Best Golf Rangefinders With Slope 2024

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.

WATCH: Dan Parker runs through the best golf rangefinders on the market

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.

The Quick List

Best Golf Rangefinders With Slope

Top pick

Bushnell are a brand synonymous with the best golf rangefinders and the Tour V6 Shift continues that trend. Aesthetically, we thought it looked better than its predecessor, the Tour V5 Shift, with the extra weighting meaning that didn't wobble in the wind when we were shooting the flagstick.

The display is very clear and bright, which certainly helps the pick out the flag from far away in dim light conditions and, whilst there is a focus toggle, we felt like the focus was somewhat automatic, as we have never had to change it since putting the Bushnell into play.

Given the lengthy feature list, ease of use, accuracy and access to the excellent Bushnell GPS app, which provides 3D hole maps and flyovers as well as scoring functionality, we feel the Tour V6 is a reliable companion on the course for any level of golfer.

• Read our full Bushnell Tour V6 Shift Review

Best budget

After lots of testing we have become big fans of Inesis gear and the same can be said of this rangefinder. Competitively priced, this budget unit boasts a Slope Compensation toggle that turns on and off slope-adjusted distances easily, for practice and competition play.

In testing, we put this model up against a more expensive rangefinder and the results were extremely interesting, with the Inesis more than keeping up in terms of accuracy and ease of use, both huge factors when reviewing a laser.

It's extremely simple, as a First target priority function isolates the flag, while measurements are confirmed by vibration. It is also accurate to +/- 1 yard and can measure in yards or meters. Along with the First target priority function, there is also a 6x magnification, so you get a very clear view through the viewfinder and, what's more, it's really nicely made as it sits well in the hand with the right weight to it. We also like the case which is nicely made, and it comes with instructions, a cloth, battery and a clip for your bag.

• Read our full Inesis Golf 900 Laser Rangefinder Review

Best for style

Another model, from perhaps a lesser-known brand, to make this list is the Series 3 Max from Blue Tees. Available in three nice colors (navy, black, pink), you can really get a model that stands out and offers a bit of style.

One of its best features is the crystal clear display. There is also a lock and vibration feature, which assures the user that they have the correct target, which means less guesswork and time spent on reshooting for distances.

Additionally, a feature that really stood out for us in testing was the speed at which the distance was displayed - there really is no delay in getting the number you need. Talking of speed, the slope function can be easily turned on or off with the button on the side. Our only slight criticism was that the magnetic strap on the case could be improved.

• Read our full Blue Tees Series 3 Max Laser Rangefinder Review

Best accuracy

The second Bushnell model to make this list is the latest X3+, which is our top pick for accuracy. This is because it takes into account factors like distance, slope, temperature and elevation to make sure you get the right distance measurement. The X3+ is actually different from the previous X3 because it can also take into account wind speed and direction.

In testing the usability was seamless, picking up the flag quickly with vibration confirmation. We also liked the Dual Display feature which could change the display graphics from black to red. This made it easier to read in duller conditions.

Admittedly the new wind feature was a little tricky to calubrate properly and pairing was cumbersome with the app. But when we did get it working, it did give us a clearer understanding of what might equate to a one or two club wind. It is worth noting that this feature is not allowed in competition though.

Finally, the X3+ is waterproof and has a good weight to it so it will suit those with shaky hands and performs well in windy conditions. It isn't cheap though but as with the V6 model above, if money is no object this is a great choice.

• Read our full Bushnell Pro X3+ Laser Rangefinder Review

Best magnetic

When we first picked up the KLYR (pronounced clear), we instantly loved how compact and light it was. To begin with, this device is about 30 percent smaller than most of its competitors and, what's more, it weighed less than 600g. Although it is lightweight and compact, we felt it was extremely sturdy in hand, when testing.

In terms of accuracy, there were no issues at all and, when using the slope functionality, the adjusted yardages were all on the mark as well. This, added to the visual display that does a great job of differentiating between actual and adjusted yardages, provided us with confidence to commit to our golf shots.

Price-wise, it is less expensive than many of its competitors, with the performance comparing favorably with the more premium models that are available. Also, the KLYR offers some other features that add to its overall value as well. For example, it comes in a nice carrying case that you can easily attach to your bag, and there’s a magnet on the device that allows it to be secured to a riding cart during play. Additionally, a magnetic belt clip is included so you can keep the KLYR attached to your belt during your round,

• Read our full TecTecTec KLYR Laser Rangefinder Review

Best lightweight

There's a lot to like about the GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 rangefinder, with its range now measuring 800 yards to 880 yards and the overall design slightly more compact than its predecessor.

