Archery and bowhunting are very stimulating activities and you can make the experiences even more satisfying by using bow sights to boost your shooting precision.
Choosing the right one for you can be tricky, so I made a comprehensive review of the best bow sights for hunting and target shooting available in the market.
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Reviews of the Best Bow Sights for Hunting
1. Field Logic IQ Bow Sight
Its highlight feature, the Retina Lock Technology, allows you to shoot longer distances even in tight groups by controlling muscle memory, as well as consistency and form.
The retina lock tech can also identify even the slightest changes in torque or anchor and instantly provide you with feedback.
The IQ also has Micro Adjust Knobs and Tool-free Locking Knobs that
IQ comes in 5 .019 Fiber Optic Pins with built-in sight levels. And since it is available in both right-handed and left-handed models, any archer can enjoy the features of IQ.
In my opinion, the real benefit you get from IQ is its Retina Lock Tech, which makes it an ideal gear for beginner and advanced archers. You can also buy add-on gears like the Adjustable 2nd Axis to improve the IQ’s already great performance.
As for its prices, the IQ is worth every penny. Most consumer reviews are positive and, like us, they were awed by the Retina Lock Tech that took their archery experiences to the next level.
Pros:
- Astounding Retina Lock Technology
- Excellent precision
- Available in right and left-handed models
- Lightweight but stable at 7.4 oz
Cons:
- Its advanced features make it more expensive than other bow sights available in the market
- Rheostat sight light must be purchased separately
2. Trophy Ridge React Pro 5 Pin Bow Sight
Trophy Ridge competes with Field Logic’s retina lock tech with its own React Technology that creates mathematical precision in shooting through automatic pin adjustments that place the bow sight to the optimal position.
Just set the
The Trophy Ridge React Pro 5 Pin Bow Sight is a level-up of the Trophy Ridge React 5 that has beginner-friendly features. Rather than being a newbie-friendly bow sight, React Pro is made to focus on being an expert tool for boosting archers’ precision
The React Pro is the ideal sight for live game-hunting archers who need highly reliable gears to maximize their shooting potential and hunting success. Its Third Axis Adjustment also improves shooting accuracy in longer distances and difficult angles.
React Pro is made of
Its more sophisticated features also make it pricier than many other bow sights, but the whole package makes a reasonable price and product pairing.
Pros:
- Mathematically precise React Technology that won’t let you down
- Durable aluminum and stainless steel construction
- Light but stable
Cons:
- Pricier than other bow sights
- More of a luxury item than a necessity
3. Trophy Ridge React 5 Pin Bow Sight
The basic version of Trophy Ridge’s React Pro, React 5 Pin Bow Sight is equipped with mostly the same features and more, including the
It is suited for newbies as well as intermediate and advanced archers, so you can surely use it in multi-level archery.
Like the React Pro, React 5 is created with moving targets in mind. Both the React tech and its camouflage color make this bow sight ideal for live game-hunting.
Unlike the React Pro, React 5 only comes with .019 medium fiber optic
As for its material, the React 5 is made of a Ballistix Copolymer System that is said to be just as durable as aluminum and has a shipping weight of 13.6oz.
However, some consumers complained about the brackets cracking so Trophy Ridge had to send out replacements for them.
It also features a reversible sight mount and multiple mounting holes for added versatility in different shooting styles.
Pros:
- Far less expensive than the React Pro
- Ideal for newbies looking for a bow sight that can be used throughout their advancement in archery
- Good for moving targets
Cons:
- Made with a lighter material that didn’t satisfy some consumers
- Calibrating the first pin accurately at 20 yards can be tricky
4. Trophy Ridge Volt 5 Pin Bow Sight
The Trophy Ridge Volt 5 Pin Bow Sight may not be part of the React technology line of Trophy Ridge, but it’s still a precise sight nonetheless.
Though it doesn’t feature React tech, it guarantees ultimate accuracy through the combination of its features: five .019 fiber optic pins with a pin guard that holds them in place, a precision bubble level that allows you to align shots properly, a green hood accent that allows quick sight acquisition, laser-etched aluminum windage and elevation with pin adjustments, and a rheostat sight light for low-light conditions.
Additionally, the Volt 5’s construction has a
We also like the fact that it is cheaper than the React models and has a shipping weight of 9.6oz—much lighter than the React models. However, if handled improperly, it might break more easily than you expect as few consumers experienced and complained about.
Pros:
- Reliable features and accuracy
- Cheaper than the rest in the list
- Versatile design
Cons:
- May not be as durable as its premium counterparts
5. Trophy Ridge React-One Single Pin Bow Sight
The React-One Single Pin is another one of Trophy Ridge’s React Technology-equipped sights to make our list of bow sights.
It’s almost just the same as the multi-pinned React models but with only one pin used. However, just one pin doesn’t mean it is less in performance. In fact, React-One is virtually the smartest React tech bow sight because only a single pin does the job of 5 or more pins.
Also, the React-One boasts of having up to 100 yards distance indicators while the other React models have only up to 60 yards.
React-One is also a tough gear, made entirely of aluminum with multiple mounting holes for various bow types and multiple scope mounting holes for various peep sight heights.
Its ultra-bright .019 fiber optic pin is reinforced by a Rheostat light for low-light conditions and a sight level with second and third axis adjustments.
What we like best about the React-One is how well its single pin can ensure optimal positioning. It can beat other multi-pinned bow sights in terms of precision and reliability.
