The latest Bushnell Rangefinder: Smaller … and Better?

The accusation surrounding golf club releases is that the new, loudly marketed club is sometimes merely an update of its predecessors with a jaunty new color scheme, graphic, or strategically spelled name.

Cynics will tell you that, were the new adornments removed and the shape of the clubhead concealed somehow, the vast majority of golfers wouldn’t have any idea it’s new.

While there’s no doubt a degree of truth in that, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that, with regulations such as they are, the improvements we do see are a result of craftsmen, engineers, and metallurgists’ innovations and that, even though it’s unlikely we’ll see significant changes year-on-year, the steady drip of ‘improvement’ over time is very likely to continue, even with further USGA/R&A standards. And it’s entirely up to your judgment (and bank balance) how long you go before deciding a sufficient amount of drip has occurred to justify a big spend on new equipment.
It’s become increasingly apparent over the last two or three years that the same is true with distance-measuring devices (DMDs). Demand for DMDs together with the expertise of those making them, has ensured they got very good very quickly. And while the game’s governing bodies might not be putting restrictions on what these devices are capable of doing, the extent of future improvement seems somewhat limited by the fact they might not need to get much better... which is to say: what else do you need your DMD to do? Brilliant minds will always be able to keep advancing the design and features of a product if demand exists, but one almost gets the impression we’ve reached an impasse with DMDs.

Golf clubs have improved dramatically since the days of hickory and ash or beech, but they still consist of a handle/grip, shaft, and head. DMDs on golf courses have evolved far quicker. The roots of GPS can be traced back to the USSR’s Sputnik rocket in the late 1950s and ‘60s but, at the start of this century, golf DMDs were largely still human – either your eyes or your caddie’s legs (and their distance-measuring wheel).

Superior accuracy is always a worthy talking point, of course (especially with the accuracy of TGL’s simulator repeatedly being called into question) but, where golf rangefinders are concerned, accuracy has become less newsworthy over the years as most (all?) manufacturers tout the accuracy of their devices? Reliable accuracy is all-important and the more accurate the better, but it’s probably fair to say ‘accuracy’ is less of a buzzword than it was just a few years ago.

So how is Bushnell’s new A1-Slope distinct from other similarly-priced laser rangefinders?

Firstly because, as we say, accuracy is still paramount and Bushnell has a ‘long’ track record of building dependably accurate devices. Its Slope technology ensures precise distance adjustments for elevation changes (easily disable Slope for tournament play) and PInseeker with JOLT gives you a physical sign when you’re locked in giving you a mental edge. It offers 6x magnification; comes with a carry case; the battery is rechargeable via USB-C; it has a magnetic Bite surface enabling it to stick to your cart; and it’s water-resistant with an IPX6 rating.

That’s all great, but doesn’t every manufacturer offer those things now? Not all but most, certainly. What makes the A1-Slope particularly worthy of consideration is that it’s an affordable Bushnell product, which means you’re getting trustworthy quality at a good price. Bushnell makes a much more expensive product (Pro X3 Plus) with all the bells and whistles – 7x magnification; wind-speed and direction indicator; waterproof IPX7 rating; Bluetooth connectivity to the Bushnell app – but, at this price, you’re getting a lot of rangefinder. In a sense, though, you’re not because the A1-Slope is the smallest rangefinder Bushnell has ever made – 3.75” in length; 1.42” across; with a height of 2.36”. It weighs just 5.1oz.

This season’s rangefinder might not be markedly different from last year’s or, indeed, next year’s. It’s nice to know, however, that you have one of the best, if not the best, that’s available right now.

$300
Available later this month.
Limited two-year warranty
bushnellgolf.com