Do you want to use a tool that is sure to increase your accuracy and help you with your hunting? If you answered yes, then it means you must be looking for the best rangefinder for bow hunting. Rangefinders are incredibly handy to have when you want to know how far away that deer is from you so that you can get in a proper position to make the shot.
In this review of the top-rated rangefinders for bow hunting, we’ll look at a number of criteria to help you make the right choice. This includes their range, accuracy, magnification, objective diameter, eye relief, size, weight, and more. All of these features play an important role in the overall effectiveness of these rangefinders. Continue reading, and by the end of this article, you will learn everything about these fantastic products and will be able to make an informed decision. Let’s get started!
More features: class 1 laser, multilayered optics, through the lens display with distance and battery meter, continuous mode, 2-year guarantee, water-resistant
When it comes to the best rangefinders for bow hunting, it’s hard to find something more impressive than our Editor’s Choice, the TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder. Quite simply, this rangefinder doesn’t specialize in one particular thing. Instead, it just does everything really well.
Let’s start with its 540 yards of range, which is quite good for bow hunting. Like most class 1 lasers that these rangefinders use, it is incredibly accurate within one yard, which is almost perfect. Next, it has a magnification of 6x, allowing you to get a better look at your target, and you’ll be able to observe a wide area through the lens, which is 24mm in diameter.
As you look through the display, you’ll also notice two things: the distance of your target and the battery meter, which lets you know when to replace the battery. The build is also sturdy and strong, and it is resistant to water and dust. A few users, however, did point out that the lens can fog up when exposed to moisture, so be mindful of that.
More features: scan mode, multifunctional device, speed measurement, battery meter
If you’re more of a budget shopper, or maybe this is your first rangefinder, it might be hard to find a better product than our best value option, the Wosports Hunting Rangefinder.
This fantastic model has an excellent range of up to 700 yards, which is definitely more than you’ll need for bow hunting. Like all the other rangefinders, it has an accuracy of within a yard of your target. The objective diameter of the lens is 25mm, which gives you great viewing that you can magnify up to 6 times to get a closer look at your prey. It has an adjustable eye relief, which is great for everyone to have since they can adjust it as they need. With its continuous scan mode, you can always be keeping an eye on your surroundings and multiple targets. And like most rangefinders for bow hunting, this product is very light and small in size.
As great as this rangefinder is, a number of people complained that the battery that comes with it is not very durable at all, and they recommend buying a backup to bring with you on your hunting trips.
More features: waterproof and fog proof, scan mode, lightweight aluminum housing, three selectable reticles, 2-year warranty, red OLED display, rifle and bow modes
If you’re looking for the premium quality and a rangefinder with the absolute max range, you need to look no further than the Leupold RX-1600i TBR Laser Rangefinder.
Right away, the thing that really jumps out at you is the range parameter, which can stretch up to 1,600 yards. This is more than double the maximum range of any other rangefinder on our list! It also has an accuracy of up to one yard, and this accuracy is achieved with a 22mm diameter lens. Next, the product a magnification of 6x with an eye relief distance of 17.5mm.
Plenty of users are impressed with the build and durability of this rangefinder that’s highlighted by its waterproof and fog proof design, and it is very helpful, especially when it starts to rain. It comes equipped with shot angle compensation, which basically means it can take into account the horizontal range distance of your shoot depending on where you’re shooting from.
Despite the high-quality specs you’re getting with this rangefinder, a few people did note that the LED screen started to fade out after several years of usage, and it wasn’t due to dying batteries.
More features: water-resistant, 1-year warranty, scan mode, works at any elevation, bright display, one-button operation
If you plan on doing your bow hunting in higher elevations, you’ll want to bring a rangefinder suitable for that. Our favorite option here is the Halo Rangefinder XL450. This model only has a range of 450 yards, but it’s more than you’ll need for bow hunting.
With its continuous scan mode, you can easily focus on multiple targets at different ranges with the simple click of a button. Once you’ve found a target, you can zoom in up to six times. You’ll easily be able to see your target as well because this rangefinder has a 24mm lens diameter. It also comes with an eyepiece, which is fully adjustable, and it can be set by turning to find the right focus for you. As for the drawbacks, a few people did mention that the reading could be off once in a while.
More features: fully multi-coated optics, two modes, intuitive menu, adjustable focus, lanyard attachment
If you’re looking for a powerful rangefinder for bow hunting and want a reliable tool, there might not be a better pick than the Vortex Optics Impact 850 Laser Rangefinder.
