Bushnell A1 Slope Review - Why I Shot My Best Round Ever

You know those tiny rangefinders everyone's talking about? Yeah, I was a total skeptic too. Figured they were just another golf gimmick - like those alignment sticks everyone bought but never uses.

Here's the thing, though - I gave the Voice Caddie Laser FIT a shot last summer, and man, was I wrong. Having that little device right in your pocket? Game changer. No more walking back to the cart or unzipping your bag every time you need a yardage. It's right there when you need it, like having a caddie who never talks back.

The best part? You won't even notice it's there. I'm talking regular golf shorts here - not those cargo monstrosities your dad wears. Just don't stuff the same pocket with a dozen tees and three ball markers like some kind of golf packrat.

Now here's where it gets interesting. Bushnell just dropped their own pocket-sized model at the PGA Show - the A1-Slope. And when Bushnell makes something, you pay attention. These guys have been the rangefinder kings forever. They don't mess around with cheap plastics or fuzzy lenses that make you squint like you're reading the green after five beers.

What's got me excited about the A1-Slope isn't just that it's small. It's that Bushnell brought their A-game to the pocket-sized party. We're talking the same rock-solid construction and crystal-clear optics they're known for, just shrunk down to fit in your pocket without looking like you stuffed a brick in there.

Time to break down what makes this little beast tick and whether it's worth your hard-earned golf money.

So here's the deal with Bushnell's new A1-Slope - they've gone and made their tiniest rangefinder yet, and you're looking at $299.99 to snag one.

This little guy breaks new ground for Bushnell in three ways. First off, it's small enough to actually fit in your pocket without feeling like you've got a brick in there. Second, they finally joined the modern world with a rechargeable battery that uses USB-C (no more buying those stupid coin batteries). And third - this is the cool part - it's got this removable magnetic cover thing.

Now, Bushnell's clearly serious about competing in the compact rangefinder game. Why would they pack all these new features into such a small package otherwise? They're basically saying "we're here to play" in the pocket-sized market, and honestly, I think more companies are gonna follow suit.

Here's where it gets interesting. That magnetic cover I mentioned? It's this rubberized sleeve that wraps around the whole unit. Keep it on, and you've got a built-in magnet that'll stick to your cart frame or any metal surface. Pretty sweet when you're riding eighteen and want quick access.

Pull that sleeve off, though, and boom - you've got yourself a seriously slim rangefinder that'll slide into your pocket like it belongs there.

Think of it like having two rangefinders in one. You can rock the magnetic setup when you're cruising in a cart, or go sleek and minimal when you're hoofing it.

I've been switching between both setups depending on my round. Cart day? Skin stays on, and I stick it right on the roof support. Walking with the boys? Skin comes off, and into the pocket it goes.

But let me keep it real with you. Even without that magnetic sleeve, it's still a touch bigger than the Voice Caddie Laser FIT. Not by much, but when you're talking pocket carry, every millimeter counts, right?

You can definitely play a full round with this thing in your pocket and forget it's there - trust me, I've done it plenty. But only if you ditch the sleeve first.

Here's the annoying part though. Getting that sleeve on and off? It's like wrestling with a phone case that's one size too small. The fit's super snug, which is great for keeping it secure, but man, you're not gonna want to switch back and forth during a round. Pick your setup before you tee off and commit.

Look, I keep comparing this to the Laser FIT because they're direct competitors. And yeah, the Laser FIT wins in some area,s I'll get to later. But here's what the Laser FIT doesn't have - any magnetic option whatsoever. If you're a cart rider who loses stuff constantly (we all know that guy), the magnetic feature alone might seal the deal for you.

You know how you're always digging through your bag looking for your rangefinder? Yeah, that used to be me, too. Then I discovered these tiny rangefinders that actually fit in your pocket – game changer.

Here's the deal with the A1-Slope: you can literally keep it in your pocket the entire round. No more hiking back to your cart. No more fumbling with zipper cases. Just pull it out, zap your target, and you're good to go.

Now, there's a catch. The rangefinder comes with this magnetic cover that makes it a bit chunky. Keep that cover on and you'll feel like you've got a brick in your pocket. But here's the trick – ditch the cover and suddenly it's pocket-friendly. I played 18 holes with it in my front pocket and honestly forgot it was there half the time.

Let me break down the specs for you. We're talking 5.1 ounces and about the size of a deck of cards – 3.75 inches long and 2.36 inches tall. Sure, the Laser FIT beats it by being an ounce lighter and half an inch shorter. When you're carrying something in your pocket all day, those little differences add up. But honestly? The A1-Slope still works great as a pocket ranger.

