Should I buy a Golf Rangefinder with Slope Feature?

Golf Rangefinders Slope Compensation Feature

Should you buy a golf rangefinder with a slope compensation mode? It’s something we get asked quite regularly here at SGTV. In this article we’ll look at exactly what this feature offers a golfer, how it works, and why it may be a good idea to purchase a laser rangefinder with slope mode.

What does slope mean when buying a rangefinder?

Slope features on golf rangefinders give a golfer a more “precise” distance to a given target. In the example below you can see that a rangefinder without slope would give a golfer the horizontal distance reading of 160 yards. If a golfer hits the ball 160 yards then they’ll actually end up around 10-15 yards short. Without a slope function a golfer isn’t really getting accurate distances.

With a slope calculation feature enabled on a rangefinder, the rangefinder will give you a reading of 175 yards. This is the actual distance of the shot that a golfer would need to hit in order to reach the target.

Taking into account the vertical distance as well as the horizontal distance gives golfers more precise distance measurements.

Is it legal to use Slope Mode in Competitive golf?

The quick answer to this is no, but … there’s more to consider. The rules of golf according to the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), who govern the game of golf, state that a player is not allowed to use any device or technology that provides information on the slope or gradient of the golf course during a round. The exact wording within rule 4.3a(1) – Use of Equipment is:

Why is Slope Compensation Banned in Competitive Golf?

Rule 4.3a states that a player may use equipment to help them play during a round, except that a player must not create an advantage by using equipment that artificially eliminates or reduces the need for a skill or judgement that is essential to the challenge of the game.

Within that challenge the above example 4.3a(1) then defines elevation change and measurement as “not allowed”.

Essentially, the rules of golf are that golfers shouldn’t be allowed to use equipment that is deemed to make the game easier than it should be.

For me it’s a bit of a grey area! What’s the difference between a distance and an angle?

Be Careful – Not all rangefinders are as they seem!

A word of warning. Make sure you read a full review of any rangefinder before making a purchase. Some rangefinders, such as the Peakpulse Mini that we have reviewed recently, have a slope feature but no way to turn it off. If a golf rangefinder doesn’t have a way to isolate the slope technology then it can’t be used in competitive golf.

Obviously, if a golfer never plays competitive golf then this won’t be an issue but I’m guessing if you’re keen enough to want to know your exact yardages, then it’s likely that you play competition golf.

All our full rangefinder reviews are here in our Best Rangefinders & Best Golf GPS review section.

Is a Rangefinder with Slope Necessary?

No, absolutely not … but neither is a new driver! If a golfer wants to be the very best version of themselves then knowing exact distances is an advantage. Slope compensation can be used in non-competitive golf. That means golfers can use a slope mode to calculate distances when practising.

If a golfer is practising a course pre-tournament and there’s a tricky 160 yard uphill par 3, why wouldn’t they want to give themselves the advantage of knowing exactly how much further they’ll need to hit the ball when playing that hole on another day in a competition?

Is Slope on a Golf Rangefinder Worth It?

This is very specific to each golfer. For me I would say no. I play very little non-competitive golf and my home golf course is relatively flat. Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you play many practice rounds?
• Is your regular course hilly?

If the answer to both of these questions is no, then you may save yourself some money buy buying a basic or budget rangefinder without the slope feature. However, in recent years, many of the best value rangefinders now come with slope technology included, golfers don’t have to pay extra money.

If you don’t already have a rangefinder and are purchasing a new one, you’ll likely pick up one with the slope feature at the same price as one without.

Looking to buy the best rangefinder for you? Checkout our list of the Best Golf Rangefinders in each price bracket.

What to look for in the Best Golf Rangefinder with Slope

When looking to purchase a golf laser rangefinder it’s important to consider the features. These are the most important points to consider when buying a rangefinder:

• Price point
• Accurate distance measurements
• Build quality
• Ease of use
• Battery type & battery life
• Maximum measurement range
• Slope technology
• Lens magnification
• Pin lock feature / target acquisition
• Water resistant rating
• Vibration confirmation
• GPS integration and advanced features
• Magnetic strip for golf cart use
• Storage case

You can read more about rangefinders in our article “Golf Rangefinders Explained: What Are They and How Do They Work?“

Summary – Slope or No Slope?

The most important factor when judging a golf shot is for a golfer to know the exact distance they need to hit the ball. Slope-adjusted yardages are exactly that. Knowing accurate yardages will allow a golfer to play better golf. The answer therefore is yes. Buy a rangefinder with slope functionality!

The price is rarely any different nowadays between slope rangefinders and those without. Golfers may as well have the feature available in case they need it. While it can’t be used in tournament play, it is a very handy function to help golfers make better club selections, hit more greens and improve their scores.

Personally I like to use the most advanced technology available to improve every aspect of my game. As long as it’s legal. Golf is hard. Any extra tech or valuable tool that helps me to play a good shot and keep me out of a water hazard or bunker has to be in my golf bag.

Bye for now!