Bushnell v3 vs Leupold gx-3i Range Finder

[TheRealDeal]

These 2 devices are now near the same price. Does anybody have experience with both of them? I am looking for a model w/o slope so that it can be used in tournaments.

 

Thanks so much!

[1puttwoods]

Leupold.....by leaps and bounds. Both are great but as far as selling both types I've sent back way more Bushnell's than Leupolds, they seem much more durable. I've had mine 4 years and no problems ever after having 2 Bushnell's over a period of 1 year.

[hbear]

was a bushnell guy, got a leo, wouldn't go back.

Can't go wrong with either, but just like how the leo works and it feels better made. The blue/green tint doesn't bother me....not sure why some guys make such a big fuss about it.
Although I've yet to use it, apparently leo's customer service is world class.

[kwooten31]

I am a Busnell guy and never had any problems with it, unfortunatly or I guess fortunatly I never had to use any other to make that determination. I do believe them when they say they put you within a yard of the mark and very easy to get the correct target.

[BGH]

I tried both and went with the Leupold and don't regret my decision at all. If you want to go with Bushnell at least go with one of the models with OLED display (Z6, 1M etc). The LCD display on the V3 is pathetic compared to the Leupold.

Plus the read-out updates faster on the Leupold and it just feels better made IMO.

[Grim]

+1 for Leupold.

[tagermo]

Leupold optics are fantastic, had mine three years play 3 times per week and only replaced battery once. Great range finder.

[RookieBlue7]

I'm more fond of the Bushnell V3, as after going to a local store and demoing them I found it more comfortable and easier to lock on to flags with. Plus you get jolt technology to let you know it's locked on.

And ordering from a certain website with the appropriate discount code you get it for under $250 new (I had a $25 gift card on top of that and paid under $230).

[Hstead]

I do not have the Gx-3i, but have the GX-1 and it has been incredibly durable and accurate. It is lightning fast. I do like the red LED on the 3i better and that will be the next one I buy.

[Foreleft]

I have a Bushnell rangefinder, but Leupold optics for other hobbies.

My next rangfinder will be Leupold, if for no other reason, customer service.

[volrus]

There is a reason Leupold optics are used around the world in military and law enforcement applications.

[G-Bone]

[quote name='BGH' timestamp='1366264098' post='6869713']
I tried both and went with the Leupold and don't regret my decision at all. If you want to go with Bushnell at least go with one of the models with OLED display (Z6, 1M etc). The LCD display on the V3 is pathetic compared to the Leupold.

Plus the read-out updates faster on the Leupold and it just feels better made IMO.
[/quote]

I could not agree more. I spend time testing them both after breaking my Callaway/Nikon. It was no contest for me Leupold blew Bushnell away in every category; optics, ease of operation (Bushnell button was firm and hard to push while holding unit steady), fit/finish and build quality.

[cvvorst]

I don't have any experience using a range finder on the course, but I know Leupold makes much better glass in general (based on binoculars, rangefinders, etc)

I actually had a Leupold rangefinder for a while, but traded it for a Leica.I love my Leica, much better in low light situations.

[hckymeyer]

I was in the same position and went with the GX-3i after reading reviews and testing them in the store. The Leo just felt better in my hand and I liked the way the display looked.

According to my tracking number it should be here tomorrow. Found it brand new through Amazon for $319 so couldn't pass it up.

[BenSeattle]

On April 24, I compared all models of Bushnell and Leupold side-by-side and I can tell tell you that, without doubt,[b] I would buy the Leupold GX-3i[/b] over anything else. (Of course, if you wanted the slope feature for $100 more, then go with the GX-4i.)

When see both brands at the same time, you will immediately discern that the Leupold is MUCH faster and the [b][color=#ff0000]red[/color][/b] OLED read-out is VASTLY easier to read. NONE of the Bushnell's were really very impressive even if they had the red optics as well.

Oddly, when shooting the same object -- anywhere from 60 to 280 yards, there was a two to three yard difference betweent the two brands every time. Bushnell read longer. Which was right? Who knows?

By the way, a major, very popular online golf discounter, highly reputable, responded to my price inquiry saying they also favored Leupold products over Bushnell.

[BigOgolfer]

My main golf buddy has a Gx-3i and I have the old Bushnell 1600. There's been several rounds where he just stops trying to use his because it's not picking up pins when mine does.

[byrness]

I would of bought the Leupold over the Bushnell...but the Bushnell was free, so I love it!

[ping rat]

Leopold by a mile.

[Graffy4242]

Leupold by several kilometres

Myself and 2 friends have the GX-3i and agree that it is the best golf purchase we have made in several years.

Just buy it.

