Nikon Coolshot 40i

Nikon's slope laser is ideal if you play hilly courses

Nikon COOLSHOT 40i
Nikon COOLSHOT 40i
Golf Monthly Verdict

A comprehensive, ergonomically-shaped slope laser that should become a useful companion for practice and non-competitive rounds. The styling is modern and fit for purpose while the speed at which the distances are displayed along with the accuracy can’t be faulted.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Know the exact distance the flag every time. Distances are displayed quickly and clearly.

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    It’s so lightweight, it can be tricky to keep it steady in windy conditions.

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Golf Monthly's Nikon Coolshot 40i review, a laser rangefinder that provides slope adjusted distances, ideal if you tend to play on hilly golf courses

Key technology The Coolshot 40i incorporates Nikon’s ‘Angle Compensation technology’, which calculates and displays the slope-adjusted distance, which Nikon says makes it ideal for hilly courses. The fact it calculates ‘slope’ means it is not legal for use in competition, so you are best using it for practice and social rounds only.

GM Review A compact, lightweight nifty piece of kit that fits perfectly in the hand. The pointer features additional diagonal sight lines when laser is employed and while there’s no indicator of when the nearest target has been found, it’s not difficult to work out which is the flag and which is the object behind it.

Ideal for practice rounds and finding out exactly what difference the slopes on your home course make to the yardages. The scan feature is especially useful off the tee when switching from hazard to fairway beyond. Battery indicator is a welcome addition so you know when it needs replacing and you don’t get left disorientated on an important shot.

Measuring steep slopes takes a certain amount of adding and subtracting, would rather the slope-adjusted distance was displayed. Reading longer distances to the nearest half a yard seems unnecessary but on the whole it was a joy to use.

 

 

Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x