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Outdoor Life published its 2026 laser rangefinder test on Nov. 4, naming the Garmin L60i Editor’s Choice and the Vortex Triumph HD 850 its Great Buy. The report also lists five other models, spanning ballistic tools, navigation features and simpler rangefinding; test claims and product specifications are those reported by Outdoor Life.
Outdoor Life published its 2026 laser rangefinder test on Nov. 4, selecting the Garmin L60i as Editor’s Choice and the Vortex Triumph HD 850 as its Great Buy. The report names seven models overall, from units with ballistic calculations and digital mapping to more straightforward rangefinders, giving hunters and shooters options at different levels of complexity and price.
The L60i stood out in Outdoor Life’s testing for combining laser ranging, ballistic software and Garmin mapping. The review describes an augmented-reality-style display that overlays landmarks, waypoints and navigation prompts on the view through the optics. It also reports that the device can connect with Garmin’s Explore app and other Garmin equipment. At 13.6 ounces with batteries, it is among the larger and heavier monoculars tested, and the review lists its nearly $2,500 price and one-year warranty as drawbacks.
Outdoor Life says it got readings close to Garmin’s stated maximums in its testing. Garmin rates the L60i for ranging reflective targets up to 7,500 yards in optimal conditions and 5,500 yards in full sunlight, according to the report. The article notes that conditions affect laser readings and recommends a tripod for making the most of the unit’s extended range. These are manufacturer specifications and the publication’s test observations, not guarantees of performance in every setting.
The full selection also includes the Vortex Triumph HD 850, Bushnell R5 Broadhead 2, Sig Sauer Kilo8K-ABS Gen II, Leupold RX-5000 TBR/W, Bushnell R5 2000 AB and Leica Rangemaster CRF Max. The supplied report identifies the Vortex as Great Buy but does not provide detailed rankings or test results for the other five models.
The picks show how rangefinders can serve different tasks: some primarily return a distance, while higher-feature models add ballistic calculations, mapping and waypoint guidance. For hunters, those features may help with planning a route to a location first marked from a distance; for shooters, ballistic tools can factor in a rifle and ammunition setup. The L60i’s price and weight also illustrate the trade-off involved: advanced capabilities come with added cost and bulk.
Outdoor Life’s inclusion of simpler options matters because not every user needs navigation or a detailed ballistic solver. The report frames the choice as one of matching features to use, rather than treating the most technologically elaborate device as the right fit for everyone.
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How the 2026 Test Was Framed
Outdoor Life’s report, by Scott Einsmann, says the test considered more than whether a unit could return an accurate and consistent distance. It also looked at capabilities such as incline measurement, ranging displays, ballistic software and navigation. The publication says it included point-and-shoot models for readers who do not need those added functions.
The article identifies the L60i’s connection to Garmin mapping services and Applied Ballistics software as central to its selection. Its discussion distinguishes the device’s laser range from mapping-based wayfinding: according to the report, users can mark visible landmarks on the onboard map beyond the laser’s effective range. That function is different from obtaining a precise laser distance to a target.
““Garmin’s entry into the laser rangefinding market has had such a seismic effect on the category.””
— Outdoor Life, describing the Garmin L60i
Limits of the Published Findings
The supplied report excerpt gives extensive detail about the Garmin L60i but does not include full test methods, comparative results or specifications for the other six selections. It is therefore not possible from this material to compare all seven models on accuracy, usability, durability or value. The source also does not provide independent price checks or explain how conditions varied across the tests.
Garmin’s maximum ranging distances are stated as manufacturer ratings, while Outdoor Life says its own readings came close. The excerpt does not specify the exact targets, weather or test setup for each reading. Actual performance may vary with target reflectivity, light and other conditions, as the report itself cautions.
Choosing Among the Seven Models
The next step for readers is to compare the full reviews and current product specifications against their intended use, budget and preference for added features. In particular, shoppers can check whether they need mapping and ballistic integration or would be better served by a simpler rangefinder, and verify current prices and warranty terms with manufacturers and retailers. The supplied report does not announce a follow-up test or additional release date.
Key Questions
Which rangefinder did Outdoor Life name Editor’s Choice?
Outdoor Life named the Garmin L60i its Editor’s Choice in the 2026 test published Nov. 4.
Which model was named Great Buy?
The report names the Vortex Triumph HD 850 as its Great Buy. The supplied material does not include its detailed test results.
What makes the Garmin L60i different from a basic rangefinder?
According to Outdoor Life, the L60i combines laser ranging with ballistic software, mapping and waypoint navigation. Its map-based wayfinding is distinct from measuring a target’s distance with the laser.
What range does Garmin claim for the L60i?
Outdoor Life reports Garmin’s ratings of up to 7,500 yards on reflective targets in optimal conditions and 5,500 yards in full sunlight. The publication says its test readings came close, but performance depends on conditions and target characteristics.
Did the report provide complete comparisons for all seven models?
No. The supplied report excerpt gives detailed information about the L60i and lists the other six selections, but does not include full comparative test results or specifications for each one.
Source: outdoorlife.com
