SCOPES

Best Bow Sight: Become a Better Hunter

best bow sight
Written by Kane Dane

Are you a bowhunter? Do you agree that over the last decade the markets filled up with bowhunting gear. One gadget that will help improve your hunting is using the best bow sight. Without a doubt, using the correct sight will help improve your shooting style.

We have compiled a list of the top bow sights you can buy here. Each of the brands reviewed here offers you brighter pins, movable sights for better aiming and have de-cluttered sight windows.

Once comparing the list stays a while longer. Read how you can pick your own bow sight making sure you have chosen the right one.

Product NameDistancePinsMaterialUniversalPrice
Trophy Ridge Volt20 - 40 yards5-pinBallistix CopolymerYesCheck price on Amazon
Truglo Carbon XS Archery20 - 40 yards4-pinCarbon-CompositeYesCheck price on Amazon
Trophy Ridge React20 - 60 yards5-pinBallistix CopolymerNoCheck price on Amazon
HHA Sports 5000 Optimizer Lite20 - 60 yardsSingle-pinCNC Machined AluminumNoCheck price on Amazon
Trophy Ridge React-One20 - 100 yardsSingle-pinAluminumNoCheck price on Amazon
IQ Micro20 - 70 yards3-pin, 5-pin, 7-pinFiber Polymer and AluminumNoCheck price on Amazon
Great Deals LLC20 - 40 yards3-pinCNC Machined AluminumYesCheck price on Amazon

Things to Consider Before Buying

Perhaps you have been using a plain bow. Are you ready to speed things up? You need the best bow sight for the money. The problem is there are different models available so which one should you choose. Here is a list of features to help you in finding the right one for your specific needs.

Type

Using a bow sight helps you to aim and align a target further it extends the distance and range. It helps improve your accuracy and you can hunt with them in the dark. The big concern is there are four models available:

A Fixed-Pin Sight

If you need an easy-to-use optic for hunting this bow sight is perfect. They use different pins set to distance intervals. For example, if you buy the best bow sight with three pins, it may be set to 20, 30, or 40 yards.

fixed bow sight

You can adjust the pins for distance, elevation, and winds. Once set, you tighten them and leave them fixed. You can buy them with single pins you adjust up or down for distance and works well with fast bows. The only downside is it takes practice and excellent estimation skills to use.

The Movable-Pin Sight

This sight uses a single pin you adjust before each shot for distance. You do this with an adjustable pointer found at the rear of the display. When adjusting the device it moves up or down with the pin to compensate distance. Many hunters find they do not have enough time to adjust the sight as it chases the game away. They are more suitable for tournament and target shooting.

Pendulum Sight

When shooting from a tree stand the normal sight does not compensate for these types of shots. Users may also know this optic as the treetop sight designed for downhill shots. Once you aim your bow downwards, the optic swings to an upward position. The device is made for this purpose and serves none other purposes when hunting.

Competition Sight

This is the most accurate sight you can buy. The design comprises a moveable-pin and you can adjust them in seconds for wind and elevation. They are big and you mount them further away from the bow.

pendulum bow sight

Another name used amongst archers is the target sight and you can add pins, a scope, or laser light to it. The downside is they are not acceptable for hunting because of the huge design.

Other important features

Now you know the different sights’ available here are other important features you need to consider when looking for one:

The fiber optic – this helps with transmitting light and is normally glass or plastic cables that help capture ambient light. The small tips of the fiber optic pins have a bright glow to see them in low lighting conditions.

Bubble levels – these are very helpful if you are not an avid bow shooter. The bubble lines up when you hold your bow straight. They fill them up with antifreeze or alcohol and prevent it from freezing up during the cold months.

bow sight pins closeup

The gang adjustment – if you want to adjust the pins in a group and not one at a time, this feature is helpful.

A sight light – this feature is normally attached to the bow sight and battery-powered. The sight light helps to illuminate the pins in the dark and great to use in low-light conditions.

The material used to construct the sight – depending on the bow sight you buy, manufacturers use different materials to construct them. For an affordable buy, you will find the sight is made of plastic. The top bow sights have a CNC machined aluminum structure. You can buy them with a combination of plastic and aluminum parts.