This rangefinder comes with fantastic 5-850 yards of range and is also accurate to within one yard. If your target is particularly far away, you’ll be able to zoom in on it using the 6x magnification. It has a decent objective diameter at 20mm with an optimal 15mm of eye relief. Like all other bow hunting rangefinders, this one is also very small and lightweight and even has a lanyard attachment in case you want to hang it around the neck instead of holding it. It offers two modes, HCD and LOS, and both modes are suitable for experienced hunters. You’ll always know how much battery you have left with this rangefinder, as it will be shown on display.
One downside noted by users was that during the daylight, the display was quite hard to read. Thus, people think that it lacks display illumination.
More features: class 1 laser, bright image, one-button operation, compact and lightweight housing
When you’re hunting and looking through the lens of a rangefinder, nothing can be more satisfying than seeing at a high-definition display that makes your target and your surroundings as clear as possible. That’s why with our pick for the best image clarity is the Bushnell Laser Rangefinder Bone Collector Cam.
This rangefinder ensures a stunning image, which is great for targeting in low light conditions. It also has an adjustable range of 10-600 yards with an accuracy of within 1 yard and an objective diameter lens of 21mm with a magnification of just four times. New rangefinder users will love this one-button operation and the fact that the product is both compact and lightweight. Its camo color is able to blend in with your natural surroundings. As you can tell by the image, it’s very rugged and is rainproof as well, allowing you to use it in just about any weather condition.
As great as this rangefinder is, a number of people did note that the readings on the display were not always accurate.
More features: comes with multiple accessories, 3-year warranty, 60-day money-back period, ultra-clear LCD display, continuous scan mode
One of the most appealing things about rangefinders is that they are incredibly versatile and great for purposes other than hunting. That is why we have picked as this BIJIA model as the best multi-purpose rangefinder.
This product is a solid choice for various activities, including golf and archery, which makes this tool extremely valuable to have if you’re into those other activities as well. As the max range, it works well at 650 yards with the standard accuracy of up to 1 yard.
Unfortunately, it has a much smaller objective lens diameter of 16mm compared to the other rangefinders on this list that have 20mm+, but it has a magnification of 6x and an adjustable eye relief distance. Users love this rangefinder for its ultra-clear LCD display that also has a continuous scan mode. Like all rangefinders, this one is also very lightweight and compact to hold.
More features: speed measuring, fully multi-coated optics, 1-year warranty, flag lock, scan mode
Some hunters might prefer to view everything clearly through the wide lens. Thus, our pick for the model with the largest lens diameter might be for you. The Gogogo 6X Hunting Laser Rangefinder comes with a 25mm objective.
For reference, among some previous models, you can find a lens diameter of 16mm, so this one is definitely much larger. Through this wide lens, you’ll be able to get a range of between 5-650 yards with a +/- 1-yard accuracy. The lenses are fully multi-coated, which does a great job of reducing reflected light. It has terrific magnification as well at 6 times to go along with adjustable eye relief.
This rangefinder also lets you change between yards and meters readings by holding the mode button. However, a number of people say that if there is any moisture in the air, it won’t work.
More features: in-view liquid crystal display, one-button operation, class 1 laser, comes with carry case
As you know, most rangefinders for bow hunting are very small and lightweight, so you’ll definitely want to find one that is easy and comfortable to hold. Look no further than our pick for the Simmons Volt Hunting Laser Rangefinder that also has a user-friendly design.
As you can see, this rangefinder has finger ridges on the top, showing you how you should hold this. This rangefinder is very simple as well and comes with a one-button operation. It has a range between 1-600 yards with an accuracy of up to +/- 1 yard. While it has a somewhat smaller objective diameter lens of 20mm, this can be compensated with the eye relief distance of 20mm. This rangefinder has an in-view liquid crystal display, which makes what you’re looking at very clear. Also, it comes with a handy carrying case so that you don’t always have to be holding this in your hand while hunting.
The most notable complaint among users was that the reading accuracy was not always correct, and some people experienced wildly different readings.
More features: class 1 laser, rain protection, battery life indicator and anti-slip grip, arc bow mode for horizontal distance
The last product on our list is the one that works extremely well for hunting in harsh weather conditions. The Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Laser Rangefinder is protected from the rain, and its design helps to prevent water from getting inside and distorting the accuracy of your readings.
