DEMO: Hawke LRF Pro 400 Rangefinder, 6–400 m

DEMO: This rangefinder has been used as a display model in our shop in Aulum, Denmark. It works as it should and comes in its original box, but may show light signs of handling in the shop.

The Hawke LRF Pro 400 – also known as the LRF 400 Professional – is a compact laser rangefinder with 6x magnification that measures from 6 to 400 m with an accuracy of ±1 m. It weighs approx. 180 g and is waterproof to IPx6, so it can live in your jacket pocket when hunting, on the range or in the field and cope with rain along the way.

What sets it apart from a basic rangefinder is the measuring modes. In addition to line-of-sight distance, the Pro model calculates horizontal distance (beeline), the height of a target, the angle to the target and the height difference between two points. If you shoot uphill or downhill or from a high seat, it is the horizontal distance that determines the trajectory – and a rangefinder without angle measurement cannot show it.

Five measuring modes, 6x optics and IPx6

Five features that set the Pro model apart from a standard rangefinder:

• Beeline – horizontal distance: Shows the horizontal distance to the target instead of the sloped line. When shooting in hilly terrain or from a high seat, this is the distance you need to hold for, with an accuracy of ±1 m.
• Height, angle and height difference: Height mode measures a target's height relative to you, angle mode shows the angle to the target with half-degree resolution, and height difference measures the vertical distance between two points – useful for both hunting and surveying terrain.
• 6x optics with fully multi-coated BK-7 prisms: The coating on all glass surfaces reduces reflections and gives a brighter image than uncoated optics, and the field of view is 122 m at 1000 m. The display shows measuring mode, unit (metres, yards or degrees), laser signal and battery level.
• Adjustable dioptre and twist-down eyecup: The dioptre is set to your eyesight so the figures in the display are sharp, and the eyecup twists down so glasses wearers get the full field of view.
• Compact, IPx6 and CR2 battery: The body is shaped to sit in one hand with both buttons within reach. It runs on one CR2 battery (3 V) and switches off automatically to save power.

Maintenance and safety

• The laser is eye-safe and CE-approved, but never point it at people's eyes, and never look at the sun through the optics.
• IPx6 means it withstands heavy rain and water jets – but it must not be submerged.
• Clean the lenses with a blower brush and a clean lens cloth. Never use kitchen roll or clothing, which can scratch the coating.
• Remove the battery for longer storage so it does not leak.