Over the past few decades, bow sights have improved remarkably. It was not too long ago that sights were not even used with bows. Times have changed, though. There are many sights available on the market that can help to increase your accuracy whether you are shooting at targets or you are hunting. Newer sights tend to be higher quality, and you do not have to worry about them getting bumped and knocked out of alignment quite as easily.
With all of the options that are available on the market today when it comes to bow sights, though, you might be wondering which the best option is for you.
The one that you ultimately choose will likely be based on many factors. To help make it easier for you to narrow your selection, we have provided you with the 11 best bow sights on the market right now.
Below, we will be giving further details on each of these options, along with other information about these types of sights and how you can make the right choice for your needs.
Best Hunting Bow Sights
1. Trophy Ridge React H5
Trophy Ridge is a popular brand when it comes to bow sights, and the React H5 is a quality option available in both right and left-hand models, as well as different colors.
The sight features a .019 horizontal-pin sight with React Technology. The sights are fast to sight in, and they are incredibly accurate so that you can shoot better. The fiber optic pins are incredibly bright, and the rheostat light helps to ensure that you will be able to see them and keep your visibility even in low light and changing light.
This sight allows for three different bow mounting positions. Attaching the bow is easy and can be done quickly. You will also find that the windage adjustment and elevation adjustment knobs are easy to use.
The construction of the sight is high-quality, so you can be sure that the bow sight will be able to handle whatever environment you might find yourself when you are out hunting. The dial axis adjustment system will also help you to maintain excellent accuracy, even when you are at long distances from the target.
2. Trophy Ridge React Pro
This option from Trophy Ridge is another quality choice for sights today. As with the H5, this bow sight features React Technology, which will provide you with mathematical precision, and will automatically adjust all five of the pins to the ideal position. You will not need any tools to make adjustments to the windage or elevation, which is very helpful. You will be able to make corrections via micro-adjustments quickly and easily.
The sight’s Third Axis Adjustment will make it possible to improve accuracy even at severe angles when you are shooting over long distances. After you have made two pin adjustments, it is possible to adjust all of the pins simultaneously. The bow sight’s hardware is made from stainless steel, and it features solid aluminum construction.
When you are shooting in low light conditions or lighting conditions that change, you will find that the bow sight has some great benefits. It features a quality rheostat light along with ultra-bright fiber optic pins. Also, it features a glow in the dark ring. It is easy to use, easy to add to your bow, and it can provide you with the added accuracy you need no matter where you are using your bow.
3. HHA OL-5519 Optimizer Lit
Another quality bow sight that might be the right choice for your hunting setup would be the Optimizer Light from HHA. When you sight in the bow at 20 and 60 yards, you will be dialed in and ready to go from 20 out to 80 yards in 5-yard increments. This makes setting up for hunting or target practice fast and easy. The system features fully protected fiber optics, a .019 5500 sight in black, and plenty of other benefits that help to make it a good choice.
It is a lightweight option that has a toolless micro windage adjustment system. It features a yardage dial that’s nice and easy to use, making it possible to make lightning-fast adjustments by the yard. The pin is bright, and you should not have any trouble using it to find your target, whether it is the middle of a sunny day or you are dealing with shadows in a dark forest.
The sight is easy to set up and to place on your bow, and it can provide you with the pinpoint accuracy that you need. You can stay on target and make sure that your quarry does not get away.
4. Trijicon AccuPin Bow Sight
You will find quite a bit to enjoy about this sight. It features a quality sight aperture that uses large fiber to provide you with the maximum amount of light. It has an easy to replace the pin.
It is easy enough that you can replace it in the field if needed without any worry at all. The sight can operate in temperatures from -31 degrees F to 176 degrees F, although if you are using your bow in temperatures that extreme, you will have a lot more to worry about than the sight!
The Triangle TIP of the sight provides the precision of a zero diameter pin, along with a large surface area that will allow it to gather plenty of light even in low light conditions. You will be able to attach the bow sight onto any Weaver or Picatinny rail, as well as on other mounts. It is straightforward to use, and the AccuDial mount for the right-handed sight will ensure that you can get a high level of accuracy with the bow.
