Month: July 2015

The Redfield Raider Rangefinder 600A claims that it provides accurate ranging for up to 600 yards, allowing for precision that will help hunters to land whatever game they choose to hunt. With a scan mode for constant ranging and one button operation for quick response, the Redfield Raider Rangefinder 600A could be the tool that every hunter needs, if it lives up to its claims.

The Raider 600A adds angle compensation to its counterpart, the Raider Rangefinder 600. The rangefinder is more advanced than its predecessor, the 500, since it now includes the viewing angle as part of the rangefinder’s calculations.

After using the Redfield Raider for several months, I found the performance to be good, comparing to other high end models. The size could be a little larger, but this was really the only complaint I had. Overall, this is a simple and great rangefinder for hunters who have not used this kind of equipment before. It provides basic functionality that is easy to use and accurate.

The rangefinder was incredibly useful for zeroing firearms. I took this to the shooting range and set my guns with complete accuracy. This sure beats measuring inexact range marks on the wall. It made my life easier in this regard. This feature alone is worth a lot to me.

Additionally, the rangefinder’s dynamic ranging feature is very useful. During a recent hunting trip, I was able to track a target with the distance changing as the target moved by just pushing and holding one button. It was easy to use this feature, even when the target was moving very quickly. The distance appeared to be measured accurately and updated quickly as the target changed distances. I know I will continue to use this feature in the future.

As a targeting scope, it also performed very well. The magnification allowed me to easily identify the shot placement on the target. This took a lot of the guesswork that I was using previously away, and I feel like I’m able to shoot more confidently, without second guessing myself before taking the shot.

Comparing the rangefinder’s performance to other units, the Raider 600A can hold its own with much more expensive units. I took this rangefinder on a hunting excursion with my friends, who all own much higher end rangefinders of their own. We compared numbers among rangefinders, and the Raider 600A got the same readings as all of my friends’ rangefinders.

Among the possible improvement areas for the Raider 600A is its size. The rangefinder looked and felt to be a bit small, and is just five ounces in weight. I would have liked to use something that was a little more substantial, although the compact size does make it easy to carry. However, I thought that something a little larger would actually be easier to handle, although this is probably a matter of personal preference.

In researching this rangefinder before purchasing it, I noted that some users have reported that the Raider Rangefinder was not reliable and stopped performing not long after purchasing it. I have not experienced this yet, but the most users who report issues with the rangefinder reported that Redfield stood behind their product and made it right. Redfield has a good reputation for customer service, and I feel confident that I would be able to resolve any issues in the future.

Overall, I was quite impressed with the performance and accuracy of this rangefinder. Although the rangefinder could be slightly larger and heavier, the rangefinder seemed to be durable and was easy to carry. I would recommend this product to those who haven’t used a rangefinder before.

For new users or users on a budget, the Simmons LRF 600 Tilt Intelligence Laser Rangefinder represents an economical introduction to rangefinders. With a vertical design, the rangefinder is sleek and ergonomic. Good size and grip make the rangefinder both easy to use as well as comfortable to hold.

Features

With single-button technology, this rangefinder is easy to use. Its features are simple but effective. The rangefinder operates on a single 9V battery that holds up well over many uses. Priced just over $100, the rangefinder sports a rugged plastic exterior that holds up well outdoors. At just 7.7 ounces, it is a lightweight rangefinder that offers 4x magnification and an overall good field of vision.

Pros

Simmons provides an affordable option with this rangefinder. It operates exceptionally in sunlight and with its sturdy casing is very durable. The Simmons LRF 600 Rangefinder is accurate within a yard at 300 yards, though the accuracy of its readings tends to drop at longer distances. Its vertical design and compact dimensions (4x2x3 inches) make the rangefinder portable and easy to store. With single-button operation, Simmons plays to users who are either new to rangefinders or who value simplicity over extra features. Either way, the single-button feature is easy to use.

