Accurate distance to the target can guarantee success and the only way to do that is to have a reliable and trusted rangefinder in your arsenal.
The Redfield Raider 650 Los rangefinder looks to become your go-to on the field to ensure you always hit your mark.
The Redfield brand started on a farm in Oregon by John Hill Redfield.
In 1909, the company started in the firearms industry and was branded as Redfield Gun Sight Co.
The company started small and then started to expand and include scope mounts and rifle scopes that put the company on the map.
In 2008, Leupold and Steven bought the company and decided to bring a new line of Redfield rangefinders to the market.
Let us take a look at this Redfield Rangefinder in detail.
Rangefinder
Features
Price
Redfield rangefinder review
- Range: 6-650 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 5.7 ounces
The Redfield Raider 650 Los is an upgrade from the older models of Redfield rangefinders like the Redfield Raider 550 and the Redfield Raider 600.
The Redfield 650 line of rangefinders is completely redesigned from the previous generations and offers better features.
The housing is much slimmer and the ranging capabilities have been increased.
These units can be set to measure in yards or meters, unlike the Redfield rangefinder 550 or 600 that only came in either meters or yards models.
Now there will be no more mix-up and the chances of ordering the wrong model are greatly reduced.
This new lineup offers values that hunters everywhere need including ruggedness, performance, durability, and value for money.
We’ll now jump right in and take a look at the features of the Redfield Raider 650 Los laser rangefinder.
This device is just one of the rangefinders from the 650 line.
Redfield Raider 650 Los Features
Continuous Scan Mode
This Redfield rangefinder comes with a Continuous Scan Mode that gives you the distance to multiple targets in one go.
This significantly reduces the time spent measuring the distance to various objects instead of measuring the distance to them one by one.
This is also a handy feature that hunters love especially when ranging the distance to moving targets.
Once you’ve acquired your target and have your first distance reading you can continue to hold the Power button and follow the target as it moves.
As long as your finger is keeping the Power button pressed, the rangefinder automatically updates with new reading shown on the display.
The same procedure is used to range multiple targets as well.
All you do is continue holding down the Power button and move the reticle from one target to another.
Ranging Capabilities
The Redfield 650 Los can measure from 6-500 yards for deer and deer-sized animals, 6-600 yards for inanimate objects, and a reflective target from 6-650 yards.
These are reasonable enough ranging distances that cover normal hunting and shooting distances without any hassle.
This device uses an eye-safe Class 1 IR laser and delivers an incredibly accurate line of sight.
The accuracy of this simple and affordable unit is stated to be accurate up to +- 1 yard.
The unit emits invisible, infrared energy pulses to the selected target which then bounce off the target and returns to the optical unit.
In that time, the state-of-the-art circuitry and precision computing electronics inside of the rangefinder calculates the distance and displays it on the LCD.
It measures the time it takes for each pulse from the rangefinder to the target and back to give you the most accurate distance measurement.
You should know that the surface texture, color, size, and shape of the target can affect the maximum range of the unit.
In addition lighting conditions, haze, fog, rain, and other environmental elements may affect the ranging performance too.
Display
The Redfield rangefinder makes use of a high contrast LCD to show the relevant information.
It features a clutter-free layout which is possibly the most simple and uncluttered display you’ve ever seen on a rangefinder.
The aiming reticle is at the center of the screen while the distance measurement in either yards or meters is displayed at the top.
The other information that you’ll find on the display screen is the battery status but this is where things get interesting.
The battery life indicator only pops up on the display when the battery is half dead.
This is something new and has been receiving many good reviews since it does not take up unnecessary space on the display.
It just comes up to let you know that you’ll need to replace the battery soon.
This is something we hope other rangefinder manufacturers will start to integrate into their units.
Optics
The Redfield rangefinder comes with a 23mm objective diameter lens with an exit pupil diameter of 3.3 mm and eye relief of 13.5 mm
The lens comes with 6x magnification and an angle of view of 7 degrees.
Together, they all offer a bright and clear view with a field of view 367.5′ at 1000 yards.
The lenses are also fully multi-coated to maximize light transmission for sharp images.
This makes it easy to locate and measure the distance to targets quickly and seeks to give you the best chance for first-shot success.
Operation
The operation of the Redfield 650 Los is pretty simple.
The unit powers on with the touch of a button and pressing that button again will allow the rangefinder to measure the distance to the target.
When selecting the unit of measurement, hold, and press the Power button for 10 seconds whilst the rangefinder is off.
The unit of measurement will keep switching back and forth.
Release the Power button when the preferred unit of measurement pops up.
To start ranging ensure that the rangefinder is in focus.
You can do this by turning the adjustable eyepiece.
After ensuring that the target is in focus, press the Power button to activate the unit.
Align the reticle over the target and press the Power button once again to activate the laser.
That’s it, the rangefinder will calculate the distance to the target and display the measurement on the LCD.
This device comes with a duplex reticle which makes the center point dot brighter so you can acquire targets faster and it’s great for a broad range of game applications.
What we like more is that the last distance obtained does not have to be cleared before you can use the rangefinder to measure the distance to a different target.
That is why there is no other button on the dive, if you need the distance to another target, just aim and focus the reticle on the new target and press the Power button and hold.
Doing so will display the new reading on the LCD screen.
The simplicity of its operation is what makes this device stand out.
Battery
This rangefinder is powered by a single CR 2 battery.
The low battery status only pops up on the display when the battery has used up half of its power.
A new battery is good for about 3000 activations.
To replace the battery, remove the battery cover, discard the old one and insert the new battery negative terminal first.
To further prolong battery life, this device has an automatic power-down function that deactivates the laser and other functions.
