It’s understandable that golfers may experience sticker shock when looking at newly released equipment. The game we love can become quite expensive. However, there’s a particular category of products that doesn’t have to break the bank: rangefinders. While some brands do carry premium price tags, there are many options available that offer good performance for under $199. At THP, we’ve come across several interesting devices priced at or below $100, which brings us to today’s focus: the L14 laser rangefinder from Wosports.
Who is Wosports?
Before diving into the details of this rangefinder, it’s important to answer the question: Who is Wosports? Whether you are familiar with the name or not, Wosports has been around since 2006. According to their website, their mission is to “explore reality and capture surprises.” While this statement might seem out of the norm for a golf company, Wosports is not limited to golf. Instead, it is more of an outdoor adventure brand, and its breakthrough product was a trail camera. Today, the brand offers a variety of outdoor products, including night vision binoculars, hunting rangefinders, golf rangefinders, and of course, several models of trail cameras.
Features – Wosports L14 Rangefinder
When reviewing the specifications for the L14 rangefinder, several key features stand out. Notably, it has a measuring range of up to 1500 yards, allowing users to lock onto a flagstick from as far away as 350 yards. The 7x magnification provides a clear view of distant targets through a fog-resistant lens. Additionally, the L14 offers three shooting modes: two designed for golf and one for bow hunting, aligning with Wosports’ mission to encourage people to enjoy the great outdoors.
Battery
In today’s rangefinder world, these devices are powered by a tried and true CR2 battery, or companies opt for a rechargeable option. For the L14, Wosports opted for the latter, equipping it with a built-in 800mAh rechargeable battery. This battery can be charged through a USB-C port located underneath the eyepiece. A battery status icon on the top right of the screen should help lower the odds that golfers won’t face the unwelcome surprise of a dead battery during their rounds.
Shape and Feel
One thing I appreciate about the shape of this device is that it is very comfortable to hold in the hand. There is a textured indent on the bottom that fits perfectly for your thumb, providing a nice grip. Additionally, the feel of this textured area offers a pleasant contrast to the smooth plastic that makes up most of the casing.
Magnet and Controls
On the right-hand side, a medium sized magnet is designed to attach the device to a golf cart. As for the controls, the L14 is relatively straightforward. It features two buttons along the top: one for selecting the mode and the other for powering on or starting the device. Golfers can access the menu options by long pressing the mode button, which allows them to change the reticle if desired. This option is not always available in a $100 rangefinder, so kudos to Wosports for including it.
Shooting Modes
As mentioned above, the L14 features three shooting modes, but we focused on the two golf-centric options for this review. When switching between modes, an icon appears at the top of the LCD screen to indicate whether the user is in mode 1, mode 2, or mode 3. In mode 2, a flag icon is displayed, while a bow icon indicates mode 3.
Mode 1 allows golfers to quickly get a basic distance without locking onto any specific target. If the user holds down the power button, it activates a scan mode that provides yardages as they sweep from target to target and works effectively.
Mode 2 is a flag lock mode, offering two key features that differ from mode 1. First, when the target is acquired, the rangefinder vibrates. Second, slope readouts become available when using this target lock mode, which can be easily activated by using the slope switch located on the side of the device.
Accuracy
During our review period, we tested the L14 against several other rangefinders we trust for accuracy. While measuring different distances, the Wosports produced readings that were either spot on or within an acceptable range of difference. In fact, we did not encounter any drastically inaccurate readings; when there was a discrepancy, it typically fell within the 1-3 yard range, which I consider acceptable. Regarding speed, in scan mode, the yardages updated quickly with minimal lag. However, providing distances in target lock mode took a bit longer, but I would stop short of labeling it as slow.
Final Thoughts
One aspect of the L14 that could be improved is the text on the LCD screen. While Wosports claims to use a high-definition LCD display, I found that the numbers appear more grey than deep black. It may seem like a nitpick, but this color text can be problematic in certain conditions, such as overcast or rainy days.
Overall, the Wosports L14 rangefinder presents an excellent value for those looking for an affordable option. Screen brightness aside, it delivers a satisfying user experience with accurate data, and the 7x magnification level helps ensure a clear look at what’s ahead. At the time of this review, Wosports sells the L14 rangefinder for just $99.99 on their website. They also have a strong presence on Amazon, receiving thousands of reviews for their rangefinders and other products. As prices on Amazon can vary, it’s a good idea to check both platforms to find the best deal before purchasing.
More information on the Wosports L14 Rangefinder can be found at www.wosports.com.
