Bushnell Holo Sight w/ Bow Mount - IMPRESSIONS
10-22-2002, 07:36 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Stockton NJ USA
Posts: 119
Bushnell Holo Sight w/ Bow Mount - IMPRESSIONS
I have purchased the Holo Sight because my 43 year old eyes have lost the ability to focus on both the pins and the deer at the same time in low light. This was done as a last resort because I don't want to have the laser eye surgery that I would need to continue to bowhunt.
First Impressions IN ORDER OF EXPERIENCE:
1. overly expensive - The HHA mount and Holosight together cost $325. The bow it is mounted on cost $250!
2. very tricky to sight in - You really need a second person to help you tweek the mount in order to get on target. If you mounted and sighted in by yourself, it would take 1 hour of dedicated patience. With someone helping it takes about 10 minutes.
3. too many screws - As you shoot, the screws you left loose to sight in come back to haunt you after less than 6 shots. You need to go back and tighten all screws, resight and retighten once again. One hour later - you are ready to throw the thing against the wall.
4. IT IS A GOD SEND! I CAN NOW SHOOT WITH BOTH EYES OPEN, WITH GLASSES, IN LOW LIGHT, WITH AN ACCURACY THAT JUST BLOWS YOUR MIND.
5. YOU NO LONGER NEED A PEEP SIGHT. THE BRIGHTNESS IS ADJUSTABLE AND IS AS EASY TO SHOOT IN THE BRIGHTEST SUNLIGHT AS IT IS IN THE DARK.
6. I HUNTED IN THE RAIN FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS. NO PROBLEMS WITH FUNCTION. I SLIPPED AND FELL ON A MUDDY HILL WITH MY FULL 185 LBS LANDING ON THE BOW. SIGHT WAS MUDDY BUT STILL HELD ZERO!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SIGHT FOR YOU IF YOUR VISION AIN'T WHAT IT USED TO BE. THE CONFIDENCE I HAVE NOW WILL ALLOW ME TO RELEASE THE ARROW WITHOUT THINKING "I HOPE I DON'T WOUND HIM/HER". THE COST IS HARD TO ACCEPT UNTIL YOUR COUNTING UP YOUR SCORE. I UNDERSTAND THAT POPE AND YOUNG WILL NOT ALLOW BATTERY POWERED SIGHTS TO HARVEST RECORD ANIMALS (NOT A PROBLEM FOR ME - UNLESS P&Y HAVE A CATEGORY FOR DOES AND 4 POINTERS).
I'M STILL SOMEWHAT LEARY ABOUT THE SIGHT AND MOUNTS ABILITY TO STAY ZEROED. I'LL POST A FOLLOW UP (AND SOME DEER PICTURES I HOPE) AT THE END OF THE SEASON.
Keep em Sharp and Happy Hunting,
fredbearfan
First Impressions IN ORDER OF EXPERIENCE:
1. overly expensive - The HHA mount and Holosight together cost $325. The bow it is mounted on cost $250!
2. very tricky to sight in - You really need a second person to help you tweek the mount in order to get on target. If you mounted and sighted in by yourself, it would take 1 hour of dedicated patience. With someone helping it takes about 10 minutes.
3. too many screws - As you shoot, the screws you left loose to sight in come back to haunt you after less than 6 shots. You need to go back and tighten all screws, resight and retighten once again. One hour later - you are ready to throw the thing against the wall.
4. IT IS A GOD SEND! I CAN NOW SHOOT WITH BOTH EYES OPEN, WITH GLASSES, IN LOW LIGHT, WITH AN ACCURACY THAT JUST BLOWS YOUR MIND.
5. YOU NO LONGER NEED A PEEP SIGHT. THE BRIGHTNESS IS ADJUSTABLE AND IS AS EASY TO SHOOT IN THE BRIGHTEST SUNLIGHT AS IT IS IN THE DARK.
