Have you been searching for the first bow sight for your compound bow? Or, would you like to replace the current sight you have at hand?
Well, there’s a lot that goes into choosing the best bow sights. Factors such as pin size and brightness, intended application, number of pins, weight, and others come into play. This can leave you feeling intimidated.
Listed below are some of the best bow sight reviews. We've also provided a detailed guide to help you narrow down your options.
The 7 Best Bow Sight Reviews
1. Trophy Ridge React Pro Sight
Have you been hunting for the best bow sights on the market? If you have, the Trophy Ridge React Pro is an excellent pick.
This sight comes equipped with five pins that adjust automatically to suit the correct location. In doing so, it helps you aim and shoot with unparalleled accuracy. Contrary to most sights that offer one pin size, the React Pro lets you choose between two: .010 and .019 pins.
Also, most bow sights only have a single or dual-axis adjustment. But the sight Trophy Ridge takes things a notch higher by providing third axis adjustment.
This adjustable pin sight is particularly useful if you tend to hunt on steep terrains or make long-range shots from steep angles.
Another area where this 5-pin bow sight excels is durability. It’s made of premium-quality materials such as aluminum and stainless steel, resulting in excellent longevity.
The rheostat light is a nice addition to this bow sight. It makes it easy to use the sight in different light conditions.
Are you a tech-savvy individual who doesn’t mind investing in a state-of-the-art archery sight? If you are, you’ll appreciate the sophisticated technology incorporated in the Burris Optics Oracle 2 unit.
Its biggest highlight is the built-in rangefinder. This feature gives you an accurate measurement of the distance to your target; hence, eliminating the need to guess the distance.
Another action this pin bow sight eliminates is that of aiming between pins. It achieves this by calculating and showcasing the precise aiming point. The best part is, you can achieve all this with a single push of a button.
This tool is an improvement on its predecessor, the Oracle, which was already a big hit. The Oracle 2 boasts refined auto-brightness detection. It’s also improved the ability to control brightness manually, especially at lower levels.
Don’t want to break your bank purchasing new bow sights? If so, then you’ll love the CBE CX5 5-pin model, which is considered the best bow sight for the money.
Despite its affordability, this 5-pin bow sight offers a huge selection of features. Let’s start with the fact that it weighs only 9 ounces. Its lightweight profile is not too surprising considering the types of materials used for its build.
The extension bar, for one, is made of high-modulus carbon. The other parts, such as the mounting brackets, rails, and scope housing, are all made of aluminum- another lightweight material.
In case you’re wondering, the purpose of the extension bar is to maintain a consistent visual size of the pin. This, in turn, minimizes the number of factors you have to account for when aiming and shooting.
Do you struggle to use your archery sight in low-light conditions? Well, this is one thing you won’t have to worry about with the CBE CX5 unit.
This is because each of the five pins contains fiber optic, enhancing visibility. To add to this, the bow sight is also equipped with a rheostat light.
Furthermore, the sight is micro-adjustable and provides several mounting positions for windage and elevation. These features make it much easier to sight.
Like the Burris Optics Oracle 2, this pin sight is completely ambidextrous. While it arrives as a right-handed sight, it’s very easy to convert it to a left-handed operation.
And while other manufacturers only offer one peep alignment ring, the CBE CX5 offers four. The one that comes fitted on this pin bow sight is green. But you’re free to swap this out with a red, gray, or yellow ring.
Want to improve your chances of success when hunting elk? Then you’re sure to love the Trophy Ridge React One Pro.
It's often ranked as the best bow sight for elk hunting, and understandably so. One feature that makes it particularly suited for this application is the fact that it has just a single pin. This enables you to focus on just one pin, no matter the distance.
By simply turning the dial, you’ll be able to shoot the elk from 10 yards or up to 100 yards. That said, remember that using such a single pin adjustable sight means you have to tweak it on the spot.