It has a fantastic range of 7-850 yards with the accuracy of up to 1 yard. Next, it uses a class 1 laser to be able to lock on to your target, and you can also benefit from the arc bow mode, which helps compensate the trajectory your arrow will make. This is a terrific feature to have, especially if you’re shooting on uneven terrain.
This rangefinder also features a battery life indicator on display, which will give you an idea of when to replace it. The product has an objective diameter of 20mm, which is on the smaller side but is compensated by the eye relief distance of 20mm as well. A few people did note that although the range reader was accurate, its black LCD was difficult to read at times.
Now that we’ve seen our top-rated rangefinders for bow hunting, it’s time to focus on our buying guide. In this section, we’ll explain in more detail some of the most important features of a rangefinder and how you can benefit from learning more about these. Each hunter may have different priorities, so understanding more about a rangefinder may help you figure out which one is best for your hunting needs. We’ll then wrap things up in our verdict, where we’ll give you our top three choices for bow hunting.
While both tools are great and handy to have for hunters, there are some important differences between the two. Perhaps the biggest difference between the two types of tools is that a regular rangefinder offers the best of both worlds. It allows you to spot your target easily and has a compact design, so you can carry it in your pocket. This is particularly crucial when it comes to carrying your bow hunting gear. On the other hand, RF binoculars are good hunting tools, but they seem to be quite bulky, which can be a huge disadvantage even if a particular model has better optics and max range.
All in all, it comes down to your preference. With any of those types of products, you need to be much more precise and accurate with bow hunting because if you miss, you might not be able to get off another shot before your target escapes.
To get the best rangefinder for bow hunting, you’re going to know more about the individual features. As we mentioned earlier, each bow hunter has different goals and can hunt in different ways, and that’s why it’s essential to consider various parameters before buying one. Here, we’ll speak more about these features. They include range, accuracy, magnification, objective diameter, eye relief, modes, size and weight, power source, durability, and price. Let’s get started!
When buying one of the best rangefinders for bow hunting, one of the things you’ll definitely want to focus on is the range it offers. The range on your rangefinder is crucial because it will let you know exactly how far your rangefinder can reach to help you identify your target.
For bow hunting, knowing how far away your target is can give you the necessary time to get into a good position for the shot, especially if you’re far away.
The max range can vary greatly between each product. Generally, though, these rangefinders have a range between roughly 400-800 yards. The only outlier on our list is our Premium Pick, the Leupold RX-1600i TBR Laser Rangefinder, which has a max range of up to 1,600 yards. Just note that you’ll have to pay significantly more money for models with better parameters.
To understand how accurate the rangefinder is, it’s first vital to learn how it measures the distance. The rangefinder casts out a laser beam directly to where your target is, and then your target will reflect back that beam. The rangefinder uses a highly advanced clock that is able to measure how long it takes for light to travel to your target and back. The closer your target is, the quicker you’ll get a reading. More often, with closer targets, readings tend to be more accurate because it requires less time for light to travel there and back. Most products from out review, including the Halo Rangefinder XL450, are accurate to within a few feet of the target.
When it comes to the magnification of these rangefinders for bow hunting, the difference is not that big. For example, as we can see from our top 10 list, the magnification is either 6x or 4x. For bow hunting, 4x or 6x is more than enough because you shouldn’t be too far away from your target since you’re hunting with a bow. Bow hunting requires more accuracy and for you to be closer to your target as opposed to you shooting with a rifle. If you’re shooting with a high-powered rifle, especially, you can easily use a rangefinder that has a magnification of 10x.
The higher the magnification, the shorter the field of view. The ideal settings depend on the satiation, but these parameters are more than enough to spot the target.
This refers to is the inner diameter of the objective lens on your rangefinder. It is measured in millimeters, and from our top 10 list, this figure will typically range between 20-25mm. If you happen to see a figure such as 7 x 20, this means is that 7 refers to the magnification and 20 refers to the objective diameter of the lens. As this number goes up, it makes the rangefinder heavier, and that’s because it comes with a wider lens for a clearer image and larger field of view. Fortunately, the rangefinders in our list have a maximum of 25mm diameter, such as seen with the Gogogo 6X Hunting Laser Rangefinder, which classifies it as a compact type of binocular, which is exactly what you want if you plan on bow hunting.
