137 replies to this topic

[NWS Alpine]

akatoast, on 08 March 2011 - 02:31 PM, said:

How about this for an option?

http://www.bushnellg...d/laser_gps.cfm

I thought of that but it seems to be a compromise of both systems.  For the price I would expect it to be built off the 1600 platform.

[Sean2]

akatoast, on 08 March 2011 - 02:31 PM, said:

How about this for an option?

http://www.bushnellg...d/laser_gps.cfm

Lately there have been lots of problems with iGolf and Macs...there is an entire thread about this issue. Too bad to because this is what I was going to do.

[SHORTBUTSTR8]

I just picked up a GX-2 today after looking at them for an hour at Golfsmith.  I really liked the OLED on the GX-3/4, but ulimately slope won out over the OLED.  Wish the GX-4 would drop in price and they'd sell a ton of them.  This is my first laser after having a brief stint with and SG5 a few years ago,  I think I am really gonna like it.  The only disadvantage the laser has is the line of sight issue.  I figure if I want to know the bunker layout, I can look at the scorecard and just shoot the laser to it.  Leupold has been well known for years for their optics and I think the unit overall is a better build quality than the Bushnells.

[TML]

the Leupold is better.  Use both side-by-side and the choice is the GX-3.

[mdgboxx]

shortgamehero, on 08 March 2011 - 03:58 PM, said:

I just picked up a GX-2 today after looking at them for an hour at Golfsmith.  I really liked the OLED on the GX-3/4, but ulimately slope won out over the OLED.  Wish the GX-4 would drop in price and they'd sell a ton of them.  This is my first laser after having a brief stint with and SG5 a few years ago,  I think I am really gonna like it.  The only disadvantage the laser has is the line of sight issue.  I figure if I want to know the bunker layout, I can look at the scorecard and just shoot the laser to it.  Leupold has been well known for years for their optics and I think the unit overall is a better build quality than the Bushnells.

Actually what you're not getting in the GX-2 is the OLED and a solid block of aluminium construction. The GX-3 & 4 do not replace the GX-1 & 2, they are an improved version of them (reg vs top of the line). I believe the slope function is the same on both.

When I was at the store, I was comparing my GX-3 to a Bushnell V2 not the 1600. What surprised me though is that, from inside the store I could get a reading to a building accross the street with the GX-3 and, with the V2, I couldn't get past the window pane.

[Sean2]

Hey gents, how steady a hand do you need? Do you need to be a block of marble? :-)

[mdgboxx]

Sean2, on 08 March 2011 - 05:14 PM, said:

Hey gents, how steady a hand do you need? Do you need to be a block of marble? :-)

POST #24.

When holding my GX-3 up to my eye, I move the TIP of my THUMB away from the unit and rest it (my thumb) against the side of my nose (gently, very gently). THAT is what steadies the unit. Hundreds of quick and accurate readings of experience. Even if you have small hands, the GX-3 is small enough to permit that way of holding it. Not tons, but a couple of girls at my club confirmed this.

[NWS Alpine]

Used the GX-3 at the range today with my friend.  There was three flags and without hesitation I read off all 3 flags in scan mode. 104, 157, 224.  None of them had prisms or reflectors.  I love this little thing.  Makes my practice much more efficient as I know my distances and what club to hit with different winds.  

Last round I played I was spot on with yardages on almost every shot.  Working on a new swing with a flat plane and a draw.  Misses were all pin high and straight so they missed right (some on the green as some pins were tucked left).

[mdgboxx]

NWS Alpine, on 08 March 2011 - 06:13 PM, said:

Used the GX-3 at the range today with my friend.  There was three flags and without hesitation I read off all 3 flags in scan mode. 104, 157, 224.  None of them had prisms or reflectors.  I love this little thing.  Makes my practice much more efficient as I know my distances and what club to hit with different winds.  

Last round I played I was spot on with yardages on almost every shot.  Working on a new swing with a flat plane and a draw.  Misses were all pin high and straight so they missed right (some on the green as some pins were tucked left).