Cons

Past 300 yards, accuracy suffers on this rangefinder. Though Simmons advertises a range of 600 yards, the realistic range on the finder lies somewhere between 200 and 400 yards. Past 300 yards, accuracy is compromised. Unlike more advanced rangefinders, this device does not include an inclinometer. This absence requires the user to calculate angles and elevations on the fly. Depending on the experience of the user, this can pose a challenge that will further complicate the accuracy of the rangefinder’s readings. For an experienced user, the challenge of assessing elevation may be an intriguing challenge, rather than a frustration.

The rangefinder performs well sunlight, but dim lighting makes the LCD screen difficult to read. Because Simmons eschewed filling the rangefinder with Nitrogen, the device tends to fog. The tendency for the viewfinder to fog up is a detriment in poor weather conditions. Finally, while the single-button operation of the device is simple, the response time of range readings is sub-optimal.

Best Feature

The affordability of the Simmons LRF 600 is easily the most attractive feature of the device. With the low price point, extra features that you would find in some other rangefinders are sacrificed. Still, cost remains paramount, and Simmons delivers good value for the price of this rangefinder.

Worst Feature

With diminished accuracy after 400 yards and a visual sweet spot nestled somewhere between 200-400 yards, the advertised 600 yard spec is ambitious and, for most users, probably unattainable. Also, the difficulty of reading the LCD screen in any but the most ideal conditions is a definite drawback, as outdoor conditions vary widely within any given time period.

Most Unexpected Feature

The battery life that results from a single 9V, in an era of rechargeable devices, is remarkable. Although many comparable devices die after 1,000 or 1,500 uses, the battery life for the Simmons LRF 600 proves strong even after 2000 uses. The economical price of this rangefinder is reinforced by the knowledge that replacing batteries over the life of the device will not be a costly endeavor.

In Summary

There are rangefinders with more bells and whistles. There are rangefinders with better accuracy. However, Simmons presents a rangefinder that appeals to new users with its price and simplicity. The Simmons LRF 600 Tilt Intelligence Laser Rangefinder also appeals to experienced users who are looking for a rangefinder that is both affordable and durable.

As a class of handheld gadgets, the “rangefinder” has revolutionized professionals in a variety of industries. The newly released SA Sports 7.26 Dragon Eyez 1500 Yard Rangefinder is racking up 4.5 to 5 star ratings from happy customers across a wide range of professions. Read on to learn more about this unique and affordable rangefinder.

SA Sports 7.26 Dragon Eyez Features

This Dragon Eyez rangefinder offers a diverse range of options for its amazingly low price (less than $200).

Here is a list of the top features:

• Laser sighting range up to 1,500 feet.
• Water resistant.
• Cutting edge LCD display.
• Reflective surface.
• 25 MM lens with fine cloth (helps with preservation long term).
• Lanyard and carrying case included.
• Magnification up to 7X.
• Range of standard uninterrupted view (FOV) at 105 yards up to 1,000 yards
• Needs only two AAA batteries to operate.
• Very compact and light to carry at just 6.6 oz. with dimensions of 5″ X 2″ X 7″.
• Works well in adverse weather conditions like rain or fog (use “rain mode”).
• Can measure in American (yards) or European (meters) measurements.

Uses

The Dragon Eyez is finding a home amongst hobbyists and professionals in a variety of applications.

Here are some top industries that are now using this rangefinder:

• Hunting, including rifle, pistol and bow
• Fishing
• 3-D Modeling
• Archery
• Military applications
• Photography
• Forestry
• Construction

Accessories

Because the Dragon Eyez has found such a warm welcome for diverse applications, you can now take advantage of a number of accessories to enhance its use for your needs. Accessories you may consider include a tripod and mount, under-arm holder, camouflage skins, accessories case (for extra batteries, et al) and GPS system.

Using Your New  Rangefinder

If you have never used a rangefinder before, you will be happy to discover the Your New SA Sports 7.26 Dragon Eyez 1500 Yard Rangefinder is designed to work seamlessly right out of the box. Just add the batteries, power up and you are ready to go!

If you are brand new to rangefinders, it can help to practice with stationary objects in your area, such as houses or large vehicles, just to be sure you don’t waste precious field time learning your way around the device. You can practice sighting and recording your results in a variety of weather, including windy, foggy, rainy or snowy weather (remember, your new rangefinder has the “rain mode” to equalize weather conditions, so this will help a lot).