Since using your eyes is the primary part of hunting, eye relief is an essential factor here. It refers to the distance from your pupil to the eyepiece of the rangefinder. This distance allows you to see the entire image clearly. While this figure can be adjusted with certain rangefinders, including the BIJIA Hunting Rangefinder, others have fixed figures, and they can range between 15 and 20 millimeters.
Without the correct eye relief, it will be hard for bow hunters to see a clear and large image.
The most frequently found mode in the best rangefinder for bow hunting is the scan function. Almost all products from our list have this feature, and that’s because, as the name suggests, it allows you to scan the area you’re looking at back and forth to notice the changes in distance between targets. This mode is particularly helpful as it will help you scan moving targets, and the readings will change based on your target’s movements.
Another excellent feature can be found in the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme Laser Rangefinder, and it is the arc bow mode. As we know, when shooting a bow, the arrow does not travel in a straight line as a bullet would from a rifle. Shooting a bow often means it will travel in an arc, and with the arc bow mode, it takes into consideration the angle of your shot and the distance of the target. It also takes into account the terrain and can compensate for downward or upward shooting angles.
Perhaps the most important aspect of bow hunting is that you want your gear to be as light as possible. You don’t want to be weighed down by large tools, and top-rated rangefinders from our article can help you avoid that. Fortunately, these products are extremely compact. Our Editor’s Choice, the TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder, measures out to roughly 4 inches wide, 3 inches tall, and 1.5 inches deep. It only weighs 6.5 ounces, which, translated to pounds, is only 0.4! As you can see from the remaining rangefinders in our list, other options are similar in terms of size and weight, with the heaviest one being the Wosports Hunting Rangefinder, which only weighs 9.6 ounces (0.6 pounds).
The primary source of the power of rangefinders for bow hunting is batteries. Sometimes the manufacturer includes them in the package, but you might still want to keep a replacement at hand to be prepared for any situation. Make sure to check the type of the battery beforehand. The overwhelming majority of these products use CR2 lithium batteries, such as you can find in cameras. These batteries are excellent because of their long lifespan, which can often be up to one year.
Perhaps one of the most surprising things about the rangefinders for bow hunting is their durability. If you’ve ever had one, you know that it’s incredibly small (can comfortably fit into your hand), and it’s very light in weight. However, despite this, these rangefinders are very sturdy as well. A big part of what makes these rangefinders more reliable is the housing and water-resistant design. For example, the TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder is resistant to dust and water, making it the perfect option to bring with you on your trips.
In terms of extra features, not every rangefinder comes with them. These are nice to have but aren’t really necessary. An example of this is the carrying case that comes with the Simmons Volt Hunting Laser Rangefinder.
A number of rangefinders for bow hunting also come with a warranty, and they can range from 1-3 years, with the best warranty policy belonging to the BIJIA Hunting Rangefinder. This model also has a 60-day money-back guarantee. Another great extra feature is that this rangefinder can also be used for golf. This makes it our multi-purpose choice because it has a golf-pin flag-lock function, which allows you to determine the distance between where you are and where the hole is.
Every bow hunter is looking for that edge when it comes to catching their prey, and the rangefinder is the gamechanger they need to have. As for the price, it really depends on what your budget is. You can find a rangefinder for just about any price, but on the whole, they are generally very affordable.
You can get one for as little as $70 with our Best Value selection, the Wosports Hunting Rangefinder. On the opposite end of the pricing spectrum, hunters can opt for something much more expensive with our Premium Pick, the Leupold RX-1600i TBR Laser Rangefinder, and this one is available for $400. A really good choice for those looking to get the best bang for their buck is our Editor’s Choice, the TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder, which only goes for $100.
Now, we are ready to present to you the three rangefinders that really stood out to us. In the first place, we have our Editor’s Choice, the TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder. This water-resistant model has a solid range of up to 540 yards and excellent 24mm objective diameter with great 6x magnification.
Next up, for bow hunters that are new and want a solid and cost-effective product to start out, they can go with our Best Value pick, the Wosports Hunting Rangefinder. This tool gives you the best bang for your buck as it has a tremendous range up to 700 yards and adjustable eye relief.
For hunters that like supreme quality, you’ll have to fork out some cash with our Premium Pick, the Leupold RX-1600i TBR Laser Rangefinder. This one offers, by far, the highest max range among the models on our list at a whopping 1600 yards! It also offers a very sturdy, yet lightweight, aluminum build to go along with a fantastic red OLED display. It’s no wonder why we’ve included this product in our list of the best rangefinders for bow hunting!
