leupold gx-4i2

[t_osulliv]

Hi guys
I was just wondering has anyone used one of these. Apparently the new 4i2 is now USGA conforming so I would assume that be the case this side of the pond. I like the idea of being able to play practice rounds in slope mode and then swap face plate for tournament legal scope. as my home course is quite hilley and there a few greens where only the flag can be seen from the fairway this would be a help in my opinion.

 

[Region3]

I think fundy asked the R&A this question and they said no, even though they have easily distinguishable face plates.

 

[t_osulliv]

Ya I believe that was the case with the original gx-4i as it had the slope reading software in the range finder itself, but the new model has the software in the faceplate that now makes it USGA conforming. Thats according to their own website and the little bit of research iv already done on it.

 

[3565]

WANTONE WANTONE WANTONE
Never even heard of them before now.
Ive got 2 bushnells one slope the other not, this would half my rangefinders for sure.

 

[the_coach]

WANTONE WANTONE WANTONE
Never even heard of them before now.
Ive got 2 bushnells one slope the other not, this would half my rangefinders for sure.

http://golf.leupold.com/products/gx-4i2-golf-rangefinder/
[h=3]Conforms to USGA Rule 14-3[/h] The chrome faceplate (included) disables True Golf Range and Club Selector features to make the GX-4i² permitted for use under the rules of golf (per USGA Rule 14-3/0.5).

The result is a training/playing aid that can be tailored to your own personal ball-striking abilities, or used for tournament play when permitted by Local Rule.

 

[t_osulliv]

Bushnell have one of their own coming out called the tour x. Due in April I think.

 

[Region3]

It was quite a while ago I think when this question last cropped up.

Will make a lot of people happy I think if this one is good for comps.

 

[palindromicbob]

This is an area they really could do with clarifying further.

LINK

Q. What kind of distance measuring devices are allowed by Local Rule?

A. GPS, laser, any really; however, it is important that the device only measures distance. The use of a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect a player's play, like gradient, wind speed or temperature, is not permitted, regardless of whether such an additional function is used or not, and even if that function is disabled.

Then the USGA come out with this in their FAQ.

LINK

Q8. Some stand-alone devices have a removable part that, when installed or attached, allow the device to measure effective playing distance or display other non-conforming information, yet, when the removable part is not installed or attached, the device can only measure distance. Do ALL such devices conform?
A8. No. Whether or not this type of device conforms will depend on how the device was manufactured and questions regarding these types of devices should be directed to USGA Equipment Standards.

I remember a device which you could attach something to which disabled features but it was easy to detach this to re-enable them and there was no need to swap out parts. So this is probably what is referred to in the bit of the USGA FAQ in bold.

Would certainly be seeking clarification from the R&A before I would buy one but with Bushnell releasing a similar device this year I wouldn't be surprised to see a further statement to clarify these designs are allowed when using the compliant face plate.

Don't go solely by the USGA. They have no direct say outside US & Mexico. Although they work closely with the R&A there is some differences of opinion (usually with more minor rules such as tees tied together) Unless the R&A specifically confirm it's ok then avoid.

 

[3565]

Bushnell have one of their own coming out called the tour x. Due in April I think.

Just seen an advert for it on FB, looks good and also has the jolt in it too.

 

[t_osulliv]

I emailed the R&A and asked them about this and they just replied confirming that yes the gx-4i2 is legal for tournament play under local rule as long as chrome instead of yellow face plate Is used. See response below.

Please be advised that sample of the Leupold GX-4i2 has been submitted The R&A for a ruling and I would summarise our decision as follows:

The use of this rangefinder during the course of a stipulated round would be contrary to Rule 14-3 (Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment).
However, if a Committee has introduced a Local Rule permitting the use of distance measuring devices, this device may be used, but only when the yellow ‘smart’ key has been removed and the chrome cover is attached. Where the Local Rule has not been adopted, or when the yellow ‘smart’ key is attached, the use of this distance measuring device during a stipulated round would remain contrary to Rule 14-3.

I hope that this information is of assistance, but please let me know if you have any further questions or comments.
Yours sincerely

CLAIRE BATES
Assistant Director – Equipment Standards
The R&A, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9JD

 

[fundy]

Great news that theyve finally allowed this, albeit find it highly frustrating that theyve made a tiny change rather than just allow the original (externally the two wont appear any different surely?) Not sure Ill bother now as happy with the Bushnell

 

[3565]

It is great news, shame it came a year too late, I bought a Bushnell slope edition last year, not that it's any good round my course as the highest elevation is only plus/minus 3yds at most as the course is relatively flat. But it has come in handy when playing on the sides of mountains, like Yorkshire. So no point in getting one now.