This compact, sleek rangefinder weighs in at right around one pound, so it certainly won’t add any extra burden to your field gear. You can carry it on the lanyard that is provided or in its carrying case, or consider purchasing an accessory like an under-arm shoulder loop holster for easier carrying.

Caring for Your SA Sports 7.26 Dragon Eyez

Your new rangefinder comes with a lens cleaning cloth that you can use to clean the lens during und after use. You can use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the rangefinder unit as well. You should also check battery strength before each new trip. Other than these tips, you won’t need much maintenance!

In short, the SA Sports Dragon Eyez is a great rangefinder that you can rely on in the field!

It is that time of year again when hunting and outdoorsmen start outfitting for the season. What better way to boost your chances of a successful hunt than with a range finder. I have used a variety of rangefinders in my day and the Nikon Forestry Pro Rangefinder is one of the best I have seen. I say this for many reasons which will be outlined in this review.

First, let’s get the technical stuff out of the way. The Forestry Pro Rangefinder:

1. Has a measurement range of 999 feet.
2. Is accurate to within a few inches at the maximum range (999 Ft).
3. Magnification up to 6X
4. Actual field of view is 6.0 degrees
5. Exit pupil is 3.2 mm
6. Eye relief 18.2 mm
7. Actual size 130mm X 69mm x 45mm
8. Weight 210 Grams
9. Powered by one CR2 lithium battery (DC3V)
10. Automatic power off if untouched for 30 seconds
11. Class 1M laser classification

In addition, the Forestry Pro has these features.

• Measures not only actual distance but also horizontal distance, height difference between two objects. Three-point measurement is also available.
• Has internal and external LCD displays. All information is shown at the same time on both displays.
• Target Priority Switch System differentiates distance between two objects. These are labeled First target priority and distant target priority. Very useful in heavily wooded areas.
• Multilayer coating on lenses provides bright, clear images up to the maximum magnification (6X).
• Large eye relief design lets those who wear glasses easily use the rangefinder.
• Completely adjustable dioptre.
• Takes a continual measurement up to a full 20 seconds.
• Unit is waterproof up to 3 feet for 10 minutes. Unit is not made for underwater use. Water resistant battery chamber.
• Works uniformly between -10 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius.

So how easy is this rangefinder to use? This is the real genius of the Forestry Pro model. It is simple to use and read. You will not need to pull out the manual every time you put this unit to use. Just turn it on, point it at your target and see how far it is. Now you can adjust your scope or sights for the shot.

Also due to the small overall size of the Nikon Forestry Pro rangefinder, it can be taken anywhere and not be cumbersome. Put it in a vest pocket or a backpack and you’re off. It even comes with a convenient carrying case. On that note, some folks have used this in rock climbing applications to gauge distances, angles and trajectories. Others while cruising timber in logging areas. This rangefinder is truly a multiple use item.

I am personally very happy with this product’s performance. The distances are extremely accurate and the angles and height calculations are dead on. You will like the monocular eyepiece too. It is comfortable and should you need to, it allows you to momentarily look away with your other eye. It has a massive amount of eye relief as well.

I use rangefinders to adjust my scope’s windage ad elevation for a shot. The distance to the target is tantamount to that adjustment. I have been right on target 9 out of 10 times while using the Nikon Forestry Pro rangefinder.

Others have stated that they have used more expensive units with fewer features. The Forestry Pro has all the features you will ever need at an average price of about $375, so this doesn’t break the bank either. With the first animal taken on a hunt, you will have more than paid for the Nikon Forestry Pro.

In the modern world, there is no reason to limit yourself to 20/20 vision. Remember that there is a reason why human beings are on the top of the food chain, and it isn’t because we are naturally faster, stronger, or more in tune with nature than other animals. We’re at the top because we’re clever, patient, and we can use tools. We’ve come a long way since the pinnacle of human tools was the sharpened stick, but the basic principle is the same. Our tools are our great advantage. Today’s apex predators use camouflage, animal scent, animal calls, and advanced weaponry to find, track, and hunt our prey.

