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You know what they say, "All good things come in threes."
With 3 pins in your sight, what more do you need?
Apart from superstitious luck on your side, there are legit benefits to keeping your bow sight clear and open with 3 pins.
And, these days, you also have the option of incorporating a floater pin. Not sure what that is?
Stay tuned, we'll get you clued in!
QUICK LIST: Best 3 Pin Bow Sights 2024
- Trophy Ridge React Trio Pro - Best Overall
- IQ Bowsights Pro Hunter - Best for Hunting
- TOPoint Archery 3-Pin - Best for Beginners
- Trophy Ridge Joker - Best Budget Option
Best 3-Pin Bow Sight Comparison
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Trophy Ridge React Trio Pro |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | IQ Bowsights Pro Hunter |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | TOPoint Archery 3-Pin |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Trophy Ridge Joker |
| CHECK PRICE |
Why Trust Us?
After hundreds of hours of hand-testing bow sight in the field and at the range, and thousands more hours researching and writing about them, we feel we earn the title of experts when it comes to optics!
We purchase as many of the optics for our tests as possible, and run them through their paces to make sure they will perform at the range and in the field.
Our combined decades of experience from shooting at different distances, to big game hunting and competitions has been integral in putting together this round-up of the best 3-pin bow sight.
Get the inside scoop on how we test optics here.
If you know you're not going to take any shots past 40-50 yards, you'd feel right at home with a 3-pin sight. Fixed pin sights can only offer so much distance before pin gapping and holding over estimates are no longer accurate or achievable. But, if you know what your effective shooting range is, you'll know how many pins are right for you.
3-pin sights offer a clean field of view, and you drastically reduce the likelihood of choosing the wrong pin to shoot with since obviously there are minimal pins.
Fixed 3-pin sights are limited in distance versus a 5-pin setup. The most common pin setup is 20, 30, and 40 yards, but of course, it's not the rule as you will personalize it for your preferences. However, a new design feature offers a lot of distance flexibility: the floater pin.
Essentially, the floater pin is a single, moveable pin that you can use for extended, long-range distances when your fixed pins are incapable of getting the job done. It's not a cheap feature, so consider budget before you decide to go all out.
Beginners will appreciate the ease of using a 3-pin sight, and there are long-time hunters that are dedicated to their fixed pin setup. When you remember the rule of three, you'll realize you don't need more than 3 pins: know your range, don't have more pins than you need, and keep it simple.
Our 4 Top 3-Pin Bow Sights
1. Trophy Ridge React Trio Pro - Best Overall
- REACT TECHNOLOGY: Mathematical precision of React Technology automatically adjusts all pins to the optimal location
- INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Make easy corrections with advanced 100% tool-less micro adjustment
The Trophy Ridge React Trio Pro is the latest model with the most advanced upgrades that won it first place in this lineup. Yes, it's an expensive bow sight, and you’ve likely not spent this much on one before. But, after you've seen all the fancy features it has, you might feel like you can justify the cost.
As a Trophy Ridge bow sight, it has their React technology that gets your pins aligned with mathematical precision in a jiffy. It also has a tool-free design with micro adjustments - one of the newest, convenient features the industry offers.
A vertical floater pin provides the ability to get dead-on no matter what the distance or circumstance is. But, we're not finished as there are more features to list. You know what to do - the full review is a click away!
2. IQ Bowsights Pro Hunter - Best for Hunting
- NEW & IMPROVED - With 50% thinner improved bladed pin construction, the IQ Pro Hunter just got better. An enhanced fiber optic containment continues to further user's...
- GREATER VERSATILITY - The IQ Pro Hunter features two slimmer fixed pins for shots at shorter distances and a third slimmer "floater" pin that can be dialed to specific...
It was a tight race to the finish line between the brand-new Pro Hunter and Trophy Ridge's React Trio Pro. They're incredibly similar in the features they offer. But, like all things new, the Pro Hunter needs a bit of a trial period by the masses to accurately judge feedback.
On paper, the Pro Hunter is one flashy heck of a bow sight. With 2 fixed pins and one floater, you have the flexibility of staying right within your comfort zone and then sliding in for the exact distance when circumstances change. Incorporating a moveable pin within the fixed pin design is not a cheap feature, but it can certainly change the way you shoot and hunt from here on out.
With Retina Lock technology, you'll also have confidence with every shot you take. Improve your form, tighten your groupings, and get on target in or out of the tree stand with a Pro Hunter bow sight.
3. TOPoint Archery 3-Pin – Best for Beginners
- Material:6061-T6 aluminum
- Fiber optic diameter:0.029" color:red,green
In general, a quality-made, cheap bow sight is a great option for a beginner to learn the basics and realize what they want in an upgrade over time. Although budget sights are often underestimated, the TOPoint Archery 3-Pin has proven to be a choice sight available for under $20!
Pros:
- Price
- .029” pins
- Aluminum build
- Adjustment markings
- Left & right mounting
Cons:
- Level falls out
It doesn’t get much cheaper than this to buy a 3-pin bow sight for casual use. Everything but the sighting ring (plastic) is made from aluminum. This is a big step up for a budget sight when alternatives more than twice its price are still made of plastic.
The build quality is more than decent for its price point but there have been issues from pins cracking to the bubble level falling out. A little glue for the level and Loctite for the screws, and you won’t lose your stuff while in the field. The mount is compatible for both right and left-hand shooters.
It has .029” pins, so they’re on the larger size. This is great for target practice for beginners to become accustomed to using a bow sight. The pins aren’t incredibly bright, likely due to the shorter fiber optic length, so it’s not going to be a lowlight performer for hunting.
