Are you in the market for an archery range finder? If your answer is a yes, then you can continue reading; you have come to the right place. Finding the accurate range to your target without the use of best archery range finder may end up being a mission impossible especially in low light conditions.
The range finder helps you reveal the finer details of your target within the specified range. One of the things you need to know is that if you want to get involved in archery, you need to have the right equipment.
You may have the best skills in the trade, but if you do not have proper tools such the right rangefinder your skills will amount to nothing. Well, why is a rangefinder so important, you might ask? The simple answer is that it will allow you to know the distance between yourself and your target, by providing a field of view.
If you want to buy the right range finder for your needs, you will have to take the time to identify the features that the best ones on the market have. Always ensure that you are not buying under pressure. Look out for a few more things other than just the price.
Check the manufacturer’s track record, reviews by other users, the quality of the material used to make the product and the warranties and guarantees that come with it. Good warranties are an indication that the people who manufacture the rangefinder you are buying have faith in the product they are selling to you.
Define Your Needs
Like every other product you will ever buy, you need to define your needs before you make the decision to buy. In this case, you are looking for a rangefinder that is best suited for archery. Knowing this will help you not to come home carrying a product more suited for rifle hunting.
Consider the Range
It’s called a range finder after all. The reason why you are buying a rangefinder is so that you will be able to calculate the distance from where you are to the target, so you need to know the maximum range that the particular product you are buying can deliver.
You will realize that the ranges that archery range finders can deliver are much less than those you get from the ones specifically designed for hunting. The maximum effective ranges differ according to what the range finder is mainly designed for. Models designed specifically for archery will have around 800 yards or so.
If you are looking for a range finder to use with a rifle, you may be looking at distances between 600 and 1200 yards. This can be more. Range finders made specifically for archery are designed to provide measurements that are very accurate; measuring in fractions of a yard. A good rangefinder will allow you the accuracy you need when shooting a target. With a good product, you will rarely miss. The reason why you are more accurate when using a good rangefinder is that it gives you the ability to plan before you shoot.
Check the Brand
Every industry has its own leaders. You will realize that some manufacturers have technology that is only exclusive to them. This is why you need to look at what each manufacturer can deliver which others will not. The technology in each of these products could be the difference between a class leader and a product which is mediocre. Some of the leading brands in this field include Leupold, Nikon, and Bushnell.
Design of the Range Finder
When you are selecting a rangefinder you need to ensure that it is manufactured to the highest standards and enhances your comfort. You will notice that rangefinders for archery are usually designed to be vertical. They are also lightweight, allowing you to use them comfortably for extended periods of time.
Magnification
Magnification is generally more important in rangefinders specific to hunting. This feature is important when it comes to your ability to see the targets.
If you are looking at long ranges, then you may want to look for something with a magnification of around 7 times. The advantage of 7 times magnification is that it is easier to keep stable. As magnifications go high, you start to compromise stability.
Display
There are three main factors that have a bearing on display; information color, clarity, and screen. Ensure that the screen of the instrument you are selecting is large enough for you to comfortably see what is displayed. Look at the optics and ensure that there are neither too bright nor too dull; they should allow you to see the information comfortably.
Best Products on Today’s Market
Now that we have taken a look at what you should be considering when looking for an archery based rangefinder, let’s take a look at some of our picks. While any of these are great rangefinders, you’ll want to pick the one that best meets your needs.
Nikon 8376 Archer’s Choice Rangefinder
Price: Approx. $340
Weight: 16 ounces
Dimensions: 6.5 x 5 x 3.8 inches
Specific features: 6x magnification, 18.3-millimeter eye relief, 21-millimeter objective diameter, 3.5-millimeter exit pupil, ocular contrast adjusts automatically, 23% wider field of view
Best use: Archery range finding
The reason why Nikon is becoming the synonym for quality optical products has to do with the fact that when they introduce a product into their range, you know that the bar has just been raised. The manufacturer has just introduced the Nikon 8376 Archer’s Choice Rangefinder.
Nikon used the opinions of experts such as Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo to create a product that can be used in different bow hunting situations in different parts of the world.
Some of the innovative technology you can expect from the new addition to Nikon is the Active Brightness Control Viewfinder; a technology which is the reason behind the user’s ability to read well, no matter how challenging the background is.
If you are using this rangefinder in conditions with too much light, it will provide a contrast which is stable. In darker conditions, it will turn on the orange LED illumination automatically so that visibility is optimized.
This optical instrument uses what is known as the ID technology which has the ability to calculate different incline and decline angles. This can be as high as 89 degrees of angle.
To use this feature, you just need to aim at your target and then push the button to get the details which will enable you to plan your shooting. The display is easy to read as it is clean and does not have a lot of clutter. If you compare this model to others before it, you will realize that it has an ocular which is 28% larger.
