From the wind to the light to the distance, there are too many factors that may affect your shot as an archer, despite the fact that accuracy is the primary skill requirement here. In a bid to improve archer’s or hunter’s accuracy, the bow sight has been invented. Similar to the shotgun sight, the best bow sight provides a better view of the direction of the projectile. With this tool, your target will likely be hit, no matter if it’s a sports event or your hunting trip.
Knowing how important a bow sight is to archers and hunters, we’ve helped them compile a list of the top ten bow sights on the market. Our selection was facilitated by a couple of key factors. We considered the number of pins as it’s one of the primary factors that determine accuracy. We also took the materials into consideration to make sure that all our picks are durable enough to withstand rough usage. You also don’t want something that will be weighing your bow down, so we considered the weight as well.
As usual, our guide is packed with useful information and unbiased products overview. Being a result of rigorous research that lasted for tens of hours, it’s not surprising. Apart from the comprehensive reviews we’ve provided for each product, we’ve also included a super-enlightening buying guide. Right below it, you’ll also find an FAQ section which provides answers to the numerous questions potential buyers are often faced with.
More features: inbuilt bubble level
The Trophy Ridge Volt 5 Pin Bow Sight is our Editor’s Pick for a lot of reasons. It guarantees maximum precision through the mix of its incredible features: five .019 fiber optic pins with a pin guard holding them in place, thereby providing maximum visibility for accuracy while shooting.
Furthermore, this bow sight features a bubble level which enables you to perfectly align your shots before firing the arrow. It also boasts of a green accent which allows you to use the pins to perfectly line up the target or readjust your shot according to the weather conditions. Also, right-handed and left-handed people can easily use this bow sight as it’s designed for both. This bow sight has a compact design, which makes it easy to mount on the bow or carry around.
The Trophy Ridge Volt 5 Pin Bow Sight is one of the most versatile models on the market, owing to its reversible mount design. Besides, the unlimited pin settings it’s equipped with means you can find the precise sight you’re looking for. Aluminum construction makes the sight light yet durable to serve you well for long.
More features: 4 bow mounting positions; glow-in-the-dark ring
Featuring the advanced React technology, the Trophy Ridge React V5 Bow Sight is a tool that was designed to let you enjoy mathematical precision. It aligns the pins accurately to enhance your bow-shooting skills in numerous conditions. Thanks to the advanced technology it’s equipped with, this bow sight is a perfect match for advanced archers as it helps them reduce errors. It’s also perfect for long-distance shooting, due to the third axis adjustment it features. If you need optimum accuracy at various distances, then this is the right model to look at.
While this model may be heavier than its rivals on the market, it’s because of the aluminum and stainless steel it is made of. However, it is sturdy and almost indestructible, making it the perfect sight to rely on for long-term plans. Besides, it also features a design that makes it the best fit for a compound bow. It also comes with a rheostat light for improved low-light performance, which further justifies its relatively high price tag. And since it already comes with extras like a rheostat light, you don’t need to shell extra money on a separate one, which is money-saving.
For optimum visibility in dark and low-light conditions, the unit also boasts a glow-in-the-dark ring. Like most high-end models, this one is also suitable for all users – right or left-handed. The fact that it’s too complex for beginners is probably the only complaint most people will have about it. In general, it is the best 5 pin bow sight on our list.
More features: tool-less adjustment; yardage dial
Despite being one of the heaviest models in our roundup, the Spot Hogg Double Pin .019 Fast Eddie Sight is a superb device that’s sure to impress its users. Even though it’s not really lightweight, its design is very sleek, and the sight itself is incredibly easy to use. If you like being close to your riser, then this bow sight can be an excellent choice for you. It features everything you could want, including nearly unlimited adjustment settings and supreme sturdiness, plus it features a high-precision double pin configuration. Two fiber optic aiming points are designed to align into a single pin for maximum precision.
Like we’ve mentioned, this bow sight from Spot-Hogg Archery Products packs all the nice features you would be looking for. Its multiple-ring technology is one of its most remarkable perks as it helps peep alignment in a variety of light conditions. Not only that but the unit also has micro-adjust windage feature and both second and third axis adjustments. Durability-wise, this model is also one of the most reliable models on the market, which isn’t surprising considering its relatively heavy weight.
While this device can’t be considered lightweight when compared to simpler devices with fewer features, it is actually one of the most lightweight models among more advanced bow sights.
More features: precision-installed bubble level; nylon bushings
While Trophy Ridge is actually a jack of trades when it comes to hunting tools, they are ironically a master when it comes to bow sights. The Trophy Ridge Drive Slider Bow Sight is a good evidence of their incredible expertise. Starting with its extraordinary accuracy, the unit comes with a bright-colored pin that works in low-light conditions. The pin is a light-absorbing .029 fiber pin, so it is understandable that it is very bright.
