The Best Golf Rangefinders With Slope

Are you looking for the best golf rangefinders with slope? This post only focuses on the best of the best. If you want the utmost in accuracy, you need a rangefinder with slope functionality.

In this review, we have narrowed our list to only premium golf rangefinders that offer slope functionality. We will explain how slope works in a rangefinder, how to use it, and why you need it.

Let’s get started!

7-8-2023: Updated to add new choices

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

The Best Golf Rangefinders With Slope

As mentioned above, the focus of this post is only on the best golf rangefinders with slope functionality. There are tons or articles out there listing every single rangefinder available, but that is not helpful in making a decision.

We have filtered out any rangefinder that is not premium. The resulting list is the best of the best.

Why There is More Than One Choice

With this list, you could purchase any of these rangefinders and it would work great. However, they each offer slightly different functionality.

We will highlight the differences so you can narrow your choice to the right model for you. You can’t go wrong with any of these choices.

Rangefinders With Slope Summary List

Below is a summary of unique features among the rangefinders. After the summary table, you will find a more in-depth review of each model.

NOTE: The table looks best viewed in landscape mode on mobile devices

MODEL	PRICE	DISPLAY	UNIQUE FEATURES	FOR THE GOLFER WHO WANTS…
Bushnell Pro X3	$599	LCD	Locking slope switch, Home elevation, Dual display, magnetic	>The choice of PGA Pros >Best optics >Home elevation >Locking slope switch
Voice Caddie SL2 Active Hybrid	$599	LCD OLED	GPS, Noise filtering, Green undulation, Course layout view	> The choice of LPGA Pros >Hybrid with GPS >OLED display >Green undulation
Garmin Approach Z82	$499	OLED	Green view, Laser arc, Hazard view, Wind, Digital scorecard	>GPS in viewfinder >Laser arc (distance view) >Hazard view >Wind
Nikon COOLSHOT PROII	$399	OLED	6X magnification Helps Shaky hands	>OLED display >Built for shaky hands >Dual-locking tech >Fast lock
Bushnell Tour V6 Shift	$399	LCD	6X magnification, magnetic	>No frills, solid performer >Magnetic mount >PinSeeker with Jolt

Bushnell Pro X3 Golf Laser Rangefinder

Bushnell is the #1 rangefinder on the PGA Tour. The Pro X3 takes this to a new level.

The Pro X3 adds temperature and altitude to Bushnell’s patented Slope to deliver extraordinarily precise distances at a range of up to 600 yards.

It is the best rangefinder with slope on the market.

Key Features

The Bushnell Pro X3 is loaded with features. While it does not contain GPS, it makes up for that by having the highest quality optics and range finding functionality.

If you don’t need/want GPS with your rangefinder, the Pro X3 is the best.

Full Feature List

• Slope with “Elements” provides the most precise compensated distances
• Adjusted home elevation
• Slope can be turned on and off using the patented Locking Slope-Switch
• Dual Display toggles between bright red or crisp black display
• PinSeeker with Visual JOLT
• BITE Magnetic Cart Mount
• 600-Yard range to a flag
• 7X Magnification
• Rubber armored metal housing
• IPX7 Fully waterproof
• Bluetooth connectivity to Bushnell Golf mobile app

Voice Caddie SL2 Active Hybrid GPS Laser Rangefinder

Key Features

The Voice Caddie SL2 Active Hybrid is loaded with every feature you can imagine. Since it combines GPS with a traditional rangefinder (plus slope), you never need another device.

If you need/want GPS with your rangefinder, the Voice Caddie SL2 Active Hybrid is the best option.

Full Feature List

• Premium leather, grain pattern of oak, and precisely machined aluminum
• 2-Color OLED viewfinder offers clearer and brighter colors, even during sunrise or after sunset
• 6x Optical Magnification and wide angle lens allows you to adjust focus and capture the target up to 1,100 yards
• Slope integration with tournament mode
• Pin Assist eliminates errors from shaky hands or trees in the background and accurately measures distance in one click (utilizes GPS data to filter out the background and hone in on the pin)
• Precise information even on blind spots using the display screen with GPS data
• Smart Course View with innovative functions to help gain a better grasp on course layout for better course management
• Course Preview displays useful information such as driver landing area, distance to traps and hazards
• Touch the bunkers and hazards to see the distance to the front and back
• Zoom in to see enlarged views
• User IP gives you the distance from the selected point to the pin
• Driver Landing Area displays a line across the map to show the landing area of your driver from preset driver distance
• Active Green View rotates the green to the user’s location
• Green Undulation with 11-step undulation makes the green view more realistic and allows you to see the breaks
• Green Zoom allows you to move the pin and navigate around the green
• Green Attack Info lets you study the green, identify its size, and recognize risky areas to avoid
• Pin Reload allows you to customize and reset the pin setting
• Dimensions: 1.7″ x 3.05″ x 4.28″
• Weight: 7.8 oz
• Battery Type: Li-Polymer 3.7V
• Battery Life: GPS Pin Assist Mode 20 Hours • Laser Mode 45 Hours

