Voice Caddie SL3 Energetic Hybrid GPS Rangefinder Evaluation
One of many debates relating to distance measuring gadgets has at all times been what’s higher: a laser rangefinder or a number one GPS system (like a GPS golf watch, for instance)? The overriding argument for rangefinders is accuracy, whereas the case for GPS gadgets may be made that they’re extra handy and supply way more element of the course you are taking part in.
Within the case of the brand new Voice Caddie SL3 Energetic Hybrid GPS Rangefinder, there’s no must compromise, as a result of with this unit you might have each, putting it among the many highest golf rangefinders available on the market. We prefer it a lot, we chosen it for Editor’s Selection 2023. Identical to the earlier model, the SL2 Energetic Hybrid rangefinder, the SL3 ($599.99) has each an correct and easy-to-use laser rangefinder and a coloration contact LCD display underneath the eyepiece the place you may change settings and most significantly see maps of the holes and the greens with the power to glean all types of data.
And When you’ve by no means thought you would possibly want a hybrid, think about this: On drizzly, foggy days, or if you hit a really wayward shot, you may’t at all times shoot the pin, so having the GPS function may be invaluable. It additionally works nice on blind photographs, too, so it’s greater than only a luxurious.
However let’s begin with the SL3’s potential to shoot targets.vFirst off, it’s quick, correct, and the show is simple to learn. You may alter the brightness of the OLED two-color show with a button on prime. It’s additionally simple to seek out your goal, each manually and with the assistance of the brand new Pin Tracer, pin-filtering function with GPS help. It acknowledges the closest object because the pin after which vibrates and provides you a visible ring. This eliminates the chance that you simply might need shot a tree or one other object past the inexperienced, assuring that you’ve got an correct studying.
Like many greater finish rangefinders, the SL3 additionally has a slope possibility, and it really works very well. Not solely does it provide the adjusted yardage, nevertheless it additionally tells you the diploma of slope. That half may be significantly useful across the greens when you’re attempting to determine how uphill or downhill a chip or pitch shot is, for instance.
However what actually units the SL3 aside are the GPS options. You may pair it with an app in your smartphone, however you don’t must, which is very nice. In different phrases, simply present up the course, activate the rangefinder and put it in golf mode, and it’ll discover the satellite tv for pc and inform you the place you’re on the course. There’s no must enter programs or advance the holes.
It begins out with fundamental maps of the holes, displaying the place water, bunkers and the inexperienced are, after all. You may contact the display to learn how far sure options are from you as properly. You can even use it to measure your drives and get warmth maps of greens, which reveal the undulations of the greens. For the SL3, a brand new function known as Putt View was additionally added. By standing subsequent to the ball and finding the pin place, Putt View actually provide the learn on the putt, very like a caddie (your taking part in companions won’t such as you utilizing this if there’s an ongoing wager.)
The inexperienced maps and Putt View options aren’t out there on each course, however Voice Caddie is consistently including new ones. As this evaluate was being written, greater than 13,000 programs in the USA and 15,000 worldwide are a part of the library.
Lastly, the SL3 is smooth and straightforward to deal with. It matches within the hand simply and comes with a leather-based carrying case with magnetic closing flap. When you use the GPS function, you’ll wish to recharge each two or three rounds. Fortuitously, if the battery life will get low, the LCD show shuts off to allow using the laser rangefinder to finish the spherical.
