Leupold Gx-5i3 locking on wrong target

[daverain1]

Hi,

 

I just picked up the Gx-5i3 and generally love it, it's fast and red display is great. One issue I've had is its locking on the wrong object - was on a par 3 Saturday shooting the flag (no reflector) and it kept locking on player on green behind the flag - I'd get beep and locked distance. I assume he was wearing something reflective. I'v had a similar issue with something on a hill behind the green - I couldn't shoot the flag because it kept locking on the hill.

 

Both times I knew it wasn't the flag because it beeped and locked (and distance was wrong, I have GPS too.). I couldn't sweep the flag without it locking. This is my 2nd Leupold (upgraded from GX-2i) and never had the issue before. Has anyone had the same experience or can suggest a work-around?

[Fred99x]

Try not using scan mode. I found much better results by pressing the power button to turn unit on, then when cross hairs are on the pin, give a quick press of the power button again. When holding the power on, scan mode, I would get changing distances and sometimes it would not be the pin distance.

[ecfritts]

Not to hijack your thread but I have always used a Bushnell range finder until recently. I picked up a Leupold GX-3i and I find it difficult to see pins though it. I bought it used but it just seems dark when looking through the lens. I was constantly unable to get it to give me yardages and locking onto the wrong thing. With my Bushnell everything is very light when looking through the lens...basically just like looking at the flag with your naked eye. The Leupold just seems very dark and hard to even see the flag from longer yardages (like 175-225). I'm just wondering if this is normal for Leupold range finders.

[Fred99x]

I had the 3i and had no such issues viewing pins through the viewfinder. I also didn't have problems getting distances but as far as locking onto the pin that all depends on the quality of prisms on the pins. It definitely isn't 100 percent fool proof. I really liked the 3i and the only reason I don't have it anymore is I wanted the slope version of Leupold.

[ecfritts]

Thanks for the reply, I will continue to try it & hope that was just me trying to get used to the new equipment.

[DLiver]

I had both the issues mentioned here with my 3i something or other. It would lock on the wrong distance (often way shorter than the pin even though there were no objects between me and the pin). I also had the darkening issue, as did a caddy I played with last summer. My buddy has had the same issue with giving false readings, too.

 

Leupold, to their credit, replaced the unit free of charge, and actually upgraded me to a higher model.

 

I really appreciate Leupold's customer service, but IMO the quality of their products is horrible.

[ecfritts]

It's gotten really good reviews but when it's getting dark out or overcast it's hard to see pins at a longer distance. I pull out my old Bushnell & bang...I get a yardage quickly & accurately.

[daverain1]

I’ll try not scanning. I’ll also agree that Leupold can be dark, mine has a dark green tint and on an overcast winter day/low light it’s a challenge to see target. I assume the tint is by design and there’s not a problem with my unit.

 

Just to clarify re: Fredxx reply - there’s no problem locking onto prisms. The problem is locking onto objects that aren’t prisms. This is my third Leupold and the first I’ve experienced this issue.

[Jimmythegolf]

I could use some help folks. I have the GX-I3 and have issues with getting distances on targets other than the pin. I try shooting bunkers to get carry and it won’t scan. It also won’t get trees very often. I know Leupold will let me ship it in to check, but that is at my cost. If they test it and say it works, what are my options?  My buddy has the Bushnell, and he can get every target I can’t. I have reset the unit, and have all the appropriate metrics set. I’ve also had occasions when the distances that are read are different then the Bushnell. Any help is appreciated. Thanks I’m advance.