Archery sights, also known as bow scopes, are a must-have accessory for any person who loves shooting arrows. Their primary function is to increase the accuracy of your shots. Similar to the sights used on sniper rifles, bow sights help archers to direct their arrows better.
The technology behind archery sights is that they allow you to have a better view of where you are pointing your projectiles. A better aim is crucial to every shooter – if it is a hunter, they want a clean kill, and if it is a range shooter, they want to hit the bull’s eye from the farthest possible distance.
Although you do not need an archery sight to shoot an arrow, hitting the target can be quite challenging, particularly if there are obstacles or you are shooting from a long distance. This accessory not only improves your accuracy, but it also enhances your shooting skills. Regardless of your expertise at shooting, an archery sight always comes in handy.
However, it can be a daunting task to identify the right now sight to suit your needs, mostly because the market has an abundance of options. In this article, we look at some of the best archery sights available for purchase.
Bow sights, or bow scopes, are tools that are generally mounted on a bow riser so that you are able to increase accuracy when aiming. Bow sights are similar to the sights that are used on guns. They are designed to assist hunters obtain a higher degree of control when they are aiming their arrows at prey or game.
Contents
- Common Bow Sight Types
- Best Bow Sight Reviews
- Trophy Ridge React bow sight
- Trophy Ridge Peak 5 Pin Bow Sight
- TRUGLO Carbon Hybrid Bow Sight
- Axcel Archery Sights AccuTouch Sight with X-41 Scope .019
- TRUGLO Carbon XS Lightweight Carbon-Composite Bow Sight
- HHA Optimizer Sight 5519 1 Pin .019 RH
- IQ Bowsight Archery Sight
- TRUGLO AG2302GB Ag Covert Pro 2 Power Dot Sporting Optics
- Garmin Xero A1 Bow Sight
- Trophy Ridge Drive Slider Bow Sight
- Southland Archery Supply SAS 7 pins .019″ Bow Sight
- What to Look for in an Archery Sight
- Easy Adjustments
- Ease of Installation
- Ability to Work in Low-light Conditions
- Durability
- Types of Archery Sights
- Fixed Pin Sights
- Single Pin/ Moveable Archery Sights
- Pendulum/Treestand Archery Sights
- Competition Sights
- Final Thoughts
Common Bow Sight Types
If you are not constrained by budgetary requirements then the variety of bow sight types out there are limitless. The higher the price tag, the more sophistication you can expect from your sight. The bow sight you choose will be one that needs to work for you and your application, the following is a brief summary of the most common bow sight varieties on the market:
- Moveable Pin: Often times a moveable pin sight will only have one pin. These sights are increasing in popularity and allow the user to adjust their pin for whatever distance they require. In order to use this type you will need to practice gauging the distance between you and your game or target. One issue that people will encounter is that you will need to make adjustments to your pin and in real life hunting situations, your game will generally be in a constant state of movement.
- Fixed Pin: This is probably the most popular sight used among hunters. They are extremely accurate and simple to setup. The majority of fixed pin sights will allow for a number of pins to be added at varying yardages. In general you do not want to exceed 4 pins as you will start encountering blind spots and other hindrances. Many hunters and enthusiasts will set a pin for 20 to 25 yards and then one for longer shots and one for shorter. Once you have set your pins, it is time to learn how to compensate for the between shots. This takes practice.
- Pendulum: Hunters who primarily hunt from tree stands find these sights helpful. The sight often has a pin that is mounted on a pendulum inside the sight bracket. This allows for increased accuracy when shooting from a downward angle. These sights have to be carefully calibrated in order to offer a hunter proper accuracy. They are not ideal for beginners.
- Target: These sights are generally used during competitive archery. They are considered to be the most accurate sights out there. They are not cheap. Their size is not practical for hunting applications. They are designed to be used with other devices like single pins or lasers in order to increase accuracy. They will also have adjustments for height and wind.
Best Bow Sight Reviews
The bow sights are incredibly beneficial for archery enthusiasts and hunters. When you think about it, the whole focus of archery and bow shooting is to be as accurate as you can be; whether you are a target shooter who is hoping for accurate shots from a number of distances or whether you are a hunter who is looking to make a clean and painless kill.
Here we have summarized some of the best bow sights around, whether they are fixed or adjustable, one-pin or many, you are certain to find a bow sight that meets your needs:
Trophy Ridge React bow sight
If you are looking for an excellent archery sight, you may want to consider this particular model. For one, it comes with a durable construction that ensures that it serves you for the longest time possible. Even with extensive usage, this archery sight keeps all the pins in place and its overall construction does not get even a single dent. Another impressive feature about this model is that you can easily adjust the five 0.19-inch pins that enable you to enjoy maximum accuracy levels when you are out in the field. It is also worth mentioning that the pins are manufactured using ultra bright fibre optics with the ability to glow in the dark making it much easier to target your prey. This model comes at an affordable price and is available in left handed as well as right handed versions.
