The hunting season is getting closer, and archers are continuously looking for their next bow sight. If you are a beginner with archery, it might be difficult to identify the type of bow sight that suits your style. To help you make a choice, I’ve offered a few pieces of advice as you read along on what sight to get and the features to consider while purchasing it.
For the professional hunters searching for the sought-after innovations in the field, I have excellent recommendations that might catch your eye. I’ve narrowed it down to three options.
Best compound bow hunting sights
Identifying a bow sight shouldn’t be an anxiety-filled experience. However, it might be hard to find which bow sight is best for you. I can help with my top three picks. The advantages and disadvantages of each have been discussed for easier decision-making.
1. IQ Bowsights Micro 5 Pin Bow Sight
The IQ Bowsights sight (link to Amazon) portrays exemplary innovation, at a reasonable price. The fiber optic illuminates it in every even in dimmed light. With the Retina Lock technology, you’ll be able to shoot at long-range distances and can still achieve high accuracy regardless of your shooting position.
What’s really cool is that the fiber optic and the Retina Lock Technology can still work without battery use. Its design also entails a toolless elevation, several mountain holes, and windage knobs.
Features
- 5 Ultra-bright pins.
- Retina Lock Technology.
- Quiver mountain points with second and third axis adjustment.
- Long-lasting aluminum construction with fibers and pins.
- Windage adjustment and tool-free elevation.
Advantages
- Easy to regulate pins.
- Well illuminated pins.
- Appropriate for first-time users and professional shooters.
- Fresh and unstained build.
Disadvantage
- Some reported a presence of quaking and noise from the windage regulatory knobs.
2. Trophy Ridge React Pro Sight
The accuracy of the Trophy Ridge React (link to Amazon) is enhanced by the five pins, which can be spontaneously adjusted. The model has surpassed expectations by functioning with third axis enhancement for further distance.
It’s built out of solid aluminum and stainless steel, and you can feel the quality of the build. The rheostat light has been fitted onto it to improve functioning in dim environments, also cutting the cost of purchasing another rheostat light significantly.
Features
- Luminous fiber optic.
- Stainless steel tools that make it to stand the test of time.
- Windage enhancements and micro click advancement.
- Rigid 6061 aluminum fabrication.
- Made available for left-handed and right-handed users.
Advantages
- High level of accuracy in contrasting range.
- High-performance vertical pins that allow for sight’s ultra-precise adjustments.
- Long-lasting and well built.
- Delrin bushings create smooth and silent movement with no metal-to-metal contact.
- React technology positions all the pins for high precision.
- Very adjustable.
Disadvantages
- More costly than the alternative (high-end option).
- Less suitable for first-time learners.
- The bow sight is non-flexible.
3. Fast Eddie-Spot-Hogg sight
The Fast-Eddie (link to Amazon) sight is fitted with multi-ring technology and excellent bright spins. The MRT technology comes with three visibility housing rings to choose from. In bright light your pupil goes smaller while in dim light it enlarges so you can see better. This impacts how large the sight housing appears through your sight. The MRT allows you to centralize your sight housing based on your preferences and environment.
The Spot Hogg Fast Eddie sight is very durable. It’s made of 6061 aluminum, and the fiber optics are well guarded. With time and continuous practice, you get used to how the pins are adjusted. The rigidity and the model’s high price are good indicators of its extreme quality and durability. The product also comes with a warranty for life.
Features
- MRT with three-pin scope.
- Minor adjustable second and third axis.
- Rough horizontal and upright adjustments.
- Release bow mount.
- Rigid 6061 aluminum fabrication.
Advantages
- Simple to fix and disassemble.
- No vibrations or noises.
- Useful ring system.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Durable configuration.
- The bar layout was established to reduce weight and increase strength.
Disadvantages
- A bit heavy.
- Oversized yardage pin indicators.
Buyer’s guide to Hunting Bow Sights
In this section, you’ll learn everything you need to know for choosing a bow sight.
Some of the things to evaluate when acquiring a bow sight include:
Number of pins
If you are looking for a multi-pin bow sight, remember to pick the number of pins beforehand, even though multiple pins aren’t a clear assurance of improved outcomes. One quickly gets confused when dealing with yardages with several pins, more so in hunting experiences when your heart is throbbing faster, and your reasoning progress is rushed.
