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Most rangefinders at this price try to win you over with a long feature list. The Nikon CoolShot 20 GIII rangefinder does the opposite: it does one job, giving you a fast, accurate distance to the flag, and it does it in a compact 4.6oz body with a vibration that confirms the pin and a build that copes with rain. This Nikon CoolShot 20 GIII review looks at who that simple approach suits, and who should spend a little more on the slope-enabled 20i GIII instead.
Our Nikon CoolShot 20 GIII Rangefinder Review
| ✅ What we liked: | ❎ What we didn’t: |
|---|---|
| Locked On Quake vibration confirms the flag, not the background | Accuracy is within 2 yards rather than 1 on competitor models |
| First Target Priority mode ignores what’s behind the pin | No slope adjustment (that’s the 20i GIII) |
| Built to keep working in rainy conditions | No cart magnet |
| Compact 4.6oz body with case and CR2 battery in the box | |
| No slope function, so it’s tournament-ready straight out of the box |
Nikon CoolShot 20 GIII Rangefinder
$199.95
Nikon’s simple, dependable laser. Locked On Quake vibrates the moment it locks onto the flag, First Target Priority ignores what’s behind the pin, and the whole thing weighs just 4.6oz. A fast, no-fuss rangefinder that does exactly what it says.
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What Makes the Nikon CoolShot 20 GIII Rangefinder Stand Out
A Vibration That Confirms the Pin
The headline feature is Locked On Quake, a brief vibration the moment the distance to the flagstick has been measured. It tells you the number on screen belongs to the flag rather than the trees behind it, which is the most common frustration with entry-level lasers. It works alongside First Target Priority mode, which reports the closest target when several overlap, so the pin wins over the background.
6x Magnification and an 800-Yard Range
The 6×20 optics measure from 6 to 800 yards within 2 yards of accuracy, which is more than enough for flags, hazards and layup distances on any normal course. A scan mode also lets you pan across the landscape for up to 8 seconds, giving a running read of the distances around you rather than a single number.
Built for Damp Days
The CoolShot 20 GIII is built to keep working in rainy conditions, so wet fall mornings and light showers shouldn’t put it out of action. It isn’t rated for submersion, so treat it like the precision optic it is.
No Slope, By Design
The Nikon CoolShot 20 GIII vs 20i GIII decision comes down to one feature. The two are physically identical apart from the 20i’s ID (incline/decline) technology, which adds slope-adjusted distances. The 20 GIII gives straight-line distance only. That’s a genuine advantage if you play in competitions, since there’s nothing to switch off, and a genuine limitation if you want elevation-adjusted yardages for casual rounds. If slope matters to you, the 20i GIII is the better buy.
Ease of Use
The Nikon CoolShot 20 GIII rangefinder is a straightforward point-and-press device with no pairing or setup. You can take a single reading or hold the button for continuous measurement, and if a single reading doesn’t register, it keeps trying for a few seconds rather than failing outright. It comes with a case and a CR2 battery in the box, and 16mm of eye relief makes it easy to find a comfortable view.
Price & Value
The Nikon CoolShot 20 GIII price is $199.95 at Global Golf, which makes it a mid-priced laser without the frills. Against the Shot Scope PRO L2 at $149.99, you pay more but get a more established optics brand and a rainproof build, while giving up the L2’s slope. Against the Callaway CSi Pro Laser, currently discounted to $199.99, the Callaway adds I-Caddie club suggestions and a slope switch for the same money. And if you want slope on a Nikon, the 20i GIII is $239.95, only $40 more. The 20 GIII makes most sense if you specifically want a simple, competition-ready device and don’t care about slope.
Final Verdict
The Nikon CoolShot 20 GIII rangefinder is a focused, dependable laser for golfers who want fast, confirmed distances without extra features to think about. Locked On Quake and First Target Priority make pin acquisition easy, the rainproof build handles a normal British-style drizzle, and the lack of slope means it’s ready for tournament play out of the box. For anyone hunting for the best golf rangefinder without slope, it’s an easy recommendation. If you’d like elevation-adjusted yardages, spend the extra $40 on the 20i GIII.
Nikon CoolShot 20 GIII Rangefinder
$199.95
No slope means nothing to switch off before a competition, so it’s ready for tournament play straight out of the box. Rain-ready, compact and confirmed by a pulse in your hand, it’s an easy pick if you want straight-line yardages done well.
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| Quick Specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | $199.95 |
| Accuracy | Within 2 yards |
| Magnification | 6x |
| Range | 6 to 800 yards |
| Battery | CR2, replaceable |
| Slope | None |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| Weight | 4.6 oz |
| Color | Black |
Does the Nikon CoolShot 20 GIII have slope adjustment?
No. The CoolShot 20 GIII measures straight-line distance only. Slope (Nikon’s ID technology) is only on the 20i GIII.
Nikon CoolShot 20 GIII vs 20i GIII: what’s the difference?
The two are essentially the same device, with the same 6x magnification, 800-yard range and Locked On Quake vibration. The 20i GIII adds slope-adjusted distances for a higher price ($239.95 versus $199.95 at Global Golf).
Is the Nikon CoolShot 20 GIII waterproof?
It’s built to keep working in rainy conditions, but it isn’t rated for submersion.
Is the Nikon CoolShot 20 GIII legal for tournament play?
Because it measures straight-line distance only, it’s suitable for competitions where distance-measuring devices are permitted. Always check your local rules first.
How accurate is the Nikon CoolShot 20 GIII?
It measures from 6 to 800 yards within 2 yards of accuracy.
