RANGEFINDERS: Bushnell v.s. Leupold

[ace036]

Can't decide between the two...please help

I am in the market for a rangefinder, and I can't decide between a Bushnell V2, 1600, or a Leupold...Opinions and feedback regarding each are greatly appreciated...If I had to pick one right now-I would have to say that I am leaning towards the Bushnell 1600...

[bytehoven]

My preference would be Leupold GX-I for Tournament play and the GX-II for practice.

IMHO, the new Leupold rangefinders offer performance as good as the Bushnell 1500/1600, in a smaller form, allowing for easier storage and one handed operation.

Having owned the GX-II slope model, I would save $$$ and stick with the USGA legal GX-I.

Happy shopping

BTW... the Nikon/Callaway 800 is another unit worth checking out.

[Hateto3Putt]

Don't discount the Bushnell Medalist. I shopped for a long time and found this model to offer the best bang for the buck.

I'm also a fan of it using a simple 9 volt battery that lasts forever as opposed to a button cell watch type battery.

[br61]

Bought Bushnell V2 Tour rangefinder after owning 1500 for a while. I regretted that decision because V2 rangefinder burns through batteries in almost no time. I had to replace batteries every 3-5 weeks while I think I replaced 1500's battery maybe once or twice a year.

I'm looking into purchasing either 1600 or Leupold so interested in comments on Leupold.

[Saint]

The Leupold has a good battery, not the watch kind. Has 7 different reticles to choose from, and is very small and light. So yeah, I love mine. Got it for a grand total of $280 off of amazon, brand new.

[bjackson]

This is what made it a no brainer for me. How many Leupold's have you ever seen someone using on the course before? How many Bushnells's have you seen? I love my Bushnell Pro V2. Zero problems after 2 years of heavy use.

[Dub]

My father and I were both debating this issue. He bought a gps and abandoned it after three uses. He then purchased a Bushnell (lowest cost model in their lineup that has pinseeker). He absolutely loves it.


I've always like Leupold products for hunting......I may lean their way due to the size. I want to be able to walk up to a tee box on the par threes and be able to range the stick exactly and drop it into your pocket.

We have very reliable gps on our carts at my home course....but you can't drive up beside every tee placement. Also it would be nice for walking rounds in the winter and spring.

[AzPGAPro]

Bushnell 1600

[rony]

I have had a Bushnell 1500 Pinseeker for 2 years now. Over 100 rounds, only 2 9V Battery replacements, works PERFECT, never a problem. Go with the Bushnell!!

[Dub]

[quote name='rony' post='1960218' date='Sep 19 2009, 09:26 AM']I have had a Bushnell 1500 Pinseeker for 2 years now. Over 100 rounds, only 2 9V Battery replacements, works PERFECT, never a problem. Go with the Bushnell!! [/quote]


There's a lot to be said for this......2 years great service.....only 2 9Volts needed.!!!!!!!!!


I may shop around for one of these on sale. I'll bet the larger size of this unit makes it steady when you hold it on the target. I can always just set it down on the ground next to my other sticks.

[Coach Ritz]

I like my leopold. My buddy had the bushnell and he leaves his in his bag and uses my leopold.

[greenmatter]

[quote name='AzPGAPro' post='1960202' date='Sep 19 2009, 06:16 AM']Bushnell 1600[/quote]
+1 My RF [url="http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Tournament-Laser-Rangefinder-Pinseeker/dp/B001PCU5RA"]http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Tournament-...r/dp/B001PCU5RA[/url]

[Saint]

[quote name='greenmatter' post='1964498' date='Sep 21 2009, 07:26 PM'][quote name='AzPGAPro' post='1960202' date='Sep 19 2009, 06:16 AM']Bushnell 1600[/quote]
+1 My RF [url="http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Tournament-Laser-Rangefinder-Pinseeker/dp/B001PCU5RA"]http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Tournament-...r/dp/B001PCU5RA[/url]
[/quote]

that thing is twice the size and weight of the leupold. And I'm pretty sure that the Leupold is pretty popular with tour caddies.

[snyper1d]

I recently picked up a Leupold GX-II off of the BST forum here for $200 NIB. I love this thing. Small size, weight, and relatively easy to pick up the flag stick. Quick readout, and the different reticles is a nice feature too. I do not use the club selector much or at all, but I may try it out in the future. I think it's a coincidence, but my 2nd round with this thing I holed out from 163 yds.

Not sure if the Bushnell does this, but the Leupold will let you program in the altitude and temperature for club selection and slope distance. I thought this was interesting that it takes into account atmospheric conditions.

[NJPhil]

I finally picked up a range finder this summer, I went with the Leupold for size and cost. Couldn't be happier with my purchase, not saying there is anything better or worse with the Bushnell units, but you can find a new GX-I for < $290 shipped.

[highhandicapper]

Not sure how far you are along in researching, but you can always check out CriticalGolf - they do a nice job of providing a pretty comprehensive set of reviews (including the V2, the 1600 and the Leupolds).

[url="http://criticalgolf.com/laser-rangefinder-reviews/"]http://criticalgolf.com/laser-rangefinder-reviews/[/url]

[Hstead]

I researched a ton and decided on the Leupold GX1. I read a ton of threads and online reviews and settled on the GX1. I bought one from this dude on ebay - brand new in the box for $225 shipped. It was the best deal I found. He still has one or two left I think. I can't wait to get mine.