As we’ve come to expect of Trophy Ridge bow sights, this one also employs React technology. This feature makes it easy to sight in your bow, without being forced to adjust every pin. This technology also eliminates the need to match up sight tapes.
Furthermore, it relies on fiber optic yardage indicators. These provide illumination; hence, making up for different environmental conditions.
Versatility is another strong suit of the sight Trophy Ridge. For one, it lets you choose your preferred hand orientation. Secondly, this sight comes in two-pin diameters so you can choose one that works for you.
Have you been searching for the best bow sight for beginners? If you have, the TOPOINT Archery 3 pin bow sight is just what you need.
There are several features that make it suited for newbie archers, starting with its fair pricing. This fixed pin sight is priced considerably lower than high-end models that cost upwards of $100.
Interestingly, its low price point doesn’t come at the expense of any feature. Far from it, this is often described as the most durable bow sight for hunting. It’s made mostly from 6061-T6 aluminum, resulting in a very sturdy device.
The size of the fiber optic pin on this sight is .029 inches. This is bigger than the .019-inch sight pin used in most entry-level sights.
As a beginner, there’s a good chance that you won’t be shooting more than 40 or 60 yards away. This then means that you don't have to worry about the small inaccuracies that arise from using a bigger pin.
The versatility offered by this low-priced pin bow sight is another feature that will impress you. It’s designed to be used by either left- or right-handed archers and allows for windage and elevation adjustments.
Finding the best bow sight for deer hunting is no mean feat. One that comes highly recommended for this application is the TRUGLO Carbon XS Xtreme.
The best time to hunt a deer is either very early in the morning or late in the evening. TRUGLO understands this, which is why they equipped this sight with the proprietary Pro-Brite pin. As implied in the title, this design allows for maximum brightness while also helping to enhance durability.
Another reason why TRUGLO is considered one of the best compound bow sights for deer hunting entails the fiber optic pins. This helps to optimize light transmission and get rid of any glare from the LED light.
The manufacturer has incorporated one other element that optimizes visibility. We’re referring to the glow-in-the-dark ring that surrounds the peep sight.
The reversible bracket makes an excellent addition to the Carbon XS Xtreme. It results in easier vertical adjustments, which in turn, makes the sight suitable to both right- and left-handed shooters.
Carrying the TRUGLO sight is made easy by the light nature of the sight. At 4.2 ounces, it’s lighter than most bow sights on the market; thus, portable.
What’s the best way to make a fixed pin bow sight exceptional? You simplify the process of acquiring targets, make it completely adjustable and pack it with handy features. The IQ Bowsight Archery Sight offers all these features and then some.
Do you like a sight with 3 fiber optic pins? It’s got you covered! What about 5 sight pins? That’s available as well.
The IQ brand lets you decide the number of fiber optic pins that work for your bow hunting technique.
Another reason why this is often regarded as the best compound bow sight is the fact that it uses retina lock technology. Unique only to the IQ range of bow sights, this tech enables users to identify and get rid of bow torque or the inconsistent anchor point. This, in turn, improves your accuracy, which is particularly essential in extended-range shots.
This pin bow sight has several other features that you’re sure to appreciate. For instance, it offers an elevation and windage micro adjustment dial to help you get sighted in quickly and easily. The best thing about this is that it uses tool-free locking knobs to lock these changes into position.
The dual position mount is another feature that makes this fixed pin sight stand out. It gives you the freedom to mount this sight the way you’d like so that it suits your shooting style.
Why Use Bow Sights?
Is a pin sight necessary? Or, can you shoot your bow without this device?
The truth is, bow sights aren’t mandatory equipment meaning you can shoot without installing one. But if you’ve engaged in archery long enough, then you understand the importance of buying these sights.
Better Aim & Alignment
One of the greatest benefits offered by modern bow sights is that they significantly boost your aim and alignment.
Sure, the peep sight helps with this to a small extent. But when you want to line up your shots from a distant point, a bow sight will come in handy.
