MEMBER REVIEWS: Vortex Optics Golf Rangefinders | See What Members Are Saying

[GolfWRX_Official]

Last year Vortex Optics dropped their first ever line of golf rangefinders, releasing three impressive models: Blade, Blade Slope, and Anarch. Otherwise, you might have heard of Vortex Optics as a major player in the hunting space since the 1980s, or their outstanding customer service and their lifetime warranty of products. Now, we have 10 GolfWRX forum members who are testing their entire line of golf rangefinders as each tester selected the rangefinder that best suited their wants and needs. Please feel free to ask any questions that you might have, as the testers will be happy to answer them!

The testers are:

 

 @weems (Anarch)

 @tj7644 (Anarch)

 @agood3putt (Anarch)

 @SwingBlues (Anarch) 

 @CircleC29 (Blade Slope)

 @DE-ILLINI (Blade Slope)

 @ScottHutch2 (Blade Slope)

 @NCLancer (Blade Slope)

 @MickeyTankBank (Blade)

 @RSinSG (Blade)

About the Vortex Optics Blade Rangefinder

This pin-hunting device is built to help you hit more greens with incredibly accurate, repeatable ranges for point-and-shoot confidence. Featuring 6x magnification and a black LCD display, the Vortex Optics Blade is reflective up to 1,400 yards and to the flag at up to 350 yards. The minimum range is six yards and accuracy is one yard. The linear field of view at 100 yards is 37 feet 6 inches. Measuring time is one second.

 

About the Vortex Optics Blade Slope Rangefinder

A round of golf has a lot of ups and downs. Fortunately, slope compensation will help you range them all with point and-shoot confidence. Just like the Vortex Optics Blade rangefinders, the Blade Slope features 6x magnification and a black LCD display and is reflective up to 1,400 yards and to the flag at up to 350 yards. The minimum range is six yards and accuracy is one yard. The linear field of view at 100 yards is 37 feet 6 inches. Measuring time is one second.

 

About the Vortex Optics Anarch Rangefinder

Whether it’s ranging in the wind, from long distance, or a shot that’s the difference between winning that side bet and paying up, image stabilization keeps you locked on the pin. The Vortex Optics Anarch features 6x magnification and a red illuminated LCD display. It is reflective up to 1,400 yards and to the flag at up to 450 yards. The minimum range is 10 yards and accuracy is one yard. The linear field of view at 100 yards is 31 feet 8 inches. Measuring time is one second.

Learn more about Vortex Optics and their line of golf rangefinders here.

 

Special thank you to @Vortex_Golf for putting on this member testing event for our forum community!

[DTorres]

Looking forward to these reviews! Vortex has top notch customer service. I have one of their rifle scopes on my 10/22!

[CanFred]

Congrats testers!  I've heard great things about Vortex and I'm looking forward to reading your reviews!

[DE-ILLINI]

Thanks @Vortex_Golf and @GolfWRX_Official for the opportunity to participate in this review.  As soon as I have the rangefinder in hand, I will post some pictures.  I am playing this weekend, so I will put it thru its paces shortly.

[weems]

Thanks @Vortex_Golf and @GolfWRX_Official

 

I received my unit yesterday and got some pictures and a few specs and will post my initial impressions shortly. Our member guest is this weekend so I will have plenty of opportunity to put it through the wringer against my other two units for a thorough review and comparison. 

[weems]

Once again, thank you to @Vortex_Golf and @GolfWRX_Official for selecting me for this review.  I am very excited to get a lot of use out of this rangefinder!  For my review, I have compared it to the Nikon Coolshot Pro and the Garmin Z30, just to give members a feel of the Vortex if they have one of the other units.  All three rangefinders have their strengths, but after testing them, here’s my overall initial thoughts.

 

📦 What’s in the Box

The Vortex Anarch rangefinder came in a well-packaged box with everything I needed to get started right away. Inside, I found:

Vortex Anarch Rangefinder

Hard carry case (similar to the Bushnell or Garmin rangefinder cases)

Microfiber cleaning cloth

Manual and warranty card

Handwritten thank-you card from Vortex – A nice personal touch!

Ball marker attached to the case by a magnet – A thoughtful and convenient addition.

 

 

🏌️‍♂️ Initial Impressions

Upon unboxing and holding the Vortex Anarch for the first time, my immediate reaction was how solid and rugged it felt in hand. The build quality is immediately noticeable—compared to my other rangefinders, it felt like a step up in terms of durability. The rubbery texture gave it a secure, non-slip grip, and the weight, while not lightweight, felt purposeful. It's not too heavy, but heavy enough to feel premium and sturdy in your hand.

The optical clarity was another immediate standout. Looking through the lens, I was amazed at how sharp and clear the view was, with no distortion and an easy-to-read display. I could already tell the Vortex Anarch was going to be a serious contender in my rangefinder lineup.

 

🏆 Golf-Specific Use Cases

I use all of these rangefinders strictly for golf as would most of you and after my initial impressions, the Vortex Anarch is taking the lead as my primary rangefinder. The standout feature for me is the image stabilization, which significantly enhances my ability to lock onto pins, especially on longer shots or in less-than-ideal conditions. The smooth, steady view it provides is something I really appreciate when picking clubs or trying to dial in yardages for more accurate shots. While the Garmin Z30 offers useful features like smartwatch syncing and green distances, the Vortex just feels more precise and reliable for my needs on the course.

 

⚖️ Weight and Size

I did a weight and size comparison against my other two rangefinders, in case you may have one of them so you could get a sense of the Vortex.

 

Garmin Z30: The Garmin Z30 weighs 218 grams, making it the second heaviest of the three. It's the largest in size but still feels comfortable to hold and use. The weight provides a solid feel, though it lacks the premium build of the Vortex, and is made of plastic materials.

 

Vortex Anarch: At 263 grams, the Vortex Anarch is the heaviest, but this extra weight contributes to its rugged, premium feel. The solid, secure grip makes it feel more durable and well-built than the others, surpassing even the Nikon with its case.

 

Nikon Coolshot Pro: The Nikon Coolshot Pro is the smallest and lightest, weighing 178 grams without a case and 219 grams with the case. While it’s the easiest to carry, its plastic feel can make it harder to handle, which is why I prefer using the case for added grip and protection. It doesn’t offer the same rugged, premium feel as the Vortex, even with the case.

 

💡 Extra Features

The Vortex Anarch rangefinder might not have the extensive extra features of the Garmin Z30, but its core features make it a top-tier choice for serious golfers. One of the standout features is the image stabilization, which makes a huge difference when trying to lock onto flags, especially on longer shots. This stabilization is extremely smooth, ensuring that your view is steady, and you can confidently pick up accurate readings without a shaky image. This feature really sets the Vortex Anarch apart, as it’s one of the few rangefinders in its category to offer such a level of precision.

While the Garmin Z30 does have some impressive features like smartwatch syncing and distances to the front and rear of the green, those are more about convenience than performance. The Vortex Anarch, on the other hand, focuses on delivering the best performance as a pure rangefinder. Its speed, clarity, and stabilization make it stand out in the field of golf rangefinders. If you're looking for a no-frills, high-performance device that excels at its core job—ranging targets accurately and quickly—then the Vortex Anarch is a fantastic choice.

 

🧲 Magnetic Mounts / Cart Use

Both the Garmin Z30 and Vortex Anarch have magnetic mounts, making it easy to attach them to your cart or bag for quick access. The Garmin's magnet feels a bit stronger, giving you extra confidence that it won’t budge, even on rough terrain. That said, the Vortex Anarch’s magnet is still plenty strong, and I never felt like it would fall off the cart during use. The Nikon Coolshot Pro, unfortunately, lacks a magnetic mount.

 

🔭 Optical Clarity

The optical clarity on the Vortex Anarch is exceptional—I’ve never looked through a rangefinder with such excellent optical quality. There’s no distortion, it’s easy to read, and the pin spotter is incredibly clear. In terms of clarity, the Vortex is the best, followed by the Nikon Coolshot Pro, which also offers good optical performance. The Garmin Z30 comes last in this category, with clarity that is still decent but not as sharp or as easy to use as the other two. On a sunny day, the Vortex held its own brilliantly and stood out in terms of lens clarity.

 

🏆 Lock Speed and Accuracy

Vortex Anarch: The Vortex has an incredibly fast lock speed that is on par with the Nikon Coolshot Pro. It locks onto flags extremely quickly.

Nikon Coolshot Pro: The Nikon is equally fast in locking onto pins, with a reliable and quick response. Both the Vortex and Nikon seem to have the edge over the Garmin in this regard, as the Garmin Z30 can sometimes be finicky when locking onto flags, especially at longer distances.