There you go, now try the THUMB METHOD in NO wind conditions.

[78Staff]

My votes for 1600TE, which is what I use.  I looked at the GX3, seems like a fine unit, and Leupold is a good name.  But I prefer the form factor of the Bushnell to the GX3, and the red OLED definitely doesn't work for me, but that is my issue. I am R/G color vision deficient...so the red was harder for me to see against green colors than basic black.  Most people would not have this, issue, though.

[newportbeach]

Any other feedback?  I'm going to go check out both at lunch today.

[joey357]

newportbeach, on 09 March 2011 - 11:19 AM, said:

Any other feedback?  I'm going to go check out both at lunch today.

At my buddy's shop he says that the Leupolds are much more reliable than the Bushnells.  Since he's been selling Leupolds (2 years) he hasn't had any come back for any defects.  On the other hand he's had about a dozen Bushnells come back in the same time period.  

He also said that if you ask any hunter, Leupold rifle scopes are considered to have the very best optics and Bushnell/Nikon are average at best.

[stevegp]

78Staff, on 08 March 2011 - 08:52 PM, said:

My votes for 1600TE, which is what I use.  I looked at the GX3, seems like a fine unit, and Leupold is a good name.  But I prefer the form factor of the Bushnell to the GX3, and the red OLED definitely doesn't work for me, but that is my issue. I am R/G color vision deficient...so the red was harder for me to see against green colors than basic black.  Most people would not have this, issue, though.

I am ready to purchase a GX-3. I just read your comment about being partially red/green colorblind. I also am challenged by this color deficiency. Could you please comment more on your experience with this and the GX-3. (Is there anyone else who experienced this on the GX-3 or GX-4)?

I certainly will go to one of my golf stores and check this out.

It is only certain shades of the color spectrum that affect me. On one of my regular "home" courses, they have red flags on the pins. Occasionally, on a windless day, I do have difficulty spotting the red flag against the green background of the vegetation.

Thanks for your comments.

[78Staff]

stevegp, on 11 March 2011 - 11:49 AM, said:

78Staff, on 08 March 2011 - 08:52 PM, said:

My votes for 1600TE, which is what I use.  I looked at the GX3, seems like a fine unit, and Leupold is a good name.  But I prefer the form factor of the Bushnell to the GX3, and the red OLED definitely doesn't work for me, but that is my issue. I am R/G color vision deficient...so the red was harder for me to see against green colors than basic black.  Most people would not have this, issue, though.

I am ready to purchase a GX-3. I just read your comment about being partially red/green colorblind. I also am challenged by this color deficiency. Could you please comment more on your experience with this and the GX-3. (Is there anyone else who experienced this on the GX-3 or GX-4)?

I certainly will go to one of my golf stores and check this out.

It is only certain shades of the color spectrum that affect me. On one of my regular "home" courses, they have red flags on the pins. Occasionally, on a windless day, I do have difficulty spotting the red flag against the green background of the vegetation.

Thanks for your comments.

I am the classic R/G color deficient... I can see your basic red and greens, ie stoplights, normal colors displays, etc, but when you blend them, as in say wiring sheaths (which cost me a sweet Navy AE gig), or small bits of one color on the other, as in flags, little led lights, etc I have trouble separating the two.

IF you have ever taken the ishihara test and failed it (as I did) I would suggest staying away from the the Red OLED system.  (unless it can be changed to black instead of red, I am not sure on that).   I only tried the GX3 briefly and shot it outdoors against green grass and it was a problem for me.  

But being a previous 1500 owner I was comfortable with the size and ergonomics of the 1600, and getting a sweet sale price also swayed me a bit .  

