Bushnell Elite Tactical 1 Mile Conx Laser Rangefinder Review
A rangefinder with built in Bluetooth adequacy, the Bushnell Aristocracy one Mile CONX is a long distance rangefinder than can be paired with certain model Kestrels or a smartphone. But are these Bluetooth connections useful for the shooter or but unique?
Bushnell Elite 1 Mile CONX
Housing - The Bushnell CONX features a rubberized coating for a secure grip and weighed in at 13.five oz on my calibration with the battery installed. The tiptop of the unit has a rectangular button which powers the unit on and thereafter functions as the fire push button. Meanwhile, the fashion button used for changing settings is located at the rear of the unit just to the left of the eyepiece. The front of the eyepiece features an adjustable diopter ring that is used to focus the red LCD display to the user'southward middle. The Bushnell CONX uses a rotating eyepiece cover which has four unlike positions to conform those wearing glasses. The forepart of the rangefinder contains the bombardment compartment, while the bottom of the unit is threaded for utilise on a tripod mountain.
Modes - There are several dissimilar modes the CONX rangefinder tin can operate in. Reg - Displays range but. Rifle Hd - Displays range, bending, and angle compensated altitude out to 1000 yards. Rifle (Groups A-J) - Displays range, angle, and holdover (these are preprogrammed ballistic groups). Guns 1-iii - Displays range, angle, and holdover (user customized ballistic groups entered from a smartphone) AB - Displays range, angle, and holdover (transmits range and bending info into Kestrel and receives holdover information from Kestrel) Note, the big main range number reported is e'er line of sight altitude but the calculated holdover info does take into business relationship the angle of the shot. Angle compensated distances in yards or meters are available in the Rifle HD mode out to thou yards. The holdover units bachelor when ranging in yards will be mils, moa, or inches; while setting the unit to read distance in meters will give you holdover options in mils, moa, or cm.
Set Up - Once the Bushnell CONX is powered on, the mode button at the back of the unit is pressed and held for a couple seconds, after which the rangefinder settings can be accessed and inverse. The mode push button scrolls through the setting choices while pressing the burn down push selects the highlighted option and advances the display to the adjacent set of options. Outset up is the display brightness setting of which in that location are four intensity levels. Next, the user selects one of the previously described mode settings. Then the user selects distance to be measured in either meters or yards, and if a ballistic group way was selected a sight in distance and unit of holdover such as moa, mils, cm, or inches. Finally, the user chooses a target priority mode if desired with the options existence Bullseye - first target priority, or Brush - terminal target priority.
Performance - All rangefinders list their max distance in reference to a highly reflective target nether ideal atmospheric condition, and then a good general dominion of thumb is to divide this maximum range number by two to go a more than useful average performance range. With the Bushnell CONX I have ranged out to 1750 yards which is simply barely shy of the listed 1760 yard max range. Nevertheless, while being able to range business firm sized targets under platonic conditions on the fifth or sixth attempt at a mile might exist fun to brag near, it isn't very useful for most hunting and shooting scenarios. My experience so far indicates this rangefinder is good at reading nearly medium to large sized inanimate objects out to about 1000 yards. I say 1000 yards because I get lots of commencement endeavor readings off hand in the 800 to 1000 grand range, only dramatically fewer in the m to 1100 grand range. I have found that mounting the unit to a tripod mostly ads a few hundred yards more than ranging power as holding the unit steady is important for obtaining long distance readings. The moral of the story, if you call back of the Bushnell CONX rangefinder as a legitimate 1000 yard rangefinder that can exist stretched to 1200 yards with a tripod you lot will likely be very pleased, if you think your going to range any target you lot want in any status at one mile you lot volition be disappointed.
Likes - I was impressed past the clarity of the display; and while not binocular level quality it was good for a rangefinder. As well, I was pleasantly surprised by the size of this unit, Bushnell constitute the sweet spot making this unit both large and heavy enough for a steady hold of the 7x magnification, nonetheless just pocket-sized enough to nonetheless carry on a belt. Equally someone who shoots with both contacts and glasses, I too liked the iv position adaptable rotating eyecup of the CONX better than the folding mode eyecups institute on many rangefinders. Next, the 1000 k ranging capability of the Bushnell CONX on inanimate objects, usually on the first attempt off hand, was a big plus in my view. Too, to my eyes the crimson LCD display did non have the haloing or flare around the display that some ruddy LED rangefinders seem to take on their highest brightness settings. Lastly, the Bluetooth connectivity of this rangefinder with the Kestrel Sportsman or smartphone provided numerous configuration options to become the most out of the rangefinder in numerous dissimilar applications.