 

💥 Image Stabilization

The Vortex Anarch features image stabilization, and in my initial testing, it appears to outperform the Nikon Coolshot Pro, which is known for its excellent stabilization. The Vortex's stabilization is noticeably smoother, and it provides a more steady image, which is incredibly useful for getting a clear, consistent reading on flags, especially on longer shots or in shaky conditions.

 

Overall Initial Thoughts:

This thing is premium.  That's the best way to put it.  It looks good, feels good, feels durable, excellent optical quality, fast locking, the list goes on.  Vortex has seemingly knocked it out of the park with this unit.  I will put it through an extensive review this weekend as I am playing 3 rounds in the member guest here at my local club.  The best thing about this unit is the lifetime warranty.  While the device is rugged and WATERPROOF (not resistant) Vortex stands behind their products.  If any of you are familiar with them in the optics world, Vortex doesn't mess around with backing their products.  I cant wait to put this thing on the course.

[CanFred]

14 minutes ago, weems said:

Once again, thank you to @Vortex_Golf and @GolfWRX_Official for selecting me for this review.  I am very excited to get a lot of use out of this rangefinder!  For my review, I have compared it to the Nikon Coolshot Pro and the Garmin Z30, just to give members a feel of the Vortex if they have one of the other units.  All three rangefinders have their strengths, but after testing them, here’s my overall initial thoughts.

 

📦 What’s in the Box

The Vortex Anarch rangefinder came in a well-packaged box with everything I needed to get started right away. Inside, I found:

Vortex Anarch Rangefinder

Hard carry case (similar to the Bushnell or Garmin rangefinder cases)

Microfiber cleaning cloth

Manual and warranty card

Handwritten thank-you card from Vortex – A nice personal touch!

Ball marker attached to the case by a magnet – A thoughtful and convenient addition.

 

 

🏌️‍♂️ Initial Impressions

Upon unboxing and holding the Vortex Anarch for the first time, my immediate reaction was how solid and rugged it felt in hand. The build quality is immediately noticeable—compared to my other rangefinders, it felt like a step up in terms of durability. The rubbery texture gave it a secure, non-slip grip, and the weight, while not lightweight, felt purposeful. It's not too heavy, but heavy enough to feel premium and sturdy in your hand.

The optical clarity was another immediate standout. Looking through the lens, I was amazed at how sharp and clear the view was, with no distortion and an easy-to-read display. I could already tell the Vortex Anarch was going to be a serious contender in my rangefinder lineup.

 

🏆 Golf-Specific Use Cases

I use all of these rangefinders strictly for golf as would most of you and after my initial impressions, the Vortex Anarch is taking the lead as my primary rangefinder. The standout feature for me is the image stabilization, which significantly enhances my ability to lock onto pins, especially on longer shots or in less-than-ideal conditions. The smooth, steady view it provides is something I really appreciate when picking clubs or trying to dial in yardages for more accurate shots. While the Garmin Z30 offers useful features like smartwatch syncing and green distances, the Vortex just feels more precise and reliable for my needs on the course.

 

⚖️ Weight and Size

I did a weight and size comparison against my other two rangefinders, in case you may have one of them so you could get a sense of the Vortex.

 

Garmin Z30: The Garmin Z30 weighs 218 grams, making it the second heaviest of the three. It's the largest in size but still feels comfortable to hold and use. The weight provides a solid feel, though it lacks the premium build of the Vortex, and is made of plastic materials.

 

Vortex Anarch: At 263 grams, the Vortex Anarch is the heaviest, but this extra weight contributes to its rugged, premium feel. The solid, secure grip makes it feel more durable and well-built than the others, surpassing even the Nikon with its case.

 

Nikon Coolshot Pro: The Nikon Coolshot Pro is the smallest and lightest, weighing 178 grams without a case and 219 grams with the case. While it’s the easiest to carry, its plastic feel can make it harder to handle, which is why I prefer using the case for added grip and protection. It doesn’t offer the same rugged, premium feel as the Vortex, even with the case.

 

💡 Extra Features

The Vortex Anarch rangefinder might not have the extensive extra features of the Garmin Z30, but its core features make it a top-tier choice for serious golfers. One of the standout features is the image stabilization, which makes a huge difference when trying to lock onto flags, especially on longer shots. This stabilization is extremely smooth, ensuring that your view is steady, and you can confidently pick up accurate readings without a shaky image. This feature really sets the Vortex Anarch apart, as it’s one of the few rangefinders in its category to offer such a level of precision.

While the Garmin Z30 does have some impressive features like smartwatch syncing and distances to the front and rear of the green, those are more about convenience than performance. The Vortex Anarch, on the other hand, focuses on delivering the best performance as a pure rangefinder. Its speed, clarity, and stabilization make it stand out in the field of golf rangefinders. If you're looking for a no-frills, high-performance device that excels at its core job—ranging targets accurately and quickly—then the Vortex Anarch is a fantastic choice.

 

🧲 Magnetic Mounts / Cart Use

Both the Garmin Z30 and Vortex Anarch have magnetic mounts, making it easy to attach them to your cart or bag for quick access. The Garmin's magnet feels a bit stronger, giving you extra confidence that it won’t budge, even on rough terrain. That said, the Vortex Anarch’s magnet is still plenty strong, and I never felt like it would fall off the cart during use. The Nikon Coolshot Pro, unfortunately, lacks a magnetic mount.

 

🔭 Optical Clarity

The optical clarity on the Vortex Anarch is exceptional—I’ve never looked through a rangefinder with such excellent optical quality. There’s no distortion, it’s easy to read, and the pin spotter is incredibly clear. In terms of clarity, the Vortex is the best, followed by the Nikon Coolshot Pro, which also offers good optical performance. The Garmin Z30 comes last in this category, with clarity that is still decent but not as sharp or as easy to use as the other two. On a sunny day, the Vortex held its own brilliantly and stood out in terms of lens clarity.

 

🏆 Lock Speed and Accuracy

Vortex Anarch: The Vortex has an incredibly fast lock speed that is on par with the Nikon Coolshot Pro. It locks onto flags extremely quickly.

Nikon Coolshot Pro: The Nikon is equally fast in locking onto pins, with a reliable and quick response. Both the Vortex and Nikon seem to have the edge over the Garmin in this regard, as the Garmin Z30 can sometimes be finicky when locking onto flags, especially at longer distances.

 

💥 Image Stabilization

The Vortex Anarch features image stabilization, and in my initial testing, it appears to outperform the Nikon Coolshot Pro, which is known for its excellent stabilization. The Vortex's stabilization is noticeably smoother, and it provides a more steady image, which is incredibly useful for getting a clear, consistent reading on flags, especially on longer shots or in shaky conditions.

 

Overall Initial Thoughts:

This thing is premium.  That's the best way to put it.  It looks good, feels good, feels durable, excellent optical quality, fast locking, the list goes on.  Vortex has seemingly knocked it out of the park with this unit.  I will put it through an extensive review this weekend as I am playing 3 rounds in the member guest here at my local club.  The best thing about this unit is the lifetime warranty.  While the device is rugged and WATERPROOF (not resistant) Vortex stands behind their products.  If any of you are familiar with them in the optics world, Vortex doesn't mess around with backing their products.  I cant wait to put this thing on the course.

Great initial review @weems - looks like a solid product!

 

Kudos to @Vortex_Golf for the personal touch as well!

[CircleC29]

I want to start by saying Thank you to @Vortex_Golf and GolfWRX for the opportunity to test the Blade Slope!

 

So as it turns out I'm not to far away from Vortex HQ and received my rangefinder on Friday! Vortex contacted me on Wednesday so super fast shipping! 

 

 

 

The unit comes very well packaged and includes battery, a cleaning cloth, and a nice clamshell style case and carabiner. The case also has a ball marker attached on the front. 

 

 

The unit itself is compact and lightweight, weighing in at just 6.5oz. It is well built and not cheap feeling if you know what I mean. It has a rubber shell for a good grip and protection if you should accidentally drop it. There is also a magnet on the side to stick it to your cart.

 

 

The operating buttons are well sized and clearly marked and are also soft like the outer shell. 

 

 

Operating the Blade Slope is pretty straightforward as other rangefinders. One press of the measure button to turn on and press again to find your yardage. It also has a scan feature that you activate by holding the measure button which allows you to continuously measure yardage as you "scan" the target area. I really like this feature. You don't have to wait and reset. Yardage change only takes about a second so you can get multiple yardages quickly. The Pinspotter feature is the best I've used. Locks on and vibrates quick. The optics are crystal clear and has 6X magnification. 

