If you’re looking to get more out of your bow sight then you will want to stick around to learn about these rangefinder bow sights.
A rangefinder bow sight is exactly what it sounds like.
These 2-in-1 devices combine laser rangefinder technology and bow sight for increased accuracy when aiming at your target.
The market for rangefinding bow sights is very slim but those who have used these gadgets were all pleased with their performance.
However, there were a few that did not perform well and there are a few others that can come in pretty expensive.
So before you jump to make that purchase, consult our complete guide inclusive of reviews and a buying guide to the best rangefinder bow sight.
Rangefinder
Features
Price
Best rangefinder bow sights reviews
- Range: 300 yards
- Type: Single and multiple pins
- Weight: 14.7 oz
Garmin is a well-known brand that is no stranger to rangefinder technology.
This tech-gear company is familiar with the digital world and offers some of the best gadgets you’ll find on the market.
The Garmin Xero A1 Bow Sight at first glance can leave you feeling a little bit intimidated.
However, with a little bit of time familiarising yourself with the unit, you’ll see that it is fairly easy to operate.
This device lets you know the range and shoot the exact pin without any unnecessary movements.
With the ability to measure the angle-compensated distance to your target and provides a LED pin for the shot.
The LED pin even works for those “in-between” yards so you are spot on with every shot you take.
When you activate the rangefinder button, the automatic LED pin appears in the sight window.
The pins together with the large sight window allow for unobstructed views to your targets which cannot be achieved with physical pins.
This bow sight with rangefinder can range at rest or full draw up to 100 yards or up to 300 yards to reflective targets.
It allows you to customize it to your preference, you can set it to single-pin or multiple-pin configurations or manual pin selection.
The Garmin Xero A1 Bow Sight is easily mounted to your bow and features a silent button trigger that can be placed anywhere on your riser.
Put it in the most convenient spot where your finger can hit it thereby, reducing movement and acquiring the distance and exact pin you need for the shot.
To make things easier, watch the video below on how to calibrate this rangefinder.
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- Auto-ranging digital bow sight automatically measures distance to the target and provides an LED pin...
- LED pins allow you to clearly see your target, unobstructed by physical pins
- Silent single-button trigger requires minimal movement; lets you range at rest or full draw up to...
- Range: 99 yards
- Type: Multiple pins
- Weight: 31.8 oz
The IQ Define 5 pin archery bow sight comes with 5 fiber-optic 0.19” fixed pins.
These pins are visible within the sight window and the digital display is right next to the fixed pins.
The unit features a built-in light with 4 brightness settings to adjust the brightness of the pins and comes with a blue OLED display.
This display makes reading the measurements on this bow sight easy in varying lighting.
For long-range accuracy, the 2nd and 3rd axis of the bow sight is adjustable and can be locked in with its tool-free locking knobs.
It provides angle compensated distance out to 99 yards which one can argue is enough yardage when bowhunting.
The unit itself is quite heavy so maybe use a bow stabilizer to add weight to the front of the bow.
Don’t worry, doing this does not negatively affect the performance of the bow.
This unit like the one before is easy to use and comes with a wired button.
Place the button trigger that has an adhesive backing on any spot on your bow and watch as the single push of a button gives you true, angle-compensated yardage on targets.
Other features on the IQ Define 5 pin archery bow sight are the removable red dot laser and the double mounting options, and the 2-minute scan mode.
The red dot lasers help in calibrating the pins and can be easily removed if the use of a red dot laser is not permitted.
The double mounting options give you the freedom to mount your bow sight to your shooting style for ultimate comfort and convenience.
- RANGEFINDER BUILT IN – Put away your handheld rangefinder during bow season and stay ready to...
- EASY TO SET UP, EASY TO READ - System activates rangefinder with the push of a button trigger with...
- BUILT IN LIGHT - Illuminated by a built-in light with 4 brightness settings, the Definer's pins...
- Range: 150 yards
- Type: Multiple pins
- Weight: 25.6 oz
We have yet another product from the IQ brand but this one is an upgraded version of the one previously mentioned.
Aside from a few added features, the IQ Define Pro 7 pin bow sight shares similar features of the IQ Define 5 pin bow sight.
