TecTecTec is not a super great name for a rangefinder. It sounds more like a stutter than it does a piece of sophisticated optical technology. And yet that’s what it is. It’s a real “rose by any other name” type situation.
I actually love this rangefinder. It’s an everyman type of product featuring sophisticated technology at a price that Joe Schmo can afford.
But hey, that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Today we dig deep as we look at the TecTecTec VPro 500 to see what it is, how it works, and whether or not it is right for your needs. To do this, we will look at what it does right, and what it does wrong. We will also go over some important buying considerations that can be useful to keep in mind as you scour the rangefinder market.
Read on for a TecTecTec VPR 500 golf rangefinder review!
Review Summary
The combination of value, accuracy, and overall efficiency that you get from the TecTecTec is virtually unmatched. Bottom line? I love this rangefinder.
TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder – A Quick look
- Affordable
- Durable
- Pin identification technology
- Impressive range
- Optics not as impressive as higher-end rangefinders
TecTecTec VPRO500 – Specifications
- Size: Small
- Color: Black
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: TecTecTec
- Item Weight: 6.56 Ounces
Things To Think About Before Buying A Rangefinder
We are going to get into the specifics of this particular product in a few moments. Before we do though, it may be handy to go over a few key considerations that everyone should keep in mind if they are going to be contemplating this purchase:
Incline
Some rangefinders are able to evaluate not just the yardage but also what kind of slope you are dealing with. The slope finding technology helps to give you a much better understanding of how far a shot is playing.
For example, a one hundred and fifty yards shot downhill might play more like one hundred and twenty yards.
Focus Features
One of the main complaints with rangefinders is that it can be hard to tell what you’re looking at. Sometimes, it appears as though you are taking the yardage of the pin when in reality, you’re locked onto a tree from behind the green.
You don’t want that. Focus features, like a pin-seeking mode, help you to lock onto a specific target and be sure of what you’re hitting too.
Exterior
Naturally, rangefinders really get put through the wringer out there on the golf course. Ideally, the rangefinder that you get will be fortified with a well-padded rubber or plastic exterior. You can also find rangefinders that are weather-resistant, which can also be handy.
Price
It’s truly crazy how much price can vary in the world of rangefinders. You definitely don’t have to pay $600 to get a good one, but it’s easy to do. TecTecTec is actually one of the rare companies that make good products at a price that a normal person can afford.
TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder Review
TecTecTec is a relatively young and fairly small company. But in spite of this, they make gear that quite resembles the stuff we are seeing from some of the bigger manufacturers. A lot of people are comparing the VPro 500 to some of Bushnell’s equipment (Bushnell is like the iPhone of rangefinders).
I think that is maybe a bit of stretch. Bushnell definitely has access to better optical equipment which means you get much better image clarity with them.
But there is still something to be said for the comparison. The VPro 500 packs a lot of high-end features in a very affordable package.
It all sounds pretty good, huh? I think so too. So, let’s get into it, shall we?
TecTecTec VPRO500 Features & Benefits
We will now take a look at a few key features and benefits that most buyers are going to appreciate in a significant way.
Compact Design
Alright, so most rangefinders are fairly compact. This isn’t necessarily a rare feature, but it is a handy one.
The weight and dimensions of this particular rangefinder are particularly nice because it tucks snugly into most golf bag side pockets. With the proper carrying case, it will also clip on nicely to an exterior accessory ring, making it very easy to store.
Massive Range
I really liked the range on this tool because it’s large, but also sensible. The laser has the capacity to take measurements at up to 540 yards which is truly perfect for the average amateur.
If you’re playing from the intermediate tees, chances are you will never come across a hole that is more than 540 yards. Higher-end rangefinders often having larger ranges (some going up to 1000 yards) but you don’t really need that. You must wind up paying more to get a feature that you will never get the chance to use.
Pin Detection
I talked about pin detection a little bit ago. It’s a great feature that makes the rangefinder a lot more user-friendly. In the VPro 500, it’s set up pretty simply. When the laser syncs up with the pin green brackets flash on the display, letting you know that you’ve got the right yardage.
High-Quality Optics
Earlier I mentioned that the optics here don’t stack up to those of the Bushnell rangefinder. That is true, but it is also true that the display you get here is still pretty solid.
Keep in mind that the point of rangefinder viewing glass is not to take in the scenery. Your only goal is to feel out the yardage and maybe get a glance at some of the obstacles around the green. To that end, this rangefinder will be plenty effective.
Water-Resistant
Every once in a while, you get caught in the rain while you are out on the course. If you’re a true weekend warrior, you won’t let a little bit of moisture ruin your fun.
But what about your rangefinder? With some products, you’ll need to tuck away your rangefinder whenever the rains come, but not this one. The TecTecTec is water-resistant making it a great option for any weather situation.
Manufacturers Warranty
Last but not least, I was also very impressed and pleased with the warranty that came with the club. You see that factor with many big brand clubs, but it’s not as much a feature of off-brand options like this one. If you encounter any defects with the club in the first year, they will fix or replace it for you free of cost.
As an added bonus, they also have a money-back guarantee for the first two months following your purchase of the club. This is a nice feature to have for the fact that using this driver is going to be a big adjustment no matter who you are. It really is a one-of-a-kind club, and there is always the chance that some people just won’t be feeling it. If you fall into that camp, you can get your money back with no hard feelings.
Price
The price is probably going to be one of the biggest selling points for this rangefinder. It is true that the other features are solid and even competitive with much pricier pieces of technology. There is certainly lots to be said about that.
But the price. Man, you just can’t beat it. Most rangefinders cost at least twice what you pay for this unit.
Durable
Finally, it’s also a very durable product. The body features thick rubber and a nice sturdy plastic that will protect against most minor scrapes and scuffs that you are likely to encounter on the golf course. It’s not exactly indestructible, but it should stand up to regular wear and tear with ease.
What People Are Saying About TecTecTec VPRO500?
Not only did I spend a good deal of time with this product myself, but I also spoke to others that use it regularly.
The general consensus reflects my own feelings towards the product: it’s an amazing deal on something that works very well. It’s accurate, easy to use, and it stands up well to wear and tear. What else could you ask for, right?
Conclusion
So, what are you thinking? To me, I think it looks pretty straightforward. If you want a really solid rangefinder at an unbeatable price, this is going to be the one for you.
It’s true that you do lose out on a few premium features (most notably, the lack of a slope detection mode). However, there is no denying that the TecTecTec delivers on just about every other front. If you don’t mind making a small concession, you can save what equates to literally hundreds of dollars.
As far as I’m concerned, this is the right product for anyone who wants to hit it a little bit closer to the pin without paying a fortune to do so.
