Element Optics Helix 1500 laser rangefinder accuracy help?

[Jack.K]

Looking for some technical insight on the Element Helix 1500 rangefinder.


I recently became interested in integrating a ballistic solution with a laser rangefinder. Currently, I’m using a Sig Kilo rangefinder paired with Strelok Pro, but I decided to test the Element Helix 1500 with the Element Ballistics app to streamline the setup.


During testing, I noticed the Helix 1500 was returning inaccurate readings at shorter distances. I compared it to known distances (measured with a tape) and cross-checked it against my Sig Kilo, which has consistently provided accurate results.


Here are a few discrepancies I found with the Helix 1500 at close range

• 7 yards measured → Helix reads 5 yards
• 10 yards measured → Helix reads 8 yards
• 25 yards measured → Helix reads 23 yards
• 30 yards measured → Helix reads 29 yards

For longer distances, the Helix seemed accurate and aligned with the Sig Kilo:

• 40 yards → 40 yards
• 50 yards → 50 yards
• 70 yards → 70 yards
• 100 yards → 101 yards
• 120 yards → 120 yards
• 225 yards → 225 yards
• 260 yards → 260 yards
• 336 yards → 336 yards
• 395 yards → 395 yards
• 548 yards → 548 yards

Given the unit is rated for 5 to 1500 meters, I’m unsure whether this is a calibration issue or a software glitch. The short-range inaccuracies are concerning, especially when my Sig Kilo remains spot on.


Anyone else using the Element Helix 1500? I’d appreciate if others could share their readings at distances under 30 yards to help determine whether I might have a miscalibrated unit.


*edit to fix font color

 

[Pfddi]

I just went outside and compared my 1500 with my Maven CRF.1. Short distances < 30 yards I was anywhere from .5 (Helix is only in whole numbers) and 2 yards difference. At 72 yards, they were a half off - again 1500 only in round numbers, so I will call it "even". I use the 1500 more for longer shots with the slope compensation activated more so than shorter shots. I also have the HYPR-7 with the RF rangefinder and I have not had any distances miss shots that I know of as I have hit whatever I was hunting, but I'll try and AB that one also.

 

[Trucker3573]

Interesting, following for further input. I’m almost beginning to think this brand is over hyped.

 

[DeviLAndy1]

I also had the Element Optics Helix 1500 laser rangefinder.
After testing it out at closer ranges it was
1-2 yards off from my other range finders.
After reaching out to Element, they decided for me to upgrade to a different model.
I tested the Titian 3k range finder at closer range and it was accurate.
The Helix 1500 model has firmware issue.
Only if there was a way to update the firmware I believe it will fix the issue.

 

[downtown1]

Hi Jack. The Element Helix 1500 does have the inaccuracy issue at closer range. I got the same readings like you at closer range and reached out to the vendor for repair. If you're lucky they'll offer the Titan upgrade which doesn't have the same issue as the helix 1500.

 

[Jack.K]

I just went outside and compared my 1500 with my Maven CRF.1. Short distances < 30 yards I was anywhere from .5 (Helix is only in whole numbers) and 2 yards difference. At 72 yards, they were a half off - again 1500 only in round numbers, so I will call it "even". I use the 1500 more for longer shots with the slope compensation activated more so than shorter shots. I also have the HYPR-7 with the RF rangefinder and I have not had any distances miss shots that I know of as I have hit whatever I was hunting, but I'll try and AB that one also.

Thanks for taking the time to get the short distance reading. My Sig Kilo provides reading down to 0.1 yards as to the Helix 1500 read in round number. I test them both again this morning reading a white wall inside the house 10 yards away with both rangefinder clamped to a soft jaw PanaVise to eliminate the shaky human hand factor. the results were 10.0 yards for the Sag Kilo and 8 yards for the Helix 1500.

 

[Jack.K]

I also had the Element Optics Helix 1500 laser rangefinder.
After testing it out at closer ranges it was
1-2 yards off from my other range finders.
After reaching out to Element, they decided for me to upgrade to a different model.
I tested the Titian 3k range finder at closer range and it was accurate.
The Helix 1500 model has firmware issue.
Only if there was a way to update the firmware I believe it will fix the issue.

Only if this problem can be solved with a simple firmware without having to send it in.

 

[Jack.K]

Hi Jack. The Element Helix 1500 does have the inaccuracy issue at closer range. I got the same readings like you at closer range and reached out to the vendor for repair. If you're lucky they'll offer the Titan upgrade which doesn't have the same issue as the helix 1500.

Nice that the vendor upgraded you to a working rangefinder. I reached out to Element Optics and got an entirely different response attached.

I tested the rangefinders this morning by attaching both Sig Kilo and Helix 1500 to a vise reading a white wall inside the house to eliminate movement to the hand and good reflective surface and the resulting reading were off by 2 yards on a distance of 10 yards. As stated from Element Optics reply once I get 30 yards or so then I’m good. If that was the case why market the rangefinder as a 5-1500m when it only works properly beyond 30 yards. I normally don’t need to range targets under 30 yards but I only notice this error when I was zeroing one of my scope at 20 yards and the Helix 1500 was giving me a different reading so my zero turns out to be at a different distance which throws out the ballistic calculation.
I will reach out to Element Optics again and hopefully I can get this resolved soon.

 

[Pfddi]

@Jack.K - I put mine on straight LOS to compare with the Maven. At 10 yards against the wall I don't think it should make a difference either way, but wanted you to know.

I'm like you - using it mostly at 30 yards plus where I have not had a problem. The balistic calculation and angle are very nice to have as I have a lot of height differences with a lot of shots that it does seem to compensate correctly.

 

[Jack.K]

Reached out to Element Optics on July 28th for advice on how to get this Helix 1500 repair or replace as this unit is having up to 20% error on close distance. Waiting for their reply.