Bushnell Phantom 3 Slope GPS

The Phantom 3 Slope is a pocket-size Bushnell golf GPS with slope-compensated distances, a touchscreen and a magnetic cart mount for $169.99.

Why it made the list

Bushnell calls the Phantom 3 Slope the first handheld GPS with its patented slope technology. The distances account for incline and decline, so you get a number that plays closer to the real shot on hilly holes.

It is also easy to live with. The integrated BITE magnetic mount grabs the cart bar, and the battery is rated for up to 18 hours. More than 38,000 courses come preloaded, with large, easy-to-read front, center and back numbers.

What it does well

• Patented slope-compensated distances you can turn off for tournaments
• An integrated BITE magnetic cart mount with more surface area for grip
• Up to 6 hazard and layup distances per hole
• Up to 18 hours of battery, about 4 rounds on a charge

The touchscreen and simple menus keep things quick. Auto course recognition, auto hole advance and an auto score prompt cut down on button presses between shots.

Who it’s for

The Phantom 3 Slope is for golfers who want accurate GPS numbers and slope without wearing a watch or spending much. It is a good fit for cart riders, thanks to the magnet, and walkers can use the included belt clip or carabiner.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you want full hole maps on a big screen. The Phantom 3 Slope focuses on distances, with GreenView for the green shape, and Bushnell does not list hole maps among its features. Golfers who want hole layouts should look at a larger handheld or a watch with hole maps.

Key specs, explained

The unit measures 60 x 76 x 18 mm and weighs 78 grams, so it fits in a pocket. The display is 40 x 40 mm. It is waterproof with an IPX6 rating, which means it is protected against strong jets of water, so rain is not a problem. It charges over USB-C, and Bluetooth connects it to the Bushnell Golf app.

The app handles course updates and stores your rounds and stats. A round timer and odometer track how long you have played and your steps, and a shot distance calculator tells you how far you hit it.

How it compares

The Garmin Approach G12 Handheld Golf GPS costs $134.99 for a lower priced handheld from Garmin. The Bushnell Wingman Mini GPS Speaker costs $109.99 and is a compact GPS speaker for the cart if you would rather hear your yardages. Choose the Phantom 3 Slope if you want slope on a small screen.

Good to know

Slope-adjusted distances are not allowed in most competitions unless the committee permits them. Bushnell says you can turn slope off to make the Phantom 3 Slope ready for tournament play. GreenView lets you move the pin to today’s position for a more precise number to the flag.

It comes in black, green, blue or orange, and Bushnell covers it with a one-year limited warranty. In the box you get the device, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a belt clip and a carabiner.

Questions about the Bushnell Phantom 3 Slope

How does the Phantom 3 Slope attach to a golf cart?

It attaches with its integrated BITE magnetic mount, which holds directly to the cart bar. No separate mount is needed.

How long does the Phantom 3 Slope battery last?

Bushnell rates it for up to 18 hours, or about 4 rounds of golf. It recharges over USB-C.

Can you turn slope off on the Phantom 3 Slope?

Yes, slope can be turned off, which makes it ready for tournament play. You then get standard GPS distances.