50 Words or Less
The Cobalt Q-6SM rangefinder provides consistent, reliable distances. Quick. Unique, easy-to-understand controls. Durable. Strong cart magnet.
Introduction
I like to think I have a fairly encyclopedic knowledge of golf equipment, but the sheer volume of rangefinder brands has overloaded my circuits. Three years ago, Dylan reviewed the Cobalt Q-6 Slope [find it HERE], but it had completely fallen off my radar until I saw him carrying it on our recent trip to Sand Valley [check out my review of The Commons HERE]. With my curiosity piqued – this was not only good enough to get a gamer spot but to keep it for three years – I was excited to test the new Cobalt Q-6SM rangefinder.
Set Up & Ease of Use
The basic functionality of the Cobalt Q-6SM rangefinder will be familiar to anyone who has used a rangefinder. Push the top button to bring up the aiming reticle, push it again to get the distance.
However, everything else about the Cobalt’s user interface is unique. That starts with the blue wheel. This adjusts the brightness of the display – a feature that’s usually buried under several layers of button holds and presses. Next to the wheel is the SmartSwitch that turns the slope adjustment on and off. When slope mode is on, there’s a small red light to let others know that the laser is not tournament legal. Finally, holding the button inside the wheel changes the measurements from yards to meters.
I really like that all of the features have their own controls. While some features won’t be used more than once (like setting yards or meters), I appreciate that they’re all accessible. The brightness adjustment wheel is an especially inspired choice, since that’s a feature more golfers would use if they could get to it easily.
Accuracy & Features
Starting with the basics, the Cobalt Q-6SM rangefinder has standout accuracy and good speed. The yardages displayed on the Q-6SM were consistent with other trusted rangefinders and on-course markings. What stood out to me is that when shot the same target repeatedly, this rangefinder displayed the same yardage to the tenth of a yard. In terms of speed, the Cobalt Q-6SM is average for a premium rangefinder.
As noted earlier, this unit does have slope adjustment. While not tournament legal, this feature is a huge help in understanding whether you need to add one club or two for that daunting uphill approach. It also has PinSense technology which keeps the laser focused on the flag, not background objects. Surge technology provides a small vibration when you’ve locked on to the pin, giving you confidence that you have the right number.
The display on the Cobalt Q-6SM rangefinder is red, with the aforementioned adjustable brightness. The layout within the viewfinder is clean and easy to read. Below the aiming reticle, in the largest numbers, is your yardage. Underneath that is the battery life indicator and the degree of slope (only when slope mode is engaged, of course). When slope is turned on, you only get the adjusted yardage. While I do like to see both yardages, having just one makes things simpler and keeps the display clearer.
Something that stands out about the Cobalt Q-6SM rangefinder is the size and construction quality. We’re seeing more mini rangefinders, and many of the discount brands feel very cheap in hand. The Q-6SM is a full-sized rangefinder, similar to a Bushnell, and it feels like it’s built to last. It has some heft to it, and the button pushes are all solid. The Q-6SM is IPX7 waterproof and comes with a carrying case.
The primary difference between the Cobalt Q-6SM rangefinder and the Q-6 Slope is the addition of a magnet. I know this is a huge deal for many Plugged In Golf readers. Per Cobalt, this is a “high-strength N48-rated neodymium magnet” which is “up to 10 times stronger than conventional ceramic magnets.” Compared to other magnetic rangefinders that I’ve tested, the Q-6SM’s magnet is quite strong. You need a concerted effort to pull it loose. I have a hard time imagining any amount of rough driving would shake it off your cart.
Value
The Cobalt Q-6SM rangefinder retails for $450. You can support PluggedInGolf.com by buying it HERE.
At $450, Cobalt is placing this among the premium rangefinders like Bushnell and Voice Caddie. It’s $50 less than the GPS-enabled Bushnell Hybrid [review HERE] and $150 less than the Bushnell Pro X3 [review HERE]. Setting aside the brand name, I think Cobalt has a solid value proposition against Bushnell. For pure value, however, I would point to the Voice Caddie TL1 which is just $280 with the exclusive discount in our review HERE.
Cobalt does offer a demo program, which is unique in the rangefinder space. For a reduced price, you can buy a demo unit and test it for two weeks. At the end of that period, you can keep it, return it, or trade in the demo unit for a brand new version.
Conclusion
In a world where everyone is slapping a new name on a cheap rangefinder, Cobalt is operating differently. The Cobalt Q-6SM rangefinder is a premium offering with accurate yardages, durable construction, and a unique set of controls that allow you to take advantage of all its features easily. If you’re in the market for a rangefinder that you won’t need to replace for several years, this is one to consider.
Buy the Cobalt Q-6SM Rangefinder 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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