Laser Range Finder for Archery

[Kiowa1SG]

So been practicing with the bow alot lately and doing walking ranges with 3D targets up on hills down in ravines. So been using the range finder alot as well. Its an older model going on 8 years now. Well the dang thing quit working tonight. I changed battery and can not get it to come on for nothing. So I am just going to stop messing with it and hit the local Bass Pro and see if I can pick up another one.

Figured this site has offered so much great advice already why not ask what people recommend for a bow and gun shooter. I want one that will do yardage based on up or downhill as well. My last one didnt have that and I have gotten good and judging but man would be nice to have the true technological advantage at times.

Any help greatly appreciated.

[Drawnandpinned]

The angle range compensation looks to be a great one I think its made by Bushnell I don't use one but if I did that would be the one

[the weasel]

picked up the new HALO camo rangefinder this summer lovin it so far. small / fits my hand great. got it at Dicks sporting goods came with a flashlight that also has the funky blood tracker option. it was $149.00 with $30.00 mail in rebate. happy happy happy.

[Stick]

Nikon Rifle Hunter 550 has been great for me does all the things you are wanting and I can also use it for my kids rifle hunts!

[Indian Summer]

As with everything depends on your budget. I LOVE my Leica 1600.

It's fast. Super accurate and ALWAYS gives you a range on the first click.

It actually factors in humidity, temp and other things when calculating the angled shot distances.

[RP]

I have been using the Bushnell range finder for 4-5 years and I love it. You can get them from Cabelas usually in a combo pack wit either a rifle scope or with binos. I have done both combos and been extremely satisfied with both options.

[JPD350]

Nikon 550 for me, after about 6 years of use the only negative thing I can say is that in low light conditions the optics are not very bright which to this point has never been to much of an issue, for the money it has been a solid rangefinder and not on the upgrade gear list.

[foxvalley]

I really like my vortex optics that I had won on this site,(thanks again Paul) it is in my breast pocket all the time, and works like a champ.

[planebow]

I also bought the Vortex from Paul and like it better than the Leopold that I had

[toasty tiger]

I use the Bushnell with angle compensation - I have nothing but positives to say - I do know from all the research that I did before I bought it that before you go spending money on a high end make sure that you understand the technical specs - just cause it says 1000 yards doesnt mean it will range at that distance. There are a lot of factors that make those things work - ie light source - color of target - etc. I am also prone to setting them down so I go with the budget friendly ones....and I only bow hunt so when I do set them down I will just keep my shots under 40 which will put my arrows 6-7" high at any distance between 0-40. My primary range finder is setting my pin on 40 yards and then just knowing where my arrows fall within that distance at closer ranges. My secondary range finder is the one with batteries to know where that 40 yard spot starts.

[Toby]

I got a Vortex from Paul, works great. You can scan with it and get continuous read outs.

[Csrbowhunter]

I also bought the Vortex from Paul and like it better than the Leopold that I had

I was thinking of buying a leopold 1000. I looked at vortex and leopold at cabelas and couldn't tell a difference between the two but the price. What do you like better about the vortex. I have a bushel pro right now and it doesn't magnify as much and isn't as clear.

[N5J]

I went with the Vortex 1000. Works great and one of the best Warranties out there.

[planebow]

I also bought the Vortex from Paul and like it better than the Leopold that I had

I was thinking of buying a leopold 1000. I looked at vortex and leopold at cabelas and couldn't tell a difference between the two but the price. What do you like better about the vortex. I have a bushel pro right now and it doesn't magnify as much and isn't as clear.

My partner has the 1000 also and when we are ranging in bow mode it will only range out to 60 yards. The Vortex will range at any angle to full range but it does not have a lot of the features that I did not use anyway.

[Csrbowhunter]

Planebow,

I looked at all kinds of range finders and the clarity on both those units was nice. That's the only reason I'm thinking about getting a new one.

[ST52V]

Bushnell makes one now with clear shot technology I believe. It will put a mark above the cross hairs that corresponds to your arrows arch to show you the highest point of your arrows path. If that mark is on a branch your arrow will probably hit it. It looks very interesting and I am sure more than one guy on this forum has had their dreams shattered by that 1 branch. Worth a look in my opinion.

[Indian Summer]

[quote="toasty tiger"] make sure that you understand the technical specs - just cause it says 1000 yards doesnt mean it will range at that distance. There are a lot of factors that make those things work - ie light source - color of target - etc. quote]

Not with Leica. My specs say 1600 yards and it gives me ranges further than that... every time! Unreal.

I had the Leupold 1000. Hated it. Too much crap all over the screen and you had to scroll through tons of stuff to get what you wanted. I'm no dummy but you had to keep the owner's manual with you to remember how to use the thing to full potential.

[Elksniper1]

Another vote for vortex! Just there warranty alone is unbeatable ! I had to use there warrsnty and they truly went out of there way to get me a new unit by the timeframe I needed it!

[TJH24]

I had a leupold rangefinder and had to return it. I could not get it to range in darker timber and during 3d shoots it would not range dark timber. I returned it and bought a nikon and never had a problem with it. I also have a bushnell with the angle compensation and it works very well

[elk.addict]

I was thinking of buying a leopold 1000.

I had one and didn't like it. Slow to acquire yardage, the menu was cumbersome and only up to 60 yards in bow mode. When in rifle mode I'd be lucky to get 700 yards.

[elkoholic]

I also have the vortex that I purchased from Paul. It very clear, small and reliable.