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This is the price range most people will hover between when choosing a bow sight.
It has the widest range of models, offers a variety of features, and is where the single pin market begins.
What bow sights get more bang for your buck?
How do you narrow down the choices, and what are the best bow sight brands to consider?
We reveal the bow sights that landed within our 10-ring gold standard of superiority. Standing taller than the rest, here's our lineup!
QUICK LIST: Best Bow Sight Under $200 in 2024
- Trophy Ridge React V5 - Best Overall
- HHA Tetra LT - Best Tool-less
- Black Gold Rush - Best USA-Made
- Spot Hogg Grinder Micro MRT - Best Multi-Pin
- Apex Gear Covert Pro - Best Pinless
Best Bow Sights Under $200 Comparison
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Trophy Ridge React V5 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | HHA Tetra LT |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Black Gold Rush |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Spot Hogg Grinder Micro MRT |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Apex Gear Covert Pro |
| CHECK PRICE |
Why Trust Us?
After hundreds of hours of hand-testing bow sights 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 target shooting and hunting, to big game hunting and competitions has been integral in putting together this round-up of the best bow sights under $200.
Get the inside scoop on how we test optics here.
Beginners with a bit of cash to spare may splurge on a $200 bow sight, but it's usually the intermediate shooters or experienced hunters that will frequently delve into this budget class. Seasoned hunters will also be happy with a scope as long as it has the features they're after and it's from a trusted brand.
Anything under $100 is considered entry-level and beginner quality, and it's fascinating to see how much of a leap in quality there is when you have a few more bucks to add to that budget. In this price range, we're seeing an upgrade in quality, materials, and build. Pins are brighter, adjustments are tighter, and build quality is rock solid without the weight in some cases.
Some of the best brands start their product models in this budget range like Spot Hogg, HHA, and Apex, all of which feature a bow sight in this lineup. If that’s any indication of the caliber of scopes we have to offer, then you should be excited.
A unique factor for this price range is the availability of quality single pin bow sights. Yes, you can find them for under 100 bucks, but when you're depending on high-precision accuracy, it's better if you drop a little more cash on it.
You'll also see digital or LED bow sights in this category. Reticles are usually dots, and they essentially function as a single pin sight.
As you can see, the variety is plentiful. But, we narrowed it down to our favorite handful of sights that will make us proud and you a happy hunter.
Our 5 Top Bow Sights Under $200
1. Trophy Ridge React V5 - Best Overall
- REACT TECHNOLOGY: Mathematical precision of React Technology automatically adjusts all pins to the optimal location
- ENHANCED VISIBILITY: Clear, unobstructed view of your target with Vertical In-Line Pin Technology
- INCREASED STABILITY: Reduces vibration while maintaining light-weight strength with Ballistix CoPolymer System
You might be surprised to see a Trophy Ridge bow sight take top place, but for its current buyers and users, they wouldn’t be. If anything, they would say it's well deserved. The React V5 is a 5-pin sight with React technology, tool-less adjustments, and a vertical multi-pin system.
The open and clear field of view of the vertical pin design is an attractant for those after a fixed-pin sight without cluttering up the sight picture. It also features an interesting build material that may or may not tickle your fancy.
Its performance out in the field is why it's a highly-rated bow sight by the masses. To get the most out of your dollar when looking for quality and performance, Trophy Ridge fits the bill.
2. HHA Tetra LT – Best Tool-less Bow Sight
- HHA - Tetra LT 5510 w/.010 1 pin 1 5/8" Scope - RH - TLT-5510
- The new Tetra LT is sure to be the hottest slider style adjustable sight of 2020. Compact, lightweight and loaded with features, the LT is a breeze to setup and ideal for...
The HHA Tetra LT is a new bow sight for target practice, 3D shooting, and hunting. Meeting the price requirement of staying in budget under $200, the Tetra LT is a high-end option for those who want the benefits of having more quality and features for less.
