Your search for the best rangefinders for bow hunting has borne fruits. Bowhunting is no easy feat. It’s harder to hit a deer or any other game with a bow compared with a rifle. This makes bow hunting an action-packed activity that gives avid hunters a chance for a more challenging hunt.
To improve your bowhunting experience and make the most out of it, you need to invest in a quality rangefinder for bow hunting. A rangefinder calculates the distance and size of your target and adjusts accordingly to help you place an accurate shot. They also provide angle compensation so you don’t have to calculate the angles manually.
What Should I look for in a Rangefinder for Bow Hunting?
There are several features that you should look for in a bow hunting rangefinder. The most important features that the rangefinder should have are angle calculation and scan mode.
It should also have a decent magnification power to help you zoom in on your targets and a large and clear display. Lastly, make sure that the rangefinder is well-constructed and weather-resistant.
What makes a Great Rangefinder for Bow Hunting?
A good rangefinder for bow hunting is made of several things. First, it should be suitable for both close and long-range shooting and should provide great accuracy at all ranges.
The rangefinder should have a scan feature that helps you track moving games easily and angle compensation to help you shoot targets that are uphill or downhill accurately. Lastly, a rangefinder for bow hunting should be waterproof and fog-free for all-weather reliability.
9 Best Rangefinders for Bow Hunting
If you are looking for the best bow-hunting rangefinder, the following are some of the top rated models that you can choose from. Let’s have a look.
1) Leupold RX-1600i TBR/W with DNA Laser Rangefinder
The Leupold RX-1600i is a quality multi-purpose rangefinder suitable for bow hunting and other hunting applications. It has a 6x magnification that brings distant targets six times closer and accuracy with 0.5 yards from 5 yards to 1,600 yards with a selectable bow or rifle modes.
As one of the best rangefinders for bow hunting, the Leupold RX-1600i is incredibly resourceful and perfect for any outdoor escapade.
Featuring a True Ballistic Range with Wind (TBR-W) technology, the rangefinder gives you ballistically calculated ranges for accurate shooting at long ranges and steeper angles.
It also provides a hold point for a 10mph crosswind for targets that are as far as 800 yards away. This high-powered rangefinder brings to the table a continuous scan mode that helps you monitor the targets as they move from place to place.
The long eye relief reduces eye strain when glassing for long sessions, while the angle calculations help boost your confidence when shooting at different terrains. More importantly, this product features an easy-to-read bright red OLED display and three different reticle options.
Features
- 6x magnification
- Continuous scan mode
- Bright red OLED display
- 3 selectable reticle options
- True Ballistic Range with Wind technology
- Durable aluminum housing
- Long eye relief
- Rubber armor coating
- Waterproof construction
- Compact and lightweight
- Unmatched accuracy at both short and long distances
- Rifle and bow modes
- Shot angle compensation
2) Vortex Optics Impact Laser Rangefinders
Vortex is renowned for its good quality optical instruments and the Impact 1000 laser rangefinder is no exception. It has an intuitive and easy-to-use platform that makes it perfect for both beginners and professional users.
As the best rangefinders for bow hunting, Impact Laser rangefinders feature an angle compensator that offers precise horizontal target distance giving you that competitive edge you truly deserve when hunting.
Made with bow hunters in mind, this rangefinder features an angle compensation function for shooting targets that are either uphill or downhill. It’s designed to range targets down to 5 yards and be able to stretch out as far as 1000 yards.
Even better, it comes with an advanced LOS mode that helps you calculate long-range, high-angle shots with higher precision and 6x magnification which brings distant targets closer for more accurate ranging.
Moreover, this optic boasts fully multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission when hunting in low-light settings. It’s waterproof, fogproof and shockproof to keep you in the field regardless of the weather conditions. Lastly, the rangefinder is lightweight and compact so it’s convenient for hunting.
Features
- Eyepiece diopter
- 6x magnification
- Scan feature
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof and shockproof construction
- Lightweight and compact
- Intuitive and user-friendly platform
- Angled compensation function
- Primary HCD mode and an advanced LOS mode
3) WOSPORTS 1200 Yards Hunting Range Finder
If you are looking for the best bow hunting rangefinder for the money, the WOSPORTS Hunting Range Finder is your best option. It offers accurate scanning and fast reading so you don’t miss your targets when hunting. Quick yardage response is one of the reasons this WOSPORTS rangefinder is one of the best rangefinders for bow hunting.
This rangefinder is virtually indestructible. It’s well-constructed with high-quality materials. It’s also waterproof, fog proof and dustproof so you can use it even when it’s raining. Moreover, it has a camo color that camouflages your position when hunting.
With the 6x magnification, the range finder brings faraway targets closer for accurate target acquisition. The scan mode feature helps you keep track of moving games with ease and with the lightweight design, you will be able to carry it easily in the field as you look for a game. Other features included are distance measurement, speed function and flag-lock.
