Are you looking for the best rangefinder for bow hunting? Read on, as this guide will help you make a well-informed purchase.
You must have the right hunting gear to have a successful hunting trip. A rangefinder is one of the gears every hunter should have in their tool set. Whether you are a bow hunter or a rifle hunter, a rangefinder will help you know how far the target is so you can easily place an accurate shot.
The best rangefinder for bow and rifle hunting comes with a long detection range, accurate results, and a user-friendly interface. But with hundreds of rangefinders available on the market, finding the best model to fit your needs is no easy feat.
What Makes the Best Rangefinders for Bow Hunting?
When choosing rangefinders for bow hunting, there are several key features and factors that contribute to making them the best for this specific activity. Here are some aspects to consider when choosing a range finder for bow hunting:
Angle compensation
Bow hunting often involves shooting from an elevated position, such as a tree stand. An angle-compensating feature adjusts the distance measurement to account for the steep shooting angle, providing you with a more accurate horizontal distance, which is crucial for making an accurate shot.
Range and accuracy
Look for a range finder with sufficient range capability for bow hunting. A typical range of 400 to 800 yards should be suitable. Additionally, consider the accuracy of the range finder, as precise measurements are essential for making precise shots.
Compact and lightweight design
Bow hunters often carry a variety of gear, so having a compact and lightweight range finder is beneficial for convenience and portability. You’ll want a device that is easy to carry, doesn’t add significant weight, and won’t get in the way during your hunting expeditions.
Fast and intuitive operation/Easy to use Interface
In hunting scenarios, quick target acquisition is important. Choose a range finder that offers fast and intuitive operation, allowing you to quickly measure distances without fumbling with complicated controls or menu systems.
Target acquisition and aiming
Some range finders come with features like target acquisition or aiming assistance. These can be beneficial for bow hunting, as they help you lock onto the target and maintain focus while ranging.
Optics quality
Clear and high-quality optics are important for a range finder. Look for models with good light transmission, sharpness, and a wide field of view. This ensures that you can see the target clearly, even in low-light conditions.
Durability and weather resistance
Bow hunting often takes place in outdoor environments, where exposure to various weather conditions is inevitable. Choose a range finder that is built to withstand rugged use, is waterproof, and has fog-proof capabilities to ensure it remains functional in adverse conditions.
Battery life
Consider the battery life of the range finder, especially if you plan on extended hunting trips. A long-lasting battery ensures that your device won’t die in the field, leaving you without a distance measurement tool.
Top 6 Best Rangefinders for Bow Hunting
If you are tired of looking for the best rangefinder for bow and rifle hunting to no avail, we are here to help. We have a list of the best models that we recommend for you. With that in mind, let’s take a look.
1) Vortex Optics Impact 1000 Laser Rangefinder
Specifications
- Deer range:500yards
- Tree range:800 yards
- Maximum range:1000 yards
- Magnification:6x
- Eye relief:15mm
If you are in the market for a budget, no-frill rangefinder, look no further than the Impact 1000 Laser Rangefinder from Vortex. It has an intuitive and easy-to-use platform with angle compensation.
You can use it to track down targets at any distance from 5 yards and stretch out to 1,000 yards. Additionally, you can set it to display the readings in yards or meters, depending on your preference.
This product boasts a fixed 6x magnification that provides more accurate ranging by bringing distant targets closer. Thanks to the fully multi-coated optics, you are assured of excellent light transmission even in low-light settings. Besides, it’s fully waterproof and fog proof, so you can use it in any weather conditions.
With this model, you get an advanced LOS mode which allows you to calculate long ranges and high-angle shots with greater precision. It also features a primary HCD mode that shows the angle compensated distance which is ideal for hunting uphill or downhill.
Above all, the product has a scan feature that provides continuous range readings when tracking moving targets.
Pros
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Eyepiece diopter
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Scan feature
- Fixed 6x magnification
- Compact and portable design
- Long detection range of up to 1000 yards
- Advanced LOS and HCD mode
- Ample eye relief
Cons
- No tripod socket
2) AOFAR HX- 1200T Range Finder
Specifications
- Range-5-1200 yards
- Magnification:6x
The AOFAR HX- 1200T Range Finder utilizes the latest Al technology for accurate hunting with a bow or rifle. It supports both bow and range modes and shows both angle and horizontal distance.
This range finder is renowned for its excellent accuracy and fast measurement. Thanks to the angle and slope horizontal distance technology, you’ll be able to shoot a target accurately in either uphill or downhill situations. The fast distance measurement also comes in handy when shooting fast-moving targets.
At only 6.7 ounces, the range finder is light, portable, and convenient for hunting. It also boasts a waterproof construction to use it in adverse climatic conditions.
