First Rangefinder Pincaddie 2/GX3i2

[chief523]

So I've been using my phone gps for a couple years and want to get a rangefinder. Not a slow player but still my main thing is to keep the pace of play up particularly when I'm walking. Not sure about the gx3i2 but I know the pincaddie 2 is fairly small, how many of you carry your rangefinder in your pocket and how awkward/uncomfortable is it?

 

Even though these are just speculations, is it worth paying the extra $150-$200 for the gx3i2 for ease of use, accuracy, and how quick it locks onto your targets? Any opinions on the prism vs non prism thing? Anything will help!

[kobes31]

I haven't handled the pin caddie 2 but was checking out the gx3i2 today. It's much smaller than I thought, literally fit in the palm of my hand and considerably smaller than the bushnell v3 a buddy owns. A leupold is on my short list for sure!

[govols]

So I've been using my phone gps for a couple years and want to get a rangefinder. Not a slow player but still my main thing is to keep the pace of play up particularly when I'm walking. Not sure about the gx3i2 but I know the pincaddie 2 is fairly small, how many of you carry your rangefinder in your pocket and how awkward/uncomfortable is it?

 

Even though these are just speculations, is it worth paying the extra $150-$200 for the gx3i2 for ease of use, accuracy, and how quick it locks onto your targets? Any opinions on the prism vs non prism thing? Anything will help!

 

I've never used the pincaddie but I own the GX3i2. I have used the GX1 (my buddy's) and it worked great. Biggest difference was the black vs red display and the plastic casing. The prism lock requires pristine prisms to work like its suppose to, at least for mine, but I have no issues picking up a flag from over 400 yards without them.

[chief523]

Hmm decisions… Govols- So do you get accurate yardages most of the time? Maybe I'm misunderstanding but if the prism lock requires pristine prisms, is it hard to get readings from flags without prisms? Have no idea what I'm going to do yet.

[govols]

Hmm decisions… Govols- So do you get accurate yardages most of the time? Maybe I'm misunderstanding but if the prism lock requires pristine prisms, is it hard to get readings from flags without prisms? Have no idea what I'm going to do yet.

 

You're gonna get accurate readings with or without prisms. The only difference is the audible beep. Actually when it doesn't pick up or have a prism it measures to a tenth of a yard whereas prism lock rounds off to a whole number.

[chief523]

Ahh ok that doesn't sound bad at all. Right now I'd prefer the gx3i2 but the pin caddie 2 price is hard to pass up, we'll see.

[govols]

Ahh ok that doesn't sound bad at all. Right now I'd prefer the gx3i2 but the pin caddie 2 price is hard to pass up, we'll see.

 

I'm sure it'll be great at giving you good yardages and that's all that matters. The prism lock and fog mode aren't features you can't live without. I do like the red OLED display on mine but if you're on a budget its not a deal breaker.

[chief523]

Thanks for the help. Still a tough decision but since golf season really isn't going yet I'm leaning toward waiting a little longer and going with the 3i2.

[govols]

Keep an eye out in the classified forum. I purchased mine there. It was brand new in the plastic for $290 about a year ago.

[chief523]

Wow very nice will do

[c0nn0r6]

I bought a pincaddie off of ebay for 90 bucks! I don't put it in my pocket but you definitely could. I just have it in the ball pocket and just reach down and grab it when I need it. Great up to about 260, after that it's hard to lock on, but whose really that locked on from 260 plus anyway

[avgjoe]

huge difference b/w pincaddie and gx3i2... yes, they work the same and give the same data, but one is an entry-level/budget model vs. top of the line non-slope

[tjetski]

3i2 hands down. It is night and day difference than the pincaddie or 1i. I have owned all 3. Well worth the higher price. Software is a ton faster and the display is amazing. It is red OLED and is crystal clear.

 

You can buy a brand new 3i2 off ebay for $315 free shipping by the way. Easy choice!

[chief523]

Hey so I decided I'm probably going with the GX3i. Has anyone had problems with the yardage LED being faded with any Leupold? If so, how bad was it and did it eventually completely go away?

[govols]

Sometimes mine looks a little faded if I'm not lined up perfectly with the eyepiece.

[chief523]

Sometimes mine looks a little faded if I'm not lined up perfectly with the eyepiece.

 

Ok sounds good

[chief523]

Just an update. I ended up getting the GX 3i and no complaints at all. I've used it at the range a few times and played one round with it. During the round I was walking and fit it into my back pocket comfortably, and confidence with it over a GPS app is a lot better. The morning I played a round with it, I was lacking some sleep and too much coffee resulting some shaky hands. I was impressed that even though I wasn't hitting the flag perfectly, it still gave me the correct distance. KEEPER.

[tpcdeere]

Good choice. My leupold is awesome.

[tjetski]

Great choice and it will last years!!