Rangefinders with ARC/ID technology

I am sure this has been beat to death before, but I am just curious?

I realize that alot of the new rangefinders are being produced with this, but is it really needed? I have never owned a rangefinder for a couple reasons but have been thinking about buying one as of lately.

I tend to think that I am fairly good at judging distance. I have borrowed a buddys rangefinder before while hunting and whenever I guess at the distance before I check it, i am either right on or off by no more then 2yrds (Ranging between 10-40yrds)?
The only reason I want one is for that "extra precaution", range from the tree when i get there and forget about it!

I ask about the ARC because I keep coming back to the cheap $120 Bushnells that were top of the line up until a couple years ago? Is it really necessary to pay the extra$$ for ARC? I also realize that the newer ones are a bit smaller too but that doesnt bother me!! Are the newer ones more accurate?

This will be used for bowhunting only!

 

In nut shell..... Unless you are shooting substantial elevation differences AND long distances it's probably not necessary.

Check out this thread. I did some quick calcs and made picture to help out another guy with the same question.

http://forums.bowhunting.com/showthread.php?t=14396&highlight=RANGE+FINDER


The point is that the difference in distance that elevation adds for 90% of bowhunters is negligible.

 

Agreed, for bow hunting ranges I don't even bother looking at the angle adjustment on mine. Now for long uphill/downhill shots with a rifle then that's a different story.

 

i bought the Cabelas. Bushnell partnered one for 180 at Cabelas. it has the arc technology in it, and i think its pretty handy. plus if you do the 3-d archery shoots it helps also. plus you don't have to use it strictly for bow hunting it goes further for if your using a gun at longer ranges. But everyone has there own opinion it has helped me out

 

Arc isn't needed if it's soley for archery ranges.

20 feet in a tree and a 40 yard shot equals just a tick over 40.5 yards

 

Just an example of fine marketing at its best.I have a regular Nikon 440 rangefinder and it works great. No need for the ARC.

 

I agree with everyone that replied to this thread. I have a Leupold RX1000TBR. Its a sweet rangefinder. I bow and rifle hunt so I just went with this one for long range rifle (if I ever need it, and yes I have).

I have noticed that (like others have said) the numbers have to be pretty dramatic to really change your yardage. I can be on the ground and look up at the top of a telephone pole and it adds a 1/2 yard. Deck to a 40 yard target not much either maybe a yard.

For bow hunting I think it is a waste of money to go with an ARC model but for rifle I love it. Took a deer at 323 last year downhill, and was glad to have it. Another reason I went with the Leupold is you can input your gun with the size round your using and it takes into account that info as well.

 

They are very helpful if you hunt in any kind of hilly terrain.Doesn't take much of a hill to make a 3-4 yard difference in actual range if in a tree stand.

Now,if you hunt only flat ground,even from stands,you won't need one with arc but imo,if you are spending the money.Spend the extra,just in case.


I just bought the Busnell Bowhunter Chuck Adams edition with ARC.This thing is tiny and just as accurate as my old Bushnell Yardage Pro.You can find them online for $220.

 

My thoughts as well. I want one for heading out West....I used my regular model in some situations last year in Alaska that left me scratching my head and just guessing actual distance.

The ARC models are in line price wise with the previous top shelf models...I paid 250 for my Bushnell Scout 4 or 5 years ago, now there are better models with ARC for 200ish.

 

Just wondering but can you give me a bow hunting situation (actual numbers) where it makes 3-4 yards difference? Not being a smart guy just wondering.

I just did a little math and I found to get 3.5 yards difference at 40 yards (43.5yards)you would need 51' of elevation change. That is a heck of a hill and a heck of a long shot.

 

I will take a 40 yard shot and I hunt some fairly steep hills.I am 20 feet up and like to hunt over flats.Good 40 to 50(or more) foot elevation change.Add the 20 feet to that and you have a fairly good difference.Contrary to popular belief,the bigger difference comes when the target is actually CLOSER to the base of the tree.

I have done it many times with my old range finder checking trees straight out.BUT,too many times the trees aren't straight and I like to know what I am aiming for.Hell,I set my pins at 5 yard increments,not 10 like most people.

Like I said,flat ground stand hunting doesn't need arc compensation.Hill country,it can be a benefit.Mountains,it is a must.

 

Kinda new at this too but isnt 30 yards 30 yards?

 

I hunt places like this.




finest

no,30 is not 30.The pic shows how to accurately shoot an uphill or downhill shot.The difference is neglegable until the angle increases and the elevation change is substantial

 

o haha i hunt flat so i dont have to worry about it but i figured even tho if ur range finder said 30 its 30 right?

 

Look at my picture,the line of site is 32 yards,that is what the rangefinder will say unless it has an inclinometer built in and adjust for the horizontal distance.The actual range for that shot is 23 yards.

 

o well thank u something ill have to look into

 

I don't know if you can tell in this pic but this is a medium elevation change for me.I have much steeper stand sites.look at the dark bottom,pretty good elevation change.

 

Thats why its a good idea to range the tree (where the deer is standing) at the same height you are in your stand. That will give you the correct distance, right?

 

That's great if you have a straight tree near by.

 

Ok imo chuck adams edition is garbage. I bought one and gave it away. Crappy eye relief and not always as accurate as they claim. Now as far as your arc / tbr etc etc. If you have a difference of 44 degrees on a 20' stand if you look at your range finders closely they tell you both distances. Most of the time in the midwest you wont need it. But for as cheap as you can get them now it is worth having just for the peace of mind so that you wont second guess your shot.
What ever happened to the good old thumb to judge your distance? lmao