50 Words or Less
The Leupold GX-2i3 rangefinder packs the company’s industry leading tech into a smaller, lighter package.
Introduction
The last couple generations of the Leupold GX-2 rangefinders have featured big upgrades, but the changes have been internal. With the GX-2i3, the biggest change is tangible: the laser has been re-shaped.
Setup & Ease of Use
As with any quality rangefinder, the GX-2i3 is easy to use. Push the red button to turn it on, aim it, push it again, and the distance displays in front of your eye.
Unlocking the full potential of the GX-2i3 takes a little more work, though not nearly as much as you might think. Hold down the Mode button for a second and you enter the menus. With the two button interface, you can quickly and easily toggle Slope and TGR on and off or enter in temperature and altitude. Even for a first-timer, setting up TGR shouldn’t take more than two minutes.
Accuracy & Performance
The technology in the GX-2i3 is essentially the same as in the GX-5i3 that I reviewed recently. Both are blazing fast and perfectly accurate. Both have 6X magnification, slope, and TGR (True Golf Range). TGR is amazing – it takes into account distance, slope, temperature, altitude, and your personal iron distances to recommend a club on every shot.
With that in mind, I want to focus on the differences between the two models. Most obviously, the color of the display is different. The GX-5i3 has a red display, the GX-2i3’s is black. Also obvious is that the body of the laser is different. The GX-2i3 is smaller, lighter, and the button is more pronounced. The other key difference is the way the data is displayed. The GX-5i3 puts the yardages right in the center of the display, but the GX-2i3 puts the yardage near the top.
Value
The Leupold GX-2i3 rangefinder can be found at retail for around $330 (Support PluggedInGolf, buy it HERE). If you want a laser with all of Leupold’s best tech (TGR, Club Selector), this is the least expensive way to get it.
Conclusion
The Leupold GX-2i3 rangefinder seeks to occupy a space in the market that many companies are abandoning. It’s not the least expensive laser, but it’s not a budget-buster either. With all of Leupold’s best technology in a sleek body, what it might be is one of the best values on the market.
Buy the Leupold GX-2i3 HERE
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Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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I own the leupold gx-412 – I originally checked this rangefinder out after reading your reviews, and I can honestly say that the build quality/fit and finish is truly exceptional. I was able to grab it on eBay at a 50% savings new. The reason I’m taking the time to write this is that as many other readers of this site; I’m obsessed with golf stuff, and have bought many different products from many different manufacturers (its really a problem…). Leupold has actually met the hype that it sells and justifies its premium pricing, unlike many other golf purchases that leave me wondering why the item costs so much. One of the biggest and most welcome surprises has been their customer support. The little cap that covers the battery popped off and i lost it (entirely my fault), and my customer service call to them was all of 5 minutes long at the max; it could not have been more pleasant. They didn’t relentlessly ask me about what happened, or really anything other than what model I owned, how to get by in the short term (taping a nickel over the battery), and an address to mail out a new cap at no charge. I read many reviews about how amazing their customer support was, often with people getting full replacements with better rangefinders for products they damaged; Its all true. They are in a league of their own when it comes to customer service and support. I know this was long winded, but I think that could be an important factor in a review or buying decision of a potentially expensive purchase.
Raj,
That’s great to hear! Thank you for sharing.
Best,
Matt
Matt, thanks for the reviews; but is the only difference between the two models the color of the display and $220? Also, can this unit be switched for tournament play like the new Bushnell Tour V shift?
Len,
The color of the display and the construction – plastic versus metal. It’s the same difference that’s always existed in their line between the 1 and 3 and the 2 and 4.
Yes, you can turn off slope and TGR.
Best,
Matt
Great Review, I’m intrigued. Matt, how does the Rangrmefinder know your distances to recommend a club for you?
Mark,
You program in your distances for 4, 6, 8, and PW. It takes about two minutes when you first buy it.
Best,
Matt
I couldn’t disagree with Rajo any more.
I purchased two of these high end range finders in the last 8 years.
Same issue, both failed to display yardage after a time.
Sent the second one back only to be told the guarantee is on the optics only, not any other functions.
Was also told this is the normal life cycle for any range finder.
4 years seems minimal for a 450 dollar product.
First let me say i have owned 4 LEUPOLD range finder products( GXi3 had for 5 years sent it back because of LED failure.. Unfortunately could not be repaired. .They pro rated a GXI5 so i purchased it …. Then , sent it back 2 months later for inaccurate yardage. So they sent me another ,great so i thought, same thing happened sent that back sept 2020 FOR INACURATE YARDAGES…..WE ARE NOW ALMOST IN DECEMBER 2020 NO RANGEFINDER YET……I purchased LEUPOLD products because i thought they where made in the USA ……..NOT REALLY …….
THE ELECTRONICS ARE OUT SOURCED IN, YUP YOU GUESSED IT, CHINA!
THATS WHY, I’ve been waiting for 3 months to get a replacement China is holding up the works ..
I asked to have my money refunded , and they agreed ,so I’m done with LEUPOLD
So buyer beware, family owned probably true, at least at one time, made in USA maybe some, but not all .
So if you purchase anything that has any electrical components (LED) they are CHINNESE PARTS.
Hope this helps in making an educated purchase for your next rangefinder
Steve in FL.