Here is a quickie version of the ishi test btw..

http://www.toledo-be...nd/ishihara.asp

[stevegp]

78Staff, on 11 March 2011 - 04:22 PM, said:

stevegp, on 11 March 2011 - 11:49 AM, said:

78Staff, on 08 March 2011 - 08:52 PM, said:

My votes for 1600TE, which is what I use.  I looked at the GX3, seems like a fine unit, and Leupold is a good name.  But I prefer the form factor of the Bushnell to the GX3, and the red OLED definitely doesn't work for me, but that is my issue. I am R/G color vision deficient...so the red was harder for me to see against green colors than basic black.  Most people would not have this, issue, though.

I am ready to purchase a GX-3. I just read your comment about being partially red/green colorblind. I also am challenged by this color deficiency. Could you please comment more on your experience with this and the GX-3. (Is there anyone else who experienced this on the GX-3 or GX-4)?

I certainly will go to one of my golf stores and check this out.

It is only certain shades of the color spectrum that affect me. On one of my regular "home" courses, they have red flags on the pins. Occasionally, on a windless day, I do have difficulty spotting the red flag against the green background of the vegetation.

Thanks for your comments.

I am the classic R/G color deficient... I can see your basic red and greens, ie stoplights, normal colors displays, etc, but when you blend them, as in say wiring sheaths (which cost me a sweet Navy AE gig), or small bits of one color on the other, as in flags, little led lights, etc I have trouble separating the two.

IF you have ever taken the ishihara test and failed it (as I did) I would suggest staying away from the the Red OLED system.  (unless it can be changed to black instead of red, I am not sure on that).   I only tried the GX3 briefly and shot it outdoors against green grass and it was a problem for me.  

But being a previous 1500 owner I was comfortable with the size and ergonomics of the 1600, and getting a sweet sale price also swayed me a bit .  

Here is a quickie version of the ishi test btw..

http://www.toledo-be...nd/ishihara.asp

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate it.

My red/green colorblindness seems similar to yours. I also see the basic differences in the colors. Where I have the problems is --for lack of a better phrase-- where certain shades of colors "come together." Examples: where red meets orange (such as in a bright red/orange rubber ball); where blue meets purple (the more reddish purples are easy for me to distinguish); and I have a lot of problem with where greens are similar to grays and browns (I experience this a lot with clothing, especially my girlfriend's. Any time she includes "heather" in her clothing's color's name, I seem to have a problem <chuckle>).

I checked out the Ishihara test (thanks for the link). I did not do well at all. I remember telling a new opthamologist years ago, as she was doing an eye exam and the Ishihara test on me for the first time, that I was about 10% red/green colorblind. She smiled and laughed and said, "You are a lot more than 10%!"

Thanks again for this heads-up on the red OLED. I plan to check this out further, regarding the GX-3. I probably will reconsider the GX-2 (black read outs, I believe) and the better Bushnell models.

Steve

[78Staff]

stevegp, on 12 March 2011 - 06:52 AM, said:

78Staff, on 11 March 2011 - 04:22 PM, said:

stevegp, on 11 March 2011 - 11:49 AM, said:

78Staff, on 08 March 2011 - 08:52 PM, said:

My votes for 1600TE, which is what I use.  I looked at the GX3, seems like a fine unit, and Leupold is a good name.  But I prefer the form factor of the Bushnell to the GX3, and the red OLED definitely doesn't work for me, but that is my issue. I am R/G color vision deficient...so the red was harder for me to see against green colors than basic black.  Most people would not have this, issue, though.

I am ready to purchase a GX-3. I just read your comment about being partially red/green colorblind. I also am challenged by this color deficiency. Could you please comment more on your experience with this and the GX-3. (Is there anyone else who experienced this on the GX-3 or GX-4)?

I certainly will go to one of my golf stores and check this out.

It is only certain shades of the color spectrum that affect me. On one of my regular "home" courses, they have red flags on the pins. Occasionally, on a windless day, I do have difficulty spotting the red flag against the green background of the vegetation.

Thanks for your comments.

I am the classic R/G color deficient... I can see your basic red and greens, ie stoplights, normal colors displays, etc, but when you blend them, as in say wiring sheaths (which cost me a sweet Navy AE gig), or small bits of one color on the other, as in flags, little led lights, etc I have trouble separating the two.

