The Best Rangefinder for Bow Hunting

The Vendetta 2 is a newer version of the classic Vendetta by Leupold. It has a push-button switch that mounts to the back of your riser in front of your grip. This makes it easy to activate.

The One Touch Continuous Scan mode on this bow sight will let you see the yardage, angle, and elevation changes while you are at full draw. This will help you make better shots.

The Garmin Zero is the first bow-mounted digital laser rangefinder ever made. Hunters can benefit from this gadget tremendously because they can use it for ranging their target while at full draw. This will allow them to do so with one hand.

The Xero has a Laser Locate, used to find where your arrow will hit. The hunter can use this information to track their game.

The Bresser’s Ambition bow-mounted laser rangefinder is good and affordable and is compatible with most compound bows or crossbows. It is lightweight and easy to mount. However, some users have reported stability issues with the mounting hardware system.

This product has a +/- 1-yard accuracy range and a continuous scan mode that is always on so you can be aware of the distances to potential targets. The product also includes a lens cleaning cloth and a microfiber bag for transport and storage.

Now that you know about the best archery rangefinders, let’s learn more about how they can help you gauge distance and shoot accurately.

Judging the Yardage by Sight Alone

There are two ways archers can measure how far away their target is. They can determine the distance by comparing the size of the target they see with an estimate of the target’s size at a given distance. They can use characteristics on the ground to determine how far apart they are.

The first approach takes time, and it needs thorough attention to detail. The second technique is error-prone unless the archer has plenty of time to observe and assess the size of the target. However, because the game appears suddenly and often in unusual locations. Bowhunters are frequently compelled to decide the potential yardage to their target far more rapidly than they prefer. Thus, they sometimes choose the incorrect sight pin when aiming.

Practicing yardage judgment is the best method to improve. Archers typically practice shooting at set distances. This helps them get accurate shots. However, this does not help you learn to judge yardage well. To improve your ability to judge yardage, try shooting from different spots. This will help your mind understand what different yardages look like.

Rangefinders are devices that measure how far away something is. They use lasers to do this. People who shoot bows (like in archery) often use rangefinders to help them figure out how far away their target is. This way, they can better aim and hopefully hit their target.

Improve Your Gauging Skills by Practicing With a Rangefinder

Practicing at different unknown distances will help you learn how to estimate the distance to your target better when you are hunting. However, if you are not against using gadgets like laser rangefinders. Whether you train at home or on the bow range, using one can help you judge distances more precisely.

When trying to hit a target that you don’t know the distance to, estimate how far it is and then use your laser range finder to see if you were correct. This way, you will better estimate distances and learn how to use your laser range finder better. Another way to improve your estimation skills is to use your laser rangefinder when sitting in a tree stand or ground blind and not doing anything else.

To do this, you start by picking different spots where you think your prey might show up. You then estimate how far away from those spots the prey will be. Next, use a laser rangefinder to double-check your estimate. This will help you remember how far away the prey is from each spot. When the animal does show up, you will already know how far away it is from several given points and can adjust your aim accordingly.

Using a Rangefinder for Hunting

When you have a laser rangefinder mounted on your bow and learn how to use it, you don’t have to move as much. You also don’t have to guess how far away the target is. This way, you can focus on finding the right moment to release your arrow with confidence that it will hit the target where you want it to.

There are many different types of the archery laser rangefinder. We have created this guide to help you choose the best one for your needs and what you want to use.

Here are some points to consider before purchasing a range finder:

Bow-Mounted vs. Handheld

A laser rangefinder can be very useful, but there are times when you might not have time to use it. For example, if an animal unexpectedly appears, you might not be able to reach the rangefinder in time. You could also scare the animal away if you try to use the rangefinder. A bow-mounted laser rangefinder is a good solution because you can see it easily, and it won’t scare the animal away.

If your laser rangefinder is mounted on your bow, it will always be close by. You won’t have to pull it out and calculate the distance to your destination, saving time. You also won’t have to worry about the distance changing while taking your shot.

However, this is not a beginner’s tool because you need to practice using it well. If you have a regular handheld rangefinder or plan to buy one, you can consider getting a crossbow mount for it. But this won’t work with all compound bows, and some crossbows might not be supported.

