Do I need a golf rangefinder with slope?
Whether you play golf often or just occasionally, you most likely know about golf laser rangefinders, including those that offer slope calculations. However, you may not know if this is a device that is right for you. A golf rangefinder with slope can help you determine the slope of an area, which especially be helpful for your uphill and downhill shots.
You might want to invest in a golf rangefinder with slope mode 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 golf courses that have different types of elevation?
- Are you trying to improve your golf game?
- Do you want to be able to size up accurate distances to the pin quickly?
What is slope and how does it affect my game?
The slope, in terms of laser 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 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.
When you know the slope of an area, it will help you figure out how hard to hit the ball, so that it travels the exact distance you want it to go. The reason why you should trust a golf laser rangefinder to do this is that 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 a laser rangefinder provides you with a number called the adjusted distance. Here’s how it works.
First, a golf laser rangefinder with slope mode 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 laser 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
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Best golf rangefinder with slope
Here are our top 3 selections of best golf rangefinders with slope measurement.
#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 Bushnell rangefinder is easy to hold, comes with plenty of proprietary features, and provides feedback when you use it. You can also check out the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift which is the latest Bushnell model.
#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 laser rangefinder 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 laser rangefinder.
FAQs
Final thoughts
If you are considering purchasing a golf rangefinder with slope technology, you should now have a better understanding of what these products do and how they can help you.
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.
Keep in mind that you have to follow the rules at your local golf course since not all places will allow you to use a golf laser rangefinder and you will not be able to use a device with slope compensation technology for tournament play.
Read related article: Is My Rangefinder Legal For A Tournament?