- MYSLOPE provides you with individual launch data
- The R1 gives targeted yardages, plus front/middle/back GPS measurements.
- New MYSLOPE™ feature uses particles in space to calculate your distance.
Bryson may want to spend his round doing math, but most of us would rather not. Admittedly, since golf is a game is based upon numbers, there is no way to completely avoid all the computations. However, when it comes to calculating yardages, the new Precision Pro R1 rangefinder with MYSLOPE technology could possibly become golf’s TI-89.
At its core, the Pro R1 is a laser rangefinder. Once you pair it with your phone, it becomes much more powerful than a simple laser. The new app and MYSLOPE technology could allow Precision Pro to make industry leaders like Bushnell a bit nervous. The MYSLOPE feature in the R1 is potentially industry-changing.
If you don’t care about the rangefinder marketplace, what if MYSLOPE could save you a couple of strokes a round? Now I have your attention.
WHAT IS THE PRECISION PRO MYSLOPE™?
The R1 is a rangefinder on steroids. It gives you yardages adjusted for slope, wind, and temperature. It also gives GPS readings. Most importantly, MYSLOPE takes care of all of the data crunching for you.
MYSLOPE is an algorithm that provides the adjusted shot yardages by taking into account weather conditions, slope, and your own personal ball flight data. Why is that important? Think of the many factors you consider before you hit a shot. Where is the wind coming from? How warm is it? Am I uphill or downhill? What club to hit? The list goes on. The reality of this is that you’re essentially guessing everything and then hoping that your guesses and estimations work out. In contrast, MYSLOPE uses real data to make these calculations, relying on real science rather than guesses.
You just shoot the target and read the raw number on the display. From there the app performs the MYSLOPE calculations. You can then check the adjusted yardage in the app, but why bother since the MYSLOPE value is transmitted via Bluetooth to your rangefinder view screen. The display within the rangefinder also features front/middle/back of green yardages based upon GPS measurements. So, in the display, you have the raw yardage you shot with the laser, the MYSLOPE-adjusted value, and the three GPS distances. At that point, if you don’t hit the green, it’s not because you didn’t have a good number.
HOW DOES MYSLOPE™ WORK?
Spoiler alert, it involves math.
It begins with a person named Brayden, a 24-year-old with a successful history of baseball data analytics (think Money Ball). Brayden is the person the Precision Pro team commissioned to bring MYSLOPE to life.
Calculation of the MYSLOPE value involves multiple factors, including weather. According to Brayden, Precision Pro’s data analytics wunderkind, “we hit a weather API every 15 minutes that gives us certain metrics including altitude, humidity, air pressure to create adjusted real-life metrics for the golfer on every shot.” This isn’t just in the United States, this is across the world so it’s safe to say you don’t need to guess anymore.
But where does all the MYSLOPE data come from, and can we trust it?
My initial assumption about MYSLOPE was that an individual would need a launch monitor to collect accurate data based on his or her game. This individual data is part of the story, but only part. The other data set has already been collected via trackman from the golfing population’s myriad of swing types. The MYSLOPE algorithm integrates your swing data into this larger data set to produce the best number for you. Entering your own personal data within the app lets the algorithm automatically adjust to fit your numbers. Even those of you with “unique” swings can find a number with MYSLOPE.
When you enter your swing data, you are also feeding the beast. Every day the MYSLOPE feature is improving and becoming more and more accurate thanks to golfers inputting their own data. The only drawback is that the database is based on full shots. So those golfers who like to flight shots into greens and hit knockdown shots will have to still use their expert judgment for the time being.
PRECISION PRO MYSLOPE IS SMART
How are you with particle physics? How do you feel about calculating the change in aerodynamics of a particle in three-dimensional space based upon variations in surface textures? I’m going to pass on that big math problem as well. Thankfully, folk with mathematical superpowers included exactly this kind of complex mathematics and particle physics in the MYSLOPE design. Specifically, the MYSLOPE calculation needed to account for a spherical particle covered in dimples.
Brayden and Precision Pro explored how the dimples on the ball will affect aerodynamics and ball flight. They even studied what happens if you play a ball that has 332 dimples compared to a ball with 421. I think at this point that we can all agree that the ball we play affects our game. MYSLOPE is building a ball database by recording the average weight and dimple pattern of a 3 piece ball and relating that to launch characteristics. Ultimately, they will figure out how each ball will change the flight for the individual golfer.
The takeaway from all of this is that there is a huge amount of data processing happening under the surface of MYSLOPE. The best thing is that you are not required to do even one of the calculations to reap the MYSLOPE results.
