With features such as 2-color OLED, V-Algorithm, and a built in magnet the Voice Caddie TL1 Rangefinder is one of the best non-hybrid rangefinders with slope.
If you already know all about rangefinders and slope, feel free to skip directly to the Voice Caddie TL1 features.
Otherwise, read on to understand how rangefinders work, how they differ from GPS devices, and an introduction to hybrid rangefinders.
The goal of this additional information is to help you decide which features are most important to you so you can purchase the right rangefinder and be happy with your decision.
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.
How To Choose The Best Golf Rangefinder
If you need help figuring out which golf rangefinder is right for you, 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 golf rangefinder for yourself.
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.
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 feature called “slope.” Slope compensates for the elevation change between you and the flagstick.
TECHNICAL EXPLANATION OF HOW SLOPE IS MEASURED The slope function on a golf rangefinder measures the angle of incline or decline between the player and the target. Most golf rangefinders with a slope function use a built-in inclinometer to measure the angle of the slope. The inclinometer works by using a small accelerometer or other type of sensor to measure the force of gravity on the rangefinder. By knowing the angle of the slope and the distance to the target, the rangefinder can then calculate the adjusted distance that the player needs to hit the shot based on the slope.
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 will give you the adjusted distance to the flagstick, taking into account the elevation change.
Slope 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.
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.
The top slope rangefinders all have visual indicators that show slope is turned off.
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 worn on your wrist 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:
- External display built into the rangefinder
- Internal display with overlaid visuals in the viewfinder
External Display
This innovative design incorporates an external display built right into the rangefinder body.
You get the benefits of a GPS unit and rangefinder with slope. This means hole overviews, hazards, layup distances, green views and more.
Some units also include the undulations on greens.
A Unit incorporating this design:
Internal Display
This design is different in that the GPS features are seen when looking through the viewfinder.
The visuals are overlaid on the actual hole you are looking at.
This shows you what hazards are in play around where you are aiming (via the range arc).
Units incorporating this design are:
Who Is Voice Caddie?
Voice Caddie is a South Korean company that specializes in golf course rangefinders and related golf products. Voice Caddie is also the official rangefinder of the LPGA tour.
The company was founded in 2007 and is based in South Korea. In addition to rangefinders, Voice Caddie also offers other golf-related products, such as GPS golf watches.
Recently, Voice Caddie signed a joint deal to acquire SuperStroke (the putting grip manufacturer).
Voice Caddie TL1 Rangefinder Overview
The Voice Caddie TL1 rangefinder is their top-of-the-line laser rangefinder with slope (it does not include GPS). Includes 2- color OLED optics, V-Algorithm technology, visual slope indicator, Pin Tracer, and integrated magnet.
The Voice Caddie TL1 rangefinder is their top-of-the-line laser rangefinder with slope (it does not include GPS).
If you do not want GPS with your rangefinder, the TL1 is an incredible unit! If you are interested in a hybrid unit see the Voice Caddie SL2.
The TL1 has the core technology of the SL2 minus the GPS features. That means you still get the following benefits:
We will cover the features in more detail below, but let’s look at the Voice Caddie line of premium rangefinders to get a better understanding of where the Voice Caddie TL1 fits.
Voice Caddie Rangefinder Comparison
To help understand where all of the premium Voice Caddie rangefinders sit in their product line, we built a comparison table.
This table does not include every single feature or spec, just the most important ones in which there is a difference among the models.