IF you have ever taken the ishihara test and failed it (as I did) I would suggest staying away from the the Red OLED system.  (unless it can be changed to black instead of red, I am not sure on that).   I only tried the GX3 briefly and shot it outdoors against green grass and it was a problem for me.  

But being a previous 1500 owner I was comfortable with the size and ergonomics of the 1600, and getting a sweet sale price also swayed me a bit .  

Here is a quickie version of the ishi test btw..

http://www.toledo-be...nd/ishihara.asp

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate it.

My red/green colorblindness seems similar to yours. I also see the basic differences in the colors. Where I have the problems is --for lack of a better phrase-- where certain shades of colors "come together." Examples: where red meets orange (such as in a bright red/orange rubber ball); where blue meets purple (the more reddish purples are easy for me to distinguish); and I have a lot of problem with where greens are similar to grays and browns (I experience this a lot with clothing, especially my girlfriend's. Any time she includes "heather" in her clothing's color's name, I seem to have a problem <chuckle>).

I checked out the Ishihara test (thanks for the link). I did not do well at all. I remember telling a new opthamologist years ago, as she was doing an eye exam and the Ishihara test on me for the first time, that I was about 10% red/green colorblind. She smiled and laughed and said, "You are a lot more than 10%!"

Thanks again for this heads-up on the red OLED. I plan to check this out further, regarding the GX-3. I probably will reconsider the GX-2 (black read outs, I believe) and the better Bushnell models.

Steve

Oddly enough, I played a course today that use Red/Yellow/Green flags on the pins...  what were they thinking.  Pretty much everyone had a hard time with the green flags against green/wooland background, and I also had issues with the red ones LOL...  

[Hand Jockey]

I had the Leupold for about 3 weeks before I sent it back. As one of the posters mentioned, I would get multiple target distances from the same point. I went to the driving range and a friend of mine has the Bushnell 1600. We compared and the Leupold definitely was not consistent at all on different focus points. Also I found the Leupold very difficult to get the cross hairs to settle on the flag in order to get the distance. Granted my hands shake a little bit but I had no problem with getting the cross hairs steady with the Bushnell 1600. I ended up buying the Bushnell 1600 and am very happy with it.

[toddnt]

Does the Leupold have a lanyard attachment?

[NWS Alpine]

toddnt, on 20 March 2011 - 09:29 PM, said:

Does the Leupold have a lanyard attachment?

Yes

[jgriff411]

Well I'm in the market for a rangefinder. I have a Skycaddie 5, works OK just not precise as I would like it to be, and is of no use at the range. Normally I would head to a local golf store & demo the units and pick one, since moving to a small city that not really a option, so I have to rely online reviews.

I read just about everything available online. So if all things being equal; price, user friendly etc. what tips the scales in favor of one vs. the other. Sounds like the pros/cons can be very subjective, and there may not be a clear-cut winner -- or is there.

[TML]

the OLED display on the leupold is the deciding factor.  I love this feature.

[nitram]

FWIW, I owned and carried a B-1500 with slope for 6 years. I cannot say anything bad about it or Bushnell who repeatedly sent me a replacement battery cover door free of charge. I decided one day to give it to my son so it still works great after 1,000 golf outings, range sessions, and hunting trips. I mean, they pioneered the civilian range finder market. I can't comment on the 1600 except to say I'm sure they've improved their product. I recently went with the GX-3 simply because of my experience with Leupold optics over the past 30 years. In my experience as a USMC and SWAT Operator, let alone as a civilian hunter, I can testify to their superior optics. If a Leupold model had been available 6 years ago, I'd never have been able to comment on the Bushnell.

Edited by nitram, 27 March 2011 - 09:53 PM.

[jgriff411]

jgriff411, on 26 March 2011 - 05:09 PM, said:

Well I'm in the market for a rangefinder. I have a Skycaddie 5, works OK just not precise as I would like it to be, and is of no use at the range. Normally I would head to a local golf store & demo the units and pick one, since moving to a small city that not really a option, so I have to rely online reviews.

