Battle of the rangefinders: how the Cobalt Q-6 stacks up
By Ed Donlin, AmateurGolf.com Player Staff
A few weeks ago,
we tested and compared six moderately priced rangefinders. Our two favorites were the Blue Tees (GS2) and Precision Pro (NX9 Slope).
I now have a Cobalt Q-6 Slope rangefinder and will compare it to these two models.
From a "What’s in the Box" standpoint, the Cobalt Q-6 is no different than the previous rangefinders we tested. It has well-written instructions, a CR2-V3 battery, a lens cleaner, and a storage case with a hook for attaching it to your golf bag. That is where the comparisons end.
The Cobalt Q-6 has a waterproof aluminum housing on a magnesium chassis that is rubberized and fits easily in your hand. From there, you just look through the viewfinder and simply press the button on the top of the unit to acquire your target. No menu button or menu to mess with. The eyepiece is adjustable and will change the focus by turning it, which is great if you are an old guy that wears glasses, like me. If you need to turn off slope mode for competition, you just flip a switch on the side of the unit. There is also a blue ring on the side to increase or decrease the brightness of the display. To switch from yards to meters, you just press a button inside the blue ring.
In terms of setup and features, that’s really it. The simplicity is a fabulous selling point.
I think it’s also worth mentioning that the Q-6 feels natural and comfortable in your hand. Removing it from its case is also very easy. Compared to a zipper, its bungee pull mechanism is quick and simple. It does not have a built-in magnetic strip to attach it to a golf cart post, but if you need one, there are universal attachments you could purchase.
The Cobalt Q-6 has PinSense technology. When you lock onto your target, two brackets illuminate around it in the viewfinder. This visual cue is accompanied by Surge, a noticeable vibration through the hands. Hold down the button and feel it pulse rapidly to confirm the target.
The optics through the viewfinder are crystal clear. The Q-6 Slope features 7x magnification compared to 6x for most other units. The digital display is very clear and can be brightened or dimmed to suit conditions and the user’s preference using the dial on the side.
I repeatedly got consistent numbers while using the device. It didn’t matter if it was 75 yards or 575 yards, it acquired the yardage quickly and locked onto the target I was trying to acquire. I did not always get the Surge initially, but if I moved the unit back and forth a couple of times on the target, the PinSense/Surge was activated. These results are consistent with other premium rangefinders I have used.
As I said in my previous rangefinder review, you normally get what you pay for. The Cobalt Q-6 Slope has a retail price of $450 compared to the $200 to $250 of the favorite moderately priced rangefinder we tested, but you can quickly tell it is worth the extra expense. If you are a serious golfer, it would be an excellent addition to your bag. The Cobalt Q-6 Slope is now in my bag and it will take a really special rangefinder to replace it.
Related: Are moderately-priced laser rangefinders worth it? An AG Player Staff Review