Besides that, this device features a 6x magnification that provides accurate views of targets as far as 600 yards away. Overall, it’s an excellent optic that provides accurate and flexible measurements when hunting and shooting.
Pros
- Range mode and scan mode
- Waterproof, fog proof and dustproof construction
- 6x magnification
- Great accuracy with fast measurement
- Modern AI technology with pin seeker
- Automatic switch off after 8 seconds of inactivity
- 5 to 600 yards range
- Lightweight design
Cons
- No speed and scan modes
3) AILEMON 6X Laser Range Finder
Specifications
- Magnification: 6x
- Slope Measure Range: ±20°
- Pinseeker Range:5Y-170Y
- Objective Lens: 25mm
- Eyepiece lens: 16mm
- Exit Pupil Diameter: 3.9mm
- Measuring Time: 0.5-1 sec
- Angle Measure Range: ±45°
If you are looking for the best budget range finder, look no further than the AILEMON 6X Laser Range Finder. Its available at an affordable price of under $100. Though cheap, this product doesn’t compromise on its quality. It offers every feature that you need for bow hunting, rifle hunting, golf, and many more.
This laser range finder is made with hunters in mind. It has a camouflage pattern to keep you hidden from your targets. Besides that, it comes with a built-in slope compensation mode that helps you shoot targets that are either uphill or downhill.
For dependable performance, this product features a fixed 6x magnification that brings distant targets close and great accuracy of +/- 1 yard. You can use it to spot targets that are from 5 yards to 1200 yards, depending on the weather condition. Above all, this rangefinder is waterproof and fog-resistant for all-weather reliability.
Pros
- Slope function
- Angle compensated technology
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Waterproof and fog resistant
- Easy and fast 2-button operation
- Fast distance and speed measurement
- USB rechargeable
- Camouflage pattern
- 6x magnification
- 5 to 1200 yards measuring range
- +/- 1 Accuracy
Cons
- Can’t measure speed or Height
4) TIDEWE Hunting Rangefinder
Specifications
- Magnification: 6x
- Distance Measure Range: 3-700/1000Y
- Accuracy: ±1Y
- Laser Class Class: 1 (Eye-Safe)
- Measuring Time <0.5s
- Measurement Speed Range 0-186.4MPH/0-300km/h
Here is another high-quality and reliable rangefinder suitable for budget buyers. The TIDEWE Hunting Rangefinder offers 6x magnification that helps you spot targets at a distance smoothly. It also boasts advanced technology that gives you accurate range measurement of targets from 3 yards to 1000 yards.
With this hunting rangefinder, you get a fast measuring speed of less than 0.5s. This will help ensure that you don’t miss your targets. Additionally, it has a scan function that measures vertical and horizontal distances.
Another impressive feature of the product is its ergonomic and lightweight design. The whole unit weighs 0.35 lbs only for easy portability. Other than that, it has an IP54 waterproof rating, so it’s capable of enduring harsh climatic conditions.
Overall, the rangefinder is compact, easy to use, and a great companion when hunting.
Pros
- Weatherproof construction
- User-friendly
- Lightweight, ergonomic design
- Clear LCD display
- Durable and shockproof
- 6x magnification
- Fast and accurate reading
- Accurate detection from 3 yards to 1000 yards
- Compact and portable
Cons
- It does not have a backlight
5) WOSPORTS Hunting Range Finder
Specifications
- Accuracy: ±1Y
- Measuring Time: <0.5s
- Distance Measure Range: 5-800Y
Next on our list is the WOSPORTS Hunting Range Finder. It’s a highly versatile range finder suitable for hunting, golf, and other applications. It features a fast focus and high precision, which are essential for both bow and rifle hunting.
The rangefinder is well-made to provide unbeatable durability. It’s fully waterproof and dustproof, so you can use it in any environment. Moreover, it has an ultralight design for convenient portability and an accurate scan with fast reading for accurate shot placement. Also, this product brings to the table a fixed 6x magnification for easy target identification.
Pros
- Accurate scanning
- 6x magnification
- Waterproof, dustproof and fog-resistant
- Fast reading
- Lightweight and compact design
- Fast focus
- Durable construction
Cons
- None
6) Profey Hunting Rangefinder
Specifications
- Range: up to 800 yards,
- 250 yards to flag
- +/- .5-yard accuracy
Regarding versatility and reliability, you can count on the Profey Hunting Rangefinder. It features modern pin sensor technology which provides highly accurate range measurements from 5 to 1000 yards. Plus, it provides reliable performance whether you are rifle hunting, bow hunting, or golfing.