Dislikes - I found myself wanting more contrast from the display on really bright days even when the rangefinder was on its highest intensity setting; yet, this is the downside of all cherry-red displays and the trade off for good target and background dissimilarity in low light conditions. Side by side, depending on the mode and settings selected; I oftentimes found the screen a flake likewise decorated with all the indicators, large icons and range data. I realize a somewhat cluttered screen is the flip side of having a total featured and customizable rangefinder, just even so I feel the display layout could have been washed better. Finally, the battery compartment door has a fiddling bound loaded tab that folds out to unscrew the battery compartment door, and while I haven't had any bug with this tab so far; it does appear to be a potential point of failure if over torqued which I am decumbent to do.
Mistake I Made - The Bushnell CONX ranges very fast even at several hundred yards, and this is great; but I developed a bad addiction of only tapping and releasing the fire push button equally the CONX was ranging targets that chop-chop. Then when I started ranging targets at long range, I was having some trouble getting readings equally I was pressing and then immediately releasing the fire button not allowing the rangefinder plenty time to range the target. The Bushnell CONX volition testify brackets around the circle fashion reticle when the laser is beingness fired so be certain to permit the rangefinder time to read a target past holding the fire button down until a range is displayed or until the unit stops firing the light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation on that endeavour.
Kestrel Sportsman
Prepare - Setting up the Kestrel Sportsman was a bit of a process and across the telescopic of this article. However, the nutshell version is you need to set up the unit to report both atmospheric condition and ballistic data in the units yous want, enter in specifics for your particular cartridge/load combo, calibrate the compass, so pair it up to the rangefinder. Note, the CONX rangefinder must be set to "AB" mode to operate with the Kestrel. Bushnell has a brusque video showing how to quickly get your Kestrel and rangefinder paired upward. I also recommend a five role Youtube series by Panhandle Precision who actually dives into the setup and utilize of the Kestrel Aristocracy 5700 which is a slightly more advanced version of the Kestrel Sportsman simply they work nigh the aforementioned in most aspects. While his videos do not bear witness how the unit of measurement interacts with a Bushnell CONX, and the Elite 5700 has a few setting the Sportsman model doesn't, it is a good overview into the settings, setup, and awarding of a Kestrel particularly for those entirely new to these devices. Links to the aforementioned videos and other helpful materials can be establish on our Bushnell Elite 1 Mile CONX Combo resources page at the bottom of the page.
Connections - The Kestrel Sportsman can exist continued either to the Bushnell CONX rangefinder or to a smartphone via the download of an app, the Kestrel Link Ballistics app is bachelor for free at Itunes or on Google Play. Connecting the Kestrel Sportsman to the Bushnell CONX rangefinder results in the Kestrel transferring holdover data to the rangefinder screen, and also lets the rangefinder automatically transport the distance and bending of the shot into the Kestrel. Connecting the Kestrel to the Kestrel App allows you to, among other things, build and manage gun profiles on your phone, or monitor the wind and atmospheric condition variables of the Kestrel remotely on your smartphone screen. Even so, when the Kestrel is hooked to a smartphone, the range and angle of the shot have to exist taken from the rangefinder and entered into the smartphone because you tin only have two Bluetooth devices continued at any one fourth dimension.
Likes - Having never been around a Kestrel I was simply blown away by what all these devices tin do. The amount of ballistic variables Kestrels can take into account, the environmental conditions they mensurate, and the calculations they are capable of making are truly impressive. Furthermore, despite all their capabilities Kestrel's are actually quite small and lightweight which makes them like shooting fish in a barrel to take into the field in a pocket or pouch. Adjacent, their waterproof blueprint helps insure their electronics don't get damaged while in the wet or rainy atmospheric condition often encountered while hunting. Finally, much like using a rangefinder helps you get a meliorate judge of distance, simply using the Kestrel has greatly improved my ability to more accurately approximate wind speed.
