There is no doubt competition is a good thing for us consumers when it comes to golf, specifically accessories like distance measuring devices. Once upon a time, there were but a handful of legitimate options out there which made for a market with top tier pricing. But, in the past couple of years we have seen rangefinders specifically offering much more palatable options that still offer the accuracy one needs.
So, when I found out that I would be getting to work with the new Sureshot Pinloc 5000IP rangefinder from MGI, I was eager to see if we had another legitimate option on our hands.
Quick Take
Easier on the wallet at $219.00 but without a sacrifice of accuracy. Pinpoint, comfortable, and lightning fast, the Pinloc 5000IP is a pleasant surprise.
Sureshot Pinloc 5000IP Laser Rangefinder
So, when I found out I would be reviewing a rangefinder I was excited, mainly because mine had recently gone kaput. When I found out I was reviewing a rangefinder from a company I personally hadn’t heard of that sold primarily through their own site as well as other online retailers, I tempered my expectations if I am being totally honest…but I shouldn’t have.
Aesthetically, the unit is fairly plain in its black and silver design, nothing really stands out in a positive or a negative way which solidifies the fact that the goal here is a no-nonsense rangefinder. Ergonomically though, this one is excellent. Weighing 6.4 ounces, it has enough heft to feel stable while also not cumbersome. In terms of pure size, it fits comfortably into my hands as a large glove wearer. Additionally, the simple strap is effective, and all buttons are easily accessed while looking through the reticule. Also, a nod to the company for going with a solid magnetic enclosure on the rangefinder pouch, it works great.
The “IP” in the Pinloc 5000IP name stands for “Intelligent Pulse” and is one of the key features to the unit. The 5000IP offers both a quick and strong pulse when locked onto the target, but also “Pinloc” and “Priority Loc” modes. Priority Loc is exactly what the name implies, the unit internally ignores background images and instead prioritizes the focal points. Pinloc keeps the shot target distance on the screen for 15 seconds and also has a scan option where you can easily shoot multiple numbers/targets.
For those wondering, the unit does have a mode button on top of the unit which lets you alternate between Pinloc, Priority Loc, and a standard rangefinder mode. It also has a toggle switch under the eyepiece to turn the pulse on and off. Honestly, it’s really cleanly put together and super easy to use. More than that though, compared to a “big name” unit, the numbers I got on my home courses were spot on and lightning fast. When I say fast, I mean fast, it truly blew me away.
All in all, this is a heck of a rangefinder for $219.00. Typically, in the more affordable units there tends to be something that is lacking in either form factor or speed and accuracy, the Pinloc 5000IP though doesn’t suffer any of those hiccups. If you are in the market for a new rangefinder, this one is worth a look, and if not the 5000IP then maybe one of their other two models including one with slope.
Is the Sureshot Pinloc 5000IP a unit that might interest you? Jump into the conversation on the THP community as well as the comments below and let us know what you think!
The Details
Availability: Now from their website here.
Price: $219.00
Lens: 6X Magnification
Other Options: Pinloc 5000I ($189.00) and Pinloc 500IPS ($269.00)
Between this and the Voice Caddie that @ddec just reviewed, there are some really good options.
Lightning fast.
I really believe that the budget friendly rangefinder has taken a pretty decent leap in recent years. Both in features and performance.
Totally agree. It’s not a crapshoot anymore, there are some truly legit options that perform as well as the big boys.
I’m actually using this one as my gamer now, just gave a HS kid my V3.
It’s really impressive to see what has been done in this category. And as we saw in a recent THP poll, most want to pay under 300 for a rangefinder with a good chunk wanting that 200 tag.
Reading the article the one you have is the no slope version correct?
Yes, the IP, not the IPS.
Yes, and imo it feels more quality.
Thanks Stemmy.
It’s one of the fastest units I’ve used which shocked me, and crystal clear with no stability issues.
I think its like most other things in life as competitors appear and start producing quality goods, at some point you start paying for the name more than the quality.
Faster.
How steady are your hands? Meaning do you need to be reasonably still for the laser to lock on the pin?
It locks on as quick and easy as any Bushnell I’ve ever used.
How accurate do you think this is? Did you happen to use another rangefinder to compare readings? I’m always intrigued by how 2 different lasers provide different yardages from the same location sometimes by 2-3 yds. Thoughts?
Moving on from Bushnell when I upgrade. Nice to see a new option out there.
Wasn’t sureshot the name of another camera within a brand?
I’ve mentioned it in here but it’s spot on with the Bushnell I tried it against.
A long long time ago, old film cameras for canon prior to power shot.
I’d expect no worse than any other unit.
Have to remember, in reviews we usually don’t have months to work with the product. That said, rangefinder batteries are pretty durable.
And I appreciate the kind words!
For someone with no experience with a rangefinder this is helpful. again thank you.
Happy to help!!!!
The Pearl works well and is always within a yard or spot on with some of the more expensive units that some of my playing partners use. @Doubleb21 ended up with a nice Bushnell (sorry I forgot the model) unit from a Pro-Am that he played earlier this year. My unit performed similarly in accurate distance and speed but the one thing that I noticed (and envied about his unit) was the quality of the display through the reticle. What are your thoughts about this aspect of this unit and how it compares to some of the higher priced models. Thanks, in advance, for your thoughts.
Those one was CRYSTAL clear. Enough that it’s made my bag, I’ve got no higher praise than that!
Appreciate it, brother.
How much faster can one be compared to the other?
Way late reply, but I was going to bump this thread with all the rangefinder talk later because it’s become my go to rangefinder.
To answer that, yes, the first precision pro was agonizingly slow, and it stood out when bouncing from a Bushnell to it. They’ve improved that, but it was terrible. There’s have been a few others along the way as well that have lacked in speed.
I have an honest question.. when people talk about range finders speed. How fast is fast? And how fast is slow?
have found them all to be fast.. getting a number basically instantly..
Ignore my question. Haha.. I just read two range finder reviews and was curious.. haha
That said, another Pinloc rangefinder is headed in for review, so I thought this could use a little revival!