Slope mode is only accessible in the menu to turn on/off. There are 2 led's that light up when Slope is active. 

 

 

The display gives three aiming options of a circle, crosshairs or circle in the crosshair. Unfortunately, I'm not coordinated enough to get a picture through the display 🤷‍♂️

 

The comparison 

 

I've had a Bushnell Pro XE for 5-6 years now and it has been a good rangefinder. The Bushnell unit is bigger and heavier weighing in at 10.9oz.

 

 

The optics of the Vortex are much clearer than the Bushnell which may be due to the age of the Bushnell to be fair, idk. But like I said the Vortex is crystal clear. The display of the Vortex is black, where the Bushnell is red which I prefer. 

 

The Bushnell Slope has a button on the side to turn on/off which is more convenient than having to access the menu. Slope on the Bushnell is displayed as % and the Vortex is displayed in degrees but both were always within a yard or two of each other for Slope yardage. 

 

Actual Yardages are spot on between the two so its a wash there. I do feel like the Vortex is a little quicker and a lot better at locking on the pin. I'm not even going to blame the age of my Bushnell on this, I've never been happy with its pin locking ability. 

 

My dislikes of the Vortex would be the black display. It's not deal breaker but there can be situations where it's hard to read. I much prefer a red display. Also the size of the unit is a little small for me. This is more of a personal nit-pick than a dislike, it's just small for my hand size. For reference a XL glove is a tad tight on me. A little longer front to back would be perfect, for me anyway. 

 

 

Overall I really like the Vortex. Its a great rangefinder with plenty of features.

Edited May 7 by CircleC29
Added pic

[SwingBlues]

SwingBlues review of:

VORTEX GOLF - ANARCH Laser Range Finder 

Part 1

 

 

 

A HUGE Thank you to @GolfWRX_Official and @Vortex_Golf for the generosity of allowing the WRX members to review your mighty fine Golf Laser Ranger finders for 2025

 

For full disclosure, I previously had a video call with Vortex Golf to chat with Sawyer, Luke, and Mickella. During our conversation, I asked about Vortex Golf, the long-standing history of Vortex Optics, and its lineage in crafting hunting optics.

 

I also had the chance to discuss the rangefinders I currently use, including every model I’ve ever owned, and why the Anarch was especially appealing to me.

 

After the call, I was pleasantly surprised to find the package had arrived the very next day.

 

 

 

WHY I WANTED TO TEST THE ANARCH

Golf has always been a wonderful social game for me. Long past my tournament days, I now play with a steady group of close friends, enjoying good company, cold beers, and the occasional great barbecue after a round.

 

But as the years tick by, age has its way of subtly reminding us that some physical abilities fade. Lately, I’ve noticed it while trying to laser a target at just 200+ yards with my trusty rangefinder—the shakes made it take longer than I expected, which was frustrating for someone who plays fast.

 

Of course, I did check my beer levels… and I was fine. Honestly.

 

I’ve only ever owned two laser rangefinders since moving to the USA, and I still use both. But perhaps it’s time to look for something a bit more… stable.

 

 

 

THE PACKAGE

Inside the package was a nice hand written card from Vortex Golf. I have other product reviews but I have not seen this really nice touch from the Vortex Team. Well played 👍

 

 

 

Here's what the Anarch package looks like:

 

 

YES—you read that right.
 

UNLIMITED. UNCONDITIONAL. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

 

You do not even have to register the Unit 

 

Even if I were to pass this laser rangefinder on to my brother, Vortex Golf would still honor the Lifetime Warranty.

 

For me, when choosing a rangefinder, this is an absolute game-changer. Companies like Bushnell typically offer only a 2-year warranty, maybe a bit more, but after that? You’re on your own.

 

Having been on WRX for years, I’ve seen countless horror stories of people struggling to get their electronics fixed once the warranty expires—seriously, grab a big bag of popcorn before diving into those threads.

 

Now, let’s unbox everything—here’s what you get:

 

 

A manual that's easy on the eyes—it's refreshing to have a well-designed, easy-to-read physical guide instead of yet another electronic PDF.

 

 

Another nice touch is a ball marker on the case:

 

 

 

FIRST IMPRESSION

The Anarch’s grip is a perfect blend of beauty and durability—solid in hand, yet protected by its thoughtful design. The soft touch adds comfort, making every hold feel effortlessly secure.

 

Definitely feels more refined than the rougher Gamer Laser.

 

 

 

As you can see, the Anarch is well protected with a rubber-like coating, which Vortex Golf calls Comfort Guard.

 

This protective layer is also applied to the eyepiece, as shown in the photo.

 

This feature should make the Anarch highly resistant to drops—though I won’t be putting that to the test myself (but let’s be honest, it’s bound to happen). I’ve dropped my Gamer Laser more times than I can count, and luckily, it has survived every fall (touch wood, touch wood, touch wood).

 

The Anarch, however, feels even more durable, especially when facing an impact on the cart path. And if something does go wrong, there’s always the Lifetime Warranty for peace of mind.

 

 

 

ANARCH - MEET BUSHNELL

My very first laser rangefinder was the Bushnell Medalist. It was released in 2004, but I think I bought mine in 2006. So yeah, it’s 19 years old, but this old geezer still works like a charm—easily locking onto targets at the driving range and performing flawlessly back when I used to golf in Australia. These days, I don’t trust the TSA, nor do I trust those Airline gorilla baggage handlers.

 

Another HUGE Plus, the Medalist uses a common 9V battery, which was convenient IMHO.

 

I have another laser range finder, my Gamer Laser, it’s the Bushnell Pro X2, which I bought refurbished on eBay back in 2018. It came with a two-year warranty, and honestly, I think I lucked out—it has performed well over the years. That is, unless I’m golfing in foggy conditions, like when the marine layer drifts over the Santa Monica Mountains into the San Fernando Valley.

 

Then, I’m SOL—my X2 simply won’t lock onto targets in the fog. I don’t remember ever having this issue with my Medalist.

 

Now my X2 is 7 years old, and thankfully, I’ve never had to test Bushnell’s warranty or repair services.

 

Knock on wood!

 

 

 

Here are a brief summary of the Specs for my 3 range finders:

 

 

 

WEIGHTS

For those curious about how my three laser rangefinders compare in weight and feel, here’s a breakdown:

 

• Medalist – The lightest of the three but also the bulkiest. Made of plastic with minimal protection, it feels larger in hand despite its lower weight.

• Pro X2 – Noticeably more compact than the Medalist but also heavier, with a solid feel. While protection is somewhat limited, its ergonomic design makes it easy to handle.

• Anarch – By far the most protected of the three. Slightly larger than the X2 but feels like it’s wrapped in bulletproof body armor. In hand, it seems to weigh about the same as the X2, or possibly even lighter.

 

Here are the actual numbers:

 

Bushnell Medalist - 257.74 grams

 

Bushnell Pro X2 - 255.65 grams

 

Vortex Golf Anarch - 262.63 grams

 B

 

I thought the Anarch would weight the least but I was wrong. Even at 7gm more than the X2, its fine sitting in my short pockets.

 

I could never fit the Medalist in my pocket

 

 

 

AN INSIDE LOOK

I wanted to give you a look inside, showing the aim point and the electronic details of the rangefinder.

 

Below is the Medalist’s view, featuring Bushnell’s earliest PinSeeker technology. Unlike modern models, it does not have slope functionality, and its display is purely black-lit, lacking the vibrant red optics found in newer devices.

 

Additionally, the Medalist does not feature 6X magnification, meaning targets appear slightly less detailed compared to today’s high-end rangefinders.

 

Despite these limitations, my Medalist remains reliable, locking onto pins with surprising accuracy even after years of use.

 

Medalist View

 

 

This is the X2’s view, showcasing its 6X magnification for clearer target acquisition.

 

The left image displays the view with the laser off, providing an unobstructed look at the field.

 

The middle image shows the Black-lit display, which is crisp and easy to read in most conditions.

 

The right image features the Red-lit display, offering enhanced visibility in low-light or foggy environments.

 

One of my favorite things about the X2 is the ability to switch between Black and Red with a simple press of a button, allowing for quick adjustments based on lighting conditions.

 

Pro X2 View

 

 

Below is the Anarch’s view, where I’ve set the lighting to Auto, allowing it to seamlessly switch between Black and Red based on the background conditions.

 

This is a really, really cool feature, enhancing visibility in different environments without the need for manual adjustments.

 

The left image shows the view with the unit turned off, providing a clean look at the field.

 

The right image displays the view with Slope mode activated, and I’ve customized the crosshair to a circle with a cross, making target acquisition feel more precise and intuitive.

