Leupold CGX-1i vs GX-3i

Bodee · October 24, 2013

Has anyone compared the two? I have read nice reviews on each, but am wondering if the extra $100 for the 3i is justified. I know the display (OLED) in the 3i is in red, but is that the only real main difference between the two? Have been looking for a pic on what the displays look like thru each rangefinder, but to no avail. Any help greatly appreciated!! Bob

Bodee · October 24, 2013

Sorry for the "C" in the topic title. Been a lonnnnnnnnngggggggggg day...lol.

avgjoe · October 25, 2013

look at the Leopold brochure/site. the 3 is smaller w more rugged build

cwglum · October 25, 2013

As silly as it sounds, I really had a hard time reading range finders in general ... for everything except the GX-3i.

I tried the new Bushnell scope and the GX-1i, and the readout just wasn't as clear as I would have liked.

Cost myself some money when I borrowed a GX-3i for a tournament, I was hooked on it instantly.
Bright LED display, no mistaking the target it's hitting or the readout it's giving you.
If you play toward Dusk at all, the red display is incredible.

Size difference is also very noticeable, GX-3i is very compact and fits in the smallest of pockets.

My only complaint is that the GX-1i comes with a much better "bag" case that hooks onto the outside of your bag.
The case for the GX-3i does not allow you to hang it off of your bag, have to put it in and out of a pocket.
I use a push cart most times anyhow, so for me it doesn't really change much.

JimNewton · October 25, 2013

^ Apparently if you call them they'll mail you the GX-1i case for a couple bucks

I compared both and didn't really see any huge difference apart from the RED on the 3i and it felt nicer in the hands (more rugged). The red was so much more readable than the black for me, that was the kicker. But I went with the 4i as I wanted the slope feature. I won't be playing in any tournaments any time soon. It is indeed useful on those 40+ yards downhill par 3s.

Bodee · October 26, 2013

I need to find a place near me that I can go and compare. I don't need anything fancy, just want the yardage to the flag. I have had a Medalist, then a V2, and back to a Medalist currently. The Medalist I got cheap off the bay ($110) and seemed to work fine the first time out with it, but works now only in the scan mode. Can't for the life of me get it to give me good yardages in the pinseeker mode. I just thought I would try to do it right this next time. Slope isn't a big deal to me, but if I were to get a good deal on a laser that had it, then I would go that route. Thanks for the responses. Bob

EagleEagleBirdieBirdie · October 27, 2013

The GX-3i is the one to go with because of the OLED and the body is made out of one solid aluminum block so it is very durable. Also, the military uses Leupold scopes. Overall, I think that Leupold makes the best high end rangefinders like the 3i and 4i. But I would get the Bushnell V3 over the 1i. Good luck on your search!

Bodee · October 27, 2013

Went to DSG yesterday and looked thru the V3. Maybe it was because I was looking at things that were too close, but the objects I was aiming at looked out-of-focus (maybe 30 ft away). Still, not a good first impression for me. Seemed cheaply made too. Maybe I was just expecting more from something that costs $300.

avgjoe · October 27, 2013

[quote name='Bodee' timestamp='1382888510' post='8064607']
Went to DSG yesterday and looked thru the V3. Maybe it was because I was looking at things that were too close, but the objects I was aiming at looked out-of-focus (maybe 30 ft away). Still, not a good first impression for me. Seemed cheaply made too. Maybe I was just expecting more from something that costs $300.
[/quote]

all rangefinders have an adjustable diopter. that display model prob got tweaked. plastic often feels cheap