There are a lot of cool pieces of equipment in the golf world that don’t always fit The most requested tests OR Buyers Guides. You still want to know how it works. In our We Tried it series, we put the equipment to the test and let you know if it works as advertised.
What did we try?
Cobalt Q-6 Inclined Laser Rangefinder
Your Laser Blazer
Dave Wolfe– The OG MyGolfSpy Laser Range Tester
We Tried It: The Cobalt Q-6 Inclined Laser Rangefinder
Some of you may be wondering why MyGolfSpy shooter boy is considering a laser rangefinder. As history will prove, this proud betting supplier was actually the first to run our head-to-head laser test.
While our testing protocols have matured since then, my love for golf equipment has not wavered. When presented with an opportunity to aim laser beams at the pins (and possibly my fellow golfers), I had to hit my shot.
I was intrigued by the Cobalt brand. Outside of seeing them as participants in Laser Rangefinder Buyer’s GuideI really didn’t know much about the brand.
with Cobalt Q-6 Slope Rangefinder clutching my bag, I set off to see if the name Cobalt Golf should be one to keep in mind when shopping for lasers.
Cobalt Q-6 tilt range specs and stats
- Distance from flag: 600+ yds
- Distance from trees: 2000 yds
- Minimum range: 5 meters
- Accuracy (up to 300 yds): 0.5 yds
- Time of purchase: 0.25-3 seconds
- Digital Accelerometer Accuracy: +/- 0.5°
- Range of digital accelerator: +30° to -30°
- zoom: 7X
- Objective lenses: 25 mm
- Eye relief: 16-19 mm
- Diopter: +-2
- Light transmission: 80%
- Waterproof (IPX7): yes
- Frame material: magnesia
- Body Material: Aluminum and rubber
- Battery type: CR2
- Battery life: 2000 string cycles
- Operating temperature: 23°-140°F
- Storage temperature: -13°-140°F
- Weight (including battery): 10.6 oz
- Dimensions WxHxD: 4.6875″x3.0625″x1.875″
- Lighting settings: 9
- Measurement units: Yards/Meters
- Country of origin: Philippines
Overall, the specifications for the Cobalt Golf Q-6 Slope Rangefinder are solid. When you compare the specs to other lasers at the same price point, the Cobalt is competitive.
For example, let’s compare some of the features and reported performance of the Cobalt Q-6 Slope with MyGolfSpy Best of 2024 Bushnell Pro X3+.
Both are IPX7 waterproof, have a range of 600 meters and zoom with a 7x lens. The Bushnell has improved tilt features that come from pairing with their app, but it also costs about $150 more than Q-6 Cobalt Slope.
For a small company, having product specs that are similar to a non-small company’s Bushnell is a solid achievement.
Is it fast?
Speed is everything, in my opinion, when it comes to using laser rangefinders. I say this because the term “speed” includes a whole bunch of other characteristics.
Fast laser rangefinders are comfortable to use, easy to aim, durable in use and, most importantly, fast to provide accurate distances.
A laser that lacks any of these qualities will be a slow rangefinder.
The Cobalt Q-6 Slope distance is fast. It fires instantly with a press of the top button and spits out a distance just as quickly once you aim at your target and press the button again.
It does a great job of picking up the flag, even when trees and other objects are behind the flag. In most cases, it will lock and provide the user with a little vibrating feedback, letting you know the number is good.
I noticed two areas of potential “slowness”. First, the unit is not small. It’s not as big as the old-school Bushnell Pro horizontal lasers, but it’s not compact. It was comfortable in my average-sized hand, but those with small hands might struggle.
There were times when I had to adjust the blue focus ring around the eyepiece to achieve a sharp image. Once adjusted, the view was sharp. However, adjusting the focus will decrease your usage speed by a few seconds.
Is it correct?
Surely, accuracy is more important than speed. You want a fast number, but you also need that fast number to be accurate.
