Top 12 Best Rangefinders For Bow Hunting Reviews with Different Price Levels

In terms of rangefinders on the market, there are normally two types come into our minds because of their usage, one is for golf and the other is for hunting, no matter for bow hunting or rifle hunting. However, usage of rangefinders is not limited, golf rangefinders can be used for hunting and vice versa.

Rifle hunting and bowhunting are also two different sports, but there is no much difference between the two sorts of rangefinders. Bowhunting rangefinders tend to require less range than rifle types do.

In order to help you choose the one that suits your needs mostly, we have made this best rangefinder for bow hunting reviews.

Quick View on Top 12 Best Rangefinders For Bow Hunting

Do I Need A Rangefinder For Bow Hunting?

Well, the answer is Definitely Yes! Go for hunting without a rangefinder is like walking without eyes, you do not know where to take your shot and what is the perfect aim. A rangefinder is a device for measuring the exact distance between you and the target. Some functional all-around rangefinders offer not only precise yardage but also angle calculation when you are hunting uphill or downhill.

What You Should Know on Best Rangefinders For Bow Hunting

Picking the perfect laser rangefinder is not that easy, in order to get the most out of every penny, there is something you need to be well aware of before getting the one.

How Do They work?

How do the rangefinders work? Well, there are three types widely used on the market, which includes laser rangefinder, optical rangefinder, and infrared rangefinder. Among the three, a laser rangefinder is popularly used for wild hunting because of its compact shape and easy operation.

Laser rangefinder emits a small and focused beam of light towards your target; when touching the objects, it reflects back to the machine. The time it takes in the process is used to measure the exact distance through you and the target.

Be Aware of Priority

In terms of a laser rangefinder, there are two priorities modes you should understand. This concept can be confusing if you are a beginner in wild hunting, yet understanding it can be pretty easy and straightforward.

• First target priority – It is designed to measure the objects on open and unobstructed areas such as golf courses. Since nothing stands between you and the object, the machine gives direct distance readout once it touches the target.
• Second target priority – Also known as distant target priority. Unlike the first target mode, this one is capable of measuring the further distance when two objects come into view at the same time. That is exactly why you will need it in outdoor hunting when your target is surrounded by woods or grasses.

Determine Your Usages

After getting deeper knowledge on the priority and working principle of the rangefinder, you should now find out the usage actually determines the type you should get. Let’s say you are using it for golf, then there is no need to search one with second priority mode, try to find the ideal one through best golf laser rangefinders review.

However, if you are aiming to use it for available tools in bow hunting, then there are more factors to take into considerations. The priority is still the first thing, go directly to the second priority device! Plus, what is the range that you need? For long-range like 1000 yards or 1500 yards, or for the short-range as within 650 yards? Know your purpose before buying and that determines whether the machine is available or not.

Know Your Budget

When searching the best rangefinders on the market, you will find there is a multiple price range. From $70 to $500, from basic one to the functional one, you can always get the ideal one once you determined your price range before!

How Does a Bow Hunting Laser Rangefinder Work?

All laser rangefinders work using the same concept of bouncing back of the laser beam. The beam of laser light is sent from the range finder’s push-button, and it will travel towards the target at high speed. The light will then bounce back to its initial point while the range finder is calculating the total time it took the beam to travel and back, then from the result, it can be able to tell the distance from the object.

Are Laser Rangefinders Safe for Bow Hunting?

Most people are very concerned with their eye safety when it comes to using a laser range finders. Laser ranges finders that have been graded to be used by a consumer is always safe. The laser rangefinder devices available in the market are classified into classes 1 and 2, which is considered safe for eye-health. Despite this fact, users must avoid direct laser contact with their eyes. There are military-grade rangefinders that exceed class 2 energy levels and may be harmful to the user’s eyes.

What Does the Reflective Target in Bow Hunting Rangefinder Mean?

A reflective target is any targeted object that is able to reflect back the light when focused. These are objects like glass, metals, or wet rocks within the lake among other objects. Different range finders come with varying reflective object focusing capabilities classified in terms of yards.

Are Golf Rangefinders Different from Bow Hunting Rangefinder?

There is a slight difference between a golf rangefinder with bow hunting rangefinder. The difference is brought about by the target mode. Golf range finders utilize a “First Target Mode” that enables it to focus and detect close objects such as the flag and pin during golf play. For bow hunting rangefinders, they are focused on distant targets, and that is why they always come with a “Distant Target Mode” this makes them avoid close objects and focus on distant targets during hunting games.

