Zone in with the Best Bow Sights this Year

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If you don’t shoot traditionally or instinctively you need a bow sight. Compound hunters swear by them and recurve bowmen also benefit. Picking out the bow sights isn’t easy are there are hundreds to choose from and they come in many different variants. 

Do you need a single pin or multiple pins and which is the best bow sight?

In this guide we’re going to explain all those variants and introduce you to some of the top picks in each of the various bow sight categories. If you’re looking for a peep sight we’ve also got you covered, but that’s here in this on the best bow peep sight.

Our Picks for the Best Bow Sights

Note: Our individual reviews are below, but you can also click any of the links above to check current prices on Amazon and other retailers

Fixed Pin Sight (Multiple Pin) Sight Reviews

Trophy Ridge Fix Series

The Trophy Ridge Fix Series of bow sights are sought after for their dependable precision, heightened accuracy over long distances, and their craftsmanship. Choose between the 3-pin, 5-pin, or 7-pin ultra-bright fiber optic pin setup. 

These sights also contain a green hood accent ring for quick target acquisition for targeting animals on the run and a mounted rheostat light. The brightness of the rheostat light can be adjusted to compliment any shooting conditions. 

Also, there is built-in tool-less micro windage for the windage, elevation, and the second axis for distance shooting. This same on-board adjustment tool can be used to modify pins as well. 

This fixed pin bow sight has four different mounting positions to properly secure to a range of bow shapes and sizes. The materials are designed and constructed to be long-lasting and waterproof. Overall, the Trophy Ridge Fix Series offers a solid bang for your dollar. 

What we liked:

  • Select from a 3, 5, or 7-pin sight to accommodate your preferences.
  • The second axis can be adjusted for more accurate shots over great distances.
  • The windage tool is built-in and it can be used to adjust the windage, elevation, and the second axis.
  • Use the same tool to adjust the pins as well.
  • All pins light up with fiber optic lights.
  • The green hood accent ring helps with quicker target acquisition. 
  • Comes with a brightness adjustable rheostat light as well.

What we didn’t:

  • Nothing!
An excellent review of the Tophy Ridge 5-pin from Battle Creek Outdoors

TOPOINT Deals 3 Pin

It’s pretty amazing that considering the price of many bow components nowadays that you can get such an integral piece of kit machined out of 6061-T6 aluminium at such a low price point.

This bow sight from TOPOINT won’t come with a brand name you know and trust, but it does have 3 pins with fiber optic tips, 2 green and one red and a bubble level. You can mount this on both left and right handed bows so long as they have a universal mounting system.

The entire sight aperture is removable leaving you with just pins if that is how you like things setup. Don’t expect this sight to give you the quality of sight picture in low light that a more expensive sight would, but for an introduction into the wide ranging world of bow sights this is a very affordable choice.

What we liked:

  • Very Affordable
  • Bubble Level
  • Fiber Optic Pins
  • Universal L or R mounting

What we didn’t:

  • Occasional quality issues

Axcel Armortech HD Bow Sight

The Axcel Armortech HD Bow Sight is a 5-pin bow sight that uses extreme precision click-adjust windage and elevation with an incredibly finite 0.00156” adjustment per click, with 20 clicks per turn. This extreme precision will assist any hunter to increase their accuracy and consistency after sighting in and taking a few practice shots. 

Each pin contains individual micro-adjustments with 2nd and 3rd axis adjustments as well. The Axcel Armortech HD bow sight is sleek, comes in black, and can be used on any hunting bow, whether it is right or left-handed.

What we liked:

  • Contains 5-pins that use Armor Fiber Technology to protect the fibers fully enclosed in the tube-style pins.
  • Extremely precise to increase accuracy and consistency for every type of hunter.
  • Windage and elevation are adjustable at 20 clicks per turn at 0.00156” per click. 
  • Also contains a Harmonic Dampener.
  • Can be used on both a right and left-handed hunting bow.

