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Bushnell Tour V4 Slope Rangefinder Review

June 2016
bushnell-rangefinder

Bushnell describe this product as “the perfect combination of size, speed, accuracy, slope and jolt.”

After testing it ourselves we couldn’t agree more!

The slope technology is mind-bogglingly good and seriously enhances accuracy. In the hand it looks super stylish and slender, and is lightweight!

We can definitely see the broad appeal of this rangefinder, and although you could probably poke a hole or two if you look hard enough (as we have below), this could very easily be the one for you.

We reviewed the Bushnell Tour V4 Slope Rangefinder as part of our Best Golf Rangefinder Review (read more on it here). The Bushnell Tour V4 Slope Rangefinder snuck into tied third place out of all the rangefinders we reviewed and is our Editor’s Choice!

If you already own the Bushnell Tour V4 Slope Rangefinder please feel free to leave your own review in the comments at the end of this article.

Bushnell Tour V4 Slope Rangefinder

Our Assessment 

How would I assess the V4 Slope, you ask? In a word: express. It's compact, it’s accurate, it’s detailed, it’s sleek, and it’s all packed into a delightfully small punch. It weighs about as much as a feather, and you can’t go wrong with the ergonomic design. You will be drawn to this, I can almost guarantee that.

It’s priced at a reasonably reasonable $400, which is certainly palatable when you consider all the typically great Bushnell features that come with it, and the quality you’ll get in terms of distances, focus, ease of use and range. And then, of course, there’s the slope technology. No more speculating an arbitrary 10 yards either way when you play a hole with a gradient. This device does it all for you, and much more accurately.

It may not quite have the magnification or enormous range of some of the others out there. But you may not end up even noticing once you’ve taken it for a test drive.

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Pros

  • A true pocket-size rangefinder. It’s minimal weight, compact size and ergonomic design are at the heart of its genius
  • The slope technology is a change-changer
  • You’ll be staggered at how quickly it focuses
  • The price seems quite ‘fair-ish’ to us

Cons

  • We’d say 5X magnification is certainly acceptable. But it isn’t the best
  • It’s water resistant, but not waterproof

Key Facts

PRODUCT DETAILS

BUSHNELL TOUR V4 SLOPE RANGEFINDER REVIEW

Launch RRP

From $400.00

Zoom Level

5x

Distance Range

1000 yards (400+ yards to flag)

Size

3.1 x 1.6 x 4.0 inches

Weight

5.6 oz

USGA Approved

Yes (You need to deactivate the Slope technology for tournament play)

Manufacturers Website

Official Video

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Bushnell Tour V4 Slope Rangefinder Detailed Review

Build Quality & Features

Interestingly Bushnell had a few problems with some of the early prototypes of this rangefinder that they released with respect to readings and locking down measurements to flagsticks.

We understand this has been resolved though, and we certainly had no such issues when out on the course with it. From the word go, we were impressed with the design and features of this device.

bushnell-tour-v4-rangefinder-review

Image Credit: Official Bushnell Image

Of course there’s the Pinseeker with JOLT technology, which is now synonymous with the brand. But we liked the simplicity of the build, along with the fact that there are no removable parts (an advantage, depending on your opinion).

Then, of course, there is the slope technology, which is nothing less than a treat. It’s not legal for tournament play, but if you’re looking to take a dollar off your mates, this will definitely help the cause – particularly if you’re playing on hilly courses.

The only downside we can see in the build is that it is only water resistant, as opposed to waterproof. The sun was shining the day we trialled it, so we can’t specify too much as to the effect that will have. But it is something to think about if you’re coughing up 400 bucks.

bushnell-rangefinder

Image Credit: Official Bushnell Image

Size and Weight

Clearly one of the biggest selling points of this rangefinder. Remember Derek Zoolander’s cell phone? Well this is the laser rangefinder equivalent, except it retains all of the important functionalities of the bigger beasts.

It’s small, it’s light, it’s dynamic, and the ergonomic design means it will fit in your hand perfectly – a noticeable upgrade from the V3.

In fact, Bushnell claim that the V4 is around 30 per cent smaller, and given that it weighs less than 6 ounces, we’ll take them at their word. If it weren’t for the aesthetically-pleasing colour, you probably wouldn’t even notice it in/on your bag.

Ease of Use

It only has one button to control everything, so you can’t ask for much simpler than that. Some may consider it a weakness, but it actually makes it easier to use.

Turning it on and getting set up is a walk in the park, switching between slope and non-slope mode is even easier, and it will take your breath away at how quickly you find your spot.

It’s accurate to within a yard, which is more than enough to fill you with confidence as you size up your next shot.

bushnell-rangefinder-review

Image Credit :Official Bushnell Image

Value for Money

It’s at the upper end of the rangefinder price range, no doubt about it.

But it isn’t the most expensive rangefinder Bushnell have produced either, and where they have been clever here is that this type of rangefinder will likely appeal even to the average golfer – not to mention those who carry their bag!

Bear in mind too that if you’re not that fussed on the slope technology, you could even knock off $100 by purchasing the standard V4.

It’s your call, but if you’re in the market for a rangefinder, you’ll definitely want to consider this one – piles of dollar bills and all!

About the author  Michael Todt

Mike fell in love with the game from a very early age – a passion that hasn’t diminished ever since. He earned provincial colors throughout his junior years, but by the time he reached Varsity, the realization set in (thanks largely to some cold ales) that it was time to favor the pen rather than his clubs. He now writes for GA along with a few other sources.

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