Features
- Lightweight and portable
- 6x magnification
- Waterproof, fog proof and dustproof
- Continuous scan mode
- Fast focus
- Fast and accurate distance measurement
- +/- 0.3 yards accuracy
- Speed function
4) Gogogo Sport Vpro 6x Hunting Laser Rangefinder
Next on our list of the best rangefinders for bow hunting is the Gogogo Sport Vpro 6x Hunting Laser Rangefinder. This is an effective and versatile laser rangefinder available at a reasonably affordable price tag. It’s suitable for both golfing and hunting and comes with every feature you need to shoot better.
Weighing just 184 grams, the rangefinder is amazingly light, portable and convenient for hunting. It’s simple to use and provides +/-1 yards accuracy whether you are shooting close or long-range.
Additionally, it displays the distance measurement in yards or meters and comes with fully multi-coated optics which provide clear views even in low light settings. Besides that, it offers a 6x magnification and wide field angle that’s essential for easy target identification.
The rangefinder comes with 3 different modes namely scan mode, golf mode and speed mode. Scan mode helps you keep track of the mobile game with ease, while speed mode shows you the speed of the moving targets.
Features
- Cost-effective
- 6x magnification
- 7° field angle
- +/-1m accuracy
- Compact, light and portable
- Soft-touch rubber coating
- Fully multi-coated lens
- 3 modes: scan, golf and speed modes
- 650 yards maximum distance
5) Bushnell Engage Hunting Laser Rangefinder
If you are looking to become a better bowhunter, you should invest in a quality rangefinder like the Bushnell Engage Hunting Laser Rangefinder. As one of the best rangefinders for bow hunting, it has every feature that you need to make your hunting trip a success.
It’s simple to use, lightweight and easy to carry around. With this laser rangefinder, you get different modes that help you focus on the right target. First, it has a Bullseye mode for hunting small targets and a Brush mode for ranging targets at a distance and behind obstacles like bushes and trees.
The rangefinder also boasts an intelligent scan mode that updates the distance measurements instantly as you pan across different targets. Another notable feature of the rangefinder is its excellent optical performance.
It has an all-glass optical system that provides high-quality images and a fully multi-coated lens that enhances light transmission for brighter images from dawn to dusk. Even better, the external lens has an EXO barrier coating that keeps your vision clear by repelling debris, dirt, oil, water and more.
Features
- Lightweight design
- Intelligent scan mode
- EXO barrier lens coating
- Fully multi-coated lens
- 6x magnification, 24mm objective lens
- Brush mode and Bullseye mode
- All-glass optical system
- Angle range compensation (ARC) technology
6) Maven RF.1 5-4500 YD ED Rangefinder
Joining other top-rated rangefinders for bow hunting with the highest standards of quality and performance is the Maven RF.1 rangefinder. This is your ideal option if you are looking to hunt long-distance targets.
It has a 5 to 4500-yard ranging effectiveness. It’s made with the best quality materials for ultimate durability and utilizes state-of-the-art technology to give you the best performance.
Given that water is the main optic’s enemy, this rangefinder is fully waterproof. It’s also fog-resistant to provide clear views in any environment. Additionally, the external lens has a scratch-resistant coating to ensure unimpeded field use.
Another impressive thing about the rangefinder is that it’s tripod adaptable. You can mount it on a tripod and take its weight off your hands. This creates a comfortable hunting experience. Lastly, it comes with a double-layered microfiber storage bag for safe transportation.
Features
- 5-4500 yards ranging effectiveness
- Tripod adaptable
- Built-in range-finding technology
- Pinpoint accuracy
- High-quality optics
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Double-layered microfiber storage bag included
7) Leica Rangemaster CRF 2400-R Compact Laser Rangefinder
The Leica Rangemaster CRF gives bow hunters excellent features that help them become better shooters. It features an extremely fast scan mode that shows the distance every 0.3 seconds and displays the values in decimals. It has an effective measuring range of 10 to 2400 yards so you can use it to hunt games in different ranges.
The rangefinder comes with a new hunting app that makes it easy to operate. This app calculates the individual ballistic output values depending on the caliber, type of bullet, trajectory and weight.
Besides, it has a red LED display which provides clear and sharp as razor images. Undoubtedly, Leica Rangemaster CRF 2400-R is a top contender among the best rangefinders for bow hunting.
When it comes to construction, this product is crafted from aluminum which enhances its durability while keeping weight at a minimum. It’s also waterproof and dustproof for all-weather reliability and it comes with an AquaDura lens Coating that provides clear views by shedding moisture, dirt and debris.
Features
- Ultra-fast scan mode
- Red LED display with automatic brightness
- Easy to use
- 10-2400 yards effective measuring range
- Waterproof and dustproof
- AquaDura lens Coating
- Durable housing
- Lightweight design
- 7x magnification, 24mm objective lens
- 15mm eye relief
8) Halo Range Finder Hunting Laser Range Finder
The 1600 Yard Rangefinder is one of the best rangefinders for bow hunting. This rangefinder is designed to help take the guesswork out of the equation. It shows you the distance and size of the target so you can make an accurate shot. It’s highly accurate and very easy to use.