WHY IS IT BENEFICIAL TO YOU?
Do you toss grass in the air to check the wind? Have you paced off a pitch shot to make sure your distance is correct? Have you rubbed a green to feel the grain? If you live for that kind of analysis ritual before you take a shot, then maybe MYSLOPE is not for you.
Some of us want things to be easy. Well, at least I do. I just want to know the adjusted yardage and what club to hit. I’m happy to let MYSLOPE figure out where the wind is, how many yards up or downhill the shot is. I don’t want to do calculus. I just want to hit the right shot. So in my mind, the R1 rangefinder with MYSLOPE allows me to narrow my focus to the shot at hand without sparing a synapse for masticating mathematical miasma.
The Precision Pro MYSLOPE algorithm crunches large amounts of data. This may sound like information overload, but it need not be. You can just take the provided number and play golf. If deep data diving is your thing, the Precision Pro R1 can give you lots of data and should check all your swing metric boxes. It’s a device that covers the spectrum of usage.
Hell, the R1 even has a “find my Precision Pro” feature to locate where you last left it if you’re a guy like me.
Remember, the MYSLOPE feature is all built into the R1 rangefinder and app. Most Wanted Testing has shown us that the R1 at its core is a solid laser rangefinder. But a rangefinder that just tells yardages may be a tool sliding toward obsolescence. Future golfers will seek out accurate, integrated data to help shoot lower scores.
WHERE CAN I GET ONE?
One of the market separators for Precision Pro is their ability to deliver a high-quality laser rangefinder at a price below the competition. The Precision Pro lasers always score well in the MyGolfSpy Buyer’s Guides while costing much less than other units. That theme continues with the R1. At $319.99, it will become the most expensive rangefinder in the Precision Pro line. However, that price is well below similar units from competitors. The Bushnell Hybrid laser/GPS unit runs $399.99 and the Bushnell XE costs $550. Neither one of those units integrates all of the data that the R1 does.
The R1 will also come with Precision Pro’s standard 90-day money-back guarantee and lifetime free battery replacement.
R1 Smart Rangefinder
$319.99
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I miss, I miss, I make
7 months agoIt seems like the “smarter” our devices get, the dumber we get. Now if they could just get a “putt reader”.
RT
7 months agoI have a range finder and love it ! BUT, It’s more fun to play like it was prior to the range finder. This way one has to be better at figuring out the distance by 150 or 100 yard markers and guessing or stepping it off between yardages .!!!! I’m NOT a fan of the slope scope app at all. Something must be left for the player to figure out !!!!
Mike
7 months agoYou must be a scratch golfer. There’s plenty for me to still figure out. I would probably go ballistic watching a 20 handicapper walk off yardages from sprinkler heads throughout around. And since I don’t have a caddy who’s already figured out the yardages from most spots on the course, I’ll stick with my rangefinder. Play is slow enough already.
JR
7 months agoMy previous comment should have read ‘the great Hogan’ not ‘the great John’ – damn autocorrect! Another reason why we shouldn’t rely on technology too much, I guess. 😂
Adam Burton
7 months agoI have a second R1 being delivered to me. The first one I got when it was released was so frustrating to use! Multiple no-reads. It consistently could not pick up flags on multiple par 3s. Namely elevated tees. Background conditions varied on no reads. From clear sky to trees. It was a huge disappointment. However, I am receiving a replacement with hopes of it working better.
I love the data, but it never transferred to the range finder. So again, an expense for something that didn’t work.
I will update when I get a new one. However, it’s winter now. So that will have to wait until spring.
Jimmy Choo
7 months agoI gave up on this kind of multiply feature range finger after using the Garmin Z82. Too much info to feed to the device before one can really fully utilize all the feature, it will end up like using a normal range finder. Forget about link it up with phone via Bluetooth, it dries up the phone battery as well. Can’t we just focus on our swing and hit the green instead of spending too much time on device? I bet you will hit better with the yardage marker or a simple range finder if you “are” a double digit handicapper.
Jim
7 months agoI purchased the R1 after being on the wait list for three months. While it is clearly extremely full-featured, I ended up returning it after about a month. There were several reasons. First, and perhaps most importantly, it takes far too much time to use the device. By the time you enter all of the data into the app to track everything and then look at all the information before taking your shot, it feels like it can add nearly 30 minutes to your average round. For me at least, I’d rather sacrifice the one or two strokes I might gain. Second, under certain bright light conditions early in the morning, the laser doesn’t work. This has never happened to me with my old Leuopold device. Third, unless I was doing something wrong, you need to always be in Bluetooth range of your phone in order to access all of the features. Finally, I wasn’t impressed at all with battery life. I get a full season out of the battery in my Leuopold. I had to recharge. The R1 every couple of rounds.