To test accuracy, I compared the Cobalt Q-6’s slope numbers to those provided by my Leupold GX-4i2 laser and Bushnell Neo Ghost GPS rangefinders. These are my range meters and I know the numbers they provide are good.
After firing flags and non-flags for several rounds, I would say the Cobalt Q-6 is very accurate. The numbers reported by Cobalt were right up there with the other two.
Bottom Line: The Cobalt Q-6’s tilt provides accurate distances.
How is the build quality?
I was impressed with the quality Q-6 Cobalt Bevel Distance. I mentioned that the size might be an issue for smaller hands, but the shape is very comfortable otherwise.
At $400, this laser range is at the high end of the market. It feels like an expensive item. Build tolerances are tight, the rubber feels nice and the optics are clear and bright.
The only ding I have is the shiny blue ring around the eyepiece. It looks cheap. I don’t think it will break or anything, but the material doesn’t feel high quality.
The ability to focus the lens is a plus and the blue color makes it pop visually, but a rubberized focus wheel would feel more like something that would last a long time. YMMV about that, but the ring was a bit much can be improved article for me.
Regardless, Cobalt believes their lasers are of the highest quality and backs them with a lifetime warranty. If it is damaged or stops working, it will be repaired or replaced free of charge.
I read it like buy once and use forever.
Can it replace your current laser?
I mentioned that my current laser rangefinder is the Leupold GX-4i2. I have been using it since it was The most wanted winner for me in 2015. I don’t think I own another piece of technology that has held up as well as the Leupold laser.
(I think it’s only on the second battery.)
If I didn’t have the Leupold, I would have no complaints about using it Q-6 Cobalt Slope. It does a great job. However, for me, the Leupold’s more compact profile and optics are keeping it as my favorite.
Buy the package!
If you’re interested in purchasing the Cobalt Q-6 Slope or any of the other Cobalt laser rangefinders, you’ll need to spend an additional $30 on the package upgrade. The package includes a case of Vice Pro golf balls, a cobalt-brand Yeti insulated water bottle and a cobalt microfiber golf towel.
Laser can be on the expensive side, but that’s about it the package is a great bargain.
Final thoughts on the Cobalt Q-6 Tilt Rangefinder
Over the course of a few rounds, I went from knowing nothing about the Cobalt brand to feeling very comfortable with their laser. The tilt of the Cobalt Q-6 is accurate and fast. It won’t replace my player, but it’s still something I’d class as excellent.
If you’re curious about Cobalt but wary, I recommend checking them out demo program. You can use a demo laser for two weeks and then keep the demo model for a five percent discount, send it back and get a new one, or have it refunded to your credit card (minus shipping).
Worst case scenario: You are out of shipping cost. Overall, this is much less risky than some other online golf purchases I’ve made.
Cobalt may not be a big name in the golf distance business, but it’s one you should know about.
Learn more about the Cobalt Q-6 Slope Rangefinder at Cobalt-Golf.com
H2: FAQ: Cobalt Q-6 Slope Rangefinder
Lasers give you direct measurements. GPS range finders and phone apps use satellites and other technologies to approximate your position to target. I find GPS units to be usually faster at securing yards, but laser ranges are more accurate.
The CR2 battery should last for 2000 shots, but the laser should last forever. If not, Cobalt will guarantee it. The laser will still be able to go on course when our bodies are no longer able to.
As long as the tilt is off, you should be able to use the Cobalt Q-6 tilt in tournaments. Of course, the best bet is to check with the officials before doing this. You turn off the tilt function with the switch on the side. Scammers beware! When the tilt function is active, a red light will illuminate on the side of the unit.
While I haven’t tested them head-to-head, it seems like the extra expense is worth it. The magnification is improved by Q-6 as is the aiming range by 100 yards. The Q-4’s 450-yard range can be ample. The Q-6’s 600-yard-plus range likely means it’s more effective targeting even shorter ranges. Knowing that this is a product that I can use for a decade, I would spend more to get the best. You can also demo both and keep the one you like. Just make sure you order the package eventually!
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