Our team of expert hunters and archery instructors rate and review 12 different bow sights on a number of criteria so that you can find the best bow sight for your situation.
These are the exact bow sights that we use on our compound bows every hunting season. Below we will provide in-depth reviews showing you why we use these bow sights and what we like and don't like about them.
Best Overall
IQ bowsights micro
Best For Hunting
trophy ridge react
Best Rangefinding
garmin xero a1i
List Of The Best Compound Bow Sights On The Market
13 Best Bow Sight Reviews
There are plenty of bow sights on the market and it can feel a bit overwhelming picking one. However, we’re here to help with the 12 best picks we’ve gathered after thorough testing and research. We will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each product so you can decide which one is best suited for you.
Editor's Choice - Best Fixed Pin Bow Sight
After trying out plenty of different bow sights, we believe that the IQ Bowsights Micro 5 Pin Bow Sight is one of the best compound bow sights out there. Even though it is a bit pricey, we can definitely confirm that it is a worthwhile investment for serious hunters and archers. IQ Bowsights and innovation go hand in hand, and this product is certainly no exception.
IQ Bowsights have put a lot of thought into the design of this bow sight and it shows. It’s able to maintain brightness in every light situation thanks to its fiber optic design. The bow sight features Retina Lock Technology that helps you to shoot at long-range distances. Whether you want to shoot on flat ground or from a tree stand, the Retina Lock will make sure that you have an accurate and consistent shot no matter what your shooting position is.
Both the Retina Lock Technology and the fiber optics work off of a battery. We also like the toolless elevation and windage knobs, as well as the multiple mounting holes, so that it will fit on almost any compound bow.
Features:
- Multiple bow and quiver mounting points
- 2nd and 3rd axis adjustment
- Retina lock technology
- Tool-free elevation and windage adjustment
- 5 ultra-bright .019 pins
- Durable aluminum construction with fully contained fibers and pins
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here is a great video showing all of the features of the IQ Bowsights Micro 5 Pin.
Best Hunting Bow Sight
Trophy Ridge is known for employing React technology to a lot of the bow sights that they produce, and they also use it on the React Pro Sight model.
React technology makes sure that all of the five pins are automatically adjusted after you sight in 1 pin.
Plenty of bow sights work with dual-axis adjustment but this product goes the extra mile and works with third-axis adjustment for better accuracy at longer distances.
Trophy Ridge keeps the weight down on this fixed pin sight by using aluminum along with stainless steel for a corrosion resistant finish.
The React Pro is ideal when light is at a premium, thanks to the rheostat controlled built in lighting system, insuring that you can always see your pins, regardless of the lighting.
We have guys on staff that have been using this sight for years and rave over its durability and accuracy.
All in all, we think that this Trophy Ridge Bow Sight is an excellent choice and one of our favorite bow hunting sights.
Features:
- Ultra-bright fiber optic
- Stainless steel hardware
- Micro-click elevation and windage adjustments
- Solid 6061 aluminum construction
- You can purchase the product for left-handed or right-handed users
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here is a video that goes through the process of setting up the Trophy Ridge React Pro Bow Sight.
Best Fixed Pin Bow Sight For Low Light Shooting
If you’re into archery, then you’ve surely come across Spot Hogg sights. Spot Hogg is known for its super bright pins and bulletproof sights, as well as its MRT (Multiple Ring Technology).
The MRT technology provides you with three sight housing rings which compensate for the dilation of your pupil during periods of low light. Your pupil becomes smaller in bright conditions to let in less light, while it becomes large in low light to let in more light. This influences how big the sight housing seems through your peep sight in these conditions. When your pupils contract and expand, the MRT lets you center your peep sight on the sight housing.
When you look at the build of the product, you’re able to see that it is meant to withstand serious abuse. The fiber optics are well protected and solid 6061 aluminum is used to make the bow sight. When it comes to the pin adjustments, they are micro adjustable and incredibly accurate.
We love the vertical line that intersects the sight pins. It makes it very easy to center the pin on your target.
