Bow hunting is also a popular outdoor sport around the world, especially in America. In order to get accurate distance, hunters need to get rangefinder for help. According to price levels, there are low-end rangefinders, mid-range rangefinders, and high-end rangefinders. However, if you need only a basic one, you can save much money on getting a best cheap rangefinder for bow hunting, it is cheap in price but not in quality, you can always get a durable and long-lasting type through our review.
In this article, we give a review on the best cheap rangefinders for bow hunting, they are highly affordable and in a good performance, go on reading and you will get the most suitable type.
What Is the Best Cheap Rangefinder For Bow Hunting?
Best Cheap Rangefinders for Bow Hunting Comparison Chart
How to Pick the Best Cheap Rangefinder for Bow Hunting?
You might be aware that a rangefinder can increase the accuracy of your shots. With a high-quality rangefinder, you will be able to correct your shots for elevation. There are numerous models to choose from in the market. This means that it can be a tedious task for choosing the most reliable model. Before you decide on the best cheap rangefinder for bow hunting, you should consider these factors. When you follow this guide, you will be able to make a smart purchasing decision. Without further ado, let’s take a look at these factors.
Budget and quality of the rangefinder
The budget is arguably the first consideration that comes into your mind when buying anything. That’s the same case when it comes to rangefinders. Besides the budget, you should check for quality. Usually, bow hunting rangefinders are priced according to their quality. With that in mind, you are more likely to get exactly what you paid for. How can you narrow down your options? You should first decide on your spending limit. A reliable bow hunting rangefinder will accurately measure the horizontal distance.
Optics
It is considered as an essential aspect you should not forget. There is no doubt you would not want a rangefinder with inferior optics. You should go for a rangefinder that is capable of detecting the target while at the same time delivering accurate measurements regardless of the elevation.
Size and ease of use
Do you want to go for an extended hunting trip? In that case, you would still not want to carry a lot of gear more so if you are going to climb a hill. Most rangefinder manufacturers make lightweight and compact devices. Some of them are compact to the extent that you can tuck them into your pocket. The most common features that affect the size of rangefinders are the overall design, lens, and battery.
An easy to use rangefinder will allow you to line up your shot. You will work less on the device. In addition, all that you need to do in an easy to use rangefinder is pressing a button immediately after you have sighted the target. From there, you can glance at the small LCD screen.
6 Best Cheap Rangefinder for Bow Hunting Reviews
Bow hunting is one of the best and interesting hunting adventures you can enjoy in any hunting zones. And to accurately spot your hunting targets, hunters need to get a good rangefinder. Unlike other market products, rangefinders have price levels, which makes them easy and simple to buy. So, the variation in price carries a significant improvement in the new rangefinder features you purchase. And your hunting accuracy depends on the type of rangefinder you buy, but you can also purchase good options if you have an idea about the whole process.
The followings are top-rated rangefinders in affordable price for bow hunting use:
1. Bushnell Scout DX 1000 ARC 6 x 21mm Laser Rangefinder
| Specifications: |
|---|
| 6x magnification |
| Water/fog proof |
| Built in inclinometer provides ARC |
| Three modes |
This is actually a multipurpose rangefinder that uses not only for bow hunting but also for golfing and rifle hunting. In terms of its performance in bow hunting and rifle hunting, it has several modes.
Rifle mode allows for setting holdover/ bullet-drop information for rifle’s zero, brush mode enables to pin on objects around bushes and boulders, ARC bow mode provides true horizontal distance out to 99 yards.
Scan mode enables you to get a constant updated view of multiple targets in a few seconds by pressing the mode button. Single one-button design eases the difficulty in operating the machine.
Range distance reaches up to 1000 yards so is perfect for long distance hunting. Affordable price is also another advantage of it.
Pros:
- Easy to operate
- Multiple purpose
- Compact, light and easy to hold
- Good optics
- Distance displays soon after pressing button
- ARC features pretty well
Cons:
- Black display makes it hard to see clearly in dark light
- Hard to get readings on objects 300 yards away
2. Nikon 16224 Arrow ID 3000 Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Range | up to 650 yards |
| Eye Relief | 20.3mm |
| Class 1 laser product | |
| Tru-Target Technology |
This is Nikon’s popular bow hunting laser rangefinder, costs around $200, its wonderful performance is far beyond its price.