Multi-pin sights come with one to seven pins. Determining the extent you intend to shoot will help you evaluate the ideal quantity of pins you require and the level of alteration you will execute. To avoid confusion accompanying multiple pin bow sights, it is better to shift to fixed pin bow sights and pendulum sights.
Pin diameter
Hunting bow sights of high standards have a nominal diameter, and it is best to pick one of the sorts. This is because the size of the pins influences your sight, and thus, depending on the size of the pin, it will be easy to tell if you will have perfect or lousy sight. The pins should be firm and strong.
Most pins circumference is either .029, 019, or 010. Pins with .029 of diameter have a more accurate aiming, whereas pins with larger diameters have less preciseness since they take up a more significant proportion of your prey.
Hand orientation
This is another feature to be put into consideration. It would help if you went for bow sights that suit the hand you are comfortable using the most. The majority of the bows are typically designed either for left-handed or right-handed hunters, though bow sights are also made to suit both hands.
Simple adjustment
The direction of the arrow is determined by the vertical and horizontal adjustments that influence the position the hunter will take and the speed of the wind. Bow model adjustments vary as others use Allen Wrench while others use adjustments knobs. Operating with adjustment knobs is much easier than using Allen Wrench, especially if you’re using the bow first.
Durability
Another consideration to have in mind is the durability of the hunting bow sight. Solid aliminium sights are usually the best. The plastic bow sight is enticing as it is cheaper, but it’s not as solid and durable as the alternative, designed with aluminum.
You can have a plastic and aluminum sight for if your budget is limited. Sights made of this combination tend to be much stronger than those constructed purely from plastic.
Extras
Distinctive features that accompany the model and you should check out include the bubble levels, yardage dials, and rheostat light, while the add-ons to be looked out for in a model include sight tape and an installation kit. These accessories usually come with a higher price-tag.
Weight
As a general rule, go for lighter bow sights. They’ll add less to the total weight of the bow, and limit the amount of weight that might throw your aim off.
Setting up your bow sight for hunting
As you put your archery gear in place, emphasize on the various variables that will enhance your ability to take a precise shot at the right time. Apply the same to your bow, bow sight, and your string.
Bar length
Bar length is the measurement of how far your sight is from your bow.
For beginners, start with a length of 4 inches for precise aiming. Professional hunters prefer the sight being farther away, like 9 inches from the bow.
Magnifying lens
For the sights mentioned, almost all of them allow for modernization that includes a magnifying glass that will benefit the user when trying to hit the target. Magnifying glasses aid aging hunters since their eyes are more constrained from spotting the target.
Pin size
The bigger the diameter of the pin, the easier viewing them is. However, large pins are less accurate at a far distance, because they cover a more significant portion of your target. Smaller nails serve better as they enhance the accuracy of your shot.
The most pins range from 0.010 to 0.0129, with the lowest size indicating the tiniest hook. Shopping for a sight with microscale pins is more reasonable and practical as it allows you to adjust your length past 60 yards.
Vertical vs. horizontal pins
Fixing your pins to the location of your preference depends on what you feel more comfortable with. Most archers choose to use horizontal pins.
Material
Aluminum is the best material for making bow sights apart from titanium, brass, and synthetic carbon fiber. Plastic sights should be avoided as it creates slop in your measurements, especially when you make enhancements in your sizes and unfasten the screws.
I recommend getting an aluminum sight mainly because of their great value for money.
Length of fiber
Basically – the more, the better.
Fiber helps in the illumination of the pins. A significant amount of light will reach the hook if the fiber cable is long enough.
First, second, and third axis adjustments
You’ll sometimes need to adjust your bow sight, in the different axial directions. The farther you’re going to aim, the more accurate your adjustments will have to be. While setting up your sight, make sure to consider your maximum effective range, and adjust your sight pins accordingly.
Conclusion
Bow sights are essential equipment for both target archery and bowhunting. They are readily available and can be purchased depending on an individual’s budget and intentions in using them.
The main considerations when setting up archery are the length of bar length, pin size, bow mount, fiber length, primary materials, and vertical vs. horizontal pins. These should be implemented to have a better chance of a successful hunt.
The recommended bow hunting sights will offer users satisfactory performance due to their quality design and outstanding features.
Before purchasing a bow sight, you must consider the advantages and disadvantages of the various compound hunting sights. It will help you pick the right product without much struggle apart from looking at only their features.
I hope this post was helpful – happy hunting!
