I went on a rangefinder adventure, trying some of the most popular models for archery and hunting in general. I thought it might be worth sharing my experience as it could help others out. In the end, I would recommend trying for yourself, as everyone is different, but hopefully this is useful to folks.
Vortex Impact 1000 / Ranger 1800:
This is combined because I pretty much had the same experience with both except minor differences (mainly because I'm testing for archery with sub 100 yard targets).
Pros
Vortex Update:
I've watched several TAC videos of guys using the Vortex rangefinders (including the Ranger model) as they are very popular. A few times I would see guys not agreeing on yardages with others (by a few yards (as high as 5)), getting wrong yardages and missing the target then ranging again and getting a distance that made more sense. I know rangefinders can be finicky but just an observation.
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Leupold FullDraw 3:
Pros
Leupold FullDraw 4:
Pros
Conclusion:
If I was primarily a rifle hunter, I'd get the Vortex Ranger 1800 and just beat it to death. It's a solid product with a great warranty. It's good enough for archery in most situations to not want more (e.g. TAC is a little extreme, and most people aren't shooting in these situations). For the hunter taking shots from under 40 yards, even if it's off by a yard it's probably close enough and won't change the outcome.
If I was only using it for archery, and was hunting out west or shooting TAC, I'd go with the FD4. It's just ridiculously good, and it's not even close. I really can't say anything bad about it other than sticker shock. Even the warranty doesn't concern me too much because most likely by the time it fails I might be in the market for something else (or I'm telling myself).
Anyway, hopefully my adventure was helpful to folks in the market for a rangefinder. For those keeping score, I kept the FD4 after all of this because I will shoot TAC, I use Archers Advantage software, and want something that provides the best possible solution for what I'm doing. Test for yourself and see what works for you.
Vortex Impact 1000 / Ranger 1800:
This is combined because I pretty much had the same experience with both except minor differences (mainly because I'm testing for archery with sub 100 yard targets).
Pros
- The construction is solid and ready for all weather. Very durable feel and look.
- The warranty is unheard of for electronics. Haven't used it but good reviews of people using it.
- Easy to read display (Ranger 1800).
- Ranging was reasonably fast. Maybe not as fast as some others, but I had no complaints.
- Angle compensation isn't displayed, so there's no information about the angle or the distance it's cutting, and you can't cross verify.
- Only provides distances in whole numbers. Not a huge deal, but it would be nice to get as accurate a reading as possible. Yes, I would dial a distance 1/2 yard if the rangefinder supported it.
- The case it comes with isn't enclosed to properly protect it.
- I had a defect right out of the box with the Impact 1000. The cross hairs were off center to the right. That was just a bizarre defect that shouldn't make it out of Vortex quality control. It's the most budget friendly rangefinder I tried, but it was disappointing.
- Measuring distances I would get different numbers. Not wildly off, but could range the same target from the same spot, and experience a yard of difference regularly. The whole yard limitation could be part of the issue.
Vortex Update:
I've watched several TAC videos of guys using the Vortex rangefinders (including the Ranger model) as they are very popular. A few times I would see guys not agreeing on yardages with others (by a few yards (as high as 5)), getting wrong yardages and missing the target then ranging again and getting a distance that made more sense. I know rangefinders can be finicky but just an observation.
--------
Leupold FullDraw 3:
Pros
- It's very accurate. 0.5 yard accuracy. Just as accurate as the FD4 under normal shot conditions.
- Very fast to range targets.
- Great construction. Light and easy to hold.
- Angle displayed to confirm compensation.
- Just like Vortex, another open air case that will not hold up in weather.
- Once you use a red oled display, you'll find it hard to use a black display again. Not easy to see in many scenarios. Not just low light, but against dark green leaves, targets in shaded places, etc.
- I didn't like that the numbers were displayed at the top of the lens, which seemed like a bad design and harder to read (for me anyway). Most rangefinders have those below the reticle for a reason.
- My personal experience, I was getting a rainbow on the top of the lens for some reason. I tried with and without glasses and sunglasses, and in different lighting, and it was still a minor issue. And this didn't happen with the FD4. It was particularly bothersome because the distance display is at the top otherwise I may not have even noticed. Some people may not notice either way.
- 2 year warranty.
Leupold FullDraw 4:
Pros
- Very accurate. 0.5 yard accuracy to 125 yards displayed in 0.1 yard increments. Light or dark areas of target, getting 0.1 differences if any. It really is like having a rangefinder that can range sub 12" differences.
- Very fast to range targets.
- Very easy to read red oled display.
- Great construction.
- Ballistics software.
- Can handle any angle you could encounter with the Archers Advantage software built in.
- Provides peak height of arrow in flight to account for obstacles (valuable in heavily wooded areas).
- Angle displayed to confirm compensation.
- Different modes for distance... calculated angle or Archers Advantage (FPS) powered ranging, which I think provides the most accurate compensated distance possible.
- Archers Advantage entry is in 1 FPS increments, which is great for those using calculated or chronograph speeds.
- Just like Vortex, another open air case that will not hold up in weather. And for the price of this rangefinder, I think it really should be a legit case you can slide onto your binoculars harness and use in all weather.
- I wish they offered more data accuracy for the Archers Advantage software entry. e.g. peep to arrow height is in 1/4" increments, where I would prefer 1/8", but this is for the extreme person I suppose.
- Price. You can buy two Impact 1000s for the price of this one... and still save money.
- 2 year warranty. Your next rangefinder might be another Leupold at a major discount from the warranty department since many electronics don't break down in under 2 years. But if you can use the warranty, they are as good as anyone else.
Conclusion:
If I was primarily a rifle hunter, I'd get the Vortex Ranger 1800 and just beat it to death. It's a solid product with a great warranty. It's good enough for archery in most situations to not want more (e.g. TAC is a little extreme, and most people aren't shooting in these situations). For the hunter taking shots from under 40 yards, even if it's off by a yard it's probably close enough and won't change the outcome.
If I was only using it for archery, and was hunting out west or shooting TAC, I'd go with the FD4. It's just ridiculously good, and it's not even close. I really can't say anything bad about it other than sticker shock. Even the warranty doesn't concern me too much because most likely by the time it fails I might be in the market for something else (or I'm telling myself).
Anyway, hopefully my adventure was helpful to folks in the market for a rangefinder. For those keeping score, I kept the FD4 after all of this because I will shoot TAC, I use Archers Advantage software, and want something that provides the best possible solution for what I'm doing. Test for yourself and see what works for you.
