Cobalt Q-6 Slope: The High-End Rangefinder with the Most Advanced Features

Sometimes in golf you just want to focus on your shot. You need a distance quickly, accurately and without anything else to distract you. You want something that feels like it’s built to last and is of premium construction. What you need is the Cobalt Q-6 Slope.

First Impressions

The Cobalt Q-6 surprised me with its premium price tag and features similar to other, less expensive rangefinders, but when I pulled it out for the first time I could instantly understand why.

The Q-6 feels like an absolute tank, having a great, hefty weight and nice rubber coating throughout. It is built around an aluminum and magnesium housing which gives it a solid feel and waterproof exterior, and I love the blue metallic accents that help it stand out from the crowd of other rangefinders.

I noticed the dial on the side of the rangefinder immediately. This is to control the brightness of the internal optics. The battery came installed, so all I had to do was remove the plastic on the battery door and we were ready to go.

Cobalt includes a really high-quality case, complete with the finest interior lining I’ve seen, and a nice metal clip ensures it will stay securely on the outside of your bag without risk of getting lost.

Putting it to the test

To summarize what I found when taking the Cobalt Q-6 Slope out on the course…

Optics

The eyepiece has two adjustments that can be made. First, the eyepiece can telescope allowing those who prefer to have more contact with their eye socket the ability to do so. I really liked this feature and it helped me keep the unit steady. There is also an adjustment ring like you see on most other types of rangefinders to tailor the read-out to your vision. I had no issues setting either optic adjustment.

Internal information is displayed using a red font and results in a nice read-out. The information displayed is simple with just a single number shown whether you are in slope or non-slope mode. I liked not having extra information to distract me when trying to get a distance. I also found myself using the brightness adjustment knob more than I expected throughout the round. There were times when I was looking into the sun or in a shaded area when I found it helpful to adjust. This is a key feature of the Q-6 that I really like.

Modes

There are 3 modes available on the Cobalt Q-6 Slope rangefinder:

A scan mode for picking up targets
A pin lock mode without slope measurements
A pin lock mode with slope measurements

The scan mode works by holding down the power button and instantly provides distances as you scan across the course.

Slope can be turned off with a switch on the side of the unit. This is the first unit I’ve seen that has both a light indicator and the words “on, off” to identify the mode. This will leave no doubt for your partners when playing in USGA or other governing body sanctioned events.

Accuracy

I compared measurements from the Cobalt against 2 other rangefinders on the course and found that the distance, both slope and non-slope adjusted, were within 1-3 yards of all other models.

The pin-lock and overall speed of the Cobalt is the fastest I’ve ever tested. All measurements came within 1 second and I never had a problem picking up a pin. There was also a nice vibration for pin-lock.

I had several older golfers try the Cobalt and they had no issues with their shaky hands. One stated he struggles getting any rangefinders to work for him, but the Cobalt performed quickly and accurately. He was sold.

Magnetic Mount

The Cobalt Q-6 Slope unfortunately does not have a built-in magnet. If you think you need one I recommend pairing it with a Blue Tees rangefinder strap (linked here).

Slope

The slope feature calculates true distance to the pin based on elevation change. Think back (it might be tough this time of year) to the last time you played an uphill par 3: Did you pull a club based on the yardage listed on the tee box sign? If you did, that yardage was likely a good starting point but not the true distance to the flag. Consider this sample image, based on the par three 7th hole at North Hills Country Club:

As you can see, hitting an 8-iron (which I’d hit from 150 yards with no elevation change) would put me short of the green or potentially even in the trap. The added change in elevation would be better played with a 7. Having access to slope-adjusted distances can make a huge difference.

Cost

The Cobalt Q-6 Slope is currently priced at $450, which is a premium price tag. I do feel, however, that this is an investment for someone targeting superior build quality, fast and accurate data and a rangefinder they know will work every time.

The Q-6 Slope has some great features, too, like the brightness adjustment, telescoping eyepiece and visual slope switch. You can also get the Q-6 engraved for $30, which is a nice bonus.