Comparison of the 5 Best Bow Hunting Range Finders
Here’s a summary of our top picks if you’re in a hurry.
Over the last few years, laser rangefinder technology has undergone significant improvement.
They are now more rugged in design, faster than ever before, and have advanced technology, yet they are still simple to use as ever.
Range finders are standard tools these days that good hunters are investing in. So why should you invest in a rangefinder?
Well, for one, a rangefinder takes the guesswork out of your hunting and allows you to get closer to your prey without mistakenly snapping that twig.
It also helps you improve your estimation skills and prep for hunting.
In the following guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best bow hunting rangefinders on the market and why you should invest in them.
Best Bow Hunting Range Finder – Reviews & Buying guide for 2022
Overall Winner: Halo Laser Range Finder With 6X Magnification
Benefits
The Halo XL450-7 is an imperative hunter’s tool.
Irrespective of whether you are a bow hunter that’s concerned about angle compensation for that long yard shot a rifle hunter that wants to get an accurate read for a 200-yard shot; this affordable tool will give you fast and accurate readings.
You’ll achieve better focus thanks to the eyepiece that allows you to twist, and it comes with a CR2 battery that should last you over a year, depending on how you use it.
Compare this to the most expensive brands, and you’ll see that it is superior to any other brand out there.
This amazing Halo tool will allow you to hit a tree line or hillside out to 450 yards and also provides you with an adequate range to target a large animal out to 350 yards.
It’s extremely handy and capable of providing distance readouts in both meters and yards.
With the Halo XL 450-7, you’ll feel confident enough to hit every shot you take this season. It’s a crucial hunting tool that doesn’t leave anything to chance and gives you an accurate distance to target.
Pros
- Fast and accurate readings
- 450 yards range
- CR2 battery that lasts over a year
Cons
- Range gets out of focus
Runner Up: TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder
Benefits
The TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder allows you to get closer to your target without even taking a single step forward.
It’s designed for hunting and can measure both speed and distance. Ultimately this tool gives hunters the distance that’s needed for accurate shots. So you never need to worry about spooking your target.
There’s no need to guess the distance when using the pro-wild tool. The laser rangefinder provides speed and measurement accuracy within +/-1 yard so that you can find the distance to the target.
Just taking one look through the multi-layer lens will give you a complete idea of your environment and surroundings so you can bring your hunt up to the optimal level.
This rangefinder also comes equipped with a pouch, wrist strap, CR2 long-lasting battery, as well as a microfiber cleaning cloth that helps you get set up quickly and easily.
Pros
- Speed, scan and hunt technology
- Lightweight and portable
- 540 yard range
Cons
- Range is not 100% accurate
Alternative: BIJIA Hunting Rangefinder
Benefits
The BIJIA Hunting Rangefinder measures distance, angle, speed, and continuous scan.
However, it can also flag lock and slope correction. So it is ideal for both golfers and hunters alike. The laser range has distance measure and speed measure.
So it can accurately target ranges from 5 to 650 yards. It also gives hunters the distance data that is necessary for accurate shots.
This rangefinder also has golf mode was advanced pin seeker technology and seek a technology that ranges accurately from 5 to 150 yards to flag a lock.
It has fast measurement and accuracy thanks to its premium quality build.
There’s also a continuous scan mode that provides premium, multilayered, and ultra-clear optics that’s easy to read through the lens display.
It offers continuous measurement mode for faster and more effective measurements.
The range finder is designed for hunting, racing, golf, bird watching, climbing, shooting as well as engineering measurements.
Pros
- Measures speed and distance
- Flag locking function
- Slope correction
Cons
- Been known to lose accuracy
Alternative: AOFAR Hunting Archery Range Finder HX
Benefits
The AOFAR Hunting Archery Range Finder HX contains advanced pin sensor technology and 6 X magnification.
It also has a range scan fog and speed and is ideal for both hunting and golf purposes.
It measures ranges up to 700 yards and uses a range or fog mode that gives you a great experience when you are hunting even in bad weather.