6. I HUNTED IN THE RAIN FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS. NO PROBLEMS WITH FUNCTION. I SLIPPED AND FELL ON A MUDDY HILL WITH MY FULL 185 LBS LANDING ON THE BOW. SIGHT WAS MUDDY BUT STILL HELD ZERO!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SIGHT FOR YOU IF YOUR VISION AIN'T WHAT IT USED TO BE. THE CONFIDENCE I HAVE NOW WILL ALLOW ME TO RELEASE THE ARROW WITHOUT THINKING "I HOPE I DON'T WOUND HIM/HER". THE COST IS HARD TO ACCEPT UNTIL YOUR COUNTING UP YOUR SCORE. I UNDERSTAND THAT POPE AND YOUNG WILL NOT ALLOW BATTERY POWERED SIGHTS TO HARVEST RECORD ANIMALS (NOT A PROBLEM FOR ME - UNLESS P&Y HAVE A CATEGORY FOR DOES AND 4 POINTERS).
I'M STILL SOMEWHAT LEARY ABOUT THE SIGHT AND MOUNTS ABILITY TO STAY ZEROED. I'LL POST A FOLLOW UP (AND SOME DEER PICTURES I HOPE) AT THE END OF THE SEASON.
Keep em Sharp and Happy Hunting,
fredbearfan
10-24-2002, 07:52 AM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Freehold NJ USA
Posts: 219
RE: Bushnell Holo Sight w/ Bow Mount - IMPRESSIONS
Fredbearfan: Hint -
1) Take some teflon pipe tape and put a little bit around the screws before tightening them...the'll never loosen or back out on you. I've been using the Eotech HoloGraphic Sight for 2yrs now and love it (visit my link below to see bow/ sight pics). I've used it in the pouring rain for hours and had no problem. 1 week before the season started here in NJ, the miror broke inside the unit and my retinal was showing a split-screen. The unit was 18 months old and I didn't have my reciept, but Eotech mailed me a brand new one with no questions asked. Beat theat for customer service! The more you use it, the more you'll like it.
2) I recently attached a kisser button to ensure consistant anchoring...my groups have tightened up even more!
P.S.: I've never lost my "Zero" due to the sight.
"Measure twice, shoot once <img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle>
http://www.hunting-pictures.com/memb...owhunter"
Edited by - NJ-Bowhunter on 10/24/2002 08:54:12
Edited by - NJ-Bowhunter on 10/24/2002 09:00:31
1) Take some teflon pipe tape and put a little bit around the screws before tightening them...the'll never loosen or back out on you. I've been using the Eotech HoloGraphic Sight for 2yrs now and love it (visit my link below to see bow/ sight pics). I've used it in the pouring rain for hours and had no problem. 1 week before the season started here in NJ, the miror broke inside the unit and my retinal was showing a split-screen. The unit was 18 months old and I didn't have my reciept, but Eotech mailed me a brand new one with no questions asked. Beat theat for customer service! The more you use it, the more you'll like it.
2) I recently attached a kisser button to ensure consistant anchoring...my groups have tightened up even more!
P.S.: I've never lost my "Zero" due to the sight.
"Measure twice, shoot once <img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle>
http://www.hunting-pictures.com/memb...owhunter"
Edited by - NJ-Bowhunter on 10/24/2002 08:54:12
Edited by - NJ-Bowhunter on 10/24/2002 09:00:31
10-26-2002, 05:43 PM
#4
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Stockton NJ USA
Posts: 119
RE: Bushnell Holo Sight w/ Bow Mount - IMPRESSIONS
Sooner,
The peep wasn't my problem. When I shoot targets in good light, I can shoot at 40 yds with decent accuracy using a peep and pins. This season I had 3 lost shot opportunities at sunrise because I couldn't see the deer and my pin sight at the same time. In low light, my eyes are too worn out to focus at 30" and 20 yards at the same time. The holo sight allows me to focus both at 30".
NJ,
I'm going to put on a kisser button this weekend. It was weird to anchor without the peep as a reference.
I hated to put such a high tech item on my bow because I like simple and robust. Did you ever notice how your watch battery quits when you have an important meeting? It never happens on Saturday afternoon. Hopefully, this sight will work when that broadside shot presents itself.