The sight is easy to set up, and it is durable. You can be sure it will last for a long time with proper care.
5. TRUGLO TG7515J Bow Sight
This is an exciting and high-quality bow sight that you might seriously want to consider. It features some great benefits, including ease of adjustment and setup.
Another advantage is that this bow sight can be adjusted to work with either left or right-handed shooters. You will also appreciate that it is made from lightweight carbon and aluminum. This means you will get the durability that you need from a bow sight, but you will not be adding too much extra weight to the bow. After a long day or hunting, added weight to the bow in your hands can get to be too much
The sight features a 1.9” diameter circular field of view. The construction of this sight ensures that there is less vibration, which can provide better and more accurate shots.
The sight features extra-long fibers for max brightness, extra-long brackets to increase the sight radius, a reversible bracket for increased vertical adjustment range, and more. There are quite a few benefits to choosing this sight as your next bow accessory.
6. Trophy Ridge Fix Series Sight
Trophy Ridge has made the list again with the bow sights in their Fix Series. They are available with 3, 5, or 7 pins, but you will find that regardless of the number of pins, the benefits are the same.
These high-quality sights for your bow have excellent visibility thanks to the ultra-bright .019 horizontal fiber optic pins. The pins are also micro-adjustable.
You can adjust the brightness with the rheostat light to ensure that you have the perfect level for any lighting condition. The green hood access ring makes it easier to find your pins and target in low light, as well. You will also find that your accuracy can be improved over long distances thanks to the second-axis adjustment.
You will need to use a pin adjustment tool with the device. However, the good news is that this tool will store right on the sight, so you will always have it with you. This can make adjustments when you are out in the field much faster and easier.
7. TRUGLO Range Rover PRO
One of the significant differences between this sight and others on the list is the fact that this utilizes a reticle system rather than the pin systems that you might be accustomed to using. It has some similarities to green dot rifle sights in this aspect, and some bow hunters prefer using these types of reticles. You can choose from a 1-dot (green) or a 2-dot (green and red) option with this TRUGLO sight.
It features an adjustable slider for the sight, and you can micro-adjust the windage. The dot, in this case, is an illumined LED light. It has 11 different brightness settings from which you can choose. Depending on the amount of light that you have available, you might need to have the LED stronger and brighter, for example.
The sight will provide you with a wide field of view, and you will not have to worry about any pins that could be reducing the amount of actual visibility you have downfield.
The Zero-In adjustment dial will make it easy to ensure precise yardage adjustments. The shooter’s ring even glows in the dark. Overall, this is a high-quality, powerful sight that can help to improve your accuracy. It is made from CNC-machined aluminum, so it remains lightweight and still durable.
Something to keep in mind is that the sight will require a CR2032 battery to operate, and one will come with the sight.
8. Trophy Ridge Peak
It is no accident that Trophy Ridge keeps appearing on the list. They make some high-quality bow sights like this one. The 5-pin sight is available in both left and right-handed versions, and it provides some excellent benefits to shooters.
You will find that the design of the vertical in-line pin helps to give you a much clearer view of your target. The pins are bright, as well, so you should not have any trouble picking them out even when the lighting conditions might be less than ideal. The glow in the dark ring is a nice feature, as well.
Shooters will be able to adjust the elevation and the windage quickly and easily without the need for a special tool. This is a lightweight option that also features vibration reduction.
Whether you are hunting or you are shooting targets with friends, you will appreciate just how easy this makes finding your target and hitting it accurately. It could be the right choice for you to consider.
9. FeraDyne IQ Bow Sight
This bow sight is loaded with impressive features that can help to elevate it. For example, with the Retina Lock technology, you will learn how to shoot longer distances and still be able to maintain tight groupings with your arrows.
The sight can provide instant feedback. It also features micro-adjust knobs that will make it possible to make fast and easy adjustments to your elevation and windage. One of the best benefits is that you will not need a tool to make those adjustments.
This right-hand bow sight has three .019 fiber optic pins and a built-in sight level like many of the other sights on the list. It also has a dual-position mount, so you can mount the sight to match your shooting style. The adjustable 2nd axis is easy to use and provides more options for shooting and maintaining accuracy.