When using a range mode or continuous scan mode, you’ll be able to identify your target easily. It’s also dust and water-resistant, making it extremely suitable for any season
It’s also perfect for scanning while you’re hunting or golfing. The range finder comes with a carry pouch, CR2 battery, high-grade portable rope, as well as a cleaning cloth and user manual.
Pros
- High precision
- Lightweight
- 700 yards accuracy
Cons
- Better suited to archery
Alternative: Wosports Hunting Range Finder
Benefits
The Wosports Hunting Range Finder is ideal for golf and hunting sports as well.
It has distance measure, scan mode, functionality as well as speed functions. When used in golf mode, it actually ranges from 5 to 700 yards and 150 yards to flag lock.
Flagpole locking is also available up to 150 yards. Scan mode allows you to hold on the power or start button while ranging to activate the measurement scan mode. The data on the LCD will change as you begin to move.
Measurements mistakes may happen in cases of extremely bad weather such as rain or fog, so just be aware of that.
Pros
- Multi-functions
- Affordable
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Not built for performance in bad weather
Hunting Range Finder FAQ
How does a range finder work?
Irrespective of whether you are a vigilant hunter, passionate archer, hard-working golfer, or keen birdwatcher, a rangefinder should be your most prized possession.
If you don’t already own one, you will sooner or later. Either way, you need to have a basic knowledge of rangefinders as it will help you, especially when it comes to different surroundings as the exact range to your target dictates whether you’ll reach your goal.
Before laser rangefinders, optical rangefinders were used. However, along with the changes in distances, so did the accuracy of these devices vary. Therefore, consistency readings was something that was experienced frequently.
The device is also quite heavy and bulky, which made it increasingly difficult when moving around. So it became clear that people needed a rangefinder that was more portable and also more technically capable.
Laser rangefinders
Laser rangefinder’s mechanisms are quite simple. It shoots a laser beam at a speed as fast as that of light, and this starts the initial function.
How does it work?
Experts will tell you that laser rangefinders work on the same principle as an autofocus camera. This is true, and an autofocus camera projects an infrared laser beam to the target.
This beam is basically invisible. The beam then hits the target and reflects right back to the camera. The returning reflection is detected by a sensor that is preinstalled in the camera.
Thereafter a computer chip starts working by translating the time required for the beam to return to the target and the distance to the target.
This distance is then calculated and once calculation is complete the next step in the mechanism begins. So basically, an autofocus camera contains a computer chip that matches the camera motors to focus its lens on the calculated distance.
So, in this case, when it comes to laser rangefinders, an infrared laser beam from your device hits the targeted object and reflects back to the device.
It’s quite a speedy operation, and you don’t need to wait longer than a few seconds in order to get the reading, which is accurate and reliable.
Among some of the most popular technologies for birdwatching and hunting, laser rangefinders are a popular choice when it comes to accuracy and reliability.
Optical rangefinders
Optical rangefinders are typically used by hunters and golfers. They are also the most affordable type of rangefinder.
They consist of a monocular device that’s included in the built-in scale. It is also pre-loaded with a conversion chart that provides the list for distance reading. The pin height is measured by the eyepiece of the unit.
You’ll find two lenses at the opposite ends of the rangefinders that allow you to focus on the object. Overlays of the images are created on each other, thanks to the focusing knob.
This knob marks with the scale that converts that eating in the distance. Accuracy may be limited if you don’t hold your device correctly.
Sonar rangefinder
Sonar rangefinders make use of sound pulse and time for the sound waves that it gets back from the target at the speed of sound.
It also reads and displays the distance to a target. These devices are not very popular, and most hunters still prefer using laser rangefinders.
Radar technology
If you’re not entirely sure what radar stands for, then it basically means radio detection and ranging. It releases a beam over a large area and is used mainly to determine the distance and speed of large objects.
It sends out a pulse of the laser light beam with the pulse of the radio signal to detect the target. Ultimately radio waves travel at the speed of light and enable the radar to read the time and distance of the laser light to the objects.
Lidar technology
LIDAR is more expensive than radar technology and can detect small objects. It works in much the same way as radar technology does, however on a much larger scale.
It basically releases light impulses towards the widespread objects; however, they are not as efficient as lasers and optical units.