I read just about everything available online. So if all things being equal; price, user friendly etc. what tips the scales in favor of one vs. the other. Sounds like the pros/cons can be very subjective, and there may not be a clear-cut winner -- or is there.

Well I pulled the trigger on a GX-3, almost $100 less then MSRP, plus free S&H. I will see how it works out, I'm guessing I may continue to use a GPS for a while who knows. At least I don't have to worry about extra fees, courses available, software updates etc.

[Ghost_Orchid]

jgriff411, on 28 March 2011 - 12:01 AM, said:

jgriff411, on 26 March 2011 - 05:09 PM, said:

Well I'm in the market for a rangefinder. I have a Skycaddie 5, works OK just not precise as I would like it to be, and is of no use at the range. Normally I would head to a local golf store & demo the units and pick one, since moving to a small city that not really a option, so I have to rely online reviews.

I read just about everything available online. So if all things being equal; price, user friendly etc. what tips the scales in favor of one vs. the other. Sounds like the pros/cons can be very subjective, and there may not be a clear-cut winner -- or is there.

Well I pulled the trigger on a GX-3, almost $100 less then MSRP, plus free S&H. I will see how it works out, I'm guessing I may continue to use a GPS for a while who knows. At least I don't have to worry about extra fees, courses available, software updates etc.

I'm in the market for a Gx-3, where did you get yours? if you dont mind me asking.

[jgriff411]

Ghost_Orchid, on 28 March 2011 - 12:29 AM, said:

jgriff411, on 28 March 2011 - 12:01 AM, said:

jgriff411, on 26 March 2011 - 05:09 PM, said:

Well I'm in the market for a rangefinder. I have a Skycaddie 5, works OK just not precise as I would like it to be, and is of no use at the range. Normally I would head to a local golf store & demo the units and pick one, since moving to a small city that not really a option, so I have to rely online reviews.

I read just about everything available online. So if all things being equal; price, user friendly etc. what tips the scales in favor of one vs. the other. Sounds like the pros/cons can be very subjective, and there may not be a clear-cut winner -- or is there.

Well I pulled the trigger on a GX-3, almost $100 less then MSRP, plus free S&H. I will see how it works out, I'm guessing I may continue to use a GPS for a while who knows. At least I don't have to worry about extra fees, courses available, software updates etc.

I'm in the market for a Gx-3, where did you get yours? if you dont mind me asking.

ebay.

[schmidlack]

Had a 1500 for about 3 years, now a GX-3 for just 2 rounds so far.  I have a huge hand, jumbo grips and preferred the hand fit of the Bushnell which is also easier to steady.  I feel like I have the yips with Leupold.  But I love the small size which I find myself slipping into my pocket and hardly noticing it.  I love the OLED, it is fantastic.  And the GX-3 has that lock-on feature with prisms on the flag stick that makes it as easy as the 1500 to lock on the target - whenever they are present.  Considering the pro's and con's, it's tough choice.  If I had to choice right now, I think I'd still go with the 1500.  But I may need more time to get used to the GX-3.  Like I said, tough choice, but you can't go wrong either way.  Depends how you weigh the benefits that each offers for your particular preferences.

[NWS Alpine]

schmidlack, on 28 March 2011 - 11:48 PM, said:

Had a 1500 for about 3 years, now a GX-3 for just 2 rounds so far.  I have a huge hand, jumbo grips and preferred the hand fit of the Bushnell which is also easier to steady.  I feel like I have the yips with Leupold.  But I love the small size which I find myself slipping into my pocket and hardly noticing it.  I love the OLED, it is fantastic.  And the GX-3 has that lock-on feature with prisms on the flag stick that makes it as easy as the 1500 to lock on the target - whenever they are present.  Considering the pro's and con's, it's tough choice.  If I had to choice right now, I think I'd still go with the 1500.  But I may need more time to get used to the GX-3.  Like I said, tough choice, but you can't go wrong either way.  Depends how you weigh the benefits that each offers for your particular preferences.

