Silicone Protective Cover on New Bushnell Tour V5 Rangefinder

[stevehj]

I recently purchased a new Bushnell Tour V5 Rangefinder to replace my old V3 Rangefinder. My old version came with a silicone cover the fit over the unit and provided a level of protection that kept the unit clean and free from scratches. I was very happy with that cover and sent a note to Bushnell Support asking if they were offering a cover for the new model. This is the response I got:

"Due to the Tour V5 having the BITE magnetic cart mount, we do not plan to offer skins for it."

I responded to this reply with this response: Thank you for the reply. I would like you to reconsider your decision. The magnetic cart mount is only useful if one rides a cart. I would like you to recognize there is a substantial number of your customers that walk and would appreciate a protective sleeve for protecting the rangefinder when its not in the carrying case which is typically attached to the golf bag.

To my surprise, Bushnell sent me this reply:

"That sleeve does not offer a whole of lot protection in comparing in drop tests with and without it. It can help keep the unit pretty, but most walkers use the case attached to their bags. Thanks."

As I walker I frequently grab couple of clubs and my rangefinder and go to the ball without my bag. I shoot the distance with the rangefinder, choose a club, and lay the extra clubs and rangefinder on the ground, and hit the shot. This can happen whenever it is out of the way to carry my bag to the ball. Also, I have played courses where carts are mandatory and due to weather there is a cart path only rule in force. In those instances, I grab a few clubs and my rangefinder and head to the ball all the time.

I guess my point is that its nice to have that sleeve around this expensive device to keep it dry and protected while laying on the ground. I am more than willing to pay for a protective sleeve and as customer shouldn't I be able to decide if the sleeve is worthwhile or not. I am willing to bet a number of my fellow walkers would agree. Does anyone think this was a reasonable response from Bushnell? Or am I just being a PITA?

 

 

[brew4eagle]

I'm sure there will be aftermarket skins for the v5 on amazon soon. Personally, I've never seen the point of the skins, had a v3 and never put it on.

[cristphoto]

If the skin cover is that important to you why did you purchase the V5? V4's are on sale now and come with a skin. Also as a walker when do you not carry your bag with you to the ball? Seems you would have to backtrack to get your bag.

[EvanLloyd]

On 6/10/2020 at 8:50 PM, brew4eagle said:

I'm sure there will be aftermarket skins for the v5 on amazon soon. Personally, I've never seen the point of the skins, had a v3 and never put it on.

 

[EvanLloyd]

The reason I want to find a skin cover for the v5 Is the black color camouflages with the cart and can be forgotten at the end of a round.

 

 

 

[callawayjay]

When I bring the rangefinder away from the cart or bag I lay it down with the magnet on a club face to keep it off the ground. 

[kiwihacker]

I use the blue cover on my V3 but thought it was more for water proofing than anything else? 

[typhoonoid]

On 8/23/2020 at 5:20 AM, EvanLloyd said:

The reason I want to find a skin cover for the v5 Is the black color camouflages with the cart and can be forgotten at the end of a round.

 

 

 

THIS! lost two xe to thieving cart attendants

[cristphoto]

Try the skin from your V3 on the V5.  Might get lucky.  Is the V5 similar in size to the V4?  If close order a skin for a V4.  They have a bit of stretch to them so it might work. The main benefit from the skin is to offer a slight improvement in weather protection.

[joegu518]

Tusita makes a skin cover for it in red. Just got mine from amazon

[crazygolfnut]

So how do you like the Tusita skin? 

 

On 10/8/2020 at 1:30 PM, joegu518 said:

Tusita makes a skin cover for it in red. Just got mine from amazon

 

[Poolparty]

Did you ever figure something out? I lost my v5 case and can't find a replacement. Was thinking a skin may help

[Socrates]

On 9/10/2020 at 2:13 AM, typhoonoid said:

THIS! lost two xe to thieving cart attendants

There are a few things that I have made a habit of when I golf.  I always put everything into my valuables pouch (first and last thing I do) and the other is as soon as I've got my yardage on my last shot on 18, the laser goes back into the protective case.  Whether I'm in a cart or walking.

 

As for the protective sleeve, they make them pretty durable and they are water resistant.  I wouldn't bother with a sleeve. 

As I've told many golfers: Your golf bag is like your girlfriend when you go to a bar.  Never more than an arms-length away.