In terms of overall performance in the hand of a hunter—i.e., max range, versatility for both bow and rifle hunters, ease-of-use, basic ballistic data and sheer toughness—I think Leupold’s RX laser rangefinders are the best on the market. Over the last few years, however, several companies have pushed past Leupold’s technology, specifically in the ballistic solutions department. Handheld units from SIG Sauer, Revic and Leica, for example, have integrated environmental sensors and full-fledged ballistic data gleaned in real time from your smartphone’s apps to give ultra long-range shooters a marked advantage. The downside to them is they are fairly complicated to learn and use, and they’re often not practical for most dynamic hunting situations. Their upside is that hunters don’t have to use these features if they are unneeded. So I was left wondering: Would Leupold counter with a high-tech new model? If so, with what? Its answer is the RX-5000.
Other than being a tough-as-nails handheld unit that’s touted to range to a maximum of 5,000 yards, the RX-5000 contains technology that most other handheld rangefinders don’t, and something that represents perhaps the biggest advancement for hunters since the laser rangefinder itself. Leupold calls it “Location Pinning.” Here’s what it does:
With the RX-5000 unit connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth, when a target is ranged its exact location is marked on the onX Hunt app. I realize this sentence sounds simple, but the technology involved in accomplishing it was mind-blowing just a few years ago. Basically, the unit uses its compass and GPS feature to send triangulation data to the app that then plots the coordinates on the map, all done nearly instantaneously.
If you’re a whitetail hunter in Ohio or Mississippi, this technology likely isn’t such a big deal. But for Westerners who hunt big country, it’s a game changer.
A couple years ago in Colorado, I used my spotting scope to glass a lone bull that entered a meadow just before dark. It was well over a mile away, but due to lack of terrain features amid miles of pine forest, I couldn’t exactly tell where it was by comparing the area to the basic topo map on my GPS. I spent the entire next morning hiking toward the area where the elk had been, only to discover that the land turned from public to private. I wasn’t entirely sure, but my best guess was that the bull was on private land, and I had wasted my time. Now, don’t feel sorry for me, but usually I get about six days to hunt elk every other year, and if a piece of technology can keep me from wasting any part of it, I’ll consider using it if it’s legal.
Just as important, location pinning can show me how to best plan a stalk in areas where I have no prior experience. Also, it can be a huge help in locating game after it is shot by mapping the exact place where the animal was last ranged. Perhaps I missed the animal altogether, but location pinning will help guide me to the exact place where it was standing so I can thoroughly check for blood.
During field testing, I was at first disappointed, in that the mapped target did not appear to be exactly where the target actually was. And if it’s not exact, it’s virtually worthless. So I went back and read the directions, then calibrated the unit’s internal compass several times. With each use, the location pinning feature became more accurate, until it was within yards of the target. You should also know that using the technology requires downloading both Leupold’s Control App and the onX Hunt app. While the purchase of the unit includes three free months of the onX app, subsequent use requires a $35 annual purchase (or $15 monthly.)
On top of location pinning, this RX flagship model contains most of the other features that have made the line a favorite among hunters. Its TBR (True Ballistic Range) function gives ranges that account for angle. Choose one of 25 ballistic groups that’s closest to your load, and the unit presents you with onscreen hold-over and wind solutions for long-range shooting. It’s got 8X magnification and features a tripod mount for long-range use.
As most hunters can attest, steadying your aim with a rangefinder can be tricky. The included tripod mount makes it easy and is especially useful when marking waypoints at distance.
I like the fact that even with all of these features the RX-5000 remains easy to use with a fairly simple menu and only three physical buttons in total. Battery life is excellent and is indicated by a visible battery meter so you’ll know when it’s getting low. Overall, the unit is durable and impervious to the elements as proven by the drop and dunk tests I administered.
Most times while hunting, I don’t need all the technology housed within it, except for its basic rangefinding function. But if I do need it, I like knowing it’s there. All in all, I don’t believe there’s a better handheld rangefinder on the market specifically built for hunters.
Technical Specifications
• Type: handheld laser rangefinder
• Power Type: CR123 battery (1)
• Magnification: 8X
• Max Advertised Range: 5,000 yds.
• Angle Compensation: yes
• Integrated Ballistic Programs: yes
• Display: red illuminated (OLED)
• Length: 4.4"
• Width: 1.6"
• Height: 3.1"
• Weight: 9.7 ozs.
• Accessories: belt case, tether, lens cover, tripod mount
• MSRP: $699.99; leupold.com
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