Among the most important tools available to us are those that enhance our natural senses. Whether you’re out gun hunting, bow hunting, golfing, or just looking to frame that perfect wildlife photo for your significant other, you can’t afford to leave home without the Wildgame Innovations Halo XRT Laser Rangefinder. With its unbeatable price and amazing variety of features, the Halo XRT Laser Rangefinder is an invaluable tool for any knowledgeable woodsman.

The Halo XRT is user friendly, fast, and powerful. Best of all though, it is battle-tested. It was able to quickly and accurately gauge distances to a number of targets I met while bow hunting over the recent holiday weekend. The design is intuitive and simple. Without reading the manual, I quickly got a bead on a buck, and the accuracy of the measurement, available in yards or meters, allowed for nice, clean shot.

I found that the advertised range of 500 yards was a conservative estimate. It is perfectly accurate up to 500 yards, certainly, but it also appears very accurate most of the time even closer to 1000 yards out. The 6x zoom and scan mode made active tracking of a moving target very simple, and counting buck points was no problem. While the monitor can be difficult to read clearly in the dark, this should not be a problem for most hunters, golfers, or photographers.

While more powerful laser rangefinders are available, you would be hard pressed to find all of these features in such a portable package, let alone for such a reasonable price. Available at a cost considerably below the competition, the Halo XRT offers an incredible bang for its buck. In addition to the simple design and fast, accurate readings already described, it offers all of these features in a highly sturdy, portable form. The reliable rangefinder can last the entire hunting season on a single battery, in my experience. It is also weather resistant, light weight, and compact. It fits easily into the palm of your hand, a pocket, or a pouch. These are critical features for the modern hunter, whether that hunter is after bucks, ducks, or just a beautiful photograph.

The Halo XRT also makes an excellent golf buddy for those looking for less extreme experiences with the great outdoors. A relaxing day on the fairway could be hugely enhanced by the usage of the Halo XRT Laser Rangefinder. Fitting neatly into a golf bag, a pocket, or a helpful caddy’s hand, the Halo XRT has also proven itself again and again finding yardage to the green, or the flag and hole itself. Aim at the flag stick instead of the “soft target” of the flag itself, as soft targets are a notorious problem for all rangefinders. That said, the Halo XRT will complement your golf game perfectly, making club selection a real breeze.

Overall, the Wildgame Innovations Halo XRT Laser Rangefinder’s reliability, portability, and price make it an amazing purchase for hunters, photographers, and golfers. Don’t leave home without one.

The Vortex Ranger 1000 has got to be one of the best rangefinders on the market today. Its compact design, wide range of focus, and durability make it a top contender for any of your optical needs. Its long range capabilities make it perfect for hunting season, but it can also drastically improve your short range skill for archery season. The adjustable brightness makes the Ranger 1000 clear and crisp, leaving behind the haziness that some other range finders have been known to have. It also has a convenient clip that can be used to attach the range finder to your belt or pack as you trudge through whatever environment you happen to find yourself. As far as quality for the price, you can’t do much better than the Ranger 1000.

A more detailed look at the the specific features of the Ranger 1000 will show why it is such an effective and vital piece of equipment for any outdoorsman. It has fully coated antireflective lenses, which stops the majority of glare and keeps the view through the rangefinder bright yet visible. As anyone who has used a range finder before can tell you, it is crucial that lens flares and other optical anomalies be kept to a minimum. The last thing you want is to lose out on the perfect shot because of shoddy equipment.

The Vortex Ranger 1000 has an impressive physique as well. Its construction gives it a durability boost that most can’t match. Harsh weather conditions are no worry with this range finder. O-ring seals keep the internal structure protected from dust, debris, and even moisture. The compact and lightweight design makes this range finder tough and rugged. It can handle the harshest of conditions or treatment. It also comes with a built in rubber grip guard that further protects from drops and outside damage. A mounting port on the bottom of the range finder allows for tripod mounting and car window mounting as well.

