Choosing a rangefinder may seem like a simple task, but for those who have a passion for bowhunting, picking a rangefinder is meant to be taken very seriously. I am Michael Aguirre. I am a bowhunting enthusiast at heart and will be your guide to selecting the best rangefinder on the market today to ensure you have accurate measurements for accurate shots.
What are the 11 best rangefinders on the market today? The following 11 rangefinders have been tested and rated by professional bowhunters:
- Vortex Optics Ranger Rangefinder
- ATN Laser Ballistics 1500 Smart Laser Rangefinder
- Nikon 16224 Arrow ID 3000 Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder
- Bushnell 6x24mm Prime 1700 Black RLF Advanced Target Detection
- Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder
- Bushnell Laser Bone Collector Rangefinder
- Halo XL450-7 Laser Rangefinder
- TecTecTec Prowild S Hunting Rangefinder
- TideWe Hunting Rangefinder
- Leupold Vendetta 2 Bow-Mounted Laser Range Finder
- Simmons 801600 Volt 600 Laser Rangefinder
There are very few rangefinders that aren’t worth the money. However, not all rangefinders are made equal. To know what rangefinder will make you the most effective hunter you can be, continue reading to get all the information you can about the phenomenal rangefinders.
1. Vortex Optics Ranger Rangefinder
This offer from vortex nails our criteria for a good bowhunting rangefinder. And we strongly believe this is the best rangefinder on the list. You can find it on amazon here. Trust me, it is well worth the price.
The target is capable of ranging up to 1,800 yards, giving bowhunters and rifle hunters the distance measurements they need to make accurate shots with a rifle or bow. The fully multi-coated lenses are anti-reflective and provide a brighter view for shooters.
This rangefinder provides a high level of performance, the primary HCD (Horizontal Component Mode) mode displays an angle-compensated distance reading.
Both portable and compact, this little rangefinder is a must have for any hunter. It comes with a lanyard that makes it possible to hang around your neck. The rubber armor makes it extremely difficult for slippage to occur, ensuring you will have a hard time losing it.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 6x
- Obj lens: 22mm
- Eye relief: 17mm
- Weight: 7.7 ounces
- Length: 3.9″
- Width: 3″
- Max angle reading: +/- 60 degrees
Highlights:
- Capable of ranging target up to 1800 yards
- Easy to use with a clean display and highly intuitive menu
- Diopter adjusts for precise menu
- The rubber armor prevent slippage
- It features fully multi-coated optics
- Scan and line of sight mode
- Quality hunting rangefinder with angle compensation
2. ATN Laser Ballistics 1500 Smart Laser Rangefinder
The ATN is one of the best selling rangefinders you can find on the market right now and is designed for hunters and shooters.
You can use it to range your target immediately, as a hunter whether you are just starting out or fully experience, it is always best to know the distance between you and your target, that’s very important.
The ATN Laser Ballistic Rangefinder enables you to accurately measure the time it will take for the beam to reach your target, within one yard or less.
You can also use the ATN app on your smartphone to do all complicated calculations in the background. Just by using this ATN Rangefinder will make everything easier for you when hunting.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 6x
- View angle: 7.2°
- Precision to: ± 1 y/m
- Range: 5-1500 y/m
- Bluetooth: 4.1
- Smartphone application: Android or iOS
- Battery life: 6 months or 50,000 measurements
- Battery type: 1 x CR2 type, 3 V
- Size: 4.17″ x 1.38″ x 2.87″ / 106 x 35 x 73 mm
- Weight: 5.4 oz / 152 g
Highlights:
- Long Range – This quickly helps to calculate the distance between you and target at a distance of 1500 meters (1640 yards).
- Smart Calculator – you should connect the Bluetooth to your phone so you can do all the complicated calculations in the same location by using the ATN smartphone app.
- Maximum Accuracy – The complicated calculations can be done within a few seconds with unmatched accuracy.
- Pairs with Smart HD – You can pair it with your ATN Smart Scope and it should give you a real-time point of impact adjustment.
- 2 Year Warranty – Product comes with a 2-year warranty which is awesome.
3. Nikon 16228 Arrow ID 5000 Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder
The Nikon 16228 is a fantastic range finder, coming close behind the ATN Laser Ballistics for third place.
With the latest features, one can measure distance within seconds and help you to improve your hunting or shooting skill. The sturdy construction of the laser rangefinder is fit for the
The target technology has a great feature that enables you to choose between two ranging modes depends on your situation. So if your target is behind tall bush this feature will be useful at that time, the changing between each mode is very easy to use by holding both buttons for approximately two seconds.
It also features the ID incline/decline technology that instantly calculates the horizontal distance to the object. This technology is extremely useful to bowhunters to zero in their target effectively.
This rangefinder is very user-friendly and can be carried easily. The Nikon bowhunting Laser Rangefinder is rather compact and can fit in nearly any regular sized pant pocket or sleeve.