We also love the lifetime warranty. Here at DeerHuntingGuide.net, we love companies that stand behind their products and protect their customer's investment.
The Spot Hogg is expensive, but it is one of the best bow sights for hunting that you can buy. Try it once and you will be hooked.
Features:
- Easy tool-less adjustments
- Solid 6061 aluminum construction
- 3-pin MRT scope
- Micro-adjustable 2nd and 3rd axis
- Spread out sight marks
- Coarse horizontal and vertical adjustments
- Lightweight 6" Dovetail Sight Bar with Quick
Release Bow Mount
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here is a video that explains the Spot Hogg MRT Technology in detail.
Best Rangefinder Bow Sight
4. Garmin Xero A1i Pro Bow Sight
Garmin is changing the game in bowhunting and target shooting with their rangefinding bow sight, eliminating the need for a separate rangefinder and eliminating a lot of movement on behalf of the hunter.
We have been using this site for over a year now and while we love it, it does have some drawbacks.
The biggest drawback is the price tag, and the second biggest is its weight. This sight is heavier than most bow sights, weighing in at 18 ounces.
That being said, if you can afford it and you can deal with a little extra weight, this sight will change the way you bow hunt and reduce your chances of being detected when you take a rangefinder out of your pocket, put it up to your eye, and then have to put it back in your pocket.
That is a lot of movement!
With The Garmin Rangefinding bow sight, you simply lift your bow, point the sight at the target and range. You are already in position to draw your bow.
Game changer!
Features:
- Automatic Pin Stack - Enter your bow speed and the sight will automatically stack pins out to 100 yards.
- Dual Colored Pins - Red and green pins for alternating, so you can identify pre set distances.
- Laser RangeFinder - Accurate angle compensated distances out to 100 yards on game and 300 yards on reflective surfaces.
- Flight Apex - The sight will show a flashing pin above the target which indicates the apex of your arrow.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Some of our guys on staff thought that the Garmin Xero was difficult to set up, but it's not difficult, it is just different.
Here is a great video that shows you exactly how to set up the Xero rangefinder bow sight.
The Garmin Xero A1i takes bowhunting to a whole new level. Yes, it is expensive, but in our opinion it is worth every penny and once you use it, it becomes very difficult to go back to a regular compound bow sight.
We should mention here that the use of electronic bow sights for hunting is prohibited in some jurisdictions, so be sure to check the regulations in your area.
Best Compound Bow Sight
The Trophy Ridge React H5 5 Pin bow sight uses an adjustable rheostat light to maintain visibility in changing light conditions, making it a ideal sight for hunting deer, elk and other big game.
The Trophy Ridge Ballistix CoPolymer system reduces vibration while providing strength without adding weight.
Another thing that impressed us is the simple tool less adjustment of the sight pins, which achieves perfect accuracy for all pins after sighting in only 2.
We have some guys on staff that use this sight and we have been able to compare it to the other sights on our list.
While it is a good sight, it does not compare to the other sights above. That being said, it is considerably less expensive that our top 3 picks and that is why we have included it here.
We feel that it is a good value with the features it offers and the lower price point.
Features:
- Three mountain positions
- Locking knob for elevation
- Five .019-inch pin design
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Best Bow Sight For Elk Hunting
The first thing we noticed when we picked up a bow with the Black Gold Ascent Mountain Lite installed, was how light this sight is. A lightweight setup is important when you are chasing bugling elk up and down the mountainsides.
We love the self adjusting photochromatic ring that adapts to the light that is available.
Black Gold's patented photochromatic shell turns purple when it is exposed to UV light, which automatically lessens the light coming from the sight pin, eliminating pin flare that happens in bright light.
The Dial of Death let's you instantly dial in the right yardage for your shot, from 20 yards, all the way out to 100 yards.
The Ascent Mountain Light has an adjustable 1st and 2nd axis and a micro adjustable 3rd axis for incredible accuracy on any compound bow.
We also love Black Gold's Full Lifetime Warranty. One of our guys had an issue with his Black Gold sight and customer service was excellent. His sight was back in his hands well before the start of the season.
