I'll admit it – when Bushnell announced they were making their smallest rangefinder ever, I rolled my eyes. We've all seen companies shrink their products to the point where they become useless toys. But after carrying the A-1 Slope in my pocket for the past month (yes, it actually fits in a normal pocket), I'm eating my words. This thing is legitimately tiny at just 5.1 ounces, yet somehow it still delivers the performance I've come to expect from my larger Tour V6. The magnetic BITE skin is pure genius – I slap it on my cart bar and forget about it until I need it. No more fumbling around in my bag or wondering where I left my rangefinder.
Unlock your best golf game with the Bushnell A-1 Slope rangefinder, delivering precise distance and slope data to boost every shot’s accuracy and confidence.
The important aspect about slope technology that nobody talks about – once you start using it, you can't go back. The A-1's slope calculations have completely changed how I approach elevation changes, and I'm talking about real, meaningful differences in club selection. Last week at my home course, I had 163 yards to a back pin with about 15 feet of elevation gain. Without slope, I'd have grabbed my 7-iron like always. The A-1 showed 171 yards playing distance, so I went with a 6-iron instead. Stuck it to 8 feet and made the putt (finally).
The slope mode toggle is brilliantly simple – just hold the mode button for two seconds and you're tournament legal. No external switch to forget about, no complicated menu system. The device even shows a little indicator when slope is active, so there's no confusion about whether you're getting compensated distances or not. I've tested this against my buddy's $600 rangefinder with slope, and the calculations are identical within a yard or two.
What really impressed me is how the slope algorithm handles downhill shots. It doesn't just subtract yardage linearly – it seems to account for the angle changes that happen when you're hitting notably downhill. On a severe downhill par 3 at my club that plays 185 from the tips, the A-1 consistently shows it playing around 165-168, which matches perfectly with what I've learned through years of trial and error.
Let me tell you about the most frustrating thing in golf – standing over a shot with your rangefinder jumping between the flag and the trees behind the green. Bushnell's PinSeeker with JOLT technology solves this problem better than anything else I've used. When you sweep across the flag, the device vibrates (JOLT) and shows a red ring around your target to confirm you've locked onto the pin, not the bunker face or those trees 30 yards behind the green. This JOLT feedback system is similar to what you'll find in premium models like the Pro X3+, delivering that same satisfying confirmation at a fraction of the price.
The vibration feedback is subtle but unmistakable – you feel it in your hand and know instantly you've got the right distance. I've used this in early morning rounds when the fog hasn't quite burned off, and it still manages to pick up flags at 200+ yards when I can barely see them with my naked eye. The system works so well that I find myself double-checking less often, which speeds up play considerably.
At 350+ yards to the flag, this thing is still accurate within a yard. I tested this at the range by shooting known distance markers, and it was spot-on every time. The general 1,300-yard range means you can shoot to hazards, layup spots, or that group ahead of you that's playing way too slow (we've all been there). The 6x magnification with that wide field of view makes it easy to find your target without having to search around forever. The six times magnification provides crystal-clear visuals even at maximum distances, making target acquisition quick and effortless.
I cannot overstate how much I love the rechargeable battery in this rangefinder. After years of keeping CR2 batteries in my bag (and inevitably having them die mid-round), the USB-C charging port is a revelation. I charge it maybe once a month, and that's with playing 2-3 times per week. Bushnell claims 50 rounds per charge, and based on my usage, that seems conservative. I've gotten at least 60 rounds out of a single charge, though I'm not constantly shooting distances on the range. The battery delivers up to 3,000 target acquisitions before needing a recharge, which explains why it lasts so incredibly long between charges.
The 4-hour charge time from dead to full isn't the fastest, but the key point – you never really run it completely dead. I top it off while I'm cleaning my clubs or watching TV, and it's always ready to go. The USB-C port means I can use the same cable as my phone, my earbuds, and pretty much everything else made in the last three years. No proprietary charging dock, no special adapter, just plug and play.