What we didn’t:

  • Might be a little too expensive if you are just starting out
A full review of the Axcel Armortech HD sight

Trophy Ridge Volt 5 Pin

Trophy Ridge have managed to hit the nail right on the head again here when it comes to the combination of quality and affordability. The Volt 5 (as the name suggests) has 5 pins with fiber optic tips for good visibility at dusk or in low light. These pins are bright and slender, easy to see and don’t mask a lot of the sight picture like some models can.

This Trophy ridge bow sight has a bubble level that you could switch from top to bottom with a bit of fiddling if you’re mounting it on a left handed bow. It is pretty well attached though so we wouldn’t recommend this if you’re worried about breaking anything. Another nice addition is the the green accent on the sight aperture. This makes that aperture quick and easy to locate when you’re getting ready to shoot.

This sight housing is coated with a rubbery substance and feels well made. This also comes with a nice bright sight light that you can use to enhance visibility further in low light conditions.

What we liked:

  • Additional offset mounting holes
  • Fiber optic pins
  • Hood accent for sight acquisition
  • Mounts on Left of Right handed bows
  • Sight light

What we didn’t:

  • Not easy to move the bubble level for left handers

Trophy Ridge React Pro Sight

If you find loosening, tweaking and adjusting the pins on a multi pin bow sight a chore, then Bear Archery React technology is here to make your life easier. The Trophy Ridge React sight boasts 5 pins, however only requires you to signt in 2 of them then the others automatically adjust upto 60 yards out. A single master adjustment knob then allows you to tweak and adjust ALL 5 pings simultaneously. A major timesaver when you’re keen to get out on a hunt.

There are 2 versions of the Tropy Ridge React 5 pin sight. This the pro version and the a regular version. The pro sight usually retails at a premium to the regular version. The main reasons for that are it’s stronger and more durable aluminium construction. The pro also boasts 3 axis of adjustment, your regular windage and elevation (one), plus rotation of the sight aperture (two) and finally a sight tilt angle adjustment. The pro version also offers a glow in the dark sight ring. So, for the money, we’d pick the pro version.

The pin tips are available in 2 sizes, 0.010″ and a bigger 0.019″. Obviously this can be down to personal preference and sometimes your eyesight. A bigger pin will obscure more of the target at further shot distances.

All in all one of the best new 5 pin sights to come on the market in recent years.

What we liked:

  • Makes sighting and adjusting all 5 pins a breeze
  • Tool free adjustments
  • 3 axis of adjustment
  • Ultra bright pins
  • Glowing ring
  • Left or right handed
  • Tool free adjustment

What we didn’t:

  • Rheostat light could be of better quality

TruGlo Carbon Hybrid Micro Adjust

Moving up the price scale slightly we get to the TruGlo carbon hybrid. This sight is made from a combination of carbon composites and aluminium which is designed to give increased durability without sacrificing for weight gain. This is light and durable and the carbon construction help with reducing vibration.

You can adjust the ​elevation and windage on this sight without tools. You only need tools to adjust the actual pins.

If you purchase the variant of this with a sight light included you’ll get three levels of brightness adjustment in that light, but the pins are bright enough without that extra light. This also features glow in the dark paint on the front edge of the aperture to allow you to locate it at dusk. Great for hunting.

Another point to note is that if you prefer your bubble mounted on the top or are a left handed archer this one allows you to switch that bubble mount to the other side of the aperture without breaking any glue seals.

What we liked:

  • Camo or black option
  • Micro adjustable
  • Quiet
  • Glow in the dark aperture
  • Bright pins
  • Soft touch coating
  • Variant with sight light
  • Easy to switch bubble mounting

What we didn’t:

  • None!

Single Pin Sight Reviews

HHA Sports Optimizer-Lite Ultra DS-5019

The HHA Sports Optimizer-Lite Ultra bow sight is extremely advanced but still easy to use for the average bowhunter. This bow sight contains one aluminum pin sight that features over 3-feet of 0.019” fiber-optic material and a yardage dial that adjusts rapidly between 20 and 60-yards. The yellow sight ring allows you to line up to your target instantly to catch deer on the run. 

