Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 5X21mm Rangefinder Review

The Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 5X21mm Rangefinder Made a Bold First Impression

The Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 5X21mm Rangefinder promises to be a feature-rich and versatile tool for hunters and shooters alike. Leupold’s reputation for quality optics precedes it, and the promise of lightning-fast ranging with angle compensation piqued my interest. As a gear specialist constantly searching for that edge in the field, I was eager to see if this rangefinder lived up to the hype.

I needed a reliable rangefinder upgrade for my backcountry elk hunts where precise distance calculation on steep terrain is critical. My old rangefinder struggled with ranging consistently in varied weather and under heavy canopy cover. The claims of True Ballistic Range/Wind (TBR/W) technology and a bright red TOLED display were the deciding factors.

The unboxing experience was straightforward, with the RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 nestled securely within minimal packaging. The rangefinder itself felt lightweight and compact in my hand, with a solid build quality that instilled confidence. The matte finish felt durable and provided a secure grip, even with gloves on.

Compared to my older Bushnell Scout 1000 and a friend’s Vortex Impact 850, the Leupold immediately felt more refined. While the Bushnell was clunky and the Vortex lacked advanced features, the RX-1400i seemed to strike a perfect balance between size, features, and ease of use. I picked it over others due to the TBR/W and superior display.

My first impression was excitement tempered with a touch of skepticism. The compact size and feature set were impressive, but I was anxious to test its performance in real-world hunting scenarios. Would it truly provide accurate readings at longer distances and steep angles?

Real-World Testing: Putting Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 5X21mm Rangefinder to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test took place during an early-season archery elk hunt in the rugged mountains of Western Montana. The terrain was steep and heavily timbered, presenting a challenge for any rangefinder. I used the Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 5X21mm Rangefinder extensively throughout the week-long hunt.

The weather varied from clear, sunny days to drizzly, overcast conditions. The RX-1400i performed admirably in all situations. The TOLED display remained bright and easily readable even in direct sunlight, and the ranging capability wasn’t noticeably affected by the light rain.

The RX-1400i was incredibly easy to use right out of the box. The controls were intuitive, and I quickly learned to navigate the different modes and settings. I had the rangefinder zeroed to my specific rifle within minutes.

My first-time use revealed only one minor issue. The scan mode was a bit sensitive, sometimes giving multiple readings in quick succession when I only wanted a single range. A firmer press on the button seemed to resolve this.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 has become an indispensable part of my hunting kit. It’s been on multiple hunts and numerous trips to the range, and it has consistently delivered reliable and accurate readings.

The rangefinder has proven to be quite durable. There are no significant signs of wear and tear despite being subjected to the rigors of backcountry hunting. The housing has held up well against scrapes and bumps against rocks and branches.

Maintenance has been minimal. I simply wipe it down with a clean cloth after each use. The battery life is also impressive. After months of regular use, I have yet to replace the single CR2 battery.

Compared to my previous rangefinder, the Leupold significantly outperforms it in terms of ranging speed, accuracy, and ease of use. The TBR/W functionality has been a game-changer on steep terrain, providing me with accurate holdover corrections that have undoubtedly contributed to ethical harvests. It delivers better performance across the board.

Breaking Down the Features of Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 5X21mm Rangefinder

Specifications

• 5x Magnification: Offers a clear and stable image for target acquisition. This is crucial for accurate ranging, especially at longer distances.
• 21mm Objective Lens: Provides ample light gathering capability. This ensures a bright image even in low-light conditions.
• Line of Sight (LOS): Calculates the straight-line distance to the target. Knowing LOS is beneficial for scouting and understanding the overall terrain.
• Bow Mode: Provides ballistically equivalent ranges for archery. This accounts for the effects of gravity on arrows, resulting in more accurate shots.
• True Ballistic Range/Wind (TBR/W): Provides accurate adjusted ranges at longer distances and steeper angles. This ensures that shooters are compensating properly for environmental factors.
• Last Target Mode: Prioritizes the furthest target in the laser’s path. This is helpful when ranging targets behind brush or other obstructions.
• Flightpath Technology: Displays the highest point of an arrow’s flight. This helps archers avoid obstacles in their arrow’s path.
• TOLED Display: Uses bright red numbers and letters with adjustable brightness settings. This makes the display easily visible in various lighting conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 excels in its primary function: accurately ranging targets. The ranging speed is exceptionally fast, providing near-instantaneous readings. Its reliability and accuracy are top-notch.

The Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 boasts impressive strengths. The TBR/W technology is a standout feature, providing precise holdover information for both rifle and archery.

A slight weakness is its performance in extremely dense fog, where ranging can become inconsistent. The rangefinder meets and exceeds my expectations overall.

Design & Ergonomics

The RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 boasts a durable and lightweight polymer housing. The ergonomic design fits comfortably in hand, and the textured surface ensures a secure grip. Its weight is negligible, adding little to your pack.

The interface is intuitive, with simple button layouts. Navigating the menus is straightforward, with minimal learning curve. It’s user-friendly for both novice and experienced users.

Durability & Maintenance

The build quality is solid, suggesting the RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 is built to withstand the rigors of the field. With proper care, this rangefinder should last for many years.

Maintenance is simple. Wiping the lens with a microfiber cloth is generally sufficient to keep it clean and functioning optimally. Repair options are available through Leupold if needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 comes with a durable carrying case and lanyard. This aids in protecting and securing the rangefinder.

Customization is limited to display settings and mode preferences. The rangefinder is compatible with most standard tripod mounts. There is not a wide range of aftermarket accessories specifically designed for the RX-1400i.

Pros and Cons of Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 5X21mm Rangefinder

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 5X21mm Rangefinder?

The Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 is perfect for serious hunters, competitive shooters, and backcountry enthusiasts. Anyone who needs precise and reliable distance measurements will benefit from its features. It’s especially useful for those hunting in mountainous terrain.

Those who prioritize extreme customization options or primarily hunt in consistently foggy conditions might want to consider other alternatives. The only must-have accessory is a quality lens cleaning cloth to maintain optimal clarity.

Conclusion on Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 5X21mm Rangefinder

The Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 5X21mm Rangefinder is an exceptional piece of gear that delivers on its promises. Its fast ranging speed, accurate TBR/W technology, and bright TOLED display make it a valuable tool for any serious hunter or shooter. Its performance across a range of field conditions has been nothing short of impressive.

At $199.99, the price is justified by its quality, features, and performance. It offers excellent value for the money compared to other rangefinders in its class.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Leupold RX-1400i TBR/W Gen 2 to anyone looking for a reliable and accurate rangefinder. Upgrade your hunting experience today with this top-tier optic from Leupold.

Check Best Price HERE