Hilly terrain, steep slopes, and uneven ground pose challenges to bowhunters when it comes to measuring sight distance accurately. Rangefinders with angle compensation can accommodate these obstacles, allowing archers to understand their position for a clear shot.
We review the best rangefinders for bowhunting here. Our best overall laser rangefinder pick is the Vortex Optics Ranger 1800 Rangefinder, but we also cover models that stand out where it concerns precision, affordability, and more.
HCD Shoot-to-Range, For all Archery Shooting, Scan Feature
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At a Glance: Here are our Top Picks
Our Top Recommended Hunting Rangefinder With Angle Compensation 2023
Best Overall – Vortex Optics Ranger 1800 Rangefinder
American-owned Vortex Optics is a renowned manufacturer of outdoor optical equipment. As with all other products from this brand, the Vortex Optics Ranger 1800 comes with a lifetime warranty.
This archery rangefinder with angle compensation has a maximum range of up to 1,800 yards, which should suffice for archers on the ground or up high in a tree stand when bowhunting – taking into account the angle and the actual distance.
It has two modes: Horizontal Component Distance (HCD) and Line of Sight (LOS). The latter is principally intended for rifle hunting, as it’s compatible with ballistics programs and apps.
HCD mode suits all types of bowhunting. It doesn’t require any input on your behalf and automatically corrects the shot angle to save you the guesswork and determines a correct sight distance.
The Scan Feature adds deadly precision to this device, enabling you to track moving targets. The yardage on the display screen will change accordingly as your prey moves, with an accuracy of +/- three yards at 1,000 yards.
Specs:
- Maximum laser range: 1,800 yards
- 6x Magnification
- Accuracy: +/- 3 yards at 1,000 yards
Features:
- Scan Feature for moving targets
- Two modes for rifle and bowhunting
- Three display brightness settings for different light conditions
As the display screen has three brightness settings, it should remain readable in bright or dim lighting. A multi-coated lens to prevent fogging and a textured, waterproof body promise to withstand the harsh elements.
The durable design combined with long-range, high accuracy and versatile modes is why the Vortex Optics Ranger 1800 is the Best Overall of the laser range finder we reviewed.
Most Precise – Bushnell G-Force DX 1300 ARC Rangefinder
Bushnell offers an assortment of outdoor gear, but the company specializes in hunting optics. For archers who prioritize precision above all else, the Bushnell G-Force DX 1300 ARC Rangefinder could be a worthy companion on the hunt, especially in steep terrain.
This range finder contains Bushnhell’s Second Generation ESP turbo processor (Extreme Speed Precision) to enhance performance (read.. the best bow stabilizer).
Check out all rangefinders from Bushnell here
You can anticipate an accuracy of about half a yard in Bow Mode or Rifle Mode. Angle Range Compensation (ARC) technology calculates terrain angles to provide a true horizontal distance figure for up to 99 yards. This angle compensating rangefinder has the following specs:
Specs:
- Maximum range: 1,300 yards
- 6x Magnification
- Accuracy: +/- 0.5 yards
Features:
- Display is accurate up to one-tenth of a yard
- Bow and rifle modes
- Four display settings for different light conditions
Three target modes are available to suit a variety of terrains, from flat open plains to rugged forests: Scan, Brush, and Bulls-Eye. The display screen includes four brightness settings to adjust to difficult lighting conditions. This comes pretty handily when bow hunting.
To get the most out of the DX 1300 ARC, ensure your draw length is correct, and you follow proper archery technique.
If the Bushnell rangefinder is too much of a splurge, but you’re unwilling to compromise on multifaceted optics, you should check out the AOFAR HX-1200T/H2 Rangefinder.
Best Value – Halo XL450 Laser Rangefinder
Halo Optics deals explicitly in rangefinders for outdoor sports, they are primarily recommended, if you are a bow hunter or rifle hunter. The Halo XL450 Laser Rangefinder is built for bowhunters with Angle Intelligence Technology.
This basic model is good value if you’re looking for a simple rangefinder for short-range pursuits. You’ll receive the essentials to get started: a battery, a lanyard, and a lens cloth for cleaning. This is a great budget rangefinder.
Although it has a shorter maximum range than other rangefinders with angle compensation on our list at 450 yards, this Halo rangefinder has other performance advantages.
It’s straightforward to use and read—it switches on fast at the tap of a button. The XL450 is lightweight and small, so it won’t weigh you down if you’re carrying a daypack or other equipment.
