Leupold RX II Laser Range Finder - Product Review

14 June 2007

Leupold RX II Laser Range Finder - Product Review

Posted by Darrell under: Archery; Gear - Tips, Reviews, Wishlist; GOOD Buys On Ebay .

I have used the Leupold RX II Laser Rangefinder for 2 seasons now and I’m a believer. In fact, when I recently lost my rangefinder and was forced to buy a new one, I decided without any hesitation on buying yet another RX II.

I’ve already given away that I like the RX II, but now I’ll try to tell you why I like it and any negatives I’ve encountered with the Rangefinder. I’m not a scientist and I certainly didn’t do any scientific tests. I’ve used several different range finder models, including the more expensive Leupold RX IV, and I always end up coming back to my RX II. Why do I like it so much?

Compact size and light weight
Ergonomic design fits hand well
True Ballistic Range (takes the need to adjust out of uphill and downhill shots)
Waterproof & virtually fog proof
Decent magnification

The size of this range finder is about perfect. I can wrap it around my neck and tuck it into a shirt or jacket pocket to keep it out of the way. It is light enough that I don’t even notice it. It also fits my hand well, which can be important when you are in an odd position (which for some weird reason I often am). Weatherproof construction is a no brainer for anyone that hunts. I assume that there aren’t any ‘fair weather hunters’ out there.

True Ballistic Range (TBR) is an important feature for hunters that spend a lot of time in tree stands bow hunting or for anyone that hunts really hilly (or mountaneous) terrain. TBR computes the actual distance in a horizontal plane (rather than simple line of sight) to the target. So, even though your bushnell rangefinder may say it is 50 yards, the True Ballistic Range may be only 45 yards. This type of accuracy is especially important for archery hunters. I will never willingly use a rangefinder (while bow hunting) that doesn’t compute true ballistic range.

There is a couple things about the RX II that I don’t like.

It is hard to see the yardage numbers if you are ranging against a dark background. When this happens, I generally raise the finder towards sky to see the yardage number.
The instructions that come with the RX II leave a lot to be desired. To be honest, I couldn’t figure out how to use my first one. I finally resorted to reading the instructions which left me more confused than when I started. I had to have someone that owned one show me how to use it, which once I learned how, was quite simple.

When finding distances out to about 350 yards is important, I’d feel confident in my RX II. However, beyond 350 yards my RX II is spotty. It may or may not give me a reading. The longest reading I’ve ever had returned is 430 yards and everything had to be just perfect. I’ve heard reports of readings out to 600 or more yards, but frankly I don’t believe them. I’ve been unable to get a reading on a barn at 375 yards before. So, if long-long range is your thing, you’ll need to go with a different rangefinder.

Here are the specs on the Leupold RX II:

6×23mm multicoated monocular - whatever that means
Weatherproof construction - very important to me
Inclinometer - too scientific for me to know what it is
Thermometer - nice to know the temperature, don’t know if crucial or not
Multicoloated lens system - what?
5 modes - ok
True Ballistic Range™ - awesome feature and a NECCESSITY
Long distance range 700 yards - not for me, 400 yards more likely
Close range 6 yards - very true, although I can guess out to 10-20 pretty good
Quick Set Rotary Menu™ - ok, simple to use once you learn how
Match 13™ Selectable Reticle System™ - what?
Clear Field™ display cleanup mode - what?
Fast eyepiece focus with precision clicks - mine focuses pretty well and quick
Rain mode - used a lot in rain and never had to switch to this mode
1st target mode - never used intentionally
Last target mode - never used intentionally
Yards, feet and meters units - stick with one and you are ok
Weight: 6.8 oz. - nice, nice, nice! You don’t even notice it
FOV: 32 feet at 100 yards - very nice, I often use mine as binocular at short distances
21 mm eye relief - huh?
Uses CR2 battery - my batteries seem to last a long time. I’ve carried a spare with both my RX IIs and never had to change batteries
+1 yards measuring accuracy - sounds good
Rubber-armored top grip - very comfortable for me
Cordura case included - case isn’t as good quality as the range finder. Quick instruction sheet is located inside case, gets soaked in the rain, and falls apart.

If you bow hunt, at least occassionally, and seldom need to take readings beyond 350 yards, I’d highly recomend the Leupold RX II Laser Range Finder.

I purchased my last one on Ebay and am amazed at some of the deals that are available. You can follow this link to peruse the current RX IIs offered on Ebay.

I’ve personally bought an RX II via Ebay at a great price. Here is a link to the seller’s Ebay page.

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8 Comments so far...

J Bates Says:

21 August 2007 at 1:02 pm.

So how do you use this thing. I recently purchased an RXII and am frustrated with the settings. Do you have to use Hold, MOA or BAS in the rifle mode? How do you turn those functions off in the TBR mode? Also, in the BAS mode the number above the reticle is the same as the LOS number below and to the right of the reticle - even when ranging at steep inclines.

James Ruiz Says:

24 September 2008 at 6:50 am.

I had to do the unthinkable, I also had to read the owner’s manual to be able to use the rangefinder. Once you read it, you can use it effectively. My main usage is for bow hunting so I have not used the HOLD, MOA, or BAS rifle features. To answer the previous question, in order to turn on the TBR rifle mode, you need to turn the advanced mode on as described on pg. 8 of owner’s manual and simultaneously press the set and mode buttons for 10 seconds. This will allow the user to engage the entire features the rangefinder has. From that point you need to select the TBR when blinking by pressing the POWER SET MODE Button.

bill Says:

6 February 2009 at 10:21 am.

Just looking for some tips on rangefinders. Has anyone used the NcStar products before? I have heard good things about some of their products but haven’t used their rangefinders. any information will be very useful.

louie perez Says:

11 December 2009 at 7:43 pm.

How do you use the rx-11 True Ballistic Range. I can’t figure it out, and i’m a bow hunter, plus the season has started already, and i’m after a world reacord. Coues White Tail.

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Chris Heart Says:

20 June 2010 at 3:04 am.

Can anyone point me to a site where I can download the manual ?
I bought mine second-hand but it had no manual.

Ross Says:

27 July 2010 at 8:55 pm.

I have a leopold rx11 which worked well i am a bow hunter and rely on a rangefinder, recently it has stopped reading distances, all other functions work ok but no distance readout.. any ideas why or is it dead?