Leupold GX-3 review

[aliikane]

First thoughts.

Just tried out my Leupold GX-3 (no slope) for first time. Better than expected. I was getting frustrated with gps and was getting yardages that a lot times were 5-10 yards off. With gps, I was constantly double-checking the yardage. Gps just cause more indecision. After a thorough testing, I couldn't be more pleased with the GX-3. I have tried a few others and I think this is the one to buy.

Out of the box, the thing just feels solid and well built. It doesn't feel light and plastic feeling. The body is made of aluminum and you can really tell how well built it is as soon as you take it out of the box. It has the red OLED display and in my opinion is worth the extra money if you are going to buy a rangefinder. The red display is easily read in all conditions no matter what the lighting. It picked up the flag quickly and accurate and the prism lock worked great. Never had trouble getting a yardage today even from 250 yards out, however it is the first day I have used it. I have yet to try the fog mode. The case is really solid with magnetic closure. Not too sure on battery life.

There are a few minor gripes like it doesn't come with a lens cover and the strap that comes with it is super long for your neck. I put a shorter one on cause I'm never putting it around my neck.

All in all it is an awesome rangefinder. Well worth a look if you are purchasing one.

[mliebs]

I love mine, it was money well spent.

[avgjoe]

my only real gripe was the blue tint, never got used to that

[Golfwolf]

[quote name='mliebs' timestamp='1327457514' post='4147585']
I love mine, it was money well spent.
[/quote]


Me too, I use a SGX gps also though.

[OSKARJONES]

I have a Bushnell 1600 and it has a cover on the monocular you look through but not on the other end..the lenses are recessed. I thought most rangefinders were set up this way.

[Nessism]

[color=#1C2837][size=2]Love my Leupold GX-3. One of my best golf purchases in a long time.[/size][/color]
[color=#1C2837][size=2]
[/size][/color]
[color=#1C2837][size=2]I'm new to rangefinder use and keep it in my Clicgear flip-lid, compartment. It's a little cumbersome to drag it out every time I need a distance reading but not sure I want this thing hanging on my hip because it's kind of heavy. [/size][/color]

[Yzmerf]

Picked one up today. Roger Dunn had it for $299 since the new one just came out. Worked well. I really like the display much better than anything else out there.

[avgjoe]

[quote name='Yzmerf' timestamp='1329022808' post='4264797']
since the new one just came out.
[/quote]



what do the new 'i' models have that the old ones don't?

[76mpg]

[quote name='avgjoe' timestamp='1329057777' post='4265989']
[quote name='Yzmerf' timestamp='1329022808' post='4264797']
since the new one just came out.
[/quote]



what do the new 'i' models have that the old ones don't?
[/quote]

Looks like improved accuracy:

http://www.worldgolf.com/newswire/browse/70339-Leupold%E2%80%99s%C2%AE-New-GX%C2%AE-3i-GX-4i-Golf-Rangefinders-Offer-Accuracy-Within-Six-Inches

[the.landshark]

Yup, picked one up at Roger Dunn last week (before playing Torrey South in full PGA conditions :-D) for $299 also.

Pretty smokin' deal IMO. The Leupold rep (apparently) told the sales associate the day before I was there, that there really wasn't any difference between the "old" model, and the new "i" model with DNA. Side-by-side, the only technical difference written on the box, was that the new version is accurate to within a half yard, versus the previous at one.

Seemed like a no brainer to me.

[Swordfish]

I bought this last year and love it. I also use a upro GPS for those holes where I can't see the flag. The read out is excellent on this rangefinder. Well worth the money!

[asong77]

Just tried out my Leupold GX-3 (no slope) for first time. Better than expected. I was getting frustrated with gps and was getting yardages that a lot times were 5-10 yards off. With gps, I was constantly double-checking the yardage. Gps just cause more indecision. After a thorough testing, I couldn't be more pleased with the GX-3. I have tried a few others and I think this is the one to buy.

 

Out of the box, the thing just feels solid and well built. It doesn't feel light and plastic feeling. The body is made of aluminum and you can really tell how well built it is as soon as you take it out of the box. It has the red OLED display and in my opinion is worth the extra money if you are going to buy a rangefinder. The red display is easily read in all conditions no matter what the lighting. It picked up the flag quickly and accurate and the prism lock worked great. Never had trouble getting a yardage today even from 250 yards out, however it is the first day I have used it. I have yet to try the fog mode. The case is really solid with magnetic closure. Not too sure on battery life.

