My golf bag typically stores 14 clubs, a dozen balls, some tees, ball markers, gloves and a couple of pullovers. But one thing you will never find in there: A rangefinder. Having played golf since age five, my father instilled in me the importance of being able to judge shot distances by eye. And as I’ve told many doubters before – and proceeded to prove it – I’m pretty sure I’m accurate within three yards for most shots. My other general issue with using rangefinders: I shake involuntarily. Like really bad. Of the many handheld rangefinders I’ve tested before, I just cannot lock in on the target because of the shakes.

But regardless, I opted to try out the new Blue Tees Golf Series 4 Ultra model, which sells for $299 – and provide a non-biased review. Billed as the company’s most advanced laser model ever, it features several impressive technologies, including an OLED display, active distance tracking, brightness control, auto-depth filter, pulse vibration when it finds the distance, a magnetic strip to clasp to a golf cart frame, 1,200-yard range, weather-resistant body, and a slope switch that you can toggle back and forth depending on if you are playing in a tournament that doesn’t allow slope distance factoring. When you have slope on, the device takes into account elevation changes on a hole and tells you how long your shot is really going to play – rather than just provide the true distance. Sort of like having a caddie.

All of this is great. But the real test comes in how fast and accurate the distance it provides is. And this device features something called flag lock capability up to 350 yards away. That means using its automatic depth ability, it can tell you instantly how far the pin is once you get it in frame. Even with my shakes, it seemed to work for me but not to the point I could call it reliable. It kept locking in on a number that seemed right, but not to the point I was willing to swing until I was able to manually eye the distance. Usually, the Blue Tees number was close to what I thought was the true number. Again, in this case, don’t use my experience as your barometer. I’m sure this works accurately for most everyone else. In fact, I had my friend test it out and he said it worked fine. I also tested it against the GPS screen in a cart, and it was relatively consistent.

I love the sleek black look of this device, and the feel. It’s lightweight, yet has enough substance in your hands while you’re using it. Trust me, there are ultra-light models out there from other brands that I think are too lightweight. You need to have some heft to it, or else the average person can easily shake it around. And this model seems just right. This one also comes with three batteries – one to use immediately and the other two as replacements. And I’m happy the viewfinder is adjustable for brightness, because the red and green markers in the viewfinder can be a little visually jarring when you first hold it up to your eyes. It also comes with a nice case and carabiner clip so you can easily hang it from the towel hook on your golf bag.