Vortex Golf Rangefinders: Life-Tested Review of All 3 Models
We took all three Vortex Golf rangefinders to the course for this life-tested review.
There’s a new kid on the block in the golf rangefinder marketplace. Well, kind of.
Yes, Vortex Golf rangefinders are new in 2024, but Vortex is no stranger to the rangefinder game. Vortex has been in the optics space for nearly 40 years.
Vortex Golf launched Feb. 29, 2024 with a line of three laser rangefinders, the Blade, Blade Slope, and Anarch. Here's our complete life-tested review of all three Vortex Golf rangefinders.
What Makes Vortex Different
Those who don’t know about Vortex and its foundation are probably questioning whether we need another competitor in the rangefinder space. Those who do know Vortex are probably happy Vortex Golf is here.
Vortex backs its products, including its three new golf rangefinders, with one of the most confidence-inspiring warranties I’ve ever heard of, period.
Through its VIP Warranty (Very Important Promise), the Wisconsin-based company promises to repair or replace any damaged or defective product at no charge. In other words, except for loss or theft, Vortex will repair or replace your rangefinder for free, forever, regardless of how it became damaged or even where you bought it.
Sure, a warranty might not sound like an exciting feature for a new rangefinder. However, when you compare similar products at similar price points – let’s face it, there aren’t many golf rangefinders with a unique set of features – knowing that the price you pay today is essentially your lifetime cost for the product can easily be a deciding factor.
The Lineup of Vortex Golf Rangefinders
I took all three Vortex Golf rangefinders to the course to check out just how they perform.
Each model has a built-in magnet to secure it to the golf cart or a magnet on your push cart or golf bag. They each also feature PinSpotter mode and are tournament-legal, as you can easily toggle off the slope option on the two versions that offer slope.
Speaking of slope, one thing I love about those slope-enabled models (the Blade Slope and Anarch) is there is a green light on the outside that lights up when slope is enabled. This is a very golf-savvy feature that can eliminate any debate among tournament competitors.
Each model comes with a case that can attach to your golf bag and features a ball marker and magnetic clip, plus a battery and screen-cleaner.
From the top-of-the-line Anarch to the budget-friendly Blade, here’s a breakdown of each of Vortex Golf’s debut rangefinder models.
Vortex Anarch Golf Rangefinder
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Magnetized: Yes
Slope: Yes
Image Stabilization: Yes
The Rolls Royce of Vortex Golf rangefinders, the Anarch boasts the full suite of golf rangefinder options. The highlight is image stabilization, which makes finding and locking your target quick and easy.
In addition to image stabilization, the Anarch offers a red display. This makes reading the display a breeze in any light conditions. The Anarch is the only unit in the Vortex line that offers either of those features.
The Anarch has a magnesium chassis which makes it durable and lightweight. I really like how it feels in your hand, it’s got a nice comfortable grip and a high-end feeling. It’s also waterproof and shockproof, so it has no problem handling even a less-than-perfect day at the golf course.
From a functional perspective, the Anarch was a breeze to use. I got distances quickly, always knew what object I was ranging (thanks to PinSpotter), and the display was crystal clear.
Personally, I’d prefer to see an external toggle to turn the slope function off or on, rather than using the rangefinder’s “Menu” and then scrolling and toggling digitally, but that’s about the only knock I can come up with on the Anarch.
Vortex Blade Slope Golf Rangefinder
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Magnetized: Yes
Slope: Yes
Image Stabilization: No
The Blade Slope is Vortex Golf’s rangefinder that’s built to compete with the meat of the market. It’s not the highest end – sacrificing image stabilization and a red display for a more budget-friendly price – but it’s got everything you need and a little more at a competitive price.
It’s quick and easy to use, the slope feature gives you all the information you need, and the built-in magnet keeps the unit handy throughout your round.
Like the Anarch, it has green indicator lights below the scope that show when the slope function is on, leaving no doubt whether or not you’re complying with tournament rules. Also like the Anarch, you get two distances with slope mode on, the line-of-sight yardage on top, and the adjusted distance below that.
As with each of the rangefinders in the Vortex Golf line, the buttons are soft-feeling and comfortable, and the unit feels solid in your hands.
When I first used the Blade Slope, I thought something was wrong with the display, as I could hardly read it, and the Blade models don’t have a brightness option in the menu. It turns out that all I needed to do was adjust the focus at the eyepiece. Once I did that, the display popped with bold, easy-to-read data.
Vortex Blade Golf Rangefinder
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Magnetized: Yes
Slope: No
Image Stabilization: No
The Blade is essentially a clone of the Blade Slope, but without the slope feature. You simply get line-of-sight distances in yards or meters, without an additional adjusted distance or calculation of the slope.
There are a few reasons you would opt for the Blade. If you play in competitions and tournaments regularly and prefer a rangefinder that doesn’t even have the ability to break any rules; if you prefer to use only an actual yardage, then do your own calculations to account for slope, wind, turf conditions, and lie yourself; or if you simply want to save a little cash and don’t need the luxury of a slope-adjusted distance, then this is the one for you.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve bought rangefinders before, and you’re shopping again, take a second to consider why you’re looking for a replacement. If it’s for a reason that would be covered by Vortex’s VIP Warranty, it’s easy to see why you would choose Vortex next time. Just don't accidentally leave your rangefinder stuck to your cart when you leave the course.