RH or LH – another feature one normally does not consider. Not all bow sights have a universal design. You can buy them for right-handed or left-hand use.

Best Products on Today’s Market

The bow sight is also known as the bow scope helps you with a better aim for a perfect shot. The bow scope has a unique design to help you gain control of where you aim your arrow. And helps with a better view of where the projectile is pointing. Here is the best bow sight as per our comparison list.

Trophy Ridge Volt Bow SightTrophy Ridge Volt Bow Sight

Price: Approx. $50

Pins: 5-pin

Weight: N/A

Specific features: Universal, laser-etched aluminum adjustment, green hood accent, bubble level, anchor points, Rheostat light, 20-40 yards distance, co-polymer exterior, lifetime warranty

Best use: Hunting

Description: Whether you are right or left handed the Trophy Ridge Volt Bow Sight will serve you well when out hunting. The bow sight has a sleek soft-touch coating for reducing vibration when used. The Volt is a 5-pin sight with laser-etched aluminum adjustment for windage and elevation.

For a quick sight acquisition, the manufacturer designed the optic with a green hood accent. The fiber optic pins placed horizontally with a pin guard. The pins are .019-inches and medium-sized. What makes the pins unique is the smart pin technology used in the design. With the 5-pins, you only need to adjust one of them to use at a distance of 20 – 30 yards.

Once adjusting the first two pins for windage and elevation, the others automatically fall into place. The distance while using the bow sight ranges from 20 – 40 yards when adjusting the pins.

For the best precision shots, it has a helpful bubble level included. The mounting brackets reversible to accommodate left and right-handed users and helps when you need to mount it higher or lower. For mounting, they have provided anchor points and designed the optic with a Rheostat light. The great thing is with the brightness of the light it is helpful and gives you a precise distance.

Another standout is that the bow scope has a Ballistix Copolymer system making it 24% lighter compared to ones made with aluminum parts. With the copolymer exterior, the optic is resistant to corrosion and rust. If you do buy the Trophy Ridge Volt, you receive an instructional DVD and a limited lifetime warranty.

PROS:

  • Durable construction
  • Versatile design
  • Easy to mount
  • Easy to adjust

CONS:

  • Slightly heavier than other models and can throw your bow off balance

Related: If you decide to buy this top bow sight, why not get yourself the Tabiger Arrow Rest to hold your arrow secure and safe. With the universal design, you can use it left or right-handed.

Check the price on Amazon

Truglo Carbon XS Archery SightTruglo Carbon XS Archery Sight

Price: Approx. $40

Pins: 4-pin

Weight: Less than 3.5 oz

Specific features: Universal design, carbon composite, reversible bracket, vertical adjustment, circular field of view, two-level vertical bars, micro push-button light, glow-in-the-dark shooter ring, lifetime warranty

Best use: For hunting when standing, shooting downhill and from a tree stand

Description: For a quality bow sight, the Truglo Carbon XS stands out above the rest. The Carbon XS has excellent lighting features and great to use in low-light environments. With the universal design, you can use it left or right-handed. The construction of the bow scope comprises carbon-composite and weighs less than 3.5 oz.

Truglo used a TRU TOUCH texture to give the optic a soft feel while the reversible bracket offers you vertical adjustability. Another standout is the large circular field of view with a 1.8-inch inner aperture and two level vertical bars. To help align the bow sight in the dark it has a glow-in-the-dark shooter’s ring with a micro push-button light.

What makes this bow scope stand out is the lightweight construction and it is easy to mount on most compound bows. You can buy the optic in a black to camouflage design.

Once adjusting the bracket, you can make vertical shots. There is no need of moving the pins and great for shooting prey uphill or use from a tree stand. If you need a reliable bow, sight for accurate shooting the Truglo may just be what you need.

PROS:

  • Does not affect the balance of your bow
  • Durable construction
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to adjust
  • Versatile
  • Accurate shots close up and when used at long distances

CONS:

  • Does not adjust well enough to compensate differences between 30 to 40-yard shots

Related: There comes a time when any bowhunter faces windy conditions outdoors. We recommend you get yourself the Trophy Ridge Static Stabilizer included with a braided string. The device helps you to make steadier shots.