 

There are a few minor gripes like it doesn't come with a lens cover and the strap that comes with it is super long for your neck. I put a shorter one on cause I'm never putting it around my neck.

 

All in all it is an awesome rangefinder. Well worth a look if you are purchasing one.

 

 

I couldn't be happier with my GX-3, especially the size and the best-in-class OLED display, not to mention Leupold's legendary customer service and warranty. The one thing I dislike about it is the magnetic closure case...the magnet isn't very strong, and though I take a cart for most of my rounds, when I do walk, both the case and rangefinder is just not conducive to attaching to my bag.

 

I called Leupold customer service last week to inquire about a better case for my GX-3, and they sent me a different case with a bungee closure, as well as a plastic carabiner clip (I believe they started packaging this particular case with newer GX-3s after numerous people have complained about the old magnetic case) and it's so much better. Best of all, what was the cost? Nothing...they sent it out to me for free.

 

It's slightly larger than the magnetic case, but it has a small velcro side pocket for storing extra batteries, and a front bungee closure that's pretty secure. Best of all, it also has a pretty robust plastic clip so you can attach it to virtually anything, in addition to the belt loop (which I can't imagine anyone using). I've attached pictures below...if you have the original magnetic case, I strongly suggest you guys give Leupold a call:

 

Original magnetic case:

 

 

Replacement case:

 

 

Side battery pocket:

 

 

Plastic clip:

 

 

GX-3 in replacement case:

 

 

Case Comparison:

 

[avgjoe]

that's just a gx1/2 case

[asong77]

[quote name='avgjoe' timestamp='1329143573' post='4274617']
that's just a gx1/2 case
[/quote]

Yeah, I forgot to mention that. I was clearly talking to the OP and other GX-3 owners who have the older, crappy magnetic case, but thanks for your contribution.

Anyway, I want to add that when I called Leupold, not once did they ask for a serial number or any other proof of purchase...the phone call took less than two minutes, and most of that was the customer service rep taking down my mailing address. In the unlikely event that I have an issue with the range finder in the future, I have full confidence that they'll go above and beyond to take care of it. One of the deciding factors that pushed me to Leupold...

[avgjoe]

[quote name='asong77' timestamp='1329157273' post='4276401']
[quote name='avgjoe' timestamp='1329143573' post='4274617']
that's just a gx1/2 case
[/quote]

Yeah, I forgot to mention that. I was clearly talking to the OP and other GX-3 owners who have the older, crappy magnetic case, but thanks for your contribution.

Anyway, I want to add that when I called Leupold, not once did they ask for a serial number or any other proof of purchase...the phone call took less than two minutes, and most of that was the customer service rep taking down my mailing address. In the unlikely event that I have an issue with the range finder in the future, I have full confidence that they'll go above and beyond to take care of it. One of the deciding factors that pushed me to Leupold...
[/quote]



you're welcome!

haha, asong on the prowl again...

[asong77]

[quote name='avgjoe' timestamp='1329160575' post='4276955']
[quote name='asong77' timestamp='1329157273' post='4276401']
[quote name='avgjoe' timestamp='1329143573' post='4274617']
that's just a gx1/2 case
[/quote]

Yeah, I forgot to mention that. I was clearly talking to the OP and other GX-3 owners who have the older, crappy magnetic case, but thanks for your contribution.

Anyway, I want to add that when I called Leupold, not once did they ask for a serial number or any other proof of purchase...the phone call took less than two minutes, and most of that was the customer service rep taking down my mailing address. In the unlikely event that I have an issue with the range finder in the future, I have full confidence that they'll go above and beyond to take care of it. One of the deciding factors that pushed me to Leupold...
[/quote]



you're welcome!

haha, asong on the prowl again...
[/quote]

Yeah, yeah...I know...I need the weather to turn warmer so I can get outside and play, dammit!

[Chasemyprov1]

Going to be switching from the SGX to the GX-3 soon, can't wait! Only heard great things about it!

[asong77]

Going to be switching from the SGX to the GX-3 soon, can't wait! Only heard great things about it!

 

You will love it! If you haven't had a chance to play with it in person, the first time you see the red OLED, you will be blown away. And the small size of the unit itself...it literally fits in the palm of your hand: