Archery is a popular outdoor sport nowadays around the world; when you go out hunting with it, you will always need archery to help you determine the distance to your target.
There are also many types of best rangefinders for archery, some are equipped with angle compensation features, some are excellent in getting fast and accurate distance reading.
For different usages, you also need different ranges of range finders, thus in this article, we would like to give a detailed review on best rangefinders for archery, and give you tips on how to choose best archery rangefinders.
Do I Need Rangefinder for Archery Hunting?
If you are enthusiastic about archery hunting, then getting a laser rangefinder can never be a wrong choice. The laser rangefinder gives clear yardage in measuring the distance between you and the objects, reflected on the display screen. For some heavy-duty types, they offer slope angle compensation in meeting the complicated terrain for outdoor hunting.
During the process of archery hunting, the primary factor is the precision of distance. The top-rated archery rangefinders are capable of providing you with fast and precise yardage by pressing down the button. Anyway, your prey won’t stay where it is waiting to be hunted, that is why we strongly recommend you to get one with fast speed in measuring the distance.
Do not worry about the sizes, for nearly all the rangefinders you can find on the market are small enough to be held in hands easily. The simple operation design ensures that you can handle it with a single one hand even in busy hunting. Besides, to make it easier to use, some of the rangefinders allow you to fix it on the archery, which frees your hands so that you can fully focus on operating your archery.
How Do They Work?
Before comparing and choosing the best rangefinder for archery hunting, you need to make clear how they work. After all, they are not quite straightforward in use like archery – all you need is to pull the string and send the arrow out. The major types of archery rangefinders for sale are laser types, by emitting a small beam of light to your target, it measures the distances with the time it takes to bounce back on the machine.
There are two types of priorities, first priority and second priority( also known as distance priority). The first target priority is designed major for the golf course, it measures the objects near you in wide-open areas. The second priority is what you need for wild hunting. Because of the complicated terrain, you will need this priority to block the wood, trees, and grass so as to give you the exact distance of your prey.
Best Rangefinders For Archery Reviews
1. Bushnell Hunting Series Elite 1 Mile Laser Rangefinders
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| 7x magnification | |
| Range | 1760 yards |
| Diopter adjustable | |
| Variable Sight-In |
This archery rangefinder is regarded as top Bushnell rangefinder of high end types. Apart from archery, it can also be used for long range shooting system and hunting, also it is the most recommended best tactical rangefinder on the market.
The maximum range of it reaches up to 1760 yards with 1/10 yard display precision, pretty clear and high-quality optics gives you a natural and wonderful full view of sight. Accuracy is, of course, the most precision and it reads out pretty soon, takes no more than 2 seconds.
7x magnification gives you opportunities on ranging small objects far away. Unlike most archery rangefinder, it adopts special horizontal shape to make it more convenient for rifle and bow hunting use.
You can also connect with your smartphone and adjust modes through your phone, it is able to load up to three Custom Ballistic curves.
In a word, it is a definitely worth buying archery rangefinder, and the biggest cons of it is its high price. But performance of it is totally worth the price.
Pros:
- It offers wide range of angles that can be read
- Setup is pretty simple
- Sturdy and well built
- Fast target acquisition
- App is easy to use
Cons:
- When connect with phone, it sometimes stay disconnected
- The case is pretty tight, hard to get it out with glove
2. Leupold RX-1200i TBR/W with DNA Digital Laser Rangefinder
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Range | up to 1200 yards |
| Weight | 7.80oz |
| Eye Relief | 14mm |
| 6x magnification |
If you want to get a 6x magnification type for finding small targets, then you may consider this type. Powered by CR2 lithium camera battery, you can use it for pretty long time.
Advanced OLED technology enables you to read distance clearly and change light conditions for different usages. For archery or hunting use, it has a built-in inclinometer with TBR to calculate ballistic range to your target and display it as a holdover aim point.
Leupold high-performance DNA (Digitally Enhanced Accuracy) technology improves the accuracy of distance readings. Its rubberized armor and ergonomic grip design make it feel so comfortable in hand. Simple one-button eases your way of operating even with gloves on.
Pros:
- Very accurate, only 1/2 yards variations
- Ranging information is easy to see and sort out
- Perfect for archery
- Solid, easy to setup
Cons:
When getting long-distance readings, you need to hold steady all the time, a tripod may be helpful
3. Nikon Arrow ID 7000 VR Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.1 oz |
| Eye Relief | 18mm |
| Objective Lens | 21mm |
| Range | 1000 yards |
Nikon’s laser rangefinder for this type has also large range, it reaches up to 1000 yards thus is perfect for archery. First priority target mode and distant priority target mode can be changed easily for your needs, one suitable for closest targets aiming while the other is helpful when your target is around bushes or trees.
When you use it for uphill and downhill games, it adopts ID ( Incline/Decline) technology to provide horizontal distance to the target, which is also known as slope technology or angle compensation.
6x magnifications offer a wide range of views for you, and its long eye relief enables you to use it with glasses. If you are a shaky hand for some reason, then you are picking the right one. This one adopts Vibration Reduction technology to improve the accuracy of distance readings.
Pros:
- Accurate and fast distance reading
- Perfect for shaky hands
- Bright optics
- Long eye relief
- Long battery life
Cons:
A bit difficult in reading out the range in dark light
4. Bushnell Tour Z6 Golf Laser Rangefinder with JOLT
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Ranges | 5 - 1300 yards |
| 450+ yards to flags | |
| 6x magnification | |
| Fully waterproof |
This laser rangefinder is quite popular for its excellent performance and reasonable price. Equipped with JOLT technology, it gives slight vibration when you hit the flag, removing all the doubt of yours.
With second-generation E.S.P. and vivid display technology, it provides you with a bright and clear view through its good quality optics. The distance readout is also very fast and accurate, it takes only about 2 seconds.
Red display instead of normal black type enables you to have a clear readout in dark situations. It is designed to be compact and light, so you can take it anywhere you want. The simple one-button design makes it easier to operate with a single one hand.
Pros:
- Attractive design
- Instant readout
- Super easy and fast to find the pin
- 6x magnification
- Long battery life
- Sturdy and has a good grip
Cons:
- It takes some clicks to recognize the pin
- It gives a tenth of the yard in short distant
5. Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.6”x2.9”x1.5” |
| Weight | 4.4 ounces |
| Range | 5-500m/6-550 yd |
| Accuracy | ±1m/yd |
This Nikon laser rangefinder for archery is the most compact type in its products line, feels good in the hand and can be operated with one hand easily, but you may need to hold it steady in using for its small shape.
Two buttons are set to ease your way on adjusting modes, it has 6x magnification to give a natural view on small objects far away, suitable for both archery bow hunting and golf use.
Distant target priority mode is equipped, meaning that you can measure the target around bushes and tall trees. It gives 20 seconds scanning for fast readout on multiple objects.
Multilayer coated design reduces loss of light due to reflection, and thus offers you natural and clear views.
Pros:
- Entry level type
- Long eye relief
- Clear glass optics
- 8 seconds auto shutoff
- Single button operation
- Ultra compact shape
Cons:
Hard to stabilize on one object
6. Bushnell 202442 The Truth ARC 4x20mm Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Deer | 7-200 Yards |
| Tree | 7-600 Yards |
| Reflective | 7-850 Yards |
| 3-Volt CR123 battery included |
This rangefinder is designed with black as main color, suitable to be used as archery rangefinders in woods or bushes. It is pretty small and compact, fits perfectly in your pocket and feels steady in hand.
4x magnification gives you clear and natural views in hunting. Equipped with ARC technology, it determines compensated distance of your angle, and provides true horizontal distance from 5 to 99 yards.
There is a dot display on the screen to show the maximum height your arrow travels. ClearShot technology gives instant feedback on shot clearance, thus no obstructions or branches are hit in the hunting process.
Super long battery life prolongs your enjoyment on outdoor wildlife, however, its black display may be a trouble thing at night, so you’d better use it in bright light conditions.
Pros:
- Quality optics
- Easy to use
- Shows angles of shot in the process
- Small, compact and light weight
- Super long battery life
- ARC angle range compensation
Cons:
Black display makes it hard to recognize in dark light
7. Bushnell Scout DX 1000 ARC 6 x 21mm Laser Rangefinder
| Specifications: |
|---|
| 6x magnification |
| Water/fog proof |
| Built in inclinometer provides ARC |
| Three modes |
As a multipurpose rangefinder, this one can be used for archery, golf and rifle hunting. It has several different targeting modes, including scan, rain, reflector, bullseye and brush, each fits different using conditions.
It is fully waterproof, along with its rubberized grip, you can use it on rainy days also. Bow mode offers true horizontal distance while rifle mode keeps you to program holdover/ bullet drop. The maximum range of it reaches up to 1000 yards, and speed on reading out distance is super fast.
Compatible with magnetic attachment system for its case, it reduces less noisy when taking it out. For ranging targets around bushes and tall trees, brush mode can help you in ignoring it, while scan mode offers constantly updated measurements on multiple objects in a few seconds.
Pros:
- Easy to operate
- Multiple purposes
- Compact, light and easy to hold
- Good optics
- Distance displays soon after pressing button
- ARC features pretty well
Cons:
- The black display makes it hard to see clearly in dark light
- Hard to get readings on objects 300 yards away
8. Simmons 801600T Volt 600 Laser Rangefinder with Tilt
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Range | 600 yards |
| Lens | 4 x 20mm |
| 1-Yard accuracy | |
| Class 1 laser with <1mW average power output |
This rangefinder is quite affordable and cheap in price, but it does not mean bad performance. It is made of hard plastic, which is quite durable and long-lasting. Its small and compact shape enables you to bring it anywhere you want.
With good tilt technology, you can get angle compensation for uphill and downhill games but is only useful at 99 yards. Good and quality optics give you clear and natural views.
Being an entry-level rangefinder for archery, it meets your basic needs and is also useful for golfing and bow hunting in wide-open areas. If you intend to use it in woods or bushes, you need to get a better one with distant target priority mode, for this one picks up nearly all the target expect all black.
In a word, it is a worth buying rangefinder for archery if you are a beginner, and its quality level suits its price perfectly.
Pros:
- Small and compact
- Good tilt technology
- Batter level indicator
- It picks up almost every target expect all black
- Has “true horizontal distance” feature
- Works fine for archery and bow hunting
Cons:
Tilt function is only useful at 99 yards
9. Halo XL450-7 Hunting Rangefinder
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| 6x magnification | |
| Range | 450 yards |
| Class IIIA laser, 5 mW or less | |
| Powered by CR2 Battery |
If you want a cheap but functional type, this is a good choice. It costs no more than $100, but is more overvalue than other mid range types to some extent even.
It has 6x magnification to have a natural view on small objects in hunting and golfing. With ergonomic design, it feels perfectly in hand and can be taken around conveniently.
Altogether there are four modes display on the screen, including yard normal, yards with AI, meters, and meters with AI. The maximum reflective range is 450 yards. The optics are made super clear and easy to read out the distance. However, its eye relief is poor, you may find it difficult to read out distance with glasses on.
Pros:
- Compact size, easy to use, come with a battery
- Works well in low light conditions
- Cheap price
Cons:
Eye relief is bad
10. SIG Sauer Kilo850 4x20mm Laser Rangefinder
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| 4x Magnification | |
| Range | 1,200 yards |
| Objective lens | 20mm |
| Angle Modified Range |
If you know a bit about rangefinder, you may not strange with the brand Sig Sauer. It is equipped with Lightwave DSP technology that ranges objects up to 1200 yards, quite a long distance that makes it a good choice as a hunting or archery rangefinder.
In order to minimize the difficulty in operation, it uses two buttons including Range and Mode only, so you can use it when gloves on. HyperScan technology enables you to provide constantly updated measurements in a few seconds on multiple objects.
The on-board inclinometer is used to read the incline/decline angle and offers angle compensation on uphill and downhill games without changing your positions.
4x magnification offers you a good chance of viewing objects far away. With rubberized grip, it does not feel cheap in hand.
Pros:
- Gets range pretty quickly
- Very good for the price point and very functional
- measures both angle-adjusted & line-of-sight measurements
- 2 button only
- Fast and accurate
- Do not feel cheap in hand
Cons:
- Black display
- Not waterproof
Best Rangefinders For Archery Price
The price of each best archery rangefinder varies according to its performance and quality level. Some high-end types are perfect in their fast and precise distance reading, while low-end types are wonderful for beginners to use.
In order to help you choose the best archery rangefinder according to your budget, we classified all above best rangefinders for archery into different price levels as follow:
High-end types around $300:
Bushnell Hunting Series Elite 1 Mile Laser Rangefinders
Leupold RX-1200i TBR/W with DNA Digital Laser Rangefinder
Nikon Arrow ID 7000 VR Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder
Mid Range Types around $200:
Bushnell Tour Z6 Golf Laser Rangefinder with JOLT
Bushnell 202442 The Truth ARC 4x20mm Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder
Bushnell Scout DX 1000 ARC 6 x 21mm Laser Rangefinder
Low-end types around $100:
Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder
Simmons 801600T Volt 600 Laser Rangefinder with Tilt
Halo XL450-7 Hunting Rangefinder
SIG Sauer Kilo850 4x20mm Laser Rangefinder
High-end types are the most expensive types that are more functional and have large distance range, they are quite precision in distance readout and can be used for multiple purposes.
Mid end types are mostly around $200, they are also equipped with good clear optics and perform in excellent conditions.
Low-end types are normally laser range finders for archery under $200, they are perfect to be used as entry-level distance devices, because of their basic and simple design. We also made a detailed review of best archery rangefinders under $200 for you as a reference.
How to Choose Best Rangefinders For Archery
Price is always regarded as the primary and priority factor in choosing best rangefinders for archery, because of the saying, “You buy what you pay.” Normally the most expensive products are the best products on the market, however, it is not always right.
Archery rangefinders vary according to their usages and functions, some are suitable for long-distance use, some are perfect in finding targets in bushes and trees, while some are brilliant in getting small objects used for golfing.
