Rangefinder Suggestion (primarily archery)

[satchamo]

I’ve been using the same Nikon for 100 years and it’s definitely time for an upgrade.

I use it for 95% archery hunting but occasionally gun hunting out to a few hundred yards.

I’ve been looking at the vortex ranger but I’m open to other suggestions. Like to keep it under $500

 

[GunsAreFun]

Just make sure whatever you get has a RED led display so you can actually read it the dark. The Sig 1600 (certain models so be careful) is about the cheapest, reliable RF with red led.

 

[Jimss]

I switched to a bino-rangefinder combo. It's super nice not having to go back and forth. It could be the difference between getting a shot or watching game wander out of range. I don't miss not having both wrapped around my neck. They are expensive but I would highly recommend Leica or Swaros especially if you spend a lot of time each year looking through glass. I got a big chunk $ off buying a demo model that was practically new. You may be able to find a nearly new one on this websites classified section, ebay, craigslist, etc. When I upgraded I sold a bunch of the old hunting stuff I never used so I could afford the best optics possible.

 

[satchamo]

I switched to a bino-rangefinder combo. It's super nice not having to go back and forth. It could be the difference between getting a shot or watching game wander out of range. I don't miss not having both wrapped around my neck. They are expensive but I would highly recommend Leica or Swaros especially if you spend a lot of time each year looking through glass. I got a big chunk $ off buying a demo model that was practically new. You may be able to find a nearly new one on this websites classified section, ebay, craigslist, etc. When I upgraded I sold a bunch of the old hunting stuff I never used so I could afford the best optics possible.

Yeah but how is it trying to range deer through 10 powers at 20-30 yards? I always assumed it was a huge pain to find them.

 

[Jwknutson17]

Sig Kilo 2000 for around 200 bucks lightly used has been an excellent choice for me and many of the guys I hunt with for archery.

 

[Agross]

I have an older leupold with the red display and absolutely love it. Had a Nikon for years with the black display and am very glad I made the switch. The leupold is easier to hold as well and is smaller than the Nikon I had.

 

[ppt2211]

I use a Nikon Monarch 2000. It is priced lower than the competitor, and so far I am happy with it.

 

[Jethro]

Sig kilo bdx.

 

[Firehawk]

Unless the Vortex Ranger 1000 has changed, I found it very slow. Optics were good enough and I liked the read out, but it was so slow. I switched to a Sig 2000 and it has been awesome. I have a Sig 1200 as well that I use as a back up that has a black display. Been great for 3D archery and other uses. Definitely miss the red display when hunting, but for 3D archery etc. the 1200 works fine. The 2000 is better.

 

[Jimss]

I have no problem ranging animals at point-blank yardage with 10x binos.

 

[sf jakey]

I had a vortex and hated it. Very slow. Sent it back no questions asked. Maybe they improved it

 

[Jbxl20]

Sig kilo bdx 1800. I’m very happy with mine

 

[Haakon14]

Recently switched to the Vortex 1800 and have been happy with it.

 

[satchamo]

Recently switched to the Vortex 1800 and have been happy with it.

This is what I ended up ordering! Thanks for all the input everyone!

 

[Mcnasty]

Very happy with my Sig Kilo 1800. Got a really good deal on it from Bass pro a few years ago. It does struggle a bit at ranges around 1000 and out. My buddy has the Vortex ranger, and I like it as well but have not used it enough to say which one I prefer. The belt clip on the vortex is convent for a quick stow it but don't trust it when you are moving.....spent half a day looking for my buddies in the woods last year. For close range archery only you might consider lower power but I have been really happy with my 6x.