When Cigman released its new Cigman CT-1200 PRO golf laser rangefinder, I couldn’t wait to try it out. Perhaps better known for their tools (laser levels and distance measuring devices) than golf products, what Cigman always do well is create products packed with features but at very affordable prices.
I’ve tested and reviewed several of Cigman’s golf laser rangefinders, including the CT-800, CT-1000 and most recently, the CT-1200. In all honesty, having had such a positive experience testing the Cigman CT-1000 model, I was left slightly disappointed when I tested and reviewed the Cigman CT-1200 model. It just really didn’t live up to my expectations, such is the height of the bar Cigman has set.
With the new CT-1200 PRO model, Cigman has a shot at redemption, and I think they’ve redeemed themselves. Retailing at only £70 (including the 15% saving using my Cigman discount code AGB15) on the Cigman website, there’s no doubt it’s affordable, but how does it feel in the hand?
What comes inside the box?
Inside the box you’ll find the rangefinder, hard carry case, USB-C charging cable, carabiner clip, wristband, lens cleaning cloth and instruction manual. Whilst the packaging is a little basic, it’s more than adequate for an online product, and everything was neatly packaged.
Order the Cigman CT-1200 PRO
If after reading this article you’re interested in purchasing the Cigman CT-1200 PRO, hit the button below to visit the official Cigman store and enter my code ‘AGB15‘ to save an extra 15% on their current prices.
With this affiliate link, I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases but at no extra cost to you. This code can be used on a range or products, and worldwide.
Size, looks, weight and comfort
In terms of size, the CT-1200 PRO is a neat little unit, and rather unsurprisingly, it’s very light, weighing only 144g. This lightweight design is excellent for portability, especially if you carry your golf bag. In my experience, a lightweight laser rangefinder can be difficult to hold still when trying to lock onto targets, but despite its lack of weight, the CT-12000 PRO is surprisingly easy to hold steady and acquire readings.
Looks-wise, the CT-1200 PRO is a relatively good-looking device. Yes, the casing is a little square, but the mixture of plastic, rubber, and chrome materials makes it a much more premium-looking rangefinder than the Ct-1200 model. My main concern with the old white casing was that it would inevitably get dirty. With the PRO model, the inclusion of the textured rubber where the device is gripped and the fingers sit should prevent this from being an issue, which is a small but very worthwhile improvement.
With regards to comfort, a few extra curves on the casing wouldn’t have gone amiss, especially where the device is cradled. While the shaping of the case isn’t great ergonomically, the designers have at least added some rubber for increased grip and comfort. During testing, I did find that the inside of my thumb often pressed against the side display, which was a little uncomfortable. That said, it was easy enough to use the device with one hand, and I had no problem accessing both buttons on top with my index and middle fingers. The lack of real comfort isn’t a deal-breaker, but the device definitely isn’t as comfortable as many other lasers I’ve used, even those priced comparably, so this is worth noting.
On course performance
Out on the golf course, where it really matters, the CT-1200 PRO consistently performed well during repeated use.
Speed, range, and accuracy
The massive 1300-yard range is excessive for a golf laser rangefinder, and I didn’t push it that far. However, I easily targeted trees, bushes, and obstacles up to 433 yards without issue. Generally speaking, it’s a very fast-firing rangefinder and has little difficulty locking onto pins. The pin lock-on range is up to 250 yards, which is more than enough for most golfers. The device also vibrates once a lock-on has been acquired, which is very helpful for confirmation.
I did most of my pin zapping from 150 yards and in, and the CT-1200 PRO handled these shots well, even when the backdrop to the pin was busy. The accuracy was more than acceptable. I compared readings with my Shot Scope V5 golf watch and my trusty Shot Scope PRO L2 rangefinder, and found them to be very comparable. Cigman claims the device is accurate to within +/- 1 yard, and it was certainly close enough to that tolerance for me.