Therefore, on getting the best archery rangefinders, there are some factors you need to take into great consideration apart from price.
1. Brands
As is known to us all, many famous brands are on the market all over the world, Bushnell, Nikon, Sig Sauer, Leupold, etc. It is hard to tell which exactly brand makes the best archery rangefinders. Yet each brand expert on certain functions, and make clear of their advantages in producing can be a wise pre-work before selecting.
Apart from that, for top-rated rangefinder brands, what we could compare is after-sale service and warranty. You may never want to use these rights but it is a must-thing your unit should have. A brand with a more satisfying service will bring you the best purchasing experience. We have made a detailed comparison of top-rated rangefinder brands that you can find through our reviews.
2. Quality
Getting a high-quality machine will save a lot of money and its long expectancy life saves trouble on buying brand new types again and again. However, for rangefinders, we need to pay much attention to the quality of optics, it depends on user experience greatly. With a clear and good optics, you will get a natural view and readout is quite clear.
3. Range
The rangefinder is used to measure the distance of your targets, for different machines, their reflective range is also different. The normal range for golf is quite short, you need no more than 450 yards in golf sports. However, the archery and bowhunting can be a bit far in yardage measurement, the maximum range of 650 yards can be a perfect choice. The rifle hunting requires a long-distance rangefinder to measure the distance far away in the wild.
Apart from that, you should also know that the maximum range labeled on the machine is not the range you should calculate in the range choosing. The outdoor hunting acquires complicated weather conditions, including wind, rainy and other factors that may disturb the range, and sharpens 10% of the labeled range. therefore, you need to take all these into considerations before choosing.
4. Magnification
Magnification is a technology adopted on the rangefinder to get a natural and clear view for faraway targets, some large types such as 6x, 7x and 8x work perfectly on getting small objects, while low types such as 4x or 5x meet the daily demand on archery or hunting use.
5. Water Proof
The rangefinder is normally used outdoor, facing complicated outdoor weather such as rain and snow, some features such as waterproof and fog proof can be a good help.
6. Size and Ease of Use
During the hunting process, you won’t want your hands full of stuff that feeling hard to spare space for aiming at the prey as well as shooting your prey with archery. Most of the modern laser rangefinders are designed to be compact and small in shape, some are no larger than smartphones, which enables you to place it in your pocket and backpack. Of course, apart from the original design, lens and battery will also influence the size and weight of the gear.
In terms of using difficulty, discard those with complicated design. You need to get precise and fast distance reading at around one second, that means an easy-to-operate machine is pretty important. It should be designed with simple buttons, and toggling between different modes have to be straightforward.
7. Other Function
There are many functional rangefinders on the market, including multiple modes such as distant target priority mode and scan mode. Apart from that, for convenient use on uphills and downhills, most of the units are designed with slope technology, giving angle compensations for you. If you need that type, you can read our best archery rangefinder with angle compensation review.
Other Accessories You Will Need For Archery Hunting
Best Archery Rangefinder Sight Reviews
#1.
Garmin Xero A1 Bow Sight
Features:
- Automatically measuring the distance to your target and reflecting on the display
- LED pins for a clear vision
- Single-button trigger brings maximum convenience
- Multiple selections on the pin
#2.
Burris Optics Oracle Bowsight
Features:
- Built-in rangefinder to offer exact distance readout
- Precise aiming point for any of the objects and distances
- Durable and wear-resistance with all-aluminum cover
- Comes with a 20-yard pin and vertical bar
#3.
Truglo Range-Rover Pro LED Bow Sight
Features:
- Adjustable slider sight
- Illuminated green LED aiming point
- Adjustable for right and left-hand shooters
- Fast and precise yardage adjustment
- Glow-in-the-dark shooter’s ring
#4.
TRUGLO Range-Rover Series Single-Pin Moving Bow Sight
Features:
- Clear and circular sight picture thanks to the all-metal pin
- Fully protected wrapped fiber to prolong the service life
- 1.87″ scope lens
- Easy one-hand adjustment
- Adjustable for RH-LH shooters
#5.
Trophy Ridge Fix Series Sight
Features:
- Micro-adjustable pins for super-precision
- 0.19 horizontal fiber optics pins
- Second-axis adjustment for measuring longer distances
- Multiple brightness options for meeting different shooting conditions
Summary
Top 3 Best Rangefinders For Archery
| Best | Type |
| Best long distant tactical type | Bushnell Hunting Series Elite 1 Mile Laser Rangefinders |
| Best cost-effective type | Bushnell Tour Z6 Golf Laser Rangefinder with JOLT |
| Best affordable type | Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder |
If you have an interest in the above recommended best rangefinders for archery or want to get an updated price, please check on Amazon freely.
