We take a look at the best golf rangefinders on the market with Slope functionality
When it comes to a yardage device, users are spoilt for choice, with there being multiple options available on the market. One of those options is a rangefinder, which has become one of the most important pieces of equipment in the golf bag over the past few years. Like any piece of golf equipment, technology has come on in leaps and bounds and, it’s the same story with the rangefinder, as multiple new models feature something called ‘Slope Functionality’, an addition which helps compensate for changes in gradient and adjust the distance to the flag or object accordingly.
Essentially, if you are hitting uphill, the shot is actually playing longer and a Slope distance will reflect this, whilst a shot hit downhill will travel further. Currently, Slope Functionality is banned in competition play, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get some use out of it, with it being extremely handy for practice and sociable rounds on hilly courses, when elevation and drops play a huge part in the overall layout.
The majority of the best golf rangefinders feature Slope functionally and, because it isn’t legal for tournament play, they have a quick and easy toggle to turn it on and off depending on the round you taking part in. What’s more, some even account for the environmental elements like temperature and altitude as well, which also make a difference to how the ball will travel.
With so many models available on the market, it can be difficult to work out what rangefinder is best for your golf game. Perhaps you don’t want to break the bank and are after one of the best budget golf rangefinders, or maybe you want one of the best Bushnell golf rangefinders, either way, there are a lot of options which use Slope.
In this guide, we at Golf Monthly have tested the very best golf rangefinders with Slope currently available, with all of these rangefinders being reviewed by our team. However, if a rangefinder isn’t appealing to you, then why not also check out our guides on the best golf GPS devices or even the best golf watches.
check today’s price on AMAZON
BEST GOLF RANGEFINDERS WITH SLOPE
INESIS GOLF 900 LASER RANGEFINDER
One of the best value rangefinders you can buy
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 175g
Range: 5-1300 yards (flag 350 yards)
Magnification: 6x
Protection: N/A
Battery life: 5000 measurements
REASONS TO BUY
+Excellent level of features for the price
+Easy to be use and proven to be accurate
REASONS TO AVOID
–Lacks the premium appeal of others visually
We really like Decathlon’s Inesis gear, as you can see from our other gear guides. The same is true for this laser. This unit is reasonably priced and has a Slope Compensation toggle that makes it easy to turn on and off distances that are set for slope for both practice and competition play.
We tested this model against a more expensive rangefinder and the results were very interesting. The Inesis was much more accurate and easier to use than the more expensive rangefinder, which are both very important things to look at when reviewing a laser.
A First target priority function separates the flag, and measurements are proven by vibration. It’s very easy to do. It can measure in yards or metres and is accurate to +/- 1 yard. You can set the first target as the priority, and the scope is 6x magnified, so you can see things very clearly. It’s also well-made, as it fits your hand well and has the right amount of weight. LFBUDDY LASER ATOM RANGEFINDER
check today’s price on AMAZON
GOLFBUDDY LASER ATOM RANGEFINDER
A compact yet brilliant rangefinder with all the bells and whistles
SPECIFICATIONS
Range : 880 yards
Magnification: 6x
Protection : Luxury case
Battery life: 5000 acutations
REASONS TO BUY
+Very fast measurements
+Scan, Pin and Slope modes boost practicality
+Ultra premium carry case included
REASONS TO AVOID
–Compact design won’t be useable for everyone
This is the best camera for the money if you want something small but high-quality with all the perks. In this list, the GolfBuddy Laser Atom Rangefinder is one of the smallest. This makes it easy to take and use. However, its small size doesn’t make it less useful; this laser is very powerful in what it can do.
It can find and accurately measure the distance to targets up to 880 yards away, has a battery life of 5000 activations, and comes in a stylish case that you can carry in your pocket or attach to your bag.
When you get to the course, you’ll see how useful this rangefinder is. It’s easy to turn on and off the scan mode, pin mode, and slope correction. Besides that, it has a bright LCD screen with text that is big and clear.
check today’s price on AMAZON
TECTECTEC KLYR LASER RANGEFINDER
Compact, stylish, and functional, the KLYR offers incredible performance at its highly competitive price point
SPECIFICATIONS
Range: 400-yards
Weight: 567g
Magnification: N/A
Protection: Luxury case
Battery Life: N/A
REASONS TO BUY
+Impressively vibrant display optics
+Extremely accurate even from long range
+Retrieves actual and adjusted yardages quickly
+Sleek and stylish aesthetically
+Tremendous value at its price point
REASONS TO AVOID
–Not waterproof
We loved how small and light the KLYR (pronounced clear) was as soon as we picked it up. In the first place, this gadget is about 30% smaller than most of its rivals, and it also weighs less than 600g. Even though it’s small and light, we thought it was very strong when we tested it.