What's brilliant is that there's no Bluetooth, no app, no connectivity features to drain the battery. It's just a rangefinder that does one thing exceptionally well. Some might see this as a limitation, but I see it as focused design. I don't need my rangefinder talking to my phone or tracking my shots – I have other devices for that if I want them.
For $280, I expected some compromises in build quality, but the A-1 feels surprisingly premium. The IPX6 weather resistance rating means it can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at you (within reason – don't go swimming with it). I've used it in steady rain, and water just beads off without affecting performance. The fully multi-coated lenses stay surprisingly clear even in humid conditions, though you'll still want to give them a wipe occasionally with the included microfiber cloth.
The magnetic BITE skin deserves its own mention. It's strong enough to stay put when you're bombing over cart paths, but easy enough to grab one-handed when you need it. The magnet is perfectly positioned so the rangefinder sits at an angle that's easy to grab without looking. After a month of use, the skin shows no signs of wear, and the magnet hasn't lost any strength.
The included premium carrying case is actually premium – not the cheap neoprene sleeve that usually comes with budget rangefinders. It's got a magnetic closure, a belt loop, and enough padding to protect the device if you drop your bag. The whole package feels like Bushnell didn't cut corners where it matters, even at this price point.
Unlock your best golf game with the Bushnell A-1 Slope rangefinder, delivering precise distance and slope data to boost every shot’s accuracy and confidence.
Yes, you can use the Bushnell A-1 Slope in tournament play, but you'll need to disable the Slope mode initially. Simply press the mode button to turn off Slope functionality, which makes it tournament-legal under Rule 4.3a(1). When Slope's off, it'll only provide line-of-sight distances without elevation adjustments. Always verify your specific tournament's rules beforehand, but with Slope disabled, you're compliant with standard golf regulations.
You'll get a two-year limited warranty from your original purchase date when you buy the Bushnell A-1 Slope from an authorized seller. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship if you're using it as intended. If you don't have proof of purchase, they'll use the manufacturing date from your device's serial number to determine the warranty start date. It's fully transferable and doesn't require registration or receipts for claims.
You'll find the Bushnell A-1 Slope is water-resistant with an IPX6 rating, not fully waterproof. It's built to handle heavy rain and water jets from any direction, making it reliable during wet rounds. While you can't submerge it, you won't worry about downpours or splashes damaging the electronics. The sealed battery compartment and protective housing guarantee it'll perform consistently even when you're caught in tough weather conditions on the course.
You'll find the A-1 Slope uses a rechargeable internal battery that's built directly into the device. It's not user-replaceable like standard coin cells, but that's actually convenient since you won't need to buy disposable batteries. You'll charge it through the USB-C port with the included cable, and it'll power 50+ rounds of golf per charge. The battery status shows on your LCD display so you can monitor the charge level easily.
Yes, you'll get a premium carrying case that clicks onto your golf bag, though it's slightly oversized for the compact A1-Slope. You'll also receive a USB-C charging cable, microfiber cleaning cloth, quick start guide, and the groundbreaking BITE magnetic skin accessory. This removable magnetic skin lets you attach the rangefinder securely to golf cart bars or carry it slimmer in your pocket without the skin attached.
After a month with the A-1 Slope, I've stopped bringing my Tour V6 to the course. That's the highest compliment I can give any golf equipment – when it replaces something more expensive in my bag. The combination of size, performance, and that brilliant magnetic mount system makes this the most convenient rangefinder I've ever used. It's so small and light that I forget I'm carrying it, yet it delivers the distance data I need with the accuracy I expect from Bushnell.
Is it perfect? No. Long drivers who regularly need distances beyond 350 yards to the flag might want something with more range. Tech enthusiasts who want GPS overhead views and shot tracking will be disappointed by the lack of connectivity. But for the vast majority of golfers who just want accurate distances with slope compensation in a package that won't weigh them down, the A-1 Slope is the best rangefinder value on the market right now. Sometimes the best technology is the kind that gets out of your way and just works. That's exactly what Bushnell has created here.
