A different question about rangefinders

[RangerClay]

I've pretty much decided on what brand to get. Now, for those of you who own a rangefinder. What are some features that I should not live without. I plan to use it primarily for bow hunting and that's it.

[craig mack]

I have Nikons 440's. They're the only ones that I have ever used so I dont know if they are lacking in options. I'm happy with them, they work great for me and are perfect for bowhunting.

[johnf]

I've got an older Bushnell that has a rain mode. I don't really know how it works, but when you use it, it gives you accurate readings in the rain. It's got scan too, but I've never used it.

I don't know if the new one are like this, but mine doesn't work at all if it's less that 15 yards, but then again if it's less than 15, you don't really have to worry about it do you.

[RangerClay]

I see some have 4X or 6X power. Which is better?

[hammerforged]

RangerClay - I've got the Bushnell Compact 800 that has 8x Permafocus, it also has the Rain mode like the one johnf has and it works great. I was in South Dakota, coyote hunting last winter in a snow storm and the rain mode worked great in the snow storm.

[toddyboman]

I like the rain mode and scan mode options. I am sure most all the new ones have those or something comparable.

[Mirage]

i like my nikkon but it dosnt have the angle correction like the new ones. that would be a nice feature

[Chrud]

I see some have 4X or 6X power. Which is better?

Joe,

Having owned both a 4X and 6X rangefinder, 4X is much better. There are a few reasons. One, since your rangefinder will be used mostly for bowhunting, you don't need anything more than 4X. Second, it is much easier to find the critter in a 4X rangefinder than a 6X. Last, the 4X will be brighter and be better in low light conditions than the 6X, assuming both have the same objective (usually around 20 for rangefinder I think).

I have a Nikon Laser 400 that is 6X and I'm going to get a different Nikon in 4X in the next year or two. I pretty much only use mine to determine distances to land marks.

[Rhino]

I agree with Chrud. I own 4x and 6x too and 4x is better. My 6x Nikon don't have the light gathering ability as the 4x does. My 6x Nikon is my backup if my 4x breaks down. In a nutshell clarity of vision and light gathering ability are a lot more important than magnification. It's pretty frustrating when you're up in a tree at dawn, can see well enough to shoot but can't see through your rangefinder well enough to see a specific object to range. I like to range specific objects around me from my stand to establish known distances before a deer walks in. That way it's easy to estimate their distance without having to fumble around with a rangefinder at the moment of truth.

I do like the scan mode. Just hold down the button and move from one object to the other. The rain mode is pretty useless for a bowhunter.

[wtnhunt]

I like to range specific objects around me from my stand to establish known distances before a deer walks in. That way it's easy to estimate their distance without having to fumble around with a rangefinder at the moment of truth.

I do like the scan mode. Just hold down the button and move from one object to the other. The rain mode is pretty useless for a bowhunter.

Got to agree with Alan here. I try to range where I expect to have shots prior to any deer coming into the area. Only pair I have used is the compact 800's mentioned above, so not too sure about the lower power comparisons, but could see where with bowhunting it would make sense that the lower power would be preferred.

[m gardner]

I have an Optilogic. No magnification, ranges to 120 yards and has a red dot. Very simple for the simpleminded. Very effective though.

Mark

[HOYTnMUZZYboy]

I have the bushnell not even sure what model it is. I like to keep things simple, i push the button and it tells me a round about distance. I use mine mainly for bowhunting, just make sure, if you plan on useing it from a tree to sight your bow in from about the same height you plan on hunting from.. It just takes one less thing off your mind when it comes to harvesting your animal. Just my 2 cents tho.