Nikon Coolshot 40 i GII Laser Rangefinder Review

Our verdict on Nikon's latest golf laser having tested it out on the course

Nikon Coolshot 40 i GII Laser Rangefinder Review
(Image credit: Future)
Golf Monthly Verdict

This laser rangefinder is premium priced versus the competition but has the functionality and compact design golfers crave to get fast, accurate distances with the minimum of fuss. The case lacks shelf appeal, but we can’t fault the user experience.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Rapid distances

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    Vividly clear screen

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    Easy to use

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    Has all the features golfers would ever need

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Carry case lacks shelf appeal

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    Premium price a stumbling block

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Nikon Coolshot 40 i GII Laser Rangefinder Review

The Nikon Coolshot 40 i GII is the follow up to the Coolshot 20 GII, which was easy to use but lacked the slope functionality many golfers crave. Compact and very slick, the Coolshot 40 i GII’s battery port fits nicely in the pad between your thumb and index finger. At just 170 grams, there's not much weight to it compared the other best laser rangefinders on the market, making it slightly more unsteady when trying to pick out flags in the wind.

The display is very sharp once you’ve adjusted the focus initially with a wider 7.5° field of view that really helps off the tee when scanning the horizon. A range of 1,600 yards will cater for the longest of hitters!

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Hold the main button down and the distances will change as it picks out different targets. It also tells you both distances in slope mode, which is a useful feature many other lasers don't offer.

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You have to hold the Nikon Coolshot 40 i GII a little further from your face than most to get a clear view, but the features themselves are easy to alter via a press or hold of the mode button on top.

It displays distances very quickly so you won't stand there for what seems like an eternity trying to get the right yardage, with the Locked On sign appearing to assure you when the flag has been picked out ahead of the background. We also like the Actual Distance Indicator blinking green when the slope function is disabled, so your playing partners know you’re abiding by the rules.

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The carry case has improved too with the addition of an elasticated clip and while it lacks shelf appeal and there’s no zip, it’s unlikely to come undone and fall out - it certainly didn't when we tested it on a trolley.

Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x