Pros:
- Single pin
- Tool-free adjustments
- Independent vertical & 2nd-axis
- Mechanical rheostat
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- No 3rd axis adjustment
It’s helpful to know that the Tetra LT doesn’t have third-axis adjustment, so you won’t be able to adjust for steep angles uphill or downhill. Fortunately, the LT still offers some very nice features for those who don’t need this extra adjustment.
The Tetra LT is completely tool-less with both course (gang) and micro click adjustments. You have a windage lock knob, clicker knob, and reference markings for windage adjustments. The clicker knob moves in 1/8” clicks at 20 yards for maximum precision while sighting in.
Now looking at the mount, you can see that it has a second bracket. The two brackets allow for independent vertical and 2nd axis adjustments so that the sight housing remains static where you set it regardless of any adjustments.
HHA has a couple options for additional quiver mounting positions that includes a LT Quiver Bracket that provides a tighter rearward and inward mounting position. To get the model that runs for just under $200, it’s the Tetra LT with the 1 5/8” scope size and .010” size pins.
A great selling point for HHA is their warranty and made-in-USA quality. It’s a lifetime warranty to the original owner, and all warranty claims will either be repaired or replaced within 48 hours and then sent back to sender. No more waiting weeks at a time for repairs or dealing with warranties that run out right as an accident happens. The warranty adds value to the overall cost of the new Tetra bow sight.
3. Black Gold Rush – Best USA-Made Bow Sight
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Black Gold is an American brand based out of Belgrade, Montana. They machine, build, assemble, and package their bow sights right out of their Montana manufacturing facility. When you buy the Rush, you’re buying American.
Pros:
- Price
- Gang adjustments
- SkyCoil
- Photochromatic shell
- Made in USA
Cons:
- No 3rd axis adjustment
Black Gold is known among competitors and hunters and is a well-established brand that is often seen at archery leagues. The Rush is one of the more affordable Black Gold bow sights and as a result is one of their popular models but lacks third-axis adjustment.
This particular Rush has a multi-pin design with five micro-groove, micro-dot .019” pins. Keeping it low and affordable, the 5-pin sight has a 1.75” Standard Guard sighting house size. It can also accept a lens kit if you so desire to have magnification.
Between the SkyCoil and PhotoChromatic technologies, you’ll have pins with the right amount of brightness in any light condition and terrain. The SkyCoil allows for the fiber optics to gather as much light as they can due to their coiled, sight-top design. The PhotoChromatic shell remains clear in lowlight conditions and turns purple to block out UV light in bright daylight conditions. The tempering concept behind it keeps pins 20% brighter but prevents halo and washout.
The level head sight ring is easy to adjust, and the bubble level comes preinstalled – no more levels that fall out. However, you can have it customized to be fitted inside the top of the sight ring. Base and brackets are made with machined aluminum, the sight is lightweight 80% lighter at 5.3oz at its heaviest, and it remains as tough and strong as aluminum can be.
Black Gold bow sights are made in the USA and come with unconditional warranties limited to the original owner. As far as warranty competition in the bow sight market, it’s comparable to HHA and Viper Archery. It doesn’t get much better than this.
4. Spot Hogg Grinder Micro MRT - Best Multi-Pin
- Brand New & Original! Archery Gear Ready When You Are!
The Grinder is the lightest and shortest bow sight Spot Hogg has to offer, well, for now. Thanks to its compact and lightweight dimensions, it makes for an excellent hunting bow sight and that's the idea. Spot Hogg loyalists can now tout extra weight elsewhere since they're shedding some with their bow setup.
But, that's not the only thing the Grinder has to offer. From its name, it also has micro adjustments and Spot Hogg's new MRT system. What's the deal on MRT? Multi-Ring Technology has your back when light conditions change, so you will always have the best and brightest sight picture attainable.
The fact that the Grinder is not a tool-free bow sight is a disappointment, especially considering its price tag. But, being made in the USA with a full lifetime warranty sure makes up for it.