Improved Focus
Another advantage that you don’t get from the other type of sight is the capacity to accurately focus on your targets.
Some archers try using larger peep sights to get a better view of distant targets. The problem with this approach is that it compromises your ability to focus. A bow sight can help you get that better view and still focus closely on your target.
“Can’t I just use a smaller peep sight?” Not quite. While this can help you focus a little bit better, it won’t work well in low light settings. In such environments, this feature will reduce your field of vision and limit the amount of light that enters your eye.
On a larger scale, this can lead to wasted investment, especially if you keep missing targets and losing your precious arrows in the process.
Types of Bow Sights
What distinguishes fixed pin bow sights from single-pin sights is the number of pins utilized.
As you might have guessed from their names, fixed pin sights make use of several pins while single-pin varieties use just one.
Fixed pin/ Multi-pin
Fixed pins are among the most popular bow sights, and understandably so. They’re not difficult to set up and when they’re used correctly, provide the highest accuracy. They have a pretty minimalist design that constitutes an array of multicolored pins.
For individuals new to archery, getting the hang of adjusting the yardage can take a bit of time. But once you get acquainted with the process, everything else will be fairly easy to execute.
Another thing you’ll love about the multi-pin sight is its flexibility. You’ll have the freedom to add pins as you wish. This will, in turn, enable you to establish the right distance for your shots.
Pros
Cons
Moveable pin/ Single-pin
One distinct feature of a moveable pin sight entails its adjustability.
With this single-pin sight, you can tweak the focus and distance by simply moving one pin to a convenient spot for making each shot.
Another benefit that arises from this adjustability is that it lets you test your shooting capabilities. When you can configure the yardage wheel to the exact distance that you'll shoot and hit with your arrow, you gain more confidence.
Most moveable pin sights in this classification include a slider scale with markings. Keep in mind that you’ll have to adjust the sight just as soon as you adjust the distance.
While beneficial for the most part, a single-pin bow sight is riddled with challenges. The greatest difficulty is this ability to adjust the yardage and sight on a whim.
When you’re out in the field, events occur at supersonic speed. This can pose a challenge when it comes to adjusting your moveable pin sights.
Imagine that you have a deer standing 40 yards away and you’ve adjusted your sight to 40. You draw your bow all the way back and then out of the blues, the deer jumps and runs out to 50 yards.
The only option you’ll have is to put your bow down and readjust your single-pin bow sight accordingly. This will, in turn, compromise your accuracy or cost you your entire game. Simply drawing your bow is enough movement to spook your game.
Taking this into account, single-pin models aren’t the best bow sights for hunting. Rather, they’re best reserved for competitions and 3D shooting.
Pros
Cons
Other Types of Bow Sights
Although multi and single pin sights are the most popular, there are other types of sights, namely:
Pendulum
Do you have a bit of experience shooting with bows and arrows? If you do, then you understand the challenge that arises when trying to shoot from an uneven or elevated area.
The complexity of making such shots calls for the use of different types of sights that can then make up for the difficult downhill shots.
Sadly, most archers and bow hunters spend most of their time on their ground. This leaves little room to gain experience on how to aim from tree stands. Due to this, making an accurate estimation of the yardage becomes pretty hard.
This is where a pendulum sight comes in handy. Also referred to as a tree stand sight- this device is designed to sway out and upwards.
This type of bow sight accommodates for the downward or odd angle of the bow, enabling an archer to make an accurate shot.
There are two main varieties of pendulum sights: mechanical and electronic.
Mechanical sights rely on a spring-loaded system to assume the right position once the arrow is shot. Electronic pendulum sights contain sensors that help detect the path taken by the arrow.
That said, using a pendulum sight is a bit of a learning curve so don’t be in a hurry. The good thing is that once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it incredibly easy to use.
Important to note though is that a tree stand sight is specially designed for hunters and archers who like to make short-range shots in downhill angles. If you rarely encounter situations where you have to hunt from elevated positions, then pendulum sights aren’t for you.