If you’re a night hunter, you don’t have to worry as this model features an LED light to help illuminate the sight ring and pin. Apart from the light, there is also a bubble level installed just below the fiber pin, which ensures that there is an appropriate balance when you’re shooting at the target. The mix of the bubble level and the fiber pin truly make this sight a real value for money.
When it comes to user-friendliness, the sight is suitable for both right and left-handed users. You only need to loosen the screws and flip the unit over the side that is ideal for you. While some people may consider this a drawback, it takes only about three minutes. In general, this bow sight is incredibly easy to install, sporting only two screws. It’s also affordably priced despite all the great features it packs, making it a real value for money.
More features: color-coded tape for yards; 100-percent machined aluminum
If you’re looking for a bow sight that offers the most effortless adjustment and the fastest settings of the pin, you can’t look past the HHA OL-5519 Optimizer. Apart from the pins that are designed for precise and accurate shots, the sight is engineered to deliver a great performance in low-light conditions. Being one of the best single pin bow sights on the market, this unit is made with hunters’ needs in mind. Featuring easy adjustment mechanisms, this unit will surely help you make the most of your field time.
Setting and adjusting the pin also requires no tools, allowing you to easily dial in the yardage you require. This amazing unit from HHA also comes in a black color, which allows it to effortlessly blend with the surroundings. And since the fiber optics are protected entirely through its hood, you don’t have to be concerned about them whatsoever. With its easy-to-use design, this bow sight is perfect for beginners. It is ideal for shooting between 20 and 60 yards, which is quite impressive.
The device also boasts a rheostat light so that you will be able to adjust the brightness of the pin easily. Despite being reasonably lightweight at nine ounces, it is still sturdy and has a solid construction. Although some buyers still noted they wished the sight came with some detailed instructions, that is just probably the only stain on an otherwise clean slate.
More features: glow-in-the-dark ring; rheostat light
Trophy Ridge always design their bow sights with performance in mind, and the Trophy Ridge Pursuit Vertical Pin Bow Sight may just be the best of them all. With its super accurate single pin design, this is easily one of the best bow sights available for avid hunters. It also has a rheostat light and an ultra-bright fiber that allows you to get accurate shots regardless of the low-light conditions. The indicator lines and glowing sight bezel will constantly guide your eye into the sight pin.
Produced using a mix of aluminum materials and polymer, this is without any doubt a very durable unit. While everything about it, including the pin, was engineered with durability in mind, it was done in a way that wouldn’t compromise its ultra-slim profile. It is also effortless to make adjustments since you don’t require any tool to do them. And since there is polymer brushing on every metal surface, the adjustment doesn’t make any sound, helping you to remain focused.
Setting the sight up for the first time may take some getting used to, but you will soon realize how incredible it is as soon as you’ve sorted out all the telemetry. Available for both left and right-handed people with several mounting positions, this bow sight is easy to use for any shooter. While it lacks calibration marks for windage and elevation and doesn’t use fine tuning, it still performs well enough to be considered a decent unit to take a spot on this list.
More features: tool-less design; 2” diameter housing
The next option on our list is a super affordable model that was designed with every need of archers in mind. With a two-inch diameter, it offers a very broad field of view so that you will never miss your target. Apart from that, it is suitable for both left and right-handed users, making it a very versatile bow sight. And the five .019 pins it features will surely improve your hunting and shooting skills considerably.
Furthermore, this unit was designed to block less of your target, making it an excellent choice for more precise aiming and long-distance shooting. The fact that it’s produced using aluminum also guarantees its optimum durability, added to its durability-enhancing stainless steel pin tubes. To enhance vertical shots, it features a removable, reversible bracket. And due to the fine adjustments, the windage and elevation can be accurately adjusted for numerous shooting conditions.
What’s more, users will feel less vibration and thereby improve their accuracy, owing to the one-piece head. And if night hunting is your thing, the blue LED light the sight features will help you have a better night hunting experience. While adjustments can be made with any tool, keep in mind that they do not lock down.
More features: micro push-button light; soft-feel technical coating
Being one of the most lightweight bow sights on the market at 3.5 ounces, the TRUGLO Carbon XS Lightweight Carbon-Composite Bow Sight won’t affect your balance. Its super-versatile design makes for easy adjustment, and the fact that it’s produced using carbon composite means it won’t weigh your hands down while you aim your shots. Its black design also blends seamlessly with the surroundings, and it’s been coated as well to guarantee longevity.
Being suitable for right and left-handed archers, this bow sight features two vertical bars for easy and quick mounting. Also, it’s equipped with a reversible bracket to enhance your vertical shots. Apart from boasting four pins for a broad field of view, this device also features a glow-in-the-dark ring that increases night visibility and low-light conditions. Not only that, but it also features a micro push-button light that ensures you don’t ever shoot blindly.