Pros
- Comes with 5 pin configuration for easy adjustment to achieve the needed precision
- You can comfortably shoot in the dark thanks to the rheostat light which easily adjusts to any condition
- Features a dual axis adjustment system that enables shooters to achieve precise shots at larger distances
Cons
- Most users feel that the quality of the rheostat light could be improved
Trophy Ridge Peak 5 Pin Bow Sight
If you are having trouble hitting the target during your shooting sessions, it would be best if you purchased the Trophy Ridge Peak 5 Pin Bow Sight. With this product, you are assured of seeing your prize clearly, thanks to its unique Vertical In-Line Pin technology. Moreover, it is available in both left-handed and right-handed options.
Designed to provide ultimate accuracy, this product has five ultra-bright .019” medium fiber optic pins that allow you to focus on your target precisely. Even better, the glow-ring ensures that you maintain your accuracy in low-light conditions. This bow sight also has a rheostat light that allows you to adjust visibility to suit any prevailing conditions.
Concerning strength, this archery sight uses a distinct Ballistix CoPolymer System that is as robust as aluminium despite being 25% lighter. This system also has a coating that reduces vibration during shooting.
This is an incredibly affordable sight coming in at under $100 US. It has also been deemed as a best seller. The sight is made out of aluminum with a fiber optic diameter of 0.029 inches. The sight is easily adjusted to accommodate both right and left handed shooters with markings for windage and elevation. Happy customers are very pleased with the price to quality ratio of this sight. The unit has been used for multiple applications and repeatedly without wavering in accuracy. Users are pleased with this sight for both target shooting and hunting. Customers who were unsatisfied with this sight complained that it could not be installed on their bow with some users having their sight break after under 20 hours of use.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Maximum durability
- Unparalleled accuracy
Cons
- It can be difficult to find batteries
TRUGLO Carbon Hybrid Bow Sight
The TRUGLO Carbon Hybrid Bow Sight is the only archery sight made using a blend of aluminium and carbon composites, which makes it both durable and lightweight. Its unique TRUTOUCH coating further enhances its lightweight quality.
Moreover, this product offers maximum visibility since it has an extra-long bracket and extra-long fibers. It also has reversible bracket that increases the vertical adjustment range by a substantial margin.
Truglo offers their “tru-fusion hybrid technology” in order to combine carbon composites with aluminum for a wonderful strength-to-weight ratio. The hybrid construction is meant for durability as well as a “tru-touch” coating that will end up transferring less vibrations in your shots. The 5 metal pins have long fibers. The bracket is reversible and has a multitude of mounting holes. The sight also comes with a push-button light. This sight has earned itself a 4.9 star rating and is affordably priced at $42 US. Every customer who has purchased this sight is happy with it. Customers remark about the light weight, bright pins, price and adjustable pin light.
Pros
- Easy to use, even to beginners
- Excellent design
- It is easy to adjust
Cons
- It works best under long distances
Axcel Archery Sights AccuTouch Sight with X-41 Scope .019
This single-pin archery sight has an accu-click system that enables you to set ‘clicks’ at desired distances. Every time you adjust the sight elevation, it stops at specified distances.
If you want to see the yardage indicator, you only have to adjust the 45-degree sight tape. You can also make further adjustments without needing shims.
Pros
- Incredible accuracy
- It is lightweight
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- The product is slightly different from what is posted on Amazon
TRUGLO Carbon XS Lightweight Carbon-Composite Bow Sight
If you want an archery sight that does not give you a burden as you shoot, you might to get the TRUGLO Carbon XS Lightweight Carbon Composite Bow Sight.
Besides having an extremely light carbon design, this product has a coating that is incredibly soft. It also has extra-long fibers that have full protection.
Another interesting feature of this product is that it has an aperture measuring 1.8 mm , which increases it field of view significantly. More importantly, it is comfortable for both left and right-handed shooters.
Like other items in the TRUGLO product line, the Carbon XS has a reversible bracket that improves vertical adjustability.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Excellent visibility
- It is lightweight
Cons
- It can be challenging to adjust the rear pins
HHA Optimizer Sight 5519 1 Pin .019 RH
The HHA Optimizer Sight 5519 1 Pun .019 RH is ideal for clients who want that have a lightweight bow with unmatched accuracy. It also has a 1.45” housing and a gallon of wrapped fiber optic.
