These days most of the rangefinders I get sent to review don’t get me excited.
Many of them are all derivatives of the same thing. Same design, same features, all manufactured at most likely the same factories.
The ones I actually take the time to review here are the ones that are more special either in terms of features, price, or often both.
When I got the MGI Sureshot SlimPro rangefinder, I didn’t expect much.
MGI is known for it’s electric caddies, and I didn’t even realize they made rangefinders until recently.
This usually isn’t necessarily a good sign.
Before the SlimPro arrived I was almost convinced it would be just like many others I get request to review for, and wouldn’t be worth my time.
But once I received it and actually used it on the course, my tune changed.
Slightly.
So what is it that sets the Sureshot apart? And is it worth buying when there are so many other good rangefinder options right now?
Let’s find out.
First Impressions of the MGI Sureshot SlimPro
The most obvious difference between this and most other rangefinders I’ve used is the size and form factor.
It’s about the same width as other devices, but it’s much shorter and not quite as long. So it’s kind of a narrow tube. For those of you who prefer smaller rangefinders, you’ll love the size of this.
It’s not quite as small as the Voice Caddie Laser Fit, but it definitely feels a bit sturdier and more robust.
The neoprene case it comes with is high quality and a bit different than the typical canvas case that you see.
I don’t love that it’s rechargeable. If you know me, you know I like having real batteries in my rangefinder. Despite my personal feeling however, batteries in these have gotten very good, so even though they don’t provide an actual rating, my guess is many people will be able to go a full season of golf without needing to charge it.
The two buttons on the top are easy to use, and the colored LED on the side indicating if slope mode is on or off is a nice touch.
Overall, it’s solid. Aside from its unique size, there’s nothing overly special or noteworthy about it. It’s certainly not the most robust device I’ve seen, nor is it the cheapest feeling.
It’s pretty middle of the road, and about in line with what I’d expect of a $299 device.
A solid rangefinder with fantastic 7x magnification. But a little limited in features for the price point.
There’s Two Reasons I’d Consider the Sureshot: 7x Magnification and Reliability.
Again, aside from the unique shape, there’s one other feature it has that sets it apart from most rangefinders at this price point: 7x magnification.
95% of rangefinders are 6x magnification. And that’s totally fine.
But the devices that have 7x really do tend to look clearer and make it easier to use.
If you’ve never compared them side by side, you’d probably never think twice.
But when you do, you’ll see how much nicer it is to have the increased magnification.
Off the top of my head the only other 7x ones that I can think of are the Cobalt Q-6 ($450) and Bushnell Pro X3 series ($599).
So to have this at $299? It’s noteworthy.
The optics themselves look clear, but to my eye, not quite as clear as those other two units I’ve mentioned. Or even some others in the same price range. But again, perfectly acceptable.
It’s Very Reliable
The second noteworthy thing about the Sureshot SlimPro is just how reliable I’ve found it to be.
In my round with it, I didn’t have a single shot where I questioned the accuracy of it. It found the flag, and locked onto it quickly and reliably.
It’s not the fastest rangefinder I’ve ever used, but it’s certainly not slow. And honestly, sometimes I like it to take half a second longer, as it can sometimes feel more confidence inducing in the number.
The vibration feature works great with a solid buzz happening only when it found the flag.
Over and over, it gave me accurate numbers for whatever I was shooting. It was always within a yard of the other high end rangefinders I put it up against too – and at times felt more reliable.
And honestly? That’s really what most of us want in a rangefinder. Accurate distances as quickly and easily as possible – and this really shines at doing just that.
Other Features are Pretty Run of the Mill
So it’s got a unique size, 7x magnification, and is accurate and reliable.
That sums up this device.
It doesn’t have a lot of features other rangefinders have these days, some of which are gimmicky, others not so much.
There’s no magnet to attach to a cart.
The only display color is black.
There are no GPS features.
But do you need most of those things? In most cases, no you don’t.
But considering many rangefinders at this price point, do have them, you might feel like you’re missing out a little bit, since on the surface this feels more basic.
A solid rangefinder with fantastic 7x magnification. But a little limited in features for the price point.
Should You Buy It? Maybe.
Being blunt, this rangefinder was better than I expected it to be.
The combo of 7x magnification and it’s reliability really won me over.
But at $299? That’s a lot of money, and I really feel like you’re paying the premium for those 7x optics. That said, it might be worth it considering that’s the one biggest feature I wish I saw on more devices.
But when put up against my current overall best rangefinder pick, the Voice Caddie TL1 – it’s tough to definitively recommend the MGI.
You can grab the TL1 for $20 cheaper, it has a magnet, it has a dual color OLED screen, and while if I’m being nitpicky, the Sureshot may be slightly more reliable, it’s certainly not by much.
While I do like the 7x magnification, the TL1 has one of the best 6x lenses I’ve seen, and that beautiful dual color OLED text is night and day better than the all black of the SlimPro.
So I’d likely still go that direction if you’re looking for a device in this price point.
Then there are other niche cases like those who want GPS or optical stabilization where I’d recommend something different.
Bottom line if you decide to pick this up? I think you’ll love it. It does everything a rangefinder should do, and it does it very well. But this is probably the most crowded golf niche out there right now, and products are getting better and cheaper.
So for as good as it is, there are a number of other products that are just as good for a bit less money.
A solid rangefinder with fantastic 7x magnification. But a little limited in features for the price point.
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It's better than I expected, but it's also facing stiff competition.
I love the 7x magnification, unique size, and overall accuracy and reliability. The problem is that at $299, there's a lot of very good competition that may provide more bang for the buck.
The Good
- Great form factor, and comfortable to use
- 7x magnification is very rare at this price
- Extremely accurate and reliable with numbers
The Bad
- Only black text on screen
- No built in magnet
- Expensive compared to the competition
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Presentation
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Features
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Performance
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Price
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Personal Affinity