Start with trust
The best rangefinder is the one you trust quickly. A clear number, a confident vibration, and stable handling beat a long specification sheet during a busy Saturday round.
Slope mode has a place
Slope-adjusted distance is useful for practice and casual play on hilly courses. Competitive players should choose a model with a visible slope switch, so playing partners can see it is disabled.
Optics and display
Grey skies, low sun, and wet gloves can make small differences obvious. If the display looks faint in mixed light, it will feel worse on the course.
When to spend more
Spend more for optics, stabilisation, warranty support, and a case that works on a bag. Spend less if you only need quick yardage on familiar courses.