Do I need a golf rangefinder with slope?
No matter if you play golf often or just occasionally, you likely know about golf rangefinders, including those that offer slope calculations. However, you may not know if this is a machine you should buy for your golfing. This type of device can help you determine the slope of an area, which allows you to determine how to make every shot count.
You might want to invest in a golf rangefinder with slope if you answer yes to any of these questions.
- Do you want to be able to choose the correct club for a shot?
- Do you play on courses that have different types of elevation?
- Are you trying to improve your golf game?
- Do you want to be able to size up distances to the pin quickly?
What is slope and how does it affect my game?
The slope, in terms of golf rangefinders, refers to a change in elevation between two different areas. In other words, if an area is not flat, it will have a slope of some sort, whether it is minor or severe.
This is an important thing to know in golf, mainly because it can help you determine your shots and the correct golf club to use for each shot. It isn’t just as simple as hitting the ball a certain distance in a straight line.
Knowing the slope of an area will help you figure out how hard to hit the ball, so that it travels the distance you want it to go. The reason why you should trust a golf distance finder to do this is because it is not easy to do by yourself. There is a bit of math involved, which would take a while to calculate by hand, and include measuring aspects of the landscape.
How accurate is the slope calculation and how will it affect my shot?
The slope calculation that is done by golf rangefinders provides you with a number called the adjusted distance. Here’s how it works.
First, a golf rangefinder with slope uses its laser to measure the distance from where you are standing to the pin or flag, which is simply the horizontal distance to the hole. It also calculates how long it takes the laser to reach back to the rangefinder, which is called the angle of return.
Essentially the difference between these two calculations will provide the height of the elevation or ground that is between you and hitting your target. They are used to provide the slope adjusted distance, which is the number you’ll need to know before you are able to figure out your shot. The formula for slope adjusted distance is horizontal distance plus height.
What are the best golf rangefinders with slope?
- Bushnell Tour V4 Shift (Slope) Golf Laser Rangefinder
- Bushnell Pro X2
- Precision Pro Golf, NX7 Pro Slope Golf Rangefinder
- Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder
- Leupold GX-5i3
- Bushnell Pro XE
- TecTecTec VPRO DLXS Golf Rangefinder
- TecTecTec Laser Golf Rangefinder VPRO500S
- Callaway Tour S Golf Laser Rangefinder
- Wosports Golf Laser Range Finder with Slope
Here’s a look at our top 3 best golf rangefinders with slope.
#1. Best for high-end specs: Bushnell Tour V4 Shift (Slope) Golf Laser Rangefinder
- Measures up to 1000 yards
- Is accurate within 1 yard
- Has 5x magnification optics
- Can measure in yards or meters
- Dimensions: 3.11 x 1.57 x 4 inches
This is a powerful device that is easy to hold, comes with plenty of proprietary features, and provides feedback when you use it. You can also check out the companion app that increases what it can do.
#2. Best for ease of use: Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized Golf Rangefinder
- Measures up to 1200 yards
- Has 6x magnification optics
- Waterproof
- Dimensions: 4.8 x 6.6 x 3.4 inches
This compact machine is good for smaller hands, and has a clear lens, which makes everything easier to see and use. This product has an attractive design as well. Read the full review here
#3. Best for price: TecTecTec Laser Golf Rangefinder VPRO500S
- Measures up to 540 yards
- Has 6x magnification optics
- Accurate within 1 yard
- Water resistant
- Dimensions: 4.2 x 3 x 1.5 inches
This one is affordable and still has plenty of features to like. It also comes with a money back guarantee and accessories to keep it protected. It is a good option for your first rangefinder.
FAQs
Conclusion
If you are considering purchasing a golf rangefinder with slope, you should now have a better understanding of what these products do and how they can help you. There are many models to choose from nowadays, and they come in a range of prices, as well as different features.
While a golf rangefinder will not change your game overnight, once you get used to one and learn when to use specific clubs, you will likely be able to improve your golf game and score. This is true for those that golf nearly every weekend or just sporadically. Just keep in mind that you have to follow the rules at your local course, since not all places will allow you to use this type of machine.