Thursday, July 26, 2012 9:01 PM
I have been looking at Rangefinders and I like the Leupolds. I believe the Leupold 800i and 800i TBR are clearly a technological advance over earlier models (RX-750i TBR and RX-1000i). While there is no significant difference in size, the 800i has longer battery life, improved accuracy, and slightly longer range.But the most distinguishing feature of the 800i is the Trophy Scale. If guaging the target’s size is important, this is a clear game winner.
Comparable Nikon Archery Rangefinders seem to be tailored for the shorter archery ranges, but the Riflehunter series seem to be capable of both – like the Leupolds. The Nikon 550 ($329-($349) with the inclinometer costs about the same as the Leupold RX-800i without the inclinometer. I would choose the Nikon Riflehunter 550 over the Leupold RX-800i and RX-800i TBR. For less money, I would choose the Leupold RX-750i over all of these..
I would choose the lower-priced Bushnell Chuck Adams ($318) over the Leupold RX-800i because it has the inclinometer. However, because of the Chuck Adams lower power (4x), I would again choose the Leupold RX-750i TBR
RX-800i RX-800i TBR RX-750i TBR
Cost 349.99 399.99 279.99
Magnification 6Ă— 6Ă— 6Ă—
Inclinometer No Yes Yes
TBR (True Ballistic Range) No Yes Yes
TBR Rifle Settings N/A 7 7
TBR Bow Settings N/A 3 3
Last Target Mode No Yes Yes
Line of Sight Distance (LOS) Yes Yes Yes
Trophy Scale Yes Yes No
Yards / Meters Mode Yes Yes Yes
Scan Mode Yes Yes Yes
Battery Life >7,000 Actuations >7,000 Actuations >3,000 Actuations
Weight 7.0 oz 7.0 oz 6.8 oz.
Dimension (Inches) 4.2 x 3.0 x 1.6 4.2 x 3.0 x 1.6 4.2 x 3.0 x 1.63
Battery Status Indicator Yes Yes Yes
Warranty 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year
Waterproof Yes Yes Yes
Accurate +/- .5 Yard @ <125 yds. +/- .5 Yard @ <125 yds. ± 1yd @ 100 yds
Selectable Reticules 4 4 3
Max Range (Reflective) 800yds/732 800yds/732 750 yds/685.8m
Max Range (Trees) 650yds/594 650yds/594 600 yds/548.7m
Max Range (Deer) 550yds/503 550yds/503 500 yds/457.2m
Eye Relief 14.0mm 14.0mm 21.0mm
Minimum Range 5.4m/5.8yd 5.4m/5.8yd 5.8m/6.0yd
Exit pupil 3.6 3.6 3.8mm
Objective Aperture 22mm 22mm 23mm
As always, the choice will match weighted features against cost. The best choice matches weighted preferences with cost. If cost were not a factor, I would take the RX-800i TBR.