The field of view is 23 % wider. This is the reason why target acquisition on this product is faster. The true target option allows you to choose between the options of Distance Target Priority or First Target Priority.
PROS:
Advanced ID technology that helps calculate the incline and decline angles
23% wider field of view for maximum spotting of your targets
Options of second target and first-hand So you will be able to select what to target either in a closed range or long range.
Magnification of 6x to maximize the clarity of the target details
Enough eye relief of over 18mm to accommodate even the eyeglass wearers.
CONS:
It is fairly expensive
The orange LED light can be made targets a little bit obscure in low light conditions
Related: This product is best matched and used with the Nikon Recon Gear Retractable Rangefinder Tether to secure it. It is a stainless and waterproof tether so you will survive the outdoor elements with ease.
Specific features: 10 – 1000 yards for a reflective target, diopter adjusts for a precise focus, rubber-armored coating, fully-coated lenses, O-ring for waterproof performance, nonslip grip
Best use: Archery range finding
If you are looking for an archery rangefinder which will fit within a tight budget, you can turn to the Vortex Optics Ranger Rangefinder RRF-101. If you compare this product to others in the same class, you will realize that it has a solid feel, even though it is manufactured from rubber armored plastic.
One of the main reasons why we are confident to include this product among the best in the market includes the fact that the product will do what the manufacturer claims it will. The low light capacity in this rangefinder is good.
You will also like the fact that this product comes with a tripod socket and a belt clip to make things comfortable. It is also waterproof. The lifetime warranty is an indication that those who make it are confident that you will like it.
We liked the multicoated lenses that provide a bright view with no reflection. The O-ring seals ensure that moisture does not make its way into the internal parts. This stops dust and other debris from interfering with the device.
Like all good archery range finders, the Vortex Optics Ranger Rangefinder RRF-101is durable, while it is lightweight. The rubber armor is the reason why holding this rangefinder is comfortable and non-slip. You can adjust the diopter for focus which is precise.
PROS:
Multi-coated lenses for anti-reflection especially in bright days
Non-slippery rubber-armored grip to operate the rangefinder efficiently
O-ring feature that protects it from the outdoor elements such as moisture from getting into the interior components
Diopter adjustment for a precise focus
A range of 10 to 1000 yards
CONS:
This range finder is amongst the expensive ones
Related: To avoid strain on your neck with the bulky range finder or binoculars, get the Vortex Harness Strap to put the weight on the shoulders. It helps you secure your valuable range finder. And for magnification needs, we recommend getting the Vortex Optics 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars to increase your chances of getting your targets further away.
Specific features: Magnification: 4x, Rangefinder Range: 7-850 yards, Angle range: -90º to +90º
Best use: Archery, hunting
The Truth ARC Laser Rangefinder is manufactured by a company that has been doing this kind of work for more than 50 years. The people at Bushnell claim that the combination between themselves and Team Primos which produced this product is evidence that they have been perfecting their craft over the years.
To understand what this product can do for you, you need to look at the philosophy behind every product they make. They are driven by the aim to provide quality, affordability, and reliability in the same product. They also want to ensure that using their products is something you will enjoy
The rangefinder deploys ARC technology which is equipped with Bow Mode. This technology governs compensated distance using the angle of your shot. This is the reason why you will always know the pin that you should use at any point between 7 and 199 yards.
You can expect the same speed and precision when it comes to line-of-sight readings for distances up to 850 yards. The rangefinder is easy to use with just a single button operation. The clear images delivered by this product are a result of the 4 x magnification.
If you ask use whether this is a product we can recommend, we will say yes. We think it will be great especially for someone looking for a good rangefinder within a tight budget. This is the rangefinder that will tell you the range and also let you know the difference the angle of your shot will make to that distance.
PROS:
Range of up to 850 yards
Objective lens of 20mm to allow more light transmission
One-button operation for all the functions
4x magnification provides clearer images
Same speed and precision when it comes to the line of sight readings
CONS:
The price may be unaffordable to some, but, nonetheless, a good investment
No information about the lenses being multi-coated for anti-reflection purposes.
Related: The Viridian CR2 3 Volt Lithium Battery will help you with an extended use of this range finder. The range finders are straining the batteries, so if you have no power back-up you may have to end your archery activities sooner.
Specific features: Vertical range: 5 yards – 1,300 yards, 6x optics, Second Generation E.S.P supercharged processor
Best use: Hunting, archery
Ask the people at Bushnell what the easiest way of turning a buck into four equal pieces is and they will tell you that it is the Bushnell G-Force DXARC Laser Rangefinder. This is the rangefinder that promises speed and precision always. It is equipped with Bushnell’s Second Generation E.S.P supercharged processor.
