Going with the Leupold GX-I

[Cut Off 6-iron]

tell me the pros and cons + questions

This is my first laser-range finder and I have a few Q's.

Can you find the distance to ANY place? For example, you "zap" any place on the ground that does not have a "object" to zap. Will it give the distance to there? I would like to know since if I want to aim for the front of the green, I want to zap the front of the green for distance.

Second, do you need a steady hand to use the rangefinder? I will most likely be aiming at the flag, and the flag is such a small target. Will I need to keep the device dead still for the distance to calculate?

Also, would like pros and cons from owners of this device

Thank you!

[dave1269]

I have owned a GX-1 for one year and love it. I read several reviews before deciding to purchase the GX-1.

You can get reading on any object, althought getting a distance to the front of a green by "zapping" the ground is sometimes a little more difficult compared to a flag stick, edge of a bunker, hazard marker, etc.

Having a steady hand will certainly help, but not imperative. I find it easier to steady myself if I use both hands on the rangefinder. Getting a reading from a flag is very easy, even if the flag is lying still. The "pinhunter" technology really works! I get an accurate reading to the flag, it is able to "ignore" the trees in the background.

A few months after I got my Leupold, my course added the mirrors on the flag sticks to help with a competing product sold in the pro shop. The mirrors do not make any difference to my ability to getting a measurement off the flag stick.

Several friends have competitor rangefinders, they all comment about how compact and easy-to-use my Leupold is compare to theirs.

Battery life is excellent, one year later and the battery indicator still shows all the bars.

For me, the only "con" for the GX-1 is that it fits very tightly into its case. I store my unit in its case in one of the large pockets in my golf bag. During play, I take the rangefinder out of its case and keep it in the lined "valuables" pocket for easy access. I don't put anything else into this pocket for fear of scratching the lenses.

IMO, this is the best rangefinder available!!

[Jay845]

I also have had the GX-I for one year. I echo the comments above. Great range finder for me with no problems. I also like the ability to measure distances to objects on the driving range to work on short game/pitches under 100 yards on the driving range. The Leuopold has been one of the best investments I have made related to improving my game.

Enjoy it.
Jay

[Cut Off 6-iron]

I'm getting it in about a few weeks. Thanks for the comments, but the device being tight to the case kind of bothers me. Is there a lens-protector for no-cover use? Also, can you attach the case/device to your golf bag?

[Buddyjay]

Here's a review I did on the Leupold GX1 and the Bushnell 1600:
[url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/352668-my-review-gps-bushnell-leupold/"]http://www.golfwrx.c...shnell-leupold/[/url]

I used both and came to the conclusion that the Leupold fell short to the Bushnell. I took a lot of "heat" from Leupold users and I can understand their reasons, but you just can't argue with a side by side comparison of facts.

The Leupold did shake less because of its 6x magnification, but it failed to give consistent readings of ground points. Sometimes, it would not give a reading at all. It also has a slight yellow tint when looking through the viewfinder and is not as bright as the Bushnell. The one part I really didn't like was that the # display is on TOP of the display so when you have dark or shadowed trees in the background of the flag, the #'s are hard to read. Bushnell's # display is on the bottom where the grass will always be the background. Read my review for a more in-depth analysis.

I really wanted to like the Leupold because of its size/weight, but in my opinion, it was not as good as the Bushnell.

[TML]

there's no lens cover. I'm not sure you need it. If you get any dust on it, you can clean it after the round with a glass cleaning cloth. The case has a clip so you can attach it to your towel ring on your golf bag.

[pat6969]

I disagree with the above poster that the GX-I falls short of the Bushnell. I have used both and find the pinhunter technology of the Leupold is far superior to the Bushnell. I can hit a flag stick from over 200 yards with ease and I cannot say that about the Bushnell. The optics are superior, the laser is superior and the fact that Leupold contracts to the US military for like devises seals it for me. Get the GX-I, you will not be disappointd.

[oldpalchamp]

I was in Palm Springs a few months ago with some buddies, and one had the GX-1. I'm a Sky Caddy user, but I loved his rangefinder. It was very easy to use and as others have said, very easy to lock on to flags. Another friend has a Bushnell 1500, and it is excellent, too, but I prefer the size of the Leupold. Am going to pick one up soon. Am growing weary of sending Sky Golf $50 every year.