Displayed in 1-yard increment, the maximum range of it reaches up to 650 yards. It has Incline/Decline technology to provide horizontal distance to the target even when different incline or decline shooting angles are ranged.
Long eye relief makes it the best hunting rangefinder with glasses, you can still get a natural and clear view with glasses on. Scan mode enables you to get 8 seconds of continuous measurement so that you can get updated measurement on multiple objects.
Its compact shape and ergonomic design feels good in hand, you can put it in pocket and case for protecting it from getting wet or knocking.
Pros:
- Easy to adjust diopter
- Long eye relief
- Pretty accurate
- Class 1 laser product
- Reasonable price
- Good quality optics
Cons:
Not as easy to switch between angle distance for bow hunter and actual distance
3. TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder
Specifications:
Range: measuring up to 540 yards
Size: 104 x 72 x 41 mm
Weight: 185g
6x magnification
This cheap bow hunting rangefinder has been regarded as the most worth buying type because of its far beyond performance and good quality level.
It has speed mode, scan mode, and hunt technology, speed mode offers you quick and precise distance readout, scan mode gives constantly updated distance measurement on multiple objects, it also compensates handshaking in using.
Maximum distance range it gives reaches up to 540 yards. Multilayered optics minimize loss of light and provide a clear natural vision for you. 6x magnification gives you a full field of view.
It weighs pretty light and compact, ergonomic design makes it feel good in the hand, you can easily put it in your pocket. For prolonging service life, it has an automatic shutoff system. Though charged around $100, it totally worth its price.
Pros:
- Lightweight, compact, ergonomic, easy to use
- Both perfect for bow hunter and golfer
- Continuous range display in scanning compensate handshaking in using
- Directions are easy to follow
- Shuts off automatically after a few minutes
- Read yardage instantly
Cons:
- Black readout makes it hard to read in the low light
- Just a basic range finder, hard to range through a tree with branches
4. Simmons 801600 Volt 600 Laser Rangefinder
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Range | 600 yards |
| 1-Yard accuracy | |
| Lens | 4 x 20mm |
| Class 1 laser with <1mW average power output |
This Simmons best laser rangefinder is also well known for its affordable price and good performance. 4x magnifications, though not as good as 6x or 8x, provide clear and natural views far away.
Optics are made clear and in good quality level, the black display shows accurate readings quickly and works perfectly in bright light. But in low dark light, you may need an OLED display type.
Maximum distance it ranges is up to 600 yards, with simple pushing of the only button, you get accurate distance display. It weights super light and compact, feel good in hand and is water resist. It is a cheap bow hunting laser rangefinder that meets basic needs only, not suitable for long range hunting or golfing. But for its price, it is totally worth.
Pros:
- Perfect for bow hunting
- Optics is super clear and accurate in wide open areas
- Quick and easy to range target
- Worth its price
Cons:
- not to be used for long-range rifle hunting or golf
- It won’t range through branches and brush
- Black display makes it hard to recognize in low light
5. Halo XL450-7 Hunting Rangefinder
Specifications:
6x magnification
450-yard reflective range
Class IIIA laser, 5 mW or less
Powered by CR2 Battery (Included)
This rangefinder is also the best one under $100, suitable for both bow hunting and gun hunting. It has 6x magnification to offer clear natural views.
It provides angle compensation to bring you great enjoyment on hunting. Both yards and meters of distance reading show on display. For targets around trees, it hits a tree line or hillside out to 450 yards, ranges a large animal out to 350 yards.
From its shape we will find that it is designed ergonomic, feels excellent in hand and is compact enough to be put in pocket. All black cover resists dirty for long time use. It comes with normal CR2 batteries, so you do not get trouble on constantly changing batteries all the time. Even in low light, its excellent LCD display makes it work as good as usual.
Pros:
- Compact size
- Works well in low light conditions
- Cheap price
- Easy to use
- Come with battery
Cons:
Eye relief is bad
6. Wosports Hunting Range Finder
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Range | 5-650 yards |
| 150 yards to a flag lock | |
| Lifetime customer support | |
| 1-Year Warranty |
This bow hunting range finder is also a camo cover type, apart from bow hunting, it can also be used for golfing for its golf mode. Turn it on and it locks on flag stick with slight vibration, remove all doubts of yours.
