There is no doubt that Leupold manufactures some world-class optics for use in the golfing and hunting world.
One major drawback Leupold like many golf rangefinder manufacturers found themselves with is a way to turn off their slope feature for tournament play.
The USGA states that rangefinders with slope features are not legal for tournament play.
However, the USGA later stated that rangefinders with slope can be used during tournaments with the slope feature turned off.
While other manufacturers simply added a switch to turn the slope feature off, Leupold took it a step further with the Leupold GX-4i2.
For more about the GX-4i2 rangefinder, continue reading this complete guide for a look at the features and some pros, and cons.
Rangefinder
Features
Price
- Range: 800 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 7.80
Leupold GX 4i2 review
- Range: 800 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 7.80
Update: The Leupold GX-4i2 has been replaced with the Leupold GX-4i3.
The GX-4i3 is a faster, more accurate version of the GX-4i2 with very few differences.
The GX-4i3 uses Pin Hunter 3 technology instead of Pin Hunter 2 and the max range of 1014 yards compared to the 800 yards of the GX-4i2.
The GX-4i2 rangefinder is a great piece of technology and comes loaded with a bunch of features.
The Leupold GX-4i2 eliminates the need for a caddie since it does everything your caddie can do except for carrying your bag.
The GX-4i2 can adjust for slope by taking into consideration the temperature, altitude, and even recommends a club.
There is nothing more you can possibly ask a rangefinder to do except to factor in wind measurements.
Another outstanding feature of the GX-4i2 is a yellow smart key faceplate that can be removed and replaced with a silver plate to make the rangefinder legal for tournament play.
Let us take an in-depth look at all the features of the Leupold GX-4i2 rangefinder in this Leupold GX-4i2 review.
Notable Features: Leupold golf rangefinder GX 4i2
Smart Key Technology
The Leupold golf rangefinder GX 4i2 comes with two interchangeable plates.
The yellow faceplate provides True Golf Range(TGR) and Club Selector capability.
To disarm the TGR functionality, replace the yellow faceplate with the silver faceplate to measure distance only and meet USGA regulations for using the rangefinder in tournaments.
The rangefinder comes with a carrying case to safely secure the interchangeable plates.
Pin Hunter technology
Pin Hunter Laser Technology provides quick and accurate distances on the course.
It can measure distances to the pin clearly in a few seconds.
When scanning for the flag, the rangefinder works really hard to ensure you get accurate measurements out to the flag and not any of the hazards around.
Digitally Enhanced Accuracy(DNA) Technology
Leupold’s GX series sees the line making use of DNA technology.
DNA technology offers faster and more precise measurements against all background colors and textures.
This way you are certain the measurement is to the flag or pin and not hazards in the background.
True Golf Range(TGR)
True golf range gives you an adjusted range that compensates for uphill or downhill shots.
TGR takes into consideration the line of sight distance, any incline or decline in the course, altitude, and temperature.
It takes all of these factors into consideration and calculates the adjusted distance the golfer should play to.
Activate the TGR function, press the power button to activate the rangefinder then press the mode button for one second and release to enter the quick setup menu.
Press the mode button once more to advance to TGR mode and press the Power button until “On” is shown in the display.
Temperature Input
TGR as previously mentioned involves considering the temperature for adjusted distance to the target.
Inputting the temperature increases the accuracy of your TGR measurement.
The default temperature setting on the GX-4i2 rangefinder is 75 degrees or 25 degrees celsius.
To input the temperature, you need to make sure that TGR Mode is on, then press and release the mode button until the temperature is displayed.
Press the Power button to input the temperature to match the current temperature.
Every press of the Power button increases the temperature by 5 degrees up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Altitude Input
Altitude is yet another factor that is needed for accurate TGR measurements.
The default altitude setting is 1000 feet.
To change or input altitude ensure TGR Mode is on press the Mode button until Alt is shown and starts flashing on the screen.
Press the power button as many times as possible to meet your current altitude.
Every press increases the altitude by 500 feet up to 9999 feet.
Club Selector
Ensure TGR is activated or else the Club Selector function will not work.
