Last Updated On: September 27, 2023

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Are you looking for a best bow sight that will give you pinpoint accuracy and boost your confidence?

Our ultimate reviews will help you to pick a great option without getting overwhelmed.

Ready? Take a controlled breath, and here we go:

Best Bow Sights On the Market:

  1. Best Overall: Spot Hogg Fast Eddie XL
  2. Brightest Bow Sight: Black Gold Ascent Verdict
  3. Best Easy Bow Sight: HHA Tetra Max Ryz
  4. Best Laser Range Finder Bow Sight: Garmin Xero A1i Pro
  5. Best Mid Range Compound Bow Sight: Trophy Ridge React Pro
  6. Best 3 Pin Bow Sight: CBE Engage Hybrid
  7. Best Budget Bow Sight: IQ Micro Bowsight

Best Bow Sight Reviews:

1. Spot Hogg Fast Eddie XL (3-pin slider):

Spot Hogg Fast Eddie Sight 3 Pin .010 Right Hand

Via Amazon.com

Spot Hogg Fast Eddie XL is the best bow sight for hunting and competition with lots of advanced adjustability.

Unlike other cheaper-quality sights that have blurry pins, plastic material, or knobs that loosen easily, the Spot Hogg Fast Eddie XL is super bright, aluminum quality and solid as a rock.

Who is it GOOD for?

  • This hybrid option is great for both hunting and archery competition, and includes both fixed and floating setups.
  • For archers who are into tinkering or love micro tuning with plenty of adjustability.
  • For beginners who do not want fixed yardage settings.

Who is not GOOD for?

  • Shooters who hate sight clutter
  • Bowhunters who rush their shots while hunting whitetails, elk, turkey…

Key Features:

Hard to beat sight:

This sight is built like a tank and still rock solid after 3 seasons.

The aluminum construction is a little heavy: 14.1 oz, but it keeps your bow and aim stable, whilst avoiding pin floating.

Unlike single pin sights with one yardage, this 3-pin sight allows you to pre-set multiple yardages, enabling you to quickly and silently switch your range if your deer moves around between different shooting distances.

Consistent alignment:

Let me tell you:

My buddy - Mike has a sighting problem. He sometimes pulls the arrow a little left during low light shooting.

However, this doesn’t appear to be a problem during daylight.

Luckily for him, he now has the Spot Hogg - MRT Multi-Pin Housing that has fixed his left sighting issue.

MRT Multi-Pin Housing

Via Amazon.com

How does it work?

  • The human eyes usually narrow in bright conditions and widen in darkness. It changes the way you see your peep and sight alignment.
  • The idea of new MRT rings allow you to consistently center and align your peep sight and sight housing no matter what light conditions are.
  • Even if you have bad eyes, you’re still able to aim for pinpoint accuracy.

The result: Consistent alignment, meaning more consistent shot placement. Bingo!

Besides that, you can play around with their 3 bright rings before picking a favorite.

Highly adjustable

You can pick several pins diameter: 0.01, 0.019 and 0.029.

The smaller the size, the longer the distance. I prefer 0.01 for long distance.

The best part? Light Dovetail bar

You’ll love how the housing slides closer or further away to get a wider or narrower picture.

Drawback:

It takes more effort to adjust the 2nd and 3rd axis

It’s not as easy to set up as the HHA Ryz Tetra (more on that below).

If you're just getting into archery, it may be worth paying a little extra to have the installation done professionally by a bow shop.

Rather expensive

It may be even more costly than a beginner compound bow package. But it’s worth the money for a MADE-IN-USA product.

Sight picture issue

Well this is the common issue with traditional 3 pin sights. It limits your sight view with clutter.

If you’re hunting in dense woods, you may find it more difficult to efficiently pick the spot due to the distraction of visual clutter.

