~$225 Rangefinder Selection

[JollyRogers]

Hey all,

Apologies if this has been asked. I’m in the market for a range finder primarily plan to use it for bow hunting/3D targets.

Looking at the following rangefinders to give you an idea of budget. (I’m listing prices I can get them at). Would love input if it’s worth spending the extra for the more expensive options or will the cheaper ones be adequate for my needs?

Vortex Crossfire $162
Vortex Diamondback $267
Athlon Midas 1 Mile $218
Leupold RX-1600i $288
Leupold RX-1500i $216
Leupold RX-1400i $144
Sig Kilo 1600 $238
Sig Kilo 1000bdx $196

Are there any I’m missing? Which would you pick?

 

[GunsAreFun]

I have the Sig 1600 and like it. Whatever you get, make sure it has a red LED. The black ones are basically invisible in low light. Non negotiable for me.
There are two Sig 1600s. One has red and the other is black. Read the specs carefully.

 

[JustSomeGuy35]

I got the sig kilo 1800 bdx a couple years ago on sale and it is awesome. I think the 1600 would be just as great. Very accurate and the red led makes it stupid easy to see in all light conditions.

With that said, the Athlon 1 mile at that price point is a tremendous value. That was the range finder I wanted but it was out of stock at the time and the sig was on sale for $150. All the reviews I've read indicate that the Athlon is great. I have several of their other optics and all have punched well above their price point.

 

[JollyRogers]

I do have the Athlon Midas G2 Bono’s in 10x42 that I’ve really enjoyed.

 

[JustSomeGuy35]

I do have the Athlon Midas G2 Bono’s in 10x42 that I’ve really enjoyed.

I have the Midas g1 8x42's and they are great. Very comparable to the vortex viper binos that cost way more.

 

[GunsAreFun]

The only other thing to watch out for, and you can’t do this without handling them, is how loud they are. My friend brought a Vortex to Colorado last week. I think it was a 4000 model. The range button was LOUD. Like no way it wouldn’t turn a deer or elk’s head at 40 yards loud.