Once you’re in the Quick Set Menu, press the mode button until “club” pops up in the lower portion of the display.
Press the power button until ‘On” appears in the upper portion of the display.
This function recommends the right club taking into consideration multiple factors like current distance, shot angle, and environmental conditions just to name a few.
For accurate club recommendations, it is advised to input the known striking distance of the user using specific clubs.
Input the actual distance obtained from either an 8-iron, 6-iron, and 4-iron as accurately as possible with the correct temperature and altitude as well.
With all this information the Leupold 4i2 uses a specialized algorithm to determine the distance for the others.
If you are not sure of club distances and no club distance is entered into the rangefinder, this function automatically defaults to preset distances.
The preset distances are:
- 8-iron – 130 yards
- 6-iron -150 yards
- 4-iron – 170 yards
One-touch Scan Mode
In those instances where you want multiple readings in one quick sweep, one-touch scan mode can help.
Simply hold down the power button and watch as the display continuously updates to show the accurate line of sight distance measurements.
Fog Mode
As the name suggests, Fog Mode is to be used in rainy or foggy conditions.
It helps to screen out false readings from atmospheric interferences such as raindrops to deliver accurate readings.
When ranging in Fog Mode range the ground above the pin/flag to increase ranging accuracy.
No icon is displayed to let you know when you are in Fog Mode after turning it on.
Turn Fog Mode off during normal ranging to locate pin/flag location easily.
Yards/Meters
The Leupold GX-4i2 like many other rangefinders allows you to toggle between yards and meters.
The difference here is that they play a role when displaying temperature readings.
When the output is set to give a reading in Yards, the temperature setting will be in Fahrenheit and when set to Meters, the temperature will be in Celsius.
Enter Quick Set Menu and toggle until set up flashes on the screen.
Tap the Power button to choose either “YD” for yards and “M” for meters.
Selectable Reticles
The Leupold golf rangefinder GX-4i2 gives you the option to choose from 3 preloaded aiming reticles.
Enter Quick Set Menu and tap the “Mode” button repeatedly until the reticle starts to flash.
While it’s flashing, tap the Power button to choose the desired reticle and press Mode to save the changes.
The 3 reticles to choose from are “Plus Point”, “Bracket Circle Duplex” and “Bracket Circle.”
Prism Lock Beep
Prism Lock automatically detects the presence of prisms in the course when scanning distances beyond 30 yards.
The GX-4i2 can range from 6-800 yards on reflective targets 6-450 yards to flag with 6x magnification.
Prism Lock is always activated and in Scan Mode it will produce an audible beep and display the Prism Lock bracket along with the measured distance.
When TGR is activated, the TGR distance and club selection is displayed.
If TGR is not activated, then it just displays the line of sight distance.
Battery
The Leupold 4i2 rangefinder uses a single CR2 battery.
The battery has a fairly long life and will serve you for many rounds on the green.
The Low Battery Indicator will let you know when it is time to replace the battery.
Design
The Leupold golf rangefinder GX-4i2 is a sturdily constructed rangefinder with a body milled from aerospace-grade aluminum and shrouded in an easy-grip rubber armor coating.
This rangefinder was built to last and can stand up to any amount of dropping, tossing, and smashing.
The optics are clear with multicoated scratch-proof lenses and as well as an advanced OLED(Red) display which is easy to see in any lighting condition.
This particular rangefinder is waterproof and fog proof so you get on with the game even if the weather is less than ideal.
GX 4i2 Pros
Accurate
Equipped with TGR function that adjusts distance based on slope, altitude, temperature, and a whole lot more for world-class accuracy.
Tournament legal
Switch the yellow faceplate for the silver plate and the rangefinder automatically becomes tournament legal.
Durable
Featuring an aluminum body and rubber armor, the Leupold GX-4i2 is built to last.
It is also waterproof and fog proof for use in any weather.
GX 4i2 Cons
Price
The Leupold GX-4i2 falls into the mid to high price range.
In its defense, this thing is loaded with a bunch of features and will save you if you use a caddie.
