(Photo courtesy of Garmin)
January 07, 2022
By Jon E. Silks
Eye Things Up — IQ Bowsights Pro Hunter IQ Bowsights Pro Hunter IQ Bowsights’ 3-pin Pro Hunter offers a unique take on the aiming and anchoring process. Rather than the typical peep-to-pin setup, it uses the company’s patented Retina Lock Alignment Technology that not only creates instant brand recognition but more importantly improves performance at all distances. Your eye must be in the exact same position every time to center the IQ dot, confirming you are ready to release the arrow. The Pro Hunter features two fixed pins and a third floater pin that can be dialed to specific yardages using the rapid adjustment dial. Pins are fully contained for durability and 50 percent thinner for precise positioning and less target obstruction. Fixed pins can be tweaked via toolless windage and elevation micro-adjustments. Additional features include second- and third-axis adjustments, fully contained .019-inch fiber optics, forward-facing yardage scale and a precision bubble level. The sight weighs 10 ounces; available in right-hand configuration only. $299.99 | feradyne.com/iq-bowsights
It's Automatic — Garmin Xero A1i Pro Garmin Xero A1i Pro The Xero A1i Pro is the latest advancement in Garmin’s lineup of laser-rangefinding bow sights that allow users to range targets at the touch of a button and instantly receive a single, spot-on aiming point. The Xero A1i Pro offers a number of upgrades over previous Xero models, including a dovetail mount that makes it easy to attach, detach and customize the position of the sight; micro-adjust windage and elevation dials; second-axis adjustment; autocalibration based on your bow’s arrow speed; a digital Dynamic Level to help prevent canting the bow while aiming; a Flight Apex indicator to help avoid obstacles in your arrow’s path; and XD mode that allows you extend your range far beyond what would be possible with a conventional pin sight. Other highlights include customizable arrow profiles to save range settings for multiple arrow/broadhead/fieldpoint combinations; a silent, grip-mounted trigger that allows for ranging game out to 100 yards and reflective targets to 300 yards; optional “fixed pin” mode that displays multiple aiming points for pre-selected distances with alternating green and red dots; a Laser Locate feature that pairs with compatible Garmin GPS devices to mark a waypoint at the exact location of your target at the time of the shot; and an ambient light sensor that automatically matches the intensity of the sight display to field conditions. The Xero A1i Pro weighs 18 ounces, is IPX7 waterproof and operates up to a year on two AAA lithium batteries (included). $1,299.99 | garmin.com
More Accurate Aiming — Black Gold Dual Trac Black Gold Dual Trac For 2022, Black Gold introduces its new 2-pin Dual Trac bow sight built on its popular Pro Sight Platform and designed to excel in pin brightness, durability and ease of adjustment. This yardage-adjustable sight is outfitted with two of the company’s Pro Pins, offering more defined and unobscured aiming points. The independently adjustable second pin offers an additional quick aimpoint without the need to move the dial. The pin is fixed in line with the first pin, offering single-pin visibility with dual-pin utility. Additional features include independently adjustable yardage needles, as well as the ability to micro-adjust windage, elevation and first and third axis. The aluminum sight is black anodized and available on two bases: Pro X and Wing Truss. $359.99 (Pro X Base); $439.99 (Wing Truss Base) | blackgoldsights.com
Nail Those Shots — Dead Ringer Tack Driver Dead Ringer Tack Driver Dead Ringer’s Tack Driver bow sight was born out of a partnership with the Bone Collector crew, which assisted in the design and endorses the sight. This fixed-pin sight features five, .019-inch diameter pins with a top pin that glows in complete darkness. Windage and elevation adjustments can be made without tools and are dialed-in with precision through the company’s micro-adjust technology. A DR Rheostat Sight Light comes standard with every Dead Ringer sight and, when coupled with the glowing aperture and bright pins, allows for quick and confident target acquisition during those low-light minutes when deer are moving. A bubble level in the bottom of the sight housing offers instant feedback on bow position and form. $64.99 | deadringerhunting.com
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Ultra-Awesome Arrow Rests — QAS UltraRest Integrate XS & HDX Nock On QAD UltraRest Integrate XS QAD’s UltraRest Integrate XS is sleek and compact yet comes with all of the elements of the UltraRest Integrate. The drop-away rest offers full arrow containment, as well as the ability for .0019-inch-per-click precision adjustments both horizontally and vertically. The Integrate Mounting System attaches the rest to the back face of the bow's riser, ensuring proper leveling and locking the rest securely in place via the dovetail locking system. Designed in conjunction with John Dudley, the new UltraRest HDX Nock On makes bow setup and tuning super easy. The rest, which comes with all of the features of QAD’s UltraRest HDX, includes a new launcher designed for perfect center shot alignment while eliminating noise associated with bow shelf contact. $199.99 (Integrate XS); $ 177.99 (HDX Nock On) | qadinc.com
Light and Efficient — Axcel Armortech Lite Axcel Armortech Lite The Armortech Lite sight is built for hunters who want to keep their setup compact and light. Highlights include a lighter direct mounting bracket that offers greater elevation options; complete sight-leveling capability with a true second and third axis; a windage bracket that allows for more overall travel; and easy-to-use lock levers for adjusting windage and elevation. The sight comes with the AccuStat II Scope and individual, micro-adjustable pins. Options include .019 and .010 pin sizes in 3-, 4- or 5-pin configurations, with 24 inches of fiber per pin. A rheostat cover for toning down pin brightness and in-the-housing bubble level are included; accommodates righties and southpaws. $329.99-$359.99 | axcelsights.com