Here's what really matters, though – having your rangefinder always within reach changes how you play. You'll actually use it more often. No more guessing distances because you're too lazy to walk back to your bag. Your pace of play speeds up. The whole round just flows better.

Look, I get it. Some golfers think bigger rangefinders are more serious or professional. That's fine. Different strokes for different folks. But if you walk the course regularly, you know that every ounce counts. Golf bag companies obsess over making things lighter for a reason.

The fact that Bushnell – basically the Nike of rangefinders – jumped into the pocket-sized game tells you something. This isn't just a gimmick anymore. They're betting this is where things are headed.

Now here's where it gets interesting with the price. At $299.99, you're paying the same as their full-sized Tour V6. The difference? The A1-Slope includes slope calculations right out of the box. With the V6, you'd need to drop another hundred bucks for the V6 Shift to get slope. So yeah, some folks might look at the tiny A1-Slope and think it's overpriced compared to the bigger V6. But you're actually getting more features for your money.

Let's talk build quality first - this is where you really see what you're paying for with the A1-Slope. You know how Bushnell's big rangefinders feel like they could survive a cart crash? Yeah, this little guy's cut from the same cloth.

Pick it up and you'll notice right away - solid buttons that actually click, a metal housing that feels like it was machined by someone who cares, and that smooth finish Bushnell's known for. It's basically their premium rangefinders shrunk down without cutting corners.

Now the Laser FIT? Different story. Don't get me wrong - for the price, it's loaded with features. But when you hold it, you can tell they saved money somewhere. Lighter plastic construction, and while it'll do the job, you wonder if it'll hold up after a few seasons of getting tossed in your bag.

Here's the thing - if you're the type who babies your gear, maybe the cheaper build won't bug you. But if you're like me and your rangefinder lives a rough life bouncing around with fourteen clubs, you'll appreciate the A1-Slope's tank-like construction.

Now let's talk about what matters when you're trying to nail that approach shot - the optics. Both units pack 6x magnification and slope adjustment, which means they'll tell you the "plays like" distance when you're hitting uphill or downhill.

The A1-Slope's glass? Crystal clear, just like you'd expect. That crosshair locks onto flags like it's magnetic, and you never second-guess if you're ranging the pin or the tree behind it. Classic Bushnell performance here.

But here's what surprised me - the Laser FIT's optics are actually pretty solid. Sure, side by side with the Bushnell you might notice the A1-Slope's view is a touch crisper. But we're talking maybe 5% difference, not night and day.

For a rangefinder that's a hundred bucks cheaper, that's seriously impressive. Unless you're super picky about optics, you'd probably be happy with either one.

Let's talk buttons first - you know how some rangefinders make you hunt around when you're trying to shoot a distance? The Laser FIT nails it here. Those buttons stick out just enough that you can find 'em without looking, even with your golf glove on. They've got this satisfying click when you press them, too.

The A1-Slope? Yeah, it looks prettier with those flush buttons, but good luck finding them when you're rushing to get a yardage before your playing partners start grumbling. It's like trying to find your car keys in your golf bag - doable, but annoying.

Here's where it gets interesting, though. Once you actually manage to press those sleek A1-Slope buttons, you're getting your numbers a hair quicker than with the Laser FIT. We're talking fractions of a second, but hey, every bit helps when you've got three groups stacked up behind you.

And that vibration feedback? The Bushnell gives you a solid buzz that says "yep, got it" while the Voice Caddie's feels more like a polite tap on the shoulder. You want that strong confirmation so you know you didn't accidentally shoot the tree behind the flag.

Absolutely, while the Bushnell A1-Slope is a great product, there are a few pros and cons that you need to be aware of:

Pros:

• Ultra-compact and lightweight: The smallest Bushnell rangefinder ever, easy to carry in a pocket or hand.
  
  
• Tour-level accuracy: Patented Slope Technology trusted by PGA Tour pros, providing precise slope-adjusted distances.
  
  
• PinSeeker with JOLT: Tactile vibration confirms when the flag is locked, ensuring confident targeting.

Cons: 

• No advanced features: Lacks OLED display, GPS, or triangulation found in higher-end models.

• Partial waterproofing: IPX6 rating resists rain but is not fully submersible.

• Small size may be less ergonomic: Compact design could feel awkward for users with larger hands.