New Range Finder (Leica 2700-B or Terrapin X)

[JW74]

Hello,

I am in the market for a new range finder after having a Leica 1600-B for a few years. The 1600 has been good and with a good sandbag rest I can range out to 1400 yards off of large reflective targets and get steel to ~1100 yards on a good day. As my steel shooting game improves I would like to get a range finder that can consistently range steel out to about 1800 yards or so. My dilemma is do I get the new Leica 2700-B for ~$900 and sounds like it will do what I am asking or is the new Terrapin X coming out soon worth the extra $900-1000?

Right now my head tells me the 2700-B paired with the Kestrel 5700 for cheaper than just a Terrapin may be the best bet for what I am looking for. Any input from those here that have used the 2700-B or older Terrapin would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[catorres1]

yJW, I have written a review of the 2700 in this same forum that might help in terms of the 2700's performance. I am also working on one with the Kestrel 5700 elite and how it works with the 2700. They are a good setup together and need to be looked at as a unit and the workflow considered.

I do not own a Terrapin, and obviously have not used the X, so what follows is only speculation. One thing, as I understand the x, is you will need a Kestrel with AB regardless if you want any ballistic returns, so keep that in mind. If you don't plan to utilize it's connectivity with the Kestrel, you are giving up what is arguably one of it's greatest competitive advantages, so I would definitely consider it a 'must have' item to get with the X. In that case, your cost then is probably in the 2500ish range for that system.

The same system setup for the Leica and the Kestrel is probably in the 1500ish range.

In terms of performance, again, no one can say for sure yet, but if the pre materials are true, the Terrapin should win handily.

In terms of workflow, again, speculation, but it also wins, because you range and get a distance return in the unit, but all the other data goes right to the Kestrel automatically for a very robust solution. Theoretically, should be easy as pie. While you can technically get the same data using the Leica/Kestrel combo, it's more a manual process (I am talking not utilizing Leica's ballistics return as I assume you want to shoot farther than it will give you a return and additionally, farther than it is sufficient for).

In a nutshell, and assuming the X lives up to what they claim, it appears to be the winner both in terms of ranging performance and workflow. On paper, it appears to be the solution to beat at the moment, in my opinion.

Downsides? Do you like that size/form factor? AFAIK, it has no ballistic solver capabilities on it's own, so you always have to have the kestrel and have it running. For short to medium range shots where the more robust AB capabilities are not necessary and you are in a hurry (hunting for example), the internal ballistics on the Leica are plenty sufficient and very handy and fast for when you don't have time/need of the Kestrel.

But he main downside on the X, for people like me....cost. But for some, this is not an issue. Sadly, my tax return makes it clear that it's not for me. But looking at what they are offering, again, if it all holds true, in terms of workflow....the X looks like a real winner.

HTH!

 

[LawnMM]

After the shit Vectronix has pulled on people with warranty issues on a $2000 rangefinder I'd want to see years of good faith return/repair stories before ever considering a purchase like that.

I got about what I put into my terrapin back and it was a relief. Leica is more than enough rangefinder for everybody but the really avid and serious ELR shooter. If you aren't shooting past 2000yds on a regular basis it's overkill to buy a Vectronix.

 

[XL Mammal]

I own the original Terrapin and didn't get burned, so keep that in mind when considering my take on your question.

The Terrapin will outrange any comparable competition from the same era. I've never used the 2700, so maybe it can keep up, but the Swaros (8x30 and EL Range), G7 BR2, and Sig 2000 couldn't come close. I would get returns off buildings at over 4000 yds and deer at 1500 yds. 1500-yd returns on deer were every time, but that was also the furthest we could see them. It would likely reach out further.

Like I said, maybe some the newer RFs can do that, but the Terrapin X may vastly outperform its 3000m claim, as well. It may also be a turd. I'd wait 5-6 weeks until the reviews start rolling in.

 

[_Windrider_]

I’ve said it once I’ll say it again, NEVER be the first to own the coolest new toy. Wait 6 months and see what’s needs fixing or has been fixing.

 

[JW74]

Catorres, thank you for the detailed reply and info! I will read the review of the 2700 you did and also look forward to your review of the Kestrel 5700 elite. I like how the Terrapin X will dump the firing solution right to the kestrel but am not sure that not having that option with the Leica is a deal breaker. Right now I am running three devices; 1600-B, Kesterl "no AB" and iphone with Ballistic AE. I'm not in a rush to replace my current setup and will wait to see how the new Terrapin checks out. My personal budget also leans me towards the 2700-B at this point as I rarely shoot out past 16-1700 yards.

Thank you to everyone else for your feedback as well. I agree, I prefer not to be the test subject of brand new products either. Especially for the expensive ones.

 

[rockmyglock]

I'm a +1 on the Leica 2700-B. I picked one up to use with my Kestrel based on @catorres1 and his review.

It was a good call.

I got returns out to 2600yds this past weekend. It far exceeded my expectations and current shooting capability.

I'm sure that the Terrapin X sending ranges direct to Kestrel would be a neat feature but hardly worth the $1k difference IMO.