Pros:

  • Bombproof bow sight
  • Smooth spin
  • Micro adjustment
  • Easy to set up
  • Good sight picture
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Bright and easy to install rings
  • Shiny pins for poor vision
  • Great customer service
  • Made in USA

Cons:

  • Hard to setup
  • Expensive
  • Sight picture issue
  • Heavy

Did you know?

Joe Rogan

Joe Rogan (UFC commentator, podcaster, comedian, actor) has been using Spot Hogg sights for years to get dead center shots.


2. Black Gold Ascent Verdict (Multi-pin slider sight):

Black Gold Ascent Verdict Dovetail Slider Bow Sight .019" Pin Diameter Aluminum Black

Via Amazon.com

The Black Gold Ascent Verdict is a great alternative to the Spot Hogg Fast Eddie XL at a cheaper price.

It has almost the same features but is a little less rugged and has more clutter.

If you wanna save a few dollars, go with Black Gold Ascent Verdict.

Who is it GOOD for?

  • 3D shooters and Western hunters who need superior long-range shooting (+100 yards) and deadly accuracy.

Who is NOT GOOD for?

  • Single pin shooters who dislike clutter.

Key Features:

Bombproof brightest pins:

The 5 pins (0.019) allow you to get more focus on the small pins instead of the target.

Auto light adjustment for aging eyes

brightest pins

Source: https://blackgoldsights.com/technology/

The PhotoChromatic is an exclusive technology that automatically absorbs ambient light and prevents flare in noon light.

It is like a “smart thermostat” for your bow sight that is able to justify light and allows you to see your pin clearly no matter the lighting conditions.

So, you have more chances to take down a trophy in low light in the late evening, and to not miss a shot because of sun flare in the noon.

In my opinion, it’s even brighter than the Spot Hogg Fast Eddie XL.

photochromatic technology

Source: https://blackgoldsights.com/technology/

How bright is it?

The aluminum sight is 300% tougher and 20% brighter than other sight brands.

It means that your pin color will automatically and instantly adjust.

More pin, more chance (and more mistake):

Multi pin sights give you more shooting chances in the event you spook an elk at 30 yards.

You still have the opportunity to take the shot if he is still within your pin gap (the space between 2 pins), 50 yards for instance.

However, bear in mind that you are more likely to make mistakes due to focusing on the wrong pin range.

No need to Re-sighting:

dial of death

Source: https://blackgoldsights.com/technology/

The Dial of death wheel enables you to efficiently dial to your pre-yardage with a 45-degree angle faceplate.

So you don’t need to constantly be re-sighting, which will save you time. Just spin the big wheel to a pre-set distance and you are ready to rock.

The big yardage wheel enables smooth movement even in cold weather.

It has a super simple dial process. Check it out:

Amazing warranty

Unconditional warranty: if you break your sight parts, they’ll repair it or send you a new one for free in a few days.

Versatile dovetail bar

The Dovetail sight bar is as versatile as Spot Hogg in that you can move your sight back and forth.
It is also compatible with Mathews Bridge-Lock system.

Pros:

  • Super solid
  • User friendly
  • Breeze to sight in
  • Super bright pins
  • Clear instruction
  • Amazing warranty
  • Highly adjustable 1st, 2nd and 3rd axis
  • Lots of sight tapes (54)
  • Versatile sight bar

Cons:

  • The dial wheel may come loose overtime. Nevertheless, you can always send it to the factory.
  • The multi-pin clutter limits your total sight picture
  • The more pin, the more likely to mistake for the wrong one
  • Rather costly

3. HHA Ryz Tetra Max (2-pin vertical slider sight):

HHA Tetra Max RYZ

Via Amazon.com

HHA Ryz Tetra Max is one of the newest sights on the market.

It is a good backup for the Spot Hogg Fast Eddie XL, with all the features of the Spot Hoggs, but less pins.

Who is it GOOD for?

  • Crossover for long range hunting and 3D target shooting
  • Archers who shoot multi-pins or are worried about transitioning down to single pins. You can try this double pin sight and worry free.

Who is NOT GOOD for?