Do you use scan mode even without prisms.  You don't need steady hands at all with the GX-3 to pick flags from distance.  Without scan it can take a few hits to get a distance.

[schmidlack]

NWS Alpine, on 29 March 2011 - 01:18 PM, said:

schmidlack, on 28 March 2011 - 11:48 PM, said:

Had a 1500 for about 3 years, now a GX-3 for just 2 rounds so far.  I have a huge hand, jumbo grips and preferred the hand fit of the Bushnell which is also easier to steady.  I feel like I have the yips with Leupold.  But I love the small size which I find myself slipping into my pocket and hardly noticing it.  I love the OLED, it is fantastic.  And the GX-3 has that lock-on feature with prisms on the flag stick that makes it as easy as the 1500 to lock on the target - whenever they are present.  Considering the pro's and con's, it's tough choice.  If I had to choice right now, I think I'd still go with the 1500.  But I may need more time to get used to the GX-3.  Like I said, tough choice, but you can't go wrong either way.  Depends how you weigh the benefits that each offers for your particular preferences.

Do you use scan mode even without prisms.  You don't need steady hands at all with the GX-3 to pick flags from distance.  Without scan it can take a few hits to get a distance.

Uhhhhh....not sure.   I'll have to confirm.  Thanks for the reminder!

[mdgboxx]

schmidlack, on 28 March 2011 - 11:48 PM, said:

Had a 1500 for about 3 years, now a GX-3 for just 2 rounds so far. I have a huge hand, jumbo grips and preferred the hand fit of the Bushnell which is also easier to steady. I feel like I have the yips with Leupold.  But I love the small size which I find myself slipping into my pocket and hardly noticing it.  I love the OLED, it is fantastic.  And the GX-3 has that lock-on feature with prisms on the flag stick that makes it as easy as the 1500 to lock on the target - whenever they are present.  Considering the pro's and con's, it's tough choice.  If I had to choice right now, I think I'd still go with the 1500.  But I may need more time to get used to the GX-3.  Like I said, tough choice, but you can't go wrong either way.  Depends how you weigh the benefits that each offers for your particular preferences.

Try sticking your thumb out a bit and rest it against the bridge of your nose. No more vibrations, no more yips.
To accomplish that feat, you need to rest the GX-3 on the fat part of your thumb....Simple, really.

[NWS Alpine]

schmidlack, on 29 March 2011 - 02:08 PM, said:

NWS Alpine, on 29 March 2011 - 01:18 PM, said:

schmidlack, on 28 March 2011 - 11:48 PM, said:

Had a 1500 for about 3 years, now a GX-3 for just 2 rounds so far.  I have a huge hand, jumbo grips and preferred the hand fit of the Bushnell which is also easier to steady.  I feel like I have the yips with Leupold.  But I love the small size which I find myself slipping into my pocket and hardly noticing it.  I love the OLED, it is fantastic.  And the GX-3 has that lock-on feature with prisms on the flag stick that makes it as easy as the 1500 to lock on the target - whenever they are present.  Considering the pro's and con's, it's tough choice.  If I had to choice right now, I think I'd still go with the 1500.  But I may need more time to get used to the GX-3.  Like I said, tough choice, but you can't go wrong either way.  Depends how you weigh the benefits that each offers for your particular preferences.

Do you use scan mode even without prisms.  You don't need steady hands at all with the GX-3 to pick flags from distance.  Without scan it can take a few hits to get a distance.

Uhhhhh....not sure.   I'll have to confirm.  Thanks for the reminder!

Yeah hold down the power button and it will constantly scan and even if the flag is bouncing around it always picks it up.  I hit a flag from over 300 yards and wasn't very steady.  It would have been extremely hard with just shooting normally. Once I get the flag I keep it held down and hit the front of the green or a sand trap in front to see how much I need to carry to be safe and lets me know how much room I have.

Edited by NWS Alpine, 30 March 2011 - 09:41 AM.