5. Apex Gear Covert Pro - Best Pinless
- Includes over 120 pre-marked yardage tapes to simplify setup
- Adjustable rheostat brightness control
Is it a bow sight or a rifle scope? Of course, it's a bow sight, but a written description could fool you if you aren't paying attention. The Covert Pro is no ordinary pin sight - it's pin-less.
This bow sight has an LED dot reticle that is illuminated and appears on a glass surface. It's not a magnifying lens so there is no magnification. But, it is an electronic dot sight that requires a battery source to work, about 700 hours’ worth.
A very tactile-looking illumination turret with 11 brightness settings sits on the sight housing Audible clicks resemble that of a rifle scope turret. If you like the tactical look, you'll love the Covert Pro, but don't go too nuts about it just yet. You will have to see if it's legal for use in the hunt in your state.
What to Look for in a Bow Sight Under $200
Many of us have fallen prey to false or skewed marketing tactics, and you'll have to be on the lookout for them in this price range too. It's unfortunate, but some bow sights don't sport price tags that match their claimed features.
A way to protect yourself from a bad buy is to stay brand-specific. You'll also want to know what a highly-advertised feature actually entails. Always looking for quality with the features that really matter will ensure you get a great buy.
Single VS Multi-Pin
Quality single pin scopes are usually more expensive than multi-pin setups. However, both types are available in this price range. It's a matter of personal preference.
| Product | Pin Type | Number of Pins | Pin Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trophy Ridge React V5 | Multi | 5 | .019” |
| HHA Tetra LT | Single | 1 | .010” |
| Black Gold Rush | Multi | 5 | .019” |
| Spot Hogg Grinder Micro MRT | Multi | 5 | .019” |
| Apex Gear Covert Pro | Single | 1 | .019” |
Build Quality
Overall, expect better than average build quality for the money. Look for aluminum housings and brackets – no plastic parts allowed. Additionally, look for dexterity though some may be ambidextrous sights.
| Product | Construction Material | Dexterity |
|---|---|---|
| Trophy Ridge React V5 | Co-polymer | RH |
| HHA Tetra LT | Aluminum | RH |
| Black Gold Rush | Aluminum | RH |
| Spot Hogg Grinder Micro MRT | Aluminum | LH/RH |
| Apex Gear Covert Pro | Aluminum | LH/RH |
Adjustments
The majority of sights will have a combo of tool-less and manual individual adjustments. Seek more information on this as this feature can be deceiving. Typically, individual adjustments will always require a tool. Locking dials usually require a tool, so it may be a bonus to you if it it's tool-less.
| Product | Axis | Tool-less | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Axis | Tool-less | Special Features |
| Trophy Ridge React V5 | 2nd | Yes | Micro adjustments, React technology |
| HHA Tetra LT | 2nd & 3rd | Yes | Locking knobs, micro adjustments |
| Black Gold Rush | 2nd | No | Non-micro adjustments |
| Spot Hogg Grinder Micro MRT | 2nd | No | Micro adjustments |
| Apex Gear Covert Pro | 2nd & 3rd | No | Tilt adjustments |
Warranty
It's best to stick with manufacturers with solid reputations if you don't have already have a specific preference. Usually bow sights made in the USA come with a lifetime warranty. This may be a factor that could justify spending more on the heavier end of your budget.
| Product | Warranty |
|---|---|
| Trophy Ridge React V5 | 30-day Full Refund Policy |
| HHA Tetra LT | 100% Lifetime Warranty |
| Black Gold Rush | Lifetime Unconditional Warranty |
| Spot Hogg Grinder Micro MRT | Lifetime Warranty* |
| Apex Gear Covert Pro | 1-year Warranty |
*Unconfirmed
A Bow Sight for Everyone
$200 goes a long way. You're introduced to dot scopes, single pin bow sights, and fixed-pin sights with upgraded features. What gets you excited?
There's a bow sight for everyone in this budget range. Whether you want to try something new or stick with the same ol' system you're comfortable with, you'll find it here without spending more than 200 bucks.
Further Reading