 

Anarch View

 

Below is a larger view of the right image. In real life, the clarity is truly impressive, and while the captured image doesn’t fully do it justice, you can still see fine details—like the texture of the tree bark and the layers of trees behind the pin flag.

 

I have to say, the optics in the Anarch are outstanding.

 

 

Just a note—capturing these viewfinder shots was tricky. To my eye, both the Medalist and Anarch display colors accurately, with a natural yellow tinge from the setting sun, while the X2 image appears noticeably cooler in comparison.

 

In real life, the Anarch definitely looks brighter when viewed through the lens, and the X2’s red lighting is far more defined—not washed out like it appears in the photo.

 

 

 

ON THE RANGE BAG

Could not resist to see what the Anarch and case would look like if I was to play with my Range Bag

 

Super sweet. The Black finish really matches to the Sun Mountain 45LS  logo

 

 

One other thing I noticed is the case opening—it feels a bit smaller compared to the X2 case.

 

The Anarch uses a stretch band, whereas the older X2 relies on a mesh to hold the clam shells together. The X2’s wider mesh opening makes it easier to grab and remove the rangefinder—quick in, quick out.

 

With the Anarch, I have to squeeze the finder in, grip it tightly, and pull it out, which takes a bit more effort. Personally, I prefer the wider, unobstructed X2 case.

 

However, I really like the ball marker feature on the Anarch case… hmmh.

 

 

 

FINAL THOUGHTS OF THIS POST

 

Vortex Golf really nailed it with the Anarch.

 

Just comparing the Medalist, Pro X2, and Anarch side by side, you can physically feel the difference in protection and see the progression over time—from the 2006 Medalist to the 2017 Pro X2, and now, the Anarch.

 

Back when the Medalist/Pro X2 were around, Bushnell dominated the laser rangefinder game—nothing could beat them at the time. But the Anarch brings something new to the table in 2025.

 

What you can’t see is the Magnesium chassis hidden beneath all that reinforced cladding—a detail that screams durability. Nice!

 

Then there’s the Unlimited Lifetime Warranty—a rarity in this market (as far as I know). If you’re judging purely on protection of your investment, this is an absolute no-brainer. 

 

And if the performance matches up to a Top Gun-level Bushnell, well—that, my friend, is the ultimate 🦄 of rangefinders: Protection and Performance

 

We’ll soon see how it performs. I’m really looking forward to testing it this Saturday, and I’ve lined up my buddy—who owns one of those El Cheapo Amazon Chinese laser rangefinders—to try out the Anarch and share his feedback.

 

Thanks for reading. Feel free to ask any questions/request about Anarch

 

 

Part 2 can be viewed here

 

 

 

Edited May 4 by SwingBlues

[ColdOkieGolf]

Nice!

The Anarch with the image stabilization feature looks really intriguing.   I know from using my DSLR -  I DO NOT have a steady hand, lol.   Interested to hear more about how the IS works on the course.

[MickeyTankBank]

Thank you @Vortex_Golf and @GolfWRX_Official for letting me test and review the Vortex Blade.

 

I received mine on Saturday while I was out on the course, so I haven't had the chance to test it outside yet.

 

The package came with the rangefinder, a hard-shell case with a magnetic spot to attach a ballmarker, a Vortex logo ballmarker, small carabiner, microfiber cleaning cloth, and a battery. The team at Vortex also included a personalized letter thanking me for testing the rangefinder. The hard-shell case is a lot like the one I got with my Bushnell.

 

The rangefinder itself is well constructed with a rubber exterior and a magnet on the side to attach it to a cart. The magnet is on the left side if you're looking at the rangefinder from the top. Mine weighs 186g.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2 buttons on the top are large and easy to use. You press the MEASURE button to lock on to the pin and hold it down to scan for yardages. You hold the MENU button down to select the different options, which is nice so you don't accidently press it once and go right into the options. It has the option to change from yards to meters. You can change the reticle, from a small circle, 4 line crosshair, or the small circle and crosshair. Then you have the option to change the pin lock and vibration (Vortex calls it Pinspotter) on or off.

 

 

My "gamer" rangefinder is a Bushnell Tour V5 Shift but also have a GOGOGO Sport VPRO that's in my back up bag. I will say the Vortex Blade is thinner than the GOGOGO and smaller front to back than the Bushnell. Top to bottom they are all about the same size, not enough to notice a difference. The Bushnell weights 218g and the GOGOGO weighs 206g. They both also have slope features so that may account for the difference in weight. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial thoughts are that the Vortex feels like a high quality product on par with the Bushnell. It feels like a much higher quality product compared to the GOGOGO. I'll be able to take them out on the course tomorrow and Sunday to get some on course testing of distance differences, the the Pinspotter, and the optics. I'll update my review here after those tests.

[agood3putt]

Thank you again to @Vortex_Golf and @GolfWRX_Official for the opportunity.

 

Once I was selected I couldn’t wait to get one of these in my hand. I opted for the Anarch due to the image stabilization with my caffeinated shaky hands during rounds. Here is what came in the box late yesterday evening! 
 

Overall First Impressions: 

- I have used about every rangefinder on the market; Bushnell ProXE, Nikon Coolshot, Precision Pro and my current one a GOGOGO Sport gifted to me. 
- I had a quick Zoom Call with Sawyer and Luke with the Vortex Golf team and it really opened my eyes to the quality of this unit

- The Anarch is a feature rich option on the market. With features like a magnetic case, internal made of Magnesium used to shave weight while still being strong, Scan mode to find a not so visible flag, Pinspotter Mode (which gives physical feedback once your flag is found), Image Stabilization to steady those hands on windy days, Slope mode and multi reticle options to choose from. 
 

I am familiar with the quality that Vortex brings in the pew pew market and am a happy customer in that space as well. Primarily due to their cost to value, quality of glass used, premium materials in the manufacturing process and their VIP Warranty. 
 

Now the Warranty I wanted to touch on as well because I think it’s important. Vortex informed me that the warranty is not only for the externals of the rangefinder but also for all internals of the products. This is huge as I have personally dealt with other companies in the past who didn’t cover much past the front lenses and battery cap. 
 

Looking through the Anarch is very clear and eye releif is right on point. Once the diopter is turned toward the “+ or -“ to fit your eye it’s like a second glove 

 

We unfortunately have very bad weather here in Central TX at the moment but have a round scheduled for Monday that I should be able to give some feedback on. 
 

Again I appreciate the opportunity and all the folks involved to make this happen as you can tell Vortex takes pride in their product. 
 

Thank you again and look forward to giving y’all more info once I have it 
 

 

 

[ScottHutch2]

Wow, first off.. huge thank you to @Vortex_Golf and @GolfWRX_Official. I have always wanted to participate in these member reviews and am excited to finally have been chosen. I have not received my Vortex rangefinder yet, but will be sure to share my thoughts as soon as it is in hand. Cheers! 

[RSinSG]

 

The Vortex Blade was delivered when I was on the course today so all I can report on is how it arrived, and how it feels and works looking at things around my house. I’m playing tomorrow and plan to use it side-by-side with my Bushnell to see how it compares yardage wise as well how well it locks in on the pin.

 

My first impression is very favorable. Before even getting the range finder I’ve had a couple of emails from Mickella at Vortex and if their customer service is anything like her I’ll say this is a really good company.

 

Next, unboxing. I was going to post almost the exact same photos that have already been posted but that would be redundant. Suffice it to say the unit came securely packaged including a nice personal note from the Vortex team. The rangefinder (as others have already mentioned) seems very robust and well made. It’s a little smaller than my Bushnell Tour V4, and for some reason it seems to be better quality. Maybe because it has what feels like a better case with a built in magnet. The magnet is very strong, and while I wont use it most of the time because I walk I wont be afraid to use it when I ride like I am with other magnetic cases.

 

 

One thing that really intrigued me was the claim the rangefinder will pin lock at 400 yards and measure out to 1400. My Bushnell struggles to lock anything over 200 yards so I’m very interested to compare the two. I easily locked on to a telephone pole at 448 yards from my house so I’m guessing it will be good at anything in the 200-300 yard range,

 

The optics are very clear and the menu and data read out are easy to use and clear. This appears to be a very good rangefinder and I'm anxious to try it out in a game.

[NCLancer]

Thank you to @Vortex_Golf and @GolfWRX_Official for the great opportunity to test out what I am sure is a high-quality product.  The above reviewers have been absolutely thorough with expert comparisons and wonderful pics and I appreciate all their hard work. 

 

I received a welcoming email last Wednesday from the marketing department at Vortex which I thought was kind...however I have yet to receive my unit.  Hopefully today is the day!     