The sight has the potential to make you become a better archer since it can help you recognize when you have poor technique. It could be a solid choice, as it is easy to use and affordable.
10. Black Gold Rush Bow Sight
The Rush sight is from Black Gold, and it has some excellent benefits. For starters, it features a PhotoChromatic shell. Black Gold uses this type of shell as a way to better manage the brightness of the pins.
When the pins become too bright, it can become too challenging to shoot correctly and accurately. This technology covers the fiber optic strands. They will turn purple when they are in the presence of natural UV light. This helps to reduce the possibility of having any pin flare. This means you will be able to shoot accurately no matter the lighting conditions.
The sight also features a level. The fluorescent sight rings are interchangeable, and it features a machined aluminum guard. You will find that the sight tends to be low weight and durable.
The PhotoChromatic shell helps to set this bow sight apart from many of the other options that are on the market today. It could be a good option for you if you have had trouble with pins that get too bright.
11. Apex Gear Covert
Apex Gear’s Covert bow sight is an excellent option, as well, and it is a good way to round out the list. This sight will allow you to change the single pin out in a matter of seconds.
You can choose between different pin colors and select the one that works best for your shooting preferences. You can choose from red, green, and yellow. The sight has a multi-adjustable bracket, as well as a level. The yardage tape is rear-facing and easy to see.
This sight is compact and lightweight, helping to make it a good solution for those who are going to be out hunting. The fact that it is also durable thanks to the machined aluminum construction means you can take it out into the field with you without needing to worry quite as much about breaking it.
The sight’s aperture housing includes vertical and horizontal tilt adjustments. Windage and elevation are micro-adjustable, as well. The glow in the dark shooter’s ring aligns with the scope housing.
Why Does Quality Matter?
If you take your archery seriously, you already know why quality is going to matter. When you choose a cheap quality sight, you are going to be disappointed with how it works – if it works at all. There are cheap quality sights on the market that are not very sturdy, so you will need to adjust them after every couple of shots.
You are also likely to find that cheap sights mean that they are cheaply made and use low-quality parts. Therefore, they are not going to last as long. They will not be nearly as durable, and you run a risk of having them break when you are out hunting. That’s the last thing you need.
As you have seen from the list above, quality does not mean that you have to break the bank to get a sight that will work for your needs, and that will last. There are some great options out there that could be what you need. Just make sure that you know what you should be looking for, which we will discuss below. You might also want to save a little more money to ensure that you are buying the best you can. You do not want to have a sight just to have one – you want the best bow sight possible.
Benefits of Using a Bow Sight for Hunters
It is undoubtedly true that there are some people out there who do not like to use a bow sight at all. They learned without having a sight, and they are comfortable shooting that way. They make the adjustments they need, and find that they are still accurate. However, we aren’t all Green Arrow or Hawkeye, and that means we need to consider using a bow sight for all of the excellent benefits they can provide to us. Let’s look at a few of those benefits.
First, no doubt, using a sight will improve your overall accuracy. You will be able to know exactly where the arrow will go, and you will know how to adjust for different yardages. Whether you are shooting targets and competing amongst your friends or you are out in the woods hunting for meat to put in your freezer for the winter, you are going to appreciate this accuracy.
With sights like those that we have on the list above, you will also find that it makes shooting in various lighting conditions much easier. With just the peep sights, finding and shooting your target accurately in low light is very difficult. Your arrow could be somewhat off-target, and this could result in a wounded animal that gets away and remains in pain rather than a dead animal you can bring home for dinner.
Different Types of Bow Sights
As you check out the list above, you will notice that there are several different types of bow sights available today. All have the same primary goal – helping you to become more accurate. However, how they can do that can vary based on their design. Let’s take a general look at some of the different types of bow sites available.
Reticle Sight
We have one reticle sight on our list. As mentioned, these are similar to the green dot and red dot sights that are often used with rifles. These reticle sights are new, but it is quite likely that they are going to become very popular in the coming years, as they have many incredible benefits. They use an LED system rather than fiber optics and pins. Those who are accustomed to using a rifle with these types of sights will find that making the transition is easy. This is especially true for those who might have trouble remembering how they need to hold the pin to hit their target. With the reticle, you just need to line it up and release the arrow. The reticle sights tend to be highly accurate.