With the Nikon Bowhunting Laser Rangefinder, the incredibly long 20.3m eye relief makes viewing and ranging your object very fast and easy. It also features 8-second measurement that helps you to scroll across the landscape and choose the distance of various landmarks. Click here for more reviews.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 4x
- Usability: single button mode
- Lens: 20mm
- Display: LCD
- Size: 3.6’x1.5″x2.9″
- Weight: 4.8 ounces
- ater resistant
Highlights:
- Ranges from 6-600 yards
- Tru target technology
- ID incline/decline technology
- CR2 lithium battery
- Water resistant/Rainproof
- Shoulder strap and case included
4. Bushnell 6x24mm Prime 1700 Black LRF Advanced Target Detection, Box 5L
This Bushnell 6x24mm Prime 1700 Black is an exceedingly high-performance device. Providing an unmatched ballistic capability, this rangefinder lands the 4th place slot on our list. It has two selective modes, the archery mode and rifle mode, being measured in yards and feet.
Hunters will be comfortable with the scout 1000 with its ability to range from 5 up to 1000 yards. This high-quality product is fully waterproof and features a pocket-sized ergonomic designed with textured rubber grip to prevent it from slipping from your fingers.
Bushnell has been an industry leader in high-performance sports optic for more than 60 years. This company is known for creating some of the most reliable, most affordable and highest quality sports optic on the market today. Click here for more info.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 6x
- Obj Lens: 24mm
- Battery type: 3 volts CR2
- Range accuracy: +/- 1 Yard
- Size: 1.47 x 4.27 x 2.75 / 37 x 108 x 70 mm
- Weight: 5.9 oz / 169 G
Highlights:
- (Extreme, Speed, Precision) deliver up to 1 yard accuracy
- Range up to 1000 yards
- 2X Brighter Imaging
- Vivid Display Reticle (yardage, angle, battery life, and ranging mode readouts displayed)
- All-Glass Optical System
- ARC Technology (Mode measures accurate distances up and downhill)
5. Nikon 8397 ACULON AL11 Laser Rangefinder
This world-class rangefinder is in the top 5 list for the best rangefinder. For quick, accurate measurements taken in a hurry, This range finder is sure to deliver. There is nowhere else really you will find these type of speed.
It has a simple one push-button operation that gives instant distance measurement. This rangefinder has a range of measurement between 10 yards and 550, which is just enough for rifle and bow hunters.
You can hold down the push button for a measurement reading of up to 20 seconds as you move it across the visible area. The display has an uncluttered feature that helps to by-pass unnecessary obstacles so you can be more focus on you’re ranging.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 6x
- Weight: 4.41 oz
- Max view angle: 6 degrees
- Length: 3.6 in
- Width: 1.5 in
- Measuring accuracy: ±3.3 ft
- Angular field of view: 43 degrees
Highlights:
- Ultra-compact size
- Measures in yards
- Distance target priority mode
- Single button operation
- Range up to 550 yards
6. Bushnell 202208 Bone Collector Edition 4x Laser Rangefinder
This Bushnell Laser Bone Collector is the best selling Archery Rangefinder on the market today, being significantly cheaper than the two previous rangefinders mentioned.
It is very user-friendly and doesn’t have much of a learning curve. The Bushnell Bone collector includes an LCD display that gives the exact distance to your target from minimum 10 yards to maximum range up to 600 yards with a press of a single button.
It’s efficient, very compact, durable and easy to carry in your pocket. The design is sturdy and its ergonomic fingers indents on the top and bottom provide a secure finger grip for the user.
We are very pleased with the amazing features this rangefinder has, with a simple one-button operation and a class one laser with <1mW average power output. Click here for more details.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 4x
- Range: 10-600 yds
- Size: 1.4 x 3.8 x 2.9 / 36 x 97 x 74
- Battery type: 9 volts
- Obj lens: 21mm
Highlights:
- Simple one-button operation
- Weather resistant housing
- Lightening fast
- -+/- one-yard accuracy
- Bone collector logo with Realtree Xtra camouflage finish
- In-view LCD display
- Class one eye-safe infrared laser
7. Halo XL450-7 Laser Rangefinder
The Halo XL450-7 is a phenomenal rangefinder that deserves to be noticed. It is very affordable and has done extremely well for the money. The Al technology accounts for slope to your target and the scan mode allows for constant ranging.
The Halo XL450-7 is lightweight and easy to bring on your journey, it as a maximum range of 450 yards to a reflecting target, so if your target isn’t reflective then keep in mind that the range will be slightly lower. This gadget is also able to read slopes.
The Halo XL450-7 is water resistant but not waterproof. Made primarily for taking measurements during the daytime, I wouldn’t recommend it for night hunters. The four
The Halo XL450-7 may
Specifications:
- Magnification: 6x
- Slope: slope compensation
- Display: LCD
- Water: water resistant
- Weight: 5 ounces
Highlights:
- Offers water-resistant durability
- The maximum range of 450 yards
- Halo XL450-7 Al technology accounts for slope to your target and the scan mode allows for constant ranging.
