Range Finder
 

I'm looking to purchase a range finder in the $200-250 range this year. This will be my first year bow hunting, so a lot of my funds have been spent on getting everything all setup. However, I would really like to get a range finder. What would be the best range finder that I could get for my money in that range? What are key things to look for when picking out a range finder? Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

RE: Range Finder
 

Bushnell® Yardage Pro® Scout Rangefinder

I have one of these and like it very much. Small, compact and one hand operationfor easy usewhile bowhunting or otherwise. Very easy finding your target and gives a fast reading.

Dark Green runs you $250

Camo runs you $270

If you get it at Cabelas... there is a $50 dollar mail in rebate from Bushnell. Expires June 30 2007.

Tim

RE: Range Finder
 

I have the nikon laser 440. It is a great little rangerfinder and works great.
I am looking at the Leupold RX-II with the true ballistic range. They are $300.

RE: Range Finder
 

I have a Nikon 440, my brother in law has a BushnellYardage Pro Scout. Just yesterday we did a comparison. Optical quality was better in the Nikon. Not by much but there was a noticable difference. When shooting a target object through brush the Nikon came out way ahead. The Bushnell gave a range for the obstructing brush, the nikon read through the brush to the target object. Operation in rain, the Bushnell was the big winner here. We had some heavy downpours yesterday and the bushnell read right through the heaviest of them. The Nikon could read in light to moderate rain but not the heavy stuff.
Accuracy at known ranges was equally good for both models. We measured the didtances to objects from my garage door and tested the units side by side.
Either of these rangefinders would work well for a bowhunter. The Nikon can generally be found for about $50 less than the Bushnell. My Nikon was a Christmas gift. If I had to go out and buy one for myself it would be a tossup with a lean towards the Bushnell due to its ability to read in heavy rain. That said am I going to be taking a shot in rain that heavy? The Nikon did range well in light to moderate rain. You can't go wrong with a choice between these two. If there are any other side by side tests you would like to see between these two let me know and I'll be happy to put my mad scientist lab coat back on and experiment! :D

RE: Range Finder
 

NIKON 440 IS BEST AT THAT PRICE RANGE

RE: Range Finder
 

I have three rangefinders,

Bushnell 400 (10 years oldhuge, and heavy!)

Bushnell Trophy (perfect for most archers) pocket sized and easy on the wallet too!

Leica 1200 Rangemaster ($599) Its best rangefinder on the market for ranging long distances IMO,but out of your price range and not needed for archery hunting.

The Bushnell Trophy cost $199 green, or $219 for camo. Cabelas also gives you a $20 mail inrebate. The Trophy goes from 5 yards out to 800 yards. For the money its a dang good rangefinder, its what I use for archery. Not quite as small as the Scout but its still pocket sized and easy to use with one hand.

RE: Range Finder
 

has anyone tried the Leupold RX-II with the true ballistic range? i am thinking about buying it, but would like some reviews about it, thanks guys

steve

RE: Range Finder
 

Quick question on Nikon 440,

Is it mostly just good at short ranges for archery, or is it pretty good out to a couple hundred yards? I've seen where the cheaper ones are not as good at long yardage (obviously not talking about a bow shot here).

RE: Range Finder
 

I believe the nikon is set up for from 10-400 yards.

RE: Range Finder
 

I like the Nikon 440 for bow hunting. Never tried it out at long ranges, but I have ranged targets on the rifle range out to 100 yards okay. I had the low end bushnell yardage pro, it was okay but had trouble ranging black targets on the 3D range. Funny thing, today, the guy I sold it to and me were at the archery range and he wanted to sight in at 25 yards. My nikon read 25 and his read 24. A third friend had a tape, and we measured. The Nikon was right on.

RE: Range Finder
 

I just picked up the Leupold III, ranges out to 500yds on a deer, 800yds on reflective items.I wanted to buy something once & feel as thoughI wouldn't have to upgrade in a yr or 2. It cost $270 @ the deer turkey expo. It has the true ballistic range. It is an awesome piece of equipment. I looked @ Nikon's top line stuff & Bushnell. I felt that u got the most bang for the buck w/Leupold. It is water resistant. The rep said that waterproof means it has to be submersible to 10-15'. In ordinary rain,dew,etc. it will be fine. He said just don't drop it in a lake:D. It has 3 setting for speed of bows. 5 settings for rifle. It also will compensate for angles & give a true reading vs line of sight laser readings. Another advantage is that for long range targets, according 2 the ballistic setting u choose, it will not only give a reading in yds, but how many inches to hold over the target. Take a look @ all 3 manufacturers, see what features u like about ea, then go w/it. The only disadvantage w/mine is that there is no background light. That was an xtra $100 in the Leupold IV version.

RE: Range Finder
 

I have the RX-II, like it very much. If I lost this one would buy another one. I would get the RX-IIIit has illumnation.I use it to hunt whitetails with a bow. I think you would enjoy it.

RE: Range Finder
 

I just got the RX II. I still have my old Nikon 440. I never had a problem with it, just felt like upgrading. The Leopold has everything I will ever need and more. It has a ton of options and if you don't know how to use it, you will think it is a piece of junk. When I first took it out, I was trying it on longer distances and couldn't get anything over 100 yards. Once I learned to switch it to >150 mode, it started picking up everything. The furthest I have been able to range anything is a tree at 457 yards. That's more than enough for anything I will need.

RE: Range Finder
 

So are the majority of you guys recommending the Leupold RXII or the Nikon 440? What would be a good price to buy each of these at? Also, what makes one better than another, and what are some key things I should be looking for? I found a new RXII for $210 on ebay, would you pull the trigger on that one?

