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The Voice Caddie SL3 GPS rangefinder is the class of the field when it comes to all-in-one distance measuring devices. Outstanding in both elements – laser and GPS. Touch screen is clear and responsive.
Get exclusive savings on the Voice Caddie SL3 HERE
Introduction
Trying to combine a rangefinder and a GPS can feel like trying to put ten pounds of something into a five pound bag. The biggest name in rangefinders seems to have abandoned the endeavor, but Voice Caddie has not, and we golfers are lucky for it. The Voice Caddie SL3 combines a class-leading rangefinder with a detailed GPS to give golfers a distinct information advantage on the course.
Set Up & Ease of Use
Voice Caddie followed the template they created with the SL2 [review HERE] to make the SL3 very easy to use. The rangefinder works the same as any other – push the power button to bring up the aiming reticle, push it again to get the distance. Holding the power button down activates Pin Tracer mode, which is ideal when there are trees behind the flag.
On top of the SL3, there’s a second button that controls the brightness of the display. The OLED display is red and very easy to read, especially with six brightness levels to choose from. Finally, turning the slope adjustment on and off is done through the touch screen on the back of the device.
Using the GPS on the SL3 is just as easy. When you push the power button, the touchscreen comes to life with two icons: a golf ball and a gear. Tap the golf ball and the SL3 will search for a satellite signal to start golf mode. Once the connection is established, the GPS automatically identifies the hole you’re on. There are four screens within the GPS, and a swipe moves you from one to the next. The screen locks after a few seconds to avoid unintended taps, but it can be unlocked with one touch.
Accuracy & Performance
Starting with the basics, the accuracy of the Voice Caddie SL3 rangefinder is excellent. Also, as with their TL1 [review HERE], the speed is class-leading. In its standard mode, it takes 0.1 seconds (per Voice Caddie) to get a yardage, and the Pin Tracer mode works as fast or faster than any other similar function. Additionally, the display is laid out well with the adjusted yardage by itself above the reticle and the other numbers below. The lens has 6X magnification, allowing you to hit your targets precisely, even from long range.
What sets the SL3 apart is the GPS. The four screens available in the GPS are Course View, Green View, Putt View, and Yardage View. Course View (above) is a bird’s eye view of the entire hole (or the green, once you’ve advanced up the hole). On this screen, you’ll see an arc at your chosen driving distance. You can also tap the screen to get yardages to specific points, and a flyover is available.
Yardage View (above) is a straightforward display of the distances to the front, middle, and back of the green. This isn’t the most visually exciting display, but its value shouldn’t be discounted. Pairing the F/M/B distances with the flag distance goes a long way toward planning better approach shots.
Green View (above) may be the feature that separates the Voice Caddie SL3 most from other rangefinders and even other standalone GPS units. It shows an elevation map of the green with arrows to make the undulations easier to understanding. You can move the flag in this screen, too.
Finally, there’s Putt View. This view shows only the heat mapped green, and it allows you to mark the location of your ball on the green. With the flag and ball accurately located, it SL3 will tell you the distance of the putt and the amount of elevation gained or lost, to the tenth of an inch.
Voice Caddie currently has 15,000 worldwide courses mapped for the SL3. More are being added regularly. To update your SL3, you’ll need to connect it to your computer and use the VC Manager Download which you can find HERE.
I’ve used the Voice Caddie SL3 rangefinder on both new and familiar courses and always find it to be an advantage. I like to leave the SL3 “screen up” so that I can see the hole overview and yardages at a glance. Then, I can use the rangefinder to get more precise information as needed. Again, the real game changer is the green map. Once you put the SL3 in your kit, you won’t be fooled by false fronts or runoffs anymore.
Value
The Voice Caddie SL3 rangefinder retails for $599, but Plugged In Golf readers can get it for $499 HERE.
This is one of the most expensive rangefinders available, but calling it a rangefinder doesn’t really do it justice. There is no parallel for what the SL3 offers. If you want all available information, the SL3 has it. This is the state of the art with a clear edge over other distance measuring devices.
Conclusion
The Voice Caddie SL3 rangefinder has no peer when it comes to delivering course knowledge. Its rangefinder is excellent by itself, but the inclusion of a multi-faceted GPS elevates it to a higher level. If you love tech or want to gain an edge your competition, this needs to be in your bag.
Buy the Voice Caddie SL3 HERE
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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9 Comments
Had I not bought the Garmin Z82 Laser Rangefinder with GPS 3 years ago (after reading your review) I would be tempted by the SL3. Looks like the green feature is nice.
So Matt what are the improvements for the SL2 and would it be worth the money to upgrade because I’m sure the 2 will not be at a bargain price?
Paul,
There aren’t any big, categorical upgrades, but everything on the SL3 is a bit better. The laser is faster, the display is sharper, the touchscreen works better, the interface for the GPS is improved. It’s a lot of little things that add up to a better product. If you have the SL2 and are happy, I don’t think the SL3 is necessary. If you’re deciding between the 2 and 3, I’d say it’s worth the extra few dollars to get the latest version.
-Matt
Oops sorry Matt that should have been SL3 vs SL2
Ok dont know anything about these things but looking to buy on for my husband. When ot says it has mapped 15000 golf courses around the world can it do its job on golf courses that are not pre mapped please
Michelle,
The laser works everywhere, but the GPS will not work if the course has not been mapped.
Best,
Matt
Just bought one today, is the device always on? I can’t find a way powering if off?? Maybe always on…..
Jim,
The laser or the GPS?
Best,
Matt
I had the same question regarding the touch screen/GPS.