If you’re a golfer, your thoughts are likely turning to the course as the weather starts warming up around the nation. And with the promise of another fun golf season within reach comes the proposition of getting new golf gear for the course. And in the case of portable distance finders, there’s plenty to choose from. I’ve had the chance to test and review plenty of the latest models for 2025, and here are three that stand out to me because they’re unique in some way.

Nikon’s Coolshot ProIII Stabilized ($500)

I shake uncontrollably, when I try to hold any rangefinder up to my eye. Thus, I find it nearly impossible to use them. Usually I try taking a deep breath, and it can momentarily calm my shaking down for up to a couple of seconds. And sometimes that’s enough time to lock in a yardage reading on some devices. But this new unit from Nikon – coming to market within two weeks – truly makes that issue a thing of the past. Its “stabilized” function is even billed as allowing “users to aim at the flagstick without worrying about vibration caused by hand shake.” And that’s what initially caught my eye. I can tell you emphatically that the claim is 100 percent true. When I look through the eyepiece, I see everything as completely stable. This is incredibly useful for me, and I imagine for millions of other golfers afflicted with the same problem. The reading is lightning fast, as well. The “Dual Locked On Quake” function informs you that the distance to the flagstick has been measured with both vibration and a visual green indicator. This can be quickly set to one of four modes, including on with slope-adjusted distance and actual distance; actual distance only; actual distance with height; and horizontal distance with height. The unit is lightweight but you can thankfully feel it in your hands, so it’s not whippy light – like rangefinders that are too lightweight. It grabs distances from up to 1,200 yards away. And it offers continuous measurement if you want to scan various fairway bunkers or potential landing spots.

Mileseey’s IONME 2 ($400)

This caught my eye at the recent PGA Show because it has the throwback look of a high-quality rectangular camera, with its rubbery black gripping and matte silver finish. Plus it’s much smaller than most units. Yet it still has the necessary heft to its weight, so that you don’t shake it around too much while trying to read distances. It also offers what is called advanced Ball-to-Pin technology that lets you easily get measurements between any two points from any location on the course. That’s especially useful when you can’t bring the unit to your ball. Let’s say your cart partner hits the ball 50 yards from you, and you’re sharing the rangefinder. Only one of you can take it to your ball. So you’re chivalrous and let him take it. But beforehand, you just aim this at your ball across the fairway and then at the pin, and it will magically tell you how far your shot is. Plus it offers centimeter-level distance measuring, helping you minimize the guesswork of a putt’s distance. Plus it works fast. Even during foggy conditions. Packed with power, it’s very simple with the way it communicates distances to you on the screen.

Garmin’s Approach G20 Solar ($300)

Cannot believe that this is the first solar-powered GPS golf handheld on the market. It’s about time. And kudos to the people at Garmin for realizing there’s a huge market for this. The unit’s built-in solar panel provides unlimited battery life when you use it in sunny conditions. For golfers who prefer a handheld over a watch, this offers yardages and green views on an easy-to-see 2.2-inch display with large text – and you can actually see it under bright sunlight. It comes armed with distance maps of more than 43,000 pre-loaded courses – and gives yardages to the front, middle and back of the green. In its green view mode, you can move the pin location on the green icon, to zero in on the real distance to the pin. Plus its backside has a built-in magnet that lets you stick it to a golf cart during your round. You can also track your shots with this, if you pair it with Garmin’s club grip sensors, and wind speed and direction when paired with the Garmin Golf app.