[DE-ILLINI]

I just received notification, I will get my unit on Monday.  As soon as I have it in hand, I will provide my feedback.

[NCLancer]

7 hours ago, NCLancer said:

Thank you to @Vortex_Golf and @GolfWRX_Official for the great opportunity to test out what I am sure is a high-quality product.  The above reviewers have been absolutely thorough with expert comparisons and wonderful pics and I appreciate all their hard work. 

 

I received a welcoming email last Wednesday from the marketing department at Vortex which I thought was kind...however I have yet to receive my unit.  Hopefully today is the day!     

UPDATE:  Received email this afternoon similar to @DE-ILLINI...item just shipped and should be here Monday.  

[SwingBlues]

@NCLancer

@DE-ILLINI

 

😂 I don't know how you guys stay patient - if I saw the above amazing reviews, I will be praying & dancing for the Greek God Hermes to speed it up and GET IN MY HANDS 🍻

 

 

 

 

[RSinSG]

 

I was able to use the Vortex Blade today on the course, and this is a quality rangefinder. I used it to laser all my shots and repeated the process with my Bushnell to get a real life comparison between the two.

 

First of all, I’m on my 3rd Bushnell and I’ve had some other brands many years ago. I was not in the market for a new rangefinder as the Bushnell works fine - or so I thought. Using the Vortex and the Bushnell together made it very clear which rangefinder is the Mercedes and which is the Chevy Trax. In fairness to Bushnell, mine is a V4 and I don’t know how improved the newer ones are so this may not be a fair comparison, but as I’m evaluating the Vortex I was given I’m comparing it to what I use.

 

I’m not sure why this comes as even the slightest surprise to me as I have owned and currently own and use several Vortex products as my other hobby is punching holes in targets at long distances and Vortex is one of the best value scope options in that market. 

 

The optics of this rangefinder are very high end. Again, no surprise as Vortex makes some of the best hunting rangefinders and spotting scopes. It is obvious when you look at a target that the lens is very clear and well-polished - everything is much more clearer than any other rangefinder I’ve used. The optics are very similar to the scopes I have on a couple of long rifles and those are really good.

 

When I first started targeting flags today it took me a few times to figure out how the Vortex works compared to the Bushnell. I found that I was putting the unit into scan mode unintentionally and doing so disables the pin lock feature. Once I was comfortable with how the unit is designed to work it wasn’t an issue.

 

The distances given by the Vortex were within 1 yard of my Bushnell, and within 1 yard of two other rangefinders (Callaway and Nikon) that my buddies were using. As a 9 handicap I can promise you 1 yard one way or the other is making zero difference to how I hit a shot. 

 

The unit fits very nicely in my ML size hand and it is very easy to hold and get on target. Someone with huge XXL hands may find the rangefinder small but for probably 90+% of users it will seem very comfortable. 

 

 

One of the complaints I have with the Bushnell and every other rangefinder I’ve owned is it is very difficult, and in most cases impossible, to get pin lock on longer yardages. Today I had around 250 to the green and my Bushnell couldn’t give the distance. Sometimes I can get a reading if I scan back and forth at the flag but it wouldn’t lock today. Normally I just rely on my GPS watch or scan a bush or something next to the green. After no luck with the Bushnell I used the Vortex and it immediately locked on the pin and gave the vibrating feedback of 238. At my age using the GPS front-middle-back distance is typically good enough at long distances as my max 3W is around 240, but knowing if its less than that could affect which club I use. 

 

Vortex claims you can pin lock at 350 yards which is crazy long and today I was able to get lock at 315. Not sure why I’d ever need to do that but some WRX’r may need to. 

 

I used the scan mode today to lay up on a dogleg par 5 and it worked well. I was able to determine the minimum and maximum I needed to hit between and it made club selection much easier.

 

The one thing I wish was an option would be an ability to make the font bold when displaying yardages. It’s very crisp and clear, but compared to the Bushnell it’s a little harder for me to read. I wear prescription glasses and acknowledge that my eyes are not young anymore, but having that ability or the ability to switch between red and black would be very helpful for some (me.) 

 

I tried to take some through the viewfinder photos but I don’t have that ability so one of the other guys with a nice camera will need to do that.  If you’re thinking about upgrading your rangefinder I encourage you to go to your local golf store and look through this one. Like me you’ll be surprised how clear the optics are. There really is a noticeable difference.

 

Useability and performance aside, the Vortex warranty is pretty much unheard of in these days. From their website:

 

OUR VIP® WARRANTY, YOU CAN BET ON IT.

VIP® stands for a Very Important Promise to you. 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.

 

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.

•                              UNLIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

•                              FULLY TRANSFERABLE

•                              NO RECEIPT NEEDED

The VIP® Warranty does not cover loss, theft, deliberate damage, or cosmetic damage that does not hinder the product’s performance.

 

I’ve never seen a warranty like this, and honestly the company must have a tremendous amount of confidence in their product to offer it.  It literally takes all the risk of getting a Vortex off the table. I hate to sound like a shill for the company, but I find this warranty to be incentive enough to get one. Amazing claim towards customer satisfaction. 

 

I’ll be using it a couple of more times next week and trying different things with it. I’m not sure what other photos I could take that would make this evaluation more effective as some of the guys obviously have a nicer camera than my iPhone. I’ll share more of my experience, but for now this rangefinder is the best I’ve used – and it is the Vortex with the least amount of options – no slope, black font, no image stabilizer. I can only imagine how nice those are.

[SwingBlues]

11 minutes ago, RSinSG said:

 

I tried to take some through the viewfinder photos but I don’t have that ability so one of the other guys with a nice camera will need to do that.  If you’re thinking about upgrading your rangefinder I encourage you to go to your local golf store and look through this one. Like me you’ll be surprised how clear the optics are. There really is a noticeable difference.

 

Useability and performance aside, the Vortex warranty is pretty much unheard of in these days. From their website:

 

OUR VIP® WARRANTY, YOU CAN BET ON IT.

VIP® stands for a Very Important Promise to you. 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.

 

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.

•                              UNLIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

•                              FULLY TRANSFERABLE

•                              NO RECEIPT NEEDED

The VIP® Warranty does not cover loss, theft, deliberate damage, or cosmetic damage that does not hinder the product’s performance.

 

I’ve never seen a warranty like this, and honestly the company must have a tremendous amount of confidence in their product to offer it.  It literally takes all the risk of getting a Vortex off the table. I hate to sound like a shill for the company, but I find this warranty to be incentive enough to get one. Amazing claim towards customer satisfaction. 

 

I’ll be using it a couple of more times next week and trying different things with it. I’m not sure what other photos I could take that would make this evaluation more effective as some of the guys obviously have a nicer camera than my iPhone. I’ll share more of my experience, but for now this rangefinder is the best I’ve used – and it is the Vortex with the least amount of options – no slope, black font, no image stabilizer. I can only imagine how nice those are.

 

Same here, based on what I was able to find:

• Bushnell 2 years
• Percision Pro 3 years
• Leupold 2 years
• Callaway 2 years
• Garmin 1 year

 

Honestly I don't want to test this and hope never to but I am sure someone here will. We will drop these range finders on the cart parth or have it fly off the cart or something utterly weird but accidental

 

But this is a really great and powerful selling point.

 

As I said in my initial review, if the performance matches - Gentlemen, we have a rare 🦄

 

ps I played with it just shooting the furnace chimeys around my HOA and it is as FAST or faster than my Bushnell Pro X2

 

 

Edited May 1 by SwingBlues

[DE-ILLINI]

42 minutes ago, SwingBlues said:

@NCLancer

@DE-ILLINI

 

😂 I don't know how you guys stay patient - if I saw the above amazing reviews, I will be praying & dancing for the Greek God Hermes to speed it up and GET IN MY HANDS 🍻

 

I

 

 

After reading the reviews, I am excited to get this in my hands!!

[SwingBlues]

SwingBlues review of:

VORTEX GOLF - ANARCH Laser Range Finder 

Part 2 

PART 1 can be viewed here

 

 

LONG RANGE TEST AT HOME

For fun, I decided to test how far and fast the Anarch could shoot a target. Since I live near a golf course with a view from my balcony, I attempted to zap the red flag on the green—but unfortunately, it was just a bit too far & small.

 

Instead, I switched gears and targeted the background foliage, and here’s what I got:

 

 

 

The left image is from my Pro X2, and the right image is from the Anarch.

 

The Anarch’s image was taken facing the setting sun, which resulted in a washed-out appearance. Meanwhile, the Pro X2’s image was captured as a storm front rolled in from the north, providing cloudy skies that led to richer colors and better contrast.