However, despite how great this sight is, more advanced archers have complained that it doesn’t adequately adjust to shoot accurately while showing between 30 and 40 yards. Besides, you need to be extra careful when mounting as it may break accidently if it’s pressed too hard.
More features: markings for elevation and windage
While the Topoint Archery 3-Pin Bow Sight may not really seem like it at first glance, it actually delivers a lot of punch for its price. Despite weighing just 5.6 ounces, this unit has a remarkably solid built, thanks to the CNC machining used for it. The body is produced using 6061-T6 aluminum, a lightweight material commonly utilized in aircraft built.
Furthermore, the bow sight can be adjusted for both left and right-handed users. The unit also has a really durable and strong mounting arm, coupled with a very easy installation process which can be done within a minute. The unit is also marked for elevation and windage, so it is very easy to use. The left markings are extremely understandable, clear, and handy.
While this unit is not ideal for evening practices, it still packs enough punch to benefit you during the initial hours of the evening. Although it doesn’t have a super low-light performance, it is still satisfactory. Of course, these are small compromises you have to make when buying a budget-friendly product such as this one.
More features: dual position mount
If conventional bow sights with horizontal pins are your thing, then the Field Logic IQ Compound Bow Archery Sight may be the product you’re looking for. The bow sight may have a standard style, it offers a couple of features that are beyond the initial iterations of conventional pin sights. It comes in two versions – a three-pin a five-pin. Also, the pins are sufficiently thin to provide you with a perfect view with a little offset to enable them to sit close together.
Fiber-optic pins offer excellent visibility. However, if needed, the model allows you to add rheostat light (sold separately) so that you’ll be able to shoot in low-light conditions. The unit itself is produced using lightweight polymer that is fairly strong and rigid. While it lacks the durability of aluminum, its incredible flexibility and light weight makes up for it. The entire sight weighs just 7.6 ounces, making it easy to mount on your bow.
The most unique feature on this unit is the patented Retina Lock System built into it. This may be just a basic green and black dot, but utilizing it in the right way will make sure your bow doesn’t have any torque when you release. For adjustments, this sight utilizes an Allen wrench and doesn’t have fine tuning, but it is still versatile enough to make it efficient.
When you’re shopping for the right bow sight for your bow, you need to equip yourself with all the knowledge you can acquire. To help you do that, we have compiled some useful information and tips in the section below.
While target shooters and hunters often disagree on the most effective kind of bow sight, one thing they agree on is that it’s easier to make accurate shots consistently when you use a proper sight.
Although most hunters prefer a fixed pin sight, target shooters often love how they’re able to fine tune with moveable pins. Of course, both types have their pros and cons but below are the numerous ways a bow sight could help improve your hunting.
One of the primary reasons for installing a sight on a bow is to enhance aim and alignment. The peep sight alongside your eyes may help a bit, but it isn’t still possible line up shots from afar. If you’re only intending to shoot arrows from about ten feet or even less, then you probably have a need for a sight before hitting the target. However, shooting constantly at targets from a close distance is quite impractical, so a bow sight is required to help improve aim and alignment.
Another way that a bow sight helps hunters is that it improves their ability to focus on a target accurately. If you use only a large peep sight, it will be difficult or nearly impossible for you to focus on objects from afar. Consequently, you may miss a shot that you wouldn’t have missed had it been you had a sight.
While some beginners think that this problem can be solved by utilizing a little peep sight, this can be a dangerous move, especially if you’re hunting in low-light conditions. apart from reducing your field of vision, a smaller peep sight also limits the amount of light that will reach your eye. Since enough light won’t reach your eye, it will be nearly impossible for you to see the target or even line up a shot accurately.
Another way a bow sight helps hunters is that it allows them to save money. When you’re unable to line up an accurate shot or even see the target, there are chances that you will be wasting lots of arrows. Unless you demand something special, arrows are usually inexpensive.
However, the cost of replacing broken tips or lost bolts continually will add up quickly. Besides, this can lead to wasted contest fees, alongside lost prize money. Hunters will find out quickly that having to replace their arrows without really hitting anything significant can squeeze out all the fun from the sport.
The fact that it is more challenging and difficult than hunting with a rifle is probably the fun part of archery. While archery is meant to challenge your hunting skills, it can rapidly become frustrating if you can’t hit even slow-moving targets. With a bow sight, you will be able to line up accurate shots and experience all the excitement and fun of bringing the game down with an arrow.
Archery is a fascinating sport, but that’s only if you have the right sight to go along with your bow. If you want to pick the perfect sight for your bow, then you need to keep the following factors in your mind when doing your shopping.
If you’re choosing a multi-pin bow sight, make sure you select the number of pins carefully. Keep in mind that multiple pins don’t always guarantee better results. In fact, a lot of pins can congest your bow sight sometimes. You can select three or more pins, with the maximum being seven. The easiest way to determine the ideal number of pins for you is by evaluating the ranges you’ll shoot. Also, consider the level of adjustments you will make.