[GeorgeL]

I had the M1 then promptly sold it after I misclubbed several times due to picking up background targets. I was looking at getting the v3 instead when I noticed some Leupold rangefinders on display at a local GG. I wasn't even thinking about any other brand but Bushnell but decided what the heck, I'll check them out. I picked up the Gx-4i and was blown away. The quick response and beautiful OLED display was amazing, in stark contrast to most of the Bushnells, which have black readouts that are much harder to discern - especially in low-light conditions. The comparison is not even close. My next rangefinder will definitely be a Leupold.

[mr_divots]

Love my Leupold GX-3i. I still have my Bushnell 1500 Pinseeker as a backup, which has performed flawlessly for many years (maybe 8-10? It's been a good unit for a long time for me.) Leupold is faster at returning yardages without a doubt. Bushnell is bigger/steadier in the hands. (But takes up more of my Clicgear's glove box.)

Whatever you do: do [b]not[/b] get cheap on a rangefinder. You'll want the better quality ones in a heartbeat if you ever try them. If you have to save that extra $100, wait and do just that. It's definitely worth it. Cheaper ones are like toys and not built to last nor do their specs hold up to the higher quaility units. I had a $180 Bushnell when I got the 1500. It just worked so much better. Had to get the 1500 after using one. Now I like the speed and size and OLED on the Leupold. Not quite as quick to activate it's version of the Pinseeker "flag lock" in my experience with it, but the constant scan is great, and I'm always confident I have the flag when on the course. The blue tint isn't my choice for low light, but it's splitting hairs by that point.

[lumberman2462]

Leupold. Rugged goes a long way with me. Good battery life. Quick returns.

[adamsstaff]

I returned my Leupold for the Tour z6. The Leupold was nothing but problems.. Bad yardages, to complicated, it was a mess. I only need the yardage. I dont need the club feature, altitude non sense. It constantly changed from meters to yards and vice versa. Google the reviews online as well as the reviews done on this site. The Bushnell wins hands down.

[MJisGOAT]

Leo seems to have the popular vote, +1

[Vince.Cole]

bushnell performed like a corvette. leupold was a ferrari. both great but I chose the leupold.

[_MS22_]

Have a Leupold GX3 and GX3i between myself and the wife. Brother has a Z6 Bushnell. Those are more comparable. Between the GX3i and V3 there isn't much debate the Leupold is the better unit. Brother loves his Z6 tho. Then again I play with a guy that has a $60 one from Target or something and its been working the same as mine with less bells and whistles for 3 years now......

[mantan]

[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1380154755' post='7911213']
Love my Leupold GX-3i. I still have my Bushnell 1500 Pinseeker as a backup, which has performed flawlessly for many years (maybe 8-10? It's been a good unit for a long time for me.) Leupold is faster at returning yardages without a doubt. Bushnell is bigger/steadier in the hands. (But takes up more of my Clicgear's glove box.)

Whatever you do: do [b]not[/b] get cheap on a rangefinder. You'll want the better quality ones in a heartbeat if you ever try them. If you have to save that extra $100, wait and do just that. It's definitely worth it. Cheaper ones are like toys and not built to last nor do their specs hold up to the higher quaility units. I had a $180 Bushnell when I got the 1500. It just worked so much better. Had to get the 1500 after using one. Now I like the speed and size and OLED on the Leupold. Not quite as quick to activate it's version of the Pinseeker "flag lock" in my experience with it, but the constant scan is great, and I'm always confident I have the flag when on the course. The blue tint isn't my choice for low light, but it's splitting hairs by that point.
[/quote]

Very true about the durability of the Bushnell. My wife got me one as a present for our 10th anniversary back in 2005. It worked flawlessly for 8 years being used every single week. But it's finally starting to peter out. I looked around and was very impressed by the Leupold. I'm 99% sure that's what I'm going to replace the Bushnell with. My wife made a good choice though, I can't think of any other golf related present that would have lasted 8 years in my bag.

[charlieh]

i had a Bushnell v2 tour for about 4 years before the laser broke and started to give faulty readings. having read a lot about the Gx3i decided to give that a go, mainly on the fact that they seem a great deal more durable. i spoke with the only leupold agent here in the UK and they said that they get a lot of bushnells sent back but only 1 Leupold. i ordered one from them and even though it took ages as there isn't very good supply to the UK i have now used it 3 times and it is far superior to the bushnell, incredibly quick and accurate, also much smaller and neater build. really like it. time will tell though.

[GreggM]

Had one of the original Bushnells that I had bought back in 2001-2002, got 7 years out of it with no complaints. Picked up a Leupold GX-1 about 5 years ago and it's still rockin on. I was interested in the "jolt" Bushnell but most likely will pick up the GX-3i.

[Mathwiz]

I had a Bushnell V2 that I used for 4 years and never had a bit of trouble out of it. Just decided to get one with the "cool" red OLED so I bought a Leupold GX-3i and so far I really like it. I play on courses with prisms on top of the flags and it does the lock & beep. I also play courses without the prisms on top of the flags and it gives me the yardage to the flag really fast on those too. I like the compact size of the GX-3i.