Sports Illustrated Names FlightScope i4 “Best Rangefinder for Us Data Nerds”
Paul Liberatore of Sports Illustrated Golf recently included the FlightScope i4 Laser Rangefinder in SI Golf’s Best Golf Rangefinders for 2025 roundup.
Liberatore – the founder of Golfers Authority and a trusted voice in golf gear reviews – praised the i4 as the “Best Rangefinder for Us Data Nerds,” highlighting its advanced AI features, real-time weather adjustments, and unmatched value.
More Than Just Yardages
While traditional rangefinders provide a single distance number, Liberatore noted that golf isn’t played in perfect conditions. The i4 calculates the Effective Playing Distance, factoring in slope, elevation, temperature, humidity, and wind. This gives golfers yardages that reflect how far shots will actually travel under real-world conditions.
With a quick slope-toggle switch, the i4 remains tournament-legal while still offering complete data during practice or casual play.
AI-Powered Club Recommendations
According to Liberatore, the i4 stands out by offering personalized club recommendations. Its advanced AI system uses personal launch data and live environmental conditions to suggest the best club for each shot.
“The i4’s AI-powered system looks at your launch data and figures out your best club for each shot. Think of it like having a caddie who knows your game inside and out,” Liberatore explained.
For golfers who don’t yet own a launch monitor, FlightScope’s Smart Gapping AI Tool allows players to build an accurate custom gapping report with carry distance, ball speed, launch angle, and spin values for every club in their bag using as little as the carry distance for one club (ideally a 7-iron).
Course Simulation and Real-Time Adjustments
Liberatore also praised the i4’s use of FlightScope’s patented Environmental Optimizer (FS|EO), which is a powerful tool that helps golfers understand how environmental factors will affect their data on any course worldwide. The EO pulls real-time weather data from local weather stations, including air density and kinematic viscosity, ensuring that its distance calculations are always accurate and relevant to the current playing conditions
Practical Features for Everyday Golf
Beyond its advanced AI, Liberatore pointed to the i4’s user-friendly design. A built-in magnet allows players to attach the device to a cart for quick access, while its 5–1,000 yard range locks onto everything from a nearby bunker to distant trees.
The USB-C rechargeable battery adds everyday convenience – lasting thousands of clicks on a single charge and eliminating the need for replacement batteries.
Premium Performance, Smarter Price
In his comparison, Liberatore noted that the i4 delivers many of the same features as the Bushnell Pro X3+ LINK, a competitor priced at $599. With a retail price of just $499, he said the i4 offers nearly identical technology at $100 less – providing excellent value for golfers looking to elevate their game.
“For most golfers, the FlightScope i4 does everything you need to improve your game,” Liberatore wrote.
Final Verdict
By blending precision measurement with AI-driven club recommendations, real-time weather integration, and global simulation capabilities, the FlightScope i4 redefines what golfers can expect from a laser rangefinder.
Sports Illustrated’s conclusion? For data-driven players who want the smartest tech at the best value, the i4 is the clear choice for 2025.
Click here to order your i4 today.
Read the full article on Sports Illustrated by clicking here.