Check the price on Amazon

Trophy Ridge React Bow SightTrophy Ridge React Bow Sight

Price: Approx. $200

Pins: 5-pin

Weight: 11 oz

Specific features: Automatic calibration function, tool-less micro adjustment, rheostat light, Ballistix Copolymer system, built-in sight level, distance 20 to 60 yards

Best use: For beginners, intermediate archers, and seasoned bowhunters

Description: For the best bow sight for the money, you need the Trophy Ridge React. Compared to the previous two models the React does not have a universal design and you need to buy it either right- or left-hand mountable. To help reduce the time sighting in the optic it has a micro-adjustment.

What does this mean for you? This means once you have calibrated the first pin to 20 yards and the second one to 30 yards it automatically calibrates the remaining pins to 40, 50, and 60-yards. You can adjust them manually as well. For increasing range, you can flip over the bow sight and you can adjust it both vertically and horizontal.

The pins have a .019-inch diameter and super bright. With the bright light it and gathers light well and great for low-light shooting. There are four green and one red pin. The rheostat light you can adjust from zero to bright and has a built-in sight level. For reducing vibration, the whole bow scope has a Soft Touch Ballistix Coating.

The downside is it weighs 11 oz and is on the heavy side. Mounting the bow sight is done with an Allen wrench and you received included an instruction DVD with a limited lifetime warranty.  

PROS:

  • Durable design
  • Versatile to use
  • Easy to mount

CONS:

  • Expensive

Related: If you are planning to use the React bow sight on your bow, you may also need an extra quiver to hold your arrows. We recommend you look at the Trophy Ridge Lite Arrow Quiver with customizable-mounting bracket.

Check the price on Amazon

HHA Sports 5000 Optimizer Lite Bow SightHHA Sports 5000 Optimizer Lite Bow Sight

Price: Approx. $130

Pins: Single-pin

Weight: 7.4 oz

Specific features: Tool-free adjustment, lever arm, pure aluminum construction, A.R.M.O.R pin technology, green sight ring, lifetime warranty, fiber cable measures 3 feet, level bubble  

Best use: Hunting and 3D shooting

Description: For a top bow sight, the HHA Sports 5000 Optimizer Lite received the Bowhunting World Reader’s Choice award. This is one of the best movable bow sights. This is a single pin adjustable optic and loaded with features. You can shoot from 20 – 80 yards with 5-yard increments.

The pins encapsulated with CNC machined aluminum and HHA designed the pin with A.R.M.O.R technology. The pin size is .019-inches and it weighs 7.4 oz. To move the pin it has a simple lever arm and with the A.R.M.O.R pin, it is durable to last a long time.  

You need no tools to adjust windage and elevation and it is easy to dial into yardage. Included you receive instructions that are easy to understand and helps with the distance setup. The instructions help you to understand the sticker tape found on the bow scope.

The fiber cable measures 3 feet in length and does not hamper your movement. Furthermore, the green sight ring helps you to hunt in low-light conditions. Another prime feature is the level bubble found on the inside to help level your bow.

PROS:

  • Quick and easy to adjust
  • Durable
  • Great to use in low-light conditions
  • Lightweight

CONS:

  • When the yardage changes you need to do manual adjustments

Related: If you are new to using a bow and decided on buying the best bow sight, why not buy the Trophy Whisker Kill Shot Arrow Rest to keep the arrow ready when you need it the most.

Check the price on Amazon

Trophy Ridge React-One Bow SightTrophy Ridge React-One Bow Sight

Price: $85 – $220

Pins: Single-pin

Weight: N/A

Specific features: Custom sticker kit, aluminum construction, Smart Pin Technology, sight level, second and third axis adjustable, tool-less micro adjustment, drive shaft knob, REACT technology

Best use: Target shooting, bowhunting

Description: With the aluminum construction of the Trophy Ridge React-One Bow Sight , you get a durable optic. For accuracy, it has Smart Pin technology. The sight level has a second and third  axis you can adjust. The REACT technology determines each pins gap automatically. The fiber optic pin has a bright 0.10-inch diameter.