Furthermore, this product has an easy to use control panel that makes it easier to acquire targets. In addition, installing this accessory on your bow improves the acquisition of the target and brightness and colour, especially if you are experiencing low light.
Moving on to durability, this product lasts long since it is entirely made of aluminium.
This bow sight has received 4.8 out of 5 stars. It has a sight in at 20 & 60 yards, and you’re dialed in from 20 and 80, in 5 yard increments. It also features a sight housing of 1 5/8”, fully protected fiber optics, tool-free adjustments, a fiber length of 5 feet, and includes a sight of .019. This sight has received so many good reviews that it was difficult locating a poor one.
One reviewer stated they wished it had better instructions, and that appears to be the only review that wasn’t five stars. Everyone else who has purchased this bow sight is extremely pleased with it! Several people stated that it was easy to install, and not overly bulky. By all accounts, this is a great sight to purchase!
Pros
- It has an excellent design
- Vibration is minimal
- It is durable
Cons
- Tends to rust when exposed to wet conditions
IQ Bowsight Archery Sight
According to its manufacturer, the IQ Micro Bow Sight has Retina Lock Technology that provides instant feedback and identifies minor torque and anchor point changes. This amazing archery sight also has adjustment knobs that enable you to change elevation and windage to increase the precision of shots.
Regardless of your shooting style, the inbuilt dual position mounting allows you to place your bow in a way that you can shoot anything. Even better, you do not need tools to fix the position of your windage and elevation.
Pros
- It is easy to use
- It is durable and compact
- It provides consistent performance
Cons
- It is bulky
TRUGLO AG2302GB Ag Covert Pro 2 Power Dot Sporting Optics
The AG Covert Pro 2 is mostly known for its adjustable yardage pointer that increases its accuracy significantly. The center of its scope housing has crosshairs and a dot to further improve the accuracy, especially over long distances.
Even in pitch darkness, you can operate your bow since this sight has an adjustable LED that is pow powered by a long-lasting battery. Notably, this battery shuts itself down when left idle for four hours or more to conserve energy.
Pros
- It conserves energy
- It is good for long-distance targeting
- It is easy to use
Cons
- Adjustable knobs are noisy
Garmin Xero A1 Bow Sight
This product stand outs from the rest because it has an auto-ranging feature that automatically estimates the distance an arrow needs to cover and provides a LED pin to help you take an accurate shot. This is is possible because it has a laser range finder.
Besides, you can select the type of pin displayed by this archery sight. Some people prefer a single pin while others like multiple pins.
Also, this Garmin bow sight comes with a silent trigger that can be activated by a single push. More importantly, it allows you to aim at a target that is anywhere between 100 and 300 yards from you.
On the downside, this archery sight it tends to experience glitches during operation. This can be quite frustrating, especially if you wasted a lot of time aiming at a specific target.
Pros
- Automatically measures the distance between you and the target
- It allows you to choose your preferred type of pin
- It does not produce noise
Cons
- Prone to freezing and regular glitches
Trophy Ridge Drive Slider Bow Sight
Despite its affordability, the Trophy Ridge Drive Slider Bow Sight has features that typify high-end archery sights. Its adjustments are not only smooth and silent, but its pin settings are also limitless.
Additionally, this product has an indicator pin that enables users to make precise shots even during unfavourable weather conditions. The indicator also has a light that helps in improving accuracy in low-light conditions.
Precision aside, the Trophy Ridge Drive Slider Bow Sight is also silent. This is because it has a nylon lining that prevents the production of sound during shooting.
Pros
- It has a long range that shoots long-distance targets effectively
- It is easy to set up
- It does not produce a lot of noise
Cons
- The sight light is not steady
Southland Archery Supply SAS 7 pins .019″ Bow Sight
The objective of every hunter is to make the perfect shot, but this does not always happen. However, you can achieve this lifelong dream by investing in the SAS 7-pin bow sight because it has .019” pins that not only make your target more visible, but it also improves the timing of your shots.
In addition to the features mentioned above, this product has a reversible bracket that improves vertical adjustability significantly. It also supports ultra-fine click adjustment, which improves elevation and windage.
Lastly, this bow sight has a one-piece head that reduces vibration and increases accuracy of shots. Most importantly, it is usable by both left-handed people and right-handed individuals.
Pros
- Long-range visibility
- It has a nice design
- Easy to use
Cons
- The pins do not line up in a straight line
What to Look for in an Archery Sight
The following are the factors that you need to consider before purchasing a bow sight. If you pay attention to them, you will purchase high-quality equipment that enables you to make clean and accurate shots.
