Laser Rangefinders

[guest]

I'm looking to start a discussion on laser rangefinders (LRF). Anyone out there have info on what models work the best or worst, cost info, where to purchase, or any other info on LRFs?

Thanks,

Erich

[guest]

Hey Erich:

I posted this the first time, but here it is again...

I have a Bushnell YP600C. I like it lots. The thing is super accurate (I tested it on the ground with a tape measure), and is able to get readings off an amazing variety of surfaces.

Features I wish I had include 1) a lighted display (it's sometimes hard to read the numbers against a dark background or in twilight), and 2) a display in feet (mine is in yards), since I tend to think in feet and don't like the conversions (I imagine it would be even worse for someone outside the U.S. who hasn't ever had to use yards at all).

I'd also like it if the thing were smaller (say, the size of a pack of cigarettes, rather than medium sized binoculars--but you can't have everything).

Here's a link to the place I got mine:

http://www.bearbasin.com/rangefinder.htm

--Tom Aiello
tbaiello@ucdavis.edu

[bps]

Hi Erich -

I'd have to agree with Tom. From what I've seen, the Bushnell Compact Pro 600 seems to be the best model out there.

I'd have to agree with Tom on improvements that I would make. The Compact Pro also reads in meters...doesn't seem like it would be tough for them to program it for feet.

I just visited the link that Tom posted and that's one of the best deals I've ever seen on a brand new one from a retailer.

I've seen them as low as $240 on e-bay...but you never know if their really new units.

Are you still in the Southwest? I jumped with you one year ago at Sg.

Hope all is well!

Bryan

[guest]

Hi there!
I agree with both Tom and Bryan. I can add only that I own a Yardage Pro 800 Compact, it is about the same size as the 600 (maybe 800 is slightly smaller), it has got a magnifier of 8x (instead of a 4x of the 600) and has got a backlit display! Great feature, the backlit stuff, especially when you measure at night. And I bought mine as well through Bear Basin Web Site, very nice prices indeed! The 800 costs 50$ more than the 600, but probably the 50$ are worth the backlit display and the more powerful magnifier.
Blue skies to you all
Andrea

[guest]

An advantage of the Bushnell 600 Compact over the 800 Compact is that it has an error rate of +/- 1 yard whereas the error rate of the 800 Compact is +/- 2 yards.

I played with both side by side and did find slightly different readings at close ranges.

The error rate of the 800 Compact is a concern when considering which deployment technique to use for LOW objects (i.e. by LOW I mean where 6 feet can make a difference).

On the other end of the spectrum the 600 Compact will only measure an 1800' high wall whereas the 800 Compact will give you a reading on a 2400' wall. However at these altitudes the information provided by a range finder is often less critical in regards to jump planning and gear/deployment selection.

Either way, using any laser range finder to ascertain object height is far superior to other commonly used techniques such as:
- Eye balling,
- Timing a rock drop, and
- "You go first"

[guest]

>

>Either way, using any laser range
>finder to ascertain object height is
>far superior to other commonly used
>techniques such as:
>- Eye balling,
>- Timing a rock drop, and
>- "You go first"

and don't foget the ever loving Moss toss....if it hits the wall you jump if it hits you in the face you jump second...or you can go for the ever loving short straw approach

[guest]

>Hi Erich -

>Are you still in the Southwest? I
>jumped with you one year ago at Sg.
>
>Hope all is well!
>
>Bryan


Hey Bryan,

I am in the cold heartland of Minnesota climbing ice encrusted towers and riding heated elevators for my altitude. I just started jumping again after an accident that happened at Quincy that tore my left arm out. I was jumping with a regular freefly partner and someone I knew not so well (Roy Raida from Pennsylvania). We senced that he had little experience head down even though he stated that he had no issues. We lectured him before we got into the plane and all the way to altitude on freeflying related safety issues. Regardless, he lost control and hit me from behind, grabbed my reserve handle, and didn't let go. I had a hard opening to say the least but am left feeling lucky to be alive. Thanks Tempo reserve!

So, I am jumping again and heading back to AZ and Moab for some jumping this month and moving permanently to Eloy this fall. Going to be around? Drop me a line at lawndart@hutchtel.net

Peace,

Erich

[flummi]

I have bought the Yardage Pro 1000. It is probably the biggest model on the market (volumewise), but considering that the other ones are still big, the longer range outweighs the difference in size in my opinion. Anyone who would take any laser rangefinder to a jump(-site) would also be able to take the 1000 model.

Even though I agree with Dwain's point on the high objects (being: what do I care if I laser a more than 800 yard / 2400 foot object correctly?) I still feel that the additional money that the 1000 model cost is justified for correctly lasering lower objects on a triangulation approach. I have seen several objects that I cannot approach close enough to get an accurate reading from the bottom of the structure, but with the 1000 model you can laser it from the greater distance and then figure out how high it is and correctly configure your gear.

I also bough mine from www.bearbasin.com (see Tom's earlier post). I tried a couple of local outdoors/hunting shops in my area and told them the "online" prices, but they would not even come close to them. And for fellow metric-users: the 1000 model can be switched to meters.

More info on the Bushnell line can be found at:
www.bushnell.com
or at:
http://www.bushnell.com/productinfo/mm/files/2000%20Catalog_YP.pdf

Bearbasin also shows Nikon and Leica products on their website:
http://www.bearbasin.com/rangefinder.htm

flummi

[guest]

Even though you don't really need 1 yard accuracy on a 2000' object, you can use the extended 800 yd range for other things. i.e. you can get an accurate object height by using the pythagorean theorem formula, A^2+B^2 = C^2. Let's say you find a smokestack that appears to be over 300'. But, because of a perimeter fence you can't inconspicuously get within 500 yds of it. You can get an exact measurement from a LEVEL distance by first shooting the bottom of the object (level with your viewpoint) and then shooting from the same location to the top of the stack. Use the first level distance as A or B in the equation; use the angled distance (to the top) as C. Get a calculator and figure out if it's even worth jumping the fence.

Keep in mind your height will only be correct if the object is perfectly sheer. A freestanding tower is difficult to accurately measure this way, so are cliffs. It's perfect for buildings or anything with a sheer face, or only slightly sloping like a smokestack.

BTW, the largest demand for rangefinders are with hunters and golfers, that's why they measure in yards. That's also why you'll find the best deals at hunting retail sites like Cabelas: www.cabelas.com

I have an older Bushnell 400 yd rangefinder. I've found that it will rarely go as far as 300 yd. 400 yd is apparently the max range, only possible with very reflective targets. Also, even though you can't read the display, it works best (farthest) at night. According to Bushnell tech support, this is because at night the sunlight cannot interfere with the laser. Whatever...