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IQ Micro Bow Sight Review (Retina Lock & Tool-Free Locking Knobs)


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IQ Micro bow sight zoomed in
Image Credit - Feradyne

Product Model: Micro
Type: Sight pin
Dexterity: Left/Right
Number of Pins: 3-pin, 7-pin
Pin Size: .019
Construction: Aluminum

Best Uses: Target shooting, Archery, Hunting

Update: Feradyne discontinued the original line of IQ sights, including the IQ Micro and bought them back with "50% thinner, improved bladed pin construction". Check out the updated model of the IQ Micro at Amazon and Optics Planet.

IQ Micro Bow Sight

The Micro has the right features at the right price point.  It's a no-fuss, highly-advanced bow sight that offers the best of what IQ delivers: Retina Lock technology.

Retina Lock is the highlight feature of the bow sight.  It's the technology that put IQ Bowsights on the map.  With it, you'll have confidence your arrow will strike exactly where you're aiming.  Reduce torque and improve form with the "green eye" by aligning the green Retina with the centered black dot.

IQ Micro
Image Credit - Feradyne

What's the result?  Tighter groupings, increased accuracy, and improved form.

The Micro also has other appreciated features such as windage and elevation micro adjustment dials to get sighted-in fast and easy.  Lock those adjustments down with the tool-free locking knobs.

If you don't like the locking knobs, they can be replaced with screws that are included in the package - just so you know.

While it doesn't have a 3rd adjustable axis, it does allow for 2nd axis adjustments.  It also has a built-in sight level to get it done and prevent unnatural cant.

The Micro comes in two models with a 3-pin sight and a 7-pin sight.  Both sights have fiber optic .019" pins that are bright and clearly visible.  If you feel the need to increase pin visibility, the Micro does allow use for a rheostat sight light to be connected, but that attachment is sold separately.

Shooters who have mastered the art of using an IQ bow sight find it incredibly helpful.  Those not shooting from steep angles don't mind that it doesn't have 3rd axis adjustments.  However, there are some that complain they can't adjust for this.

Additionally, quality control may be an issue, so it's best to inspect your Micro as soon as you get it.

Pros:

  • Price
  • Retina Lock
  • Micro adjustment dials
  • Tool-free locking knobs
  • 2nd axis adjustments

Cons:

  • Quality control issues

IQ Bowsights Micro Q&A:

Why doesn't the Micro have 3rd axis adjustments?

Many shooters don't bother with the 3rd axis adjustments since it's to adjust for shooting on steep angles.  However, if you find yourself in this shooting position, it may become a problem.

Instead of complaining about a sight that doesn't have this feature, save yourself some stress and buy one that does have the 3rd axis adjustable feature like the IQ Pro Hunter.

Is the Retina Lock Difficult to Set Up?

The Retina Lock isn't hard to use once you've got it set up, but it may be the set up that's time-consuming or tedious.  It requires you to make adjustments at full draw, so you can set the Retina Lock to your nature form and anchor.

This may require making full draws, putting it down and adjusting, making a full draw again, adjusting if needed, and so on.

Is Retina Lock Difficult to Use?

Once it's been set up, it should be easy to use.  Simply bring your bow to a full draw, align the appropriate pin with the target, check to make sure Retina Lock is aligned, and release.

However, some shooters find themselves too dependent on Retina Lock, or it requires more focus to this feature than they feel they want to give.

Is there an IQ Micro 5-Pin Sight?

The Micro isn't a new bow sight, it's been out for a few years.  Recently, the brand released some new bow sights to the market, and it seems they've cleaned up shop.  FeraDyne no longer offers a Micro 5-pin bow sight.

According to FeraDyne, if a bow sight can no longer be found on their website, it has been discontinued.  Additionally, a discontinued product is no longer covered under warranty for repairs or replacement.

If you are fixed on a 5-pin bow sight, you should check out these alternatives - 4 of the Best 5 Pin Bow Sights for Archery & Bow Hunting

Are the Pins Removable?

Technically, no.  They're not designed to be removable, and they shouldn't.  However, some "rig" it by taking off the steel pins and tucking the optical fiber along the bottom of the sight housing.

Is the Micro Designed to be Used Without a Peep?

It can be.  Some people leave their peep on or go up in size to see the entire sight.  However, other shooters remove the peep after sighting in the first pin and setting the Retina Lock.  The benefits?  Removes peep sight issues and allows for brighter clarity of the Micro sight.

Noteworthy Features:

  • Retina Lock technology for spot-on accuracy and improved form
  • 3-pin or 7-pin models in both right and left hand orientation
  • Micro adjustment dials and tool-free locking knobs for fast sighting-in
  • 2nd axis adjustment and built-in sight level for precision accuracy
  • .019" fiber optic pins for accurate shooting at longer distances

Our Verdict on the IQ Bowsights Micro

Narrowing things down, the IQ Bowsights Micro may be the addition to your bow that you've been looking for.  It has the latest bow sight features made simple.

How do you put a price on guaranteed accuracy?  For the price of the Micro, it's a decent buy if you can overcome user error and nail the tech that's made just for you. It even made our line-up of the best bow sights under $100!

IQ Bow Sight
Image Credit - Feradyne

But, if you've been a dedicated 5-pin guy or gal, the Spot Hogg Grinder MRT Micro Adjust might pique your interest.  It has quite a few bonus features that more than justifies the extra cost for it.  Are you curious? Check the Grinder out here!

If we're going to introduce new technologies, we may as well provide the meet and greet with the IQ Bowsights Define Range Finding Sight.  It's a mouthful to say, so we'll just narrow it down to the Define.

It has a laser rangefinder built into the sight housing to get distances on your targets with just a pull of a trigger while at full draw.  You should be a whole lotta curious right about now. Luckily you can satisfy your curiosity with our full review on the IQ Define bow sights.

If you don't need all the fancy trappings of state-of-the-art bow sights, but you still like a little flair to help get it done in the field, the Micro will help you get accurate within micro measurements.

So much so that FeraDyne says "Shoot longer distances and tighter groups or your money back guaranteed!"

Update: Feradyne discontinued the original line of IQ sights, including the IQ Micro and bought them back with "50% thinner, improved bladed pin construction". Check out the updated model of the IQ Micro at Amazon and Optics Planet.

Further Reading

Photo of author

Simon Cuthbert - Founder

Simon is an avid outdoor enthusiast and the founder of Target Tamers. He is passionate about bringing you the most up to date, accurate & understandable information on sports optics of all kinds and for all applications. Simon has contributed to notable publications online and teaches beginners the technical side of optics through his extensive library of optics guides.

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