The Bushnell Tour V5 and Tour V6 are golf laser rangefinders that both deliver accuracy within 1 yard, up to 1,300 yards, with 6x magnification and BITE magnetic mount technology. Bushnell laser rangefinders are used by 99.3% of PGA Tour professionals, making the brand the undisputed number 1 laser rangefinder in professional golf. The Tour V6 is the direct successor to the Tour V5, released in 2023 with improved optics, weatherproofing, and dual confirmation feedback.
What Are the Bushnell Tour V5 and Tour V6?
The Bushnell Tour V5 and Tour V6 are premium golf laser rangefinders in Bushnell’s mid-range Tour series. Both models are available in 2 variants: the standard version, which provides distance only, and the Shift version, which adds slope-compensated yardages. For context, see our previous guide on Bob Seger Tour 2026: No Official Dates, 5 Active Tribute Tours, and His Full Legacy.
The Bushnell Tour V6 is the follow-up golf laser to the Tour V5. Both are known for build quality that feels solid in hand and reliable, accurate technology that inspires confidence on the course.
What Is the Bushnell Tour V5?
The Bushnell Tour V5 is a compact golf laser rangefinder released in 2020. The Tour V5 measures 4.5 inches long, 1.5 inches wide, and 3.0 inches tall. It weighs 8 ounces and is powered by a 3-volt lithium CR2 battery. The objective lens diameter is 21mm, with a 6x magnification, 4mm exit pupil, and 16mm eye relief. Ranging accuracy is within 1 yard. The field of view is 330 feet at 1,000 yards. The lens is multi-coated.
What Is the Bushnell Tour V6?
The Bushnell Tour V6 is the 2023 successor to the Tour V5, featuring improved electronics, brighter optics, IPX6 weatherproofing, and dual confirmation feedback. The Tour V6 weighs 8.7 ounces, carries an IPX6 waterproof rating, and features fog-proof construction. It uses 6x magnification with a 24mm objective lens. The ranging accuracy is within 1 inch, up to 1,300 yards. The device can acquire flags from over 500 yards away.
What Are the 7 Key Differences Between the Bushnell Tour V5 and V6?
The Tour V6 improves on the Tour V5 across 7 areas: optics brightness, weatherproofing, target confirmation, electronics speed, objective lens size, design, and app connectivity.
The V6’s premium over the V5 Shift delivers IPX6 waterproofing, faster target acquisition, and dual confirmation feedback with both vibration and a flashing red ring. Both deliver accurate readings within 1 yard up to 1,300 yards.
The 7 key differences are:
- Waterproofing – V5 is water-resistant only; V6 is rated IPX6
- Target confirmation – V5 uses vibration only; V6 uses vibration plus a flashing red ring
- Optics brightness – V6 provides optics up to twice as bright as the V5, with better performance in low-light conditions
- Objective lens – V5 uses a 21mm lens; V6 uses a 24mm lens
- Electronics speed – V6 uses new, improved electronics for faster, more consistent readings
- Design – V6 features a sleeker, more modern build with updated color accents
- App connectivity – V6 is compatible with the Bushnell Golf App, which provides hole layouts with distance, 3D flyovers, and wireless course updates
How Do the Bushnell Tour V5 and V6 Compare on Specs?
| Specification | Tour V5 | Tour V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2020 | 2023 |
| Weight | 8.0 oz | 8.7 oz |
| Objective Lens | 21mm | 24mm |
| Magnification | 6x | 6x |
| Max Range | 1,300 yards | 1,300 yards |
| Accuracy | Within 1 yard | Within 1 inch |
| Weather Rating | Water-resistant | IPX6 |
| Fog-Proof | No | Yes |
| JOLT Feedback | Vibration only | Vibration + red ring |
| App Compatible | No | Yes |
| Battery | CR2 | CR2 |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Standard Price | Discounted | $299.99 |
| Shift Price | $319.99 | $399.99 |
What Is PinSeeker With Visual JOLT Technology?
PinSeeker with Visual JOLT is Bushnell’s patented target-locking system that confirms when the laser has acquired the flag through physical and visual feedback.
With both the Tour V5 Shift and Tour V6 Shift, when the laser locks onto a flag, the device delivers JOLT vibration. The Tour V6 adds a visual red ring in the reticle to confirm the lock. No rangefinder makes it more obvious when locked in.