HHA Sports Optimizer-Lite
HHA Sports Optimizer-Lite

The sight housing measures at 1-5/8th inches and weighs less than 10-ounces. The micro-adjustable windage includes 44 color-coded, computer-generated yardage tapes to adapt to any type of bow setup. 

This bow sight was created for the bowhunter who may find themselves in a variety of situations where they may need to take shots from a full range of distances. 

What we liked:

  • Contains over 3-feet of 0.019” fiber optic material and 44 color-coded, computer-generated yardage tapes.
  • Adaptable to be used on any type of hunting bow.
  • Features the yellow sight ring to quickly line up with your target. 
  • Micro-adjustable windage.
  • Only weighs 10-ounces to not add too much weight to your setup.
  • Constructed from ultra-durable machined aluminum.

What we didn’t:

  • Only available for right-handed setups.
Setup and installation from HHA

Truglo Ridge Range Rover Pro LED

If you are a hunter who finds that bow sight pins can obstruct your view when taking long distance shots, then going pinless with the Truglo Ridge Range Rover Pro LED is a smart move.

Instead of pins, the Truglo Ridge Range Rover Pro uses either one or two dots that are illuminated inside of the scope housing. This has opened the field of view to be much wider. The illuminated dots have adjustable brightness to match your desired level during all lighting and weather conditions. 

The slider sight contains an adjustable yardage stop, an elevation adjustment, and a micro adjuster for windage adjustment. Also included, are over 40 pre-marked yardage tapes and a second/third axis adjustable illuminated level. 

What we liked:

  • Gets rid of pins altogether to create an unobstructed and wider field of view.
  • The LED dots have 11 different brightness levels to compensate for any type of lighting condition.
  • Comes with an adjustable yard stop, elevation adjustment, micro windage adjustment, and over 40 pre-marked yardage tapes.
  • Constructed from machined aluminum and built to be durable and waterproof.

What we didn’t:

  • A little more expensive than other bow sights.
A great overview that explains the benefits of this 2 dit sight and how to effectively use it

Trophy Ridge Drive Slider

Tropy Ridge are back again with another well priced piece of kit packed with features you’d sometimes find only on much higher priced models. This one is a single pin, that pin is ultra bright fiber optic allowing you to see it any conditions. 

This sight has been designed to be quiet. The adjustment action has no metal to metal contact making that a reality and you’re covered in dusk or low light not only by the fiber optic pin, but by the glow in the dark indicator tape and a glo-ring on the aperture.

You’d be hard pressed to beat this sight spending twice the amount.

What we liked:

  • Affordable
  • Ultra bright pins
  • Quiet adjustment
  • Glo-indicator tape and ring

What we didn’t:

  • Left handers can use, but not clearly catered for

HHA Sports KP-5510 Optimizer Lite King Pin

This is a top quality single pin sight. You’re going to pay more for this than other sights in this review but if you want something made to a very high standard that’s a joy to use then this is where you need to look. This is one of the #1 selling single pin sights on the market.

​One of the unique features of this sight is the no look ‘Blind 20’ distance setting. This is a feature that allows you to set a predetermined distance setting and quickly return to it without having to look. That’s going to be useful in changing conditions where you need to react quickly.

The operation of the wheels is silky smooth and ​features ‘zero slop’, meaning there is no play or inaccuracy in the adjustment and the distance you set is the distance you’ll get.

The pins on this sight are also encased in aluminium, that makes them impervious to small knocks and bumps that they are likely to encounter under heavy use.

What we liked:

  • Interchangeable wheels / tapes
  • No look ‘Blind 20’ distance setting
  • Tool free elevation and windage adjustments
  • Protected fiber

What we didn’t:

  • Pricey

Pendulum (Tree-Stand) Sights

TruGlo Pendulum

If you’re going to be shooting from an elevated position say a tree-stand you may be interested in a pendulum sight. This sight from TruGlo will swivel and stay perpendicular to the ground irrespective of the angle of your bow. This helps you to compensate when shooting for upto distances of 35 yards.