Garmin Approach Z82 Golf GPS Laser Rangefinder

The Garmin Approach Z82 Golf Range Finder With GPS provides overlaid full-color 2D CourseView on the view finder.

The Approach Z82’s Green View feature automatically shows distance to the front and back of the green and PlaysLike Distance adjusts distances based on uphill or downhill slope.

The Z82 also accounts for for wind speed and direction so you can figure out exactly what club to hit.

Key Features

The Garmin Approach Z82 Golf Range Finder provides overlaid full-color 2D CourseView on the view finder. CourseView mapping helps players understand the course layout and what is actually in play around where you’re aiming.

Additional features include Hazard View, which allows you to quickly scroll through each hazard and layup distance on the map.  On blind shots, Find The Pin tells you the direction of the pin, so you’ll know where to aim.

If you need/want GPS with your rangefinder, the Garmin Approach Z82 Golf Range Finder is a great option.

How the Garmin Approach Z82 Golf Range Finder differs from the Voice Caddie SL2 Active Hybrid:> The Garmin Z82 displays GPS data on the internal viewfinder (overlaid) on the actual hole you see (the Voice Caddie has an external display)
>The Garmin Z82 does not include Green Contour data out of the box (it requires a paid membership)
>The Garmin Z82 accounts for wind speed and direction

Full Feature List

• Laser range to flag: 450 yards/411 meters
• Accurate within 10 inches
• 6x Magnification
• Flag Finder with vibration and visual confirmation laser has locked on
• Image stabilization
• Laser range arc (displays on GPS map and shows what’s in play at the distance you’ve aimed)
• PlaysLike Distance corrects for slope
• More than 41,000 preloaded course maps
• 2D Course maps displayed in viewfinder
• Green View (automatic when laser ranging the flag)
• Hazard View (scroll through each hazard on the map)
• Accounts for wind speed and direction
• Distances to front, center and back of green
• Drive distance arc
• Free course updates
• Auto hole transition
• Par information for each hole
• Auto zoom
• PinPointer (for lining up blind shots)
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 15 hours of battery life
• Can withstand splashes of water, rain or incidental exposure to water of up to 1 meter depth
• MicroUSB interface
• Full color OLED display
• Tournament mode (disables non-conforming features)
• Accuracy: +/- 1 Yard

Nikon COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized Golf Laser Rangefinder

Key Features

The COOLSHOT PROII golf rangefinder looks and performs like a champion! Nikon’s world-class optics are sure to provide an incredible view, while the OLED display ensures clear visibility regardless of weather conditions, so you can rely on its steadiness for unshakable confidence in every shot.

If you want a premium rangefinder with slope (and don’t need GPS), the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII is an incredible option.

How the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII STABILIZED differs from the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift:>The COOLSHOT PROII has incredible anti-shake technology
>The COOLSHOT PROII has an OLED display
>The Tour V5 Shift has an integrated magnet

Full Feature List

• Stabilized optics and laser provide fast and accurate operation
• DUAL LOCKED ON ECHO flagstick recognition technology offers visual and audio confirmation
• ID (Incline/Decline) Technology displays the slope adjusted distance, in addition to actual distance for an uphill or downhill shot
• HYPER READ provides quick and stable measurement response regardless of distance (approx. 0.3 seconds)
• ACTUAL DISTANCE INDICATOR—External green LED confirms ID Technology (slope) is off, letting your competition know that ID Technology mode is not being used
• 8 second continuous measurement (press and hold power button to continuously measure single or across multiple targets)
• Waterproof and fog-proof
• Multilayer coated optics with multiple layers of anti-reflective coating to maximize light transmission, brightness and contrast
• Wide field of view (7.5°)
• High-quality 6x monocular with multilayer coatings for bright, clear images
• Diopter adjustment function
• Large ocular and long eye relief for easy viewing with or without eyeglasses
• OLED display with auto brightness and high visibility red display provide ideal contrast in all lighting conditions
• Range: 8-1,200 yards
• Magnification: 6x

Bushnell Tour V6 Shift Golf Laser Rangefinder

Key Features

The Bushnell Tour V6 Shift golf rangefinder is all about accuracy, size & speed. It’s JOLT feature lets you audibly & visually know when you hit the pin. And its BITE magnetic cart mount means convenience.