The V6’s dual confirmation feedback with both vibration and a flashing red ring is a clear advantage over trees or hazards cluttering the background. The V5 only vibrates. The extra visual feedback increases confidence, especially in tight course conditions.
What Is the BITE Magnetic Mount?
The BITE magnetic mount is a built-in strong magnet on both the V5 and V6 that allows the rangefinder to attach directly to a golf cart bar.
One of Bushnell’s hallmark features is the super-strong magnet that makes storing the rangefinder on a cart post incredibly stable. Even over rough terrain, once the rangefinder is attached to the cart, it remains secure.
The V6, like all new Bushnell products, includes the BITE magnetic mount on one side of the laser, allowing attachment to clubs or a cart for ease of access throughout the round.
Do the Bushnell Tour V5 and V6 Have Slope Versions?
Yes. Both the Tour V5 and Tour V6 are available in slope-enabled Shift versions that provide elevation-adjusted yardages.
Both models come in standard and Shift versions. The Shift models include slope compensation technology, allowing for adjusted yardages based on elevation changes. The V6 Shift features an enhanced slope algorithm and a more conveniently placed slope switch.
Both the Tour V5 Shift and Tour V6 Shift are USGA-conforming devices that are legal for tournament play. The slope feature can be toggled off when required for competitive rounds.
The 4 available models are:
- Tour V5 – distance only, discounted
- Tour V5 Shift – slope-compensated, $319.99
- Tour V6 – distance only, $299.99
- Tour V6 Shift – slope-compensated, $399.99
How Do the Tour V5 and V6 Perform on the Golf Course?
How Accurate Is the Bushnell Tour V5?
The Tour V5 is lightning fast, delivers accurate readings within 1 yard, and is highly enjoyable to use on the course. It is smaller and lighter than Bushnell’s Pro-series models while maintaining a high-end, well-made feel.
How Accurate Is the Bushnell Tour V6?
The Tour V6 uses new and improved electronics to deliver the most accurate, consistent, and longest-ranging Tour series laser Bushnell Golf has ever released. Accuracy is within inches of any target, including trees, bunkers, or flags.
Is the Bushnell Tour V6 Waterproof?
The Tour V6 carries an IPX6 weather resistance rating. The Tour V5 is water-resistant only, with no official IPX rating.
The Tour V6 is the most weather-sealed Tour model to date, with an IPX6 rating. It is not at the fully waterproof IPX7 level of the Pro X3, but it is more than sufficient for all conditions found on a golf course.
The Tour V5 is not waterproof. The battery compartment uses a Posi-Thread battery door that provides basic splash protection.
Which Is Better – the Bushnell Tour V5 or Tour V6?
The Tour V6 is the better choice for golfers who prioritize weatherproofing, brighter optics, and dual confirmation feedback. The Tour V5 remains a strong choice at a reduced price for golfers who play in dry conditions.
If a discounted Tour V5 is available, it remains a very good purchase. If both models are priced similarly, the Tour V6 offers better weatherproofing and build quality at the same performance level.
The Tour V6 Shift is the best Tour model Bushnell has ever produced, combining performance, build quality, features, ergonomics, and price at the right balance for most golfers.
Who Should Buy the Tour V5?
The Tour V5 suits 3 types of golfers:
- Budget-focused golfers who find the V5 at a discount
- Golfers who play predominantly in dry conditions
- Golfers who do not require app connectivity or dual JOLT feedback
Who Should Buy the Tour V6?
The Tour V6 suits 3 types of golfers:
- Golfers who play regularly in wet or low-light conditions
- Golfers who want the fastest, most accurate current-generation Tour laser
- Golfers who use the Bushnell Golf App for course mapping and 3D flyovers
The Bushnell Tour V5 and Tour V6 are both accurate within 1 yard, carry a 2-year warranty, and are used by 99% of PGA Tour professionals. The Tour V6 adds IPX6 weatherproofing, a 24mm lens, optics that are up to twice as bright, and dual PinSeeker JOLT confirmation over the Tour V5. The standard Tour V6 is priced at $299.99 and the Tour V6 Shift at $399.99, matching the original pricing of the Tour V5 series at launch.
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