Best Rangefinders For Bow Hunting Reviews

Best rangefinders for bow hunting prices vary for their performance and range. Some are high-level types used for professional and long-range hunting, some are in mid-level used widely in different applications, some, however, are pretty cheap and meet the basic needs of bowhunting.

Therefore, to save your time selecting among different types on the market, we have sorted out top rated rangefinders for bow hunting of three price levels, you can just choose with your budget.

We mainly divided best bow hunting rangefinders into three types, including cheap type, rangefinder under 200, and under 500.

Best Cheap Rangefinder For Bow Hunting

1. TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder

TecTecTec is a new rising brand on producing cost effective rangefinders, it costs no more than $100 and meet all the basic needs on bow hunting. It is specially designed into camo type, along with water resistance performance, it can be used in complicated outdoor weathers.

Light-weighted and ergonomic shape design make it feel comfortable when holding in hand, 6x magnification gives you clear and natural views outdoor. Multilayer optics reduce the loss of light as much as possible, it provides you clear distance readout.

For getting an accurate measurement, you can use the scan mode, it provides you with rapid distance readout in a few seconds on multiple objects. The auto-shutoff system prolongs battery life as long as possible.

As a best bow hunting rangefinder for the money, this one is perfectly worth its money and serves well for entry level players.

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2. Halo XL450-7 Hunting Rangefinder

This bow hunting rangefinder is also a basic type, equipped with angle intelligence technology, you can get accurate measurement on uphill and downhill games in hunting.

The maximum distance it ranges up to 450 yards, making it perfect for bow hunting. 6x magnification offers you clear wide views. Though in cheap price, optics and performance are all made with a brilliant level, and that is why it is so popular and gets widely praised.

It is quite light weighted, ergonomic shape design feels comfortable when holding in hand. But its plastic material makes it look quite cheap. However, for getting a quality best bow hunting rangefinder for the money, you are finding a perfect one.

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3. Wosports Hunting Range Finder

This is a multi-functional laser rangefinder, you can use it for both golf and hunting. It measures distance from 5 to 650 yards. Scan mode gives you constant readout in a few seconds.

It offers clear and accurate distance pretty quickly, pressing down the range button and it shows measurement in just a few seconds. Simple button design makes it easy to operate even with gloves on.

For golf use, there is also a flag lock to give slight vibration once you lock on objects. In hunting, a red light appears to show the target point. The major cons are that it uses special battery, which means changing battery can be a trouble thing.

Anyway, it is a worth recommending rangefinder for bow hunting, you can easily get it within $100.

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Best Bowhunting Rangefinder Under 200

1. Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder

This Bow hunting laser rangefinder is the lightest and the most compact one on the market, it is as small as a smart phone, so you can put it into your pocket anywhere you go. Maximum distance it ranges up to 650 yards, you can use it for bow hunting, gun hunting and also target shooting.

Apart from its compact shape, its optics are well worth praising. Inherited with excellent optics quality levels on camera and binocular, this distance ranging device is also equipped with brilliant optics. It offers you the most natural sights.

20 seconds continuous scan gives you the chance of getting rapid distance readout on multiple objects. The auto-shutoff system enables it to be much more efficient in power consumption.

It has long eye relief, which is suitable for glasses wearer to use. Its simple design and high cost effective feature makes it a perfect entry level type.

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2. Simmons 801600 Volt 600 Laser Rangefinder

This laser rangefinder is a light weighted type, you can hold it easily in hand when using. Its hard plastic coating makes it perfectly to be used in outdoor complicated weathers. Simple button design makes it simple to use with gloves on.

Optics are pretty clear and accurate in wide-open areas, when in places full of woods and forests, it may pin on other objects and give false distance readout. The black display makes it hard to recognize in dark light, but in bright light, it works perfectly.

It ranges up to 600 yards, suitable for short range hunting but not for long range type. 4x magnification offers you wide field of sights in using.

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Best Hunting Bow Under 500 Reviews

1. Bushnell 202442 The Truth ARC 4x20mm Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder 

Bushnell bow hunting laser rangefinder of this type has brilliant optics, its 4x magnification offers you wide field of sight. Reflective range is from 7 to 850 yards, for deer, it ranges up to 200 yards. Maximum distance ranges up to 600 yards for trees.

