Golf Ball Retriever

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G olf ball retrievers have an obvious utility – they help you more easily recover balls you lose in hazardous areas of the field and allow you to pick up the balls you shot off the tee without having to hunch your back. Useful in a golfer’s bag as they add convenience to the game and shorten the time spent collecting the balls you hit, while obviously helping you save money on equipment as you can finally recover balls that end up in inaccessible areas, retrievers are a must-have for any serious golfer.

Top 12 Golf Ball Retrievers Compared

Photo	Product	Extends To	Retracts To	Material	Handle	Weight	Price
Best Overall	1. Pro Active The Original Bag Shag			Stainless steel and brass	Formed grip design	38.4 ounces
	2. Callaway	15′	45″	Aluminum alloy	Ergonomic	3.52 ounces	Check Price
Our Choice	3. I Gotcha	18′	21″	N/A	Rubber	19 ounces	Check Price
	4. Orlimar Fluorescent	15′	N/A	Aluminum	Rubber	N/A
	5. JP Lann	18′	40”	N/A	Rubber	20.8 ounces	Check Price
	6. ProActive Hinged	18′	47″	Aluminum	Rubber	26.4 ounces	Check Price
	7. Search and Rescue BR-R-66	15’	46”	Powder coated aluminum	Ergonomic	N/A	Check Price
	8. ProActive Fluorescent	9′	43.5″	N/A	Ergonomic	4.8 ounces	Check Price
Best Price	9. Mile High Life Telescopic	6.6’	16.5”	Stainless steel	Rubber plastic	7 ounces	Check Price
	10. Search N Rescue HC-econ-12	12’	44”	Aluminum	Anodized aluminum	N/A	Check Price
	11. JBM Automatically Retriever Device	6′	78”	Stainless steel	Rubber	20 ounces	Check Price
	12. Search N Rescue Two-Ball	18′	42”	Stainless steel	Ergonomic	N/A	Check Price

1. Pro Active The Original Bag Shag

Unlike our other selections that you will soon see all focus on the recovery of balls that end up in hard to access areas like sand and water hazards, the Pro Active helps improve your short game as it provides a fast and easy manner to collect the balls off the ground and from the holes. With the rust and break-resistant stainless steel springs and clip, it provides a convenient manner to pick up the balls in any weather, all without having to bend over to grab them yourself. Thus, it spares you from back pain related to this repetitive movement all golfers must do during each game, and it helps save time in the meanwhile as well.

The canvas bag it comes with can store up to 80 golf balls inside it without stretching, which is more than enough for long practice sessions. Furthermore, this added element provides a convenient manner to carry the balls on the field as well. It is available in 4 different colors, more precisely green, black, red, and blue, so you can match it to your usual golfing attire and other equipment. It features a convenient formed grip handle that delivers a comfortable and easy grip.

The best-selling ball retriever on the market as it not only provides the aforementioned advantages, but maintains a reasonable asking price and ensures durability in the long run, we recommend you seriously consider acquiring the Pro Active The Original Bag Shag to make your time spent on the golf course more enjoyable.

PROS	CONS
Canvas bag can store up to 80 balls Best-selling product on the market Stainless steel build makes it appropriate for use during any type of weather Available in 4 colors – green, black, red, and blue
VERDICT
The fact that it is the best-selling product in its niche is more than enough proof that if you acquire the Pro Active, you will make a wise investment. Able to store up to 80 balls in the bag it features and providing a convenient manner to collect the balls after you hit them off the tee, it helps improve your golfing experience as back pain won’t be an issue of concern anymore.

2. Callaway

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The Callaway features a stainless steel retriever mechanism that can pick up balls in a snap, and an ergonomic sure-grip handle that makes maneuvering it a pleasure. It measures 45 inches in length when retracted, and it allows you to extend it to a maximum of 15 feet. When you extend it to the fullest, its body will not bend as it is made with high-quality aluminum alloy that prevents this occurrence. Furthermore, it comes with a dual zip headcover that you can put on it to protect the head from damage when it is in the bag.

PROS	CONS
Very comfortable to hold It can extend to 15 feet Dual zip head cover Stainless steel mechanism	Lack of warranty Pricey acquisition
VERDICT
It comes with a dual zip headcover, and it is made with quality aluminum alloy that prevents it from bending when it is fully extended, so it’s easy to understand whyit is a top-selling product.