Target
If you’re looking for the most complex model, then a target sight is for you. This is meant to be used alongside another aiming device such as a single pin or laser.
While this results in a high level of precision, target sights are quite pricey. The good news is, you definitely get what you pay for. For instance, some of these sights include advanced settings. These let you make adjustments that suit the wind conditions at hand.
Bracket
Another bow sight design you’re likely to encounter is a bracket. These sights come in two main variations: dovetail and fixed.
With fixed brackets, you have the liberty to remove the sight even when it’s been installed. This sight also offers better durability than the dovetail version.
Conversely, a dovetail bow sight bracket comes equipped with a slot that lets you slide the sight onto a fixed plate. This design enables you to move the sight either backward or forwards so that it complements your bow setup.
How to Choose the Right Bow Sight
Before you purchase any bow sight, there are a couple of things that you should keep in mind. These include:
Purpose
Selecting the correct bow sight depends on how and where you’ll use it. These pin sights never come in a one-size-fits-all. So narrowing down the intended application will make your selection easier.
If you’re planning to hunt within a small area, then a simple bow sight should suffice. Given that your shots will be within a narrow range of distances, there’s no need to spend tons of money buying an adjustable sight.
However, if you plan to go target shooting in a massive field or plain, then adjustable archery sights are the way to go.
For such situations, you’ll likely encounter greater distance intervals and open sightlines. So it makes sense to invest in a sight that will allow you to adjust its settings accordingly.
Accuracy
A bow sight should offer you a high level of precision. Otherwise, there’s no point in buying the device in the first place.
Thankfully, most manufacturers design these sights to be as accurate as possible. Still, you’ll want to ensure that the sight can be adjusted so that it suits your current setting.
Thus, some bow sights come fitted with a revolve micro pin system for seamless micro-adjustments to different factors.
On the same point of precision, consider whether the bow sight comes with a square or round pin guard.
Square pin guards were the most commonly used in older bows. But the round guards have taken over, and it’s not surprising. With this circular mode, you’re able to center the pin guard instead of having to adjust each pin individually.
Size
Another crucial factor that you should take into account is the size or diameter of the pin. The most common pin sizes are: .010, .019 and .029 inches. The smaller the number, the smaller the size of the pin.
Although the pin size is usually a matter of personal tastes and preferences, there are two aspects that you should consider here, namely:
Amount of light transmitted
The rule of thumb here is that the bigger the pin, the higher the amount of light it’s able to transmit.
This is particularly important if you’re going bow hunting in low-light conditions. With most game animals - such as elk, deer, and antelope - the most suitable time to hunt is during the gray morning light or when the sun is just about to set.
When you’re hunting in such poorly-lit environments, it’s important that you’re able to see the glow of your sight. This will only happen if the pin diameter is large enough.
Ability to see
Another aspect you should reflect on is your ability to see. Older archers may not have a very sharp vision whereas younger archers will be able to see better.
If you don’t have very sharp eyesight, then consider using a bigger pin that can transmit more light.
Number of Pins
To determine the exact number of pins that you need, estimate how far your target will be. Knowing how far each target is, makes it easy to determine the particular pin to aim for.
Often, hunters prefer to work with a smaller number of pins. But if you aren’t certain of how distant your target will be, then the more pins you have at your disposal, the better.
Let’s consider a situation where you have a 5-pin setup. This allows you to configure the pins at 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 yards. Besides, most bow sights are designed in a way that allows you to remove any extra pins you won’t be using.
Pin Brightness
Most, if not all, of the bow sights available in the modern-day, contain some form of illumination. Some have fiber optic strands that are used to illuminate the tip of the pin. This, in turn, makes it easier to pinpoint the target.
With other models, the ring around the pin is encased in a material that can glow in the dark. And yet others are powered using rheostat lights.
Investing in a bow sight fitted with a light source is crucial. The sight light makes it incredibly easier to hunt in low lighting conditions, which is usually the best time to hunt.