If you intend to play it on uphills and downhills, its ARC technology offers angle compensated based on the degree of slope. It is capable of shooting over obstacles without adjusting your positions.

Simple button design with a clear mark on it eases your way of using it. If you are wearing gloves for outdoor use, you can still operate with a single one hand. Bow mode offers you the angle of the shot. And there is a dot showing maximum height your arrow travels.

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2. Bushnell Scout DX 1000 ARC 6 x 21mm Laser Rangefinder

This bow hunting rangefinder is pretty simple to operate with one button set on. It is a mid-level type that resists nearly all weather conditions. 6x magnification offers you a full field of views in hunting.

When adjusting to bow mode, it provides true horizontal distance without adjusting your positions. Rifle mode offers bullet-drop/holdover in inches. It has also scan mode to get the accurate distance for continuous measuring.

It ranges pretty long, reaching up to 1000 yards. If you intend to hunt in bushes or forests, it has brush mode to ignore tree branches and woods, so that accurate distance readout can be given.

It shows distance in just a few second by pressing down the main button. Optics are pretty clear and distance readout can be shown clearly. However, for object over 300 yards away, it may be hard to pin on easily.

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3. Bushnell G-Force DX ARC 6 x 21mm Laser Rangefinder

This laser rangefinder for bow hunting looks quite the same as the above Scout DX series especially in appearance, both are designed with camo coatings, perfect for outdoor hunting.

Simple one-button design speeds up the time on changing modes and settings in hunting, you can operate it even with gloves on. There are two modes can be chosen, one is bow mode, it gives the highest point of travel of arrow. The other is rifle mode, you can adjust holdover and turret for scope.

It weighs pretty light, small and compact shape enables it to be taken anywhere you go. Optics are quite clear, along with its 6x magnification, you can have a wide field of sight on your prey.

On uphill and downhill hunting, it also offers angle compensation based on degree of slope. Red light is pretty helpful in distance readout in dark light. Also, it ranges relatively long, up to 1300 yards.

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4. Leupold RX-1200i Tbr Rangefinder 

This Leupold bow hunting rangefinder is another long range device that reaches 1200 yards. Altogether two buttons are set the machine, one is for mode, while the other is for range. You can easily change the mode and get distance measurement with single one hand even with gloves on.

A fully multi-coated lens reduces the loss of light and improves the lightness of the display. OLED display enables you to use perfectly in dark light. Its eye relief is a bit short, so it may be quite hard to use for those who wear glasses in use.

Armored housing keeps it comfortable when holding in hand. It also provides you with a true ballistic range. If you attempt to use it for rifle hunting, it shows shooting angles to you as well.

If you are not familiar with a yard, you can toggle between yard and meter casually based on your appearance.

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5. Nikon Arrow ID 7000 VR Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder

This laser rangefinder is also a top-rated type for bow hunting use, it measures distance up to 1000 yards. There are two modes you can choose, distant target priority mode helps measure objects around trees and bushes, while first target priority mode gives accurate distance on small near targets.

6x magnification gives a full field of sights in hunting, and you can also get a closer look at your prey with it. One feature that needs mentioning most is for optical VR (Vibration Reduction) technology, it stabilizes the image and gets a more precise measurement, thus it is perfect especially for shaky hands.

Advanced ID technology enables it to use for uphill and downhill games, it offers angle compensation according to the degree of slope. Vivid red light enables you to use it in dark light.

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6. Nikon (16229) Prostaff 3I Rifle Range Finder

This laser rangefinder is pretty compact and small, designed with ergonomic shape, when holding it in hand, you will feel so comfortable and soft. Simple two buttons design eases your way of changing modes and settings in busy hunting.

Incline/decline technology offers you angle compensation based on the degree of slope. The first target priority mode enables you to range small objects, distant target priority mode helps you to range objects around bushes and trees.

Optics are made pretty clear, large 18mm ocular gives a fast view when seconds count. Maximum range it measures up to 650 yards, suitable for short range bow hunting and especially rifle hunting. Thanks to its good performance, it can be used for gun hunting, bow hunting and also for target shooting.