The scan mode can also be activated for getting a constant updated measurement on multiple targets. Clear and natural views are given by its good quality optics. It also comes with a belt and shotgun shell holder for easy use. If you have trouble in getting a readout in dark light as most black displays do, this red light OLED display will get you out of trouble.
Simple one-button design and compact shape make it pretty easy to operate in just one hand, and you can put it in the pocket for traveling conveniently.
Pros:
- Easy to read
- Clear view
- Excellent belt and shotgun shell holder
- Clear and easy to operate with gloves on
- Red light showing target point
- Good for hunting and golfing both
Cons:
It uses special battery
How Much is a Cheap Rangefinder for Bow Hunting?
Rangefinders are categorized into low-end, mid-end, and high-end rangefinders; each category has its pros and cons. But price plays a huge role in classifying them because from low-end to mid-end rangefinders, there is an improvement of viewing and zooming ability. A cheaper rangefinder for bow hunting is likely to cost you something between $50 to 100$ on an optimum market price. But these should not be your key considerations when looking for a rangefinder.
Try to compare different shops online or hunting stores in your town and pick the ones with better buying and discount terms. You only need a rangefinder if you aim, and sight is not that good, but if you have good accuracy, then a cheaper option will play the cards well for your hunting process.
Features of the Cheap Rangefinder for Bow Hunting
Most cheap rangefinders are designed to provide you with a better view, and here are some features that make up a cheap rangefinder for bow hunting.
1. E. S.P (Extreme Speed Precision)
These rangefinders are equipped with a high E.S. P tech that allows you to have up to ½ yard precision and 1/10th yard display and viewing precision. This means you can zoom in your target up x6 making it easy for you to shoot or locate your hunting targets. The rangefinders also have an in-built inclinometer which incorporates an ARC for better and clear visions.
2. Arc Bow Mode
The ARC bow mode is an incline ability that allows you to have a true horizontal distance within a hunting range of up to 99 yards. Anything in this distance will be displayed clearly in your rangefinder, thus giving you a clear and perfect shoot.
3. V.S.I (Variable In-sight)
This scan mode allows you to scan across the hunting field while viewing a continuously and visible display of the distance between your target and your bow. This feature also allows you to view targets in a mist or fog hunting grounds making it easier for you to locate a target.
4. Neck straps, Battery, and Carry case
Most cheap rangefinders come with an extra battery for back up if the inbuilt option fails to hold on for long. Most designs also come in carrying bags that makes them compatible for hunting and hiking. The carrier bag is designed to allow you to carry the rangefinder around easily.
5. Magnetic Attachment System
These rangefinders are designed in a way that you can attach them to your bow and align them with your arrows. Anything you view on the screen is the accurate target, and if you shoot, it has 100% accuracy. With cheap rangefinders or low-end middle-end rangefinders, all you need is to stick the finder in your bow, and you are ready to go. They are also designed with lightweight materials making them easy to carry around during and after hunting.
FAQ:
1. Is a Rangefinder Necessary for Bow Hunting?
The answer is yes. If you want to increase your accuracy, you will need a simple rangefinder to determine the range to a target. Most bow hunting experts have been claiming that indeed rangefinders are necessary as bows and arrows.
2. Is Rangefinder Bow Sight Legal in States?
It is good to know that bow sights are illegal in some states. However, there are still other states that allow the use of bow sights. Currently, it is permitted in 28 states in the United States of America. With that in mind, you should research the local laws before purchasing one.
Summary
Rangefinders types are various according to usages and price levels, there is a saying that you buy what you pay, but sometimes, you can get far beyond what you pay if selecting the right products.
Cheap price has always been attractive to customers, but its short using life and the poor quality level is also a headache thing. However, in order to save your time digging out undiscovered cost-effective products, we specially made this best cheap rangefinder for bow hunting review for you. Each of them is in a good quality level but suits only basic needs on bowhunting.
Top 3 Best Cheap Rangefinder For Bow Hunting
| Best | Type |
| Best all-around rangefinder | Bushnell Scout DX 1000 ARC 6 x 21mm Laser Rangefinder |
| Best cost effective rangefinder | Nikon 16224 Arrow ID 3000 Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder |
| Best cheap type | Halo XL450-7 Hunting Rangefinder |
If you want to know more about product specifications or want to get price details of each of them, please check freely on Amazon.
