Yeah, I know, it's more of a "bowhunting" topic... but all the old-timers whose opinions I trust seem to hang out in here these days more than the actual bowhunting section, so... sue me. I've got an antiquated, clunky old Bushnell rangefinder that's always been adequate for treestand hunting, but I'm looking for something sleeker to take on my upcoming Colorad elk hunt next week. So far, the main two contenders from a brief glance-over on Bass Pro's website (we'll be stopping there on the way out to pick up a couple more supplies, so I may as well get it from there all in one fell swoop) I've come across is Nikon's ProStaff 7 with I/D (incline/decline) technology and the ubiquitous Bushnell series (take your pick, The Truth or Archer's Choice -- both look exactly the same) with ARC (Angle Range Compensation) technology. I'm leaning towards the Nikon just because I've always had good luck with their glass... both in cameras and binos. Thoughts? And who's ready for football season? There... NOW it's off-topic.
I've had really good luck with Nikon for both binocs and rangefinders. I have the Archers Choice (which is actually Nikon) and it's been great for me. I've dropped it out of a tree at least 3-4 times and it still keeps on ticking. Has the ID technology, and it's rugged, plus it came with a nice neoprene case that keeps the lenses clean. I previously had the Nikon 440 which was fantastic but apparently someone wanted it more than I did and stole it out of my truck. The only thing I can say about the Archers Choice is that the version I have (2 years old) only ranges to about 100 yards. My previous one was really accurate out to 400ish. I do some plinking at extended ranges with a rifle and wish mine was more accurate out at those distances, and for the $$$ I spent I kinda feel like it should have been. I know you don't shoot guns at all, so this probably won't matter to you a bit though. Good luck!!!
You're right... Archer's Choice is Nikon; The Truth is Bushnell... Archer's Choice is $279.99 right now but they're running a special on the Prostaff 7 for $249.99, down from $299.99... Hmmm.
Get the Prostaff 7. I believe it ranges much further and has the same ID technology for yardage cutting due to angles.
Hilarious! I like the Nikon's. The main reason I started using them is because they would work when used through the shoot-thru mesh of my blinds and other brands would not. I have used Nikon rangefinders since they first came out and have had zero trouble with them. Good luck in Colorado!
I have nothing to add, but since we haven't talked in a while I wanted to say good luck on your trip.
I have had the same Nikon rangefinder going on 5 years, if this one dies I will replace it with another Nikon. Best of luck on your trip.
I'm heading back to the Uncomahgre National Forest again, just above Montrose... I met up with a guy who's family is going to start attending our church last week and we hit it off immediately. He's an Air Force recruiting supervisor, and has travelled the West extensively. We took our wives out to eat after church last week and talked bowhunting the West non-stop... I think there's a trip to Montana next year in the works already. Thanks Scott... appreciate the good wishes bro.
I don't have the archer's choice but I have the Nikon Riflehunter 550 and it's been a great rangefinder so far. I'm sure you're probably wanting one to compensate for angle but as far as brands and quality I'd definitely recommend the Nikon. It's very thin and compact yet feels sturdy and able to take a little beating if an accident happens.
I have the Nikon Riflehunter 550. It has served me well. Next range finder I purchase must have a illuminated reticle!
I have the original Nikon Archer's Choice and it works really well. I have never had a problem with it. I like the new one that came out this year. it ranges a lot farther.
Thanks, gang... appreciate all the nice responses. Nikon it is... I'll be grabbing up the Prostaff 7 before it goes off sale. Sometimes I'm looking down some pretty deep canyons out there, so the angle compensating feature will be pretty sweet.
Greg, I trust Nikon optics. I love my binos and my range finder. That being said, dad has a bushnell that he has used for 6-7 years, and it has been just fine for him.
That's interesting, one of the things I don't like about mine is it won't range through the mesh on blinds. I have a Bushnell chuck adams I got couple years ago as gift. Since sounds like you made your mind up good luck on the hunt Greg.
I had three criteria for a rangefinder... Red readout (black sucks in low light) NOT limited to archery ranges (great for stalks- deer at 320 rock at 280, get to rock and have a 40ish yard shot) ARC (because well why not, especially for in the mountains) This left me with Vortex and Leupold (excluding the expensive euro brands)... I went with the Leupold Rx1000i TBR, which is worth every dang cent (I know that says a lot given its price). While we are on the subject, Check out RangeSnap accessories for an awesome way to keep your rangefinder at the ready right above your binos at all times... really cheap too!
What does a guy need a range finder for when bow hunting? If your eyes and distance perception is that poor stay home on the couch.