How accurate are laser rangefinders?
In order to understand the accuracy of a rangefinder, you need a basic understanding of how laser rangefinders actually measure the distance to the target.
So basically, the device sends out a laser beam straight to the target. The target then reflects back to the beam. The rangefinder has an advanced clock that measures the time it takes for light to travel and get reflected back.
The longer it takes, the greater the distance that is involved.
These devices can get that plus or minus one-yard accuracy and some models are accurate and measure within half a yard. There are some models that may even display distance readings within a 10th of a yard.
However, you need to be aware that this type of accuracy is only possible in ideal conditions. If you’re using it on a clear day, when there is no rain or fog and extremely bright lights, then the accuracy will not be affected.
There are times when mistakes are made when using a laser rangefinder. Some of the possible reasons for these mistakes include:
It may be out of range
Lots of rangefinder users simply don’t realize that this is a common problem.
The truth is when rangefinders come out with a maximum range estimate, it’s mainly talking about highly reflective surfaces.
So if you point the rangefinder on the side of a huge barn, and you have a surface that can reflect a laser beam back to your device effectively. However, if you don’t, your rangefinder will likely be out of range.
The wrong target
Rangers do offer some type of zooming capabilities. This is usually about 6X magnification. This allows you to make sure that the reticle is actually targeting your actual or intended target.
However, mistakes can be made when you zoom in even more, and you may find that the laser beam is pointing somewhere else.
This is one possible reason why you could get a different reading each time. It is simply because you could be pointing at a different target each time.
Obstruction
Something could be blocking the beam, or you may not realize that your laser beam is actually hitting a tree branch or even a leaf that’s in the way of your target.
If it’s raining, the beam may be hitting on raindrops instead of the target
Electronic error
In some cases, although rangefinders are reliable and accurate, they are not very durable. So simply dropping your device on a hard surface can cause it to malfunction.
In other cases, your battery may not be supplying enough power to the unit in order for it to work effectively. So trying a new battery could be the solution in that case.
Line of sight distance
This is probably one of the most problematic causes of your rangefinder not being accurate. This is because most people don’t realize that a laser range finder does not give you a true horizontal distance but a line of sight distance instead.
So this basically means that you could miss your bow shot or rifle shot and probably even your golf shots if you don’t take the elevation angle of the intended target relative to your position into consideration.
Some rangefinders do consider the slope; however, such features in rangefinders are not allowed for official golf rounds and tournaments.
Can I use a golf rangefinder for hunting?
If you are wondering if you can use a single rangefinder for golf and hunting, then the short answer is yes, you can. You may use a single laser rangefinder for golf and hunting activities.
However, you need to choose a laser rangefinder that has the appropriate features and menu options that will accommodate both these activities.
You also need to be aware that not all laser rangefinders offered these specifications, so you need to read the specs very carefully before making a purchase.
With that said, laser rangefinders that are suitable for both golf and hunting typically cost much more than rangefinders that are only suitable for one particular activity.
However, it will still cost you considerably less than buying separate range finders for these activities.
What is the difference between rangefinder and SLR?
A rangefinder is a camera that has a rangefinder mechanism. This device measures subject distance.
This device also allows you to see two images. The correct distance is displayed when the two images coincide after moving the dial.
This was a separate device on older cameras, and you had to transfer this to the lens. Nowadays, thanks to advancements in technology, they are built into the viewfinder.
There are different viewfinders for different focal lengths.
An SLR camera allows you to look through the lens and was created to reach (what you see is what you get).
It has a mirror box inside and is much larger than a rangefinder. Some models include a function that allows you to split the beam for autofocus, etc.
Best Bow Hunting Range Finder: Never Miss a Shot Again
When it comes to purchasing essential tools to make your hunting, golfing, bird watching, or archery adventures more exciting and worthwhile, consider these tools an investment into your favorite pastimes.
There are many rangefinders out there, and each is available at a unique price range and offers different features and functionalities.
However, if you know exactly what you want in a rangefinder, you’ll get your hands on one soon enough and enjoy never missing a shot again.
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Images from Amazon Product API