These include the 2-minute scan mode, the trigger button with adhesive backing, and the separate red dot visible laser for calibration as well as the 2nd and 3rd axis tool-less adjustments.
The IQ Define Pro bow rangefinding sight uses 7 0.19” adjustable sight pins.
This model features a new housing with Retina Lock built for the perfect form every time you raise your bow.
The 3 digits OLED display shows yardages in blue and has a yellow battery indicator to let you know how much power is left.
It is also equipped with a precision bubble level and an integrated sight light which has 5 brightness settings.
The IQ Define Pro rangefinding bow sight gives you angle compensated distance measurement out to 150 yards with +- 1 yard resolution
- FEATURES: 3 digit OLED Display with blue yardage and yellow battery indicator, 2 min scan mode,...
- MICRO ADJUST PINS: New housing has the Retina Lock incorporated into it and features micro...
- INCREASE YOUR RANGE AND CONFIDENCE – CR-2 battery powered range-finding unit with +/- 1 yard...
Rangefinders to use with bow sights
There may be a few reasons why you may not be into the whole rangefinding bow sight hype.
Number one reason is the fact that bow sights with rangefinders can be expensive so it isn’t very economical if you’re a beginner.
Another reason could be because you have been using a specific bow sight for a while and are comfortable using only that model.
So if you are looking to save some money or looking for a rangefinder, here are some bow mountable rangefinders that you can use with your existing bow sight.
Leupold Vendetta 2 Archery Rangefinder
- Range: 75 yards
- Magnification: 1x
- Weight: 11 oz
The Leupold Vendetta 2 Archery rangefinder is the perfect bow rangefinder to use with your existing bow sight.
Thanks to its universal bow mounting system, this unit can be mounted on a crossbow or compound bow used by left or right-handers.
Mounting the rangefinder is easy with its ability to adjust horizontally or vertically and also include a ball joint for further fine-tuning.
Once the rangefinder is mounted successfully o, you can eliminate excess movement and acquire the distance to the target without putting down your bow.
It features a compact design to fit well on your bow so that it does not get in the way of your bow sigh.
This rangefinder even works with larger bow sights and does not obscure the view in any way.
Pushing the trigger pad instant readings while pressing it for 3 seconds will activate the scan mode.
Scan mode continuously scans for 40 seconds and adjusts distance, angles, and elevations while your target is on the move up to 75 yards.
This is all thanks to the True Ballistic Range (TBR) technology integrated into the rangefinder.
The Leupold Vendetta 2 Archery rangefinder LED display offers excellent visibility no matter the lighting situation.
It is also equipped with a visible laser that syncs the rangefinder with your pins.
Simply zero in on your target with your pin and align the visible laser dot with that same exact target.
Remember some places restrict the use of a visible laser so ensure you are not breaking protocol if you do choose to use this feature.
- Model #170323 – Vendetta 2 in Black
- 100% Waterproof, fogproof, and backed by Leupold’s gold ring 2-Year electronics warranty
- True Ballistic Range (TBR) technology accounts for incline, range to target, and your ballistics…
Bresser Ambition Rangefinder
- Range: 100 yards
- Magnification: N/A
- Weight: 8 ounces
The Bresser Ambition rangefinder is the ideal unit for those on a tight budget.
It is the perfect affordable rangefinder to get a first-hand experience of how a rangefinder and a bow sight work together before diving in headfirst and buying a rangefinder bow sight.
This bow-mounted laser rangefinder is compatible with most sights and works on left-handed and right-handed bows.
It also includes a crossbow mount so it can attach to most scopes.
This mountable bow rangefinder has three adjustable axes for proper positioning and provides accurate measurements to reflective targets at a maximum of 100 yards.
The calculations are then shown on the OLED display which is easy to read without disengaging the bow.
You’ll need to activate the rangefinder before going into a full draw since you have to press the button on the unit itself instead of a button that can be placed anywhere on the bow.
The Bresser Ambition rangefinder also includes a scan mode which can run for 1 to 10 minutes to keep you fully aware of distances to potential targets.
