RANGEFINDERS: Bushnell v.s. Leupold

[green3jw]

if you own a GX-4 and use it for every round, is your USGA handicap not valid even if you turn slope off?

[TML]

[quote name='green3jw' timestamp='1303758501' post='3184589']
if you own a GX-4 and use it for every round, is your USGA handicap not valid even if you turn slope off?
[/quote]
No. Unfortunately, the USGA is still stuck in the stone ages. That must be one snoozefest when the USGA throws a party.

[King_Slender]

I'm also in the market and considering the Bushnell V2 or the Leupold GX-3. Any personal experience is appreciated, but I guess the best thing is to just go to the golf store and see if I can test them both out.

Also, any opinions on non "golf" rangefinders from either company? I assume they make the same models for hunting, but might be a little cheaper not being branded for a luxury sport like golf.

[avgjoe]

The pinhunter/pinseeker feature will be difft... first or last tgt priority iirc

[avgjoe]

[quote name='golfpros1' timestamp='1302974025' post='3159518']
[quote name='TML' timestamp='1302919925' post='3158126']
[quote name='golfpros1' timestamp='1302832920' post='3154624']
i'm sure the Leupold has superior optics... but... how it is at shooting flags? it's great and all, that military and law enforcement use them, but they aren't shooting golf flags. most of the reviews say without a prism that they are hard to use, and that the pinseeker technology in the bushnells makes them easier to use.
[/quote]
sounds like you already have a bushnell. If I had a bushnell, I would prob be on here too questioning the leupold.
[/quote]

i don't own a laser range finder
[/quote]




I think many people/reviewers must use leupolds incorrectly... you don't push and hold the button (like w/ bushnells), that is scan mode (and doesn't lock on a target/number). for leupolds you push and release to get your pinhunter (to the flag) number. no harder to use than bushnells

[baseballfrk8998]

[quote name='avgjoe' timestamp='1332010768' post='4525429']
I think many people/reviewers must use leupolds incorrectly... you don't push and hold the button (like w/ bushnells), that is scan mode (and doesn't lock on a target/number). for leupolds you push and release to get your pinhunter (to the flag) number. no harder to use than bushnells
[/quote]

Your post is correct. I currently own a GX-3i and I used scan mode the first few rounds until I actually understood how the pin hunter feature worked (with just 1 click).

With that being said, I definitely like the Bushnell version better.. If you have a flag at 225+ it's definitely easier to hold the button down and scan over the flag until you get a locked on reading than it is to keep clicking until you lock the flag with the Leupold.

Either way, I still wouldn't go back to Bushnell over my GX-3i as the optics are truly outstanding on my Leupold. Just stating my personal opinion..

[Vince.Cole]

+1 for leupold gx2. i love mine. tough..small..dependable..lasts forever.

[volrus]

[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1332048620' post='4528425']
[quote name='avgjoe' timestamp='1332010768' post='4525429']
I think many people/reviewers must use leupolds incorrectly... you don't push and hold the button (like w/ bushnells), that is scan mode (and doesn't lock on a target/number). for leupolds you push and release to get your pinhunter (to the flag) number. no harder to use than bushnells
[/quote]

Your post is correct. I currently own a GX-3i and I used scan mode the first few rounds until I actually understood how the pin hunter feature worked (with just 1 click).

With that being said, I definitely like the Bushnell version better.. If you have a flag at 225+ it's definitely easier to hold the button down and scan over the flag until you get a locked on reading than it is to keep clicking until you lock the flag with the Leupold.

Either way, I still wouldn't go back to Bushnell over my GX-3i as the optics are truly outstanding on my Leupold. Just stating my personal opinion..
[/quote]

Well I just learned something today. I've been holding it down and never have been able to get it to lock. Sounds like I just need to push and release to get a lock. All the courses have prisms and I've never gotten a lock...now I see why.

[ping_fanboy23]

first post here =) My girlfriend just got me a leupold gx-3i for my birthday and I can say that this rangefinder has changed my whole golf game after 7 years. Just for a clarification, one course near my house has a short driveable par 4 at 295 all up hill; i was able to pick up the pin instantly with prism lock, without prism lock I still picked up the pin is less than 3 seconds from almost 300 yards. The optics are the best with leupold and the pinhunter/prism lock are money. I have never tried a bushnell on the course so I am biased, but I am sure bushnell does a fine job.

[gsy540]

[quote name='volrus' timestamp='1338313959' post='4994700']
[quote name='baseballfrk8998' timestamp='1332048620' post='4528425']
[quote name='avgjoe' timestamp='1332010768' post='4525429']
I think many people/reviewers must use leupolds incorrectly... you don't push and hold the button (like w/ bushnells), that is scan mode (and doesn't lock on a target/number). for leupolds you push and release to get your pinhunter (to the flag) number. no harder to use than bushnells
[/quote]

Your post is correct. I currently own a GX-3i and I used scan mode the first few rounds until I actually understood how the pin hunter feature worked (with just 1 click).