Gang adjustments are easy to make but you will need your own wrench set – multi-size is best. The manufacturer included visible reference markings for the adjustments which is fantastic to see on a sight under 20 bucks.
Given that there’s no paperwork included with the cheap bow sight, don’t count on a warranty. For the money, it’s worth the gamble. How-to info to sight-in your new sight are aplenty online. For the beginner, the hard part is picking a bow sight that both works and doesn’t break the bank. Everything else can be learned from there.
4. Trophy Ridge Joker - Best Budget Option
- Four ultra-bright .019” medium horizontal fiber optic pins for ultimate visibility
- Reversible mount design for use with left- and right-hand bows
The incredibly cheap Trophy Ridge Joker bow sight tickled us pink with its surprisingly good following. For a bow sight well under $100 and to be listed in this lineup among some of the most expensive models in the market, you might think it's a joke - no, it's no joke.
The Joker proves that simple does it. Keep pins to a minimum to open the field of view. Offer a reversible mount so it serves as a universal bow sight for both lefties and right-hand shooters. Increase durability with an aluminum bracket and expand options with multiple mounting positions.
These are the simple-does-it features Trophy Ridge did right. Oh yeah, did we already mention it's super affordable?
What to Look for in a 3-Pin Bow Sight
It's too easy to get caught up in decking out your fixed pin bow sight with the most expensive features money can buy. But, the essence behind a 3-pin sight is to keep things simple, and to keep fundamental features in mind.
Before we jump in, keep in mind that a wide and clear field of view is one of the primary benefits and reasons why you would opt for a 3-pin sight. However, the brightness in the field of view is determined by many factors including sight housing dimensions, use of a peep sight, light conditions, etc. The main benefit here is a less cluttered sight picture than that with 5 or more pins.
Price
Sticking to a budget will narrow down the options as there are many to consider. You’ll also be able to get an idea of what features are most important. Remember, stick with investing in the quality of the fundamental features.
| Product | Price Range | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Trophy Ridge React Trio Pro | Under $300 | React technology, Tool-less micro adjustments, 2nd & 3rd axis, .019” pins, Rheostat light |
| IQ Bowsights Pro Hunter | Under $200 | 50% thinner bladed pins, Floater pin, Retina Lock Alignment Technology, Tool-free micro adjustments |
| TOPoint Archery 3-Pin | Under $20 | Aluminum build, Brass .029” pins, LH & RH adjustable, Windage & elevation markings |
| Trophy Ridge Joker | Under $50 | LH & RH adjustable, .019” pins, Built-in bubble level, Green hood accent, Multiple mounting holes |
Pin Size
Most 3-pin bow sights are going to come with standard .019” fiber optic pins. You might want to pay attention to pin size if you’re purchasing a fixed pin sight with a floater pin as it will be used for longer distances.
| Product | Pin Size |
|---|---|
| Trophy Ridge React Trio Pro | .019” |
| IQ Bowsights Pro Hunter | .019” |
| TOPoint Archery 3-Pin | .029” |
| Trophy Ridge Joker | .019” |
Adjustments
There’s not a set pattern of tool-less and micro adjustments with 3-pin sights. It’s more of a price factor that will determine ease of adjustments and any advanced features that may be offered. Most under $100 will require a tool and more expensive ones will offer tool-less micro adjustments.
| Product | Tool-less Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Trophy Ridge React Trio Pro | Yes |
| IQ Bowsights Pro Hunter | Yes |
| TOPoint Archery 3-Pin | No |
| Trophy Ridge Joker | No |
Durability
Aluminum brackets and housings offer the best durability. However, build quality and materials is a price and manufacturer factor versus it being a 3-pin factor.
The cheaper 3-pin bow sights will have various issues like plastic hoods and detachable bubble levels. The levels tend to fall out and if the bow is dropped, a plastic hood can crack.
However, many bow sights will advertise aluminum brackets and then will have plastic components. There's a bit of a mix in materials used unless you're willing to spend more to acquire metals for a durable construction.
| Product | Construction Material |
|---|---|
| Trophy Ridge React Trio Pro | Aluminum |
| IQ Bowsights Pro Hunter | Aluminum |
| TOPoint Archery 3-Pin | Aluminum & Plastic |
| Trophy Ridge Joker | Plastic |
Warranty
Warranties will vary between manufacturers and bow sights. Some don’t mention a warranty at beyond a 30-day refund policy. Even then, there are conditions in qualifying for a refund. Certain conditions will apply if the bow sight comes with warranty, so be sure to read it before you buy.
| Product | Warranty |
|---|---|
| Trophy Ridge React Trio Pro | 30-day return/Full refund |
| IQ Bowsights Pro Hunter | 1-year warranty – original owner only |
| TOPoint Archery 3-Pin | 30-day return/Full refund |
| Trophy Ridge Joker | 30-day return/Full refund |
Three is the New Two
We've all heard the common saying, "two is company, three is a crowd." Fortunately, it doesn't apply here. In fact, three is the new norm for bow hunters who want to keep it simple and productive in the hunt.
No circumstance is identical in the field, so a 3-pin sight might be set up for much closer distances for a hunter in a tree stand than one who wants a floater pin for flexibility. With that said, you can still expect the same great benefits of an open field of view, less clutter, and ease of use from a 3-pin bow sight.
Further Reading
- Discover How to Fix a Bottomed Out Bow Sight With These Bow Tuning Tips
- Overcoming Blurry Sight Pins & Poor Vision When Bowhunting
- How Many Pins Should a Bow Sight Have? Pros & Cons Of 1,3,5 & 7-Pin Set-Ups
- Choosing The Best Peep Sight Size For Hunting (Plus, Peep VS No-Peep)
- Single Pin Sights VS Multiple Pins: Which Is Best?
