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Looking to get more out of your bow sight?
Want to combine laser rangefinder technology and your bow sight into one gadget?
Yes, it can be done.
There is a very slim market for rangefinder bow sights, but they've been tried and tested by the masses. Some do better than others, and some may be way out of your price range.
Our lineup is well within your reach. If you want to know whether there's a 2-in-1 sight for bow for you or if you can afford the newest sight to the shelves, come with us!
QUICK LIST: Best Rangefinder Bow Sight in 2024
- Burris Oracle 2 - Best Overall
- Garmin Xero A1 Bow Sight - Best Smart Sight for Bow
- Garmin Xero A1i Pro - Best High-End
Best Rangefinding Bow Sights Comparison
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Burris Oracle 2 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Garmin Xero A1 Auto Ranging Sight |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Garmin Xero A1i Pro |
| CHECK PRICE |
Why Trust Us?
After hundreds of hours of hand-testing rangefinders 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 hunting and Archery, to big game hunting and competitions has been integral in putting together this round-up of the best rangefinding bow sights.
Get the inside scoop on how we test optics here.
First off, you need to have real expectations about an integrated rangefinder's performance. Its capabilities will be very limited compared to a conventional rangefinder.
Distance range will be limited, there is no reticle display, and you will go without various modes that are available on traditional units.
Sounds restrictive? Well, let's get real about your expectations while in the hunt. Most of your shots aren't further than 60 yards, if that. You're ranging your target within your shooting effective range whether you're in a tree stand or in the open country.
You may need to scan for distances on nearby targets, but when you're within 40 yards of your mule deer, it's unlikely you're fidgeting with various modes on your rangefinder.
Realistic scenario: you spot a buck on a mission coming in along the game trail. You range it, make the slide adjustment (if needed), full draw, aim, and shoot.
What does this look with a built-in rangefinder in your sight? You come to a full draw, your bow acquires a distance, you aim and shoot all in one fluid moment - that's pretty darn good.
Are all rangefinder sights created equal? No way. Some manufacturers have blended the technologies better than others.
Some try but just haven't been able to perfect the tech and work out the issues. So, don't throw out your traditional rangefinder just yet. Keep it on you for the just in case moment.
Our 3 Top Rangefinder Bow Sights
1. Burris Oracle 2 – Best Overall
The Burris Oracle 2 was made and released after receiving feedback from owners of the original Oracle. As a result, the Oracle 2 has been improved to meet the exacting demands of serious bow hunters.
Pros:
- Rangefinder
- Fail-safe fixed pin
- Auto & manual pin brightness
- Locking micro adjustments
- Burris Forever Warranty
Cons:
- Price
Given that you can get land a rangefinder for under $150 and a bowsight for under $100, the price does seem exorbitant.
However, combining a rangefinding engine with the best bow sight technology to provide exacting, automated distances for extreme long-range precision, it will inevitably cost quite a bit more than you average bowsight.
The ranging engine can grab distances at 500 yards on reflective targets and 200 yards on soft targets like deer. That’s plenty of range for any type of prey for long-range bowmen.
It also compensates for angles and automatically provides an aiming point along the pin blade. So, if you’re at the base of a ridge or 25 feet up in a treestand, the Oracle 2 will calculate for angles involved.
A CR123 battery will power the LED lights that serve as your pin aiming points, but there is a fixed dot that you can set as your fixed pin. If you suspect you’re getting erroneous readings, move the Oracle 2 into Fixed Pins Mode for 10-yard increment dots starting at 20 yards.
The Oracle 2 has you covered if you’re ever in doubt. Of course, it couldn’t be this expensive if it didn’t have locking micro adjustments, manual and auto brightness, and 2nd & 3rd axis adjustments.
Making the deal even sweeter, Burris covers it under their unconditional Forever Warranty. It’s a no questions asked, automatic transferable warranty.
In the bow sight world, it cannot be beaten. Even beyond its performance and features, it may very well be worth the cost after all.
2. Garmin Xero A1 - Best Smart Bow Sight
Garmin is a brand many may know intimately. But, in the hunt, they're only on your riser if you can afford one.
The big, tech-geared company knows the digital world, and they're no stranger to rangefinder technology. So, how do they hold up when they merge it with a bow sight?
The full review reveals all, but we'll throw you a bone right here. Aim and range anything up to 300 yards, and if you're up in the stand, feel confident with angle compensated distances.
.007" LED pins with ambient light sensor brightness control means you shouldn't have to struggle with seeing your pins again - in any sight light condition.
Garmin, welcome to the bow shooting game!
3. Garmin Xero A1i Pro – Best High-End Bow Sight
When Garmin released the Xero, it was met with skepticism. In general, most rangefinding sight are, but Garmin sped ahead and further released the A1i and the A1i Pro. With the ‘standard’ features of a ranging clear sight picture plus some, there’s a lot to take in with the new Pro version.
Pros:
- Auto ranging
- Micro adjustments
- Auto pin stack
- Quick detach mount
- Multiple features
Cons:
- Price
- Not for beginners
- Limited warranty
It goes without saying that a sight like this is not for those who are tech averse or who are new to bows and sights in general.
The Xero A1i Pro is extremely expensive, and even those who shoot heavy arrows and go for max distance will have a difficult time coming to terms with the extravagant price point.