A high-quality sight should have a small pin diameter. The pin size is usually the difference between a poor sight and a good sight. Always keep in mind that the smaller the better when it comes to sight pins, you just need to ensure they are sufficiently strong and stiff to handle your shooting conditions. Nowadays, the basic pin diameters are .010, .019, and .029. Therefore, smaller size always comes with more precise aiming.
The smaller pin means you can easily dial down where you want your shot to hit exactly. A larger pin will most definitely cover more part of your prey, which means it can’t be as accurate as a smaller pin. At .019 inches, the models with the smallest diameter on our list are the Trophy Ridge Pursuit Vertical Pin Bow Sight, the Trophy Ridge Volt 5 Pin Bow Sight, the Field Logic IQ Bowsights Compound Bow Archery Sight, and some other models.
Another important factor you must consider is the sight’s durability. A sight that features an aluminum design, sturdy and lightweight should be good enough. A plastic model that is often priced affordably, on the other hand, won’t be as durable and sturdy as a model with aluminum construction.
Therefore, we recommend you to always choose an aluminum model that is durable enough to last you a long time. You can select a model with a combination of both aluminum and plastic if you are on a budget. Besides, they are stronger and more affordable than the all-plastic bow sights.
There are horizontal and vertical adjustments that make up for the wind speed and the angle of the shooter, which will alter the course of the arrow. Ensure the sight you’re choosing has adjustment knobs to make the process easy. While some bow sights utilize adjustment knobs, others use an Allen wrench. Of course, it’s always recommended to go with ones that come with adjustment knobs, especially if you’re a beginner.
Another factor you have to consider is the sight’s hand orientation. While some sights are specifically designed for either right or left-handed users, some are decided with both users in mind.
Make sure the sight you choose is suitable for whichever hand you use.
Heavy sights don’t serve as stabilizers. While some archers like having a little extra mass on their bows so that their aim will be kept stable, aiming for a prolonged period with more weight can strain your arm and affect your aiming precision. We recommend buying a sight that won’t add a lot of weight to your weapon to prevent unwanted muscle strain.
Extras refer to both accessories that come with the sight and some special features you’ll find on that model only. When it comes to unique features, check if the model you’re buying has bubble levels, yardage dials, and rheostat light. When we talk about accessories, think about a model that comes with some installation tools or a sight tape, like the HHA OL-5519 Optimizer Lite .019 5500 Sight. You need to, however, bear in mind that extras often increase the price of the unit.
The first thing you will do is determine the distance of yardage you wish to set the sight up for. You could set it for 20 or 25 yards initially. Then use a rangefinder to calculate that chosen distance and walk there. If you can find a rangefinder, you could measure the correct distance.
Aim straight at the target’s center and shoot three of exactly same kind of arrows, each one, in turn, taking as much time as is needed to carefully point and shoot. Make sure the arrows group close together. And if that is the case, simply take out the arrows and shoot a single arrow this time at the target. If your arrows don’t group close together, then something is either wrong with one of your arrows or something is off in your shooting.
If your arrows group close together, adjust your bow sight to the single arrow you just shot. You need to keep a tab on the missed shot. Simply put, if your arrow went down, adjust your bow sight down. If it went left, then adjust your bow light toward to left. Most likely, you will need to adjust both horizontally and vertically. For instance, your arrow hit up above and to the right.
As you did initially, look through the bow sight while aiming straight at the center of the target. Ensure your bow is still now, the adjust the bow sight toward the direction of the missed shot. You need to keep adjusting the bow sight until the missed arrow is directly where your sight is pointing.
Take the arrow out from the target, return to your chosen distance, and fire another shot straight at the middle of the target. This time around, it should be very close. If any tweaking is required, repeat the above process until your bow sight is lined up accurately for your selected yardage.
However, they are not without their disadvantages. First of all, they are too slow in some situations. In addition to that, they aren’t capable of adjusting the distance at full draw.
When it comes to the manufacturing of bow sights, Trophy Ridge leads while others follow. That’s why it’s probably unsurprising that their Trophy Ridge Volt 5 Pin Bow Sight takes the Editor’s Choice on our list. With its superb design combined seamlessly with high functionality, you just can’t bet against this bow sight.
Featuring the advanced React technology that aligns the pins accurately to enhance your bow-shooting skills, the Trophy Ridge React V5 Bow Sight takes the second position. Away from the React tech, however, it is also effortless to adjust and delivers optimum accuracy.
The Spot Hogg Double Pin .019 Fast Eddie Sight takes the third spot on our list. With its tool-less adjustment and yardage dial, this model is very easy to use, even for beginners. It is also one of the most lightweight models among more advanced bow sights.