All in all, the sight is extremely well built, has a ton of adjustments, and the pins are incredibly bright.
It is one our favorite bow sights for hunting elk, deer and other big game.
One thing we would improve on is the instructions of the Black Gold Ascent Mountain Lite Sight. Given the price of the bow sight, we would expect a more comprehensive set of instructions.
Features:
- Precision 1st, 2nd, and 3rd axis adjustability
- High-performance PhotoChromatic shell
- Angled sight tape can be seen from the back or side
- New dual indicator system
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here is a video showing how to set up your Black Gold Mountain Lite Bow Sight.
Best Single Pin Bow Sight
We have some guys that love single pin sights and the HHA Optimizer Lite Ultra Sight is their number one choice for features and accuracy.
Once you have sighted the pin in at 20 yards and 60 yards, it is a smooth adjustment to have pinpoint accuracy by the yard, out to 80 yards.
The sight has 5 inches of fiber optic material which helps to ensure that the pin is very bright. This feature is great for 3-D archers and bowhunters who are shooting at targets in early-morning or low-light situations.
HHA is well-known in the industry for its bright pins, and we’re glad to see that this product didn’t disappoint in that area.
Another feature that impressed us is the mechanical rheostat in the housing that allows you to control the brightness of the pin.
You will also appreciate how easy this bow sight is to mount with the infinite adjust slotted side bracket.
We love the fact that the HHA Optimizer comes with a Lifetime Warranty.
With its awesome accuracy, infinite adjustability and lifetime warranty, it’s easy to see why this bow sight is such as popular choice among hunters and 3D shooters.
Features:
- 100% machined aluminum
- Green sight ring
- Tool-free adjustments
- Fully protected fiber optics
- Lifetime Warranty
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here's an awesome video showing how to set up and sight in an HHA Optimizer Bow Sight.
Best Bow Sight For Target Shooting
This is another one of our favorite single pin sights because it provides a great combination of high end features at a reasonable price.
One of the features that Black Gold is famous for is the PhotoChromatic Technology. This is a shell covering the fiber optic strands from your pins and turns purple under UV light. You get perfect pin brightness throughout the whole day automatically, based on ambient light.
Another prominent feature of the Ascent is the Dial of Death, which allows you to dial your bow effectively and quickly to the correct yardage. We love the SureGrip knob and how smooth the sight adjusts between yardages.
The Ascent fixed pin comes with 54 sight tapes to work with any compound bow on the market.
The only drawback to the Black Gold Ascent Verdict is that it’s a bit pricey. When compared to other sights on the market, though, it isn’t that bad at all and the price you pay is definitely worth the product you’re getting.
Features:
- Adjustable sight tape indicator
- Single pin bow sight
- 2nd and 3rd axis adjustability
- Photochromatic fiber shell
- Comes with 54 different sight tapes
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Best Bow Sight For Money
Custom Bow Equipment has made some excellent single pin bow sights in the past. The CBE Tactic Hybrid is a dynamite sight at a very reasonable price.
The bow sight is super easy to set up, Thanks to smart mount multi position mounting holes. It is very user-friendly and very accurate once sighted in.
The fiber management system provides improved and brighter illumination thanks to 12" of light collecting fibre optics.
The hybrid drive yardage adjustment has a rapid stop that is smooth, silent and easy to accurately adjust, thanks to laser engraved hash marks.
One of the things that really impressed us about the CBE Tactic is the Lifetime Warranty. We expect that kind of warranty on the more expensive bow sights, but this one is half the price of most of them.
If you are in the market for a quality fixed pin bow sight at an affordable price, than the CBE Tactic Hybrid is an awesome choice.
Features:
- Single pin bow sight configuration
- Pin diameter: 0.19
- Laser engraved hash marks
- Micro windage adjustment
- Elevation adjustment with laser engraved markings
- Smart-mount multi-positioning mounting holes
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Best Budget Bow Sight
Not everybody can spend over $100 on a bow sight, so we took an in depth look at the TRUGLO Range Rover Single Pin, which is substantially less than $100.