You can add to this the G-Force DX, which is designed to enhance vision. With the Bushnell G-Force DX ARC, you can expect to receive ½ yard precision and display accuracies of 1/10-yards. The Vivid Display Technology (VDT) gives you distance readings that are both clear and bright.
Designers of this product know that you will be using it in different circumstances including poor light. The effective range for this product ranges between 5 and 1300 yards.
You can select whether you want to use this rangefinder for archery or hunting by selecting between the Rifle and Arc Bow modes. This allows accuracy in different weather conditions and terrain.
This rangefinder is designed to be tough. This is evidenced by the metal housing which is rubber armored. The rapid target I.D. has a way of working well in all weather conditions; thanks to the exclusive Rain Guard High Definition lens.
PROS:
Range of 5 to 1300 yards, which is wide enough to spot lots of targets
A rubber-armored design helps with a secure grip especially in rainy conditions
Option to select whether to use for hunting or archery
It is waterproof
Has a magnification of 6x to provide you crystal images
CONS:
The price tag is too expensive but worth the price considering its superb features
Related: Feature-rich products consume more power and get depleted quickly. Avoid that by getting the Duracell Cr2 Ultra Lithium Photo Battery 3V to power this range finder. The battery will let you have an extended usage in your archery activities.
Specific features: 4x magnification, 10 – 600 yards, liquid crystal display, one button operation, class 1 laser with less than 1mW average power output
Best use: Hunting, archery
The Simmons LRF 600 Tilt Intelligence laser rangefinder is the product that promises to bring you nose to nose with your target. Well, this is an exaggeration but you do get what they are implying.
They also promise that with this product, you get the accuracy that is hair splitting. You will access the actual distance from the target within ranges of 10 and 600 yards. All this happen with the use of a single button.
The Simmons LRF 600 is equipped with the Tilt Intelligence feature which has the ability to calculate and display True Horizontal Distance.
We think that the Simmons LRF 600 is the rangefinder designed for someone who does not want to spend a lot of money on this product but still wants value.
Even though the manufacturers of this product make big promises, you may notice that the product works at its best at distances of about 300 yards. When you use it in the “tilt” mode, the range reduces to about 300 yards.
We find it easy to recommend this rangefinder because we are impressed by its vertical design. It is also weather resistant, thanks to a housing designed with this in mind. The housing also makes carrying the device easy.
If you are going to buy this particular product, do not expect too much. It’s a low-end product which has minimal features. However, this does not mean that it is a bad product in its class. You are just getting what you have paid for.
PROS:
A range of 10 to 600 yards
It is weather resistant
Has a magnification of 4x to zoom in finer details
Has a Tilt Intelligence feature
One button operation, so everyone can master that intuitive design
It is one of the most affordable rangefinders
CONS:
Its features are low-end, but worth the price for the budget-conscious hobbyists
The range reduces to 300 yards when you use it in “tilt” mode
Batteries not included
Related: This range finder works with the 9volt battery but sold separately. We recommend getting the Energizer Ultimate Lithium 9V Battery to power it. The battery performs in extreme temperatures and lasts longer.
Specific features: Magnification x Objective Lens: 6 x 24, Rangefinder Range: 5 – 1000, integrated inclinometer, class 1 laser, E.S.P processor provides up to ½ yard accuracy and 1/10 yard display
Best use: Archery, hunting
The Bushnell Scout 1000 ARC Laser range finder is made for someone who believes that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. With just one button, you get all the information you need to shoot at your target. The distance range promised for this product is up to 1000 yards. If you use the rangefinder in rifle mode, it tells you where to hold.
If you look at the rifle and bow mode, it feels more like you are getting two products in one. The product is compact and easy to carry in your pocket.
Some of the features you can expect from this product include an integrated digital inclinator which helps you to measure angles ranging between 60 and -60 degrees, with accuracies of plus or minus 1° accuracy.
For your convenience, the product comes with a carry case. It also has a neck strap. Just like other good products in this class, this rangefinder is equipped with RainGuard High Definition.
Even though the Bushnell Scout 1000 is a product that will do the job for which it has been made, there are a few things buyers will need to be aware of including that the promised 1000 yards optimistic. We are sure that you will get these in laboratory conditions.
If you won’t be using this in a controlled environment, you will be lucky if you get anything above 800 yards. In bow mode, this will reduce to just about 100 yards.
PROS:
Measure angles ranging between +60 and -60 degrees with the built-in digital inclinator
RainGuard High Definition shields against the extreme weathers
Range of 1000 yards
Objective lens of 24mm and
Magnification of 6x to provide more crystal images
CONS:
Range can reduce to 100 yards in bow mode
Batteries not included
Related: We recommend powering this range finder with the Viridian CR2 3 Volt Lithium Battery, 3-Pack. This is a powerful battery pack with 3 batteries that have a shelf life of 10 years.