Viewfinder and Slope mode
I found the device was easy to focus using the rotating focus ring, and once adjusted, it remained in place, something many more expensive rangefinders sometimes struggle to do.
While the display is clear and the magnification (x6) is good, it can look a little cluttered at times, given all of the information it displays: a crosshair, battery icon, mode icon, main distance, and slope-adjusted value. I tested the rangefinder in varying lighting conditions, and while it doesn’t have red and black dual optics like the Shot Scope ZR rangefinder, it was still easy enough to zap targets and read the on-screen information.
The CT-1200 PRO also has a Slope mode, which works really well, but is a little awkward to enable as you need to press and hold the Power and Mode buttons simultaneously. Personally, I prefer a simple on/off switch for Slope mode. For competitive rounds where Slope must be disabled, a large green box appears around the LCD screen to signal that it is not active. I’m not sure how obvious this would be to playing partners, but it will give you peace of mind that you’re not breaking any rules during competitive rounds.
Standout feature: The external LCD screen
Even if the internal viewfinder were an issue, the LCD screen on the side of the device, the CT-1200 PRO’s standout feature, solves it. The previous CT-1200 model’s display was a poor, low-resolution attempt, but the PRO’s screen is considerably larger and more useful.
Instead of just showing the main distance value, this display now shows the main distance, the mode in use, slope information, and battery level, essentially everything that is shown in the viewfinder. Where the screen really adds value is when you forget the distance information you’ve just gathered. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had to re-zap a pin because I missed the reading. Thankfully, this information is shown for several seconds after you’ve zapped the target, so you can just glance at the screen. It’s one of those features you don’t realise is so helpful until you have it.
As the external display is a touchscreen, you can tap it to change the mode. It automatically locks to avoid accidental presses. While auto-lock is useful, it seems to activate after each mode change, meaning you need to constantly press and hold the lock button to unlock the screen between each change of mode. This is really annoying. For this reason, I opted to use the button on the top of the device to change the mode, which is much more efficient.
Other features and extras
Like most budget rangefinders, the CT-1200 PRO has additional modes, such as the ability to measure speed and vertical distances. In truth, I’d much rather these weren’t present as they just add extra time and effort when cycling between modes.
The good news is that the CT-1200 PRO is IP54 rated, which means that it’s water-resistant. It won’t survive a bath, but it should cope with the odd bit of rainfall here and there.
Unlike many other laser rangefinders, which still use replaceable batteries, the CT-1200 PRO has a built-in lithium-ion battery charged via the supplied USB-C cable. It apparently lasts for 20,000 uses from one single charge. Obviously, I’ve not been able to test how true this is, but if it is, then you’ll probably only ever have to charge this thing once!
Final thoughts
If you’re looking for a very affordable golf laser rangefinder, the CT-1200 PRO is definitely worth considering. It’s slightly more expensive than the CT-1200, but in my opinion, it’s considerably better.
The CT-1200 PRO delivers exceptional value. Its main feature is the upgraded external LCD screen, which is a game-changer for casual use. While the overall feel in hand and the frustrating default mode-change process are areas for improvement, the speed, accuracy, and very affordable price point make these drawbacks easy to overlook. It comes with all the main features the average golfer will need, and it’s fast and accurate. While the lack of a built-in cart magnet might deter some buggy users, for the price, this is arguably one of the best golf laser rangefinders I’ve reviewed and is well worth considering.
Finally, for those of you looking for peace of mind, the CT-1200 PRO comes with a 3-year warranty as standard, which is the longest warranty I’ve ever seen for a golf laser rangefinder.
Order the Cigman CT-1200 PRO
If after reading this article you’re interested in purchasing the Cigman CT-1200 PRO, hit the button below to visit the official Cigman store and enter my code ‘AGB15‘ to save an extra 15% on their current prices.
With this affiliate link, I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases but at no extra cost to you. This code can be used on a range or products, and worldwide.
