Reliability of Bushnell Rangefinders

[Golfnole3]

I've read some angry reviews about how peoples Bushnell batteries are dying and an error message is showing up like E-31. Is this rare or common?

[3_Jack_Par]

I've had a 1500 for 5 years or so, with no issues. I have heard that batteries in the V2 models seem to die quicker than they do in mine. I can usually get at least 30 rounds or so out of a 9V battery. Never heard of anyone getting an error message.

[Golfwolf]

Like Jack Par I have had a Pinseeker 1500 for almost 5 years with no issues, it still works as well as when it was new. My girlfriend is still using it since I upgraded to a Leupold GX-3.

[silver77]

why is Gx3 a upgrade over the 1500?

[Hateto3Putt]

My Bushnell Medalist rocks!

No issues or error messages. Perfect numbers. 5 years and maybe 6 batteries.

[cristphoto]

I've been using my V2 all year with no problems - still on original battery. I got my V2 because a friend had one and I liked the ease and accuracy of his V2. He got his last year and is also on the original battery.

[highergr0und]

My 1500 is pretty old and still spot on, although it uses 9 volts like the 1600 that's available today.

Just remember that the web tends to magnify problems that people have with a product since most happy users don't run around constantly posting how great a product is.

[Golfnole3]

As a High School golfer, which would be best? I play at least 27 holes per week and durability is prefered.

[highergr0und]

Well the 1600 is pretty much the gold standard now..... 9 volt batteries are easy to come by in a pinch (like a gas station) and the unit is rock solid. It's 100% waterproof with 7x magnification while the v2 is only rainproof (ie wet but not submerged), 5x mag, and lithium batteries that are more expensive. The flip side is that the v2 is more compact. I like the 15/1600 model because it's binocular style and super easy to hold steady.

That said, you really can't go wrong with either one.

[Golfwolf]

[quote name='silver77' timestamp='1317983768' post='3638177']
why is Gx3 a upgrade over the 1500?
[/quote]


I see it as an upgrade since the optics are better IMO, I also like that it is more compact in size.

[silver77]

I have the 1500 and I am thinking about upgrading also. does the gx3 shake more in your hand when looking?

[moonshine]

I have a 1500 never a problem optics are perfect and hardly ever think about changing battery. You can't throw it around and have to take care of it.

[ping45]

I had a 1500 with "slope" on it for a couple years...worked great till lens became a little "foggy". Sent it in to Busnell...waited about a month then when I contacted them they told me they were so busy they were behind schedule for another month or so. They then asked me if I really had to have the slope feature...I said not really...with no other question, they sent me a completly new 1600 unit! Really nice of Busnell, they didn't have to do that. I've had it about a year now and play with 3 guys who all have GPS . I much prefer mine over theirs in 95% of the cases.
Plus, I worked as a Marshall at the Memorial Tourny for several years and asked the caddies which unit they used.... It was almost (85/90%) completely the Busnell 1500/1600 series. That was what led me to get that unit....Figured if I can't copy their swing, I can at least copy their equipment!

[leoh923]

The 1600 Tournament Edition is the best measuring device I have owned. Larger than some, but super easy to hold steady, and the PinSeeker technology is great.

[cardoustie]

I have been thru 3 Medalist's that have failed and love the Cally Nikon. Faster and can scan across targets

[silver77]

[quote name='CARDY' timestamp='1318871839' post='3683553']
I have been thru 3 Medalist's that have failed and love the Cally Nikon. Faster and can scan across targets
[/quote]

+1 I just bought the cally nikon and used today and it was awesome, mush better than my old bushnell 1500 and smaller. 1500 would take longer to get yards and have to hold with 2 hands. the nikon was lighting speed and 8 sec time delay you can scan all over the green.