Priority Modes

When choosing a laser rangefinder, you should know that they have different modes for different purposes. For example, some rangefinders read the first object in their line of sight. In contrast, others have a mode that ignores the first object and ranges past it to the object behind it.

Therefore, rangefinders with a First Priority Option are quite helpful. However, when your view of the target is unhindered, rangefinders with a Second Priority Mode are more useful. When you have intervening brush and trees between you and your target.

Additional Modes

Many laser rangefinders have different modes, such as First Priority Mode and Second Priority Mode. Some rangefinders also have Automatic Range Compensation (ARC), horizontal mode, and Scan Mode. The Horizontal Mode is convenient when hunting in steep terrain because it calculates the distance at inclining and declining angles.

This way, you will always get an accurate measurement of the distance to your target, even if you are aiming uphill or downhill. Scan Mode means that you can measure the distance to multiple targets by holding down the Scan button and moving the rangefinder back and forth.

Angle Compensation

When hunting, it might not be possible to shoot from the same level as your game. When hunting with a bow or a rifle, most shots will be angled somehow. The angle at which you shoot will affect how much the projectile drops. If you are shooting down or uphill, you need to adjust your shot as if the arrow or bullet will not drop as much. It is simpler to purchase an archery rangefinder to perform all the calculations and tell you exactly how far to shoot.

Maximum Range

Before you buy a rangefinder, make sure to pay attention to the maximum range that it can measure. If you shoot long distances, you will want a rangefinder good for over 1,000 yards. Even if you don’t plan on hunting or shooting at long distances, it can be fun to use one with a longer maximum range. Plus, most models these days have a maximum range of 1,000 yards or better.

Although a rangefinder may have a stated maximum range of 1200 yards, it is important to remember that this number may not be accurate in all situations. The maximum range is usually calculated on a large reflective surface in perfect weather conditions. The conditions will differ in most hunting situations, and the range will be shorter. Higher quality rangefinders will give a longer maximum range than cheaper ones.

Simplicity

You need to push a button and read the yardage to use the best archery rangefinder. Today, some rangefinders come with many instructions that you need to read before using them. It’s a good idea to take those instructions with you when you go out shooting. Furthermore, when the time comes, you want the numbers to be readable without any obstacles in the way. You won’t regret your buy if you keep it simple. Furthermore, when the time comes, you want the numbers to be readable without any obstacles in the way. You won’t regret your buy if you keep it simple.

Size

The size of a rangefinder is important. You may want a rangefinder that is easy to use and fits easily into your pocket. If it is too small, you might not be able to hit the right buttons. If it is too big, you will not bring it because it is difficult to carry around.

Price

Rangefinders come at different prices. The most expensive ones are usually the best quality. But if you don’t want to spend a lot of money, some rangefinders are not as good quality. You usually have what you pay for, though. That means that if you buy a cheap rangefinder, it probably won’t work very well.

It is best to buy the best rangefinder you can afford. That way, you will not regret buying a better one later on. You will also be happy with yourself for buying a good rangefinder because you cannot afford a better one at the moment.

What’s the Best Archery Rangefinder for Me?

There are different types of archery rangefinders for sale. You need to find the best one for you. This might depend on your needs, preferences, and how much money you want to spend. If you are a professional bow hunter, the Garmin Zero might be a good option because it is very good and makes hunting more enjoyable.

If you are not sure if you need a rangefinder, try an entry-level model. Choose wisely so that you can have an advantage over it.

Do you want to find the best rangefinder for bow hunting? A rangefinder is a device that can help you calculate the distance between you and your prey. This will help you to be more precise when you are shooting. You can set adjustments to your bow sight or scope with a rangefinder. This will make it more likely that you will hit your target.

Rangefinders can help you shoot more accurately from further away. This is helpful when trying to keep the element of surprise. They can also help you figure out angles so that you don’t have to do it yourself. You can use a rangefinder with a bow, a crossbow, a pistol, or a rifle.

There are many hunting rangefinders on the internet. But we have chosen the 13 best ones for you.