Leupold GX 4i2 rangefinder vs Leupold GX 3i2 rangefinder
Leupold 119087 GX-3i2 Digital Golf Rangefinder
- Range: 800 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 7.8 ounces
The Leupold GX-3i2 rangefinder is a precise tournament legal unit.
Similar to the Leupold GX-4i2 rangefinder, the GX-3i2 comes with Pin Hunter Laser Technology to quickly and accurately provide distance measurements.
The Leupold GX-3i2 also uses Prism Lock Technology for extra aid when there are prism mounted flagsticks on the course.
It is also equipped with a Fog Mode for accurate ranging in rainy or foggy conditions.
Moreover, the GX-3i2 comes with fully multicoated lenses, a vivid OLED display, 3 different reticles and uses Digitally Enhanced Accuracy(DNA) Technology.
All of which can be found on the Leupold GX-4i2 as well.
The GX-3i2 uses a single CR-2 battery and is tournament legal and provides line-of-sight distance measurement only.
When comparing the Leupold GX-3i2 against the Leupold GX-4i2, it shows the GX-4i2 leading by a wide margin thanks to the yellow faceplate with integrated Smart Key Technology.
The yellow faceplate opens up a whole world of possibilities with its TGR function that adjusts distances by factoring in slope, temperature, altitude, and much more.
Both units are great and it will all depend on what you need the rangefinder to do.
However, if you have the money, definitely go with the Leupold GX-4i2 since it comes with two interchangeable plates.
Switching the plates gives you all the extra features whenever you want it or provide line-of-sight distance measurement only for tournament play.
- Equipped with revolutionary DNA Technology and a vivid OLED display
- Featuring an incredibly compact aluminum body, the GX-3i defines rugged
- The GX-3i is USGA 14-3 compliant, offering line-of-sight distance measurement only.
FAQ’s: Leupold 4i2
1. Does the Leupold GX-4i2 power off automatically?
This rangefinder does not have a power switch.
It is always on and ready to use.
The unit will automatically power down and you’ll have to push the Power button again to activate the rangefinder before ranging or manipulating any settings.
Rest assured as the battery can last for quite a few months before it needs replacing and it all depends on how often you use the device.
2. Can I use the GX-4i2 rangefinder if I wear glasses?
The GX-4i2 has an eye relief of 14 mm with fold-down rubber eyecups so that eyeglass wearers can use it.
3. Can the Leupold 4i2 calculate slope?
The slope technology on the GX-4i2 is called True Golf Range.
This function will tell you how far you need to go and what you need to do by factoring inclines, declines, temperature, and much more.
The only thing it does not take into consideration is wind.
4. What is the purpose of the yellow faceplate on the GX-4i2 rangefinder?
Smart Key Technology is what gives the GX-4i2 an edge to be in a category above all other rangefinders on the market.
The yellow faceplate activates several features that put you at the top of your game for a truly personalized experience.
Some of the features include slope compensation, club selection, and also the option to input the altitude and temperature.
5. Is the GX-4i2 rangefinder tournament legal?
The GX-4i2 rangefinder comes with 2 interchangeable plates.
First is the yellow faceplate with Smart Key technology that personalizes your game by compensating for slope and much more.
Second is the chrome faceplate that needs to be attached to the unit for it to be deemed legal for tournament use.
In other words, if you need to use the rangefinder in a tournament ensure the chrome faceplate is installed and switch it out for the yellow when you need the extra features.
Final Verdict: Leupold GX 4i2 Review
In this Leupold GX-4i2 review, this rangefinder shines in all aspects except its inability to calculate wind and its high price range.
However, this is not a dealbreaker since it is fully loaded with a ton of other features for dead-on accuracy.
The two interchangeable plates put you ahead in the game and also allow you to use the rangefinder when playing in tournaments.
While it falls into the mid and higher price category, the GX-4i2 rangefinder is a great value for money considering all that you get.
This rangefinder is waterproof, fog proof and is sturdily built, and exudes a look and feel of sheer quality.
If you want a rangefinder that gives you every possible advantage on the golf course, choose the Leupold GX-4i2 rangefinder.
On the other hand, you can see our best rangefinder under $200 post or the best golf rangefinder post.
Rangefinder
Features
Price
- Range: 800 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 7.80