I guess if you are a real numbers cruncher, this might work for you. But for me at least, it wasn’t worth the effort.
John F.
7 months agoHow does this accumulate distances by club? Saw this in the app, but it doesn’t really explain how it gets this information.
Harry Nodwell
7 months agoYou can either plug in your own data or they have collected swing data from Trackman.
Paul
7 months agoLifetime battery replacement doesn’t matter with the R1 because it doesn’t have a battery, one charges it like they do their phone………….
Mike
7 months agoDoes the Precision Pro R1 have improved pin locking ability vs. their more inexpensive models? I have the NX7 and find it quite a bit harder to hit the pin with than my partner’s Bushnell.
P.J.
7 months agoI had a similar problem with the NX7 Slope edition, it got worse after a few months. I left a review about it on Amazon and Precision Pro contacted me. They offered to replace it, free of charge (it was still under warranty). When I got the replacement, it was the upgraded NX9 Slope. I don’t have issues with this one, and I have to believe that my original one wasn’t quite right. For what it’s worth – I’m very happy with the NX9 Slope and if something happened to this one, I’d buy another one without hesitation.
Patrick
7 months agoThat would be great if the app worked have the randefinder app sucks tons of glitches
Tim M.
7 months agoI couldn’t agree more… The precision pro app is awful! Nothing ever works more than once. You have to close and open the app numerous times. Not worth the aggregation at all.
Andy
7 months agoSo it’s basically a competitor for the Garmin G80? Only this sounds better?
Steve S
7 months agoWow. Now we are getting somewhere. Much more useful to me than arccos and others.
Matthew C
7 months agoWhy is it more useful? Doesn’t it do basically the same thing except with the laser?
JR
7 months agoJust what we need – another device that has us consulting our phones before every shot. Bad enough that a round already takes four and a half hours without adding to it. Could maybe see the point if we all struck every shot perfect but even the great John admitted he only flushed one or two a round. A basic rangefinder is all anyone needs. And, by the way, any device calculating wind speed is illegal for competition play.
Mark Blake
7 months agoexciting stuff but using this device is a rules breach with penalty of disqualification, so how does it help me get lower scores?
Might as well be reviewing and promoting non-conforming drivers and balls now
ChrisK
7 months agoWell, MGS is consistently doing that sort of thing — they regularly review music devices that aren’t allowed either 🙂
Geno
7 months agoWhen I got to the price I was pleasantly surprised. I figured it would be about $600 or more. If it does all it says it will do it is a steal at $320. I may just have to check it out. A discussion of its performance on No Putts Given would be an interesting one for sure. Great find Harry.
Wayne
7 months agoI pre-ordered the R1 and received it over the summer. It’s lightning fast to pick up the yardage, noticeably faster than my NX7. However I walk most of my rounds and carry my bag. I find the R1 bulkier to carry and stash in my pocket when I want to. The NX7 was perfect for that.
It also doesn’t use a regular battery. It’s a rechargeable lithium battery and I only get about two rounds before it requires charging. It also loses bluetooth connection frequently and then the GPS doesn’t come up on the rangefinder as fast. But it’s always available on the phone. Those are the only negatives.
I love when the GPS is connected and I can see front, back, and middle with a push of a button after I lasered the flag distance. That is really cool.
It’s a sweet rangefinder and definitely worth $320. Plus the customer service is way better than Bushnell. Hopefully some of the kinks will get worked out for the next model.
TBT
7 months agoHow long does the battery last? One of the great things about using the regular batteries in most other rangefinders is the fact that I can carry a couple of spare batteries in case mine goes dead, plus a battery will last for months and months in a regular rangefinder.
Marty
7 months agoIf you use the app and the range finder you can get 2 rounds max. If you are just using the range finder, I’ve gotten almost 4 (it died on me in the middle of the 18th hole of the 4th round.) It’s decent but not great. You DEFINITELY need to recharge it often. It’s not like the Bushnell with the battery that lasted for a year. That said, it is the best range finder I’ve ever used. The app is still a little buggy but when it works, holy crap is it accurate! I had no idea how much yardage I lost playing on cold mornings. I used to take an extra club, I was wrong!
John Toenjes
7 months agoScience vs. Art. Disembodied experience vs. Embodied interaction with the environment. My measurement of the slope is that it is slippery and the more golf goes down this path the less integrated the life experience of golf becomes.