Adjustability
When buying a sight, keep in mind that bows and arrows are constructed in considerably different ways. To add to this, the distance of your target and the environment in which you hunt/shoot will vary from time to time.
For these reasons, you'll want to invest in the best adjustable pin sights you can find. The sight should enable you to adjust factors like:
- Windage
- Yardage
- Elevation
If your sight doesn’t allow you to make adjustments for any of these factors, then you’re better off buying a different one.
Material
Archery equipment is never cheap, and bow sights aren’t any different. So when you’re buying these devices, ensure you’re getting maximum value for your money.
Quality bow sights are made from materials, such as aluminum and stainless steel. Avoid those made of low-quality materials like cheap plastic.
Legality
Typically, using bow sights- be it a single or multi-pin- is considered legal in most countries.
But, you should never assume. So before you rush to make any purchase, research and establish whether these devices are allowed in your region.
Technologies/ Features
Some bow sights arrived fitted with complex technologies that make them easier to use. For instance, the Trophy Ridge line of sights relies on React Technology.
This is designed to make automatic adjustments to the pins. Thanks to this tech, you can be sighted in at any yardage - be it 20 or 60 yards - in under 10 minutes.
Technology aside, another feature you’ll want to factor in is hand orientation. If you prefer the flexibility of being able to use either your right or left hand, then be sure to get a universal bow sight.
Contrary, if you’re strictly left- or right-handed, then a bow sight that’s designed for that particular hand orientation is a better fit.
The Ballistix CoPolymer System is another feature you're likely to find in bow sights like the Trophy Ridge React h5. The purpose of this is to minimize vibrations; hence, improving your accuracy.
Tips on How to Sight in a Bow
Never used bow sights before? The following tips will come in handy:
- Always zero in your bow sight before heading to the field- this will prevent you from wasting time when zeroing in on distances.
- Practice regularly - the more you practice using your bow sight, the better you’ll be at it. Practicing will help gain a deep understanding of its intricacies.
- Don’t alter your stance - if you’ve already learned proper hunting/shooting form, then there’s no need to change it once you install a bow sight.
- Choose a bow sight that suits you - whether you like to hunt in the dark or in broad daylight, be sure to invest in a bow sight that meets your needs.
FAQs
What is the most accurate bow sight?
If precision is what you’re after, the one thing you should focus on is the size of the pin(s). Specifically, look for one that has a small diameter pin. This type of pin conceals just a small portion of the target, making it more accurate on long shots.
One such quality sight that has a small pin is the Trophy Ridge React Pro which comes with a pin size of .010 inches.
What is the most popular bow sight?
While there are many reliable bow sight reviews, one that’s garnered a lot of fame is the TOPOINT Archery 3 pin bow sight.
This fixed pin sight comes at a very pocket-friendly price. And it doesn’t skimp on quality or function. In fact, it’s aluminum-machined and is designed to work for both left- and right-handed archers.
Who makes the best archery sight?
There’s no doubt that Trophy Ridge makes high-quality sights. This brand offers a wide range of sights to meet different needs. And their products are affordable too.
What sight should I get for my bow?
A bow sight that's ideal for one archer might not be the best fit for another archer. So start by considering what’s important to you.
For instance, if you’re looking to make very accurate shots, then a sight with a smaller pin diameter is the best. However, if you tend to use your bow in low-light settings, then a larger pin will work better.
Besides, you should also choose a compound bow sight based on your hunting style. Consider whether you like to make long- or short-range shots.
Conclusion
Looking for the best bow sights on the market? Look no further than the Trophy Ridge React Pro.
Available in both left- and right-handed operations, this bow sight does not discriminate. Plus, it comes in different pin sizes, that is, .019- and .010-inches.
The bow sight provides seamless micro-adjustments to the windage and elevation using a tool-free system. It also relies on React technology, leading to a consistently stellar performance each time you shoot with your bow.