In testing, we found the new textured area on the bottom, as well as the top, helped us keep a firm grasp of the device when in use and we also felt it was slightly quicker to give us yardages when shooting the flag.

Accuracy-wise, the numbers were similar to more premium models, with the non-slope adjusted figures very close to the likes of the best Bushnell golf rangefinders. It was a similar story when going uphill, with the numbers similar, but the yardages going downhill were slightly longer than the more premium models. It must also be said that this is one of the lightest models out there which some will like, but it does hamper stability a bit.

• Read our full GolfBuddy Laser Lite 2 Review

Most cutting edge

This is a truly unique rangefinder that has cutting edge technology at its core. Starting the long list of features, is slope more which can actually sync up with MySlope to personalize the slope measurement to your particular ball flight.

Another plus point is that connecting to the app is probably the simplest we have experienced on a device of this type. The screen performance impressed in testing too. It felt intuitive and we like that it only displayed clear information, not unnecessary bits to overload us before hitting a shot.

The visual target lock feature gave us lightning quick feedback with no lag times, while the measuring process was easy thanks to the pulse vibration. The Titan has 6x magnification which seems to be pretty standard with the top models these days.

The case is premium-looking in its all-black finish, and the rangefinder itself is a slick black-and-grey combo. Additionally it has a best-in-class IP67 dust and waterproof rating whilst the Find My Precision Pro feature was a nice element particularly if you find yourself losing your rangefinder a lot.

• Read our full Precision Pro Titan Elite Laser Rangefinder Review

Best features

Our top pick when it comes to overall features it the Z82 from Garmin. It provides 2-D overlays for both full-color Course View and Green View detail through the lens. When looking through the viewfinder, a full-color 2-D Course View mapping is displayed on the left-hand side of the lens view, showing distances to hazards and the green, while the flag finder feature will lock on the flag and give precise distances to the pin.

The Laser Range Arc will be drawn on the green at the distance ranged to the flag, so the golfer can see if the pin is in the front, middle, or back of the green. There's also a PlaysLike Distance feature that accounts for slopes and also a Pin Pointer feature, which points to the middle of the green on blind shots. Given its overall performance in our testing, we are confident this is one of the best rangefinders currently on the market. It does have a premium price, but the features available make this understandable because the way GPS technology and hole maps have been incorporated into a rangefinder is extremely impressive.

• Read our full Garmin Approach Z82 Laser Rangefinder Review

Best display

The Voice Caddie SL3 Active Hybrid GPS Rangefinder combines both a laser and GPS in one superb package. We loved the SL3 that much we actually selected it for our Editor's Choice Awards, with an accurate and easy-to-use laser rangefinder also featuring a color touch LCD screen under the eyepiece where you can change settings and, most importantly, see maps of the holes and the greens.

Yardage-wise, the SL3 is fast, accurate, and the display is easy to read. We found that you could adjust the brightness of the OLED two-color display with a button on top, with it being very easy to find out target, both manually and with the help of the new Pin Tracer, pin-filtering feature with GPS assist.

As mentioned, it is crammed with features and the SL3 is sleek and easy to handle. In testing, it fitted in the hand easily and also came with a leather carrying case and magnetic closing flap. If you use the GPS feature, you’ll want to recharge every two or three rounds but, fortunately, if the battery life gets low, the LCD display shuts off to enable the use of the laser rangefinder to complete the round.

• Read our full Voice Caddie SL3 Active Hybrid GPS Rangefinder Review

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 allows us to be honest in our reviews on the the performance and give you feedback.

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

Chances are if you have got this far in this guide you want a model with slope functionality, but some models don't have it so be sure to read technical specifications to make sure. For those of you unaware, slope functionality allows the user to get distances whilst compensating for changes in gradient, uphill or downhill.

Waterproofing

The best models offer protection from the elements and waterproofing is arguably the most important piece of protection we can recommend ensuring in your laser. As such we recommend doing research on models that offer full waterproof protection and not just resistance.

Strength

Linking with the above point, top models should be robust and offer good strength, because let's face it we all drop things every now and again.

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, that is the way it should be. So we recommend trying noting down the models that tested well in terms of rapid display, simplicity of use, and convenience.

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.

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