We are not going to lie to you, this sight is nowhere near as good as the top rated bow sights, but it does do the trick at an affordable price.
The Range Rover Series features a fully-protected wrapped fiber, circular sight picture with the all-metal pin, and a toolless yardage lock.
This bow sight is highly adjustable for both right and left handed bows and the single-pin design allows you to lock in your target quickly and smoothly, thanks to the innovative zero-in adjustment dial that offers remarkably precise and ultra-smooth micro-adjustable yardage tuning.
The light-absorbing fiber and glow-in-the-dark shooter’s ring allow for simple alignment, even in low-light conditions. The bow sight is very user-friendly and the setup is simplified with over 50 pre-marked yardage tapes.
If your budget does not allow you to spend hundreds on a bow sight, then the TRUGLO Range Rover is the best budget option for you.
Features:
- Tool less yardage lock
- 1-pin archery sight
- Glow-in-the-dark shooter’s ring
- Adjustable yardage-stop
- Has over 40 pre-marked yardage tapes
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Best Adjustable Bow Sight For The Money
If you are looking for an adjustable bow sight that provides a lot of bang for the buck, then the Black Gold Rush is the sight for you.
Black Gold makes some of the finest bow sights on the market and they believe that low price should not equal low quality.
They stake their reputation on it.
We love the high performance PhotoChromatic shell that automatically changes pin brightness based on the ambient light, for perfectly clear pins in all lighting conditions.
The pins themselves are machined out of bar stock and are much stronger than cast, turned or tube style pins.
The Black Gold Rush Bow Sight is one of those perfect combinations of features at a price that anyone can afford. It is an ideal bow sight for hunting
Features:
- PhotoChromatic technology
- Horizontal and vertical calibrated gang adjustment
- Interchangeable fluorescent sight ring
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Best Cheap Bow Sight
Here at DeerHuntingGuide.net, we believe that the terms best and cheap do not go together, but our readers were looking for a cheap bow sight that would get the job done.
After trying a few cheap bow sights that we wouldn't recommend to anyone, we came across the Topoint Archery 3 pin sight.
It is by no means a high quality sight, but it is a cheap sight that will work for a season or so.
It is made with 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum and installs easily, although the hex bolts are quite cheap and easy to strip, so care is needed when mounting.
The markings for windage and elevation are easy to read, but they are painted on and could wear off in short order.
The pins are not very bright in low light, so it not ideal for hunting, but would make a good target sight for someone new to archery.
This is not a bow sight that we would recommend to anyone except beginners in archery.
Features:
- Adjustable for right and left-handed shooters
- Markings for windage and elevation
- Made from 6961-T6 aluminum
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Best Multi Pin Bow Sight For The Money
The whole Trophy Ridge Fix Series shares the same specifications and features, and it is a great way to keep things easy and simple. The series is meant for shooters that want precision they can depend on and micro-adjustable pins. The tool for adjusting the pins is easily accessible because it's stored on the bow sight itself.
The windage and elevation adjustments are completel;y tooless and micro-adjustable with the turn of a knob.
The sight absorbs as much ambient light as is possible thanks to the fibre optics, and you can adjust the brightness with the rheostat light.
The green hood ring makes it easy to line up your peep sight for excellent accuracy.
This model comes with a 3, 5, and 7-pin setup and the bracket allows for up to 4 positions for mounting. Something that comes included in the purchase is a pre-charged rheostat which is very useful. Even though the product is quite affordable, it is quite incredible, and it has managed to impress many buyers.
Features:
- Rheostat light
- Green hood accent ring
- Ultra-bright fiber optic pins
- 4 Mounting Positions
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Wrapping up the Reviews
A top quality bow sight is arguably one of the most important pieces of hunting equipment that you will buy as a bowhunter. Our team of experts have shared our top 12 picks for the best compound bow sight on the market.
We included fixed pin bow sights, single pin sights and multi pin bow sights so that you can choose the best bow sight for your situation.
As you can probably tell, these sights are for a compound bow vs recurve.
Most recurve bow shooters tend to shoot instinctively, which means that they use the arrow point to aim at their target, but there are a few choices for recurve bow sights.
