Leupold’s RX-1000i digital laser rangefinder

by Paul Miller
Australian Hunter 42

We’ve all heard the saying ‘Good things come in small packages’ and the Leupold RX-1000i digital laser rangefinder certainly confirms that and then some. Here, we have a compact, lightweight rangefinder that is easy and quick to operate with technology built in that almost beggars the imagination. This unit incorporates advanced digital electronics with state-of-the-art ballistics algorithms.

Quoting directly from the operation manual: “The next generation Digitally eNhanced Accuracy (DNA trademarked) engine incorporates additional signal processing techniques to generate better ranging distance with more accurate range finding. The RX-1000i features include an incredibly bright OLED display, inclinometer and Last Target Mode.”

The other amazing feature is the True Ballistic Range (TBR), which is available on this model. TBR algorithms were apparently developed by the same engineers who developed Sierra Infinity Exterior Ballistics software and who helped develop the guidance and navigation systems for the intercontinental ballistic missiles and other missiles with far more complex trajectories than a hunting or target bullet.

The result of all this, according to Leupold, is the marriage of laser ranging, an inclinometer, and an advanced computerised ballistics program. This gives distance measurements that are accurate to less than 1 yard, no matter from which angle the laser is fired. Bullets and arrows travel in a ballistic arc, but conventional rangefinders only provide a linear distance to the target. The really interesting thing about TBR technology is that it provides the ballistic equivalent to the target, accounting for the effects of inclines or declines on the path of your bullet or arrow.

We recently reviewed the Leupold binocular rangefinder with the same technological features and found it a very effective piece of equipment. The new very compact RX-1000i rangefinder is a pleasure to use and simplicity itself. The TBR provides hunters with the equivalent horizontal range for super-accurate shooting with any change in elevation. The TBR provides four correction methods: MOA shows minutes of angle to adjust for the rifle shooter; MIL shows milliradians to adjust for the rifle shooter; HOLD shows the inches or centimetres to hold over for rifle shooting; and BAS shows the ballistically calculated horizontal distance in yards or metres. TBR is accurate to 800m for rifles and 125 yards for bows. It all sounds very complicated, but a careful read of the manual and use of the ‘Mode’ button allows you to set this unit to whatever you want it to do.

The fact that you can use this rangefinder in different modes to suit not only rifle but also bowhunters, will give it tremendous appeal to the growing number of rifle shooters who are getting into bowhunting.

This technology almost seems like cheating when you consider that hunters in years gone by had to evaluate distance with various manual methods and only relatively recently has laser technology come forward to provide hunters with equipment that can accurately range a target and give almost instant answers on where to hold to ensure (assuming you do your part) a successful shot. Not only this, but as time goes by, this equipment is getting more compact and physically lighter to carry in the field. For the hunter who covers a lot of territory, weight quickly becomes an issue and the RX-1000i rangefinder weighs just a little more than 200g!

As I said in the binocular rangefinder review, I think this technology is a blessing because it allows hunters to increase their ability to make a humane, one-shot kill. It does not take away from other methods of rangefinding. With constant use verifying distances, it means the hunter starts to build up a mental picture and feeling for distances with the naked eye.

My only concern is that the technology may encourage some hunters to take shots beyond the capability of the cartridge they are using or their ability to dope the wind or other atmospheric conditions. I cannot stress enough the importance of knowing your limitations and those of your equipment. Indeed, just because you can get an accurate reading to 800m, doesn’t mean you should rely on a device like this to shoot at anything at that distance. I think 400m pulls up 99 per cent of rifle shooting and only experts with very specific training should be shooting at ranges beyond this.

The RX-1000i is powered by a CR-2 battery, which is, thankfully, included with the unit. The unit appears well made with a very robust armoured aluminium housing. The lenses are fully multicoated, and a decent Cordura holster is provided to protect the unit in the field. It can also be had in a camouflage pattern in contrast to the very smart and businesslike grey and gold version I was supplied to test.

As a final reminder, this is a laser device and should never be pointed at anyone or anything other than inanimate objects or game animals for the purpose of gaining a distance reading. As with other areas of the safe use of firearms, this unit also requires it be used responsibly for the purpose for which it was designed.

Around $500 for the top-of-the-range RX-1000i seems like amazing value for such technology in such a portable package. I highly recommend it.

For more information about this remarkable device, visit www.leupold.com or www.nioa.net.au or talk to your local dealer who will no doubt stock the excellent range of Leupold rangefinders and other optical equipment.