfers may enjoy the Zoom's compact approach as it certainly feels solid and of high quality, personally I think it could have been a tad larger and heavier.
In terms of performance, the OLED Pro really did impress me, matching its claims of improvement compared to previous models. To start with, the focus can be adjusted by twisting the lens you look through, to further sharpen your view and really take advantage of the new OLED tech.
Then I have to say the visuals are easily as clear as most other top-end rangefinders we have reviewed at Golfalot in recent years, if not more. The display was extremely clear and made both scanning a hole and looking specifically for a target an enjoyable experience. Spotting more specific details on the course like bunker lips, green undulations, and over hanging branches are easily seen using the OLED.
On top of the quality of lens and visibility of a rangefinder, arguably the most important asset is its accuracy and speed. Thankfully the OLED Pro has also improved in this area - it was pretty quick and very accurate when compared alongside the Shot Scope Pro ZR laser. Zoom claim that yardages are produced in less than half a second, and it's hard to disprove this from my testing.
As we've become accustomed to having in most modern day rangefinders, when you lock on to your required target, you are reassured with a subtle vibration once you've locked on to your target and whilst it's very unlikely you'll use it, the OLED Pro has a range of up to 1200 yards.
The only slight drawback I found when using the OLED Pro was the I found at time the display through the lens to be a little busy. The way the alignment aid looks and the other features displayed (battery, slope, yardage, actual yardage, meters/ yards) I found sometimes to be a little distracting. I like simplicity in a rangefinder: yardage, slope - done.
Zoom OLED Pro GPS Rangefinder Verdict
Overall it's hard to pick too much fault with the OLED Pro. Whether it's three times brighter and five times sharper is really hard to tell with the naked eye, on the golf course when there are other factors in play. But I can certainly say they have both improved somewhat, making this a great product.
The functionality and performance was impressive and it all comes in a really smart package that looks to last.
I have a slight bugbear with the branding of Zoom as I can't help but think it cheapens the overall look and feel of their clearly improving products, which continues on with the design of the hard case that comes with it. This however comes down to personal taste I suppose and should be taken with a pinch of salt.
If you're looking for great optics, reliable yardages and cool looks, at £299 this is a great option and has to be on your short list if you plan on upping the optics of your game this year.
Would I Use It?
Yes, I enjoyed testing the Zoom OLED Pro rangefinder and it's not far off the best I've used in recent times.
Zoom OLED Pro GPS Rangefinder Pros & Cons
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