Bushnell Z6 vs. Pro 1M

MikeD2 · July 12, 2012

Can anyone tell me which of these two rangefinders is the smarter buy? They both appear to have the same technology, however the Pro 1M claims to offer distances up to a mile and I'm not sure how useful that feature may be. The Pro 1M is bigger. Does that mean it has sturdier construction? The Z6 is sleeker looking. Does anyone have real world experience with both of these models?

Many thanks in advance.

tyro · July 13, 2012

I have the Z6 and have not tried the Pro 1M. I can say that the Z6 leaves me totally satisfied. I cannot think of anything else I would want in a ranglefinder. It's compact, well built, and accurate. It's all I need.

phillypete · July 13, 2012

I believe the optics are larger on the 1M

Jimmypennstate · July 13, 2012

I've had both. I purchased a Z6 in our proshop 3 weeks ago. After using it for about a week, the laser stopped working and wouldn't pick up a flag (from any yardage). So I returned it and upgraded to the 1M. After a week or so the button stuck and wouldn't release (the laser just stayed on). So I returned it and got another 1M. Then, after a few days, the freaking laser wouldn't pick up the flag. I returned it last night and got the Z6 again. This will be the last time I return it for another. The next time I will get my money back and purchase a Nikon. I don't care how good their reputation is, or how many TV commercials they run......I will [u][b]never[/b][/u] buy another Bushnell again.

MikeD2 · July 13, 2012

Wow! Thanks, Jimmy. This has to be a tough week for you.

jhoffman27 · July 13, 2012

[quote name='Jimmypennstate' timestamp='1342205054' post='5269710']
I've had both. I purchased a Z6 in our proshop 3 weeks ago. After using it for about a week, the laser stopped working and wouldn't pick up a flag (from any yardage). So I returned it and upgraded to the 1M. After a week or so the button stuck and wouldn't release (the laser just stayed on). So I returned it and got another 1M. Then, after a few days, the freaking laser wouldn't pick up the flag. I returned it last night and got the Z6 again. This will be the last time I return it for another. The next time I will get my money back and purchase a Nikon. I don't care how good their reputation is, or how many TV commercials they run......I will [u][b]never[/b][/u] buy another Bushnell again.
[/quote]

I was looking at both at the store last weekend and had a similar issue the with Z6. I was shooting 3 different targets with each model and the 1M picked up all 3 (as did all the other models I tested) but the Z6 failed to pick up one of the targets. Found it very odd, but also decided it was a reason to stay away from the Z6 (and maybe Bushnell altogether).

lost&found · July 17, 2012

[quote name='MikeD2' timestamp='1342116589' post='5263326']
Can anyone tell me which of these two rangefinders is the smarter buy? They both appear to have the same technology, however the Pro 1M claims to offer distances up to a mile and I'm not sure how useful that feature may be. The Pro 1M is bigger. Does that mean it has sturdier construction? The Z6 is sleeker looking. Does anyone have real world experience with [i]both [/i]of these models?

Many thanks in advance.
[/quote]

Have been using the Z6 since April and wouldn't leave home without it. The Z6 is more compact than the 1M, and therefore slightly more difficult to hold steady. It only took me a few rounds to figure out ways to steady my aim. Personally, I prefer the more compact unit. I have not experienced any of the problems reported by other users. My unit works great.

TexasAg · July 18, 2012

[quote name='Jimmypennstate' timestamp='1342205054' post='5269710']
I've had both. I purchased a Z6 in our proshop 3 weeks ago. After using it for about a week, the laser stopped working and wouldn't pick up a flag (from any yardage). So I returned it and upgraded to the 1M. After a week or so the button stuck and wouldn't release (the laser just stayed on). So I returned it and got another 1M. Then, after a few days, the freaking laser wouldn't pick up the flag. I returned it last night and got the Z6 again. This will be the last time I return it for another. The next time I will get my money back and purchase a Nikon. I don't care how good their reputation is, or how many TV commercials they run......I will [u][b]never[/b][/u] buy another Bushnell again.
[/quote]

The z6 is a copy of the Leuopold GX3. If you have problems with it again, that's what I would get instead.