I use the NewCom LRM 1500SPD mainly for long-range shooting. I found it accurate and easy to use. Before I go into how far I was able to range different objects, a little info on using laser rangefinders. To get the most out of your rangefinder you need to practice ranging many different objects with it. Light colored object range better than dark objects. Objects with large flat surfaces that are facing perpendicular to the laser beam will range best. Cloudy days are better than bright sunny days. Rain and falling snow will decrease performance as well. VERY reflective objects (mirrors, glass, water and snow) can bounce your beam to another location and give inaccurate readings. Road signs and reflective tape make VERY good reflectors! Also, keeping the rangefinder steady is VERY important when ranging objects at long ranges. It can make the difference between getting a range indication and not getting one at all. The NewCom LRM 1500SPD has a threaded base so you can mount it on a tripod to assist in ranging very long distances. If you can't get a reading on the object you want, try an object very close to it that has some of the better characteristics listed above. With all this in mind here are some distances that I was able to range different objects.

Buildings - 1200 plus yards
Trees - 800 yards
Large rocks - 700 plus yards
Cars - 800 yards (aim at the license plate)
Large animals 700 yards
Road signs and reflective tape - 1500 yards

These ranges of course will vary depending on all the variables listed above.

Compared to the early laser rangefinders from Bushnell and others this unit is very NICE. For the money I believe it is hard to beat. The optics are not world class, however they are adequate. With the mode button you can change functions from miles per hour, kilometers per hour, yards, meters, two different reticles and a record function your last several readings. The rangefinder appears quite durable and the 9-volt battery lasted for about a month after ALOT of use. This rangefinder, as most that I have used, will occasionally give an erroneous reading. Usually it is so far off the actual distance that you will be able to recognize the error quickly.

Another EXCELLENT use for this product is for "lasing" cars, that have radar/laser detectors, on the highway ! VERY FUN! Most radar/laser detectors will alert to the IR laser from this product and the driver of the car will think that their local law enforcement officer is checking their speed! (:

The "speed" feature on this product seems to indicate much slower than the actual speed of the vehicle being checked. I will post more info on this function at a later time when I have tested it more thoroughly.


Recommended: Yes