Leupold GX-3 - REVIEW

[Matt Saternus]

Leupold GX-3 Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

 

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 – 25 Points

 

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

 

 

 

 

Accuracy/Performance – 25 points

 

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 – 25 points

 

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 – 25 points

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

 

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.

 

Score: 94/100

 

[GolfSpy Dave]

Nice review Matt. I'll get the review for the Bushnell Pro 1600 next week.

[Lozzer]

I have been a Sonocaddie GPS user for a couple of years and recently upgraded from the V300 to the V500 and am very happy with this technology. However, there are situations when the GPS map just doesn't give me enough information, such as the distance to a tree or the apex of a dogleg. So, I decided to buy a laser rangefinder. Having read all the reviews (this one included) I bought the GX-3 from the European distributor (Dublis Golf in Germany).

 

I am impressed by the GX-3's compact size and more importantly speed and accuracy. I had read several people complaining that it was difficult to hold a rangefinder steady, but I've never had any such problems (I'd recommend you always use both hands). I leave the button depressed and scan past the flag and within a second or so I've got an accurate distance. It couldn't be easier! And even without prisms it'll give me a reading to a limp flag from any distance I am likely to hit the ball. I see no point in knowing it's 400 yards to the flag, but knowing that it's 210yds rather than 195yds is quite important.

 

The pin distance combined with the GPS map showing me green shape and size gives me all the information I need.

 

If Sonocaddie says it's 134yds to the front and 160yds to the back and the GX-3 says the pin is 144yds, then I know I have 10yds from the front to the flag and a further 16yds beyond it, which is very useful indeed, because not many courses give you accurate pin positions before you start the round (assuming that the GPS is accurate to the nearest yard, which we all know is not usually the case).

 

I'm only a ten handicapper, but ever since I started using Sonocaddie and now GX-3, if I hit a decent shot from within say 220yds, I'm rarely short or long by more than 5 to 10 yards and within 150yds I'm pretty much spot on most of the time (ignoring the odd pulled or blocked shot, which neither technology can help me with).

 

And with all of these technologies, you very quickly learn how far you hit every club in your bag and this is the key to success with this kit.

 

I cannot say whether the GX-3 will help my game. Maybe my money would have been better invested in some lessons, but I don't have any great aspirations to become the next Major winner, I just like trying out the latest kit. Therefore, I would highly recommend the GX-3, especially if, like me, you get annoyed when you've misjudged a distance.

[GolfSpy WD]

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.

 

The GX-1 is a little bit bigger and more comfortable to hold for people like me with big hands. Plus it's cheaper...

 

I have to concur with this review. I've quickly found out that having a laser definitely improves your score for those of us who suck at judging distance.

[Maverickping]

I use the GX-3 and find it to be a great tool/investment in my game.