The peep wasn't my problem. When I shoot targets in good light, I can shoot at 40 yds with decent accuracy using a peep and pins. This season I had 3 lost shot opportunities at sunrise because I couldn't see the deer and my pin sight at the same time. In low light, my eyes are too worn out to focus at 30" and 20 yards at the same time. The holo sight allows me to focus both at 30".
NJ,
I'm going to put on a kisser button this weekend. It was weird to anchor without the peep as a reference.
I hated to put such a high tech item on my bow because I like simple and robust. Did you ever notice how your watch battery quits when you have an important meeting? It never happens on Saturday afternoon. Hopefully, this sight will work when that broadside shot presents itself.
10-28-2002, 10:30 AM
#6
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Stockton NJ USA
Posts: 119
RE: Bushnell Holo Sight w/ Bow Mount - IMPRESSIONS
fool14,
You adjust elevation the same way as with cross hair type bow sights. Similar to the Pro-Master or other single pin sights seen on the 3D circuit.
For hunting, I always used a single pin sighted for 20 yds anyway. In the woods I never get shots past about 25yds.
You adjust elevation the same way as with cross hair type bow sights. Similar to the Pro-Master or other single pin sights seen on the 3D circuit.
For hunting, I always used a single pin sighted for 20 yds anyway. In the woods I never get shots past about 25yds.
12-21-2002, 12:17 PM
#7
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Stockton NJ USA
Posts: 119
RE: Bushnell Holo Sight w/ Bow Mount - IMPRESSIONS
UPDATE: 2 MONTHS LATER
The sight is still holding up and holds zero as well as any other sight I have tried. Unfortunately, no deer for me this season but my friend did get a buck and a doe this year using the Holo Sight. So my update on "functionality" is that this sight works well. I will definately use it for Fall bowhunting season next year.
What I don't like:
You can see the "recoil" of your bow. If you are using a bow without a stabilizer, the sight picture bounces like you hit your bow with a hammer. I am sure this happens with pin sights also but you just don't notice it as much. Use a stabilizer and this problem goes away. If you use a Hoyt bow with the TEC riser the problem is eliminated also.
I have been shooting both with my glasses and without. In both cases, the image projected on the glass display looks grainy. This is likely due to the material used or the thickness of the glass but it does bother me a little bit. I expect a crystal clear picture on a $300 sight.
I'm a little self conscious about being seen with the sight. Curious folks are always welcome to discuss or test shoot it. But those opinion givers that start in with why their rig is better just seem to be attracted by the sight. God help me if I win a tournament with it! I will be branded a cheater or worse. That's OK, I intended to use it for hunting only and those types are never invited to hunt with me <img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>
Last but not least, I still have a thing about relying on a battery.
All of the negatives are minor but they exist just the same. If I had to do it over again, I think I would try contact lenses and save myself a few bucks.
Have fun enjoying our sport,
fredbearfan
The sight is still holding up and holds zero as well as any other sight I have tried. Unfortunately, no deer for me this season but my friend did get a buck and a doe this year using the Holo Sight. So my update on "functionality" is that this sight works well. I will definately use it for Fall bowhunting season next year.
What I don't like:
You can see the "recoil" of your bow. If you are using a bow without a stabilizer, the sight picture bounces like you hit your bow with a hammer. I am sure this happens with pin sights also but you just don't notice it as much. Use a stabilizer and this problem goes away. If you use a Hoyt bow with the TEC riser the problem is eliminated also.
I have been shooting both with my glasses and without. In both cases, the image projected on the glass display looks grainy. This is likely due to the material used or the thickness of the glass but it does bother me a little bit. I expect a crystal clear picture on a $300 sight.
I'm a little self conscious about being seen with the sight. Curious folks are always welcome to discuss or test shoot it. But those opinion givers that start in with why their rig is better just seem to be attracted by the sight. God help me if I win a tournament with it! I will be branded a cheater or worse. That's OK, I intended to use it for hunting only and those types are never invited to hunt with me <img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>
Last but not least, I still have a thing about relying on a battery.
All of the negatives are minor but they exist just the same. If I had to do it over again, I think I would try contact lenses and save myself a few bucks.