There were no problems with precision, and when the slope feature was used, the yards that were changed were also right on the mark. This, along with the clear visual display that shows the difference between real and adjusted yardages, gave us the confidence to hit our golf shots.
The price is lower than many of its competitors, and the performance is on par with or better than that of more expensive models. The KLYR also has some other qualities that make it more valuable as a whole. For instance, it comes with a nice carrying case that you can easily attach to your bag. The device itself has a magnet that lets you keep it on a moving cart while you play. The KLYR also comes with a magnetic belt clip that you can use to keep it on your belt during your round.
check today’s price on AMAZON
GOLFBUDDY LASER LITE 2 RANGEFINDER
For golfers that prefer a lightweight laser rangefinder
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 140g (excluding battery)
Range: 2-880 yards / 2-800 metres
Magnification: x6
Protection: IPX4 light rain
Battery life: 3,000-5,000 actuations
REASONS TO BUY
+Quick to display distances
+Slope enabled
+Scan mode useful off the tee
+Excellent value for money
REASONS TO AVOID
–Turning slope on/off is time consuming
–Lightweight design limits stability
Many good things can be said about the GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 rangefinder. Its range has been increased from 800 yards to 880 yards, and it is slightly smaller than its original.
The new textured area on the bottom and the top of the device helped us keep a firm grip on it while we were trying. It also seemed to give us yardages a little faster when we were shooting the flag.
The numbers were about as accurate as higher-end models, and the ones that weren’t tuned for slope were very close to those from the best Bushnell golf rangefinders. When going uphill, the numbers were about the same, but when going downhill, the less expensive types had the longer yardages.
check today’s price on AMAZON
BLUE TEES SERIES 3 MAX LASER RANGEFINDER
Premium performance that won’t break the bank
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: N/A
Range: 900 yards
Magnification: x7
Protection: Water resistant
Battery life: 3,500 – 4,000 actuations
REASONS TO BUY
+Exceptional clarity and speed
+Premium aesthetics
+Excellent value for money
REASONS TO AVOID
–Magnetic strap on case often comes loose
The Series 3 Max from Blue Tees is another model on this list. It comes from a name that isn’t as well known. It comes in three nice colours: blue, black, and pink. The display is one of the best things about it.
The lock and sound feature makes sure the user has the right target, so they don’t have to guess and spend as much time reshooting for longer distances.
One other thing that really stood out to us during tests was how quickly the distance was shown—you don’t have to wait to get the number you need. When we talk about speed, the button on the side makes it easy to turn on or off the slope feature. The only small thing we didn’t like about the case was the magnetic strap could be better.
check today’s price on AMAZON
BUSHNELL PRO X3 GOLF RANGEFINDER
Bluetooth app connectivity provides best-in-class accuracy
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 340g
Range: 600+ yards
Magnification: 7x
Protection: Rubber-armored metal case
Battery Life: N/A
REASONS TO BUY
+Incredibly accurate
+More secure Slope switch
+Partnering app enhances ease of use
REASONS TO AVOID
–Heavy, substantial feel
One of the first Bushnells on the list is the Pro X3, which not only features Slope Functionality but also a Dual Display button that transforms the visuals from black to red, making them more apparent in settings when there is less light. There is also a feature that allows you to modify the elevation, and you can access it through the app.
In reference to the Bushnell Golf App, which can be paired with a Bluetooth device, you have the ability to make adjustments to the settings in a much more straightforward manner, as well as save statistics, information about games and courses, and update the firmware. The application, which is provided at no cost to you when you buy a Bushnell device, also offers full-color GPS hole maps that include a moveable pointer and flyovers. These features are designed to assist you in situations where you are unclear of what lies ahead or when you are taking blind shots.
The only slight criticism we have of this laser is that it has a weighty feel to it. Other than that, we appreciated almost every aspect of it during our testing efforts. On the other hand, this may also be an advantage to some individuals because it may be simpler to lock onto targets when using a heavier model.
check today’s price on AMAZON
A superb performer that boasts a feature unique to the category that should save users time
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 140g
Range: 5-1,100 yards
Magnification: 6x
Protection : Carry case with magnetic closure tab and suede-like inner lining
Battery Life: 10,000 shots from a full charge
REASONS TO BUY
+Very accurate
+Nifty Caddy Mode saves time
+Premium carry case
REASONS TO AVOID
–Side display could be more readable
–Industrial look may not please all
Caddy Mode, which integrates three-dimensional measurement, is the key feature that sets the CaddyTalk Cube rangefinder apart from other similar products. If you are unclear of what this is, then image the following scenario: you are sitting at your cart waiting for your friend to hit, but you are unable to obtain your yardage because if you went to your ball thirty yards down the fairway, you would be in the way of their shot.