If you want a premium rangefinder with slope (and don’t need GPS) made by the brand 99.3% of Tour Pros trust, the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift is a great option.

Full Feature List

• New, IPX6 weather resistance
• Slope-Switch Technology
• Built-in BITE Magnetic Cart Mount
• Improved PinSeeker with Visual JOLT Technology
• Ranges 400+ Yards to a Flag
• 6x Magnification
• Bright, Clear Optics (2x brighter than previous generation product)
• Legal for Tournament Play (when Slope mode is disabled)
• Display: LCD
• Power Source: 3-Volt Lithium (CR-2)
• Bluetooth: No
• Slope Switch: Yes
• Magnification: 6x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 21mm
• Exit Pupil: 4mm
• Extra Long Eye Relief: 16mm
• Range: 5-1,300 yards
• Ranging Accuracy: 1 yard
• Field Of View: 330ft@1000 yards
• COATINGS: Multi-Coated
• Length: 4.5″
• Width: 1.5″
• Height: 3.0″
• Weight: 8.0oz
• Waterproof: No

How To Choose The Best Overall Golf Laser Rangefinder (2023)

If you need help deciding on the best golf rangefinders on the market, read our in-depth article How To Choose The Best Golf Rangefinder.

It will help you understand what rangefinder features are available, how they work, how you can identify what type of rangefinder you need, and ultimately how to choose the best rangefinder for golf.

How Rangefinders Work

A laser rangefinder is a device that uses laser technology to measure distance. By bouncing a laser off of an object and measuring the time it takes for the laser to return, the rangefinder can calculate the distance to the object.

The best ones lock onto the flag extremely fast and offer a slope feature.

Laser rangefinders are used in a variety of applications, including surveying, navigation, and of course golf.

TECHNICAL EXPLANATION OF HOW A LASER RANGEFINDER WORKS
The laser rangefinder works by sending out a laser pulse and measuring the time it takes for the laser to bounce back off the object. The laser rangefinder then uses the formula: Distance = (Speed of Light * Time) / 2 to calculate the distance to the object. The speed of light is a constant, so by knowing the time it takes for the laser to bounce back, we can calculate the distance.

How Does The Slope Function Work On A Golf Rangefinder?

Now that we know how laser rangefinders work, let’s take a look at how they are used in golf. Laser rangefinders are becoming increasingly popular among golfers because they can help you make more accurate shots.

Most laser rangefinders on the market today come with a slope feature. Slope technology compensates for the elevation change between you and the flagstick.

If you want to skip right into the top rangefinders list, click here.

For example, let’s say you are standing on a hill and looking down at the flagstick. The laser rangefinder will give you the distance to the flagstick, but it will also take into account the fact that you are standing on a hill.

This is where slope comes in. Slope compensation will give you the adjusted distance to the flagstick, taking into account the elevation change.

Slope adjustment is a great feature to have if you are playing on a course with a lot of elevation changes. It can help you make more accurate shots and lower your score.

All of the best golf rangefinders come with slope switch technology. This gives you the ability to turn slope on & off to stay tournament compliant.

The Downsides to Using Slope Functionality

There can be a few drawbacks to using the slope functionality of a rangefinder, but they are limited to tournament play.

Firstly, you can become over reliant on it to provide the true distance to a target. While this works great in non-tournament play, you could struggle in tournaments if you can’t figure this out without the slope function turned on.

Ideally, you use the slope function in a practice round and note elevation adjustments in a yardage book. This would help you overcome this limitation and over time you should develop a sense of how uphill/downhill shots paly.

Secondly, if you forget to turn off the function in a tournament you will likely be disqualified. This is unlikely, but still something to consider if you play a lot of tournament golf.

Do You Need A Laser Rangefinder With Slope?

Yes. This is actually a really easy answer. The slope feature is massive–especially if you ever play a course with elevation.

Typically, golfers make guesses at how far uphill/downhill a shot plays. Most of the time they are way off on their estimates. A rangefinder with slope takes the guesswork out of play.

