If you follow the THP Forum very often, you may have noticed some chatter about a familiar brand that, up until recently, wasn’t really associated with golf. Vortex Golf, a division of the highly regarded Vortex Optics, gave us a reason to feel about excited rangefinders again. If you want to learn more about them we invite you to read the Brand Story article on the company we published a few weeks ago.

Frankly, the golf rangefinder market has been borderline depressing in recent years. Yes, there are some companies out there innovating and producing quality goods, but the influx of cheap, almost disposable rangefinders on the market is an unfortunate representation of the changing tastes of the average consumer. Yes, you can buy a rangefinder from an online retailer at prices many never dreamed of ten years ago, but our experience with the longevity and performance of those devices has been less than positive. As a young adult I remember making a large purchase and trying to decide between two options when my stepfather gave me some good advice. He said, “Buy once, cry once.”
Now that we’ve yelled at the clouds a bit, let’s move the discussion back to Vortex Golf. Their initial line of golf products includes three rangefinders with escalating levels of feature sets. The Blade, priced at $299, is their “base” model in the sense that it has the fewest extras, but it’s anything but basic.

Vortex Blade Features and Specifications
As we mentioned, the Blade is Vortex Golf’s lowest priced rangefinder. It does one thing (measures distance) and does it very well. It doesn’t have a slope feature, so those consumers that find that feature a must-have will want to look at the Blade Slope model. For those that wish to keep it simple, the Blade promises to be the best “simple” rangefinder you can find.


The laser itself is reflective out to 1,400 yards, which we hope you’ll never have to test. Still, the capability is there and the 6X magnification should help you home in on your target from long distance. The range of flag detection is a much more realistic 350 yards, which should accommodate even the most impressive internet golfers. While it fills out the hands nicely, its still relatively compact at approximately 4”x3” and 6.5oz, and it fits easily into just about any pocket on a golf bag.
Vortex Blade Superior Optics
We can read some of your minds, so let’s talk about why quality optics matter in a rangefinder. Yes, you can grab a $75 rangefinder and get a look at an unobstructed pin in good light. However, as visual conditions degrade, distances increase, or backgrounds become cluttered, picking out a flag or any specific landmark gets more difficult with sub-par glass. It may come as a surprise to people that haven’t used truly high-end optics just how clear their field of vision can be compared to lesser products. Accurate distance measurement starts with being able to clearly see the target, and the Vortex Blade excelled in a variety of conditions.

To go deeper, it’s not all about “clarity” in the sense that the glass is just see-through. Manufacturing tolerances can impact all sorts of parameters with optics. For example, deviations in center thickness or radius curvature can produce skewed or out-of-focus images. Improper edge beveling or diameter measurements can impact how a glass piece fits into the rangefinder housing, again skewing the image. The quality of the surface, gauged in the lack of imperfections like scratches or pits, can again how well you’re able to find your target in less-than-optimal conditions.
The bottom line is that optics matter, and it would be hard to find a company with a much stronger pedigree in that field than Vortex.
Vortex Blade Accuracy
While we briefly discussed the capabilities of the Blade earlier, it’s worth discussing our feelings on the unit’s accuracy. Of course, without bringing a 100-yard-long measuring tape to the golf course, determining accuracy of rangefinders is a somewhat tricky business. We are typically left to methods like comparing it to other highly regarded units, which we did do. However, who’s to say the “highly regarded” rangefinder is truly accurate to begin with? Like we said – it’s tricky.

Most telling was the extreme consistency we found in the results of our readings. Eschewing the golf course altogether, we found a very cluttered row of houses, trees, and garages between 200 and 240 yards away. From our location we shot various points of interest four different times in a rotating fashion. To our pleasure, each time the read was either exactly the same or at most a yard different. Just as impressive however was the ease at which we were able to lock on to these different targets from that far away. Again, this wasn’t a single flag against a clean background, but rather was something like the crest of a roof next to an overhanging limb.

We tested PinSpotter Mode on multiple golf courses at different times of the day with positive results. Even against dense backgrounds, it was able to grab the closest aim point. The viewfinder provided a convenient flag icon, and the Blade vibrated lightly to indicate it was locked on. For measuring multiple points in a swipe, Scan mode is activated by pressing down the “Measure” button while panning around to different points. This was very useful for measuring carry distances over bunkers and other hazards.