Specific features: 6x magnification, maximum of 450 yards to reflective target, Ai Technology accounts for the slope to the target, precision of +/- 1 yard, water resistant
Best use: Hunting
If you have a hunting trip planned in the near future, you may want to consider the Halo XL450 Range Finder. With the new range finder, you will also get a lens cloth and wrist straps. To ensure that you make the best use of the device, you will also get an instruction manual.
The rangefinder comes furnished with the Halo A1 technology. This technology is designed to account for any changes in the distance when you are shooting in positions that are not horizontal.
The product has been designed to be easy and comfortable to use with just a single button allowing you to get a yardage reading. You can use the menu to change from yards to meters.
The Halo XL450 Range Finder comes with a range of 450 yards. We have come to treat these claims with a little suspicion to the extent that when someone promises 450 yards, we actually think that we will get a little lower than that.
If there is any negative we could found about this product, it may have to do with the fact that it does not come with a carry case. This makes things a little complicated when you want to protect it from the elements. However, if you look at the price you will agree that you can’t expect it to have all the bells and whistles.
PROS:
Magnification of 6x to zoom your targets for clearer details
Ai technology helps you with non-horizontal positions of shooting
Such an affordable rangefinder on the market
Water resistant and a precision of +/- 1 yard
CONS:
Does not come with the carry case
Does not come with batteries
The maximum range is not that impressive on the market. However understandable with the lower price tag it has
Related: The Viridian CR2 3 Volt Lithium Battery will help you to power this range finder. There are 3 batteries to work as a backup because range finders are consuming too much of power.
Specific features: Magnification: 4x, range: 600 yards
Best use: Hunting, golf
There is one thing we are starting to notice with good rangefinders like the Simmons LRF 600 Laser Rangefinder; they are not only easy to use, they are also accurate. When you look at this product, it becomes clear that the designers were given a brief to make a durable product that is reliable. Expect range readings between 10 and 600 yards.
Specific features of this device include a powerful 4 times magnification. It has an accuracy of +/- 1 yard. You will need a 9-Volt battery to operate the device. It is compact and water resistant, ensuring that you can use it in different weather conditions.
The Simmons LRF 600 is made with golf in mind; it is equipped with all the features you need to accurately pinpoint markers, small objects, and flags on the range. The manufacturers of this product claim that you can get ranges of up to 1000 yards. We do not always trust these numbers so we approach these products expecting 600 to 800 yards.
One of the things we love about this product is that it has an eye relief long enough for someone wearing glasses. When you compare with other rangefinders for golf, you will notice that they let you down when it comes to this area. We can easily recommend this product because it is easy to use. Once the battery is inside, you are ready to go.
PROS:
Max range of 600 yards
Compact and ergonomic
Perfect eye relief and great field of view
Affordable range finder
CONS:
Batteries not included
No inclinometer integrated for angle measurements
Accuracy reduces after 300 yards
Related: Since the batteries are not included, consider purchasing the Viridian CR2 3 Volt Lithium Battery to power this range finder. Any other model will be fine but subject to compatibility.
Specific features: ranging at 750 – yard, waterproof
Best use: Hunting, archery
There can never be a list of the premier archery range finders that does not include Leupold; simply for the reason that this is one of the leading brands in this industry. If there is any product that should represent this manufacturer’s ability it can easily be the Leupold RX-1200i TBR/W Laser Rangefinder.
Some of the reasons why this rangefinder can be included among the best are that it ranges quickly, while it is easy to use. It is also built in a way that makes it comfortable to use for extended periods of time. The device comes waterproof. There is no risk of water getting into the internal parts and causing rust.
The Leupold RX-1200i TBR/W Laser Rangefinder provides great value because it manages to bring three desirable features together; accuracy, price, and durability. It is able to compensate angles.
PROS:
Maximum range of 750
Waterproof
Durable range finder with ergonomic design
Compensate for the angle positions in shooting
CONS:
Fairly expensive range finder
Doesn’t include the batteries
Related: we recommend the Viridian CR2 3 Volt Lithium Battery to power this range finder. These are powerful batteries with a durability of over 10 years.
We hope that after reading this article and looking at the products we have reviewed, you are now in a position to confidently select the one that is best for your needs. Whatever the case maybe, there is no substitute for proper research when you are investing money on an archery rangefinder.
The good thing about many of the great products like the ones we have featured is that they come equipped with features that allow you to use them for golf, hunting, and archery; all in one product.
Next is your turn, let us know which of these you’ve gone with and why in the comment section below. Have you used any of these archery range finders? Please share your experiences with our readers below in the comments section.
