A Really Good Rangefinder.
Written: Oct 25 '05 (Updated Oct 26 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to hold, easy to use, readily availiable too !
Cons: Eye piece has no adjustment.
The Bottom Line: I would recommend this rangefinder to folks who don't need or prefer prescription eye glasses because of the lacking diopter adjustment otherwise, they are fine.
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| mrtwigg's Full Review: Cabela's CLR800 Rangefinder |
Mikey Got A New Toy.
Yesterday one of my friends showed up with a Cabela’s CLR 800 Laser Rangefinder. I recently reviewed the Nikon ProStaff 440 Laser Rangefinder here, on E-pinion's. I thought it would be fun to review the Cabela’s rangefinder here on E-Pinions also. I’m not going to compare it to the Nikon, I’m just going to review it objectively.
Laser and Optics.
The laser itself can be found in almost all of the laser rangefinders out on the market today. You can get readings from as close as five yards, out to 300 yards (For deer sized game. As stated on the box.) Ranging is possible all the way out to 800 yards on what Cabela’s calls “Reflective” targets. I don’t know if this means simply larger, or if the target you are locating should be hard surfaced,(or wrapped in aluminum foil?).
Inside The Box.
The casing has a soft to the touch coating and is non - slip. Although I cannot find the words “Water and Dust Resistant” on Cabela’s website of the box the rangefinder came in I will presume this is. The build quality is apparent as you pick up and examine the unit. My buddy’s rangefinder had the gray casing but you can have one in the Seclusion 3-D camouflage pattern if you what to be stealthy. The logo on either finish is black so there are no shiny bits to potentially spook wary game like turkeys.
Outside The Box.
To use this rangefinder just look through the 5X fully coated optics, center your target and click the only button on the casing. Yardage will be displayed at the bottom of the viewfinder in whole yards. I did get readings out to 637 yards on distant buildings, but now we’re talking about really big targets here. I was able to get accurate results on smaller items also. My friend didn’t have the user guide with him and we could not find any adjustment to get the display to read in meters.
One Little Thing
There is one thing which bugs me. I wear glasses. No ! That's not what bothers me, but because I do I prefer to have an adjustable diopter on my personal optics.
OK, That means there is no way to adjust the focus of the internal optics. The focus is pre-set by the factory and I needed to wear my glasses to use the rangefinder accurately. I had to jiggle my glasses along with the rangefinder to get the proper eye relief from the objective lens, and I’m not gonna want to do that when I’m out & about and need to use this !
This is the reason I gave this four stars out of five.
Cabela’s And Bushnell.
This particular rangefinder is made by Bushnell and sold through Cabela’s. They claim this is “Engineered with digital technology.” Which means yes, there is a tiny computer chip somewhere inside, just like everyone else’s laser rangefinder. I can’t help but wonder, What would an analog rangefinder be ? Hmmm, Oh ! I know ! A 1,500 foot long measuring tape! Selling points Like “Digital Processor” or “Enhanced Digital Technology” are just catch phrases which don’t really mean that much.
The Usual Suspects.
I suspect all of the processors used in these devices are built in just one or two factories. (Probably in China or India.) What matters is the construction of the casing, and the clarity of the optics. These issues become apparent when you pick up the Cabela’s CLR 800 Laser rangefinder. This is a sturdy, well made device which should provide you with many years of good service.
Where Can Find This ?
You'll have to get this on - line from Cabela's website, unless you are lucky enough to live within driving distance of one of their retail centers.
Cabela’s offers this for $229.99 in Gray and for $249.99 in Seclusion 3-D finish.
Hold On There !
You're gonna need something to find what you're using the rangefinder on, so why not read my review of the
Nikon Action XL 7205 (10-22x50) Binocular?
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
mrtwigg
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Member: Dennis
Location: Live Free Or Die !
Reviews written: 91
Trusted by: 31 members
About Me:
I am in the prime of my life, married and devoted to my family.
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