 

Despite the crazy distance, the Anarch locked onto the target in an instant—literally, press the button, and boom—reading acquired.

 

The X2, on the other hand, had a noticeable delay—a second or more—and that’s if it responded at all.

 

Unfortunately, my Pro X2’s CR2 battery died shortly after this session, so that’s it for today’s comparison. Interestingly, the battery level indicator showed 2/3, but that clearly wasn’t accurate—it felt closer to 1/3, since the unit shut off soon after. Ugh.

 

I need to also add I bought 2 CR2 batteries back in July 2018. This was the last of the two so -that- is pretty long battery life of 7 years in the Bushnell Pro X2 

 

Luckily, Amazon Hermes says my replacement CR2 battery will arrive tomorrow—just in time!

 

😁

 

UPDATE - Amazon delivered 2nd Day and my Bushnell Pro X2 was ALIVE again

 

 

 

AT THE GOLF COURSE - ENCINO GC, LOS ANGELES 

I had been looking forward to this day, but the weather had other plans.

 

It was another semi-wet, gray-on-gray kind of day—the kind where it feels like the Marine Layer from the Pacific never left the valley. The sun? Nowhere to be seen. Instead, a misty, fog-like haze hung over everything.

 

Perfect weather for laser range finding—or so they'd have you believe.

 

If you buy that, I’ve got a bridge in Alaska to sell you—just PM me your bank account details. 😉

 

Still, I paid my green fee and decided to put my rangefinder to the HARD TEST first - Long Range

 

 

 

LONG RANGE - TAKE 2

After checking in, I set my sights on Hole #10—a Par 5. Standing outside the Starter building, I was about 80 yards from the Encino Hole #10 Tee Box, and I figured, why not try to zap the pin—500+ yards away?

 

The most common complaint of Laser Range finders is that they have a lot of problems trying to find a pin at anything more than 170+ yards. Some give up at 200. Forger-about-ir if it's 250... so WHY NOT SHOOT A PAR 5 Pin. 

 

Oh YEAH

 

Am I nuts?

 

Yes. Yes, I am.

 

Here’s the Google Map:

 

 

I tried to capture this through the viewfinder, but it was damn tricky—holding the laser steady while aiming my mobile camera inside it was no easy task.

Still, despite the challenge, you can clearly see that it locked onto the pin flag—550 yards away—with ease.

 

 

One Press and let Anarch Pin Seeker do it's work. It had no trouble locking onto the flag and delivering a quick, precise distance—it was lightning fast.

 

But the real game-changer? Image Stabilization. It was an absolute lifesaver, making the process effortless.

 

I also tested the X2. At this range I had to hold my breath and while it capture the pin. Eventually it did pin-seek successfully. Both devices delivered spot-on yardages, but there’s a night and day difference between an image stabilized Anarch and the X2.

 

Honesty, I never had image stabilization until now and I kept thinking - how the HELL did I not get this earlier?

 

That said, the Anarch definitely made the job easier and the Image Stabilization worked like a charm

 

 

 

OH SO SWEET ANARCH MOMENT

 

The very first hole (Hole #1 Par 4)  with Anarch - what happened? 

 

Here it is. Anarch tells me it's 43 yards to the pin. Pull out my RTZ Full Face 2 that has the 56*, open it slightly since the ball is in the rough...

 

 

 CHIP IN BIRDIE 🍻

Ball landed pin high, left bounce and into the hole. Could not have started better - and did it infront of my Buddies so there was no doubt

 

 

 

SMART ILLUMINATION - ADAPTIVE RED & BLACK DISPLAY

Anarch gives the Golfer the ability to turn on and the Red Illuminated display in either the Manual or Auto Brightness Display. Manual has 3 level of Brightness.   

 

I am using the Auto mode and notice something really COOL about it:

 

Adaptive Display – Red & Black Contrast

The three green arrows highlight an awesome feature—the display seamlessly switches between Red and Black depending on the background lighting. Very, very cool.

 

Initially, I thought the Red Illumination would be uniform across all conditions, but this was a pleasant surprise. It appears the Anarch intelligently adjusts its display based on the ambient lighting, ensuring optimal visibility in any setting. 👍

 

 

 

DISPLAY EDGE RED FLARING

 

5/19/2025 UPDATE - this issue may be related to the initial Unit I received. After discussions with Vortex Golf regarding the -02, they sent a replacement unit which resolved the -02 and I noticed the flaring was also gone. I would consider this issue closed but left my notes here for reference & disclosure

 

I also noticed a red flaring effect along the edges of the view circle, both while taking photos and during actual use.

 

Here is an example of the camera looking through the view finder:

 

You can clearly see the red flaring along the bottom edge in the photo above.

 

I noticed that if your eye isn’t perfectly centered, some red flaring appears along the edges, with its location shifting depending on how far off-center your eye is positioned.

 

By comparison, my Bushnell Pro X2 also features a Red Illuminated display, but it has zero flaring, offering a more uniform visual experience

 

@Vortex_Golf like to hear your thoughts on what I am seeing?

 

 

 

SLOPE MODE ACCURACY - A SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON

 

5/19/2025 UPDATE - this issue may be related to the initial Unit I received. After discussions with Vortex Golf regarding the -02, they sent a replacement unit which resolved the -02 and I noticed the flaring was also gone. I would consider this issue closed but left my notes here for reference & disclosure

 

I used my Bushnell Pro X2 to cross-check every reading from the Anarch, and in most cases, they were identical, with only a ±1-yard difference.

However, when it came to Slope Mode, I noticed some potential discrepancies between the two devices.

 

Hole #3 – Par 3

The Anarch registered a straight-line distance of 174 yards and a slope-adjusted reading of 168 yards with a -2° decline, as indicated by the downhill slope icon on the display.

 

The X2, from the exact same position, also measured 174 yards but adjusted the slope distance to 172 yards, showing 0° slope instead.

 

Here’s the image from the Tee Box to the Green:

 

Visually, this hole appears flat, yet the Anarch's Slope Mode consistently registered a -2° decline.

 

Hole #6 – Par 3

For this next Par 3, the Anarch measured 197 yards, with a slope-adjusted reading of 193 yards at -1°. Meanwhile, the X2 recorded the same 197-yard distance, but its slope adjustment measured 200 yards with a +1° incline.

 

Having played this hole countless times, I can confidently say—it is NOT a downhill hole. In fact, the green is elevated, making the readings from both rangefinders an interesting comparison.

 

Here’s a picture of the hole—taken from the Green, looking back to the Tee Box:

 

 

Slope Reading Discrepancies

If you go back to my viewfinder image with the 550-yard reading (see eariler in this Post), you'll notice the -2° slope indication—which simply doesn’t add up. The Hole #10 green is elevated, meaning the slope reading should have been 0° or positive, not negative.

 

Encino GC is a very flat course—no hills, no dramatic elevation changes. It sits in the middle of the San Fernando Plain, making consistent negative slope readings even more puzzling.

 

Hole #16 – A Strange Slope Reading

On Hole #16, I duffed my shot, and the ball settled about 50 yards out, resting below the tee box and green on an up-slope. A water drainage channel runs across the hill, marking the natural elevation change.

 

When I reached my ball, I was clearly looking upward toward the green, yet the Anarch still displayed a -01° slope reading at 140 yards—which made no sense at all given the uphill lie.

 

Hole #17 – Par 3

Curious about the issue, I decided to test what it would take to get a 0° slope reading. On Hole #17, I had to aim three flagpoles high into the sky just to trigger a 0° slope—which was totally bizarre.

 

The day after, Sunday, I set up the Anarch on a tripod (clamped) inside my house. Measured the height of the Anarch and did the same for a distant target. In this case a simple picture hanging on the wall:

 

 

It should have displayed 0°, but my Anarch seemed to register "level" as -2°, as seen in the previous readings.

 

This aligns with what I observed yesterday on the Par 3 holes, where the slope calculations appeared consistently off in similar situations.

 

 

@Vortex_Golf I would love to hear your thoughts on this? 

 

 

 

FINAL THOUGHTS OF THIS POST

My Anarch performed exceptionally well from point to point, proving to be a fast, reliable, and highly capable rangefinder.

 

• QUICK – Simply turn it on, aim, and press. The PinSeeker technology delivers three precise jolts, confirming an instant lock onto the target. No lag, no hassle—just pure efficiency.
• ACCURATE – Yardages were consistently on par with my X2, with nearly identical readings across multiple distances. The precision was spot-on throughout my testing.

