I am wanting to get a range finder, and want some feedback as to which one to get. My main concern is, do i really need the arc technology? As it looks like they are a little pricier. I hunt in eastern northcarolina and there is really no concern of any of the places that I hunt to be "hilly". Although, I do treestand hunt. I only bowhunt. However,I have two kids that are hunting and would like for them to be able to use it to gun hunt, as well.
Just don't get a Halo. They're made by wildgame innovations. I have a camera and a rangefinder made by them and they are both crap.
The WGI Halo rangefinder I got works great for me. Its accurate and all I use it for is to gauge distances to certain landmarks when in an unfamiliar stand location. Once I get those distances down it goes right back in the pack. Got mine for $85 if I remember right. Does a good job of what I need it for and was inexpensive. Now if you need a high quality one for rifle use aswell I would NOT get a WGI Halo. They definitely wouldn't hold up to that standard IMO. Just my .02
For tree stand hunting in the east at bowhunting ranges, you don't need angle compensation (run the numbers). With that being said, I do like my Bushnell Scout 1000 (it does have angle compensation). It has held up well for three years now. Couldn't say the same about my Nikon 440.
I have the bushnell chuck adams edition. While it is a very quality rangefinder and I would reccommend it and buy it again. I do not think the angle compensation is that necessary in it. I wanted it because I hunt in some very hilly areas. My main stand is at the top of a hill, then 15 feet in a tree. When I range down to my landing it tells me that my distance is 31 yards, with angle compensation it is 30 yards. Typically, your distances are out enough that it negates the need for the angle compensation. Don't get me wrong, there are cases where this may be extremely helpful, but not necessary in my opinion. My brother has the halo and he likes it. He really only uses it to hunt a few times a year though.
I have the Bushnell Scout 100 w/ ARC. It is a great rangefinder for both bow and gun hunting but I really don't know how useful the ARC technology is. The highest up in a treestand that I go is 30 ft. This height would make a 30 yd shot really 31-1/3 yd. Either way it is extremely dependable and I love it.
OptiLogic Micro II is what I use and I love it...Smallest rangefinder on the market, has the ARC feature "OptiLogic was the 1st hunting rangefinder company to develop the angle compensation" and it has all red LED readout & aiming dot so you can see it in the dark if you needed to. I've owned Nikons & Bushnells and I like my little OptiLogic better.
I use my Bushnell Tour V2 golf rangefinder. It works OK, but lacks an LED readout, and can't get a reading on some targets if the lighting is funky. I'm saving up for a Leica now. The Bushnell will find its way back into my golf bag. All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure - Mark Twain
Depends on the wallet buying it. I prefer to get the best I can afford and the longest range even if I'm not planning on using it for huge distance .....why because the longer the distance it can range the finer the laser point is which makes picking that body through the trees much easier. Leica IMO is the best, from the red reticle to the true ballistics function it's an incredible finder. That being said, the price hurts.
im using a cheap simmons rangefinder, i dont know what its called but its around $120 at cabelas. it isn't always exactly accurate, but it always gets me within a yard or two. That's all you should need, it's better to not completely rely on it because it's one more thing to do before you can shoot while that buck is standing right in front of you.
yeah bushnell make nice optics too. not too many brands make a bad product. they will all do the job. some better than others but some cost less.
I like my Nikon 5 and it wasn't a bad price around 200 bucks but another option is the Redfield Raider which is a little cheaper and also gets the job done.
I use the Nikon Archer's Choice. I got it as a birthday present and let the kids try it. It holds up and does well with the angle compensation. I'm not going to tree stand hunt, but will be hiking in, so the angle comp should help.
if you hunt steep slopes you may want the arc. to be honest it might be better to spend the extra $40 now then to wish you had later.
My first range finder didn't have the Arc Technology, so I would range trees the same height as I was up in the tree. Usually my points were trees at 15, 20, etc yards. Ranging the same height as you takes the "arc" out the equation. As many have said, hunting very hilly areas might change my opinion though.