Leupold creates optics for hunting. They’ve been doing this for a lengthy period now. The RX-FullDraw 3 is one of the best rangefinders for hunting that is available.

I like the RX-FullDraw 3 because it has all the capabilities I need and then some. It is the best bargain I’ve found from Leupold. I need and then some. It is beneficial for bowhunters and long-range rifle hunters since it can distinguish between short and long distances with pinpoint accuracy.

Rangefinders from Leupold have some of the fastest reading times on the market, no matter how far away you are from the target. That comes in useful when every fraction of a second is critical. It also includes a one-of-a-kind “Trophy Scale” that precisely measures the size of an animal, allowing you to evaluate whether it is a shooter or not.

Specs

• 1300 yards is the maximum range.
• Magnification: 6x Trophy Mode Magnification
• Bow mode LCD display with a black background

The Vortex Ranger 1800 is a great rangefinder for bow hunting and long-range shooting. It is very reliable and has high ratings. The best part is that Vortex offers a lifetime warranty.

The Vortex Optics Ranger can accurately range to 1,800 yards! It features three different reticle brightness levels corresponding to different ambient light conditions, making it an excellent choice for low-light shooting.

Specs

• 1 800 yards is the distance between two points.
• 22 mm is the focal length of the objective lens.
• 315 feet at 1000 yards with a 6x magnification and a linear field of view of 315 feet.
• Angle compensation and line of sight are important considerations.

The RX-FullDraw 4 is an excellent choice for anyone interested in archery and bowhunting. It has advanced ballistics that helps with making more difficult shots. It considers arrow weight, velocity, angle compensation, and the maximum height of arrows to help you make the most challenging shots while hunting.

The rifle has a lightning-fast range time, which helps you save precious seconds when setting up for your shot. Even though it is pricier than some of the other options on this list, the optics are well worth the extra money.

The RX-FullDraw 4 rangefinder has many features. It is perfect for a hunter who wants to have the best chance of success while hunting.

Specs

• Range: 1,200 Yards
• Magnification: 6x
• Red OLED: Easy-to-read measurements
• Ballistics and bow mode

If you are looking for a basic rangefinder to use while bow hunting, then this one from AOFAR is a great option. It is cheap, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those looking for a good deal. Remember that this is not a cheap rangefinder, even though it is inexpensive.

The AOFAR HX-1200T includes the same features as more expensive models, such as angle compensation, accuracy, and a quick range time. But this model is much cheaper. It isn’t as good as the Leupold brand, but it still does its job.

The HX-1200T is well-reviewed on Amazon. Many users say it is a good rangefinder for the price. This is good news for entry-level hunters because they don’t have to spend much money on this gear.

Specs

• 5 to 1,200 yards in length
• The objective is magnified six times. Bowhunting mode with a 25 mm lens
• Compensation for oblique angles

ARC stands for Angle Range Compensation. This feature allows the Trophy Xtreme ARC to be one of the best rangefinders for bow hunting in 2023. It can accurately determine the horizontal distance from 7-199 yards, which is very helpful for bow hunters.

This is an excellent choice for bowhunters looking for a low-cost rangefinder. It has good reviews, and people say it’s easy to use and waterproof.

The Trophy Xtreme ARC is really easy to use. There’s no need to bother with buttons. There is only one button to press. This can assist you in getting rapid and clean shots.

Specs

850 yards is the maximum range.

Angle range compensation is magnified four times.

Black OLED is accurate to one yard.

This is a unique hunting tool made by Sig Sauer. It accurately ranges to 3,000 yards and has integrated ballistic technology. This makes it a handy tool for rifle hunting.

These rangefinding binoculars can be paired with Sig Sauer rifle scopes. They help you determine things like the ballistics of a bullet over a distance. Then, they use Bluetooth to send that data right into the reticle of the rangefinder. We really like these binoculars’ hyper scan feature, which allows you to range hillsides or multiple targets four times per second.

Sig Sauer provides a lifetime warranty transferable to anyone who owns one of their firearms. This means that Sig Sauer will take care of your gun if something goes wrong with it. We think this is a fantastic feature because it gives you peace of mind that your expensive equipment is safe.