3. I Gotcha

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The newest addition is the “Executive XL” that is only 3.5-inch longer than the “Executive”, and it can be extended with an additional 4 feet in legth. The longest retriever is the “Biggest,” that can extend up to an amazing 18 feet. Therefore, if you are looking for a retriever, you can easily go for one that you can hide in your golf bag or for one that you can cover a lot of ground with. The I Gotcha features a telescoping shaft that allows convenient portability. It boasts a durable construction, features a durable aluminum shaft, and it comes with a 1-year warranty.

PROS	CONS
Very lightweight Durable construction Simple ball release 1-Year Warranty	Difficult to use in soft mud Comes at an expensive price
VERDICT
The I Gotcha is available on the market in 5 different sizes, in order to meet your individual needs and preferences. The “Executive” is one of the most compact units collapsing to a mere 15.5-inch and weighing only 0.5 pounds.

4. Orlimar Fluorescent

This retriever is made of aluminum and it is very durable. It is extremely easy to handle due to the comfortable grip. This also allows you to control it much easier when recovering balls from difficult places. The shaft can be adjusted and it extends to a maximum length of 15 feet. It is very easy to extend and it never bends. The orange head is florescent which makes it easy to see in the water. The head picks up the balls without difficulty and grabs them securely without dropping them. When folded, the retriever stands upright allowing you to grab it very easily.

PROS	CONS
Comfortable and firm grip Florescent orange head Sturdy construction Extremely easy to control	It is pretty long even when folded Heavier than most models
VERDICT
Featuring a simple and solid design, this retriever will stand the test of time. It is very easy to control and highly visible in the water.

5. JP Lann

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If you want to stop losing golf balls, the JP Lann will be more than helpful. The anodized steel with a convenient rubber shell that provides an easy grip to get a good hold on it. You can opt for the orange pressure cup that holds onto the ball or the metal hinge head that scoops the ball. Just remember that the orange head is better for use in the water because it’s easier to notice.

PROS	CONS
Telescopic shaft design Two head versions Collapses to 40 inches Great for use in water or bushes	Lack of warranty Some customers found it hard to extend it
VERDICT
Besides delivering on the promise to make your work of retrieving lost balls easier, it is backed by a 1-year warranty that exceeds industry standards and covers it against workmanship defects.

6. ProActive Hinged

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The ProActive Hinged is available in 4 different length sizes – a 9-inch model, a 12-inch model, a 15-inch model, and an 18-inch model. It features a rubber handle, so that you can feel very comfortable when using it, and a lightweight aluminum tubing that makes maneuvering it a cinch. This model is able to extend to a maximum of 18 feet in length. Golfers all over the world appreciate it not only due to its design, but due to the fact that it comes at a much cheaper price when compared to most entries on this market.

PROS	CONS
Comfortable rubber handle Easily traps balls Lightweight aluminum tubing Durable	Lack of warranty You have to perform a twist movement to get the ball in the cup
VERDICT
The ProActive Hinged will trap the ball from water or deep rough with ease and then secure it well, and it comes at a reasonable price, which makes it one of the most appealing entries in this market.

7. Search and Rescue BR-R-66

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Even though here we review the model that extends to a maximum of 15 feet, you should know that there is a 6.5-foot version available as well, in case you think a shorter retriever is better suited for you. Luckily, regardless of the model you pick, one thing is sure – you won’t pay much for it. The stainless steel rings and locking bar it features ensure the ball will be safely kept in place while you collect it from the landing spot. Its assembly is made with powder coated aluminum which is weather resistant, so durability is granted with it. Another mention-worthy aspect is that the handle is ergonomically designed, thus ensuring you will have an easy time using it when you fish out balls. Additionally, a dual zip head cover is included for protection.

PROS	CONS
Ball is held in place by stainless steel lock bar and rings Dual zip head cover is included Weather resistant design Covered by a 30-day warranty
VERDICT
Available in 2 size options and coming at a cheap price regardless of the model that you choose, this Search and Rescue product is what a golfer who is smart when it comes to gear needs.

8. ProActive Fluorescent

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When retracted, the ProActive Fluorescent measures 43.5 inches in length, while when it is extended to the fullest, it provides a 9-foot reach that helps you more easily collect balls that fall in hazardous areas of the course. It features a brushed aluminum shaft that ensures it withstands years of use without a problem, while the ergonomic design of the handle provides comfort as you maneuver it to recover your lost balls. The bright orange color of the head makes it easy to locate it underwater when you are scooping for balls that you lose there. Easy to use and available at a more than reasonable price, it is an entry that you are sure to enjoy using and a worthy addition to your golf bag.