This table is best viewed in landscape mode on phones & tablets
| FEATURE |  SL2 |  SL1 |  TL1 |  CL2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 | $499 | $449 | $399 |
| GPS | Yes – external touchscreen display | Yes – external display | No | No |
| Slope Switch | Yes (visual led) | Software setting | Yes (visual) | Software setting |
| V-Algorithm | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| OLED | 2 color | 1 color | 2 color | 2 color |
| Distance | 1,000 yds | 1,000 yds | 1,000 yds | 700 yds |
| Pin Detection | GPS Pin Assist | GPS Pin Assist | Pin Tracer | 1 Touch Pin Mode |
| Auto Brightness | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Magnet | No | No | Yes | No |
| Size | 1.7″ W x 3.0″ H x 4.3″ L | 1.5″ W x 3.0″H x 4.2″ L | 1.6″ W x 2.9″ H x 4.3″ L | 1.3″ W x 2.6″ H x 4.1″ L |
| Weight | 7.8 oz (221 g) | 7.8 oz (221 g) | 7.1 oz (200 g) | 5.0 oz (143 g) |
| Release Date | Aug 2022 | June 2019 | Aug 2022 | June 2020 |
| Battery | Li-Polymer 3.7V | Lithium CR2 (3V) | Lithium CR2 (3V) | Lithium CR2 (3V) |
| What Makes This Unique? | Hybrid GPS/Laser with touchscreen & smart yardages | Hybrid GPS/Laser | Pin tracer technology + protective cases | Compact, with fast pin lock |
| SL2 | SL1 | TL1 | CL2 |
Voice Caddie TL1 Rangefinder Features
The Voice Caddie TL1 rangefinder offers some innovative features that make it stand out amongst its peers. Let’s take a closer look at what these features are and how they work.
Note: We are largely comparing the Voice Caddie TL1 to non-hybrid rangefinders.
V-Algorithm
Patented technology from Voice Caddy that uses statistics from PGA/LPGA pros to assist in calculating more accurate distances.
It is optimized for complex terrains and its patented technology does more than just calculate elevation differences–it incorporates all of the statistical data it has gleaned into the updated algorithm.
Pin Tracer
Delivers consistent & reliable pin and flag targeting by blocking interfering from background objects.
Hold button for 3 seconds and it will scan all around to lock onto pin despite hand movement (better margin for locking onto pin).
2-Color OLED Viewfinder
2-Color OLED viewfinder offers clearer and brighter colors, even during sunrise or after sunset.
During daytime, the data is displayed in red & green. At darker times, the viewfinder switches to a gray background with black numbers.
Slope Off Indicator
There is a physical switch that designates when slope is turned off. This is perfect for confirming the setting to you (and your playing partners).
Magnet
The Voice Caddie TL1 Rangefinder includes an integrated magnet.
This means you can attach it to a cart for easy use or even golf iron club heads!
Protective Case
The TL1 ships with a protective case (yellow). This adds an additional layer of protection while customizing the look.
They also have cases in 3 other colors available for purchase.
Optics
The Voice Caddie TL1 has special high-clarity, anti-glare optics. The rangefinder can track targets at 1,000 yards. You will never use that range, but it means it will have no problem at 250 yard targets.
In addition, it has a external manual focus ring (on the viewfinder) to quickly adjust the focus to your eyes and conditions.
RANGEFINDER OPTICS & DISPLAY The display on a laser rangefinder is typically separate from the optics and is used to present the measured distance to the target. The optics on a laser rangefinder are used to gather light from the target and focus it onto the laser detector, which is responsible for measuring the distance to the target. The optics typically consist of a series of lenses and prisms that are used to focus the laser beam and improve image clarity. The quality of the optics can have a significant impact on the accuracy and overall performance of the rangefinder.
Display
The Voice Caddie TL1 Rangefinder‘s internal display (meaning the numbers that are displayed when you look through the viewfinder) is 2-color OLED.
What’s In The Box
- TL1 Laser Rangefinder
- Official TL1 Laser Pouch
- Silicone Case (Yellow)
- Battery
- Cleaner
- User Manual
Alternative Rangefinders
Our recommendation would actually be to purchase the Voice Caddie SL2 Active Hybrid. For $150 more, you get a ton of features that make it the best rangefinder on the market.
If you still can’t find the right match, please see our post on The Best Golf Rangefinders With Slope for more options.
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.
Conclusion
The Voice Caddie TL1 rangefinder is their top-of-the-line laser rangefinder with slope (it does not include GPS). Includes 2- color OLED optics, V-Algorithm technology, visual slope indicator, Pin Tracer, and integrated magnet.
The Voice Caddie TL1 Rangefinder is a top-of-the-line laser rangefinder with slope. If you are not in the market for a hybrid rangefinder, this is an excellent choice!
It is Voice Caddie’s #1 non-GPS laser rangefinder.
Good luck and have fun on the links!
