6 Best Rangefinders for Bow Hunting 2017
If you enjoy bow hunting, you know that a 5-yard mistake can make the difference between a successful shot and a regrettable wound. A rangefinder is an indispensable tool for any respectable bow hunter. This device calculates the distance to a target and the path your arrow will take.
We realize that with so many technical specifications, it can be hard to determine which rangefinder is worth the purchase. That’s where our guide will come in handy.
Read on to find all the information you need to buy the best rangefinder for bow hunting.
Thing to Consider
We know you’re ready to learn how to find the best rangefinder for your bow hunting needs, but before we continue, let’s take a quick look at some of the factors you need to keep in mind when shopping for such a device.
- Range. The main function of a rangefinder is to calculate the distance from your device to the target. Of course, range plays a vital role, so you need to choose pick a rangefinder that can give you an accurate reading from a target. Look for devices with a higher range capability, such as 800-1000 yards. Pay attention to the angle range, as well, to determine where you need to aim to hit the target.
- Size. Considering that you’ll need to carry your device during your bow hunting trip, look for a rangefinder that can easily fit in your pocket. Otherwise, you will end up leaving your rangefinder home because it’s too heavy to carry around.
Top 6 Rangefinders for Bow Hunting Table
| Picture | Name | Range | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picture | Name | Range | Price | Rating |
 | 1. Laser Rangefinder - Range : 5-1600 Yards, +/- 0.33 Yard Accuracy, Golf Rangefinder | 5-1,600 yards | $$ | 4.4 |
 | 2. Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder | 6-550 yards | $$ | 4.3 |
 | 3. Bushnell 202442 The Truth ARC 4x20mm Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder | 7-850 yards | $$ | 4.3 |
 | 4. Bushnell Scout DX 1000 ARC 6 x 21mm Laser Rangefinder | 5-1000 yards | $$ | 4.3 |
 | 5. Wildgame Innovations Halo X Ray Z6X 600 Laser Range Finder | 600 yards | $ | 4.2 |
 | 6. Simmons 801600T Volt 600 Laser Rangefinder | 10-600 yards | $ | 3.8 |
Buying Information
Accurate ranging and comfortable size are two critical features that can have a significant impact on your arrow shot. But, they are not the only factors that matter. Here is some basic information that you should pay attention to if you want to purchase the best rangefinder for bow hunting.
- Magnification – Magnification plays a crucial role in your ability to detect the target. To get the best results, look for devices that have a magnification of 7x or more. Remember that a high magnification will give you a better look at your target, but it will also reduce your field of view (FOV), which can decrease stability. A 10x magnification level might seem powerful, but a 7x magnification will help you get a more accurate view of your target.
- Display. It doesn’t matter if you get accurate data if the display is too small to read it. Look for rangefinders with displays that are large enough so that you can easily see what’s out there.
- Lenses. Advanced rangefinders for bow hunting have multiple layers of coating applied to the lens to reduce glare and maximize the amount of light transmitted to the eye. The larger the lenses, the brighter the unit. On the downside, large lenses also mean more bulk and weight, two flaws that can impact your bow hunting experience.
Top 3 Best Rangefinder for Bow Hunting Reviews
1. Uineye Laser Rangefinder
If you’re in need of a rangefinder that can see over the standard 850 yards, then this is the one you want.
The Uineye Laser Rangefinder is capable of providing you with +/- 0.33 yard accuracy up to 1,600 yards away with 8x magnification, more than any other rangefinder on our list.
This also allows you to measure angles between -90° and +90° with +/-0.35° of accuracy and thanks to the handy measurement modes, you can calculate the angle, height, distance and horizontal distance in order to calculate a precise shot. You can also change from yards to meters if you prefer the metric system.
In spite of the fact that the display isn’t backlit (making it harder to see in early morning or late evening light) and that it does not tell you the ballistic compensation distances, the accuracy makes it stand out above the rest.
It’s easy to operate and in quite powerful for its price range. We highly recommend it!
2. Nikon 8397 ACULON Laser Rangefinder
When it comes to bow hunting rangefinders, there aren’t too many devices that can rival the Nikon 8397 ACULON. What you will love most about this rangefinder is its portability. At 3.6 by 2.9 by 1.5 inches, this ultra-compact unit is smaller than your smartphone.
Don’t let its petite size fool you. Nikon ACULON can give you an extremely accurate reading at a simple push of a button. The Distant Target Priority Mode will display the range of the furthest target, a useful feature if the object is partially obscured by grass.
All in all, Nikon 8397 ACULON is a fast and reliable bow hunting rangefinder that displays accurate and easy to read measurements.
3. Bushnell Bow Hunting Laser Rangefinder
As one of the best bow hunting rangefinders, Bushnell the Truth Arc Bow comes equipped with state-of-the-art technologies aimed at improving your experience. One such technology is the ClearShot, a feature that provides real-time feedback on your shot’s clearance. This sophisticated technology takes the guessing out of bow hunting, making it easier to shot even in hard visibility conditions.
Another feature that makes this rangefinder such a great option is that you can calibrate it to correspond with the speed of the bow.
Apart from being a great performer, this rangefinder also has a proofed body that you can use in any condition. Overall, the Bushnell the Truth Arc Bow offers great value for money.