Have fun enjoying our sport,
fredbearfan
12-21-2002, 03:48 PM
#8
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Middletown PA United States
Posts: 3,625
RE: Bushnell Holo Sight w/ Bow Mount - IMPRESSIONS
Fredbearfan,
Let me enlighten you about a couple things. Don't take this as bashing, please.
Item 1, since you wwere born you could not focus on two things 20 yards apart. Your eyes will only focus at one point at one time. One of the things must be out of focus. What you are losing is the ability to focus back and forth quickly. Anyway, welcome to the bi-focal crowd. It gets worse with age.
Now, the site. The reason that the sight picture seems blurry is that it is not the thickness of the glass or the material used. The reticle is a series of hundreds of tiny dots projected onto the screen. The only way to make it clearer would be to make it thousands of tiny dots. The best way to keep it a little sharper is to turn down the brightness. This isn't 100% but it helps.
As you have no doubt found out the screws must be lock-tited with 242 loctite so things don't rattle loose. Another way to help this is to use a stabilizer (active type) and as many vibration reducing devices as you care to put on the bow.
The site uses batteries, correct. Type N camera batteries as you are aware of. Carry a couple of spares. They take up no room in the pack or pocket. The sight also gives and indication of low battery when you turn it on. It pulses about 4 times when you turn it on to let you know. But you will stiff get about 8 hours of use when the site starts this pulsing.
As I said, I'm not picking on you. Just stating some things you forgot to say. I'm also glad you found something to help you keep on hunting effectively. Wish you luck.
Now for the bad news. I have been told by a pretty reliable sourse that EOtech is going to discontinue the manufacture of these sights. Probably still be able to get service though, but for how long.
Let me enlighten you about a couple things. Don't take this as bashing, please.
Item 1, since you wwere born you could not focus on two things 20 yards apart. Your eyes will only focus at one point at one time. One of the things must be out of focus. What you are losing is the ability to focus back and forth quickly. Anyway, welcome to the bi-focal crowd. It gets worse with age.
Now, the site. The reason that the sight picture seems blurry is that it is not the thickness of the glass or the material used. The reticle is a series of hundreds of tiny dots projected onto the screen. The only way to make it clearer would be to make it thousands of tiny dots. The best way to keep it a little sharper is to turn down the brightness. This isn't 100% but it helps.
As you have no doubt found out the screws must be lock-tited with 242 loctite so things don't rattle loose. Another way to help this is to use a stabilizer (active type) and as many vibration reducing devices as you care to put on the bow.
The site uses batteries, correct. Type N camera batteries as you are aware of. Carry a couple of spares. They take up no room in the pack or pocket. The sight also gives and indication of low battery when you turn it on. It pulses about 4 times when you turn it on to let you know. But you will stiff get about 8 hours of use when the site starts this pulsing.
As I said, I'm not picking on you. Just stating some things you forgot to say. I'm also glad you found something to help you keep on hunting effectively. Wish you luck.
Now for the bad news. I have been told by a pretty reliable sourse that EOtech is going to discontinue the manufacture of these sights. Probably still be able to get service though, but for how long.
12-21-2002, 06:26 PM
#9
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Blissfield MI USA
Posts: 5,293
RE: Bushnell Holo Sight w/ Bow Mount - IMPRESSIONS
I bought the same sight,but with the red dot scope instead of the Halo sight. Didn't you find that with the HHA mount you had to change your anchor point to keep the dot or recticle centered when you changed for a longer yardage. On mine you did. I did not like that. The red dot was kind of cool with a fixed mount though. I eventually took it off and went back a to multiple pin sight though. (put the red dot on my shotgun!)
I was just curious if that was the case with that sight, I figured since it was the same mount it would be the same. I am glad it is holding up for you. I have heard stories about them not holding up very well. I have been thinking of getting one, cabela's has them in the bargain cave every now and then for $150 dollars. That's what I paid for the red dot one, and I was not overly impressed.
Good luck,
Paul
I was just curious if that was the case with that sight, I figured since it was the same mount it would be the same. I am glad it is holding up for you. I have heard stories about them not holding up very well. I have been thinking of getting one, cabela's has them in the bargain cave every now and then for $150 dollars. That's what I paid for the red dot one, and I was not overly impressed.
Good luck,
Paul