Click here for a guide to choosing a recurve bow.
We would also love to hear what you have to say. Please feel free to comment on our picks. If we did not feature one of your favorite bow sights, make sure that you leave a comment below.
Best Compound Bow Sight Buying Guide
In this section, we will cover all the necessary information you need to keep in mind when you’re buying a bow sight.
Things to Consider When Buying A Bow Sight
Here are some of the things you should consider when shopping for a bow sight.
Pin Diameter
You should look for a small pin diameter if you want a high-quality sight. The pin is the thing that usually makes the difference between a good and poor sight. When it comes to sight pins, you should also keep in mind that the smaller they are the better it is. They also need to be stiff and strong enough to be able to handle your shooting conditions.
Basic pin diameters are .029, 019, and 010. The latter one comes with more aiming that’s more precise. A larger pin doesn’t have the same accuracy as a smaller pin due to the fact it typically covers more parts of your prey. On the other hand, with a smaller pin, you can precisely aim where you want your prey to be shot.
Pin Number
Make sure that you choose the number of pins carefully if you’re looking for a multi pin bow sight. Something you should remember is that several pins doesn’t always mean that you will get better results. Multiple pins set for different yardages can get confusing, especially in hunting situations when your heart is beating quickly and your thought process is rushed.
The maximum number of pins you can select is seven, and the minimum is one.
Evaluate the range you plan to shoot. With this information, you can determine what the perfect number of pins for you and your needs. Another thing you need to keep in mind is the level of adjustments you will make.
Many bow hunters are moving towards fixed pin sights and pendulum sights. These single pin sights eliminate the confusion that multi pin bow sights can introduce.
Hand Orientation
Another thing you will need to consider is the hand orientation of the sight. While some are designed only for left or right-handed shooters, there are also bow sights that are designed with both in mind.
Easy Adjustment
There are vertical and horizontal adjustments that make up the angle of the shooter and the wind speed, which will change the path of the arrow. Make sure that the sight you decide to purchase has an easy adjustment process.
While some bow sights use an Allen wrench, others use adjustments knobs. Of course, we would suggest going with the adjustment knobs, and this is especially important if you’re a beginner.
Durability
Something else worth considering is the durability of the bow sight. You should always go for a sight that’s lightweight, sturdy, and has an aluminum design. Even though going with a plastic sight will be more affordable, it definitely won’t be as sturdy and durable as a sight made out of aluminum.
For this reason, we suggest that you pick an aluminum model that will last you for a longer period of time. If you’re on a tight budget, you can go with a combination of both plastic and aluminum. This combination model will be stronger than a bow sight made entirely out of plastic.
A good bow case will help protect your bow sight as well as your bow, however that will not protect against a dry fire, which could damage your sight as well as your bow.
Extras
What we mean by extras are some special features you will find on that exact model as well as additional accessories that come with the bow sight. When it comes to unique features, make sure that you check if the product you’re getting has a rheostat light, yardage dials, and bubble levels.
When speaking of accessories, look for a model that comes with sight tape or installation tools. Even though these accessories can be very useful, keep in mind that oftentimes these extras increase the price of the product.
Weight
Even though some shooters like a bit more weight on their bows so they have a more stable aim, aiming with more mass for a longer period of time can affect your aiming precision and strain your arm. To prevent causing strain on your muscles, we suggest that you get a sight that won’t add a lot of weight to your weapon.
Aiming Tips
While we’re on the topic of bow sights, we want to offer you some aiming tips. Some of them are practical, while others are technical, but hopefully, you will find something that will help you elevate your shooting game.
Remember that shooting accurately with a bow sight still requires you to develop proper archery form.
Tuning is Important
When it comes to shooting, the setup definitely matters. If your bow sight falls out of adjustment easily or isn’t adjusted properly, you’re not going to get the results you’re looking for.
It can be a frustrating process to tune a compound bow, especially if you’re a beginner, and it takes patience, effort, and time to learn how to do it the right way. Your results won’t be satisfied until you’ve learned how to properly tune a bow. If the bow isn’t tuned right, your aim means nothing.
