50 Words or Less
The CaddyTalk CUBE rangefinder has one of the most significant innovations in distance measurement in several years. Quick and accurate. Easy to use and very compact.
Introduction
Laser rangefinders have been a staple of golf technology for the last twenty years or so. In that time, I’d argue there have been three major innovations: slope, red/black optics, and GPS integration. The new CaddyTalk CUBE is aiming to push that number to four with their clever “Caddy Mode.” In this review, I’ll explain what that is and whether or not it deserves to be considered a major step forward.
Set Up & Ease of Use
The CaddyTalk CUBE rangefinder comes with all the basics that you’d expect: laser, cleaning cloth, charging cable, case, and user manual. A printed user manual is actually a bit of a rarity these days, and I applaud CaddyTalk for including it.
To get started, give the CUBE a full charge with the USB cable. One full charge should last for 10,000 distances, which is over 130 rounds at four yardages per hole. There is a battery life indicator that will pop up when you drop below 20%, so you shouldn’t get stuck without a charge.
The basic function of the CUBE are just like any other rangefinder: push the power button on top to bring up the display, push it again to get your distance. Getting into the deeper functionalities requires the use of the Mode button on the bottom of the device. One tap activates Caddy Mode. A double tap changes the units from yards to meters. Hold the Mode button to switch between E Slope, M Slope, and Tournament mode or to adjust the brightness of the display. While I would prefer that some of that be handled with a dedicated switch or slider, this sequence is easy to navigate, and, realistically, you’re unlikely to change them after your first time out.
Accuracy & Performance
As always, we’ll start with the basics. The CaddyTalk CUBE is accurate and quick. It consistently produced the same yardage as several other trusted rangefinders. It isn’t the fastest rangefinder I’ve tested (that title still belong to the Voice Caddie TL1, review HERE), but the difference is practically insignificant.
Now let’s turn to Caddy Mode. The idea behind this feature is that you can get the distance from your ball to the pin (or any two points) without standing at your ball. To use it, push the Mode button to enter Caddy Mode, shoot the laser at your ball, then shoot the target. In under a second, the rangefinder will display the distance between those two points. I tested Caddy Mode extensively and found it to be very accurate.
The applications of Caddy Mode are numerous. The first and best use I can think of is for cart path only days. With Caddy Mode, you won’t need to walk to your ball with three clubs only to find that they’re all wrong. Additionally, Caddy Mode can speed up play. Finally, you can use it to find the distance between two hazards, or a hazard and the green, to choose a smart strategy.
Moving away from Caddy Mode, CaddyTalk has built two smart measurement modes into the CUBE. M Slope is a slope adjustment that takes into account ball flight. Practically speaking, this means that the farther away the target is, the more positive slope adds to the playing yardage because your ball flight will be lower. E Slope uses M Slope but also factors in temperature, altitude, and humidity. I was able to test this in several different temperatures against other lasers, and it does change the readings by a few yards. Finally, there is a tournament mode which turns off slope.
Another thing worth mentioning is the display. The CUBE has a red and green display inside the viewfinder that’s very clear and easy to read in all light conditions. Additionally, there is a display on the side of the device. This is great for those times you think, “What was that number I literally just looked at?” It saves you from having to shoot the flag again, because you can check the side display.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the CaddyTalk CUBE is very small. It weighs just five ounces and measures roughly 1″ X 2″ X 3.5″. It’s approximately the same size as the CaddyTalk Minimi, though it has a squared shape. If you want a rangefinder you can keep in your pocket, this is definitely one to consider.
Value
The CaddyTalk CUBE rangefinder retails for $350. With many premium rangefinders at or above $400, I think the CUBE is a great value. While Caddy Mode is definitely the headliner, the rechargeable battery is another big value add.