Easy Adjustments
You cannot use a bow sight without making frequent adjustments until it gives you the best vision of the target you want to shoot. The only way you can use it without tweaking is by luck, which is almost impossible to achieve.
Since these adjustments are inevitable, your archery sight should need minimal effort to do so. Having equipment that requires tools to tweak will only give you a hard time.
Fortunately, the majority of modern archery sights support tool-free adjustments. This is a reprieve to hunters who previously had to use frustrating tools.
Ease of Installation
Besides the adjustments, it also serves you best if the archery sight is easy to install. This is because tools that require little effort to set up give you more time to spend on shooting.
Installation is particularly important with bow since it is not a one-time process you are likely to find yourself re-installing this device several times, especially if it is poorly positioned on the bow.
Lastly, the sight should also be easy to install because it is mostly used outdoors. Ideally, the installation process should be straightforward and tool-free.
Ability to Work in Low-light Conditions
Most hunters prefer working in clear weather because it enables them to see their targets without obstructions. However, this is not always the case. During some seasons, daytime tends to be so bleak that you can only work at dusk or dawn, when the light conditions are not ideal.
The best way to avoid this problem is obtaining an archery sight that allows you to see in low-light conditions. This means that it should have features like adjustable brightness and brighter pins. It is no good to have a bow that cannot function properly in the dark.
Durability
When purchasing any product, including archery sights, it is important consider its durability. One way to evaluate the durability of such equipment is by looking at the sturdiness of its housing. You could also look at its pin to estimate how long it will last before it becomes ineffective.
Types of Archery Sights
Here are the most popular types of archery sights available in the market.
Fixed Pin Sights
Most users own fixed pin bow sights. They usually have three to five pins, where the top pin is used to aim at close-range targets. The bottom pin, on the other hand, is used to aim at long-distance targets. It is always advisable to set all pins before you go for a shooting session since it saves time.
When setting the pins, you need to come up with a specific distance for each. Most people like setting them using regular increments, but this is dependent on what you are going to shoot. For a start, you could set increments of ten meters for each of the pins.
Despite being fixed, these pins are adjustable. This particularly applies to novice shooters who are not familiar with the area they are conducting their session.
Single Pin/ Moveable Archery Sights
Because of their advanced design, these type of pins are not ideal for beginners. You have to adjust the pin every time you want to vary the distance of your aim.
The good is that you can adjust the pin in a few seconds. For the best result, remember to use a white tape along the rear of the sight. This helps you in marking every adjustment you make, which saves you time you need to take a shot.
If you are experiencing any challenges, it is advisable to start with big marks, like those found on a ruler. As you get better at shooting, you can make smaller marks.
Pendulum/Treestand Archery Sights
If you are a shooter, you know that s more challenging to aim at a target on a rugged terrain than it is on level ground. To improve your accuracy when shooting either uphill or downhill, you need a better archery sight.
The best equipment for making such tough shots is a pendulum sight. Since the pin swings during use, it can take time before you become proficient at using this type of sight. This explain why pendulum sights are best-suited to expert shooters.
It is worth noting, however, that pendulum sights are not effective when used on level ground. They are perfect if you are shooting at a target that is downhill.
Competition Sights
The last and least common type of bow sights are known as competition sights. The reason behind their reduced popularity is that they are the most expensive in this range.
Although their primary function is not hunting, these products have several features that hunters find admirable. They have several features that enhance the precision of your shots significantly. For example, their click adjustments enable you to shoot accurately in rugged terrains and windy conditions.
Another interesting feature of competition sights is that they have threaded receivers that allows the shooter to vary their aim. This explains they are mostly used in archery competitions, hence the name.
Final Thoughts
The objective of this article is to help hunters and other people who like shooting arrows to find the best archery sight to improve the accuracy of their shots. By reading through the reviews and the buying, we are confident that you can now make the correct decision the next time you go shopping.
Moreover, we took time to analyse the different types of archery sighs, such as fixed pin sights, moveable sights, and so forth, as well as their unique best use cases.
Even though hunting without a bow sight makes you feel like a better marksman, you might end up wasting several shots before you hit the target. This is why it is advisable to use this equipment for assistance until you become an expert at shooting.
There are a multitude of high quality bow sights available on the market today in varying price categories. It is not difficult to locate the exact type that you need. Whether you are an avid hunter who is looking to ensure that you are making a clean and painless kill, a competition target shooter who wants to hit that bulls eye marker every time or are just beginning with your first bow and wanting to practice with your accuracy, hopefully this content was able to steer you in the right direction when it comes to choosing the bow sight that will meet your requirements.