It is legal to use, so why not make the game a bit easier by knowing the correct yardage. If you are going to throw a rangefinder in your golf bag, it may as well have slope.

If you are going to get a rangefinder, get one with slope and don’t think twice. I have used rangefinders with & without slope and wish I had purchased one with slope from the beginning.

Is A Slope Rangefinder Worth It?

Slope functionality adds about $50-$75 onto the price of a rangefinder. Based on the cost-benefit, it absolutely is worth it.

As mentioned above, it takes away the guesswork at uphill/downhill shots. You are then free to focus on hitting a great shot vs wondering if it is playing 10 yards uphill or 15.

Having accurate yardages is critical to playing great golf. That is why Tour Pros are strict about having exact yardages when they play golf. It is that important.

Is A Slope Rangefinder Legal?

According to the USGA, you cannot use slope functionality in a tournament, competitive round, or a round of golf in which you post your score to GHIN.

You can however, use it in practice rounds. All of the rangefinders we are reviewing have an easy way to turn off the slope functionality.

Which Golf Rangefinder Has Slope & A Magnet?

The following Bushnell rangefinders have slope functionality & the BITE magnet system which allows you to easily attach to a golf cart:

Bushnell Pro X3

Bushnell Tour V6 Shift

Which Golf Rangefinder Has Slope & Wind Detection?

The Garmin Approach Z82 can calculate wind speed and direction to assist you in determining the most precise yardage.

Laser Rangefinders vs GPS Devices

Whether you want a rangefinder or GPS device, there is no wrong answer as to which device is better. Many players carry both devices to get the advantage from each.

There are a few key advantages that a golf laser rangefinder has over a golf GPS device.

First, laser rangefinders are generally more accurate than GPS devices. This is because they use laser technology to measure distance, while GPS devices use satellite technology. This means that laser rangefinders can be more accurate in measuring distances to the flag, hazards, and other objects on the course.

Second, laser rangefinders don’t require a satellite connection in order to function. This means that you can easily carry a laser rangefinder with you on the course, and don’t have to worry about losing a GPS signal. Occasionally satellite reception might be limited which leads to inaccurate yardages.

On the other hand, GPS devices can be attached to your bag, or you can wear a golf watch with GPS, providing real-time yardage updates. With GPS, you always see a visual of the hole with yardages to hazards, the green and any target you wish.

Hybrid Laser Rangefinder/GPS

Manufacturers also realized the tradeoff between GPS devices and laser rangefinders so they came up with an innovative idea; laser rangefinders with GPS functionality built-in.

These rangefinders incorporate GPS in (2) different ways:

1. External display built into the rangefinder
2. Internal display with overlaid visuals in the viewfinder

Learn How To Choose The Best Golf Rangefinder

If you still need help, read our comprehensive article How to Choose The Best Golf Rangefinder. We do an in-depth dive into rangefinder features, how they work, how you can identify what type of rangefinder you need, and ultimately how to choose the best golf rangefinder for yourself.

Just to reiterate, we only have selected the best golf rangefinders with slope. There were a few models that we were on the fence about, but decided to not include them since they did not perform at the highest level. So if a rangefinder is not on the list below, we deemed it to be lacking features or performance consistent with the best slope rangefinders.

Do You Want GPS With Your Rangefinder?

If yes, you have (2) great options (If no, move on to the next question):

Do You Want Your Rangefinder Without GPS?

If yes, you have (3) great options :

If You Are Still Unsure

Continue reading on to see the features from each model to get a better idea of what matches best with your needs. Think about how you will use the rangefinder in reality.

For example, if you already have a GPS device you like, you probably would not use that on a rangefinder so don’t get it.

Pairing a Rangefinder with a Launch Monitor

When you pair a launch monitor (such as the Bushnell Launch Pro) with a laser rangefinder, you are eliminating variables from your golf game–which is good! A launch monitor can help you dial in your exact distances for each club.

When you pair that with the on-course precision of a laser rangefinder, you take the guesswork out of each shot. You can then focus on the target and executing your best swing.

So, if you’re serious about improving your golf game, a laser rangefinder with slope is worth considering. By helping you get a better understanding of the course and making it easier to execute shots, a rangefinder can help you take your game to the next level.

Pair this with a launch monitor where you can dial in your exact distances, and you will be playing the best golf you are capable of.

See our page on Launch Monitors for reviews of the best models.