Leupold RX 1600i Review: It's our all-time favorite rangefinder

Published on September 16, 2019
Duration: 9:55

This expert review from Backfire highlights the Leupold RX 1600i as their all-time favorite rangefinder after testing seven models. The review emphasizes its superior accuracy, speed, and build quality compared to competitors like the Vortex Ranger 1800, Bushnell Prime 1300, and Nikon Monarch 2000. It provides detailed insights into real-world performance, especially in low light and on non-reflective surfaces.

Quick Summary

The Leupold RX 1600i is highlighted as the top-performing rangefinder due to its exceptional accuracy, speed, and build quality. It consistently delivers reliable readings up to 1570 yards on non-reflective surfaces and excels in low-light conditions, outperforming competitors like the Vortex Ranger 1800.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introducing Favorite Rangefinder
  2. 00:22Recommendation & Affiliate Link
  3. 00:43Leupold's Superiority Reasons
  4. 01:00Build Quality Pros & Cons
  5. 01:52Key Performance Metrics
  6. 02:14Accuracy Across Ranges
  7. 03:40Consistency and Speed
  8. 04:52Nikon Monarch's Inconsistencies
  9. 05:19Magnification Advantage
  10. 05:58Low Light & True Range
  11. 06:39Exceptional Actual Range
  12. 07:20Importance of Soft Surface Ranging
  13. 07:46Rapid Ranging for Hunting
  14. 08:25Battery Issues & Compartment Design

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Leupold RX 1600i the best rangefinder according to Backfire?

The Leupold RX 1600i is favored for its consistently high accuracy across its full range, very fast ranging speed crucial for hunting, and good build quality. It outperformed competitors in real-world tests, especially in low light and on non-reflective surfaces.

How does the Leupold RX 1600i perform in low light conditions?

In low light, the Leupold RX 1600i tested at 1412 yards, demonstrating excellent performance. This is significantly better than competitors like the Vortex Ranger 1800, which only reached 650 yards in similar conditions.

What are the key performance differences between the Leupold RX 1600i and other rangefinders like the Vortex Ranger 1800?

The Leupold RX 1600i offers superior accuracy, speed, and low-light performance compared to the Vortex Ranger 1800. The Vortex also has a battery compartment prone to cross-threading, a design flaw not present in the Leupold.

What is the real-world range of the Leupold RX 1600i on non-reflective surfaces?

On hard and soft non-reflective surfaces, the Leupold RX 1600i consistently ranged up to 1570 yards. This is a critical metric for hunters, as advertised ranges often assume reflective targets.

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