Specs

• Range: more than 3,000 yards
• Advanced built-in ballistics are magnified by a factor of 10.
• Bluetooth 4.0 with an OLED display for advanced functionality

These binoculars are very accurate and can help you take shots from a distance. They adjust to angles, so you don’t have to worry about making any calculations yourself.

The “AB” in the name of this product refers to advanced ballistics. When paired with the Vortex app, this becomes a powerful tool for long-range shooters looking for top-notch ballistics and shooting data. These advanced electronics take windage, weapon caliber and grain, and other vital factors into account for those long shots.

If anything ever happens to your Vortex, don’t worry. You can send it back to Vortex, and they will take care of everything for you. They have great customer service.

Specs

• The range is between 5 and 5,000 yards.
• There are two range modes: HCD (Horizontal Component Distance) and BAL (Balanced Alignment Distance) (Ballistics). Both methods have a Scan function.
• Magnification: 10x Objective Lens: 42 mm Advanced Red OLED Display Technology

The Leica glass is what sets these binoculars differently. They create unmatched image quality because they are made with high-quality materials.

The Perger-Porro prism system and high-quality glass create bright, color-neutral images that look three-dimensional and have great contrast.

But that’s not all. Leica has also created a hunting app that pairs nicely with a cellphone. This app provides angle compensation and ballistic information, read directly on the Leica OLED.

Specs

• 3,200-yard range
• Advanced angle compensation features Magnification: 10x Objective Lens: 42 mm Magnification: 10x Magnification: 10x Magnification: 10x Magnification: 10x Magnification
• When used in conjunction with the mobile app, advanced ballistics are possible.

Here is an affordable option for shooters who want to shoot over a long distance. Bushnell is a company that makes entry-level optics. Still, according to many people who have tried it, the Elite 1- Mile performs really well.

The downside of this rangefinder is that you need to purchase a Kestrel unit to get the most out of it.

Using the Kestrel together with the Elite 1-Mile and the mobile app, you can account for weather conditions, barometric pressure, and wind speed. This will help you make accurate shots from a distance.

Specs

• 5-1,760 yard range
• 7x ARC magnification vs. I gives 100, 150, 200, or 300 yards of sight-in distance settings. It delivers bullet-drop/holdover in MOA or Mils.
• VDT (Vivid Display Technology) is a Bluetooth wireless technology that allows for a more vivid display.

This long-range shooting rangefinder is the most popular choice among skilled and professional shooters. It has many features, including applied ballistics and fast and accurate rangefinding.

The Vectronix range finder is great because it can be used by both the military and civilians. It may be utilized for various purposes thanks to its maximum range find of over 3,200 yards.

People who have used this product say that it has a very clear view and is easy to use. Another person who uses long-range shooters says that this rangefinder is perfect. And that life is too short for cheap rangefinders. This unit can be paired with a Kestrel unit to improve ballistics accuracy.

Specs

• Range: 3,260 Yards
• Advanced Ballistics
• Magnification: 8x
• Built-in compass
• Military-grade material strength

One of the best hunting rangefinders is the Vortex Optics. This model is 1,000 yards, and it is good for hunters. They need something that will work with all the functions they need.

Suppose you haven’t already read the other Vortex reviews on this page. In that case, you should know that Vortex provides exceptional customer service and offers a lifetime unconditional guarantee. This shows great value, especially for someone looking to spend less than $200.

Specs

• Range: 1,000 Yards
• Magnification: 6x
• Scan mode
• Angle compensation
• Red OLED

This Halo Z is simple, affordable, and accurate. It doesn’t have a long warranty like the Vortex Ranger 1000, but it does have all the features you need. It is also surprisingly functional, ergonomic, and durable.

Specs

• Range: 1,000 Yards
• Magnification: 6x
• Angle compensation mode
• Scan mode

The HX-800, like the other AOFAR rangefinders on this list, is a valuable and capable little device. With the angle correction tool, archery hunters report precise shots.

Although helpful, the HX-800 is also cheap and not very fancy. It doesn’t have many add-ons or bells and whistles, but it does the job. You can use it for several seasons before you need to upgrade.

Specs

800-yard range

Angle compensation mode Magnification: 6x