 

Beyond speed and accuracy, the Anarch impressed with its ease of use. The image stabilization was a game-changer, making long-range targeting effortless, even in less-than-perfect conditions. Plus, its rugged build and lifetime warranty give it lasting appeal—a serious win over other brands offering only limited coverage.

 

While I did note some slope measurement inconsistencies, the straight-line performance was flawless, proving that this device is built for accuracy and speed on the course.

 

Overall, the Anarch exceeded expectations, delivering a powerful, efficient experience from tee to green.

 

 

Part 3 can be viewed here

 

 

Edited May 19 by SwingBlues

[CircleC29]

I had the Vortex Blade Slope out for league tonight and this rangefinder continues to impress! As has been said in every review so far, I'm still amazed at how clear the display is. Also impressive is the speed it delivers yardages and locks on the pin. I was able to lock on a pin at 265yds playing at 283yds no problem. 

 

I was also showing it off to the guys in our group who all had great first impressions of it. Mainly about the clarity and they were also surprised how quick it gives yardage.

 

I absolutely recommend checking out a @Vortex_Golf rangefinder if you're in the market! 

[MickeyTankBank]

I took my Vortex Blade out last afternoon to my league skins night. It was only 9 holes and it started to get real windy and rainy towards the end. I can say the Vortex works just fine in wet conditions. It took me a couple of holes to get used to how the Pinspotter works. You have to aim at the flag, tap the MEASURE button, and then let it lock on. It would take me a couple of tries to get it to lock and it took a second or two to register then it would vibrate 3 times to notify you it locked onto the pin.

 

I had my Bushnell Tour V5 Shift with me too so I could compare the two. As far as yardages go there was a consistent 1 yard difference between the Vortex and the Bushnell. Some were higher some were lower, but always 1 yard. 

 

The optics of the Vortex are great and perfectly clear. I had no issues focusing on the pins or anything else I was shooting. I didn't get a chance to take a pic of them, we were the first group out and tried to set the pace. I'll try this weekend to get that pic.

 

The magnet seemed to be slightly weaker than the Bushnell but not to the point I would ever be worried about it falling off. I will say that the magnet being on the left side compared to the right side felt different. Personally I preferred it on the right side, but it's just a personal preference thing. I just had to flip it around in my hand before shooting instead of it coming off already aimed at the target. It's a small thing but wouldn't be a dealbreaker.

 

I'll take it out for a full round on Sunday and give another update.

 

Edited May 2 by MickeyTankBank

[SwingBlues]

Finished my Part 2 Post tonight, see above

 

OH - Anarch has NO issues shooting "Golf Long" distances

 

Enjoy 🍻

Edited May 4 by SwingBlues

[SwingBlues]

SwingBlues review of:

VORTEX GOLF - ANARCH Laser Range Finder 

Part 3 

For PART 1 of my review check it out here

For PART 2 of my review check it out here

 

 

 

ERGONOMICS IN REAL GOLF CONDITIONS

I wanted to see how ergonomic the Anarch’s design felt in actual playing conditions—not just on paper.

 

To get a second opinion, I enlisted my longtime golfing buddy, Dan. We’ve been teeing it up together for years, as competitive putters rivaling the Hatfields and McCoys.

 

We also walk the course with push carts, because frankly, we’re way past carrying our bags. Too many beers and drinks over the years—it definitely doesn’t help with the weight.

 

That's me...

 

 

That's Dan...

 

 

 

IN THE BAG OR USE THE POUCH

Unfortunately my CaddyTek Push Cart does not seem to have anything steel that the Anarch magnet could latch onto it. So for me, I can use the Anarch pouch and hang that off the bag:

 

In this mode, I am not a fan of the pouch. For me the opening felt a tad too small. This pouch uses an elastic between the 2 shells. As such, the opening is smaller and as I used a single hand to grab it, the Anarch would always catch one of the side and you drag the pouch to pull out the Anarch.

 

In contrast the Bushnell uses a mesh net design and a wide opening easy to grab the X2

 

I get it's probably more secure with the smaller opening in the Pouch with the elastic and probably will get use to it, or I may switch pouch.

 

However, my Cart Bag has a lovely lush, soft-cloth opening designed for Laser Range finders. It offers extra protection and a premium feel:

 

 

When I loaned my Anarch to Dan - he found the magnet quite useful. His push cart actually has a flat section that the Anarch could magnetically secure itself to it:

 

 

 

MENU BUTTON PLACEMENT

The way I grip any laser is with my left hand with the four fingers on the top. I press the shoot button with my right index finger as can be seen below:

 

Using this left hand grip, you can see how the finders sit on the top of the Anarch

 

Here is a close up

\

 

 

For me, the MENU button is right under my middle finger - that is NOT good.

 

I had several instances where I was in a hurry to shoot a pin and then inadvertently threw it into the Menu - Auto mode. Took me a some seconds to try and figure out how to get out of it and get back into the shoot mode. Ugh.

 

In contrast, this is what my Bushnell Pro X2 top looks like and there is only a SINGLE button.

 

I cannot make a mistake like I can with the Anarch MENU button on top:

 

May be its time to re-adapt or perhaps Vortex Golf, in the future, can place the MENU button as a recessed button or move it to the side of the laser. 

 

 

 

SLOPE LIGHTING ON THE FRONT

I’m not a fan of the two green lights on the front of the Anarch that illuminate when it’s in Slope Mode.

 

To me, they feel a bit too pronounced—almost standoff-ish—and I can’t help but wonder if they drain battery unnecessarily.

 

A more subtle, refined indicator could work better. For example, imagine a thin ring of light around the shoot button instead. When Slope Mode is active, the ring would glow green, providing a clear yet unobtrusive reminder.

 

This would make it more intuitive—as soon as a player pulls out the Anarch, they’d immediately notice the button placement, press to turn it on, and then raise it to their face to take the shot. With this approach, the Slope indicator would be visible precisely when needed—without unnecessary distractions.

 

 

 

STABLE BASE & VERSALITY

Maybe it’s just me, but I appreciate a flat, level bottom on a laser rangefinder. While golf is the primary use, I can see myself using it for other applications, so having a stable base would be ideal—it allows the device to sit securely and fire a precise reading without extra hassle.

 

My 2004 Bushnell Medalist even had a tripod screw hole at the bottom, making it possible to mount and stabilize the device—but those were the days.

 

 

 

LET'S BRING IN DAN'S THOUGHTS AND COMMENTS

Right now Dan is using an Amazon range finder:

 

Dan's Experience with Rangefinders

Dan found it difficult to get his budget laser to lock onto the pin, and it often struggled to provide a consistent reading. Then again, it only cost him under $100, so performance limitations were expected.

 

His decision to go with a cheaper laser stemmed from past experiences. He previously owned a couple of Callaway rangefinders, both of which performed great—until they disappeared. The first was left on a cart and never recovered, and the second was simply lost. Given that history, I don’t blame him for avoiding another expensive investment in a device he might misplace again.

 

Personally, I’ve had my own close calls with leaving rangefinders behind. When I used electric carts, I’d often stash mine in the front side pockets—only to realize later that I had to sprint back to the cart return, hoping no one had taken it.

 

Dan's Take on the Anarch

Despite his struggles with his budget rangefinder, Dan really enjoyed using the Anarch for the holes he tested. To keep things fair, I also let him use my Bushnell Pro X2, but his preference was clear.

 

His verdict?

 

“I quite like the Anarch. It’s really quick. And it catches the pin.”

 

 

 

FINAL THOUGHTS OF THIS POST

@Vortex_Golf With Vortex Golf laser rangefinders already offering a Lifetime Warranty and delivering exceptional on-course performance, integrating an IoT tracker—similar to what Apple or Samsung provide—would be the perfect finishing touch.

 

One of the biggest challenges with rangefinders—aside from their potential fragility—is just how easy they are to lose. Think about it—people use trackers to prevent phone or luggage loss because devices like smartphones cost $1,000. Given that high-quality rangefinders run $400 and up, it makes perfect sense to integrate a built-in tracking feature.

 

Unfortunately, due to their compact size, you can't exactly slip an Apple AirTag inside—but a custom-designed IoT tracker could be a game-changer.

 

Imagine the added security and peace of mind, knowing that even if a rangefinder is left behind on a cart or misplaced, it could be easily located with smart tracking.

 

This would be a huge incentive for Vortex Golf—a truly standout feature that sets them apart in the market.

 

 

[tj7644]

I was finally able to open my Vortex this morning.   I apologize for not being earlier.  I was out of town being a walking scorer for the LPGA event at Black Desert here in Utah.   Anyway....when I got home the package was waiting for me.

 

Thank you to @Vortex_Golf and GolfWRX for the opportunity to test the Anarch.

