Bushnell has been making rangefinders forever. If you’ve played even a few rounds of golf, you’ve probably seen one hanging off a cart. They’re everywhere.
And for good reason. Bushnell makes a durable, reliable, fast, and accurate rangefinder. Always has.
But the Bushnell Tour Hybrid takes things a step further. It’s part laser, part GPS — a mash-up that’s designed to give you the best of both worlds. You get the pinpoint accuracy of a laser plus the hole-overview info of a GPS device.
That combo, which is built right into the viewfinder itself, might make the Tour Hybrid the smartest rangefinder out there for most golfers. Especially for those of us who like to have all the data we can get before pulling a club.
There’s just one problem.
In my testing, I found something about this rangefinder that’s been tough to ignore. It’s small, but it’s enough to make me question whether it’s worth buying.
So… should you? Let’s find out.
What Makes the Bushnell Tour Hybrid So Unique?
Here’s what sets the Bushnell Tour Hybrid apart from (nearly) every other rangefinder I’ve tested: It has a built-in GPS right inside the viewfinder.
Most so-called “smart” rangefinders rely on a phone app for GPS data. You’ve got to pair them, keep the app open, make sure it doesn’t drop the connection, and so on. It’s not a huge deal, but it definitely can be a hassle at times.
The Tour Hybrid skips all that. You just power it up, you shoot your first target, and within a couple of seconds, it identifies your course automatically. From there, you’ve got front, center, and back yardages displayed right in the viewfinder. No phone. No apps. No extra steps.
To my knowledge, it’s the only traditional rangefinder that shows built-in GPS data inside the viewfinder itself. The Garmin Z82 has it, but that’s a bit of a different beast. Others, like the Voice Caddie SL3 or the Mileseey GenePro G1, can display GPS info on an external screen. But this one integrates it directly into the optics, which makes it feel seamless.
That’s what makes this thing so different. And honestly, it’s pretty slick.
Now, you do still have the option to pair the Tour Hybrid with Bushnell’s app. Personally, I don’t anticipate doing that very often, but it is available for things like firmware updates, scorekeeping, extra data tracking, and course updates.
Finally, a rangefinder/GPS hybrid that doesn't require an app connection and that puts the front/middle/back numbers right in the viewfinder. If you don't already own a GPS device, this might be your perfect all-in-one solution.
Tour Hybrid Build, Feel, and Performance
Let’s get one thing out of the way. Bushnell doesn’t have the rangefinder market to itself anymore.
There was a time when Bushnell was the name in rangefinders, no question. But these days? The competition has caught up. There are plenty of brands making seriously good devices for a fraction of the price.
Yes, Bushnell is probably still the category leader, but that lead isn’t nearly as definitive as it once was.
In fact, I think the Voice Caddie TL1 at $279 is the best device for most people. For all the important stuff, it works just as well as the most expensive products from Bushnell for hundreds of dollars less.
That being said, Bushnell still nails one thing better than anyone else, and that’s build quality.
The Tour Hybrid feels fantastic in the hand. It’s solid, balanced, and premium without being bulky. The mix of materials just works. It feels like something that’s going to last.
If you’ve ever used Bushnell’s previous generation models, like the V6 or V6 Shift, the overall shape and weight will feel familiar.
Performance-wise, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a high-end Bushnell. Fast. Accurate. Dead-on.
The Jolt feature is a perfect example of the small details Bushnell gets right. When you lock onto the flag, you feel a short vibration that confirms you’ve hit your target. A red ring flashes in the viewfinder to back it up.
Not all vibration systems are this good and consistent. Like, this Jolt feature is just exceptionally solid.
Same goes for the Bite Magnet for securing the rangefinder to a cart post. Typical of Bushnell’s rangefinders, the magnet on the Tour Hybrid is incredibly strong. I had no issues, and I can’t imagine it ever coming loose unless you drove over some crazy, massive bump. Pretty much a non-issue.
The optics on this rangefinder are sharp, too. It’s got 6x magnification. And while I prefer 7x for that clearer, more stable image, what’s here looks great. And the fact is, 7x is a pretty rare feature that typically costs a lot of money. The view in the Tour Hybrid is bright, the focus feels natural, and it’s easy to lock onto the flag even in less-than-ideal light.
Now, this is not a cheap device. Retail is $499. And while you can usually find it closer to $450, that’s still a chunk of change. Especially when you can find other lasers that perform almost as well for a $100-200 less.
So why would you spend the extra money?
Because it isn’t just a laser. As I mentioned, it’s the only rangefinder that blends a true GPS system into the viewfinder’s optics without having to be paired to an app. And that’s what makes it special.