PROS	CONS
Easy to use Reasonably priced Easy to grip the ball Brushed aluminum shaft	Not very durable Some customers complained that the plastic head snapped off after months of use
VERDICT
The ProActive Fluorescent provides an easy manner to trap and secure lost balls. As the head is ingeniously designed to be bright and visible, you will have an especially easy time recovering balls that fall in water with it.

9. Mile High Life Telescopic

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Measuring a convenient 16.5 inches when it is collapsed to allow easy storage in the golf bag and able to extend to 80 inches so that you can easily reach the balls you lose, no matter where they end up, it makes for a worthwhile acquisition for any serious golfer. The durable stainless steel body ensures years of use without damage, and the rubber handle provides a comfortable yet strong grip on it. A ball grabber is even included with the acquisition, a piece that you can screw onto the putter’s handle.

PROS	CONS
Designed for prolonged use Comes at a very cheap price Ball grabber easily screws onto the putter’s handle	Some customers have complained about its grab when taking balls out of ponds Some customers find the design of the shaft to be flimsy
VERDICT
Easy to use and extending to a sufficient 80 inches to give you the length you need when “fishing” for lost balls on the course, it provides with a cheap solution to cut down on costs when it comes to golfing gear.

10. Search N Rescue HC-econ-12

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As it can extend to a maximum of 12 feet, it makes for a great companion on the golf course, allowing you to recover balls which you lose in hard to reach spaces like sand traps or lakes. It features a hinged metal cup which ensures that there will be no difficulties in the retrieval process, regardless of the surface you are dealing with. When it is retracted, it measures 44 inches in length, so it will easily fit into your golf bag. Due to the fact that the head is made with cast aluminum, durability is ensured. Furthermore, seeing how the handle boasts an ergonomic shape and it is made with anodized aluminum, you are not only ensured convenience in use, but you are guaranteed to have a reliable product by your side as well.

PROS	CONS
Features a hinged metal cup Can pick up balls from any type of surface Durable design ensures this is a long-lasting investment Lightweight profile makes it easy to maneuver it	Takes a while to get the hang of using it Delicate when fully extended
VERDICT
A lightweight yet durable ball retriever that doesn’t come at an expensive price and actually helps you save a lot of money in the long run, this Search N Rescue entry is one of our favorites as it is a reliable tool for golfers to have at hand when they are on the course.

11. JBM Automatically Retriever Device

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The JBM uses a cup holder that is designed to ensure the balls won’t slip when they are retrived. Its convenient size helps fish back balls from water or dampen ground, so you don’t have to stretch your body to reach them. Furthermore, the cork sturdy grip handle ensures that the retriever never leaves the hand. Thus, you never have to worry about losing it in the water. Therefore, you can rely on it in whatever situation you find yourself in. You will be pleased to know that it is made with rust-free aluminium alloy, which means that it won’t damage or break as the years pass. Additionally, even though it’s made from thick metal, it still feels lightweight when you carry it.

PROS	CONS
Telescopic shaft design Two head versions Easy to grip and handle It can reach a large maximum distance	Lack of warranty Doesn’t extend to an impressive length
VERDICT
The reason why we recommend the JBM is because it’s made with thick metal that lasts for many years. Furthermore, the enhanced grips help you retrieve balls that are sunk in water or sand without much hassle or experiencing any discomfort, providing increased control over it.

12. Search N Rescue Two-Ball

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Unlike other models, it is specially engineered to provide collapse resistance when it is being extended. Thanks to the telescoping shaft design, the retriever is very easy to carry in the golf bag. The Search N Rescue Two-Ball comes with a 1-year limited warranty and it features a welded steel wire design basket dipped in a very bright orange epoxy paint for a very high visibility that makes it easy to recover balls lost in water. To use it, you just have to place the head behind the ball, pull, and lift. Then to release the ball, you just have to lift the trip wire and remove.

