The present disclosure is directed to intravascular devices, systems, and methods having a solid core proximal section and a slotted, tubular distal section. In some aspects, a sensing guide wire is provided. The sensing guide wire can include a proximal portion having a solid core member and a plurality of conductors embedded in an outer layer surrounding the solid core member and a distal portion coupled to the proximal portion, the distal portion having a slotted tubular member and a sensing element, the sensing element being electrically coupled to the plurality of conductors of the proximal portion. In other aspects, methods of forming a sensing guide wire are provided.