  • Archers who need adjustable pin gaps or precise yardage.

Key Features:

Multi pin accuracy in a single pin platform:

You achieve the feeling of a single pin with no clutter of your sight picture, but giving you a 2nd aiming point and accuracy as a multi-pin sight.

2nd pin, 2nd chance:

The beauty of the fixed second pin working as a confirmation sign telling you that the prey is (still) in your effective range.

Return To Henned Up Gobblers

Imagine you are stalking a turkey uphill and they walk towards you.

You aim and wait until they walk to within your pin gap that is sighted in 20 – 35 yards. “Twang”. A gobbler down.

QUICK. EASY. EFFECTIVE.

No need to constantly re-dial in the sight:

Tetra Max allows you to swap to different settings.

It means if you’re running several arrow setups, you don’t have to re-dial the sight every time you change the arrow.

Saving you important moments.

Dual needle indicator (Yardage indicator) simplifies your dial-in process.

dual yardage

Via hhasports.com

For instance, your shooting range is from 20 – 60 yards.

Just pick 20 yards as the top indicator; the 2nd one will automatically adjust to between 32 – 40 yards depending how fast your arrow speed is.

NO EXTRA WORK.

The best part?

You can also reverse if you are shooting elk or mule deer and need further distance.

Pick the 2nd  yardage pointer and the 1st one will automatically follow.

Breeze to adjust:

Infinite adjust plate is one of the unique features of the HHA Ryz Tetra Max.

What happens if you leave the proshop with a pre-dialed sight, and now you change your mind and wanna shoot longer distances?

The infinite adjust plate enables you to adjust the 2nd axis and elevation easily without going back to the bow shop or needing a bow vise.

And again: It saves your time from re-dialing constantly.

Keep in mind that if you are shooting a Mathew’s Bridgelock system, you’ll need an infinite adjust plate or running out of windage adjustment.

Longest sight tapes HHA has ever made:

You get up to 50 tapes that are clear and easy to read.

Some tapes can get to 185 yards instead of 100 as per other manufacturers. Even longer than Spot Hogg at 125 yards.

You are free to maximize your distance, for shooting 3D targets up the driveway, for example.

Drawback

Non-adjustable 2nd pin

You cannot adjust the pin gap however you’d like.

Let's say you pick 20 yards on the top pin and would like to set the bottom one to be 30 yards? You CANNOT.

As it would be around 32 – 40 yards instead.

If you’re not used to the different yardages, you’ll have to practice with the pin gap in the off season to get used to it.

Pros:

  • Rugged and durable
  • Hybrid setup
  • Easiest to set up
  • Modern design
  • Quick target acquisition
  • Multi mount options
  • Multiple pin colors and sizes
  • 100% Lifetime warranty to original owner
  • Made in USA
  • Tool-less adjustments
  • Smooth wheel
  • Micro adjust windage and elevation
  • 2nd and 3rd axis adjustment
  • Superior long distance tapes

Cons:

  • Non-adjustable 2nd pin
  • Not cheap

4. Garmin Xero® A1i PRO Bow Sight

Garmin Xero A1i PRO Bow Sight

Via Amazon.com

Garmin Xero A1i Pro is the most advanced bow sight with built-in laser rangefinder. You get a 2-in-1 device with more convenience but less weight.

Who is GOOD for?

  • Pros hunters who would like to upgrade to high-end gear AND money is not an issue.

Who is NOT GOOD for?

  • Beginners who may struggle with the complex settings.

Key features:

Game changer:

Unlike the traditional sights in this list, you only need to do 3 simple steps to get a consistent shot:

DRAW. RANGE. SHOOT.

That’s it.

Garmin Xero A1i Pro

Via garmin.com

The Xero A1i Pro takes the heavy lifting of range estimation and makes you a more ethical hunter by taking any guesswork out of the equation.

You know what it means?

LESS MISTAKES. LESS WOUNDED DEER. MORE ETHICAL KILLS.