It also should be mentioned that while the Blade doesn’t have an image stabilization feature (the Anarch includes this), we found it easy to lock on to our target from impressive distances. While golfers with shaky hands will likely need some sort of help with stabilization, most players should be fine without it.
Vortex Golf VIP Warranty
Before we close it is worth mentioning Vortex Golf’s VIP Warranty and customer service team. These both add incredible value to the Blade and Vortex’s other products. VIP stands for Very Important Promise, and it’s something the company places great importance on. Since it’s Vortex’s promise, we are going to use their words here.
“VIP stands for a Very Important Promise to you, our customer. We will repair or replace your Vortex® product in the event it becomes damaged or defective—at no charge to you. If we cannot repair your product, we will replace it with a product in perfect working order of equal or better physical condition.
You see, it doesn’t matter how it happened, whose fault it was or where you purchased it. If you ever have a problem, no matter the cause, we promise to take care of you. You can count on the VIP Warranty for all Vortex Optics riflescopes, prism scopes, red dots, rangefinders, binoculars, spotting scopes, tripods and monoculars.”

As you can see, there is no ambiguity. The company stands behind their products.
The Details
The Vortex Blade retails from $299 and is available at numerous retailers. Vortex’s headquarters and showroom are in Southwestern Wisconsin, and they’d be more than happy to see their customers in person as well. They might even invite you for a round of golf.
More information on the entire line of Vortex Golf products can be found on the company’s website at vortexgolf.com. We recommend keeping a close eye on the THP Forum in the coming months, as we have a lot more planned with this new and exciting company.
Great article [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] , sounds like a quality unit with then sun features needed in a quality RF. There are so many options out there it is good to hear the brand story and especially the warranties that these companies are coming out with are huge.
The Vortex sounds like a great option for someone looking for a quality range finder backed by an iron clad warranty. Thanks again for the comprehensive article.
Nice article [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] The more I read about Vortex the more I want one.
[QUOTE=”JimmyDee, post: 12912340, member: 16050″]
Great article [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] , sounds like a quality unit with then sun features needed in a quality RF. There are so many options out there it is good to hear the brand story and especially the warranties that these companies are coming out with are huge.
The Vortex sounds like a great option for someone looking for a quality range finder backed by an iron clad warranty. Thanks again for the comprehensive article.
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Appreciate the kind words!
Buy once, cry once. Love it lol
Fantastic writeup [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER]. Though this is the “base” model I have no doubt its optics are as good as the higher end models.
The Vortex range finder will be my next range finder without doubt. Great article @Hawk. For those that have never used high end optics they might not appreciate the quality of the clarity of such good optics. Had a friend once that used Bushnell binoculars. She asked to look thru my Swarovski binos once. I told her she better not. Told her it would be a very costly experience. Vortex is high quality optics and all their binos and scopes I have ever used have been excellent. No reason to think the range finders would be any different.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12912451, member: 5944″]
Fantastic writeup [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER]. Though this is the “base” model I have no doubt its optics are as good as the higher end models.
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Yea, it’s one of those things where I naturally wanted the bells and whistles version at first, but I’m not sure I really need all those things. Quick readings and the ability to see well is about all that is really necessary.
[QUOTE=”Pops, post: 12912454, member: 56070″]
The Vortex range finder will be my next range finder without doubt. Great article [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER]. For those that have never used high end optics they might not appreciate the quality of the clarity of such good optics. Had a friend once that used Bushnell binoculars. She asked to look thru my Swarovski binos once. I told her she better not. Told her it would be a very costly experience. Vortex is high quality optics and all their binos and scopes I have ever used have been excellent. No reason to think the range finders would be any different.
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When i looked through it for the first time I was amazed at how good it looked. I have others mention optics before when looking through lower priced models. My thought is you don’t know what your missing until you do haha
