Get The Best Range Finders For Bow Hunting Here!
Rangefinders are an essential amenity whether you are using rifles or bows. With the presence of this tool, you will no longer have to deal with the guessing work. In the field of archery, this kind of advantage will give you better and optimal results. At the end of the day, you will end up seeking the best range finders for bow hunting.
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The purpose of a rangefinder is quite simple. It will just tell you the exact distance of the target that you want to take down. Of course, some people can do this job manually. However, you cannot expect that their estimation would be as accurate as this device. Moreover, if you are a beginner, you can't possibly do this.
It takes discipline and practice for you to hone your aiming skills. However, the use of high-quality and proper tools in the field can further boost your success rate. Therefore, if you want to have a clean shot in just one go, getting a premium bow and rangefinder is necessary.
In this article, we will feature notable rangefinder models on the market today. Take note that each of them has different qualities and performance. However, you can guarantee that they can improve your aim and accuracy in the field! Get to know them now!
Rangefinder Buying Guide
Rank | Product Name | Image | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | |  |
100
/100
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2 |  |
97
/100
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3 | |  |
95
/100
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4 |  |
93
/100
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5 | |  |
90
/100
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Not all rangefinders are usable in hunting applications. This is a given fact. Specifically, there are two divisions for rangefinders: the golf model and hunting model. Since they have the same appearance, identifying which is which is quite troublesome.
Fortunately, you don't need to become a seasoned marksman before you can get the right rangefinder for hunting applications. All of the golf rangefinders are under the "priority" category. Meanwhile, tactical rangefinders are in the "second priority" category.
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First Priority Rangefinders
You can easily indicate that a rangefinder is in the priority mode if it will read the first target that it sees while ignoring other distant objects. Such capability is very beneficial on sports like golf. Since the course itself is clear from any distractions, you can use a priority rangefinder to calculate the distance between your position and the flag.
Moreover, the reading that a priority rangefinder that gives you is not that exact. For example, if the actual distance of your target is around 110 yards, the rangefinder will haggle it down to 100 yards. For sports like golf, this discrepancy is quite okay because the field is always visible and transparent. But for hunting, this is already a blind side.
Second Priority Rangefinders
This type of rangefinder is your ideal choice if you are using rifles and bows. Unlike its counterpart, it can give you a precise and exact reading of your target's distance. If your target is at 150 yards, then it will give you a 150-yard reading. Even if there are branches and other hindrances before and around it, the rangefinder will just ignore it.
Of course, such feature is essential for hunting. We all know that our playing grounds are always not friendly. There are these objects that could block our intended targets. Therefore, a rangefinder that can pass through these interferences is a good way to counteract.
Distance
The distance we refer here is the range rating that a rangefinder can read. Fortunately, most of the rangefinders that you can see on the market today always indicate the maximum distance they can calculate on their packaging. For example, the Vortex Optics Ranger 1000 implies that the latter can capture targets up to 1,000 yards!
However, there is a misconception about this one. Specifically, these ratings are not absolute. Yes, you can guarantee that these devices can deliver their promise. But that only works if the external conditions are favorable. Moreover, it is essential that reflective surfaces are present as well.
You cannot expect that 1,500-yard rangefinder can still perform at its best when the skies are cloudy. Moreover, extreme temperature and heat waves can deter the performance of a rangefinder. Specifically, these factors can change the color of the display or the actual size of your target.
Magnification
Magnification is still crucial, even for rangefinders. Most of us became well-versed of this terminology because of the scopes that we are using. This concept indicates the capacity of the device to zoom out the objects that it sees. The higher the magnification, the further you can see through distant subjects.
However, you still have to consider the quality of display that the rangefinder offers. After all, zooming could cause pixelation and blurring of the visuals. Therefore, you should choose a unit that could cope up with these factors.
Reticle
The reticle is the line or shape that you can see when you look through the rangefinder. Specifically, this is the crosshair that guides you and your aim. When choosing a rangefinder, make sure that it has a visible reticle. When the field has poor lighting, it would be difficult for you to see the reticle. Therefore, the latter should come with a LED illumination to compensate such effects.
Best Range Finders for Bow Hunting
1. Bushnell 202442 The Truth ARC
Via Amazon.com
Bushnell is a powerhouse of rangefinders. Professional hunters and marksmen have used most of their units because of their precision, quality, and durability. Among their prized opus is the Bushnell 202442 (Truth ARC Rangefinder). As its name suggests, this rangefinder has an Angle Range Compensation technology. As a result, you can get the exact distance of your target, regardless of their elevation or inclination.
