Introduction
(By: GolfSpy Matt) While golfers were once forced to look for yardage markers or ask a caddy to learn the distance to the green, they now have a wide variety of devices that they can rely on for that information. While many golfers enjoy GPS devices, I have always been firmly in the laser rangefinder camp for their ease of use, ability to go anywhere, and precision. For the past 5 years, I have used a Bushnell 1500 laser rangefinder, and I have been very happy with it. Will the Leupold GX-3 be able to knock my trusty laser out of the bag? Read on to find out.
From the Manufacturer
Accurate, tournament legal information, on a vivid display. Featuring an incredibly compact body formed by a solid block of Aluminum, the GX-3 defines rugged. Add the bright OLED display to the standard Fog Mode and Prism Lock and this rangefinder will play along in any weather. The GX-3 is tournament legal, offering line-of-sight distance measurement only.
EASE OF USE
Set up is ridiculously simple: open the easy-accessible battery compartment, install the battery (included), and go.
As with most rangefinders, the Leupold GX-3 is very easy to use. Push the power button once to turn it on, aim the crosshairs at the flag/tree/bunker, and push it again. Simple. Making adjustments such as turning Fog Mode on or off or changing from meters to yards is equally simple: push the Mode button, toggle through your options with the Power button, then hit Mode until you exit the menu or just leave it alone for 10 seconds.
Score: 25/25
PERFORMANCE
I’m going to break this down into three categories: accuracy, speed, and display/optics.
Accuracy is excellent. I compared the Leupold to my trusty Bushnell 1500 over 100 times and it produced consistent, accurate numbers. One unusual thing was that the Leupold was consistently one yard less than the Bushnell. I make no guess or assertion as to which is correct, and, honestly, it doesn’t matter, but it was unusual. On that point, however, I was pleased that both were so consistent.
In terms of speed, the Leupold absolutely thumped the Bushnell. As soon as the button was released, a number flashed on the display. With my Bushnell (which, in fairness, is 5 years old), there is a slight delay, and occasionally I needed to push the button multiple times to get a reading.
The one category that I expected the Leupold to absolutely dominate with display/optics. I had used these models frequently in the store before receiving my own, and I was always impressed by how easy they were to read. In the vast majority of outdoor situations, this held true – the red display was as easy or easier to read than the traditional grey display on my Bushnell. The one time when this is not true is when looking into the sun or a very bright area. When the area is extremely bright, the red washes out and is more difficult to see than the grey display. Ultimately, I think this concern is negligible compared to the advantage that the red display provides in low light environments. Finally, there is a slight blue tint to the lens. I assume that this is to increase the contrast with the red display. It’s not a negative thing, but it is worth noting.
One feature that I did not get to adequately test was the fog mode. Living in the Midwest, fog is not a huge concern, but I am hopeful that it will make the unit work better in misty/light rain situations. When I have had the chance to test this feature, I will update the review.
A final note on performance: the compact size and light weight of the Leupold is a major selling point, and it will definitely be appreciated by those who walk and carry their own bag. While I love the size and weight when it comes to carrying it, I found myself wishing it were bigger when I used it. It’s not too small for me to use comfortably, but it’s right on the verge. Also, with any laser, I like to use two hands to keep the laser steady. The Bushnell 1500 seems to be designed with this in mind, whereas holding the Leupold GX-3 with two hands is impossible: you end up holding it in one hand and just bracing it with the other.
Score: 22/25
VALUE
Leupold’s lineup includes the GX-1 and GX-2, at $299 and $399, respectively. These lasers feature a standard grey display with the GX-2 adding the ability to account for slope. The GX-3 and GX-4, $399 and $499, feature the red display and more sturdy aluminum body. Again, the GX-4 costs $100 more for the addition of slope. One very cool thing about the GX-4 is that you can make it tournament legal by swapping the yellow faceplate for the chrome one (both included). To my knowledge, this feature is unique to Leupold.
When looking at the rangefinder market, it’s clear to see that there is an established pricing structure. For $299 you get the lower-tier model without slope, for $399 you can get the lower-tier laser with slope or the upper-tier laser without slope, and for $499 you get the upper-tier model with slope.
Since price is out of the equation, the question of value comes down to whether or not the Leupold products are superior to their competition. Based on my testing, I would say that the Leupold represents a very good value. The construction is excellent, the laser works quickly, and the red display is very nice in almost all situations.
Since almost all lasers are priced equivalently, the next question would be, “Is any laser worth X hundred dollars?” In my opinion, I think a laser rangefinder is a good investment for the serious golfer. It is a one-time expense (no subscription/update fees) that should last at least five years, and it will speed up your play and enhance your practice. I hate to part with money as much as anyone, but my laser is one of the few things that I would replace at full retail price.
Score: 23/25
THE PEANUT GALLERY
The Leupold GX-3 was very well received by the Peanut Gallery. The compact size and sturdiness drew many positive remarks. The biggest attraction, however, was the red display.
When showing different rangefinders to customers, I have found it very hard to sell them anything other than a Leupold after they have seen the red display. It is immediately apparent how superior the red display would be in a low-light situation (such as inside a golf store).
The only negative comment was from one of our PGA Professionals. He is the only person I know with hands significantly larger than mine, and he found the GX-3 to be too compact. For me, the GX-3 is right on the borderline of being too small, but for him it would be more comfortable to use if it were “taller.”
Score: 24/25
CONCLUSION
So, was the Leupold GX-3 able to knock my Bushnell 1500 out of the bag? Yes. The speed of the readings, the light weight, and the red display were enough to make me wave goodbye to my old friend. While Bushnell is still the biggest name in the golf rangefinder game, you definitely need to check out Leupold if you are in the market for a new rangefinder.
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