As a result of this, you are required to wait in order to determine the distance and select the appropriate club. However, with the CaddyTalk Cube, you are able to shoot your ball from where you are standing and then pan to the pin. The Cube will then calculate and display the appropriate distance, just as if you were standing right next to your ball. In the course of our testing, we discovered that this feature was not only extremely accurate but also quite simple to use.
The Cube includes a display on the side of the gadget that indicates the distance you’ve zapped as well as the distance unit. This is not the only feature that you receive with this model; the Cube also has a display that shows the distance unit. Additionally, the ‘Slope’ indicator is presented in three distinct colours: red indicates that there is no slope (which is required for tournaments), green indicates that e-Slope is active, and blue indicates that Magic Slope is being utilised. Additionally, it will display when the Caddy Mode is being utilised, and it is important to note that this is perfectly legal for competition play as long as all slope functionality is off.
check today’s price on AMAZON
A cutting-edge, 3-in-1 piece of golf equipment
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 201g
Range: 900 yards
Magnification: x7
Protection: Water resistant case
Battery life: Approximately 5800 measures
REASONS TO BUY
+3-in-1 functionality
+H4 GPS is an excellent, compact device that enables shot tracking
+Laser/GPS combination improves strategy
REASONS TO AVOID
–Pro LX laser sometimes struggled to pick out the flag from a busy background
The Shot Scope Pro LX+ is a pioneering technology that combines the precise measuring capabilities of a laser rangefinder, the convenience of a handheld golf GPS device, and the analysis of shot tracking performance.
The H4 GPS, a compact device that is magnetically attached to the front of the Pro LX laser rangefinder, facilitates the GPS and shot tracking functions. Additionally, the laser rangefinder offers Slope mode and the choice of a red or black display, depending on the prevailing light circumstances.
The display speed of the distance is significantly higher compared to the Pro L1 rangefinder, however it occasionally encountered difficulties when the flag was positioned against a cluttered background.
check today’s price on AMAZON
GARMIN APPROACH Z82 RANGEFINDER
Seamlessly combines GPS hole maps with fast and accurate laser functionality
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 232g
Range: 450 yards flag
Magnification: 6x
Protection: IPX7 Waterproof
Battery life: 15 hours
REASONS TO BUY
+Hole overlays assist with strategy, especially off the tee
+Accurate and surprisingly easy to use
REASONS TO AVOID
–Complex functionality takes some getting used to
The Approach Z82 lets you see both full-color Course View and Green View information through the lens with 2D overlays. When you look through the viewfinder, on the left side of the lens view is a full-color 2-D Course View mapping that shows how far away hazards and the green are. The flag finder tool will lock on the flag and give you exact distances to the pin.
At the distance to the flag, the Laser Range Arc will be drawn on the green. This lets the player know whether the pin is in the front, middle, or back of the green. As you aim for other goals on the course, you can also use this arc to see what else is in play.
There are six different views: Course, Green View, PlaysLike Distance (which takes into account hills), Pin Pointer (which points to the middle of the green on blind shots), and Laser Range Arc. This is without a question one of the best golf laser rangefinders you can buy. It’s also one of the most expensive, but the user experience is unmatched, and it’s really impressive how GPS technology and hole maps have been built into a rangefinder.
check today’s price on AMAZON
Fast, accurate, and visually vibrant
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 300g
Range: 2500 yards (600 flag)
Magnification: 7x
Protection: Waterproof (IPX7)
Battery life: 2000 range cycles
REASONS TO BUY
+Retrieves yardages quickly and accurately
+Display optics are best in class
+Easy to use on the course
REASONS TO AVOID
–Adjusted and actual yardages can’t be displayed together
All things considered, the Q-6 Rangefinder from Cobalt Golf is an impressive piece of equipment. Not only does it feature some of the most remarkable display optics that we have ever seen on a laser rangefinder, but it also provided us with excellent speed and precision when recovering yardages, as we discovered via our testing.