This rangefinder is easy to use as well. It has an ergonomic design with a simple button operation that allows you to utilize as quick and as precise as possible. Moreover, since it has a 4x magnification power, this rangefinder can deliver high-quality display. The color fidelity of the images is also there, as well!
The Bushnell 202442 is using the ClearShot Technology. This particular innovation gives this rangefinder the capacity to generate immediate feedback if the shot is clear or not. For archers, this is highly essential, as it instantly removes the "guessing" part out of the equation!
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2. Bushnell G-Force DX ARC
Via Amazon.com
Another Bushnell rangefinder that you should consider is the G-Force DX. Just like its cousin, it still uses the Angle Range Compensation technology, which makes your aiming a lot easier than it used to be. It has a 6x magnification power, which somehow compensates to its 1,300-yard (reflective) maximum reading capacity.
The way that the G-Force DX operates is truly fast and precise. Just by a press of a button, you can get all the data that you need so that you can adjust your shot correctly. It is also using the second generation ESP Turbo processor to make sure that its data production is fast and error-free.
This one can also provide you with a guaranteed 1/2-yard accuracy. This feature is complemented by its Vivid Display Technology that gives you bright readings, regardless if there is less or no available lights. Moreover, it has a Bow Mode that triples its accuracy in various atmospheric conditions and terrains!
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3. Vortex Optics Ranger 1000
Via Amazon.com
The Vortex Optics Ranger 1000 is a tested-and-proven rangefinder. Many bow hunters are currently a fan of this device because of its guaranteed performance on the field. Particularly, this one has a rugged construction. It has a metal body with rubber coating to ensure its resistance to shock, scratches, and other physical detriments. Moreover, the latter also provides a non-slip grip feature to this rangefinder.
On the other hand, the lens of this device has multiple layers of coatings. Each of these layers solidifies the anti-reflective properties of the lens. Moreover, it also optimizes the light transmission of the rangefinder. Therefore, you can get easily clock in your target even the environment is quite dark.
As its name suggests, the Vortex Optics can read targets up to 1,000 yards, but only if the external conditions are favorable. If the day is good, this rangefinder can give lightning-fast readings so that you can quickly adjust your aim. You won't also experience any troubles with its focus, as it comes with an adjustable diopter.
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4. TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder
Via Amazon.com
Most of the rangefinders of TecTecTec are for golf. However, many people (including hunters) like the quality of their devices. Therefore, the brand decided to create a second priority rangefinder. This is in the form of the ProWild.
Mainly, the ProWild Hunting Rangefinder can read targets up to 540 yards. Well, it is not the highest in the industry. However, it has continuous scan mode so that it can keep up with your pace!
Moreover, its offers a "through-lens" display, which can give you utter convenience in the field. Additionally, the optics has multiple layers of coatings as well that protect it from glares and other natural detriments. On the other hand, the body of the ProWild is suitable for extreme environments. Despite its affordable price, its construction is still solid, rugged, and weatherproof!
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5. Nikon 8376 Archer's Choice Max Rangefinder
Via Amazon.com
The Nikon 8376 is a rangefinder that is intentionally made for bow hunting. It has a rugged construction and ergonomic design that allows archers to use it quickly. The rangefinder has a functional contrast feature that enables it to adjust to the lighting conditions accordingly. Moreover, this capability is automatic. Therefore, the only thing that you only need to do is to find your targets!
This rangefinder has an ID Technology that quickly measures and calculates the proper shooting angle (just like the ARC technology). Specifically, it can give you accurate calculations from +80 to -80 degrees angles. It also has an impressive field of view which maximizes your efficiency in getting your target.
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Final Verdict
Regardless of your choice, it is unarguable that a rangefinder is a necessary tool for bow hunting. This particular activity requires extreme precision in everything. Therefore, you need something that could bring the world of science in your favor. A rangefinder is an answer to this need. If you got this, your experience in the field would certainly improve.
Among the rangefinders we featured, it is the Bushnell 202442 The Truth ARC that impressed us. From the way it calculates the distance of your target down to the means of its operation, this rangefinder is truly exceptional.
It is an excellent choice for both seasoned and amateur archers because it is simple to use. Moreover, it doesn't cost that much, which is pretty surprising. It is among the best range finders in bow hunting that you should never ignore!
Did you learn from this article? Which of these rangefinders do you think works best? Tell us your opinion in the comment section below!
