A distance measuring device is essential equipment for the modern golfer. We put the small but beautiful Bushnell A1-Slope through its paces to see if size really matters. Check out all the info below in our full Bushnell A1-Slope laser rangefinder review….
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NCG Summary
NCG SUMMARY
A well made fully functional laser rangefinder from a company renowned for quality. The small dimensions makes me wonder why all rangefinders are not this size.
PROS
- Build quality
- Easy to use
- Decent accessories
- Size
CONS
- None, I absolutely love it!
Bushnell A1-Slope Laser Rangefinder: First Impressions
Be it a laser rangefinder or a GPS device there really is no reason not to have a distance measuring instrument. There is something available to fit most budgets. I am fortunate to have both devices and I generally use a hybrid system, however if I could only have one it would be a laser. The A1-slope comes in the high quality packaging one would expect of a premium brand like Bushnell. On opening the box and seeing the rangefinder, it was love at first sight. It is much smaller than a standard laser and looks stunning in its blue, black and white livery. It is also reassuringly heavy and the solid feeling in the hand oozes quality.
It comes with a high quality carry case, carabiner, micro-fibre cleaning cloth, USB charging cable and a BITE magnetic skin.
On Course Testing
This is a rechargeable rangefinder and a full charge lasts for 50+ rounds or 3000+ target acquisitions. It did not come close to running out of battery during testing. In the past I would perhaps have avoided something rechargeable in case it was dead when I went out to play.
Now, with charging items being part of daily life and most cars having a USB port in them, this concern is no longer an issue. The case is a nice hard-shell design with zip and elasticated clip closure. Whether you use the case or carry it in your pocket is up to you.
One of the great features of the A1-slope being so small is that it is not too obtrusive if you put it in your pocket. The BITE magnetic skin is a clever addition. It is a silicon sleeve that incorporates a very strong magnet to attach to a cart should you so wish.
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The sleeve fits very snugly and is relatively easy to put on and off. The rangefinder itself is rated IPX6 with respect to water-resistance.
The rangefinder itself is pleasingly simple with 2 buttons, a USB-C charging port and a focus ring. The ring is very stiff which is a real plus. I have used other rangefinders where the focus ring moves and I am constantly having to readjust it. With this, you get the screen in focus and it is not going to move afterwards. The screen is not too cluttered in general use. The mode button allows you to change from yards to metres and switch the slope function on and off. After that you simply point and shoot. The measurements come up instantly and the pinseeker jolt function is a feature I always appreciate. I found the slope function to be sensitive and accurate.
The case has both a zip and a clever elasticated clip for quick access. I tried out the BITE skin with the magnet on various metal objects and it feels extremely secure. I was not able to test it on a buggy for a full round, however.
Final Thoughts
This is one of my favourite pieces of kit I have tested. It has all the functionality of a full-size rangefinder. The question is not so much why did Bushnell make this smaller but why are rangefinders usually the size they are? Its small dimensions did not make it any more fiddly in my opinion. Bushnell have created an absolute winner with the A1-Slope.
The Details
Available: Now
RRP: £299 / $299
More information: Bushnell Golf
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