Dislikes - Calibrating the compass was very difficult as you need to spin the unit of measurement effectually on its vertical access three full rotations while it orients itself. I was unable to practice this as described in the instructions. After much trial and error, I was finally able to calibrate the compass by placing the Kestrel in the "U" shaped weather vane bracket. Then I stuck a pencil in the lesser of the bracket's threaded socket and advisedly rotated the unit of measurement three times and at a much faster charge per unit than the ten seconds per rotation as recommended in the manual. Using this method I was able to become the unit calibrated on the second attempt as opposed to a dozen or then failed attempts using the method described in the instructions. Too, having never been around a Kestrel, I didn't find the bill of fare very intuitive. While easy enough to get around afterward spending a off-white corporeality of time condign familiar with the navigation layout, in that location was a somewhat steep initial learning curve.
Mistake I Made - I had difficulty hooking the Kestrel up to a smartphone, in this example an Android four.iv phone and was worried it was related to the same Bluetooth and Android 4.iv connectivity problems I had with the Bushnell CONX app (come across below). However, after spending more fourth dimension than I would like to admit, I finally went online and found that you need to get into the Kestrel's settings and adapt the Bluetooth "connect" setting from "device" to "pc/mobile". Later setting the Kestrel to "pc/mobile" information technology continued to the smartphone without issue. But be sure to change this setting back to "device" when yous want to claw the Kestrel dorsum upwards to the Bushnell CONX rangefinder.
Bushnell Rangefinder Comparison >>
Smartphone CONX App
Prepare Up - The CONX app requires a minimum of Android version 4.three, or iOS eight.1 for Apple users. Once Bluetooth is enabled on the phone and the app installed on the smartphone, the CONX app will listing the rangefinder as "Elite1M CONX" selecting this connectedness and so pressing "connect" pairs upwards the rangefinder and smartphone. Note, the rangefinder needs to be powered on for this initial connection so tap the fire push button to plough on the unit and activate the display. After establishing this connectedness, the ii devices will discover each other automatically in the future. It is worth noting the Bluetooth connectedness drops every time the rangefinder display automatically shuts downward after 30 seconds of inactivity; however, this is normal and the smartphone retains the range info and volition automatically connect and update the side by side time the rangefinder is fired.
Performance - Once paired upward, the smartphone displays the range info from the rangefinder; the format of this range info will depend on what mode the rangefinder is operating in. Once connected you can change the rangefinder'southward operating style or units of measurement from the smartphone. This connection as well allows for the user to complete 3 custom drop charts on their smartphone and upload them to the rangefinder where they volition be stored and can be used much like the pre programmed ballistic profiles that come loaded on the rangefinder. One matter to note is that most people have their phone's screen to timeout rather quickly to conserve the battery; so you may want to adjust your telephone's settings for a longer screen display time. Likewise adjusting your telephone's display to maximum brightness is generally a expert idea for outdoor use.
Likes - The larger screen of a smartphone is easier to read than the rangefinders brandish and likewise stores the last range info until you close the app, as opposed to the rangefinder that volition power down after 30 seconds. This takes the time pressure off making an adjustment to your scope and you lot tin always look at your telephone to confirm the reading. Next, beingness able to upload custom drop charts for your specific cartridge/load setup into the rangefinder is likewise a bonus as you lot can use a ballistic program of your option that accounts for numerous variables and more accurately represents your cartridge/load'south ballistic path.
Dislikes - I was disappointed that I was unable to get the Bushnell CONX Android App to connect with 2 different phones running the four.4 KitKat operating organisation despite version 4.iii being listed equally the minimum version needed to run this app. I was able to update 1 of those Android iv.4 Kitkat phones to v.one.1 Lollipop and then able to go the rangefinder and smartphone to connect and work, only it somewhen crashed and had to be reinstalled afterward which it seemed to work fine again. I tested the CONX iTunes app on an Iphone 5s running iOS 10 and information technology connected correct away and worked good in the limited testing I did with it. My feel is based on a small sample and others may exist able to get the app to work on older Android phones, but in my stance based on what I have seen so far the newer the Android version the better and even then there could be stability bug.