We like to use the walk back tuning method to get our bow, arrow rest and bow sight in tune.
Click here for a guide to the best beginner compound bows.
Shoot Relaxed
You will cause strain on your muscles if you shoot a lot of arrows in a short period of time. Make sure that you give your muscle a bit of time to rest between shots. Even though it might not seem like a couple of seconds will be of any help, taking a bit of time to relax can help in preventing muscle strain. Shaking is a result of muscle strain, which decreases your accuracy.
Squeeze Don't Pull
In order to shoot as accurately as possible, you are going to want to use a high quality bow release. These archery release aids utilize a trigger for releasing the bowstring smoothly. Learn to gently squeeze the trigger, letting the release surprise you, rather than pulling the trigger, which results in an inaccurate shot.
Change Your Shooting Platform
You need to practice shooting from an elevated platform if you’re a treestand hunter. If that isn’t an option for you, you can shoot from your deck or have a ladder stand in your yard to create a downward shooting angle. You need to practice finding your anchor point, bending at the waist, and maintaining a consistent grip while you’re shooting at a downward angle.
Avoid Eye Strain
Eye strain is something that will decrease the clarity of your sight. If you happen to be shooting outdoors, then this issue will definitely be prevented. It’s a good idea to block the light with a hat or use sunglasses if your eyes can’t take bright light well. Something that will make it more difficult to focus is the bright light that will cause eyestrain.
Eyestrain is something that should be considered by indoor archers as well. Even though you won’t have any problems with the light from the sun, there are plenty of other issues that can lead to eyestrain.
For example, looking at a screen such as your phone for a longer period of time can cause a strain on your eyes. Another cause can be focusing on a specific object for a longer period of time. For this reason, we would recommend that you take a break every once in a while to give your eyes some rest while you’re aiming.
Shoot with Two Eyes Open
Professional archers typically shoot with both of their eyes open.
You have better vision when you’re using both of your eyes and this will give you a very clear advantage. You might have noticed this if you’ve ever visited an optician for an eye exam. The eyes work to create a clearer image when you open both of them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bow Sights
How do I Pick a Bow Sight?
You need to consider the features and the price of the bow sight when you’re making a purchase. The first thing you need to determine when choosing the right bow sight for you is the type of bow that you will be using. You will need to determine the distances you intend to shoot and the type of hunting you plan to do. A good quality bow sight will help you become a better shooter, so it’s important that you choose wisely. A good quality sight will give you clear aiming points when you’re shooting in low-light conditions and they are also easier to dial in.
What is a Good Affordable Bow Sight?
A good affordable bow sight is the Trophy Ridge Fix Series Bow Sight .Make sure that you don’t overlook pin brightness and that you look for several mounting positions in the riser-attachment bracket, as well as being able to individually adjust each of the pins. Another important thing is that the product is durable and doesn’t get completely beat up after a couple of seasons of hunting.
What is the Best Long-range Bow Sight?
The best long range bow sight is the IQ Bowsights Micro 5-Pin.
When searching for a bow sight model with long-range, you need to pick a moveable model. You can choose between a multi-pin movable or a single-pin movable. But something that is a must is dial-to-the-yard capability. Make sure that the moveable-pin sight you choose doesn’t make any noise and rattle. Some other features a long-range bow sight must have are second and third-axis adjustability and a dovetail bar.
Do I Need any Tools to Adjust my Sight?
There are some bow sights that use an Allen wrench for adjustments but most modern models make it easy for you by offering a tool less adjustment. Apart from the Allen wrench, you don’t need anything else when it comes to adjustments.
What Are the Advantages of Single-pin Bow Sights?
The most notable advantage that a single pin sight has is the clear sight picture they offer. Aside from this benefit, a single pin sight has better performances when you’re shooting from a long distance and they can be dialed in to hit precise distances.
We do need to mention that there are also some disadvantages. These are the fact that they aren’t capable of adjusting the distance at full draw and they are a bit too slow in certain situations.
Happy hunting!
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