What Should I Look For In An Archery Rangefinder

What Should I Look For In An Archery Rangefinder?

What Should I Look For In An Archery Rangefinder?

A high-quality rangefinder can help you improve your archery skills and experience. However, with hundreds of rangefinder models on the market, you may find it difficult to choose the best model.

When shopping for an archery rangefinder, keep the following considerations in mind.

So, What Should I Look For In An Archery Rangefinder?

Actual Range Capabilities

The shooting range is an additional important factor to consider. The decision between a basic rangefinder and a high-end model depends on your shooting range. Basic rangefinders are accurate up to 500 yards, whereas high-end models can measure distances beyond 500 yards.

A basic model, measuring only a few hundred yards, suffices for short-distance shooting, tree stands, or dense forest/brush scenarios with limited visibility.

For shooting in vast open spaces, spotting game from a distance, and requiring extended range visibility, a higher-end model with extended range capability is highly beneficial. Depending on your shooting location and environmental conditions, the choice of a rangefinder may vary.

“Plus-or-Minus” Distance

Moreover, this is also called accuracy.

You’ll notice that many rangefinders talk about how accurate they are, and most basic models are accurate to +/- 1 yard, which means that the rangefinder will be accurate to within a single yard, so if it says your game is 85 yards away, it could be anywhere between 84 and 86 yards away.

Higher-end rangefinders are a little more precise, and some can tell you to within a few feet.1 yard how far your game is from you (and those would be +/-.1 yard)—obviously, much more precise.

Angle Compensation

Basic rangefinders provide the distance from your target, sufficient for flat ground shooting. For elevated shots, a rangefinder displaying horizontal distance becomes valuable.

Different rangefinder manufacturers use various names for angle compensation. Bushnell cameras refer to it as the ARC (Angle Range Compensation) feature, whereas Nikon cameras use the ID (Include/Decline) feature.

In Halo, Angle Intelligence represents a type of AI. Both discuss technology that calculates horizontal distance to aid in precise aiming.

Viewscreen

One of a rangefinder’s most crucial components is the display screen. To ensure easy reading of information, especially in low-light hunting situations, opt for a rangefinder with a large view screen.

Eye relief is an additional feature that works well with the view screen. The distance between your eye and the display screen is called eye relief. It will be easier to use the rangefinder if you have more eye relief.

Magnification

Many rangefinders have a feature that lets you magnify the target you’re ranging. Rangefinders typically offer magnification ranging from 4x (average) to 6x (common in higher-end models).

The ideal feature for your hunting needs depends on personal preferences. For close-range targets, 4x magnification may suffice.

Higher magnification proves useful for ranging distant animals in open vistas.

Size and Weight

Rangefinders are generally small and easy to hold in your hand due to their consistent size range. However, higher-end models are typically very small, while some of the more basic models may be a little larger.

Most rangefinders appear to be under a pound in weight, with many weighing less than three-quarters of a pound.

Weatherproof

While some models are waterproof, allowing submersion, others are water-resistant and suitable for rain but may malfunction if overly wet.

Examine your surroundings—if you’ll be hunting in extremely dry areas, it might not be a big deal. Consider this if hunting in heavy rain or prone to accidental gear drops in water.

Durability

Expect your hunting rangefinder to endure abuse comparable to water resistance, likely surpassing the wear and tear experienced by a golf rangefinder.

Always verify the craftsmanship and material quality to ensure durability in challenging conditions.

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Final thoughts

Archery rangefinders show us how to aim precisely.

We use optics to increase the likelihood of a successful hit.When used correctly, rangefinders become an invaluable tool for archers.

Now that you have gained insight into the essential features of an archery rangefinder, you can make an informed decision.