The Vortex Ranger 1000 also boosts some of the strongest optical performance in the world of range finders. You can use both LOS and HCD modes, depending on the angles involved in your ranging. HCD, or Horizontal Component Distance, is useful when you need to compensate for an extreme angle, and LOS, or Line of Sight, shows the true line of view without taking angles into account. Both are exceptionally helpful in a variety of situations. The Vortex Ranger 1000 also comes equipped with a Scan Mode which shows constantly updated distance readings while moving the viewfinder across a landscape or while tracking a moving target. This is especially helpful when hunting season rolls around. Perhaps one of the simplest yet most important features is a small detail of the display. Instead of the typical black LCD displays, the Vortex Ranger 1000 has a brightly illuminated red display that can be seen in even the darkest conditions without throwing off excess light that might betray your position. For hunters accustomed to practicing their hobby in the dark of early morning, this small detail can make all the difference.

The Vortex Ranger 1000 is small, measuring in at around four inches by three inches and weighing less than eight ounces. It has a magnification rating of 6x, and an accuracy of plus or minus three yards at a distance of one thousand yards, which is supremely accurate for the majority of common uses. The range finder comes with a detachable clip, a neck lanyard, a soft carry case, and a battery. Extra accessories can be purchased separately for the seasoned users who may require a little something extra.

I would happily recommend the Vortex Ranger 1000 to anyone in need of a new or upgraded range finder.

Leupold’s RX-1000I rangefinder is one of the best. It has an excellent combination of features that turn it into of the best rangefinders on the market. Leupold has practically hit a home run with this product. Its real-world field use is unparalleled. No other rangefinder comes close to it in terms of practical field use. Moreover, it is smaller and easier to use than the vast majority of other rangefinders. Furthermore, its image quality is outstanding, and its LED display is one of the best. Overall, Leupold RX-1000I is an outstanding product that will satisfy even the pickiest rangefinder user.

This rangefinder has the same weight and size as its previous model from two years ago. However, it has a more textured gripping surface and a number of cool improvements. The biggest improvement is in the new electronics. They are called the “DNA” engine. Faster display and better accuracy are a part of this significant improvement. This rangefinder is now capable of being accurate within one half of a yard.

It has a better reticle, better battery life, and better image quality than any other rangefinder. Its reticle can be adjusted up to three settings of varying intensity. For many people, “high” setting of its reticle works better than the other two. So if you are not very experienced with rangefinders, this setting may be the best one to choose.

The True Ballistic Range version of this rangefinder has a built-in inclinometer. So Leupold RX-1000I TBR W/DNA has more bells and whistles than a regular Leupold RX-1000I. This rangefinder has several different models. They are called TBR/MOA, TBR, and LOS. TBR/MOA allows you to see both where you have to turn your scope up to and the true ballistic range. TBR, on the other hand, takes into account the shooting angle. LOS is simply the basic rangefinder.

This outstanding rangefinder features three tiers. One of them is LOS. LOS stands for line of sight. This tier simply gives you the actual range. Most people will need only this information when using a rangefinder. Another tier is “shoot as if” range. This tier is for the time when your point of impact is high. Point of impact is usually high when the person shoots either steeply downward or steeply upward. Yet another tier has to do with True Ballistic Ranger which measures the horizontal distance to the target.

This amazing rangefinder allows you to choose from several ballistic groups and to set the one you find best to your cartridge. It also shows you how to compensate for the shot at an extended range in both milliradians and inches, not to mention minute of angle. These features can very useful when you are hunting. The unique thing about these features is that they are very accurate and problem-free even though equivalent features of most other rangefinders suffer from lots of problems. The onboard software of this rangefinder is truly the best in the industry.

Overall, the Leupold RX-1000I TBR W/DNA is a superb rangefinder. It is smaller than all other rangefinders, and being the size of a human palm, fits easily into a jeans’ pocket. Moreover, it is ruggedly built. So it will last a long time. Its battery is also excellent. Its optics are excellent as well. Thanks to its excellent optics, its range acquisition works at a lightning fast speed. Furthermore, it is lightweight and is completely silent even when it is in operation. Finally, it has the price no other rangefinder of its class can beat. Its TBR model costs only $400, while its basic model costs only 350$. At this price, this rangefinder is definitely a steal.