Tennessee Deer Talk: Angle compensation rangefinder or not

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#2006850 - 07/25/10 08:31 PM

Angle compensation rangefinder or not

ghosthunter
10 Point

Registered: 11/30/04
Posts: 3446
Loc: chattanooga

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I've never used a rangefinder and have been considering getting one primarily to aid me during archery season. Just wanting to know if the angle compensation styles are worth it or not?

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#2006853 - 07/25/10 08:33 PM

Re: Angle compensation rangefinder or not [Re: ghosthunter]

stik
TnDeer Old Timer
16 Point

Registered: 03/12/99
Posts: 18427
Loc: lenoir city,tn

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i don't see the need for it. just range distances at your level.

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#2006864 - 07/25/10 08:43 PM

Re: Angle compensation rangefinder or not [Re: stik]

TNDeerGuy
10 Point

Registered: 11/28/06
Posts: 4470
Loc: Old Hickory/Mt.Juliet, TN

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I bought one that has the angle compensation, and personally I don't see the need for it. Unless your target is at a very steep angle, which a person probably shouldn't be shooting at any animal in that situation anyway, it really doesn't make any difference. I would say just get a basic rangefinder and save the extra money—I wish I would have.

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#2006930 - 07/25/10 09:15 PM

Re: Angle compensation rangefinder or not [Re: TNDeerGuy]

Football Hunter
18 Point

Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 24550
Loc: Wilson Co/Perry Co

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wondered about them

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#2006957 - 07/25/10 09:28 PM

Re: Angle compensation rangefinder or not [Re: Football Hunter]

khawk
6 Point

Registered: 08/20/08
Posts: 917
Loc: Wears Valley

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I've got a bushnell scout 1000 that I bought 3 years ago. This model doesn't have the arc feature. It is simply the best investment I've made as far as hunting gadgets go. Its very lightweight and compact. I also get dual use of it on the golf course!!

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#2006970 - 07/25/10 09:39 PM

Re: Angle compensation rangefinder or not [Re: khawk]

lungpuncher1
4 Point

Registered: 12/23/09
Posts: 219
Loc: in a tree in TN or IL

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I am getting ready to purchase a new one also and i have done some figuring and you would have to be at some pretty extreme angles for it to really even matter, and at that point i would be wondering how to even get the deer out of that ridiculous angled landscape. haha

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#2006976 - 07/25/10 09:43 PM

Re: Angle compensation rangefinder or not [Re: khawk]

whistlinwingman
8 Point

Registered: 07/11/05
Posts: 1824
Loc: Morristown

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I've got one and see no need for it. There are a few ridges that are somewhat steep where I hunt but the compensation figures no more or less than 3 yards (that is at the steepest grade I could find). Save your money and get the basic model. Just use it when you practice shooting from a tree stand and you will be fine.

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#2007497 - 07/26/10 11:12 AM

Re: Angle compensation rangefinder or not [Re: whistlinwingman]

Diehard Hunter
12 Point

Registered: 08/01/08
Posts: 5232
Loc: East Tennessee

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Look at it this way....

If you are hunting 20 feet hig, and the deer is at 20 yards, the actual shot is only 21 yards to your target.

If you are 20 feet high and the deer is 30 yards away, the range finder will read 31 yards away.

If you are 30 feet high and the deer is 20 yards away, the range finder will read 22 yards.

if you are 30 feet high and the deer is 30 yards away, the range finder will read 31.5 yards.

If you are 30 feet high and the deer is 40 yards away, the range finder will read 41.4 yards.

So, the question is...Does your arrow drop enough over that distance to make a difference?

If the deer is really close to your tree (10 Yards), there is a difference of about 4 yards if you are 30 feet high. But, with todays technology, very few people have a 10 yard pin because the bows are so strong. Chances are your 10 and 15 yard points of impact are very close.

Also, if you will look closely, most range finders have an error of +/- 1 yard.

I think the angle compensation is a gimmick that preys on everyone that never took a geometry class. If you are worried about the 1.5 yard error, simply range things at your height in the tree. Sure, you will never win a 3-D shoot if you mis-judge the distance by a yard or two, but a deer's vitals are alot bigger than a quarter.

if you are hunting under 20 feet, the difference between the shot on the angle and the true distance is less than the error of the range finder.

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#2008280 - 07/27/10 06:17 AM

Re: Angle compensation rangefinder or not [Re: Diehard Hunter]

mr.big
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Registered: 01/03/01
Posts: 27931
Loc: Copper Head Road

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maybe not bowhunting,,but out west on anything where the shot is 350 yards and the deer is in a drawl straight down the shot may not travel 200 yards across the surface of the earth,,hold for 350 there and you will shoot over the deer ,or elk,,

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#2009257 - 07/27/10 10:44 PM

Re: Angle compensation rangefinder or not [Re: mr.big]

Pursuit Hunter
8 Point

Registered: 10/01/08
Posts: 2084
Loc: Way out there

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Agree with all who recommend saving your money and getting a basic model for bowhunting purposes. The difference in actual and measured yardage is insignificant at bowhunting ranges and typical stand heights. As suggested above, any error can be eliminated by taking your measurements off of trees at the same height as your stand. Just another gimmick to upsell those who can't remember the pythagorean theorem from geometry class.

Edited by Pursuit Hunter (07/27/10 10:44 PM)

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#2010251 - 07/28/10 07:56 PM

Re: Angle compensation rangefinder or not [Re: Pursuit Hunter]

Boone 58
16 Point

Registered: 06/23/04
Posts: 13533
Loc: Food Plot

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I like my nikon i paid 199 for about 5 years ago! Would consider the angle if i were buying a new one today and price would play a major role in the purchase.

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