The ease of use that is incorporated into the design of the Q-6 Slope is a special feature that stands out. The Q-6 Slope also has a sophisticated appearance and a solid and long-lasting feel when it is being used. The SmartSwitch, which is placed on the side of the device, allows golfers to alter the brightness of the display to accommodate for the lighting in any given playing environment. Additionally, golfers can use the SmartSwitch to switch slope functions off and on as needed and for tournament play. Additionally, there is a button that allows players to swap between yards and metres. This button is available to them.
Last but not least, it is completely waterproof and comes with a sturdy carrying case. Additionally, Cobalt provides a lifetime warranty that makes it possible to repair or replace any equipment that becomes damaged or malfunctioning while it is being used.
check today’s price on AMAZON
BUSHNELL TOUR V6 SHIFT LASER GOLF RANGEFINDER
Combines speed with easy accuracy
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 246g
Range: 5-1,300 yards
Magnification: x6
Protection: IPX6 – rain proof
Battery life: N/A
REASONS TO BUY
+Exceptional optics
+Highly accurate
+Easy to shoot the flag
REASONS TO AVOID
–Limited improvements over prior model
–Carry case elastic strap can be fiddly to rehouse
It is common knowledge that Bushnell is the manufacturer of the very best golf rangefinders, and the Tour V6 Shift continues this brand’s tradition. When it came to its appearance, we believed it was more appealing than its predecessor, the Tour V5 Shift. The additional weighing ensured that it did not sway in the wind while we were shooting the flagstick.
Despite the fact that there is a focus toggle, we had the impression that the focus was somewhat automatic because we have never had to alter it since we started using the Bushnell. The display is quite clear and bright, which makes it easier to see the flag even when it is located at a great distance and in low-light settings.
Given the extensive feature list, the ease of use, the accuracy, and the access to the superb Bushnell GPS app, which offers 3D hole maps and flyovers in addition to scoring functionality, we believe that the Tour V6 is a trustworthy companion on the course for any level of golfer in the year 2023.
check today’s price on AMAZON
VOICE CADDIE SL3 ACTIVE HYBRID GPS RANGEFINDER
A stunning blend of aesthetics, GPS technology and functionality
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 218g
Range: 5-1,000 yards
Magnification: x6
Protection: N/A
Battery life: Laser mode 45 hours, GPS mode 25 hours
REASONS TO BUY
+Very fast and accurate
+Can measure all sorts of course features
+Will help you read greens
+Comfortable to hold
REASONS TO AVOID
–Requires regular recharging in golf mode
The Voice Caddie SL3 Active Hybrid GPS Rangefinder is a great device that has both a laser and a GPS in one. The SL3 was so good that we gave it our Editor’s Choice Award in 2023. It has a colour touch LCD screen under the lens that lets you change settings and, most importantly, see maps of the holes and greens. The laser rangefinder is accurate and easy to use.
When it comes to yardage, the SL3 is quick and accurate, and the screen is simple to read. We discovered that the OLED two-color display had a button on top that let us change how bright it was. It was also very easy to find our target, both by hand and with the new Pin Tracer tool that filters pins with GPS help.
As was already said, the SL3 is packed full of functions and looks great. It’s also very easy to use. It tested well and fit comfortably in the hand. It came with a leather bag and a magnetic flap to close it. If you use the GPS, you’ll need to charge it every two or three rounds. Luckily, the LCD screen turns off when the battery life gets low, so you can use the laser rangefinder to finish the round.
check today’s price on AMAZON
GOLFBUDDY LASER 2S RANGEFINDER
Simple to use with lots of features that help on the course
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight : 218g
Range: 880 yards
Magnification : x6
Protection: IPX4 Water-resistant
Battery Life: N/A
REASONS TO BUY
+Easy to use
+Plenty of useful features
+Display is clear, bright and wide
REASONS TO AVOID
–Slope mode time consuming to switch on/off
In addition to being water-resistant, the Laser 2S comes with a luxury carry bag and weighs 218 grammes, which finds the ideal mix between being stable and not being overly tiring. In addition to that, it has a boxy design, which, when we tested it, we discovered suited quite well in our hands.
It is similar to other GolfBuddy devices in that it has three modes: Standard, Scan, and Pin. These modes may be accessed by the button located on the top of the device. When it comes to evaluating the topography, all three are really helpful, particularly when it comes to high tee shots.