So you can worry free from: range estimation, shooting gap, adjusting pins.

Boost your confidence:

Xero A1i Pro enables you to confidently range at full draw.

The 4 micro adjustment knobs provide you an easy and precise way to calibrate your sight.

boost your confidence

Via Amazon.com

Auto calibration:

Sight in at 20 yards and the Xero A1i Pro will auto calibrate the rest pins based on your arrow speed, draw length, and arrow shaft diameter.

The result: automatic pin stack without extra work.

A Big Fan of Fixed Pins?

Traditional archers can always switch to a fixed pin if they don’t have time to range the target.

Quick detachment for transport:

The dovetail bar is super handy with two mounting positions.

It allows you quickly and easily to take the sight off for storing in your bow case.

step by step coach

Via Amazon.com

Step-by-step “coach”:

The clear instruction on the led screen tells you exactly what to do without reading the manual.

It works as a coach walking you through the learning curve. Just follow them and you’re all set.

Intuitive and dead on.

Remove the blind obstacle:

If you’re a treestand hunter, you’ll love this feature.

Imagine you are aiming at a buck, but there’s some branches in the flight path.

The Flight Apex will show you a red dot and tell you whether your arrow will fly above or below it.

This will give you more consistent and ethical shooting, and allow for better decision making.

flight apex

Via archerytalk.com

My favorite part? 10 additional arrow profiles

It’s pretty useful in case you need a lighter arrow flying straight and flat for turkey hunting AND heavier arrow with deeper penetration for big game.

You just need to set up once and switch back and forth without re-sighting again.

No re-dial. No re-target. No down time.

Cool, right?

Extra distance shooting:

extra distance shooting

Via archerytalk.com

XD mode is a decent option for extra-long shooting (over 90 yards) in case you would like to challenge yourself, extend your comfort zone and have some fun.

Drawback:

Pretty heavy and bulky

The Xero A1i Pro (18 oz) is 2x heavier than Black Gold Ascent Verdict (9.7 oz) in this list.

It looks like a suitcase mounting in front of your bow. Your muscles will likely get tired much faster, limiting the amount of practice shots you can take at any given time.

My advice: build up your strength and endurance.

Not Beginner-Friendly

If you’re just getting into archery, it’s a pain to sight in. However, after everything is set up, it is straightforward to shoot.

That’s why this product is targeted to pro shooters instead of novices.

Overpriced? Maybe.

Well the price of Garmin Xero A1i Pro is more expensive than most moderate bow packages out there.

However, if you’re willing to fork out the money, you’ll benefit from the extra features that will ultimately simplify your life, as you’ll be the owner of the perfect hunting pin.

It's like if you were to compare the price of a Tesla Model S to a Toyota Prius. Overpriced? Yes. Worth it? Sure.

You get what you pay for.

Need extra practice

You need to practice for at least 1 or 2 months to line the reticle up.

It is not easy to handle such a heavy site in a consistent form. However, with regular practice, you can do it (promised).

Legal issue:

Remember that this electronic device is illegal in some states where you might get in trouble.

Have a check your local regulation or this list before using.

Pros:

  • Game changer for shooting
  • Save weight for 2 separate devices
  • Auto and micro adjustment
  • Up to 10 arrow profiles
  • Bright Red/green pins
  • Auto adjust pin brightness
  • Free to pick fixed pins
  • Quick detach for transport
  • Able to shoot extra length
  • Great for tree stand shooting
  • Long lasting battery (up to 1 year)
  • Get more ethical shots

Cons:

  • Might be illegal in some US states
  • Highly pricey
  • Pain to setup for entry level
  • Need to turn on and off manually if you want save battery life
  • Heavy as a dead donkey

5. Trophy Ridge React Pro (5 pins):

Trophy Ridge React Pro Sight with React Technology and Tool-Less Micro-Click Adjustments

Via Amazon.com

Trophy Ridge React Pro is not as well built as the Spot Hogg, but still a sturdy site that has enough practical functions, without breaking your bank.