- Bow-mounted laser rangefinder
- Three axes of adjustment
- Accurately measures distance out to 100 yards
Bow sight with built-in rangefinder buying guide
Since bow sights with built-in rangefinders can be pricey, you’ll want to ensure you are getting the absolute best that meets your demands.
Here are a few factors to look for when purchasing a bow sight with built-in rangefinder.
Quality
Quality is the name of the game because if the rangefinder malfunctions you need to know that you can still rely on your bow sight to get you through your shot.
If the bow sight with rangefinder is sturdily built, then chances are that it will not malfunction or break anytime soon.
The strong build will protect the internal mechanisms of the rangefinder.
These gadgets aren’t exactly cheap so make sure you invest in a quality product.
Accuracy
The most important factor when looking for a rangefinder bow sight is accuracy.
After all, you are not settling for just a bow sight but one that also has a rangefinder.
Some models have laser calibration which allows the bow sight to become familiar with the dynamics of your bow.
To be extra sure that the accuracy is spot on, test your new rangefinder bow sight with other measuring devices.
That way you’ll know if you can depend on it or not.
Brand
Rangefinder bow sights are a fairly new combination so you need to do your research.
Read up on the company to see their track record and what type of products they offer.
Check customer reviews and feedback to see how well the product performs and how it compares.
Taking the time to do this bit of research can save you from making a purchase that you’d later regret.
Rangefinder Bow Sight Type
You can find single-pin models or multiple-pin models rangefinder bow sights.
Single pin models come with a single pin and have a less obstructed field of view.
Multiple-pin models, on the other hand, use movable pins and may come with a laser calibration device.
This allows you to calibrate the pins to different ranges.
Both single and multiple pin models may allow you to choose the settings using LED dots.
Some may even include a two-dot mode where one helps in finding the range and one for aim and angle compensation.
Price
With the addition of a rangefinder to a bow sight, the price goes up since it is considered a luxury feature.
Even the cheapest rangefinder bow sight will cost you a few hundred dollars so they may be too pricey for someone who is on a tight budget or a beginner.
So set a high budget when eyeing bow sights with rangefinders.
Legalities
Bow sights with rangefinders use batteries to power them so they are classified as electronic sights.
Some models use lasers to calibrate the sight when zeroing in so they need to be removable in order to use it legally.
Check the regulations in your area for electronic components on your bow sight and choose one that meets these regulations.
Warranty
A warranty protects you in the event something goes wrong with your rangefinder bow sight.
You are already spending a lot to purchase one of these gadgets so you should be looking for a company that covers the product for at least a year.
Why use a bow sight with rangefinder combined?
Let us discuss the few reasons why you need to use a bow sight with rangefinder combined.
Accuracy
While some bow shooters are accurate and do not require the use of any special tools, there are others who need the additional help.
Estimating the distance to a target can be hard and being off just by a little bit can cause you to miss your target altogether.
Proper shot placement
This goes hand in hand with accuracy.
If you are hunting wild game, you want to shoot to kill so that the animal does not suffer.
It may be unintentional but it can land you in trouble.
Less movement
Another reason to use rangefinder bow sights is that they reduce the amount of movement required before making your shot.
Since the bow sight and rangefinder is one device and it is attached to your bow, everything can happen in one fluid movement.
Helpful and safety tips when using a rangefinding bow sight
We’ve included a few helpful and safety tips in this article so you can safely use your rangefinding bow sight without causing harm to others and yourself.
- Never point your bow at others or yourself.
- Always make sure you read and follow the rules and regulations of the archery range or hunting area that you’ll be using the device in.
- Read the user manual to fully understand the different parts and functions of your rangefinding bow sight.
Final Verdict: Rangefinder bow sight review
While expensive, we can clearly see in this rangefinder bow sight review that these units can be quite handy.
Just remember to do your research before purchasing a rangefinder bow sight and also check your state laws and regulations surrounding these gadgets.
If you have the budget, then by all means get yourself a rangefinder bow sight and experience the beginning of archery innovation in the modern age.For more rangefinders, read this best hunting rangefinder and this best rangefinders for bow hunting posts.
Rangefinder
Features
Price