The calling card for Leupold's new RX-5000 TBR/W laser rangefinder is not the 5,000-yard ranging distance – which, albeit impressive, is not unique on the optoelectronics market – but the new Leupold Control app (free for download in App stores), which uses GPS technology to remotely drop location pins to your phone in compatible mapping systems such as onX Hunt, Google Maps, and Apple Maps.
“Pinning lets you mark your target on a variety of digital mapping systems. Just aim, range, and pin,” explains Eric Overstreet, Technology Product Line Manager for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “Any location you range will instantly show up as a waypoint on your digital map. Whether you’re working your way through the backcountry or trying to locate an animal you’ve shot, it’s an invaluable, time-saving feature.”
Video presentation: Leupold RX-5000 TBR/W rangefinder
Leupold RX-5000 TBR/W ranging modes
As mentioned, using 8x magnification the RX-5000 can easily reach 5,000 yards on reflective targets; on trees the range is 3,100 yards, and 2,000 yards on deer-sized game. Thanks to the new Long Range mode which boosts the rangefinder's power by gathering laser pulses over several seconds, however, it can extend those to exceed 5,000 yards, and even farther on reflective targets. All you need is a tripod to stabilize the rangefinder using a saddle mount (included) before you put it to work, since the slightest movement can impact the readings. Then you can fire the device remotely using the Leupold Control app.
Besides the Long Range mode, the RX-5000 TBR/W also provides other two ranging modes: the True Ballistic Range (TBR) mode and Line of Sight (LOS) mode.
The TBR mode contains four functions (CDS, MIL, MOA, or TRIG) and uses 25 selectable ballistics groups to calculate precise shoot-to-ranges of up to 800 yards, taking into account factors such as distance, angle, and bullet characteristics. This mode can also help you calculate 10-mph wind holds (that's what the “W” in the name stands for) and holdovers can be displayed in either MIL or MOA. There is a built-in inclinometer too.
The LOS mode can be used for straightforward distance measurements, with clear, straight-line distances without accounting for inclines or declines.
The RX-5000's highlight, that is the pinning feature in conjunction with the Leupold Control app, will allow you to instantly have its location appearing on your smartphone. This way you can mark waypoints on digital mapping systems, simplifying tasks like scouting and backcountry navigation. You'll just need to calibrate the compass inside the RX-5000 TBR/W, adjusting to the magnetic field of each location.
Priced in the U.S. at $699.99, the Leupold RX-5000 TBR/W comes with a high-impact aluminum chassis, easy-grip rubber armor, a bright red OLED display and a waterproof protective housing.
