The Quick Verdict
These two cost almost exactly the same — we're talking four cents apart — so the decision is entirely about what matters to you in the device itself. Get the Bushnell A1-Slope. It's smaller, rechargeable via USB-C, and genuinely pocketable in a way most rangefinders aren't. The Nikon COOLSHOT 50i GII is worth considering only if you want a red OLED display and a five-year warranty, or you'd rather run on CR2 batteries than manage a charging cable. Check price at TGW →
What They Have in Common
Both sit at $299.99 (essentially), both hit 6x magnification, both do slope with a legal-play toggle, and both claim ±1 yard accuracy. Either one will give you a reliable yardage to the flag on approach shots. The baseline is solid from both brands; this comparison is really about the details around that baseline.
Where They Differ
Size and Form Factor
This is where the A1-Slope makes its case. At 5.1 oz and 3.75 × 1.42 × 2.36 inches, it's the smallest rangefinder Bushnell has made, and you'll feel that in your pocket. The Nikon COOLSHOT 50i GII is noticeably larger — 7.2 oz and 4.5 × 3.1 × 1.6 inches — which is a more traditional rangefinder shape. That's not a knock on the Nikon; plenty of golfers prefer a slightly bulkier device because it's easier to hold steady. But if you've ever fumbled a rangefinder out of a small pocket trying to pull it out for a quick read, the A1-Slope solves that problem.
Battery and Power
The A1-Slope charges over USB-C and claims 50+ rounds on a charge, roughly 3,000 actuations. The Nikon runs on a CR2 lithium battery rated at around 10,000 measurements. Here's a real-world consideration: CR2 batteries are at every pharmacy and most gas stations, which means if the Nikon dies mid-round you can fix it before the turn. With the A1-Slope, you're relying on charging it before you leave the house. Forget once on a Friday night, and you're searching for a USB-C cable in the cart barn Saturday morning. That said, 50 rounds is a long time between charges — if you're disciplined about it, the rechargeable model is genuinely more convenient day-to-day.
Display
The Nikon runs a red internal OLED, which tends to read well in low-light conditions — early morning rounds, overcast days, that kind of thing. The Bushnell uses an LCD. Neither display will fail you in normal playing conditions, but OLED has a real advantage when the sun hasn't fully come up and you're squinting at a flag 175 yards out. Nikon also features what they call "Hyper Read" for faster target acquisition, and "Dual Locked-On Quake" — essentially vibration confirmation that you've locked the flag rather than a tree behind it. The A1-Slope has Bushnell's BITE magnetic mount system built in, which is convenient for keeping it on the cart rail without fumbling for a case.
Water Resistance and Warranty
The A1-Slope is rated IPX6, which means it can handle sustained water jets — genuine rain-round protection. The Nikon is IPX4, which covers splashing from any direction. In practice, IPX4 handles normal rain fine, but IPX6 is more robust if you're the kind of person who plays through everything. The Nikon counters with a five-year warranty, which is notably longer than most in this price range. Seems like Nikon is using that warranty as a confidence signal — a way of saying the build will hold up without you having to take their word for it.
Who Should Buy Which
Get the Bushnell A1-Slope if:
- You want something that fits in your front pocket without adding bulk — this is genuinely grab-and-go.
- You play frequently enough that USB-C charging is just part of your weekly routine, like charging your watch.
- You want the higher IPX6 water rating and are regularly playing in wet conditions.
- You're already in the Bushnell ecosystem and like the BITE magnetic cart mount.
Get the Nikon COOLSHOT 50i GII if:
- You play early morning rounds where the red OLED display will actually earn its keep before the sun gets up.
- You'd rather keep a CR2 in your bag as a backup than manage a charging schedule — if you're the golfer who finds a dead battery at the first tee more than once a season, the CR2 model is the safer bet.
- The five-year warranty matters to you. On a $300 rangefinder, that's meaningful coverage.
- You prefer a traditional-sized rangefinder that's easier to steady by hand.
The Bottom Line
At a four-cent price difference, this comes down to form factor and power. The A1-Slope is genuinely smaller and genuinely more convenient to carry, and USB-C charging is the right direction for gear in this price range. The Nikon's OLED display and five-year warranty are real advantages, and the CR2 battery never runs out without warning you first — but neither of those tips the scale enough to offset the size and convenience gap.
I'd go with the A1-Slope for most golfers. If you play dawn rounds constantly and hate charging things, the Nikon is a legitimate alternative.