This hunting range finder offers excellent optical performance. First, it boasts 6x magnification that, gives you clear image views of the targets at any distance. It also features fully multi-coated optics, facilitating maximum light transmission for bright and clear image views. Besides, it boasts a scan mode and a clear LCD display.
The rangefinder weighs only 0.8lb, so you’ll easily carry it as you look for targets. In terms of construction, it’s made from sturdy and durable materials for long-lasting durability. More importantly, it has a compact design for convenient portability and a rechargeable lithium battery that provides long battery life.
Pros
- Scan mode
- Lightweight, compact, and portable
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 6x magnification
- 7V rechargeable lithium battery
- Carrying case included
- LCD display
- Fast, accurate reading
Cons
- Batteries not included
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Best Rangefinder for Bow and Rifle Hunting Buying Guide
Whether you are buying your first rangefinder for bow and rifle hunting or just an upgrade, the following are some of the key points you should keep in mind before you finally settle on a specific product.
Maximum Distance
The primary factor you should consider is the maximum distance that you’ll be hunting. This can either be long-range or short-range. If you’ll be hunting under the 1000 yards range, you should invest in a short-range rangefinder. On the other hand, if you shoot long ranges, make sure that you invest in a rangefinder that has a maximum range for 1000 yards and above.
Magnification
Magnification is very important especially when hunting. A rangefinder with a decent magnification will not only tell you how far the target is but also bring the faraway targets closer.
The majority of modern laser rangefinders for bow and rifle hunting have magnification capabilities that range from 4x to 10x. In most cases, a model with 6x or 7x magnification is sufficient for most hunting applications.
Angle Compensation
Angle compensation is very important when hunting. Usually, the rangefinder provides you with a line of straight distance to any target that is on flat ground. However, this horizontal distance changes with an increase in distance and angle. This is where the angle compensation feature comes in handy. You will have an accurate distance measurement of whether the target is uphill or downhill.
Size and Weight
When it comes to bow or rifle hunting, it’s important that you get a rangefinder that’s not only compact but also lightweight. A compact rangefinder is simple to operate even with one hand. Besides, when the rangefinder is light, you’ll have an easy time carrying in the field as you look for targets.
Weatherproof
When out in the field hunting, the weather conditions can change when you least expect it. It’s therefore important that you get a rangefinder that’s both waterproof and fog proof. This way, you will rest assured that it will still perform even when it’s raining or snowy.
Scan Mode
The other important feature that a rangefinder for bow and rifle hunting should have is a scan mode. This function updates the distance between you and the target every time the target is on the move. You don’t have to adjust as the rangefinder does that for you. Plus, it eliminates any guesswork for greater accuracy.
Price
A good rangefinder for bow and rifle hunting comes at a cost. However, how much you spend will largely depend on your set budget as well as your hunting habits. Invest in a high-end rangefinder with more features if you are a professional hunter looking to take your hunting skills a notch higher. But if you are just starting your hunting hobby, there are plenty of budget models you can choose from.
FAQs on the Best Range Finder For Bow Hunting
1) What is a good rangefinder for hunting?
A good rangefinder for hunting, either with a bow or rifle, meets your hunting needs and habits. It should have a decent magnification power, so you’ll be able to spot the targets smoothly. Additionally, it must be light for convenient portability, be durably made and be fully waterproof and fog proof for all-weather reliability.
2) Is a rangefinder necessary for hunting?
Yes, it is. A rangefinder is a very important tool for hunting, whether you are a bow or rifle hunter. This tool shows you how far you are from the target when shooting long-range. This will help you stay accurate on the target and make your hunting expedition more successful.
3) How much should you spend on a hunting rangefinder?
It depends. If you are on a budget, you should look for budget-friendly models that cost less than $100. These rangefinders are cheap, but they don’t compromise on the quality. If you are looking for a high-end rangefinder with high-end features, be prepared to pay more.
4) How do rangefinders work?
Laser rangefinders produce electromagnetic pulses from the electronic systems in form of laser beams. The laser beam is then reflected off the object’s surface and returned to the rangefinder. After that, the rangefinder system processes the beam to measure the distance.
5) What is the disadvantage of a rangefinder?
The rangefinder doesn’t have many disadvantages but one of them is that it doesn’t always accurately represent the final image captured by the lens
Conclusion
When it comes to bow and rifle hunting, a good-quality rangefinder will make your hunting expedition enjoyable and successful. By selecting any rangefinder reviewed above, you are assured of a better hunting trip and great value for money. Invest in any model above and use it for other activities, not just hunting.
These range finders all offer accurate measurements, durable construction, and various helpful features such as slope compensation, target priority mode, and multi-coated lenses for clear viewing. They are also lightweight, portable, and easy to use, making them ideal for hunting, golfing, or other outdoor activities.