Sorry for all the questions guys, I'm new to this stuff. Like was said above, I want to make sure I get the best equipment I can for my money right now, so I'm not upgrading again in a couple years.

Thanks!

RE: Range Finder
 

I have never used the Nikon but I do use the RX-II andid for the season during 2006.I do like the price you stated, mine was $300. One thing I do like about the one I have is that it shows the angle of the shot. The rangefinder alsohas alot other features.

RE: Range Finder
 

thanks for the reviews, I think i will definately snag it off the shelf. i like the idea of the true ballistic range, especially when bowhunting 25 ft in the tree. I will look into the RX-III. sounds like a great RF. i have the nikon 440 and like it a lot, but i just want to twiddle with different products, thanks

jmjuergensen if you would like, give me a couple days to think about it and if you want, i will sell u my nikon 440 for a good price. its only one season old and works great. i just want to experience different products... i bought it for $219 (camo). if your interested PM me.

thanks, steve

RE: Range Finder
 

BUMP

RE: Range Finder
 

i got the RX-II and i love it.... helped out so much this past year.... But if you do not get the RX-II then get one that has the true ballistics system

RE: Range Finder
 

I got my RX-II on ebay for $214 shipped.

RE: Range Finder
 

I agree that in that price range the Nikon 440 or Bushnell Yardage Pro Scout Rangefinder would be your best choices. Good luck.

RE: Range Finder
 

The RXII looks nice and I might even buy one, but didn't we just have some posts about the "true ballistic system" stuff being unnecessary for ordinary stand bowhunting? I understand its usefulness for extreme angles or shooting at some mountain goat at 300 yards, but I just don't know if it makes that much difference in stand heights of 15-20 feet making shots of 10-30 yards. Feel free to correct me on the error of my ways. Again, I don't want to hear about crazy hunting scenarios (that it would probably be good for), but typical bowhunting stand shots on flat land.

RE: Range Finder
 

I just ordered mine Saturday from probably the same person. Was shipped out today.

Here's how I see it. If I can get the Leupold RXII for the same price as a Nikon 440 why would I buy the Nikon? Plus, guys like toys. The Leupold has functions out the wazzu.

If you do not want the tbs function the same person has the RXI's for $183 to your door.

RE: Range Finder
 

I usually average 25 ft. up in the tree. at 40 yards, i think itll only be 3-4 yard difference. however, at 40 yards,every yard counts, its not like 10-25 yards you can use the same pin.
so, i think true ballistic range can certiainly help....every little bit of help counts, right?

RE: Range Finder
 

That equals about a 1 yard adjustment.


The difference comes more at steeper angles.


From deerstand heights,the compensation for the angle is not needed.


I like to tell people to range the slant range and shoot for the middle of the kill zone.The height will take care of itself.You want to hit slightly high when aiming downhill anyway so why adjust yardage?[8D]



However,when hunting mountains and steep hills,this would be a great asset to have.


I play with my rangefinder alot when hunting and have rarely seen it read more than a yard difference when ranging straight out to a tree or to the base of the tree.

RE: Range Finder
 

How about learn how to judge distance yourself and save the money ?

RE: Range Finder
 

I have shot tournaments for years and can judge with the best of them when I am shooting alot but it all changes when in a tree and even more changes when a deer walks up.


I reccomend a rangefinder to anyone that isserious about hunting.Especially if you plan on shooting more than 30-35 yards.

RE: Range Finder
 

I bought mine more for rifle season than archery. I've taken some long shots over the last few years and would like to know exactly how far I've been shooting so my brother will stop ragging on me that it's not that far.

As for archery.

One of the places I hunt sometimes is 25 ft up and on the side of a hill with about a 50 degree slope. In a situation like that the compensation I'm sure will help.

As for saving my money. I grew-up poor and couldn't afford squat. Now i have the financances to buy pretty much any toy i want. So, I bought something I've always wanted to have. I say it's your money and you spend it like you want.:D The more toys the better.

RE: Range Finder
 

Thanks for all your advice guys. I think I'm going to look into picking up the RX-II. As was stated above, guys love toys, and from the sounds of it, the RX-II has everything I'd need except for the illuminated background. Oh well, that's something I can live without for the next few years I guess. Being fresh out of college, there aren't a whole lot of excess funds, especially since we're trying to buy a house at the same time. I guess I should be happy the wife is letting me get this this year!

If anyone has any more advice, feel free to offer it up!

RE: Range Finder
 

I Have the Bushnell Yardage Pro and it works real well for me!

RE: Range Finder
 

i guess my little bit of research was wrong...sorry for the bad advice [:o]

RE: Range Finder
 

The issue of sighting differences based on incline (whether in the mountains or in a treestand) depends largely on the speed of your arrow, the angle of the shot and the distance. The faster your arrow, the less angle is going to matter. Even so, if you are 20 feet in the air and shooting at a target at 25 yards, your range finder would say 26 yards. This little difference can mean the difference between putting the arrow in the vitals of your whitetail or shooting high if your bow is a slow one.

If you are further up, say 40 feet, your shot will read 28 yards and many folks would use their 30 pin just a little low. If your arrow travels at 200 FPS, it would be 6.5 inches high. If your arrow travels at 280, it would only be 2.9 inches high. Now your kill zone is about 8inches in diameter and you just reduce the kill zone to a 1.1 inch target with the fast moving arrow. With the slow arrow, you just shot over the top of your target.

Anyhow, it can make a difference even when the angle isn't that large.

Be well.