In my opinion, this site does automation calibration as well as Garmin Xero® A1i Pro, at a fraction of cost.

Who is GOOD for?

  • For average and beginner shooters
  • Multi-purpose shooters

Who is NOT GOOD for?

  • Long range (+60 yards) shooters

Key features:

Faster and more confident sighting:

The React technology on this site provides an impressive fast and automatic sighting in under 10 minutes.

React technology

Via Amazon.com

How simply does it work?

What you need to do is dial in at 20 and 30 yards, the rest of the 40, 50 and 60 yard pins will automatically adjust with ZERO EFFORT.

You won’t need to stress about the pin sliding.

Using this never failed and proven worthy sight, you can confidently bag several trophies.

Effortless micro adjustment:

As other advanced sights, the smooth micro adjustment knobs allow you to adjust the windage and elevation without a wrench.

Blur-free pins:

Blur-free pins

Via Amazon.com

Rheostat light is well positioned to avoid bumping your arrow flight path.

Besides that, on bright sunny days or in low light conditions, the small fibers shine, stopping you from losing sight of them.

Drawback:

The top pin is set at 20 yards, which means you cannot adjust it higher or lower, for example, if you wanted to extend your shots out beyond 60 yards.

But if you’re comfortable within 40 yards, as with most hunters, it’s still a good choice.

On the other hand, the sight picture is limited due to clutter, as is the case with many multi-pin sights.

Pros:

  • Tool-less adjustment
  • Save time for tuning up
  • Bright pins and illuminations
  • Easy to use
  • Surprisingly accurate
  • 2nd and 3rd axis adjustment
  • Sturdy design
  • Affordable price

Cons:

  • Limited pin for left hand shooters
  • Not ideal for long range
  • Limited field of view because of clutter

6. CBE Engage Hybrid (3 pins):

CBE Engage Hybrid 3 Pin .010

Via Amazon.com

The CBE Engage Hybrid is another great alternative to the Spot Hogg, providing functional features at a cheaper price.

Who is it GOOD for?

  • Deer hunters and Indoor/3D course shooters
  • New and intermediate archers.

Who is it NOT GOOD for?

  • Single pin shooters who love a clear view.

Key Features:

Multi-hybrid pin slider sight:

The CBE Engage Hybrid is not only a fixed pin, but a slider pin site.

Terrific not only for hunting

 CBE Engage Hybrid 3 pin for hunting

Via Amazon.com

Its fixed pin sight is absolutely terrific for hunting or bow shooting at 20, 30 and 40 yards.

The pre-dialed pins give you more time to settle, and be confident in your shots without moving the pins.

But also for indoor shooting

but also for indoor shooting

Via Amazon.com

The single pin slider is also ideal for indoor shooting.

The movable bottom pin can extend your yardage.

Just replace the yardage tape, re-dial the top pin at 60 yards and you are ready to extend your range up to 100 yards.

Easily switch to 1-pin sight:

Let's say you would like to enjoy 3D shooting at 18 yards. Just move the top pin to the center of the housing and lower the rest to the bottom. Done.

You are free to focus on one pin without confusion and enjoy shooting in the local ranch with your buddy.

It also works for 3D courses where you can use 4 or 5 pins.

Blade pin:

bladed pins

Via custombowequipment.com

The blade pin is an innovative design.

They replaced the single rods with aluminum blades. These pins are thicker and much more solid.

Versatile Dovetail bar

The longer distance you slide it, the bigger picture you get.

Detach the housing for storage, giving peace of mind that your sight can travel safe on long trails.

Drawback:

The instructions are unclear and you can easily sight-in the wrong way.

Have a look at this video:

Needs a little guestimation

The numbers on sight tapes are pretty small and hard to see which are a thumbs down for shooters who have imperfect eyesight.