 

It came with a nice personalized note from @Vortex_Golf.   Thank you.

 

 

The clam shell case, battery, lens cloth, and carabiner. are included.

 

 

Then finally getting the Anarch out of the case, and first thing I notice is the weight.   It just feels solid.   I like it.   It feels professional, strong, and generates trust in the rangefinder.   It doesn't feel cheap, full of plastic, or low cost bargain priced.   I appreciate that.

 

 

I've already taken it out and shot items across the office and business floor, and I love the clarity of the screen.   I can see things easily and clearly.   I can't wait to get this on the course on Wed and a amateur tournament I'm playing in on Thursday.  Then I can put it through some paces.   

Thanks again for the opportunity to test a rangefinder with capabilities and features I really look forward to testing.

[weems]

🏌️‍♂️ Follow-Up Review: Vortex Anarch – On-Course Performance vs Garmin Z30 & Nikon Coolshot Stabilized

First off, huge thanks again to @Vortex_Golf and @GolfWRX_Official for selecting me to review the Vortex Anarch rangefinder. I was excited to get it in hand, and even more excited to get it out on the course—and this past weekend, I got to put it through its paces during 3 rounds at my club’s Member-Guest tournament.

---

⛳ Field Test: Vortex Anarch in Action

After my initial unboxing and side-by-side impressions, I finally had the chance to put the Vortex Anarch through its paces during a three-round Member-Guest event at my home club. This was the perfect opportunity to see how the unit would perform under pressure — in competition, in varying light, and over extended use.

 

🔒 Lock-On Confidence (Mostly)

The Anarch continued to impress. In competitive situations where every yard matters, it locked on pins quickly and with confidence. The optical clarity and image stabilization remained a highlight — even on longer par 3s and into bright sun, the display was crystal clear and easy to read. The stabilized view really makes a difference when you’re trying to hit a small flag from 200+ yards out.

That said, there were a couple of moments where the rangefinder struggled to grab the pin — maybe twice total over three rounds. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting. One small annoyance: after locking on, the unit requires a brief pause before you can fire again. I often like to double-check yardages with back-to-back readings, and that slight delay slowed down my rhythm just a bit.

 

🌦️ Weather & Display Performance

We played in all kinds of conditions — overcast, bright sun, even a few humid patches — and the Vortex didn’t flinch. No glare, no fogging, no readability issues whatsoever. The view remained sharp, and the display was always visible, regardless of lighting.

One hiccup: during the final round, a small spot developed in the display. I reached out to Vortex and, true to their reputation, they responded immediately. A new unit was shipped out the same day, complete with a pre-paid return label to send the other one back. That VIP-level warranty and customer service really sets Vortex apart — they back their gear without hesitation.

 

 

---

🆚 Head-to-Head Comparison

Here’s a quick side-by-side with the Garmin Z30 and Nikon Coolshot Stabilized, both of which I used over the same weekend to get a fair feel across different holes and conditions:

Feature	Vortex Anarch	Garmin Z30	Nikon Coolshot Stabilized
Stabilization	🏆 Best – super steady, most confidence	❌ None	✅ Good, but a little jumpy compared to Vortex
Lock Speed	Quick, slight delay on back-to-back shots	🔥 Very fast	Fast, but can drift slightly
Optical Quality	🏆 Best – crystal clear, most readable	Decent, but more digital and less crisp	Very good – 2nd place here
Magnet Strength	Solid – never moved over 3 rounds	Slightly stronger, great on carts	❌ None
Slope Feature	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Build & Feel	Rugged, waterproof, premium	Plastic feel, lacks strap loop	Lightweight, small but less grippy
Customer Support	🏆 Vortex VIP Warranty – hard to beat	Never needed	Never needed

 

Here is a couple of quick shots of the Nikon's display vs the Garmin, as you can see, it was very difficult to capture the full field of view of the Nikon.

 

---

🔚 Final Thoughts (After Play)

If you're looking for a rangefinder that focuses on performance, clarity, and stability—not gimmicks—this is the one. Vortex nailed it. While the Garmin Z30 is blazing fast and syncs with wearables, and the Nikon still holds its own in the stabilized category, the Anarch feels like a serious tool for serious golfers.

No app syncing. No digital overlays. Just elite optics, a rock-solid build, and the peace of mind of Vortex’s VIP lifetime warranty.

Let me know if anyone has specific questions — happy to dive deeper on anything!

 

[SwingBlues]

1 hour ago, weems said:

🏌️‍♂️ Follow-Up Review: Vortex Anarch – On-Course Performance vs Garmin Z30 & Nikon Coolshot Stabilized

First off, huge thanks again to @Vortex_Golf and @GolfWRX_Official for selecting me to review the Vortex Anarch rangefinder. I was excited to get it in hand, and even more excited to get it out on the course—and this past weekend, I got to put it through its paces during 3 rounds at my club’s Member-Guest tournament.

---

⛳ Field Test: Vortex Anarch in Action

After my initial unboxing and side-by-side impressions, I finally had the chance to put the Vortex Anarch through its paces during a three-round Member-Guest event at my home club. This was the perfect opportunity to see how the unit would perform under pressure — in competition, in varying light, and over extended use.

 

🔒 Lock-On Confidence (Mostly)

The Anarch continued to impress. In competitive situations where every yard matters, it locked on pins quickly and with confidence. The optical clarity and image stabilization remained a highlight — even on longer par 3s and into bright sun, the display was crystal clear and easy to read. The stabilized view really makes a difference when you’re trying to hit a small flag from 200+ yards out.

That said, there were a couple of moments where the rangefinder struggled to grab the pin — maybe twice total over three rounds. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting. One small annoyance: after locking on, the unit requires a brief pause before you can fire again. I often like to double-check yardages with back-to-back readings, and that slight delay slowed down my rhythm just a bit.

 

🌦️ Weather & Display Performance

We played in all kinds of conditions — overcast, bright sun, even a few humid patches — and the Vortex didn’t flinch. No glare, no fogging, no readability issues whatsoever. The view remained sharp, and the display was always visible, regardless of lighting.

One hiccup: during the final round, a small spot developed in the display. I reached out to Vortex and, true to their reputation, they responded immediately. A new unit was shipped out the same day, complete with a pre-paid return label to send the other one back. That VIP-level warranty and customer service really sets Vortex apart — they back their gear without hesitation.

 

 

---

🆚 Head-to-Head Comparison

Here’s a quick side-by-side with the Garmin Z30 and Nikon Coolshot Stabilized, both of which I used over the same weekend to get a fair feel across different holes and conditions:

Feature	Vortex Anarch	Garmin Z30	Nikon Coolshot Stabilized
Stabilization	🏆 Best – super steady, most confidence	❌ None	✅ Good, but a little jumpy compared to Vortex
Lock Speed	Quick, slight delay on back-to-back shots	🔥 Very fast	Fast, but can drift slightly
Optical Quality	🏆 Best – crystal clear, most readable	Decent, but more digital and less crisp	Very good – 2nd place here
Magnet Strength	Solid – never moved over 3 rounds	Slightly stronger, great on carts	❌ None
Slope Feature	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Build & Feel	Rugged, waterproof, premium	Plastic feel, lacks strap loop	Lightweight, small but less grippy
Customer Support	🏆 Vortex VIP Warranty – hard to beat	Never needed	Never needed

 

 

Here is a couple of quick shots of the Nikon's display vs the Garmin, as you can see, it was very difficult to capture the full field of view of the Nikon.

 

---

🔚 Final Thoughts (After Play)

If you're looking for a rangefinder that focuses on performance, clarity, and stability—not gimmicks—this is the one. Vortex nailed it. While the Garmin Z30 is blazing fast and syncs with wearables, and the Nikon still holds its own in the stabilized category, the Anarch feels like a serious tool for serious golfers.

No app syncing. No digital overlays. Just elite optics, a rock-solid build, and the peace of mind of Vortex’s VIP lifetime warranty.

Let me know if anyone has specific questions — happy to dive deeper on anything!

 

 

 

Those View Finder shots are hard to shoot for the review, thank goodness Digital pictures are free otherwise back in the day, the rolls of film would be KILLING US 🤣

 

Looks like you have red flaring on your Anarch as well. Did you notice anything with the slope reading?

 

My unit seems to show a -02* as level, based on what I am seeing. I'll see what @Vortex_Golf has to say 

 

 

 

[NCLancer]

I had UPS delivery Saturday!  So many other great reviews and pictures in this thread so I will not bore anyone with many more.  Suffice to say, this product is well-built and very safely packaged.  I am playing tomorrow afternoon and I will be posting my on-course recap soon.