another range finder question - bushnell

[pepper 2111]

I've done a lot of searching around here and read a lot if good information, but haven't found what the answer to my question so I'm sorry if this is redundant.

Why would I want to choose the Bushnell elite 1600 arc over the g-force 1300 arc. A few extra yards doesn't seem to justify the price. Educate me please.

 

[Dogtown]

I personally have no experience with either rangefinder, but can tell you that there's a lot more to it than just distance. Cheaper rangefinders often can only reliably range shorter distances than the more expensive models. This has to do with beam divergence, sensor quality, and other factors. And it's been my experience that with commercial rangefinders the listed max distance only applies to best case scenarios and often they average half that distance reliably in most cases. The elite 1600 arc seems to be a really good value for ranging longer distances for commercial rangefinders and I see a lot of folks moving to those over the older standards like Leica and Swaro (vs moving up to a mil-grade Terrapin or PLRF).

 

[RobertB]

I wouldn't recommend any LRF other than a Vectronix Terrapin or up. I tried to save money the first few times but if you really NEED a LRF then don't wast your time on any thing other than a quality unit. I wish I would have the first few times. I still have my Leica but it sux compared to terrapin.


Good Luck!

 

[Dogtown]

I had the same experience; just trying to point out the difference between some of the commercial units.

 

[delfuego]

With electronics I always try to get the newer models. They improve upon the existing technology. That being said I think either would do fine. You didn't say what distances you will be ranging, that helps a lot. I have the Bushnell Fusion 1600 and they are perfectly adequate for my purposes. People recommending a $2000 "military" LRF is ridiculous, the OP didn't say he waited to range 2k meters. He just ask the difference between the two. Both of those Bushnell's are around the same price on the street.

The top-end ranges 1300y or 1600y will be for large reflective targets (like buildings)

The 1600 ARC

Tree Ranging Performance (yds.):1000 yds.
Deer Ranging Performance (yds.):500 yds.

G-Force 1300 ARC:

Tree Ranging Performance (yds.):900 yds.
Deer Ranging Performance (yds.):600 yds.

 

[pepper 2111]

Thanks for the input fellas, the vectronix would be nice, but it isn't likely that I'll ever spend that much for nunumerous reasons. As far as shooting goes, I'll regularly be shooting anywhere from 15-1000, with the intent of stretching it out farther on occasions. During such occasions, I have access to a friends vectronix. My confusion between the Bushnells comes from the specs listed above. 300 more yards for reflective targets yet 100 less for a live animal.? How does a superior model take a step back in than catagory ? For that reason I'm leaning towards the g-force simply to save some $ which I'll ultimately blow on other things I "need". And to throw another wrench in the system, the elite 1500 is available at about $100 less but doesn't have the arc feature? Is arc worth while?

Thanks again fellas

 

[delfuego]

The differences are in the newer tech, there are improvements and incremental changes to each generation.

The 1500 has been know to have some issues and is discontinued and likely out-of-warranty.
The 1600 replaced it and is a good piece of kit, and comes with quite a lot of good reviews.
The 1300 is a new product and I haven't played with one or heard much about it. It looks to be smaller, might be better when hunting.

 

[pepper 2111]

thanks again everyone. It looks like they're both pretty even at this point. At least I don't see any must have features on the elite 1600 yet

 

[pinsandpitons]

I own a Bushnell 1600 arc. It has been a very good LRF for me. All I can relate are my own experiences. I have ranged rocks and steel out to 1700 yds with a stable position, either on a tripod, or resting on a hood, stump, etc. I can bank on 1600yd ranges if supported and relatively good weather conditions. Unsupported I can reliably get ranges on non-reflective objects out to 800+. The terrapins I've played with are fast and accurate, even unsupported, same with the Leica but to a lesser degree. I have no experience with g-force products. I am looking to upgrade to a Leica 1600-b, but only for form factor issues. The performance and optics of the bushnell are great for my purposes, bow hunting, and precision rifle target shooting. I often use the Burshnell unit mounted on a tripod to spot, yes the aperture is smallish, and the magnification is low, but the glass is plenty clear enough for useful spotting. The Bushnell has trouble with fog, snow, and heavy rain, but that's a hard nut to crack for most LRFs. Good luck.

 

[JC Steel]

The new Bushnell Fusion miles are going to be super popular in the near future I am guessing. Just because the ranging ability is out to about 2K, and it comes in a bino with somewhat decent glass. Out and a lot less then the Terrapin. Although, the terrapin is a better unit for only ranging.

 

[pepper 2111]

I own a Bushnell 1600 arc. It has been a very good LRF for me. All I can relate are my own experiences. I have ranged rocks and steel out to 1700 yds with a stable position, either on a tripod, or resting on a hood, stump, etc. I can bank on 1600yd ranges if supported and relatively good weather conditions. Unsupported I can reliably get ranges on non-reflective objects out to 800+. The terrapins I've played with are fast and accurate, even unsupported, same with the Leica but to a lesser degree. I have no experience with g-force products. I am looking to upgrade to a Leica 1600-b, but only for form factor issues. The performance and optics of the bushnell are great for my purposes, bow hunting, and precision rifle target shooting. I often use the Burshnell unit mounted on a tripod to spot, yes the aperture is smallish, and the magnification is low, but the glass is plenty clear enough for useful spotting. The Bushnell has trouble with fog, snow, and heavy rain, but that's a hard nut to crack for most LRFs. Good luck.

Would you want to sell your 1600 arc?

 

[pinsandpitons]

PM sent.... 10 characters.

 

[cal50]

The T-pin is a sweet unit but it's overkill & overpriced for most civvy applications. I still use an old Bushnell 800 yard model and want an updated unit with added range. The ARC 1600 is hard to beat for the cost & performance for normal use. YMMV. I actually like it over the Leica 1600 and plan on picking one up in the near future.