Pros:

  • Lots of adjustability: 1st, 2nd and 3rd axis
  • Good for both hunting and 3D courses
  • Rock solid
  • 15 sight tapes
  • Versatile for long range shooting
  • Bright illumination

Cons:

  • Unclear instruction
  • A little hard to sight in
  • The numbers on sight tape are pretty small
  • The lock screw for locking the sight is pretty tiny, and can hurt your fingers
  • Clutter issue

7. IQ Bowsights Micro 5-Pin Bow Sight:

IQ Micro 5-pin Bowsight

Via Amazon.com

This is the lightest and best budget bow sight in our list. Don’t let its cheap cost deter you.

Although it’s not as high in quality or durable as the Spot Hogg, it's still a great option to be able to build your form and “Robin Hoodish” confidence.

Who is it GOOD for?

  • Novice archers and pro hunters
  • Shooters who need a backup sight in case something happens to your Spot Hogg.

Who is it NOT GOOD for?

  • Super long range shooters.

Key features:

Consistent anchor point. Consistent form. Consistent accuracy.

You’ll fall in love with the Retina Lock Technology. The sight adds a black dot in green circle staying on the top of the sight housing.

Retina lock tech

Via feradyne.com

Why does it matter?

The IQ bow sight give you a short range and close grouping in long range distances (+40 yards).

It even gives you instant feedback as to whether you have a good and consistent form. The result: you improve your form and consistency arrow by arrow.

For example:

If you forget to torque your hand when aiming, the black dot will not be in the middle which instantly tells your form is off. Awesome, right?

This will force proper form, build confidence and most importantly, dramatically extend your effective range!

You can use it with/without a peep sight

The Retina green circle keeps you focusing on one point no matter what light conditions.

You can remove the peep after sighting in the top pin and not have to worry about missing the shot.

IQ Micro 5-pin Bowsight

Via Amazon.com

Did you Know?

Tom Miranda (host of Adventure Bowhunter) picked IQ bow sight as the best of choice. He replaced his peep sight by the Retina lock.

Lightest site in this list:

It weighs only 10.5 oz which is a lot lighter than the Spot Hogg (14.1 oz) giving you a slight advantage for tree saddle hunters.

The best part: Avoids legal issue

Thanks to its non-electronic mechanism, you can use this site in all states without worrying about legal issues.

Drawback

The retina screw is hard to adjust. You’ll need to turn it a lot to get it into place.

On the other hand, don’t expect it will last for a decade, but maybe for 1 or 2 seasons. But what are you looking for with such a decently priced site?

Pros:

  • Most lightweight (10.5 oz)
  • Super bright
  • Tough
  • Reasonable price
  • Breeze to adjust
  • Tool-free knobs
  • Avoid legal issue thanks to non-electronic light
  • 2nd and 3rd axis adjustment
  • Pinpoint accuracy
  • Can use in dim conditions (with additional Rheostat light)
  • Improve your shooting form
  • Money back guarantee

Cons:

  • Limited pin: .019 only
  • No dovetail mounts
  • The Retina lock need learning curve
  • Short range shooting

So, What now?

Well, our best bow sight is: Spot Hogg Fast Eddie XL. Here's why:

editor's choice

Via Amazon.com

  • Bombproof and lasts for several seasons
  • 3 pins which is ideal for hunting and target shooting simultaneously without too much visual clutter
  • Not as pricey as the Garmin Xero A1i Pro, nor too functional as the IQ Micro
  • Deadly accurate at both short and long range.
  • Highly adjustable
  • Best all around.

So which one do you prefer? Leave us a comment below.

And remember to pop over these fascinating topics:

  • Single pin vs multi pin sight if you're still wondering what's their advantages and disadvantages.
  • How to choose a bow sight: we cover the most important factors while picking a right sight for you.

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About the Author

Hi, I'm Robert Gate, a hunter from Texas and Founder of ArcheryTopic.

I first learned archery from my dad when I was 12 years old. He gave me a Mathew bow as a gift and instantly fell in love with the pursuit.

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