- Achieve precision to +/- one yard
- Powered by a
CR2 battery - Class IIIA laser, 5 mW or less
8. TecTecTec ProWild S Hunting Rangefinder
This compact and lightweight TecTecTec ProWild S Hunting Rangefinder is known for its precision allowing you to hunt with great accuracy. Due to its ergonomic design, it is can be handled and carried with ease.
My favorite aspect of this rangefinder is it advanced slope technology, continuous scan mode, and long-range measurement (up to 540 yards) allowing me to hunt with greater accuracy. Built with advanced ultra-clear multilayered optics to ensure a premier viewing experience.
Comes with a nice carrying pouch, CR2 battery, microfiber cleaning cloth and wrist strap. After registration it comes with a two year limited warranty.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 6x
- Angle Compensation: Calculates an accurate angle-compensation distance
- Size: 4.09 x 2.83 x 1.61 inches
- Weight: 6.52
- Battery type: CR2 3V Battery
Highlights:
- Advanced slope technology
- Continuous scan mode to find multiple readings quickly
- Long-range measurement
- Fast measurement with 1-yard accuracy
- Advanced ultra-clear, multilayered optics
- Eye-safe rangefinder for visual comfort
9. TIDEWE Hunting Rangefinder
The TIDEWE Hunting Rangefinder offers you 6x the magnification while displaying a straight-line vertical distance, horizontal distance, and speed to your target.
This rangefinder features advanced technology that accurately ranges 3-1000 yards, and measuring speed is less than .5s, so you never miss your target.
This easy to use rangefinder is lightweight and durable and is perfect for hunting or range shooting. There’s no need to worry about the elements due to its weather resistant features.
This is simple to set up and use and also features a lot like adjustable diopter to focuses the unit reticle to the user’s eye. these amazing features are everything people are looking for in a rangefinder. Click here to read more.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 6x
- Lasor Class: Class 1 (eye-safe)
- Measuring Time: <0.5s
- Weight: .35 lb.
- Dimensions: 4.12″ x 2.61″ x 1.5″
- Measurement Speed Range: 0-186.4MPH/0-300km/h
Highlights:
- Clear LCD display
- Scan mode with continuous updates
- Ergonomic design, so you can handle it comfortably
- Includes lanyard making the Rangefinder easy to keep handy
- 750MAH rechargeable Li-ion battery (measures 20000 times after a fully charge)
- Camo pattern to help you stay completely hidden in the woods
- One yard accuracy. Accurately ranges 3 to 1000 yards
10. Leupold Vendetta 2 Bow-Mounted Laser Range Finder
The Leupold Vendetta 2’s price is slightly high but it can hold its own quite well in competition. This rangefinder is unique because it can be mounted to compound bows or crossbows, unlike most rangefinders.
After mounting it one simply presses the remote trigger pad and it will provide easy to read data, or they can hold the trigger for 3 seconds and then release to enter a 40-second scan mode which continually adjusts for distances, angles, and elevation.
It has an easy to read LED display, making things easy on the hunter. Trust us, even though it isn’t part of our top 5, the Leupold Vendetta 2 is worth every penny.
Specifications:
- Size: 2.80 x 2.30 x 1.20 in
- Weight: 11.00 oz
- Display: LCD
- Width: 2.3 in
- Height: 1.2 in
Highlights:
- Vendetta 2 bow rangefinder
- One touch continuous scan
- Laser dot alignment
- LED display
- True ballistic range
- CR2 lithium battery
- Mount directly to your bow
11. Simmons 801600 Volt 600 Laser Rangefinder
The Simmons Volt 600 is easy to use, one button operation rangefinder that is simple and reliable. It can range in targets between 10-600 yards.
Even though it isn’t the top of the line archery ranger finder, it’s surely worth the few bucks. The Simmons Volt 600 can be used for both archery and golf.
The compact design and weather resistant features make this product even more enticing.
Specifications:
- Magnifications: 4x
- Battery type: 9 volts
- Obj lens: 20 mm
- Size: 1.9” x 3.6” x 4.2”
- Accuracy: +/- 1 yd
Highlights:
- 4 x 20mm vertical rangefinder
- Measure in yard or meter
- Weather resistant housing
- Compact vertical design
- In-view liquid crystal display
- Volt 600 rangefinder
Related Questions:
Why do rangefinders measure in yards for bowhunters? Measuring in small increments like feet can be difficult for hunters. The average long stride of a 6-foot tall adult male is roughly a yard. While feet are more common, yards are considered to be a more natural measurement for this reason and are easier to interpret for the human mind.
How do rangefinders work? Rangefinders emit laser beams which bounce off distant objects. Those beams are timed by the rangefinder’s internal high-speed clock from the time they leave the rangefinder till they return, giving an accurate measurement of distance.