Leupold GX-2 vs GX-4

[FairwaysToHeaven]

OLED worth the upgrade???

I think i've done enough reading and researching this site that i've decided on a rangefinder over a GPS. I'm also leaning towards a rangefinder that will calculate slope. i don't play competitive golf so legality won't be an issue, even though the GX-4 may someday be legal if the USGA changes their ruling.

I'm wondering if the only main difference between the GX-2 and the GX-4 is the upgrade in material (plastic compared to aluminum) and the improved optics (LED compared to OLED). Sounds like the OLED is really great but these things are already pretty expensive, is the upgrade really worth the price? As far as pin targeting and scanning for yardages, are both pretty similar?

If i'm going to spend this amount of money a little extra is OK if its really worth it. I figure this thing is going to last a long time.

A couple other questions....

How is the durability of these. can you drop them on the ground or if they fall out of cart do they hold up pretty well?

I've also looked at the Bushnell 1600 pro slope. Anyone recommend this model over the Leupold?

[JTS52]

Got the Leupold GX-3. The red readout is easy to read. I found mine on the internet for about $70 less than retail.

[3puttshakur]

Don't know about the GX2 but the GX4 OLED is awesome. Easy to read and bright.

The GX4 is rather small and compact and you'll need steady hands to scan.

Got mine on eBay for $330.00 shipped brand new and not refurbished.

[drck1000]

I am also debating betwen the GX-2 and GX-4. The price difference is the GX-4 is about 17% higher and for that amount, I would likely to with the GX-4 with the aluminum body. Otherwise, seems like they are pretty much the same.

In my research, seems like the Leupold's have better optics and a little easier operation than the Bushnell and Nikon models. A couple of guys that I golf with on occasion have range finders. One has the Bushnell 1600 w/o slope and another has the Callaway one with slope. I used to have a Skycaddie SG5, but left it in the cart one time and never got it back.

[harrison101]

I'm not too familiar with the difference between these two but a buddy of mine has the GX-4 and as far as durability goes for a rangefinder I would say it's pretty rugged. I mean he's dropped it on the concrete before (accidentally) and it held up just great. I'm sure it has to do with the fact that it's in an [color=#1C2837][size=2]aluminum case. [/size][/color]

[Body_Visions]

[quote name='datwhy' timestamp='1297784209' post='2979060']
Don't know about the GX2 but the GX4 OLED is awesome. Easy to read and bright.

The GX4 is rather small and compact and [b][b]you'll need steady hands to scan[/b][/b].

Got mine on eBay for $330.00 shipped brand new and not refurbished.
[/quote]


How is it compared to the rest on regular shots?

[3puttshakur]

[quote name='Body_Visions' timestamp='1297912233' post='2985622']
[quote name='datwhy' timestamp='1297784209' post='2979060']
Don't know about the GX2 but the GX4 OLED is awesome. Easy to read and bright.

The GX4 is rather small and compact and [b][b]you'll need steady hands to scan[/b][/b].

Got mine on eBay for $330.00 shipped brand new and not refurbished.
[/quote]


How is it compared to the rest on regular shots?
[/quote]

By "scanning" I meant regular use: getting yardage for a particular target.

The Leupold is my first range finder, so can't compare. I got it after reading the posts comparing these devices and decided on the Leupold b/c of the OLED.

My trouble is that if held like a compact camcorder (which is the way the Leupold is designed) I find it hard to keep still with one hand to isolate the target, esp. on windy days. I would have to use both hands or brace against the cart to get the proper distance.

I can see why some would advocate for the Bushnell since you hold it like a binocular. But all in all I'm very happy with the Leupold : great optics, OLED display is bright and large, yardage acquisition is quick and simple.