Lots of mediocre to poor optics out there for sure with golf rangefinders. I’d put the Vortex optics right up there with my Leupold and just a shade below my Cobalt but the Cobalt is only really better right at dusk or dawn in lower light. I also like the smaller form factor is much better with the Vortex, it’s very similar to my Leupold which is the easiest out there to carry in my back pocket.
If you are like me and don’t want or need the slope function, $199 MSRP for the Vortex is the best value by a long shot in the golf rangefinder universe. Anything from another brand at that price has inferior optics and doesn’t have the no questions asked lifetime warranty.
[QUOTE=”Pops, post: 12912454, member: 56070″]
The Vortex range finder will be my next range finder without doubt. Great article [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER]. For those that have never used high end optics they might not appreciate the quality of the clarity of such good optics. Had a friend once that used Bushnell binoculars. She asked to look thru my Swarovski binos once. I told her she better not. Told her it would be a very costly experience. Vortex is high quality optics and all their binos and scopes I have ever used have been excellent. No reason to think the range finders would be any different.
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[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12912486, member: 5944″]
When i looked through it for the first time I was amazed at how good it looked. I have others mention optics before when looking through lower priced models. My thought is you don’t know what your missing until you do haha
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I’m with you guys. I didn’t really get it at all.
[QUOTE=”tahoebum, post: 12912496, member: 10440″]
Lots of mediocre to poor optics out there for sure with golf rangefinders. I’d put the Vortex optics right up there with my Leupold and just a shade below my Cobalt but the Cobalt is only really better right at dusk or dawn in lower light. I also like the smaller form factor is much better with the Vortex, it’s very similar to my Leupold which is the easiest out there to carry in my back pocket.
If you are like me and don’t want or need the slope function, $199 MSRP for the Vortex is the best value by a long shot in the golf rangefinder universe. Anything from another brand at that price has inferior optics and doesn’t have the no questions asked lifetime warranty.
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I thought these were $299?
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12912511, member: 5944″]
I thought these were $299?
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Widely available for $199 from Amazon and others. I bought mine that was new open box from a gun shop for $144. A steal at that price.
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I really enjoyed this one [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER]
It’s cool to learn more about all of their different options, and more cool to see the optics absolutely stand above the rest of the market regardless of what tier rangefinder from Vortex we are comparing to them all.
199.00 and 249.00 on Amazon for the Blade and Blade Slope makes this a tough one to pass on.
Vortex seems to excel at every piece they put in to this segment. Even the “base” model has everything most golfers could want (besides slope). But the clarity and that VIP warranty put these above most by a wide margin!
The best out there from what I’ve seen. I have the Anarch and have zero intentions on every changing.
Great write up! Consistency/accuracy in the yardages is pretty darn important and sounds like it excels here even in their base model. The VIP warranty sounds great as well. We see it all the time with clubs, but great customer service makes a huge difference.
My Precision Pro NX10 Slope is eating batteries like crazy and not always staying on during a round, so…. I pulled the trigger on a Blade from eBay for a great price. This’ll be my first non-slope rangefinder in a looooooong time, but I live in the flattest place on the planet, so shouldn’t be an issue in a 3 foot massive drop in elevation on a 200 yard shot.
Excited to get this in hand after all of the Vortex love here as of late!
Can’t wait for more THPers to get their hands on these rangefinders and see thoughts.
Here’s a Vortex testimonial for you…
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Mount St. Helens backpack elk hunt, maybe 10 years ago. I’m using Zeiss Classic binos and a Leica RF. First morning start glassing side by side with my brother who’s using Vortex Vipers. He’s got about 30 minutes more daylight than me morning/evening. Blew my mind. Binos in the classifieds for sale while waiting for my flight home from Seattle. Got home and decided to try the Vortex RF side by side with the Leica. Spent a day traveling back roads in the rain / morning / dusk. Same deal. Ranging cows at 900 yards is no small task. Again the brightness of Vortex won.
Hate to admit what I paid for the crap I had hanging around my neck, but it funded a new range finder and 2 sets of binos. Glass and coatings matter, Vortex does it right.
And no, 5 days of soaking wet crap weather in big foot land came home empty handed.