Single Pin Sights, Multiple Pin Sights, Vertical Pin Sights
You will also find that there are some great options with pin sights, as they make up the bulk of our list. These are also very common, and they have been the “tried and true” sight for many years. The single pin sights can be a good option for simple shooting. They are easy to adjust, and it should be easy to sight-in your bow. However, they do not always provide as many options, and it might not be as easy to make those long-distance shots. For those, you might need to have multiple or vertical pins.
Multiple pins are stacked in the sight are ubiquitous, and the one that many bowhunters have been using for many years. Once you learn how to sight your bow correctly and how to use the pins, it becomes easy to understand what you need to do to be accurate at different ranges. These can be hard to use when you are first starting, though. You need to be able to make fast decisions on which pin you should be using, especially when you are out hunting. If you choose the wrong pin and misjudge the distance, you will not hit your target.
The vertical pins are a relatively new option. Instead of being laid out horizontally like the multiple pins, they are vertical, which means they are going to take up less real estate in your sight picture. This reduces the risk of you not seeing everything downfield.
So, which of these is best? That is not a decision we can make for you. Ultimately, the one that will work the best is the one that you are most comfortable using and that you like the best. We’ve collected the best of the best on the list above, so no matter which one of those you choose, you can be sure that you are getting a quality, accurate sight that can take your skills to the next level.
Tips for Choosing a Bow Sight
Since we can’t tell you which type of bow sight is right for you without knowing your needs, preferences, and style, you might be wondering just how we would be able to provide you with tips on choosing the bow sight. It is because these tips are universal things that you should be keeping in mind and considering when you are making your choice.
First, you should think about how and where you will be using the bow sight. Are you going to be shooting for fun and you want to be a bit more accurate? You might not need to have a sight geared toward hunting in that case. Are you shooting in low light conditions? If so, you will want to make sure that you choose a setup that will be able to accommodate those needs.
Second, think about where you might be when you have to make adjustments to the bow sight. Will you be at the range where it will be easy to access your tools? Will you be in the woods hunting when you need to make fast adjustments on the fly? If the latter is the case, you might want to consider some of the toolless bow sight options.
It is also crucial that you think about the material from which the bow sight is made. Always choose better quality material, even though it might be a bit more expensive. When you want quality material, you will find that it tends to be much more durable.
Will the sight be all you need to be accurate with the bow? While having a quality bow sight will undoubtedly help many to improve their accuracy, it will not be the only thing that is needed to ensure accuracy. You also need to make sure that you have your fundamentals down. You need to know how to show correctly first. No sight will make up for bad form. Take the time to practice and allow the sight to accentuate your skills; it will not replace them.
Of course, you do need to think about your budget when you are making your choice, as well. You want to be sure you are choosing something that will not break the bank, but that still delivers the features you need.
Set Up Your Bow Sight
You can’t simply attach your new bow sight to your bow and think you are ready to go hunting. Well, you could, but you wouldn’t be very accurate. Once you have your new site on the bow, you will still need to make sure that you sight it correctly at various yardages.
Take the time you need at the range or wherever you shoot targets to set up your sight properly. Then, you will need to practice. Practice making adjustments on the fly, as well. Get comfortable with your sight and how to use it properly before you think about taking it hunting with you.
Tips for Properly Caring for Your Bow Sight
If you are going to be spending a large amount of money on your bow sight, as you did with your bow, it makes sense that you will want to take care of it properly. Fortunately, when you buy a quality, durable sight, this tends to be easy. You will want to keep it clean, and you will want to do your best to keep from bumping it or dropping it. Even though there are durable options available, this does not mean that you should abuse them.
When you are out in the field, be careful of what you are doing with your bow and where you are putting it. Laying it down to get covered in mud or having it fall from a tree stand will not to the bow or the sight any favors. A little care and common sense are generally all you need to keep your sight in great shape.
At this point, you should have quite a bit more knowledge when it comes to the various types of bow sights that are available today, and you know why they are so helpful. If you are in the market for a bow sight, the list above is a great place to start looking for just what you need. Find your bow site today and take your accuracy to the next level.