Due to the fact that the display itself is large, bright, and clear, even in less bright settings, it does not present any problems. In addition, there is a focus dial that is located around the eyepiece, which is a convenient addition; but, during our testing, we was never required to make use of it in order to modify our view and improve the clarity.
check today’s price on AMAZON
NIKON COOLSHOT 50I LASER RANGEFINDER
Provides a high level of features and accuracy at a decent price
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 175g
Range: 1200 yards
Magnification: 6x
Protection: IPX4
Battery life: N/A
REASONS TO BUY
+Tacky areas on the casing enhance grip
+Built-in magnet for convenient storage on a buggy
REASONS TO AVOID
–Lightweight feel reduces stability in the wind
The Coolshot 50i succeeds in striking a wonderful mix between being fairly priced and delivering a level of functionality that is comparable to those offered by other products. It is unlikely that you will drop it in your hand because of the textured areas on the top and bottom that are sticky. However, the fact that it weighs well under 200 grammes means that it is a little wobbly in the wind, and it does not have the stabilisation feature that the Coolshot Pro II Stabilised model has to compensate for this.
Additionally, the optics are really outstanding in general, and the red graphics on the display are brilliant, which is helpful in settings where there is a lot of cloud cover. Despite the fact that the distances were rapidly increasing, we were able to shoot all we wanted to.
The golfer who has a stable hand, plays a lot in a buggy, and wants the option of slope-adjusted distances available is the type of golfer that you should consider purchasing this model, according to our personal opinion.
check today’s price on AMAZON
SPECIFICATIONS TABLE
HOW WE TEST RANGEFINDERS
It is an obvious statement to make but the best way of testing rangefinders is to use them at every opportunity on the golf course, and at Golf Monthly we do just that, over a number of rounds and in different conditions too because if a rangefinder only works in the sun then it is half as useful as it should be right?
As the entire team are regular golfers, rangefinders usually get a thorough testing and often get compared to one another side by side to test for things like accuracy, waterproofing, durability and other features. That way we can give honest and insightful feedback to you, the reader. One last thing about our testing ethos, no manufacturer can buy a good review. We make our opinions on how the testing goes, nothing else.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST GOLF RANGEFINDER
So you have decided you want a laser rangefinder, but what are some of the things you should be aware of before buying? Let’s take a look.
Accuracy
This is the most important factor when buying a laser. If it isn’t accurate, it is pointless because it will provide misinformation which could lead to you playing the wrong club and a bogey or two may ensue. Accuracy is what usually separates the models we have selected above, and the ones you can find on Amazon, so be wary of how inconsistent and unreliable some very cheap models can be.
Slope
Do you want your model to offer slope measurements too? If so check out the technical specifications of certain models but all the models featured in this guide offer slope functionality, compensating for changes in gradient.
Waterproofing
A good laser will work just as well in the rain as it will in the sun, which makes waterproofing important. Here we would recommend doing research on which models offer full waterproof protection, and those that are only water-resistant as that can be a big difference especially if you play a lot of golf in the rain.
Strength
Linking with the above point, good lasers have to be able to sustain a drop or two because we all drop things every now and again. Here check out which models have some degree of impact resistance, and be sure to check if the laser comes with a case because lots of models come with strong cases that conveniently clip onto your golf bag now.
Convenience
Speaking of convenience, lasers have to be quick and easy to use. Get it out, measure the flag, put it away in its case. If a laser is complicated or takes a while to display a measurement, then it adds time rather than saves it. To work this out, we would often recommend trying out some models in retailers and pro shops.
Budget
Be aware of how much you are willing to spend on a laser because there are good models at every price point these days. For example the Inesis 900 is one of the cheapest on this guide and we thought it offered excellent performance, whereas if you want to spend more and go towards the premium end of the spectrum, you can also do that with models like the Garmin Approach Z82.
FAQS
ARE GOLF RANGEFINDERS WITH SLOPE LEGAL?
Yes, but only in social play and not competition play. Rangefinders that have Slope Reading – This gives you the degree of elevation of the shot you are playing and will show you the actual yardage and ‘plays like yardage’ and Weather Conditions, are allowed in casual play with your friends, but must be disabled for competition use. If they are not, then you will be disqualified.
ARE RANGEFINDERS WORTH IT?
Yes! We believe so! Firstly, they save a lot of time, last a long time, are convenient and simple to use, offer in-depth detail of the shot you face, and can sit easily on your golf bag.
With a laser, no longer do you have to find a sprinkler, or guess yardages, because you can simply zap the flag or hazards to help you plot your way around the course.
WHAT IS SLOPE MODE ON A RANGEFINDER?
A slope edition rangefinder gives you the distance to the flag and the degree of elevation to the target. The change in elevation (Slope) will give you a yardage to play for, so you can calculate the right club for the shot based on the yardage and slope.