[QUOTE=”Bosco…, post: 12916923, member: 65357″]
Here’s a Vortex testimonial for you…
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”C9E8AAB5-8A79-458C-BD93-D6707DE781FC.jpeg”]9324724[/ATTACH]
Mount St. Helens backpack elk hunt, maybe 10 years ago. I’m using Zeiss Classic binos and a Leica RF. First morning start glassing side by side with my brother who’s using Vortex Vipers. He’s got about 30 minutes more daylight than me morning/evening. Blew my mind. Binos in the classifieds for sale while waiting for my flight home from Seattle. Got home and decided to try the Vortex RF side by side with the Leica. Spent a day traveling back roads in the rain / morning / dusk. Same deal. Ranging cows at 900 yards is no small task. Again the brightness of Vortex won.
Hate to admit what I paid for the crap I had hanging around my neck, but it funded a new range finder and 2 sets of binos. Glass and coatings matter, Vortex does it right.
And no, 5 days of soaking wet crap weather in big foot land came home empty handed.
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That’s pretty cool to hear.
On one hand, would love to have a nice, quick, easy to use rangefinder
On the other hand I would be increasingly terrified to lose it. ?
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 12921626, member: 52381″]
On one hand, would love to have a nice, quick, easy to use rangefinder
On the other hand I would be increasingly terrified to lose it. ?
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Wish it came with a bright orange grip.
[QUOTE=”Pops, post: 12921706, member: 56070″]
Wish it came with a bright orange grip.
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And a hidden airtag.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 12921709, member: 52381″]
And a hidden airtag.
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I’ve only left one on a cart. That was a few years ago in Arizona. Called the pro shop shortly after I left the course. They already had it behind the counter. Since then I’ve put my keys in the range finder case. That has solved the problem.
Vortex Blade Slope scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Chances are with weather no golf till late week if any at all this week. Looking forward to using it.
[QUOTE=”Pops, post: 12925265, member: 56070″]
Vortex Blade Slope scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Chances are with weather no golf till late week if any at all this week. Looking forward to using it.
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Very nice. I hope you enjoy it!
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12925272, member: 1193″]
Very nice. I hope you enjoy it!
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I’m sure I will. I’ve never owned anything Vortex that I didn’t enjoy. I’m truly surprised my old precision pro nx9 slope is still hanging in there. I’ll retire it and give it to my grandson or somebody.
Great review [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] as always! I LOVE my Vortex rangefinder hands down the best quality I have seen in a rangefinder.
Think I might get one of these. Vortex is a great brand.
Is there a way to attach a lanyard to it? I’m thinking a long, bright lanyard would help with leaving it in the cart.
[QUOTE=”Skew12, post: 12926811, member: 82076″]
Think I might get one of these. Vortex is a great brand.
Is there a way to attach a lanyard to it? I’m thinking a long, bright lanyard would help with leaving it in the cart.
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From pics I can’t tell. Mine is scheduled to arrive tomorrow
Good read!! I want one of these and will have one at some point.. I love vortex.
[QUOTE=”Skew12, post: 12926811, member: 82076″]
Think I might get one of these. Vortex is a great brand.
Is there a way to attach a lanyard to it? I’m thinking a long, bright lanyard would help with leaving it in the cart.
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Yep. Right under the eye piece.
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Perfect. Thank you sir.
Mine delivered yesterday, so I’m excited to check it out! Next round will be Sunday.
[QUOTE=”Jank, post: 12927479, member: 8458″]
Mine delivered yesterday, so I’m excited to check it out! Next round will be Sunday.
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Slope or non-slope?
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12927514, member: 1193″]
Slope or non-slope?
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Non-slope. First time I’ve ever had a non-slope rangefinder, but I definitely don’t need it around Houston.
[QUOTE=”Jank, post: 12927534, member: 8458″]
Non-slope. First time I’ve ever had a non-slope rangefinder, but I definitely don’t need it around Houston.
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Oh, that’s a good point. It’s one of those things around here that I’ll be fine without, though of course the nerd in me would love to it too.
I’m trying to decide if I keep blade slope or return it for the Anarch.
Great write up! Really sounds impressive and like the simplicity while still providing quality optics. Need to check these out more. Think as shaky as I am I might need to check out the Anarch, but the Blade is probably light years better than what I’m currently using.