CaddyTalk offers a more affordable option with their Minimi HERE
Find similar features at a much lower price in the Voice Caddie Laser FIT HERE
Conclusion
Huge kudos to CaddyTalk for coming up with one of the best innovations in rangefinders in years. Caddy Mode on the CaddyTalk CUBE is a feature that can speed up play, reduce frustration, and improve your scores. This is an early contender for the best rangefinder of 2023.
Visit CaddyTalk 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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28 Comments
I read the review and checked out their website. I didn’t see anything about a magnet. Is there a built-in magnet on this?
Jeff,
No, there is not.
Best,
Matt
Dang. I’d argue that’s must have in the current market.
Maybe version 2.0 will have it. Thanks!
Caddy mode is great when you don’t have line of sight from your ball. Is it possible to get a picture of the display?
Ken,
The internal display? No, I don’t know how to get a clean photograph of that.
-Matt
Do they offer a military discount for vets/first responders?
Phil,
I don’t know, you’d need to contact the company with that question.
Best,
Matt
Very cool. If I regularly took a cart at a course that had cartpath only the Caddy mode triangulation feature sounds fantastic. Also at the price point this rangefinder seems like a no brainer choice given the extra feature and performance.
My trouble with all range finders is that I have a slight tremor which makes it hard for me to keep it steady and get consistent distances. Does this product or any other range finder that you know of adjust for this problem?
Jeffrey,
I haven’t tested them personally, but Matt Meeker speaks highly of the stabilization on the Nikon rangefinders.
Best,
Matt
A magnet is a must for me so I can not see much advantage over my present rangefinder. Also, this unit apparently has a voice feature but your description doesn’t clarify much about that. I have found that voice units are difficult to hear, especially for the hearing impaired (hearing aids).
I do really like the feature that allows for obtaining distances on cart path only days. One more comment: there are many range finders in the 1-2 hundred dollar price range so your price is on the high end.
**** me Tom, you don’t want much do you. A magnetised (why?) $100 machine that probably makes you a coffee in the morning ?
Matt:
Does the Cube lock on the flag easily and give a jolt to indicate it has done so and is it as steady to shoot as most of the Bushnell models?
Thanks,
Roger.
Roger,
Yes, it locks onto the flag easily. It has a Pin Finder feature and vibrates when it locates the pin.
Best,
Matt
Thank you for the review of this product. Although, I don’t see the “big win” for triangulation. Particularly with so many options for Apps, handhelds or dedicated golf watches. I would much rather forego the Caddy Mode for a magnet. Nonetheless, thank you for more info around this product.
Who gives a **** about a magnet??!! Who ?
Ya know, it sle .. you may have pushed me over the edgeeems to me that all these reviews/tests/comparisons are of the apples-to-apples type. I’d like to see handheld rangefinder vs GPS watch (or phone app). IIRC, being ‘live in the moment’ with a rangefinder should be consistently more accurate than a watch or an app. The latter two would need access to military-grade GPS data to achieve the same level of accuracy. Matt, another solid informative review; I’ve had my eye on one of these for awhile … you may have pushed me over the edge.
For all the folks clamoring for a built in magnet, just buy a magnetic strap or cover. Solves the problem without whining about it. I would much rather a rangefinder that has updated technology than worry about being able to stick it on my cart. This thing is small enough to fit in a cup holder.
Exactly…. Besides Caddytalk is releasing a case with a magnet for the Cube
Just got it. Worked fine. Now no display and won’t change modes. Stays on green slope mode. Battery is 80%. Help please
Mark,
Have you contacted the manufacturer?
-Matt
No display. Won’t change modes. Stays on green slope mode. Help please
Mark,
Have you contacted Voice Caddie for technical support?
-Matt
This is my first time pay a visit at here and i
am actually impressed to read all at single place.
What is the magnification of the viewfinder? It matters!
Can you find the distance from your ball to a hazard (water/bunker)?
Tim,
Yes. You can “shoot” anything.
Best,
Matt
UPDATE: as of June 2024, the Cube has a magnetic case available.