Buying my first rangefinder: Bushnell Tour V3 vs Bushnell Tour Z6 vs Leupold GX-3i2

[Scooter321]

I am looking to buy my first rangefinder and was looking for some input between the Bushnell Tour V3, Bushnell Tour Z6, and Leupold GX-3i2. The Leopond GX3i2 and Bushnell Tour Z6 are both approximately the same price, are either or both worth the additional money over the V3. What are the major differences between the three of them, etc. Also, I am not interested in a rangefinder with slope technology.

 

Thanks in advance.

[smitty]

Many many threads on this in this forum.

My take Z6

/end/close/lock thread.

[Guia]

They are all good. I did have the Leopold 3i but had problems (shakey hands) acquiring the target. The newer Bushnell vibrate when you get the Target, works great for me. I have the Tour X, but the others do just as well.

[cz13X4]

I couldn't decide between the v3 and gx-3i2. I wanted the leupold for customer service build quality and everything else people talk about EXCEPT people say it can be harder to lock on targets. I went with the v3 because people say it locks on better and so far zero complaints. All I wanted was a quick reliable yardage and it delivers. Cant go wrong but the red display isn't with the extra money for me.

[Scooter321]

Let me try to break this down into two parts:

Comparison of features between V3 and Z6:
Accuracy difference is a half yard - doesn't matter to me
Distance to flag, 350yards vs 400 - doesn't matter to me
Both have Jolt and Pinseeker
5x vs 6x magnification...how much difference does this make?
Z6 has the vivid display and E.S.P 2 where the V3 does...how much difference does this make?

Between those last two items how much difference does this make in ease of use and is it worth $100?
After that I take it from what I have read the main differences between the Bushnell and Leopold are how easy it is to lock into targets, customer service, is there anything else? And how much difference is it in terms of locking in on targets?

[cristphoto]

I have the Z6 and it works great. Accurate, easy to lock on targets and still on the original battery after two seasons.

[vspin1]

I'm not sure about the 3i but I just picked up a 4i off Craigslist the other day. I have only played with it once and it's the first time I've ever used a rangefinder but I had no problems getting my target. At $200 even without a case I think it was a bargain.

[BobBadger]

Z6 smaller package and waterproof. Just my 2p

[potomacgolfer]

Used to have Leupold gx3i -- broke, got a replacement via warranty, and then sold it. Just got a Z6 and the rubber grip makes it seem more golf-friendly to hold steady than the Leupold. I also prefer the brighter display and size compared to V3.

[Scooter321]

[quote name='potomacgolfer' timestamp='1441164118' post='12249200']
Used to have Leupold gx3i -- broke, got a replacement via warranty, and then sold it. Just got a Z6 and the rubber grip makes it seem more golf-friendly to hold steady than the Leupold. I also prefer the brighter display and size compared to V3.

Note: TGW currently has the Z6 for $320 after applying their website promo code for 15% off.
[/quote]

Where can I find this promo code?

[potomacgolfer]

[quote name='Scooter321' timestamp='1441189992' post='12249980']
[quote name='potomacgolfer' timestamp='1441164118' post='12249200']
Used to have Leupold gx3i -- broke, got a replacement via warranty, and then sold it. Just got a Z6 and the rubber grip makes it seem more golf-friendly to hold steady than the Leupold. I also prefer the brighter display and size compared to V3.

Note: TGW currently has the Z6 for $320 after applying their website promo code for 15% off.
[/quote]

Where can I find this promo code?
[/quote]

Looks like the promo is gone/passed (was there yesterday).

[Scooter321]

[quote name='potomacgolfer' timestamp='1441198725' post='12250374']
[quote name='Scooter321' timestamp='1441189992' post='12249980']
[quote name='potomacgolfer' timestamp='1441164118' post='12249200']
Used to have Leupold gx3i -- broke, got a replacement via warranty, and then sold it. Just got a Z6 and the rubber grip makes it seem more golf-friendly to hold steady than the Leupold. I also prefer the brighter display and size compared to V3.

Note: TGW currently has the Z6 for $320 after applying their website promo code for 15% off.
[/quote]

Where can I find this promo code?
[/quote]

Looks like the promo is gone/passed (was there yesterday).
[/quote]

shoot, that stinks. any idea what the promo code was?

[MaxBuck]

One more factor to consider if you're absent-minded: the Bushnell rangefinders have white bodies, the Leupold have black bodies. Which one do you suppose is harder to overlook when you're getting your stuff out of the cart?

If you guess I lost my Leupold (left it in a cart) and have replaced it with a Bushnell, you'd be correct.

[Scooter321]

[quote name='MaxBuck' timestamp='1441203428' post='12250804']
One more factor to consider if you're absent-minded: the Bushnell rangefinders have white bodies, the Leupold have black bodies. Which one do you suppose is harder to overlook when you're getting your stuff out of the cart?

If you guess I lost my Leupold (left it in a cart) and have replaced it with a Bushnell, you'd be correct.
[/quote]

Only problem is Z6 is black

[cristphoto]

[quote name='Scooter321' timestamp='1441221192' post='12252604']
[quote name='MaxBuck' timestamp='1441203428' post='12250804']
One more factor to consider if you're absent-minded: the Bushnell rangefinders have white bodies, the Leupold have black bodies. Which one do you suppose is harder to overlook when you're getting your stuff out of the cart?

If you guess I lost my Leupold (left it in a cart) and have replaced it with a Bushnell, you'd be correct.
[/quote]

Only problem is Z6 is black
[/quote]

That's true but my Z6 is small enough I keep it in my pocket. No problems.

[MaxBuck]

[quote name='Scooter321' timestamp='1441221192' post='12252604']
[quote name='MaxBuck' timestamp='1441203428' post='12250804']
One more factor to consider if you're absent-minded: the Bushnell rangefinders have white bodies, the Leupold have black bodies. Which one do you suppose is harder to overlook when you're getting your stuff out of the cart?

If you guess I lost my Leupold (left it in a cart) and have replaced it with a Bushnell, you'd be correct.
[/quote]

Only problem is Z6 is black
[/quote]

Z6 is white, with a black rubber grip. There's enough white there that it doesn't blend in with the black plastic shelving on the motorized cart.

[fjk]

Lost my Leupold.

My solution?

Pro X7. White, and HUGE. I was all about the little z6 or gx3i2 (which I loved and was easy to range targets, no complaints here), but now just need to make sure I never lose it.

Also the red display of either brand is huge. Had an old V2 that got harder to read over time. If you don't care for that display, just buy the $90 Simmons rangefinder on Amazon. Seriously. Any added features are scan mode and maybe pin lock, but you can get pin lock on even $150 rangefinders on Amazon.

Point and range? $90 Simmons. But... Can't get myself to do it so I'll probably go for the x7 if I can find it cheap enough. 7x mag helps.

[jonkevin]

I have the GX3i and my playing partner has a Z6. Both work great, I like how the GX fits in my hand better than the Z6.