Bushnell A1-Slope

The Bushnell A1-Slope is a 5.1 oz rechargeable laser rangefinder with a slope mode you switch on and off with the Mode button.

Why it made the list

Most lasers weigh around 8 to 12 ounces and run on CR2 batteries. The A1-Slope from Bushnell weighs just 5.1 oz and charges over USB-C, so you can forget about carrying spare batteries. Bushnell rates one charge for 50+ rounds.

It keeps Bushnell’s core features, including slope and flag lock vibration, in a body small enough to forget in a pocket. The listed price is $299.99.

What it does well

• PinSeeker with JOLT vibrates when the laser locks onto the flag, so you know you have the pin and not the background.
• Slope switches on or off with the Mode button, so one device covers practice rounds and events.
• The included BITE magnetic skin protects the laser and lets it stick to a cart bar.
• The rechargeable battery means no hunting for a CR2 before a round.

A full charge takes about 4 hours from empty, so an overnight charge before a golf trip is plenty.

Who it’s for

This suits walking golfers who want a light laser in a pocket instead of a bulky case on the bag. It also fits golfers tired of buying batteries, and juniors or seniors who find a 10 oz laser awkward to hold steady. Because it is so small, it also makes sense as a backup laser in a travel bag.

Who should skip it

The A1-Slope has no Bluetooth and is not LINK-enabled, so it will not connect to an app. It uses an LCD instead of the brighter OLED or red displays on some pricier lasers, which can be harder to read in low light.

Key specs, explained

Magnification is 6x through an 18 mm objective lens, with a field of view of 330 ft at 1,000 yards. Range runs from 5 to 1,300 yards, and accuracy is +/- 1 yard at 500 yards. It measures 3.75 x 1.42 x 2.36 inches. The 6x magnification is a little lower than 7x lasers, but plenty for picking out a flag on a normal hole.

How it compares

The Bushnell Tour V7 Shift costs $399.99, weighs 9.0 oz, runs on a CR2 battery and adds an OLED display. The Blue Tees Captain Pro costs $299.99 and adds 7x magnification, an IP67 rating and app GPS, at about 8.1 oz. The A1-Slope wins on weight and simplicity.

Good to know

It is rated IPX6, which handles rain but not submersion. Bushnell includes the BITE magnetic skin, a USB-C charging cord, a premium carrying case, a washable microfiber cloth and a quick start guide. It has a 2-year limited warranty, and Bushnell lists 30-day returns on its store.

Questions about the Bushnell A1-Slope

Is the A1-Slope tournament legal?

Yes, with slope turned off it gives straight-line distance only. Distance devices are allowed unless a local rule bans them.

Can I use it on a cart?

Yes, the BITE magnetic skin sticks to a metal cart bar. Take it off the skin if you want the slimmest possible pocket fit.

How many uses does a charge give?

Bushnell rates a charge at 50+ rounds, or about 3,000 target acquisitions. Heavy users can still go weeks between charges.