So let’s dive a little deeper into those differentiating features.
The GPS Experience
This is where the Tour Hybrid really earns its name.
The closest thing I’ve tested to this setup is the Precision Pro Titan Elite, which also shows front, middle, and back yardages inside the viewfinder. But the big difference is that the Precision Pro needs to be connected to an app to get those GPS distances.
That means pairing your phone, waiting for a connection, and hoping it doesn’t drop mid-round. It works, but it’s not exactly seamless.
The Tour Hybrid solves that. And I gotta say, that’s a really nice luxury.
After a few rounds, I realized how much I enjoyed not having to think about whether my phone was connected. To have everything just work seamlessly is really nice.
The GPS numbers themselves were usually within a few yards of my Garmin watch. Sometimes off by a yard or two. Nothing major, and that can vary based on the data source anyway. The point is, it’s close enough that you never have to second-guess it.
And if you do want the exact number, just laser the flag like normal. Simple.
Replaceable CR2 Battery Instead of Rechargeable
More and more rangefinders lately have been going the rechargeable battery route.
Not everyone loves that.
Some people worry that they’ll forget to charge, and they just want the peace of mind that they’re used to. Well, for them, the disposable CR2 battery in the Tour Hybrid will be a welcome benefit.
Remember, though, you’re powering more than normal with the Tour Hybrid. The battery has to do the work of powering the laser and the GPS.
Bushnell says the Tour Hybrid battery life is about 30 rounds, which is definitely less than on a standard rangefinder, but still pretty substantial.
The One Thing That Bothered Me About the Bushnell Tour Hybrid
Remember at the start, when I mentioned there was one thing about this rangefinder that bugged me?
Well, it’s that when I look through the viewfinder, it takes a second to get my eye lined up just right. It’s like when you grab a pair of binoculars and have to find that perfect angle before you can actually see through to what you’re trying to look at.
With most rangefinders, this isn’t something I ever have to even think about. But with the Tour Hybrid, it was a recurring annoyance. Not so much that I’d rate it as a huge issue. But definitely consistent.
Even after multiple rounds, I still need a moment to find the “sweet spot.” The more I’ve used it, the easier it’s become, but it’s something I never really run into with other models.
Is it a dealbreaker? Something serious enough that I wouldn’t recommend this product?
Honestly, no.
It’s a small annoyance in what’s otherwise been one of the best rangefinders I’ve tested. The accuracy, speed, build, and convenience of the built-in GPS more than make up for it.
The Upsides
There’s a lot to like about this thing. It’s made by one of the best names in the business. The build quality is excellent. It’s quick, accurate, and the optics look great once you’ve got it lined up.
That built-in GPS feature is just so much more convenient than any other “smart” rangefinder I’ve used.
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the models with external screens. Sure, the touchscreen on something like the Mileseey is cool, and the maps look nice, but it’s not something I actually need when I’m playing. Personally, I’m relying on my golf watch or Arccos or other systems for stuff like that.
The Tour Hybrid keeps things simpler. It gives you exactly what you need without the extra fuss.
Final Thoughts on the Bushnell Tour Hybrid
The Tour Hybrid folds GPS right into the rangefinder without changing the experience of using one. No pairing. No syncing. No extra step. You just aim, shoot, and play.
Sure, the eye-alignment thing is a bit of an annoyance. But it’s definitely the type of thing you’ll continue to adjust to as you use the product more and more. Or maybe with the size of your eyes, you won’t even have that issue.
If you don’t already use a GPS app or watch, that built-in functionality easily justifies the higher price and makes the Tour Hybrid a rangefinder I’d pick over plenty of other models.
Don’t need GPS? Then one of these other rangefinders will likely be a better fit.
Finally, a rangefinder/GPS hybrid that doesn't require an app connection and that puts the front/middle/back numbers right in the viewfinder. If you don't already own a GPS device, this might be your perfect all-in-one solution.
Bushnell combines its classic laser precision with built-in GPS simplicity. No phone. No app. Just more information.
The Bushnell Tour Hybrid nails what a "smart" rangefinder should be. It delivers the brand's trademark speed and accuracy, adds built-in GPS directly into the viewfinder, and still feels like a traditional laser. It's expensive and takes a moment to line up to your eye, but it's the most seamless hybrid I've tested yet.
The Good
- Built-in GPS yardages displayed directly in the viewfinder
- Fast, accurate laser performance with strong Jolt feedback
- Premium Bushnell build quality and feel
- No app pairing needed during play
The Bad
- Eye alignment can take a second to find the sweet spot
- High price compared to non-GPS lasers
- Some may prefer rechargeable battery over the Tour Hybrid's replaceable CR2
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