If you’re willing to take the plunge, it will take some time to learn its features and capabilities. To get the expectations mentioned, it has a level, dual color LED pins, micro adjustments, and a quick detach mount.
Of course, even these ‘ordinary’ bow sight features are technologically decked out. The level ain’t no normal level as it has variable sensitivity, and the Pro model features something like IQ’s Retina Lock tech in providing feedback on torque and alignment.
The ranging engine has a max range on reflective targets to 300 yards and 100 yards soft targets like deer, and it compensates for angles too.
More features include Laser Locate (GPS compatible), Auto Pin Stack, Flight Apex, and Xtra Distance Mode. It’s all powered by two included lithium AAA batteries for 25,000 actuations.
Given that the Garmin Xero A1i Pro is feature-packed to the max and is designed to simplify things and improve your form and accuracy, it is the best bow sight with advanced technology. However, it can be beaten out given that its price point and warranty are weighty and realistic factors to consider.
What to Look for in a Rangefinder Bow Sight
It's not all about distance. As contradictory as that may sound, you must remember your 2-in-1 gadget must function as a quality bow sight at its core.
If the rangefinder feature fails you, all should not be lost as it's your bow sight that allows you to stay in the game, especially if you brought your trusty handheld rangefinder with you as a back-up.
To keep things in perspective, here's a few points you should consider when looking to splurge on a bow sight with a rangefinder.
Budget
This isn't a first-time buy or a sight for a beginner. They're expensive, so setting a high budget for this type of bow sight is realistic. Even the cheaper models cost a few hundred dollars.
Simultaneously, build quality matters even more now. Having a robust and strong build can help to protect the internal rangefinder mechanisms.
| Product | Price Range | Quality Features |
|---|---|---|
| Burris Oracle 2 | Under $600 | No glass, aluminum construction, waterproof |
| Garmin Xero A1 Auto Ranging | Under $1000 | Optical coatings for anti-reflective & water repellant benefits, -4 – 140-degrees F operating range |
| Garmin Xero A1i Pro | Under $1300 | Optical coatings for anti-reflective & water repellant benefits, -4 – 140-degrees F operating range |
Ranging
Having a rangefinder built into your bow sight will be useless if it's not accurate. Test it against other measuring devices to be sure you can depend on it.
Because this is a relatively new combo of technology, make sure you do your due diligence. Read reviews, look at performance, and check up on its track record. You might learn a thing or two more before you make the final decision on such an expensive buy.
| Product | Max Ranging Distance | Deer Ranging Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Burris Oracle 2 | 500 yards | 200 yards |
| Garmin Xero A1 Auto Ranging | 300 yards | 100 yards |
| Garmin Xero A1i Pro | 300 yards | 100 yards |
Single Pin sight VS Multi-Pin
Adding in rangefinder tech to a bow sight drives up the cost exponentially. It's also considered a luxury feature. Because of these factors, it tends to be equipped to digital sights, although it can be found on fiber optic pin bow sights too.
Since it's still a relatively new technology, the pickings between types of rangefinder sights may be slim.
| Product | Number of Pins | Pin Size |
|---|---|---|
| Burris Oracle 2 | Customizable | Unknown |
| Garmin Xero A1 Auto Ranging | Customizable | .007” red - .009” green |
| Garmin Xero A1i Pro | Customizable | .007” red - .009” green |
Battery
Bow sights with integrated laser rangefinders must operate with a source of power. The battery type may vary as will the battery runtime based on use and LED brightness settings.
| Product | Battery Type | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|
| Burris Oracle 2 | 1x CR123 | 1000-2000 actuations |
| Garmin Xero A1 Auto Ranging | 2x AAA | Up to 1 year |
| Garmin Xero A1i Pro | 2x AAA | Up to 1 year |
Warranty
Invest in a good warranty to protect your purchase. There's nothing satisfying about fried parts or defective features when you're dropping a ton of money for it. You also don't want to be left empty-handed or out of money once hunting or competition season is here.
| Product | Warranty |
|---|---|
| Burris Oracle 2 | No Questions Asked Forever Warranty |
| Garmin Xero A1 Auto Ranging | 1-year Limited Warranty |
| Garmin Xero A1i Pro | 1-year Limited Warranty |
Legality
The legalities of hunting or using a sight with a built-in rangefinder in competition is ground you'll need to cover extensively.
They do require batteries to run making them electronic sights. Lasers are used to calibrate the sight when sighting in, so make sure they're removable. You'll have to check in with your area's regulations on electronic components on your bow sight.
Can Your Bow Sight go the Distance?
Measure your next buy by going the distance in research and field testing. You can't do too much homework on a good bow sight that will put you out of allowance money for the next few months. Do your due diligence on a rangefinder scope and you'll feel confident in your buy!
Further Reading
- TRUGLO Range Rover PRO Bow Sight Review (Illuminated Green Dot)
- TRUGLO Hyper-Strike Ultra-Light Long Range Bow Sight Review (5-Pin)
- Truglo Carbon Hybrid Review - Micro 5 Pin Bow Sight
- Trophy Ridge React V5 Bow Sight Review (Vertical Pin Sight & Micro Adjustable Windage & Elevation)
- Trophy Ridge React Trio Pro Bow Sight Review (3-Pin) With React Technology