Design
This newer model Redfield rangefinder features compact, slim, and lightweight housing.
This small unit can fit comfortably in your pocket, around your neck, or your belt without getting in the way.
It weighs around 5.7 ounces and measures 3.9″ x 3.0″ x 1.7″.
In terms of looks, the black and red combo gives it a nice aesthetic.
The one-button design makes it less complicated to operate and is bright red so you cannot possibly miss it.
The black textured rubber armor provides great gripping power and protects the unit from minor accidents.
This rangefinder is also fully weatherproof so let nothing hold you back when the call of the hunt is heard.
Warranty
Offering value for money, Redfield offers a warranty like no other,
The Raider 650 Los warranty comes in two parts.
First, you have Redfield’s “No Excuse” full lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship.
The second part of the warranty deals with the electronic components of the rangefinder.
The electronic components cover defects in workmanship and materials for up to two years from the date of purchase.
We’re always looking for ways to save money and protect our investments so with this two-part warranty from Redfield, you are doing both.
The unit also comes with a battery, a lanyard, and a Cordura case.
- 650 yd Max Range, Accurate to 1 Yard; Eye-Safe Class I IR Laser
- Delivers incredibly accurate line of sight measurements in yards or meters out to 650 yards
- Features fully multicoated optics, 6x magnification, high contrast LCD display
Pros: Redfield Raider 650 Los
- Continuous scan mode
- Uses eye-safe Class 1 laser
- High-contrast LCD
- Uncluttered display
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 6x magnification
- Simple operation
- Automatic shut-off function
- Lightweight, slim and compact
- 2 part warranty
Cons: Redfield Raider 650 Los
- No angle compensation
- Not suitable in low light situations
Here’s a video on the advantages and limitations of laser rangefinders to give you a clear understanding of what these devices are capable of.
Alternatives to Redfield Raider Rangefinders
Bushnell Engage Hunting Laser Rangefinder
- Range: 1,300 yards
- Magnification: 4x
- Weight: 8.25 oz
The Bushnell Engage is powerful hunting ranging with the ability to measure the distance to targets 1300 yards away.
Bushnell is one of the leaders in optical sports equipment and this unit is a true reflection of that.
This device is 2x brighter thanks to the integration of a 50% larger objective lens and an all-glass optical system.
This allows it to perform well from dusk till dawn to give you the thrill of the hunt almost all day.
It uses Exo barrier technology to repel water, oil, fog, dirt, and debris.
The barrier is molecularity boned to the glass and this allows the unit to perform well in harsh hunting conditions.
The angle compensation can give you the true-horizontal distance by using ARC technology.
This way you get true distance whether you are above or below the target.
Other features of this unit include the continuous scan mode and 6x magnification which puts you in a great position to ensure you succeed in hitting your mark.
It also comes with various modes that ensure you get the accurate reading you need.
Halo XL-450 Rangefinder
- Range: 450 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 8 oz
The Halo XL-450 is one of the cheapest and the best hunting rangefinders on the market today.
The range of this rangefinder is 450 yards and while it is not suitable for long-range hunting, it certainly performs exceedingly well in short ranges.
It comes equipped with 6x magnification and uses a Class IIIA laser for accuracy.
This device can be used in various situations including golf, rifle, and bowhunting.
It is powered by a CR 2 battery and shuts down after 20 minutes of no activity.
To top it off, this inexpensive unit features slope technology that provides angle compensated distances to the target by taking into consideration inclines and declines in the terrain.
This is something you will most likely not find in a rangefinder in this price category.
The Halo rangefinder is water-resistant to tackle light rain so you don’t have to worry about the weather if you’re on the prowl.
It also features an ergonomic design with a non-slip grip so chances of the unit slipping from your hand are greatly reduced.
More on this rangefinder read our Halo XL450 review.
Nikon PROSTAFF 1000i
- Range: 1,000 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 6.5 oz
Nikon is famous for its amazingly clear optics and its line of rangefinders has been a favorite among hunters.
The Nikon Prostaff 1000i is a perfect example of one of the favorites.
That is because this awesome rangefinder offers a whole lot for a very reasonable price.
It is one of Nikon’s premium models at an affordable price which means purchasing one of these units will be a win-win for you.
Perfect for bowhunters and rifle hunters, this rangefinder uses Tru target technology to measure the distance to the nearest and farthest targets.
This will all depend on the situation and can range objects as small as a fence post.
This model as most of the Nikon rangefinders comes with Nikon’s ID technology that can compensate for slopes and provide accuracy at virtually any angle.
The angle compensation this unit can cater to is an incredible +/- 89 degrees.
You can range targets up to 1000 yards and the 6x optical systems give you an advantage.
The weather-resistant and rainproof construction will ensure that you get out there and hunt without worrying about the rain.
For more hunting rangefinders, read the best hunting rangefinder reviews.
Final Verdict: Redfield rangefinder review
This Redfield rangefinder review focused on all the good and bad things of the Redfield Raider 650 Los.
While lacking any angle compensating technology, we still found this unit worth purchasing due to its size, performance, and price.
It provides incredible accuracy at a good enough distance and is very simple to operate.
The ranging distances are great and should cover most normal hunting and shooting distances fair enough.
Since this device is part of the new lineup of Redfield rangefinders, it is much slimmer than previous models.
It also allows users to toggle between the different units of measurement(yards/meters), unlike the older models.
Last but not least is the remarkable uncluttered display which shows the battery indicator only when half of the battery power has been used up.
All in all, this Redfield Rangefinder 650 is a great choice and will serve you for many years to come.
Rangefinder
Features
Price