This range finder has an effective measuring range of 1600 yards. With a simple press of a button, it calculates the distance to the target instantly. It features 6x magnification that brings distant targets closer and a scan mode that helps you switch from one target to the other easily.
Moreover, this rangefinder has an angle intelligence that calculates the true horizontal distance to targets that are either uphill or downhill. The premium glass lens provides high-quality and clear images even in poor light conditions.
In terms of construction, the rangefinder has an ergonomic design with a secure, non-slip grip. It also has water-resistant housing suitable for use in any weather condition.
Features
- 1600 yards effective measuring range
- Premium glass lenses
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight, ergonomic design
- Non-slip grip
- Angle intelligence feature
- 6x magnification
- Scan mode
- Precise to +/- 1yard
9) Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000 Laser Rangefinder
We saved the best for last. The Razor HD 4000 Laser Rangefinder makes an excellent companion for both bow and rifle hunters. It provides four target modes and a scan feature that gives you continuous distance readings when panning across a large landscape or tracking a moving game. This will be essential gear for your hunting arsenal.
The rangefinder is built-ready for hunting. It has a weatherproof construction for use in adverse weather conditions and an Armortek coating that protects the external lens from scratches and dirt. It also comes with rubber armor that gives you a secure non-slip grip in wet weather conditions.
This rangefinder is made with beginners in mind. It has an intuitive, easy-to-use menu and a clean illuminated display that shows distance measurements in yards or meters. Other than that, it boasts an HD optical system and fully multi-coated lenses that provide excellent image brightness from dawn till dusk.
Features
- Tripod adaptable
- Waterproof construction
- HD optical system
- Armortek coating
- Rubber armor
- Intuitive, easy-to-use menu
- X plus fully multi-coated lenses
- 7x magnification
- Four target modes
- Scan feature
- Illuminated display
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Best Rangefinders for Bow Hunting Buying Guide
Considerations when Choosing Rangefinders for Bow Hunting
Range
The effective measuring range is the primary factor to consider when choosing a rangefinder for bow hunting. You’ll want a product that will help you cover the distance you shoot at accurately.
A general rule is to look for a rangefinder that offers double the range that you need. So, if you are hunting at 300 yards, a rangefinder rated at 500 yards will suffice.
Magnification
You’ll need to be able to zoom in on the distant targets so you can make an accurate and ethical shot. With rangefinders, too much magnification isn’t necessary. A 5x or 6x optical power will be sufficient for most hunting needs. It will help you get a better look at the target without becoming disoriented.
Durability
Once you are out in the hunting field, your hunting rangefinder will see some abuse. A poor-quality model with break down after a few hunting expeditions and have you back in the market looking for a replacement.
To avoid this, look for a product that has superior craftsmanship. The rangefinder should also have rubber armor to cushion it from impact, falls and shock. To add to that, look for a waterproof product, fog proof and dustproof as well.
Scan and Angle Compensation
A rangefinder for hunting must have a scan feature and an angle compensation mode. A scan updates you continuously on how far the target on the move is. This helps you keep track of it for accurate shot placement.
An angle compensation comes in handy when you are shooting targets at varying terrains. The distance of a target that’s 500 yards away on a straight line will be different if it’s uphill or downhill. For instance, its true shooting distance at a 60-degree angle will be 210 yards and 130 yards at a 70-degree angle.
Weight
Bowhunting requires you to move around in search of the game. So, having a bulky rangefinder will weigh you down and limit you from having the most out of your hunting trip.
With so many models to choose from, go for a product that has a manageable weight so you will have an easy time carrying it around. A lightweight rangefinder is also easy to use.
Read: Best Night Vision Crossbow Scopes
Why Use a Rangefinder for Bow Hunting?
- Angle calculation. A rangefinder calculates the angles for you so you don’t have to do it manually.
- Greater accuracy. Rangefinders show you how far the target and this helps you shoot more accurately.
- Eliminates guesswork by providing an accurate distance of how far your target is.
- Get closer to your target without moving in physically.
Read: Best Red Dot Sights for Crossbows
Tips for Using a Rangefinder for Bow Hunting
- Practice using the rangefinder before you go for the actual hunt. This will help you familiarize yourself with it properly.
- When in the field, use the rangefinder to ensure that your arrow has a clear path.
- Make sure that you range your landmarks as you wait for the targets to arrive.
- Know your rangefinder strengths and weaknesses if they are any.
- After use, put the rangefinder in a case for safe storage.
Read: Best Crossbows for Deer Hunting
Conclusion
Knowing what you need in a range finder for bow hunting will make your selection process simpler and less time-consuming. Use our guide above and weigh in the features that each product has then choose the one that meets your specific bow hunting needs. Which of the above rangefinders for bow hunting will you try first?