Honeywell Granit XP 1991i Review: The Ultra-Rugged Barcode Scanner

Posted by Midwest Barcoding Solutions on Aug 3rd 2025

In demanding environments like warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers, a reliable industrial barcode scanner isn't just a convenience—it's a necessity. The Honeywell Granit XP 1991i is engineered for exactly these conditions, setting a new standard for industrial-grade scanning. This is more than an update; it's a revolutionary leap in durability, performance, and versatility. For those who know and trust the Granit line, this new model builds on the legacy of the Honeywell Granit 1911i.

Honeywell Granit XP 1991i

What Makes the Granit XP 1991i So Revolutionary
The Honeywell Granit XP is built on the company's next-generation imaging platform, delivering features designed to handle the toughest jobs. Key improvements include:

  • Unrivaled Durability: With a best-in-class scanner with a 10 ft drop spec, this device is built to survive accidental drops on loading docks and warehouse floors. It also boasts a 7,000 one-meter tumble specification, ensuring long-term reliability even with constant use.
  • Honeywell Granit XP 1991i Review: The Ultra-Rugged Barcode Scanner: An IP67 barcode scanner is completely protected from dust and can withstand being submerged in water. This makes it perfect for facilities that require washdowns or are exposed to harsh weather.
  • Premium Scanning Performance: The advanced high-resolution sensor and enhanced decoding algorithms allow the scanner to read even the most damaged and low-quality barcodes quickly and accurately, preventing costly delays. It is truly a premium scanner for damaged barcodes.
  • Honeywell FlexRange Technology: This innovative feature, powered by Honeywell FlexRange technology, allows for seamless scanning from a contact distance up to 33 feet (10 meters), eliminating the need to switch between different scanners for different tasks. This versatility makes it a perfect all-in-one solution.
  • Ergonomic and Backward Compatible Design: The scanner's design has been refined for user comfort while maintaining backward compatibility with existing Granit accessories. This protects your investment in charging cradles, cables, and other peripherals.

Should You Upgrade to the Honeywell Granit XP 1991i
If you're currently using older scanning technology, the Honeywell Granit XP 1991i offers compelling reasons to upgrade. A common question we hear is, "Honeywell 1911i vs 1991i?" Here’s why the upgrade is a smart choice.

Key Upgrades from Previous Models:

  • Durability: The Granit XP 1991i offers a 60% improvement in drop resistance and can handle 7,000 tumbles, far exceeding the 1,000 tumbles of previous models.
  • Environmental Sealing: The new IP67 rating is a significant jump from the previous IP65 rating, enabling complete water submersion and washdown capabilities.
  • Total Cost of Ownership: Increased durability means fewer replacements and less maintenance, leading to a lower overall cost of ownership.
  • Performance: The next-generation imaging platform provides faster, more accurate scanning, boosting operational efficiency.

It's time to upgrade if:

  1. Your current scanners are frequently breaking due to drops or environmental damage.
  2. You need better performance on damaged, poorly printed, or low-quality barcodes.
  3. Your team uses multiple scanners to handle different ranges (e.g., short-range vs. long-range).
  4. Your facility requires enhanced washdown or environmental protection.

Honeywell Granit XP 1991i

Granit XP 1991i Models and Configuration
The Honeywell Granit XP 1991i is a versatile cordless barcode scanner family that includes specialized variants to match your specific needs.

Range Categories

  • Granit XP 1991iSR (Standard Range): Ideal for close-quarters work like production lines and assembly. Scans from contact to arm's length.

  • Granit XP 1991iXR (Extended Range): The most versatile option. FlexRange technology allows for scanning from contact up to 33 feet (10 meters). Perfect for most warehouse barcode scanner needs.

  • Granit XP 1991iXLR (Extra Long Range): Designed for extreme distances, scanning codes up to 79 feet (24 meters) away. Features a brighter aimer for superior outdoor visibility. This is a true long range barcode scanner.

Connectivity and Interfaces
All models support Bluetooth Class 1 connectivity for a wireless range of up to 330 feet (100 meters). This makes it a highly effective Bluetooth barcode scanner. You can also connect up to three scanners to a single base. The Granit XP 1991i is available in USB, RS-232 Serial, and Keyboard Wedge kits to integrate with a wide variety of systems.

Real-World Applications

The ultra-rugged barcode scanner is a workhorse across many industries.

  • Warehousing & Distribution: The XR models enable workers to scan items from top racks to ground level without moving, drastically improving efficiency.
  • Manufacturing: The durable design withstands exposure to chemicals and extreme temperatures, while the superior imaging platform prevents bottlenecks from damaged labels.
  • Cold Storage & Freezer Environments: The Granit XP 1991i operates reliably in temperatures as low as -22°F (-30°C), making it a perfect fit as a barcode scanner for cold storage and cold chain logistics.
  • Vehicle-Mounted Scanning: Easily integrates with forklifts and other mobile equipment, allowing operators to scan items without dismounting, which boosts productivity.

Granit XP 1991i vs. Competitive Scanner
When it comes to durability and performance in harsh environments, the Granit XP 1991i faces strong competition from both Datalogic and Zebra. Here’s how it stacks up.

Granit XP 1991i vs. Datalogic PowerScan Series

  • Durability and Environmental Sealing: While the PowerScan 9600 series offers a robust design with an IP67 rating and an 8.2-foot (2.5-meter) drop specification, the Granit XP 1991i offers a superior 10-foot (3-meter) drop specification. This extra margin of protection can be critical in high-impact environments.
  • Tumble Specification: A key differentiator is the Granit XP 1991i's 7,000 one-meter tumble specification. Datalogic scanners, while durable, often lack this specific metric, which quantifies the scanner's ability to withstand repeated, less severe impacts over its lifespan.
  • Flexibility and Range: Datalogic offers powerful long-range models, but the Granit XP's FlexRange technology stands out for its seamless performance from near-contact to extended distances in a single device, providing superior versatility for mixed scanning tasks.

Granit XP 1991i vs. Zebra 3600 Series

  • Range and Flexibility: The Zebra 3600 series, particularly the DS3600-XR, is known for its impressive range, with some models exceeding 100 feet. While the Granit XP 1991iXLR offers a very strong 79-foot range, the Zebra can have a slight edge in maximum distance for specialized, extremely long-range applications. However, the Granit's FlexRange technology provides more balanced performance for both near-field and long-range scanning.
  • Durability: Both the Granit and Zebra 3600 series are built for extreme durability with comparable 10-foot drop specifications. However, the Granit XP 1991i differentiates itself with a higher tumble specification (7,000 tumbles), a key metric for long-term durability in high-volume, repetitive-use environments.
  • Advanced Features: Zebra offers a wider range of specialized models for specific use cases (e.g., direct part marking) and unique software features like Wi-Fi Friendly Mode to prevent interference. In contrast, the Honeywell Granit XP focuses on providing a simpler, more versatile, and exceptionally rugged solution that excels at its core task: high-performance scanning in the harshest environments.

Honeywell Granit XP 1991i

A Smart Investment for Your Operation
The Honeywell Granit XP 1991i isn't just a new barcode scanner; it's a strategic investment in long-term efficiency and reliability. Its combination of next-generation imaging, unrivaled durability, and flexible range capabilities provides a superior value proposition for any organization operating in demanding environments. For an in-depth Honeywell Granit 1991i review, you'll find that its features consistently stand out.

By choosing the Honeywell Granit XP 1991i, you're not just upgrading your equipment—you're future-proofing your operations with a scanner built to withstand anything you throw at it.


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