PROS	CONS
Telescopic shaft design Welded steel wire design basket No breakable locking devices Grabs and holds two balls	Lack of warranty Not the most durable design
VERDICT
The Search N Rescue Two-Ball is made of 100% U.S. components and entirely hand-assembled in the U.S.A. Each head is actually anodized for corrosion resistance, and the material used in the manufacturing process is Delrin, which is the same material that it is used to make industrial plastic gears.

Brands to Choose From

Losing balls during a golf game is something that all players are used to as this is an often occurrence. But it’s a shame to let so much money go to waste by losing the expensive balls or to inconvenience your game and end it because you don’t have any balls left to play with, especially considering that there is a solution to end this problem. The solution comes in the form of using a good retriever to get the balls out of hard to reach places such as water, sand traps, and bushy areas on the course. Of course, when purchasing such an item, you have to make sure that it’s made with the finest attention to detail and that it will actually help you recover the balls that you lose. For this to happen, you have to know what are the brands that produce the best quality items of this kind, brands that have made a name for themselves due to selling only great units.

• Callaway Golf
  There is no golf fan out there who doesn’t know about the Callaway Golf brand, a brand that has been around since 1982 and that has managed to stay at the top due to manufacturing only excellent golf related items along time. Among the wide variety of golf-related products that they have released, there have been numerous successful golf retrievers as well, the most notable definitely being the 45-inch long Callaway. There isn’t a chance for this brand to ever disappear from the top as it always focuses on improving the products it offers to golf players. Therefore, if you want to make sure that you’re actually buying a great quality model, choose Callaway Golf.
• ProActive Sports
  ProActive Sports is a brand that is well-known by golf enthusiasts due to the fact that it produces a wide range of different types of golf-related equipment that are necessary when playing. Of course, these pieces of equipment include high-quality retrievers, being no wonder that the brand appears two times on our top once you take a closer look at the specs of the models. What makes this brand so popular and sought after by golf players is the fact that it focuses not only on delivering great products but on offering items that are accessible when it comes to pricing as well.
• I Gotcha Golf
  Another brand that is renowned due to selling high-quality models that serve players well is I Gotcha Golf. This company operates as a subsidiary of Dynamic Brands Inc., and it has been founded in 1996. Since the moment it started operating, the company has produced a lot of high-end products that have put it on the map alongside heavier names such as Callaway. As you have probably already noticed, in our top, you can find a model produced by this manufacturer, more precisely the 20-inch I Gotcha. This model that excels due to its compact design, generous length, and ease of use. What’s great is that all the products offered by this brand are of the same high quality, so you won’t go wrong if you purchase any of them.

Useful Buying Guide

Just as essential in the golf bag as the clubs or any other piece of equipment, it is a must-have as it helps you cut on costs by helping you recover balls that end up in hard to reach areas. Of course, there’s the added benefit of not having to hunch after the balls anymore. But what exactly makes a retriever more qualitative? Continue to read if you want to find out and make a quality puchase.

• Length
  No doubt about it, length is a major aspect to take into account as it indicates how big of a reach you are provided, the bigger the length the better as you are able to recover balls that fall in the water or sand and are too far away to grab. To make sure that regardless of the situation you will get the ball back, we recommend you opt for a minimum length of 10 feet when it is extended. Of course, you must take into consideration the length when it is retracted as it shows how convenient it will be to carry it in the golf bag, being ideal for it to retract to a small size.
• Material
  Aside from being long, it should be sturdy as well, or it will inevitably bend when extended at full length. If the material it’s made of is thin and doesn’t have texture, the retriever will bend and you will not be able to get a good grip on the ball either. The best models are made of aluminum that is lightweight yet resistant and doesn’t change shape when it reaches long lengths. You can also opt for a stainless steel tube that is equally sturdy.
• Grip mechanism
  When you grab a ball, you need to make sure it stays in place and for that, you must look for models with a firm grip mechanism. Most golf ball retrievers have a round compartment that squeezes around the ball when they reach it so that it won’t be able to fall again. If the mechanism is not very stable, the ball won’t be grabbed firmly and chances are that you will lose it again. Therefore, we recommend you test the grip mechanism before buying it to see how well it holds the ball.
• Brand
  Although not essential, the brand of your sports equipment can count when trying to find a qualitative and durable model. It’s known that reputable brands are more trustworthy when it comes to all kinds of products, and golf retrievers are no exception. Therefore, it’s advisable to go for a model designed by one of the best brands, like I Gotcha Golf or Callaway.

Frequently Asked Questions