Error I Fabricated - I spent a ridiculous corporeality of fourth dimension trying to go my Android 4.4 phone to run the CONX app and claw up to the rangefinder as information technology should have been able to connect. Nonetheless, while I obsessed over getting the app to piece of work, I wish I would have known that once I finally got the app to piece of work on another phone and newer Android version it wouldn't be used again later on the initial testing. When everything is hooked upwardly and working the CONX app is prissy and can exist handy. However, the CONX rangefinder to Kestrel connection and Kestrel to smartphone connection are nigh always a better combo at least for the applications I have encountered and then far, as they both allow wind measurements to be taken into account. Remember you can only connect two Bluetooth devices together at any one time and the CONX app commonly constitute itself the odd man out. Connecting the rangefinder to a phone or device with the CONX app is still necessary if you want to upload the three custom ballistic curves but tin be a one time deal with another more compatible telephone or device if need exist. None of this will probable fifty-fifty exist an issue for those of you lot not using an older Android version, but I wish I had this perspective at the get-go as it would have saved me a lot of try, frustration, and time.
Considerations
Fix Up - There are a lot of devices, apps, connections, and settings to manage during the initial setup of the Bushnell CONX and Kestrel Sportsman and it can be a piddling overwhelming at beginning. For most people there will probably be a lot of terms and settings they aren't familiar with, and some data needed that they don't know or accept on hand. Getting all this set and working properly equally a system will not just be an evening project for most people; expect to read instructions, troubleshoot, enquiry, and experiment. Practice yourself a favor and don't put yourself on a tight timeline to use this organisation on a chase or competition shortly after you get it. While a few aspects tin be a little tricky or hard; there is also just a lot of steps in the process of getting three different devices gear up how yous want, making the connections, and understanding how they collaborate with each other. Having merely gone through the process we put together a page of useful resource that will hopefully streamline the process for you and help you avoid some the mistakes nosotros made.
Bushnell CONX & Kestrel Sportsman Resource Page >>
Applications - To recap, at that place are 3 connections you lot can make via Bluetooth with the CONX and Kestrel Sportsman package and each brings a unlike gear up of strengths to the tabular array. The Bushnell CONX to Kestrel Sportsman connectedness was the 1 I seemed to use the virtually and is well suited for many long range hunting applications where time is oftentimes a critical factor yet air current and other environmental variables all the same need to exist taken into account. Next, the Kestrel Sportsman to smartphone connection seemed like a skilful manner to go when shooting for groups or at single target at one distance multiple times, as this is a adept style to closely monitor the wind and entering in the range info and shot angle manually is just needed once and generally not fourth dimension disquisitional. Finally, the Bushnell CONX rangefinder to smartphone connectedness provides a mode to programme ballistic curves that are more than accurate than the pre programmed ones that come with the unit and can be useful for quick shots at more minor ranges. And so in my opinion these Bluetooth connections did indeed translate to improved usefulness.
Current of air & Other Factors - While there are a couple rangefinders out there that do have built in temperature and barometric sensors, none have the ability to mensurate wind. Wind is a factor that needs to exist accounted for especially at longer ranges, and to calculate wind speed you demand a separate device in addition to a rangefinder. If ii devices are necessary it makes sense to pack one that has the capability to make complex calculations to account for things like spin drift and Coriolis effect which as well need to be taken into account as ranges go extreme. The Bushnell CONX and Kestrel Sportsman combination does this; in addition the Bluetooth connectedness between the two automatically populates range and angle of the shot into the Kestrel which eliminates ii steps the user has to manually perform in the field. This is not to be overlooked as long range shooting has traditionally been a two man endeavor consisting of both a shooter and spotter; and so eliminating steps tin be a meaning benefit especially for those who are shooting without a watch.
2016 Mule Deer with Bushnell CONX
Decision
The Bushnell Elite 1 Mile CONX & Kestrel Sportsman combo bundle and their ability to connect to each other or to a smartphone provides a long distance ranging system that can be adjusted to a broad variety of hunting and shooting applications. Setup was not quick or what I would call piece of cake, only doable and worth the try to have the capabilities this arrangement provides one time properly setup. Currently the Bushnell CONX and Kestrel Sportsman package is selling for effectually $1150 online.
Source: https://www.laserrangefinderreview.com/hunting/bushnell/elite-1-mile-conx/
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