Looking for best value for Range Finder (new)

[95124hacker]

Never had one (keep in mind I took a 6-year hiatus from playing).  What is the best valued range finder (Bushnell or Leupold)?  I'm probably going to play 20 rounds this year.  There were some on clearance at my local Golfsmith for $199.99.  Did not write down any model numbers though.  I'm ok with older models, but prefer new not used.

[trickyputt]

The bigger bodied range finders are easier to use +200yds if it matters for course management. I like the bushnell for this. Value wise I would go to a hunting store first and see what they sell, unless you want slope, which is golf specific I believe. There was an arbitrage opportunity in pricing for a while, though I have not looked lately to see if hunting gear was priced below the golf gear. They tend to have opposite seasons and thus opposite pricing off season.

[SavvySwede]

If the flags at the courses you play have prisms in the pins they have dirt cheap range finders for them(10-20$) But then you can't scope out trees bunkers etc. Not sure what level of functionality you are looking for.

[95124hacker]

I play at different courses in my area - some with prisms, some without, so I'm looking for ones with "pin seeker" technology.  I found 2 within my budget:

(1) Precision Pro V400, $160-$200  (eBay vs Amazon)

(2) Leupold GX-1i (1-2 years older model), $240

Any advice?  Thanks.

[SavvySwede]

I've had a Bushnell Medalist for 5 years and still going strong. They typically sell for $250 but you can get them for $200 because one of the big box stores usually has a $50 off $250 promo code code floating around. Sports Authority, Dicks, Golfsmith, etc they all do it at some time or another.

[trickyputt]

The magnification is good at 6x if that is what that precision pro model has. You will find yourself checking pin placement from 3w into the green.

[95124hacker]

UPDATE: I snagged a brand new 2015 Precision Pro V400 laser RF (6X mag) off eBay for $159.99.  Took it to the range today and I scoped 4 pins and compared it to the yardage marker/sign.  One of the flags was 12 yards off (sign said 133, RF said 121), but later a guy next to me scoped the same 4 pins with his Bushnell and got all the same readings as me (including the pin that was off).  So far, so good.  Now have to try it on the course and check the long-term reliability.  The scanning mode seemed to work well for me.  The pin locking mode didn't seem any different and required a more steady hand.  You can buy direct from the manufacturer for $199 if eBay isn't your thing.