Bushnell 1500 vs. 1600

[orngnblu]

Differences with the new model; Battery Door Issues?

I won some $ in a tournament recently and I am deciding to "re-invest" it back into my arsenal of equipment. Anyways, I've been researching GPS/Rangefinders for the past couple of months and have decided to go with a range finder.

Someone in my foursome has the Bushnell 1500 w/ Slope and I find that it's a pretty good product. I noticed that Bushnell recently released a 1600 edition. I tried to determine the differences between the two models to no avail. They both have the same specs, relatively same size, etc.

I called Bushnell and spoke with a customer service rep (very helpful). He told me that there were issues with the 1500's battery door opening up when being removed from the case. This was causing the battery to fall out, etc.

Has anyone experienced this problem? Has anyone purchased and/or used both products? If so, what are your thoughts? I'm thinking now of saving money to go with the 1500 due to no change in actual performance.

[Canuck]

Yes this is the one problem I've had with the 1500. I just keep it in my bag without the case, but still have problems with the battery door falling off a few times. Don't know what will happen once I lose it. If the 1600 has worked out the problem and the difference in price isn't prohibitive, go for it.

 

I've tried keeping an elastic band around the 1500 that goes around the door. That has helped.

 

Otherwise, it is an excellent device. Accurate, easy to use and zap pins, bunkers trees.... and the housing is excellent. Also water proof. The batteries last a while as well.

 

Did have a Nikon but it stopped working after one season. STAY AWAY.

[RRFireblade]

I've heard about the door issues but I've never experienced it myself of the 3 1500's I've had over the years.

 

If it matters , I don't use the case. It fit's perfectly in the top pocket of both my bags.

[scratchswinger]

I use the top pocket of my bag and have NEVER had the door open. I have been useing it for 3 years.

[scroller52]

i've had the 1500 for a year and keep it in the case it comes in and the battery door has never opened on me.

[BarronDDS]

I taped the door shut, easy fix. I dont care about esthetics!

[Asleep]

I haven't seen anything yet that says the electronics are much better.

 

The new case is all rubberized, but it makes the button a little more difficult to find.

 

I still have one of the earliest 1500s and have had no door problems.

[theshow]

Don't know too much about the two units, except you will need a steady hand to shoot them. Also the "slope" edition is COMPLETELY ILLEGAL! You can't input your scores for your handicap if you use it, even if the "slope" mode is off.

[swgolfer]

The 1600 is improved in several ways; It is slightly heavier and the weight is balanced differently to make it more stable when viewing, the battery door is attached and it is about 10% better at acquiring the target on longer distances. I have the 1600 and it is much steadier as well as a newer high tech look!

[RRFireblade]

Don't know too much about the two units, except you will need a steady hand to shoot them. Also the "slope" edition is COMPLETELY ILLEGAL! You can't input your scores for your handicap if you use it, even if the "slope" mode is off.

 

Sheesh . . . how 'bout you chill out a tad.

 

Geez. :crazy:

[TheMoneyShot]

The 1600 is improved in several ways; It is slightly heavier and the weight is balanced differently to make it more stable when viewing, the battery door is attached and it is about 10% better at acquiring the target on longer distances. I have the 1600 and it is much steadier as well as a newer high tech look!

Did your 1600 come with the preium magnetic case?

[stevestrike]

My playing partner's 1500 battery door comes off ALL THE TIME. There have been several times when he's thought that it was completely lost somewhere on the course, but we found it in the back of the cart.

 

In any case, the 1500 battery door is a terrible design, and I would never buy one for that very reason. (Well, if it were cheap enough I might buy one)

[swgolfer]

1600 comes with the newer style case that has the magnetic flap.

[cAsE sEnSiTiVe]

I have had the 1500 for over two years, and the battery door has never given me any problems. I do not treat it kindly either...

 

Sorry to hear others having issues. I will say however that I am starting to have difficulty nailing down further distances as of late. Not that I require accuracy at 350yds, but up until recently it nailed those as well. Now...it won't even read it. This with a new 9v in it as well.

 

I am starting to consider the new Garmin, as I notice it has all of my local courses available, removing the only real gripe I hear about it.

[BrendanH]

Sorry to hear others having issues. I will say however that I am starting to have difficulty nailing down further distances as of late. Not that I require accuracy at 350yds, but up until recently it nailed those as well. Now...it won't even read it. This with a new 9v in it as well.

 

I am starting to consider the new Garmin, as I notice it has all of my local courses available, removing the only real gripe I hear about it.

 

I had the same problem with my 1500 earlier this year after using it without problem for about two years. I sent it back to Bushnell and they replaced it with a brand new model. It took them about a month but it was worth the wait.

 

For what it's worth I have never experienced the battery door issue.

[cAsE sEnSiTiVe]

Sorry to hear others having issues. I will say however that I am starting to have difficulty nailing down further distances as of late. Not that I require accuracy at 350yds, but up until recently it nailed those as well. Now...it won't even read it. This with a new 9v in it as well.

 

I am starting to consider the new Garmin, as I notice it has all of my local courses available, removing the only real gripe I hear about it.

 

I had the same problem with my 1500 earlier this year after using it without problem for about two years. I sent it back to Bushnell and they replaced it with a brand new model. It took them about a month but it was worth the wait.

 

For what it's worth I have never experienced the battery door issue.

 

Good to hear they took care of you Brendan. I'll check into that, thanks.

[TheMoneyShot]

The 1600 w/slope is wonder! It came with the upgraded magnetic case and you cannot beat the $50 rebate promotion that is out. You are on the fence pick one up, you will be glad you did!