Disappointed in quality of Bushnell Tour V3 rangefinder - broken

[roll - gybe]

Two years ago I replaced a high quality older generation Bushnell early generation rangefinder. This rangefinder lasted 10 years! The big black and sliver guy.

 

So two years ago my thought process was: these have to cost less now since everyone is using them; compact would be nice so I can put it in my pocket; and wow the big rangefinder is still quite expensive.

 

So I purchased the Bushnell V3 Tour. Immediately when I got it, I was bummed. It felt like a toy and it didn’t pick up objects like my old rangefinder. Well ok, as long as it lasts I thought...

 

Fast forward 23 months. I embarked on an epic trip to Ireland. As I was packing my golf bag I though, “man it would stink it the airline broke my rangefinder.” And I decided to wrap it up in a fleece and carry it on in my backpack.

 

On the second hole of the trip it stopped working. Changing the battery did not help. By the time I got home and took a business trip the warranty was out. Geez - planned obselecence.

 

I made the mistake of buying over the internet so I never held it it my hands to realize how flimsy the rangefinder would be. Shame on me. I should have changed course when I opened it up and returned it. My cost of ownership was $150/yr. My previous rangefinder was so much better.

 

Just want to vent and share. The only research I did was stick with the Bushnell brand and observe what other guys were using (which at the time was V2). So I will add my experience to the mix for other guys to consider.

 

 

[fawley]

That sucks.

 

What did Bushnell say when you called them?

[Socrates]

So two years ago my thought process was: these have to cost less now since everyone is using them; compact would be nice so I can put it in my pocket; and wow the big rangefinder is still quite expensive.

 

This is flawed thinking. The only reason an item will cost less, is if it is made cheaper. A broken wire between the battery and circuit board is common. I took my V2 apart - soldered the wire and back in business.

 

Have had no issues with my TourX in 2 yrs.

[Tzoid]

This is why I buy Leupold products. Their customer service is second to none.

 

You're apparently the exception and not the Rule with problems but that sucks.

[Sean2]

I had a Leoupold go kaput after the warranty expired. I contact them to see if it could be fixed. I sent it in. A couple of weeks later I received the latest unit at no charge.

[roll - gybe]

So two years ago my thought process was: these have to cost less now since everyone is using them; compact would be nice so I can put it in my pocket; and wow the big rangefinder is still quite expensive.

 

This is flawed thinking. The only reason an item will cost less, is if it is made cheaper. A broken wire between the battery and circuit board is common. I took my V2 apart - soldered the wire and back in business.

 

Have had no issues with my TourX in 2 yrs.

 

Nah it’s not necessarily flawed thinking, but good on you for being a classically trained philosopher. One reason they should be less expensive is quantity sold and broad consumer adoption. Second reason is Moore’s law. But thanks for the insult

 

A nicer approach would be to detail what you found disconnected and indicate that you successfully resoldered the comment.

[DLiver]

Leupold does have great customer service. They have to, because their rangefinders are horrible. They've replaced mine three times in two years. My buddy has had his replaced twice, and the current unit is very unreliable when giving yardage. I had a caddy whose Leupold didn't last 6 months. Awful product, so don't go there.

 

My Nikon 550 (an oldie) still works flawlessly despite being 10+ years old. I still use it when I have to send my Leupold in for service. If I had to get another, it would be a Nikon.

[cristphoto]

I’ve had very good service from my Bushnell products (2 lasers and 2 gps watches over the last 8 years). Never any trouble but I take care not to drop them or get them wet from rain even though they are said to be rainproof.

[Socrates]

So two years ago my thought process was: these have to cost less now since everyone is using them; compact would be nice so I can put it in my pocket; and wow the big rangefinder is still quite expensive.

 

This is flawed thinking. The only reason an item will cost less, is if it is made cheaper. A broken wire between the battery and circuit board is common. I took my V2 apart - soldered the wire and back in business.

 

Have had no issues with my TourX in 2 yrs.

 

Nah it's not necessarily flawed thinking, but good on you for being a classically trained philosopher. One reason they should be less expensive is quantity sold and broad consumer adoption. Second reason is Moore's law. But thanks for the insult

 

A nicer approach would be to detail what you found disconnected and indicate that you successfully resoldered the comment.

You're welcome. I think?

 

The problem with most of the laser units is that the cover is glued on so you have to pull it off carefully to access the screws that hold the unit together. From there, it's just tracing lines with a continuity tester and then soldering the offending break. Mine was battery contact to circuit board (those 6 yr olds don't do a very good job). I used Shoe-Goo to re-attach the rubber cover. Could have used Contact Cement if I had it. Lasers are very simple devices and the only real thing that is very hard to fix is if you screw up the aiming device. I 'dropped' an old one (very hard) and the aim point was far off the optical center. Gave up on that one.

[Precision Pro Golf]

 

So two years ago my thought process was: these have to cost less now since everyone is using them; compact would be nice so I can put it in my pocket; and wow the big rangefinder is still quite expensive.

 

 

For what it's worth, we think you're logic is perfectly sound. :) And, if you don't mind, we'd love to share our opinion on this topic.

 

The whole idea that "if it's more expensive it has to be better" is a fallacy, but an easy trap to fall in to. The truth is the only guarantee a more costly product offers is a lighter wallet. One company established market share over the years, which allowed them to increase prices with minimal improvements. But the truth is that when you strip away the names, logos and fancy proprietary labels, our NX7 Pro offers the same features, same quality but at a substantially lower price. AND... we are confident that we offer the best customer service in the industry. The bottom line is we're a small group of golfers on a mission to break this fallacy -- that the best rangefinder has to be the most expensive -- and help you keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.

 

If you haven't heard about us, feel free to browse our site and take a look. And, if you ever have any questions, just reach out. We're always happy to chat!

 

Thanks for letting us weigh in. We always appreciate the conversation on this forum! Smart golfers with great opinions.

[RSinSG]

That's a horrible time to have a failure. I've had a V3 for several years now with no issues. I'm not sure its an engineering or QC problem in the units design but rather you got a clunker.