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7. Vortex Optics Ranger Laser Rangefinders

This laser rangefinder is a long distance bow hunting rangefinder, ranging up to 1300 yards. It is pretty easy to use, with two single buttons set on, you can get distance measurement and change modes easily with one hand.

It has HCD mode to give angle compensated distance, for uphills and downhills games, it calculates and adjusts distance according to the degree of slopes. If you want to get an accurate measurement of multiple objects, it has scan mode that can be chosen.

It is designed pretty compact and small, ergonomic shape enables you to hold it steady and comfortable. A fully multi-coated lens reduces the loss of light and brings light and clear sights for you.

It resists water and fog, thus you can operate in any complicated weather conditions, three brightness settings can be chosen for stay visible in various light conditions. Both yards and meters can be seen.

 

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How Can Bow Hunting Rangefinders Help You in the Hunting Field?

Bow hunting rangefinders are very functional gears when it comes to hunting. The range finders utilize its laser to measure the actual distance from your target. The laser is sent from your strategic position to the locations of the intended targets, then the range finder estimates the actual distance and displays it on the user’s display. The estimated distance is always accurate, and it helps you to place an ethical shot as possible.

The range finder will provide you with the actual distances for a proper shot in long-range shooting, making you confident with your aim.

Bow Hunting Range Finder Actual Distances Vs. Horizontal Distances

A horizontal vs. actual distance measuring system is an additional feature offered by several rangefinders. This is very functional during hunting in steep inclines or declines. When aiming in uphill or downhill, you will find that actual distances are always longer than the horizontal distances.

Buying Guides on Best Rangefinders For Bow Hunting

Nowadays, there are many bow rangefinders on the market, some are functional and some range pretty long, each used for different applications and usages. In order to help you decide which one features your needs, here we give some factors that you need to consider before buying.

1. Brand

There are many top-rated rangefinders brands on the market, such as Bushnell, Nikon, and Leupold, etc. They are highly praised for brilliant producing level, worth trusting products and thoughtful after-sale service. Choosing the best rangefinder brand is especially important, we have made detailed reviews on certain top-rated brands for you.

2. Range

For different usages and applications, the range of rangefinder you need is also different. Bow hunting rangefinder requires less range than a rifle.

3. LCD light

There are basically two types of display light, one is a black display and the other is a vivid red display. The black display is quite useful in bright light, while the red display enables you to use it in dark light.

4. Shape and weight

Bow hunting is an outdoor activity, you need to take rangefinders around anywhere you go. If you get one that is quite heavy, it can be a trouble thing in taking it around. Therefore, we suggest you get a light weighted one with an ergonomic shape.

5. Price

Actually, this is the primary thing that customers consider the most. Expensive types are normally functional and have a large range, while cheap types are less functional, but there are also many cost-effective types you can choose.

Most cheap rangefinders can mean low performance when it comes to laser divergence. As seen from most cheap range finders, users are likely to experience broad and unclear laser divergence towards the target while most expensive range finders always offer clear and to the point, minimal laser divergence that helps in concentration towards the target.

6. Function

Scan mode gives continuously updated distance in a few seconds, distant target priority mode enables you to range objects around bushes and woods, first target priority mode helps you to pin on small objects. Apart from different modes, several advanced technologies are also adopted such as vibration reduction, Incline/decline technology for slope distance. If you are an amateur player who needs a basic type, you can choose one less functionally. In a word, different functions of its point to different applications, you can select one that meets your demand most.

7. Magnification

Magnification is used to get a clear and wide view, for bow hunting, we would like to suggest a 4x type instead of 6x, for it has a wider field of view that is perfect for bow hunting use.

8. Waterproof models

Mostly when hunting, you expect to play in all-weather seasons even during rainy days or fog events. It would help if you considered a range finder that is waterproofed and appropriately rugged. Remember, not all rangefinders in the market offer this functionality. It is better if you buy a range finder with this capability at any price that comes with it.

9. Image stabilization

Keeping in mind that you will be hunting in varying light conditions, it is better to have a range finder with better light and image stabilization. It will be wise for you to look for an option that offers better angle compensation too, especially if you are hunting in areas full of thick brush.

Summary

Price Level	Type
Best cheap type	Halo XL450-7 Hunting Rangefinder
Best one under $200	Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder
Best one under $500	Bushnell 202442 The Truth ARC  Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder

If you want to know more about product specifications or want to get an updated price list, please feel free to check on Amazon.

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