Rangefinder

[woody1975]

I hope to go antelope hunting in the next couple of years, so I wanted to start looking at a rangefinder. I have been looking at the "Bushnell Yardage Pro® Sport 450 Rangefinder"

Does anybody have any experience with this unit. It is relatively in-expensive at around $150.00, but is it worth it?

I'd also be using it for Bowhunting - Short range.

Any advise would be great.

Thanks

[perchking]

I dont have any experience with that unit but I have a Nikon Laser 440 and I love it. I think they are around $225 now.

It is great for Bow hunting because you dont need additional Binocs because of the 8X Magnification.

[sticknstring]

Hey woody - I have this unit and have no real issues with it. Battery life is great - runs off a 9v. Sometimes it takes a pretty steady hand at acquiring targets especially long range but I strictly bowhunt so my encounters are typically pretty close. Also it's difficult to range through the mesh from popup blinds. I've heard the Nikon's work well however... If you don't hunt out of blinds or looking for a rangefinder to use under 250 yds I'd recommend this unit. Hope this helps.

[bottomdweller]

Woody, I do not have that model but I also have the nikon 440 and love it. Shoots through my blind also. The optics also might be a little better.

[woody1975]

Thanks for the advice guys -

Woody

[lawdog]

I have an older Bushnell Yardage Pro 400 and my only complaint with it is it won't work below like 22 yards or something like that. Makes it not so good for bowhunting. I think the new ones go much closer, but that would be something to check and be sure of. Also, I think 400 is plenty, but some guys want more yardage than that for open country like you will likely be in for 'lopes...

[harvey lee]

I have a Bushnell something and really like it. It was not that spendy and will range closer than 22 yards. If I can dig through my hunting gear I will post the model.

[xedge2002]

I bought the Nikon Monarch 800 this fall and so far it has been a really good unit. It is very clear and very easy to operate. I went to Cabelas to get it and the guy there told me that the Nikon's are one of the better rangefinders for the money you spend on them. I have ranged stuff from 11-835 yards with it just playing around in my stand. I really like it even though it was a little spendy. Even if you don't go with this one I would suggest anything from the Nikon line.

[Gofishleech]

I have a Busnell but found out that it would not read thru mesh netting in a ground blind so I bought a Nikon that does shot thru mesh netting.

[Scoot]

I have an older Bushnell and it goes down to 10 yards. Honestly though, does it really matter if the deer is closer than 22 yards? I put my 20 yard pin on the spot I want to hit if a deer's anywhere from 1 to 22 yards anyway...

[bigbucks]

I bought a Bushnell yardage pro 450 I think is the name about 18 months ago. It's worked very well for me. I've ranged things in my garage, not sure what it goes down to, but pretty close, 5-6 yards I'd guess. Like someone else said, does it matter at that close of range?

It did cost me a deer this year though. I was trying to range some deer at long range when a doe walked in behind me. Okay, I guess it was the hunter's fault, not the rangefinder...

I'm still on the same 9 volt the sales rep put in it in the store. The battery probably isn't strong enough to read the longer ranges right now, but I really don't use it for that anyway.