Yard Range: 3-450 yards
Magnification: 6X24 mm objective lens
Display Type: LCD/Black
Dimensions: 4" x 2.5" x 1.5"/8 oz
Waterproof/Fog-proof: No
Angle Compensation: Yes
Measuring System: Yards/Meters
Measuring Distance: Line of sight/Slope
Use: Bow Hunting, Rifle Hunting, Target Shooting
Halo XL450-7 Rangefinder Review
Plano Synergy is the parent company of Halo Optics, and their mission is to build an industry that allows hunters and wildlife lovers access to affordable gear no matter where they are in the world. The Halo XL450-7 is just one of the many economical optics ready to get you dead-on.
When getting "close" isn't good enough, you need dead-on accuracy. The XL450-7 is the new model for 2017/2018, and it's basic and entry level in price but definitely not in features. For a budget rangefinder, it has angle compensation, scan mode, and auto acquisition optics.
For a rangefinder under $150, you also buy yourself a full 450 yards of ranging with accurate target acquisition to -/+1 yard. It has an automatic shut-off feature, has a rainproof and water-resistant body, and it's lightweight and compact to handle.
As you can see, the body definitely has a unique shape. That's because Halo considers themselves experts in ergonomic designs that provides comfort and ease of use for the handler. When you're packing another 20 pounds of gear, hiking for several miles, and enduring the beating sun, every ounce and curve of a tool designed to make your job easier is a welcome benefit.
The XL450 has been given high praise by bow hunters. It's exactly what they need with the right price. However, defective items, its inappropriateness for golf, and its large aiming box on the reticle seems to render itself useless for many potential buyers. So, let's explore everything else there is to know in the Q&A below!
Pros:
- Price
- AI Technology
- Auto acquisition
- Scan mode
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Defective items
- Large aiming box
Halo XL450-7 Q&A:
What are the differences between the older XL450 and the new one?
We were curious too, since the new model seemed to tout the exact same features as the older one. So, we gave them a call and the rep informed us that there's no differences at all. The "-7" in the product name indicates that it was made in 2017.
What is the Halo rangefinder's magnification?
To confirm, this rangefinder has 6X magnification. It doesn't help that even the Halo Optics website has conflicting information on this feature, but with a quick phone call, the 6X power was confirmed.
What are the Dimensions of the Halo?
One of the biggest problems online right now is the lack of accurate information on the Halo XL450-7 rangefinder. To confirm the correct info, we tried to validate as much info as we could. The rep was unable to confirm dimensions, and the product specs we found online were incorrect.
You might see this compact and lightweight rangefinder being marketed to be as large as 8 x 6 inches. However, if the new Halo is pretty much identical to its predecessor, then it retains its 4" x 2.5" x 1.5" size.
What is Auto Acquisition?
Halo refers to this technology as the rangefinder's ability to acquire an accurate reading in the fastest time possible. To our ears, this sounds like the laser's engine speed to acquire a target and receive data to convert to a measured distance. Halo says their new models are now twice as fast as their previous models.
How long is the Automatic Shut-Off feature?
The rangefinder will automatically shut-down after 20 seconds of non-use.
Does this rangefinder have Opti-Logic?
Halo is vague about this technology, however, they do say it involves patents that are exclusive to them. Not knowing exactly what this is, we assume it has to do with glass quality and coatings. The XL450 does not have optic-logic glass. The only rangefinder model that does sport this feature is the new to 2018 XLR1500 rangefinder.
What are some of the issues with Defective rangefinders?
Legitimate complaints report inaccurate readings, difficult to read black display, loose and broken parts, and glass blemishes. However, inaccurate readings can also be an issue with target reflectivity and user error. This is not a rangefinder for golf as the engine designed for this unit is for Second Target Mode that's primarily for use in hunting scenarios. Also, the reticle box is larger for those hunting larger targets and not for flagsticks.
What is the Actual Ranging Distance?
The maximum yardage range is 450 yards for a highly reflective target. We should emphasize that unless you have perfect conditions, you're very unlikely to acquire distances on soft targets like game at these distances. The actual ranging distance on deer would be something like 200 yards max. With unimpressive distances like this for an entry-level rangefinder, you can see why bow hunters appreciate the close distance ranging capabilities of the Halo.
Does Billy Busbice Jr. have anything to do with Plano Synergy?
As of July 2017, Plano Synergy has severed their associations with the Wildgame Nation TV show host. "Busbice and his partners had sold their outdoor brands to Plano Synergy in 2013." With these associations ended, there is no conflict of interest involved with buying from Halo Optics as Busbice has had no ties or controlling stakes to Wildgame Innovations or Halo Optics since 2013.
Noteworthy Features:
- Faster processing engine than previous models
- Ergonomic shape with rubber comfort grips
- Angle compensation with AI Technology
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Our Verdict on the XL450-7 Rangefinder
The aim of it is, the Halo XL450 rangefinder is a cheap and basic unit that can get the job done in the hunt. Remember, it's not designed for the golfing course, but with 200 yards of actual ranging distance to deer, you'll be able to fill your tag with ease.
If more yardage is what you want, the Halo XRT7-7 can give it. With 700 yards of ranging distance, AI technology, and a Dusk/Dawn display mode, you're upping the game with more hunting potential. Again, Halo keeps the prices down and right around your budget ballpark.
The XL450-7 might not be a fancy gadget, but we do have to admit that it sports more than most other rangefinders in its price range. We like the way Halo puts it, "Turns out, going back to the basics is anything but basic."
Further Reading