Furthermore, it has a tool-less micro adjustment for windage and elevation. For mounting the scope, it has multiple mounting holes. To set the optic for a quick shot you can use the drive shaft knob to move it.

The range indicators visible and has a custom sticker kit for target acquisition. For distance, shooting it has a lock down feature with positive stop design at 20-yards. You can adjust the brightness of the rheostat light and includes a lifetime warranty.

PROS:

  • Setup is easy
  • Durable
  • Versatile
  • Can shoot out to 80 yards

CONS:

  • Is a little front heavy

Related: Every bowhunter needs only the best in hunting gear. We suggest you look at the HDX arrow rest to keep your arrows ready and available when out in the field.

Check the price on Amazon

IQ Micro Bow SightIQ Micro Bow Sight

Price: $80 – $220

Pins: 3-pin, 5-pin, or 7-pin

Weight: 7.4 oz

Specific features: RH or LH configuration, sight level, 2nd axis, Retina Lock technology, tool-less adjustable, fiber polymer construction

Best use: The IQ Micro bow sight will serve you well when used for hunting

Description: For a top bow sight the IQ Micro model, you can buy with 3-pin, 5-pin, or 7-pin. This is not a universal bow scope and you will need to buy either the RH or LH model. The pins have a .019-inch diameter and the sight has a built-in level to use for accuracy and control.

There is a 2nd axis you can adjust for sighting in the optic and you can use it with a rheostat sight light S15000. To rectify the torque to help with your shooting style it uses Retina Lock technology. This amazing technology helps you to shoot longer distances with tighter groups.

The elevation and windage have a tool-less adjustment designed with knobs that lock into place. The bow scope has a fiber polymer construction making the device weigh 7.4 oz. For the best sight position, the IQ Micro has a dual mounting design. Included with your purchase you receive a one-year warranty.

PROS:

  • Durable design
  • Looks great
  • The pins light up well
  • Helps improve your grouping

CONS:

  • The adjustment screws do not click and loosen this reduces the precision

Related: We mentioned earlier that you can use a rheostat light with the IQ Micro but you need to buy it separately. We suggest you look at this affordable IQ Universal Fit Archery LED Sight Light.

Check the price on Amazon

Great Deals LLC 3 Pin Bow SightGreat Deals LLC 3 Pin Bow Sight

Price: Approx. $15

Pins: 3-pin

Weight: N/A

Specific features: CNC machined aluminum, brass fiber optic, two vertical bars, universal design, markings for elevation and windage

Best use: For target shooting and hunting, the 3-pin bow sight is ideal

Description: The Great Deals LLC 3-pin Bow Sight is one of the best bow sights for the money. This is an affordable device designed with 6061-T6 CNC machined aluminum. The elevation is bright and has right to left markings.

The pins have a brass fiber composite with a .029-inch diameter in green and red. There is a bubble level with two vertical bars. The bow scope has a universal design suitable for both left- and right-handed users.

Furthermore, it has markings to adjust the elevation and windage. Compared to more expensive bow sights this one has a solid design with a mounting arm. The body of the device has a plastic construction.

For shooting in low-lighting conditions, this is not one of the best bow sights. The pins are large and have a small length to gather good light. The level is small and you may want to replace it with another model. If you are new to hunting with a bow this bow, scope works well until you need to find a replacement.

PROS:

  • The windage and elevation marks are great
  • Designed with a bubble level
  • Easy to adjust
  • Affordable

CONS:

  • The bubble level is small

Related: The 3-pin bow sight level is on the small side and if you need a larger one we suggest you look at the Cir-Cut Corporation Bow Sight Level with self-adhesive on it.  

Check the price on Amazon

Wrap Up

The most important gadget on any weapon is the sight. This helps you to see the target clearly for an accurate shot. We hope that our comparison of the best bow sights reviewed here help you to find one for your needs. All the models reviewed represent the best options available on the market.

Whether you need one for target practice or hunting these top bow sights will help you out to hit your target. In addition, if you feel we have left out an important bow sight here, please leave your feedback in our comments box below. We’d love to hear what you think.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kane Dane