With that being said, I definitely like the Bushnell version better.. If you have a flag at 225+ it's definitely easier to hold the button down and scan over the flag until you get a locked on reading than it is to keep clicking until you lock the flag with the Leupold.

Either way, I still wouldn't go back to Bushnell over my GX-3i as the optics are truly outstanding on my Leupold. Just stating my personal opinion..
[/quote]

Well I just learned something today. I've been holding it down and never have been able to get it to lock. Sounds like I just need to push and release to get a lock. All the courses have prisms and I've never gotten a lock...now I see why.
[/quote]

[gsy540]

I just bought a gx3i w/DNA and in the instruction manual it says "Prism lock works best in scan while pressing and holding the POWER button"
This applies to gx3i and gx4i models

[M-Stamp]

Which versions of Leupold are allowed in tournaments?

[gsy540]

GX1 and GX3

[MaxBuck]

Just bought a Leupold GX-4 today. Took it to the course. Found it nearly impossible to get yardage to pins. Only worked when there was blue sky behind the flag.

Can't wait to get rid of it and go back to Bushnell. I've had quality issues with Bushnell, but they sure do find the pin.

[YMark]

[quote name='MaxBuck' timestamp='1340578528' post='5160026']
Just bought a Leupold GX-4 today. Took it to the course. Found it nearly impossible to get yardage to pins. Only worked when there was blue sky behind the flag.

Can't wait to get rid of it and go back to Bushnell. I've had quality issues with Bushnell, but they sure do find the pin.
[/quote]

User error is my guess. Leupold range finders find the pin no problem.

[MaxBuck]

[quote name='YMark' timestamp='1340586745' post='5160748']
User error is my guess. Leupold range finders find the pin no problem.
[/quote]Obviously a possibility, though a golf rangefinder that is subject to "user error" has some design flaws IMO.

It's obviously not true that Leupolds find the pin "no problem" since I'm a long-term user of laser rangefinders and have not had an issue with Bushnells, yet the new Leupold is ineffectual in finding pins. I hope I learn the required technique so I can make use of this thing; the red LED display is excellent, as is the optical performance.

[jstutz]

I have the Leupold GX-4 that works the same as a GX-3.  The newer GX-4i and GX-3i are supposed to react quicker but my GX-4 seems flawless on pins with or without prisms.  I have gotten reading on prism pins as far away as well over 500 yards. No problems on pins up to 200 yards as I really don't require a rangefinder for distance longer than that.

[Lamo70]

[quote name='Caveman281' timestamp='1301281510' post='3094928']
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.
[/quote]Agree. I have the 1600 wife has v2, I'm always changing her batt first

[mact3333]

[size=3]While this wont be popular, I have to agree that the Leupold has a hard time finding pins...wont give me a valid reading...keeps flipping back between two different yardages usually with alot of disparity...I have a new GX-4i...with prism oock it works great and I love the beeping sound but unless there is a prism on flag it doesnt work nearly as well as my old Bushnell 1500 SE....will try it abit more but unless something changes, will be selling this expensive thing.[/size]

[mact3333]

Many of the GX-3 and 4i units have software glitches that need a re-flash.

It is NOT user error.

The some of the ones with DNA tech do have software issues.

[BrianL99]

[quote name='golfpros1' timestamp='1302567717' post='3143921']
i think it's more then tournaments, i think it's usga handicaps as well.
[/quote]

A couple of folks mentioned GPS software for cell phones. Just a reminder, iPhone GPS programs are also illegal, because the iPhone has a compass and an accelerometer. (At least that's the reason as I understood it)

[WT Door]

Leupold GX-3i. Love it. Prism lock works great. No trouble discriminating pin from background on non-Prism pins. Didn't really consider Bushnell due to baggage from rifle scope/binocular experience.

[thejuice]

[quote name='WT Door' timestamp='1341406117' post='5215428']
Leupold GX-3i. Love it. Prism lock works great. No trouble discriminating pin from background on non-Prism pins. Didn't really consider Bushnell due to baggage from rifle scope/binocular experience.
[/quote]

+1 to this comment!

My GX-3i has been outstanding and I think I am only using the scan mode. Hardly any of the courses I play in the Metro-Atlanta area have prisms so I'm picking up flags without this luxury extremely fast and accurately. I'm finding that the prism lock is what I use at the ranges I frequent as their targets fancy the prism lock.

[Hankduffer]

[size=5] [/size][size=5]I have used a GX-1 for 4 years now and I highly recommend it. I was looking for a compact model, the GX-1 or newer GX-1i, will fit in a golfcart cupholder or your pocket. It provides accurate distances to pins, terrain and tree. I have dropped it several times and it keeps on working. My friends with Laser Links are always borrowing it. Well worth the money. [/size]

[MJisGOAT]

How about a comparison between the Bush TourX vs Leo 4gxi2?

[avgjoe]

[quote name='MJisGOAT' timestamp='1450830541' post='12753662']
How about a comparison between the Bush TourX vs Leo 4gxi2?
[/quote]


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