I bought a I-On Optics for $120. Guess what, I got less than what I paid for. It worked for 9 holes and stopped. Company said it was "dropped". I never "dropped" it. All that I can figure is that it was jarred in the cart. Money down the drain. So I decided to get a good one this time.

[url="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280403606620&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT"]http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...e=STRK:MEWNX:IT[/url]

[slightdraw]

if you dont mind the heft, go with the 1600. if you do, get the leupold. i dont think the v2 can keep up with either. if you want to consider others i side with [b]HowardBeale[/b] - the callaways (aka nikons) are quite nice (and is 7x like the 1600)

[BuckyBadger]

does anyone have pics of the carrying case for the Leupold GX1 and 2. I like my Bushnell V2 case as it clips on my bag and has a bungee type strap on it to close it.

[Hstead]

[quote name='GOLFNUT2082' post='1987896' date='Oct 4 2009, 11:58 PM']does anyone have pics of the carrying case for the Leupold GX1 and 2. I like my Bushnell V2 case as it clips on my bag and has a bungee type strap on it to close it.[/quote]

There is a pretty good picture of the case in this review. It looks like it has a clip for your bag etc. but the reviewer says it is a tight squeeze.

[url="http://thesandtrap.com/accessories/leupold_gx-i_laser_rangefinder_review"]http://thesandtrap.com/accessories/leupold...gefinder_review[/url]

[Hateto3Putt]

[quote name='Hstead' post='1988154' date='Oct 5 2009, 09:04 AM']There is a pretty good picture of the case in this review. It looks like it has a clip for your bag etc. but the reviewer says it is a tight squeeze.

[url="http://thesandtrap.com/accessories/leupold_gx-i_laser_rangefinder_review"]http://thesandtrap.com/accessories/leupold...gefinder_review[/url][/quote]

Please keep in mind when reading that particular review, that Leupold is a huge sponsor for that reviewers site.

[BuckyBadger]

Thanks for the link Hstead. I am looking for a rangefinder that's waterproof. The Bushnell V2 is not. Leupold looks like it fits my needs.

[Hstead]

[quote name='GOLFNUT2082' post='1988285' date='Oct 5 2009, 10:51 AM']Thanks for the link Hstead. I am looking for a rangefinder that's waterproof. The Bushnell V2 is not. Leupold looks like it fits my needs.[/quote]

Mine is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Can't wait.

[ABT]

I bought a Bushnell Medalist and loved it for 4 to 5 rounds that I used it. I now use Golflogix on my iphone and don't need my almost new and perect condition Bushnell. I was going to put it on Ebay unless anyone here wants it.

[Caveman281]

[quote name='br61' timestamp='1252511406' post='1941184']
Bought Bushnell V2 Tour rangefinder after owning 1500 for a while. I regretted that decision because V2 rangefinder burns through batteries in almost no time. I had to replace batteries every 3-5 weeks while I think I replaced 1500's battery maybe once or twice a year.

I'm looking into purchasing either 1600 or Leupold so interested in comments on Leupold.
[/quote] That is a BIG BIG difference man. I plan to be using the rangefinder alot, so I guess I'm for sure going to get the 1600 TE now.

[Caveman281]

Does everyone agree that the Bushnell 1600 Tournament Edition battery lasts alot longer than the V2? I've heard that the V2 battery doesn't last that long.

[jons1]

Leupold rangefinders are used by the us military to range targets... i'd say that they must be pretty darn good if it can be trusted in operation in the horrible conditions found in the middle east deserts under fire. just saying. also, the Leupold is the official range finder of the professional tour caddies of america... whether that means a hill of beans or not, but it sounds good.

anyway, i noticed someone mentioned not to get the ones with the slope calculations, to save the money, and I'm just wondering why that conclusion was made. i've never used a laser rangefinder for golf, and I would think that feature would be really educational for learning how to club yourself, so I wanted to see what was determined with that.

[jons1]

[quote name='ABT' timestamp='1254754837' post='1988305']
I bought a Bushnell Medalist and loved it for 4 to 5 rounds that I used it. I now use Golflogix on my iphone and don't need my almost new and perect condition Bushnell. I was going to put it on Ebay unless anyone here wants it.
[/quote]

i have the golflogix app as well. the latest release of that application seems incredibly user friendly and accurate within 3 yards. it's also free to try and get distances, and only $20 for all the premium options and such. $20... that's a heck of a lot cheaper than a dedicated gps or laser device.

[NWS Alpine]

[quote name='golfpros1' timestamp='1301337871' post='3096544']
Leupold rangefinders are used by the us military to range targets... i'd say that they must be pretty darn good if it can be trusted in operation in the horrible conditions found in the middle east deserts under fire. just saying. also, the Leupold is the official range finder of the professional tour caddies of america... whether that means a hill of beans or not, but it sounds good.

anyway, i noticed someone mentioned not to get the ones with the slope calculations, to save the money, and I'm just wondering why that conclusion was made. i've never used a laser rangefinder for golf, and I would think that feature would be really educational for learning how to club yourself, so I wanted to see what was determined with that.
[/quote]

I don't think people are getting the non slope version to save money. When you are spending 400 on a luxury item the extra 100 isn't much. It's more for the ability to use it for tournament rounds and handicap rounds. Even if you never use the slop or disable the function it's still not legal. Many people use slope and post handicap scores illegally because they don't know better. If you don't care about that then get the slope version.

[jons1]

I thought Leupold had models that had slope with one face, and met usga regulations with another.