Most consumers who tried this out would agree as it is able to own up to its advertised specifications. The only problem you might encounter would be the instructions that come with the package. Some consumers find it hard to understand clearly so they end up using it improperly.
Pros:
- Excellent precision
- 100% aluminum build
- Less expensive than other React tech models
Cons:
- Hardware design is not as attractive as the other React models
- The heaviest in the list (14.4oz)
How to Choose a Bow Sight – Buyer’s Guide
There are many different kinds and brands of bow sights available in the market, so I narrowed this review down to our favorite products that I think are the top picks to consider buying for your archery needs.
My criteria for selecting the best bow sights mainly consist of the following:
Accuracy / Precision
This is by far the most important factor to consider because archery is all about the art and science of successfully hitting your target from a distance.
A bow sight’s function is to help you achieve that success by guiding your eyes’ aim and line of sight. If a bow sight is not capable of helping you achieve a better aim, then you are better off without it or with a different kind of bow sight.
An accurate or precise bow sight is one that is scientifically engineered to allow better visibility and calculate accurate distance calibration.
A worthy bow sight is a product of careful research and a
- the pins don’t block your sight or distract you
- you can easily acquire sight of your target
- the calibration locks accurately so you hit your target almost 100% of the time
- it improves visibility in low-light conditions
- windage and elevation are easy to adjust
Durability
Archery is a relaxed sport, but it can be quite rough when you are out hunting for games. That’s why it’s important for your bow sight to be durable enough to resist damage from bumps and falls that may ensue during a chase.
Fortunately, current technological breakthroughs have led to the production of materials that are weather-resistant, shock-resistant, water-
Most bow sights are made of either metal or plastic/synthetic materials. So far, the best materials for a good bow sight are aluminum, stainless steel, and polymer plastics.
If you are only practicing archery using foam targets or immobile objects, you may only need a bow sight in low-light conditions and it doesn’t have to be as sturdy as aluminum.
On the other hand, if you like shooting in the wild outdoors, you will definitely need the sturdiest bow sight you can afford.
A durable sight will have the following qualities:
- the hardware doesn’t crack or break easily when bumped
- the pins stay in place and in the correct calibrated positions
- the rheostat light doesn’t bust easily and can go a long way
- the mounting holes don’t split by the threads
- the hardware’s materials don’t easily wear off from a few scratches
Weight
Heavy bow sights do not function as stabilizers.
Though some archers are more comfortable with a little more weight on their bows to keep their aim stable, prolonged aiming with extra weight can actually strain your arm and affect the precision of your aims.
We believe that it is important for a bow sight not to add much weight to your bow to prevent undesirable muscle strain.
Here are some factors to consider in choosing the bow sight with the right weight:
- You can comfortably grip your bow without any pulling pressure from the bow sight
- Your grip stays balanced without having to reposition your arms repeatedly while aiming
- Your bow weighs just a little heavier but light enough for your build
- Your arm muscles don’t tire easily after mounting the bow sight.
Value for money
Your bow sight shouldn’t cost more than its functionality.
There are premium models that can cost you hundreds of bucks, and there are cheaper models under a hundred bucks.
Though you want to avoid wasting money on cheap, poorly made bow sights, buying the most expensive model doesn’t also guarantee the best performance that you might need.
The right bow sight should be a sound combination of qualities that make its price proportional to its features.
Here are some points to consider in choosing the bow sight that fits both your archery needs and your budget:
- If you are only practice shooting at stationary targets at great distances, you might only need a bow sight of light material and not-so-sophisticated but accurate aiming calibration.
- If you are near-sighted and wear eyeglasses, you might
to choose a bow sight with fewer pins to allow you to focus better and get a better view of the objects at a distance. Bow sights with more pins could overwhelm your view and they also cost more money. - If you’re a rugged outdoorsman who likes to hunt for live moving game, you should consider investing in a bow sight with more sophisticated features and more durable hardware.
Advantages of a Bow Sight
Though you may not need to use a bow sight when shooting at a stationary target within 10 feet or less, it becomes a great helper when you decide to level up your archery by shooting at moving targets in great distances and varying angles.
Here are the other advantages of using a bow sight when shooting at moving targets:
Less arrows wasted, less money spent
Maintaining a good supply of arrows can be very expensive, especially if you own bows that only work with expensive arrow models.
Works better than a peep hole sight
A bow sight is better at providing you accurate focus on your target because a peep sight can hinder the visibility of other objects at a distance.
Lines up your shots more accurately
Using a bow sight will increase your chances of successfully shooting your target especially when you try to shoot from great distances, when your target is in a tight group, and when there is poor lighting.
My Choice for the Best Bow Sight for Hunting
After careful consideration of the factors mentioned above, my winner for best bow sight for hunting is the Field Logic IQ. The reasons are listed below:
Accuracy/Precision – Almost 100% of consumers who tried IQ proudly declare that it’s the best sight they’ve ever used. According to them, it hits the target 100% if you know how to shoot properly.
Durability – The IQ is made of aluminum, the best existing material for bow sights, so it’s both durable and lightweight. The runners-up for durability are the React Pro and the React-One, which are also made of aluminum but both are heavier than the IQ.
Weight – IQ is the lightest bow sight in the list, measuring only 7.4 oz in shipping weight. The runner-up in weight, the Trophy Ridge Volt 5, has a shipping weight of 9.6oz.
Value for money –
Top Rated Bow sights
Last update on 2023-05-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
