Leupold or Bushnell

[golf_addict73]

Alright, so I’ve been underwhelmed with my NX7 after using it for the last season and a half or so. It’s not a bad rangefinder, but I find even my dad’s V3 is less frustrating to use in certain situations.

 

With that being said, I was originally waiting on the V5 to get to my local shop and was 100% going to grab it. Bushnell’s been jerking his chain and he still hasn’t gotten his shipment and they keep telling him “maybe next week.”

 

I’m trying to decide if I should wait out the V5 or have him order me a Leupold (he can get any model I’d want).

 

I know it’s not a “wow” feature, but I was going for the V5 because of the Bite mount, as I always ride when I play. Other than that, I’m pretty open to anything and I don’t use slope, so that’s not a feature I care about from either brand.

 

any recommendations on which direction to go at this point?

[flaghunting1987]

I had the PP NX9 and hated the magnet...I left it on a cart the first week I had it. Aside from that, I also didn't care for how the PP worked in the early morning with light dew/fog, so I returned it. Got the Bushnell v4 shift and it meets all my needs.

[cristphoto]

I personally don't consider the magnet a feature. As others have said its an opportunity to lose your unit. I used to work in a pro shop and we would often get lasers left in the cart. That's why I use one that easily fits in my pocket. I have a pair of V4's (one standard, one shift). They work great. Not familiar with any other brand as I've only purchased Bushnell.

[CDM]

Pretty tough question as it will come down personal preference. You need to test both really see what you like best if you can.

I had a Leupold for 5-6 years until someone recently decided they wanted it off my bag more then I wanted.

In replacing it I decided to try the Bushnell PRO XE, first time owning a Bushnell range finder. All I can say is did not go well. A week later it was returned do to issues. I got a lemon, which can happen.

I just went back to a Leupold as I never had one issue with the one I had.

Reason I tried the PRO XE is it is a full metal body and fully waterfproof, like Leupolds and I like that aspect. Leupolds upper models do have an elements aspect like the PRO XE so a coin toss if you want that function. Plus both will tell you "club selection" if you program them.... again nothing really between them in those aspects, so comes down to personal.

To me after using the PRO XE I think optics are way better on the Leupold (clarity) and the read out is much clearer. Leupold does have a tint to it from the lens coating and some like it but some do not, again personal. The FOG feature on Leupold does work very well as I have had to use it and was surprised how well it worked but in 5-6 years I only had to use it maybe 5-10 times max.

Progressive Scanning (holding the button down and panning around) the Leupold worked much better updating the numbers constantly. Both locked in the target pretty much the same and very fast on both. The one CON I know for sure on Leupolds is they use OLED (like the Tv) readouts. Reason they are so bright and crisp but they are known to fade over time depending on how much use and care is given.

CS is better with Leupold.... you can read all the horror stories about Bushnell which sadly I experienced to some extent.

Honestly BOTH are excellent in giving yardage and that is what you need. I will NOTE learn how to use them if you get a top of the line model... so funny how many people buy a top range finder and have no idea how to use it properly. =)

Like anything..... as long as you take care of it they will last for awhile...unless someone takes it =)

[Sean2]

I like Leupold. I had one and after almost four years it stopped working. I contacted Leupold, and they asked me to send it to them. I did that, and they sent me the latest model at no charge.

[CDM]

Years back when I was looking for a range finder I only glanced at other brands, Exactly what you are saying is why I went straight to Leupold. Mine was honestly all based on past CS I had with with them and product construction. Bushnell used to have great CS too but all changed and not sure why.... probably $$$

I own/use their scopes, binoculars, etc and if you EVER have issues you send it to them and they are 110% the best CS I have seen. Either perfectly fixed or just replaced with current or newer model........Even IF you are NOT the original purchaser of the product. Range finders are listed at 2 years but they go above and beyond.