Aim With Confidence — Trophy Ridge Digital React Trophy Ridge Digital React Trophy Ridge’s most advanced line of sights, the new Digital React 1- and 3-pin bow sights are quick and easy to set up and feature an LED screen that provides a digital readout of your adjustable pin's yardage setting. Through the company’s React Technology, pins are mathematically adjusted to your setup and can be calibrated in as little as five minutes with guaranteed accuracy down to half a yard. Digital React sights are available in right- and left-handed configurations. Single-pin sights come with .010- or .019-inch fiber-optic pins, while the 3-pin Digital React Trio sights feature two .019-inch horizontal, fixed fiber-optic pins and a .010-inch vertical “React” pin. The sights store up to five arrow setup profiles, offer customizable color and brightness settings and more. $359.99-$379.99 | trophyridge.com
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A Perfect Partnership — Mathews Bridge-Lock 5-Pin Sight Mathews Bridge-Lock 5-Pin For 2022, Mathews has partnered with Axcel to create the Bridge-Lock 5-Pin Sight. Instead of the typical mounting position on the outside of the sight window, this new sight is mounted through the bow’s riser, eliminating the need for an external mounting bracket. This attachment method creates a streamlined profile, improves balance and reduces vibration. Archers can micro-adjust elevation, windage and each .019-inch diameter pin. Mathews also added simple first-, second- and third-axis adjustments to allow precision setup and better downrange accuracy. The high modulus carbon bar is lightweight and naturally dampens vibration. $349.99 | mathewsinc.com
Limb-Driven Masterpiece — Vapor Trail Limb Driver Pro-VX Vapor Trail Limb-Driven Pro-VX With its time-tested, popular design, Vapor Trail’s Pro-V serves as the basis for the company’s all-new Pro-VX. The Pro-VX, like the original, incorporates a capture option with the limb-driven mechanics. A new, carbon-fiber, overmolded cage ensures the arrow stays at the ready regardless of your position and maneuvering. The cage material was introduced and made popular on the Gen 7 Series and is available in 10 colors. Vapor Trail outfits the Pro-VX with all-new micro-adjustability for both windage and elevation, as well as a built-in bubble level for quick and easy setup. The new configuration ensures fit on 2021 bows, including the Mathews V3 and Hoyt Ventum. $209.99 | vaportrailarchery.com
Single-Pin Assassin — Redline Bowhunting RL-2 Redline Bowhunting RL-2 The RL-2 is a single-pin, adjustable sight that employs a tool-free adjustment knob operating on a rugged, nonslip track adjustment design. A relatively large wheel provides an even smoother experience when repositioning the .019-inch fiber-optic pin. The adjustable yardage pointer and included sight tapes are tuned to your bow setup for accurate shooting at all ranges. Adjustable second- and third-axis leveling further enhance downrange accuracy. The enclosed fiber-optic ring allows for quick sight acquisition and another point of reference for improved consistency. A bubble level is built in at the base of the pin and a light kit comes standard with the sight. $139.99 | redlinebowhunting.com
Clean, Clear and Spot-On — Spot-Hogg Triple Stack Spot-Hogg Triple Stack Available on all Spot-Hogg dial series sights, the Triple Stack vertical pin system offers the clean, open view of a single-pin sight while providing the ability to accurately target different distances by offering multiple adjustable aiming points. Archers can set gaps for all three pins, and the adjustable pointers provide constant yardage updates as the sight’s dial is turned. The Triple Stack system is available with .010- or .019-inch fiber optics, with the Always Up solar wrap boosting light gathering to ensure solid pin visibility no matter the lighting conditions. Like all Spot-Hogg products, the Triple Stack system is made in the USA. Price Unavailable | spot-hogg.com
Options for Your Arrow — APA Twister 360 APA Twister 360 APA Archery started in 2002 with uniquely designed stationary arrow rests. Its 20th Anniversary is being celebrated in part with the introduction of the all-new Twister 360 Arrow Rest. The 360 launcher is shaped to allow the archer to nock a 3- or 4-fletched arrow in any position — the cock vane can be oriented up, down or to the side for easier tunability. Driven by the limbs, the 360 offers full containment and a fast, side-loading feature. An all-metal construction ensures reliability and durability, while noise-dampening fleece quiets the draw and the shot. $145 | apaarchery.com
Extremely Versatile — CBE Trek & Trek Pro Custom Bow Equipment Trek CBE’s Trek Series bow sights are loaded with impactful features from front to back. This series is designed to be simple to use and versatile, with micro-adjustable windage and elevation, a dead stop for the top pin, rapid drive for adjustable pins and first-, second- and third-axis adjustments. Fine-tune the sight at 30 and 60 yards and then adhere one of the 14 laser-engraved aluminum sight tapes, which accurately covers all the distances in between. Any distance is within reach with the ability to set floating pins with multiple indicator pointers. The sight series is ambidextrous and features 12 inches of fiber optics that are protected within CBE’s Blade Pin setup, which is available in .010- inch or .019-inch diameter and 1-, 3- or 5-pin configurations. Interchangeable peep-alignment rings and a rheostat light are included. $249.99 and up (Trek); $329.99 and up (Trek Pro) | custombowequipment.com