Bowhunting Range Finder

hunt_the_ridge

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 30, 2016
Messages
109
Location
kalispell, mt
Looking at range finders and curious what everyone uses out there...would like one that can be dual purpose. Have looked at some of the bushnell's and have also found a decent price on the Nikon Arrow ID 5000 and wondering if anyone has had experience one way or the other on it.

So would like some feedback on the Nikon arrow id 5000 if possible as well as just whatever you are using and your experience with it.
 
Joined
Oct 5, 2016
Messages
17
Prrsonally i like Vortexs ranger 1000. It illuminates in red so its really easy to read in low light and is about $350. Always works great and there warranty is unbeatable.

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Joined
Oct 5, 2016
Messages
17
No but sometimes i find it hard to range certian objects in cerian lights is the only issue ive had. But as far as elk and deer go its never let me down in the field.

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Zor

FNG
Joined
Apr 10, 2016
Messages
29
Yep. I use the Vortex Ranger 1500. Hasn't let me down and is easy to use. Plus, that warranty.
 
Joined
Nov 10, 2016
Messages
6
Location
Estacada, OR
I have a Leupold rx-1000i tbr. I like it fine, but mainly bought it because I could get a better deal on it than the Vortex Ranger. Both use the red display, which is easy to read in low light conditions. During the bright sunlight, however, I would rather use my old Nikon with the black display. Now, if somebody has one that can switch from red to black....that I would certainly be interested in! Good luck on your search.
 

ahlgringo

WKR
Joined
Mar 27, 2014
Messages
1,031
Sig Kilo 2000. Best archery and rifle rf i have ever used. Sold my leica and pocketed the 350 dollar difference.


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CorbLand

WKR
Joined
Mar 16, 2016
Messages
7,730
I have a Leupold rx-1000i tbr. I like it fine, but mainly bought it because I could get a better deal on it than the Vortex Ranger. Both use the red display, which is easy to read in low light conditions. During the bright sunlight, however, I would rather use my old Nikon with the black display. Now, if somebody has one that can switch from red to black....that I would certainly be interested in! Good luck on your search.
Nikon Riflehunter 1000.

I personally use the Leupold full draw. It reads out in black which was a main reason I got, I am color blind and can't read the red readouts unless it is very very dark. I have been tempted to get a Sig 1250 next year. I need something that will range a little farther.
 

5MilesBack

"DADDY"
Joined
Feb 27, 2012
Messages
16,146
Location
Colorado Springs
I used the Sig Kilo 2000 over my Leica this year, and I liked it a lot. My Leica doesn't have an angle comp which really hasn't been an issue at all, but with the Sig I get long range ability and angle comp in one package so it works great for everything.
 

dotman

WKR
Joined
Feb 24, 2012
Messages
8,200
I had a Vortex 1000 and changed to the Sig kilo, the Sig imo is much better at everything.
 

Matt W.

Super Moderator
Staff member
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Mar 2, 2012
Messages
2,305
Location
Puerto Rico
Anyone used the Leupold Vendetta 2? I just received one to test. Curious as to what others think of the concept. Initial thought is it would be sort of awkward and heavy for spot and stalk.....???
 
Joined
Nov 21, 2016
Messages
44
Location
Rising Fawn, GA
I have the nikon arrowID 5000 (got a good deal at cabelas) and have used it this bowhunting season, albeit I'm an easterner and have only used it for close range whitetails. The black reticle and readout make ranging difficult at the edge of shooting light. As a bowhunter I'd like to say that I like the .10 yard increments, but this is hardly a necessity. On start up the thing ranges quick enough but as my first rangefinder I don't have much to compare it to. The optics appear good enough for me, no serious issues, but I do get worries about scratching the lens of the eye piece as the neoprene case only covers the objective and laser. I managed to tear a grommet this weekend when my lanyard got caught on my pack as I tried to range a doe group on foot. Overall I think this is an adequate rangefinder and certainly worth a look a healthy discount. Good luck with your decision!
 

Tsnider

WKR
Joined
Sep 8, 2016
Messages
487
Location
Carbondale, CO
i like vortex because i break shit.

i have read it isnt "true" and off by 5 yards or so depending on the unit. i personally have ranged my bow to that range finder, so i dont seem to have a problem.
 
OP
H

hunt_the_ridge

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 30, 2016
Messages
109
Location
kalispell, mt
My bad...have you had any experience with the different models 850 vs 1250 vs 2000. Wondering since the 850 is in the 200 range vs the 2000 in the 500 range.

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5MilesBack

"DADDY"
Joined
Feb 27, 2012
Messages
16,146
Location
Colorado Springs
My bad...have you had any experience with the different models 850 vs 1250 vs 2000. Wondering since the 850 is in the 200 range vs the 2000 in the 500 range.

There was another thread where someone (maybe Sportsman's Warehouse) was selling the Kilo 2000 for $319. Cabela's had it for $350 as well.

But no.......haven't tried the other Sig's.
 

Riplip

WKR
Joined
Mar 12, 2012
Messages
636
Location
Colorado
Cant beat either Vortex or Luepold. Just don't by an inferior or unproven product to save a few bucks, learned the hard way on back country hunt in the Gila when my range finder failed after it got wet.
 
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