Specs:
- Maximum range: 450 yards
- Magnification 6x
- Accuracy: +/- 1 yard
Features:
- Simple one-button use
- Compact body
- Includes battery, lanyard, and lens cloth
One notable feature is a scan mode to track prey in motion. You can track multiple targets at various yardages, which is handy if you’re in an area with plenty of game.
This model is accurate up to approximately one yard, which is decent considering the limited range.
Bear in mind that the optics are less sophisticated than other options. If you’re willing to expand your budget, the TecTecTec ProWild S with Angle Compensation could be a better alternative.
Best Full Package Deal – TecTecTec ProWild S with Angle Compensation
TecTecTec sells affordable rangefinders for hunting and golf, among other items such as GPS watches. If you like your hunting gear to be comprehensive without breaking the bank, the ProWild S could fit the bill.
Let’s begin by listing what this quality rangefinder with angle compensation includes. Aside from the item itself, you’ll also get a camo pouch, battery, strap, and cleaning cloth. A quickstart guide is a nice touch since some devices leave you in the dark when it comes to set-up.
Of course, functionality is vital, too—and this model is up to standard with a water-and-dust resistant body. It has a maximum range of 500 yards with an approximate accuracy of one yard. More than enough if you are bow hunting.
Specs:
- Max Range: 500 yards
- Magnification 6x
- Accuracy: +/- 1 yard
Features:
- Camo carrying pouch
- Water Resistant
- Dust Resistant
- Two-year guarantee
Two modes allow you to switch between angle compensation (Slope) and tracking moving quarries (Continuous Scan Mode). The display shares both the exact distance and angle compensation to help you get a steady—and deadly—shot.
A guarantee covers the ProWild S for two years, and you’re entitled to lifetime customer support. This is a great hunting rangefinder.
Most High-Tech – AOFAR HX-1200T/H2 Rangefinder
AOFAR is another brand that mainly trades in golf and hunting rangefinders, although they sell compasses too. If you are a bowhunter and keen on innovative hunting gear, you will likely appreciate the AOFAR HX-1200T/H2 Rangefinder on your next hunting trip.
At 1,200 yards, the maximum range of this gadget rivals our #1 choice. Despite the relatively long reach, the accuracy is admirable at plus or minus one yard. The HX-1200T/H2 auto-calculates the distance to your prey, factoring in uphill or downhill angles and true horizontal distance.
Special features include a diopter LCD for visually-impaired archers and Scan Mode for tracking prey. Another notable facet is the automatic shut-off to save battery life: if the rangefinder doesn’t detect operation after eight seconds, it switches off.
Specs:
- Maximum Range: 1,200 yards
- Magnification: 6x
- Accuracy: +/- 1 yard
Features:
- Diopter lens.
- Automatic shut-off after eight seconds.
- Includes carabiner, case, lanyard, battery, and cleaning cloth.
- ergonomic design
AOFAR gives you all the tools to head out into the wilderness straight away. Your purchase includes a battery, carry case, lanyard, carabiner, and a cleaning cloth. You’ll also receive a user guide to get familiar with the device’s many features.
Support-wise, AOFAR offers two years of VIP support after purchase.
Comparison Table
| Name | Magnification | Range | Price |
| Vortex Optics Ranger | 6X | 1800 yards | check price |
| Bushnell G-Force DX | 6X | 1300 yards | check price |
| Halo XL450 | 6X | 450 yards | check price |
| TecTecTec ProWild S | 6X | 500 yards | check price |
| AOFAR HX-1200T/H2 | 6X | 1200 yards | check price |
Which Archery Rangefinder with Angle Compensation Wins?
After thoroughly reviewing all five angle compensated rangefinder, my verdict is that the Vortex Optics Ranger 1800 is the Best Overall of the bunch.
A close second is the Bushnell G-Force DX 1300 ARC: the high precision is particularly appealing to novice bow hunters, looking for a more moderate price range.
If you’re determined to buy the best rangefinder for bow hunting, I strongly recommend checking out the Vortex Optics Ranger 1800 Rangefinder.
It has an impressive long range of 1,800 yards, Scan Mode to accurately track moving targets such as deer, is easy to use, waterproof, and fog proof, and includes a lifetime warranty to cover accidents, and has a fast distance reading.
The Vortex 1800 will help you to measure the correct distance for an accurate shot!
