Decided on buying a rangefinder, but which one?

craz-e · June 13, 2009

Been tempted to purchase a rangefinder for a while now and have now got sufficient funds to go ahead with buying one. The models I am considering are the Callaway Nikon LR 1200, Bushnell V2, or the Leupold GX1. Just looking to purchase the best model so would appreciate all input from anyone with experience of these models.

nutsnbolts · June 13, 2009

I love my GXII Leupold which is the smallest of the bunch. Accurate and loaded with features. Yes, you will probably read that on scanning mode, it's a bit slower to acquire distances in comparison to some others but in my opinion, its slowness is something you can't even tell. Otherwise, feature per feature, you won't find a comparable device that doesn't have all the features this has.

stopdog · June 14, 2009

Very happy with my LR1200. 7X mag great for longer distances, picks up flags from over 300 yards. It gives instant readings to the .5 yard, only one that does this I think. It comes with a padded nylon case that protects it well and flip down cover over the lenses that velcros close. It is slightly larger than the others but that's OK because I use 2 hands when I shoot it, one to steady it and the other to hit the button on top. Works great. My friend has a Bushnell 1500 and comparing them the LR1200 locks on and gives readings faster and the Bushnell is a little bigger. I prefer my LR1200.

alfie · June 14, 2009

Since I have a tough time reaching 200 yds. with my fairway woods, I usually just use the laser rangefinder stated on my signature from 130 yds. and in towards the green. As u probably figured, the Bushnell scout 1000 is probablyone of the lowest priced model out there right now, but it's good enough for a high handicapper like myself. Only minor problem I have with it at times is getting accurate flag readings when I'm far away, as I need to really have my hands real steady. So, when this is an issue, I'll just aim at a larger target nearby and get an "estimate" distance. Perhaps the higher end models do a better job dealing with this little inconvinience? Good luck deciding!

schmatt · June 17, 2009

I can't tell you anything about the other models, but for the Bushnell, I have the pinseeker 1500. I love it. If you buy a rangefinder, make sure it has a pinseeker function. It takes less than 2 seconds to pickup the yardage from any distance. This includes from the tee box on a par 5 with shaky hands. Without it, you will have a heck of a time getting the correct yardage.

Anton · June 17, 2009

My vote goes to Leupold, cannot go wrong with that one.

hsq91 · June 20, 2009

I would recommend looking online for a Nikon 800s, hunting model. The hunting and golf models are exactly the same except they mark up the golf model a couple hundred bucks. Also, there is very little benefit from the 1200 to the 800s when used for golf. I purchased an 800 on ebay for less than 200. It is accurate and the scan mode is very easy to use. You just hold down the button and scan across targets.