Rangefinders

[Moonshine]

I am in the market for my first ranger finder and I am noticing that there is a difference in price of the models with the elevation adjustment. I am a bowhunter and the only other application I could consider using this is for golf. Can someone explain to me why I would spend more for the elevation adjustment feature?

[PoorWordUsage]. A 30 yard shot at that heght is 30.8 yards. 21 feet up is probably about as high as I get and the effect of the elevation reduces as the length of the shot increases. Anyone have any thoughts on my findings?

[buckhunter21]

I think they are a waste of money. I did the math like you seem to have done and found that it makes very little difference being elevated compared to on the ground. What you came up with is exactly what I got, the closer the shot the bigger the difference will be but still only by a yard or two at the most, the longer the shot the difference will start becoming only fractions of a yard. The only thing I could see them being useful for would be a mountain hunt with your bow where you could possibly be 50+ yards above/below the animal.

[charliepete]

Just find a tree that is the at the distance you intend to range. Range the tree at the height you are at. No need for some expensive elevation adjustment feature I bought the cheapest range finder I could find. A $100 Bushnell. It's been serving me great for 10 years.

[Bear55]

I agree, skip the expensive version unless you spend a lot of time hunting in steep terrain. Like others have said a yard or two difference is nothing with todays flat shooting bows.

[InTheNorthwoods]

Out of a treestand and under normal MN conditions the angle compensating range finders are not necessary. If you are shooting up and down cliffs and mountains or longer distances it may be beneficial.

[Rippinlip]

Angle compensation range finders for hunting around here are just profitable to the place you bought them.

Unless you are going up a tree 40-50 feet (LOL), do not purchase them.

[HunterLee]

I agree with everyone else. Unless you hunt in some rough areas, there is no need. Range a tree across from you and your good to go. Just make sure you are bending at the waist and you will be spot on.

[Archerysniper]

The only tip I can give anyone if you do buy one get one that has a light built in they will help greatly during low ligh the rangfinder will still work you just wont be able to read the range.

[BigWadeS]

I got a nikon last year and very happy with it. It has performed excellent in low light conditions and have had no issues with it.

[Archerysniper]

I also have the nikon and am pleased

[FishingWebGuy]

Also you can't legally use the angle correcting models in golf.

[Moonshine]

Thanks for the replies! Looks like I'll get a Nikon without the angle correction.

Interesting tidbit. I stopped by a local sporting goods store that doesn't just carry outdoors goods and the "archery expert" told me I was wrong and since he has a certain one, that was the best for me. He also told me I was shooting the wrong broadheads. Needless to say I walked out of the store purchasing nothing.

[InTheNorthwoods]

Also you can't legally use the angle correcting models in golf.

Haha. You can't legally use any rangefinder in golf.

[paul pachowicz]

rangefinders and Stemp meters belong in the irrigation lagoons.

[Walleye Guy]

Range finders are now legal for golf.

[InTheNorthwoods]

Range finders are now legal for golf.

"Based on the new Decision 14-3/.05, the USGA stated the high-tech devices would be permitted by Local Rule. That meant that golfers could use rangefinders in rounds counting for handicap tabulation, should their local club or course allow it, or in any tournament competition where local officials have given their sanction. On a global basis, the USGA, PGA TOUR and other major pro tour groups are not allowing the devices in competition, although they are all right in practice rounds."