The PINLOC 6000iPM is a new rangefinder from the Sureshot team, based out of Australia. I got a chance to test the device recently, and here's what I think.
Also see: best golf rangefinders and my review of the Sureshot Axis GPS watch.
Sureshot PINLOC 6000iPM
My Overall Assessment
I've often been left disappointed after testing a new rangefinder, but thankfully that was not the case with the new Sureshot PINLOC 6000iPM. This new rangefinder is part of Sureshot's 6000 range - the other two being the iM (Magnet) and iPSM (Pulse, Slope and Magnet).
The PINLOC 6000iPM is one of the most accurate rangefinders I've ever tested. The device has a huge range, but is able to achieve a target lock up to 300m away, and still be accurate within 1m - it's insane!
Image Credit: MGI
Like many rangefinders, it comes with a pulse mode that can easily be switched On and Off. When set to Pulse, the device vibrates on target lock. I was really impressed at the speed between lock and vibration. Many other pulse vibration rangefinders have a long delay to find, lock and vibrate on a target. That's definitely not the case with the 6000iPM, and provides a degree confidence when taking a distance on the course that I think provides a psychological edge.
In addition to great accuracy, I also really like the shape and design of the PINLOC 6000iPM. Apart from being small and lightweight, it comes with an indented bottom that sits snuggly in the palm and provides more stability when taking a distance measure.
Finally the magnet inside the casing is a novel feature that proved really useful on the course. Instead of having to stow the rangefinder back in my bag or pocket, I could simply attach it magnetically to the metal frame of a cart for easy access and use. All told, I really like this rangefinder and have no problem recommending it.
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Pros
Cons
Key Facts
Features | Details |
|---|---|
Launch RRP | $199.00 |
Zoom Level | 6x |
Distance Range | 5m-914m (5m-301m for flagstick) |
Size | 105.7mm x 73.8mm x 40.7mm |
Water Resistant | Yes |
Auto Battery Saving | After 15 seconds |
Manufacturer's Website |
Official Video
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PINLOC 6000iPM Detailed Review
Design & Appearance
The PINLOC 6000iPM is a stylish looking rangefinder. It comes in a cool contrasting outer cover that has three-tones - black, red and grey. The black outer-layer covers most of the bottom edge of the rangefinder and is rubbery, which makes it slip-proof. It also has an indentation at the bottom edge that I really like as it allows the rangefinder to sit snuggly in the palm of the hand. Other rangefinders I've tested in the past have a flat bottom, which means one has to squarely grasp the device as opposed to letting it sit naturally in the cradle of one's palm. The latter provides a lot more stability.
The outer layers aren't just there for show. They are water-resistant, with the grey and red layer consisting of robust plastic composite material.
The device is very compact, which I love. Back in the day, rangefinders were quite cumbersome. This device measures just 105.7mm (10.57cm) x 73.8mm (7.38cm) x 40.7mm (4cm), which is small enough to fit into a pocket and be concealed.
It's also lightweight, but not so light that it effects stability when taking a distance.
Image Credit: MGI
Features and Performance
The most unique feature of the PINLOC 6000iPM is the powerful magnet that sits inside the casing and allows the device to be attached to any metal surface. At first this might sound gimmicky, but for someone like myself who uses a cart frequently, this is an awesome feature. Instead of having to put the rangefinder back in one's bag or worse, in a pocket, the device can quickly be attached to a cart's metal frame for easy access on the next shot.
The core features of the device are fantastic too. The P in iPM stands for pulse. Like many rangefinders, the PINLOC 6000iPM has a pulse mode that can be turned On and Off. When On the device sends a comforting pulse vibration when it locks onto a target. This feature is not anything new, but what impressed me is the speed at which the device secures a lock and sends a vibration. On other devices, especially Bushnell rangefinders, I find the pulse is often delayed from the moment a target is locked.
When a target is locked the distance is displayed on the devices LCD screen for 15 seconds.
That brings me onto distance measurement. The device has a potential distance range between 5-914m, which is huge for a device of this size, but pretty meaningless for golf (where targets are generally under 300 yards away). Thankfully, as far as range to flag goes, the PINLOC 6000iPM is able to achieve a lock up to 300m. And here's the kicker, it's accurate up to 1 meter and 1 decimal place. On testing we found that this accuracy claim is about right, which is a lot more than I can say about some of the super popular brands sold on Amazon.
Image Credit: MGI
Value for Money
Sureshot are known for providing great value for money, and with the PINLOC 6000iPM they don't disappoint. The device comes with an RRP of $199, which when compared with market leaders like Bushnell and Leupold, makes for unbelievable value.
The rangefinder market has become incredibly commoditised over the last decade, so there are many options on the market for under $150. But we've tested these devices and they all fall short on performance, reliability and accuracy. With the PINLOC 6000iPM you're getting a market beating rangefinder at a really good price. What's not to like?
