Modern classic: The Blue Tees Series 3 Max E Laser Review

Blue Tees Golf rangefinders are rapidly becoming a staple for the stylish golfer on the course. But does the function stand up to scrutiny as much as the form does?

There’s not a ton of difference between the Series 3 Max and the Series 3 Max E.

There, I said it.

Now, in complete fairness to Blue Tees, they know that as well – this is why the Series 3 Max E is only a £29.99 upgrade over the original Series 3 Max. So what do you get for the price increase? Like a lot of the Best Rangefinders on the market, the Max E sees some incremental upgrades to its functionality while maintaining its current high-quality design features.

There’s a good argument to be made that what isn’t broken shouldn’t be fixed, but here I think Blue Tees have made changes that justify the choice between the two models without charging through the nose.

Looks – 5/5

As has been the case for a long time now, Blue Tees makes a gorgeous product. Offered in both Navy/White and All-Black color schemes, everything from the logo – a stylish handwritten look akin to the Titleist look – through to the ribbed center section. The Series 3 has had care and thought put into its design that appeals to both the younger crowd as well as the golf classicist, who doesn’t anything overly bright or showy.

As we’ve mentioned it already, it seems the right time to talk about how well the Max E sits comfortably in the hands thanks to the central ribbing that runs across the body of the model. The mold runs around the entire unit, but the design doesn’t dig or catch against your hands with the depth or spacing of the ribs. It might sound minor to most, although this was the feedback from several of our testers so it’s worth highlighting the thoughts that come to mind.

The Navy and white model has a really cool contrast to it, but I tested the Black edition and I’ve not been disappointed so far, with a smart no-nonsense approach. The Black still has good contrast, with the dark gray front working well alongside the true black ribbing.

I really like the weight balance of the Series 3. There’s a good middle ground between having enough weight to keep my hand steady while targeting longer distances or in strong winds, but also being light enough that it doesn’t become an effort to use.

Technology – 3/5

We said that the Max E was an upgrade and we meant it. Most of the features you’ll see here are carryovers from the standard Series 3 model but enhanced with software upgrades and enhancements.

That doesn’t mean that, because there hasn’t been a ground-breaking addition, this is now a bad product though. The Max E is still a fantastic offering with a clear and accurate laser, able to lock onto a target from 1000 yards away – that’s 100 yards up from the previous Series 3! This is now a multi-use device so you can take the Max E away from the course for trips on other outdoor pursuits thanks to that extended range.

Blue Tees have carried over the Slope switch function, allowing you to see realistic ‘plays like’ distances that take elevation into account, and you’ve also got a magnetic lock on the side of the unit for easy access, by sticking the Max E to the side of your cart or buggy, on the course. This feature is shared with some of its sister products, including the Blue Tees Player GO – both of which are available in a convenient package that saves you money and time with the Player Pack, and you can read our reviews of both by clicking the appropriate link.

The final highlight of the tech is the ability to change the viewfinder’s internal display. This is my favorite piece of technology from the whole device, as I prefer brighter displays than the plain black that I normally look at. You can switch between Red and Black at the click of an independent button on top of the Max E so it’s easy to adapt to changing light conditions.

Performance – 5/5

There’s no need to overexplain this part of my review. The Series 3 Max E is a very solid product with little to no fault. I’ve not had any problems with it, and I love the functionality of the ‘customizable’ viewfinder HUD.

It’s a balanced product, in both the literal sense and as a financial investment, and the styling is still inspiring to look at as it sits here on my desk, just like it was when I first took it out of the packaging. There’s bonus marks on offer for Blue Tees including two additional batteries in the box, meaning I’m not going to be spending anything to keep the Max E working for the next 2-3 years, at least.

If I’m looking for a criticism then it’s only that there are lasers on the market that offer more, such as Garmin’s Approach Z82, but then again you’re also going to be paying over double the price for the (admittedly extensive list of) features to be found there.

Final Verdict – 13/15

As I’ve said from the start, the Blue Tees Series 3 Max E represents a small but solid gain on the previous iteration from the company. If you already have a Series 3, I’d keep your money. But for anyone looking to invest in either a replacement for a distance device that’s on its last legs or for the first time into the category, I’d be happy to recommend the Max E for you.

I love the sleek design, it’s comfortable to hold, and, most importantly, it’s a fast and accurate laser to use on the course with all the modern expectations of a Laser Rangefinder with minimum fuss. And at less than £/$250, you aren’t going to do any better than looking at this modern classic.

Match it up in the Blue Tees Player Pack, with the Player Go Speaker system, and you’ll have the perfect pair for your golf course yardages too.

About the author

Lewis Daff

Lewis joined the Today’s Golfer digital team in 2024, having spent more than a decade in both big-box golf retail and independent stores working as a club fitter and builder.

Experienced with every level of golfer, from beginner to professional, he has achieved Master Fitter and Builder status with most major manufacturers, including Mizuno, Taylormade, and Callaway, helping him to cement both a wide and deep knowledge base, ideal for helping guide golfers towards the correct equipment for them. Lewis specializes in Clubs, Shafts, Training Aids, Launch Monitors and Grips.

In Lewis’ bag is Titleist GT3 Driver (9º) with Fujikura Ventus Black, TaylorMade SIM Max Fairway Woods (15º and 18º), Wilson Staff D9 Forged 3-iron, Srixon ZX7 MKii Irons (4-PW), Titleist SM9 Wedges (52º, 60º), Toulon San Diego Putter, and Titleist ProV1X Left Dash.

Talk to Lewis about why steel shafts are now dead and graphite is the only way forward, or any other equipment you’d like to debate, via his email, Twitter, or Instagram.

Blue Tees Series 3 Max E Laser Rangefinder

RRP: £229.99 – BUY NOW - UK | $239.99 | BUY NOW - US

Range: 1000 yards

Magnification: 7x Scope

Slope function: Yes

Color: Navy / Black

Waterproof: No, but Water-Resistant

Carry Case: Yes, Waterproof

Power: CR2-3V Battery (comes with three)

Warranty: Two years limited