The pendulum on this can be fixed in place when you need to shoot from the level so it’s versatile and usable when you aren’t in a stand. The fiber is bright and protected by an aluminium stand which only adds to the durable nature of this sight.

Again, just like with other TruGlo offerings this one has a glow in the dark aperture ring which makes for easy sight acquisition in low light conditions.

What we liked:

  • Pendulum or fixed
  • Protected fiber
  • Silent operation
  • Glow in the dark aperture ring
  • Usable left and right handed

What we didn’t:

  • None!

Our Guide

Types of Bow Sight

Multi Pin – 3, 5 & 7 Pin

Fixed pin bow sights usually come with either 3, 5 or 7 pins visible through the sight aperture.

The idea is that you set each of the pins to correspond to a known distance by sighting them during practice before you shoot. When you are in the field hunting or maybe 3D or field shooting, you are able to judge your actual distance to target. You can then use the relevant pin to line up with your target.

7 pin sight aperture
7 pin sight aperture

You should be aware that is comes down to you to remember which pin corresponds to which range as you will have set the pins and determined effective ranges beforehand. The highest pin will correspond to the shortest known range to target and the lowest will give the bow the highest elevation and correspond to the longest distance to target.

Pins on this type of sight can sometimes be adjusted to give you a sight window fitting your preferences.. They can be colored and even lit to make the aperture easy to find in low light conditions.

Where do I set bow sight pins?

A good example for a 5 pin bow sight would be to sight in the pins at numerical intervals which are easy to remember and zone them in around your preferred shooting distance.​

Pick the shortest range you think you will ever need to shoot at, say 10 yards and sight in the top pin at this distance. The remaining pins would then be best set at around your maximum and preferred shooting ranges, i.e.  20, 25, 30, and 40 yards for the bottom pin. This would give even spacing to the pins and more pin choices when shooting around your preferred 20 – 30 yard distance.

Single Pin

A single pin bow sight is exactly what it states. The sight aperture will contain only 1 pin. The idea with a single pin sight is that the entire sight housing or pin is easily adjustable. You can move it up or down whilst in the field without tools or adjustment aids. A single pin bow sight will normally have an easily accessible adjustment knob or lever with markings to allow you to change the effective targeting range of the pin before you take your shot. Whether you prefer a single-pin to a multi-pin can be down to personal preference.

What the pro’s use….

Whether shooting competitively or hunting you’ll find professional competition archers and hunters like Michael Waddell and Cameron Hanes favor using single pin adjustable sights.​

Single pin vs Multi-pin

Some food for thought on the advantages and disadvantages of the single pin and multi-pin bow sight are discussed in this video from ScoutLookWeather. To summarize, a single pin sight only gives you one thing to think about when you look through the sight. The trade-off is that it needs adjustment if the target range changes. A multi-pin or a moveable pin sight allows you to dynamically sight different ranges without adjustment, however there is a decision to be made beforehand on which pin you should be looking at. A lack of familiarity with that pin choice can cause you to hesitate and lose your shot.

Pendulum Sights

This type of sight is specifically designed for when you need to sight your bow on uneven terrain or possibly from a tree-stand.​ Normally with the correct amount of bending at the waist you won’t need a pendulum sight. However the principle is that as the bow tilts when performing a downward shot, the sight will remain perpendicular to the ground and still give you a good sight picture allowing for compensation in these awkward situations.

Compound vs recurve bow sights

You’ll find sights on both compound and recurve bows but generally there are differences between those built for one bow or the other. A compound bow sight may have a lens to magnify the target, in order for that lens to allow enough light through a large aperture is needed. A recurve shooter will rely on their own eyesight and no magnification of the target. Therefore they can get by with a smaller aperture, and a smaller aperture will provide them with a clearer sight picture.

Sights built for compound bows are generally heavier and more sturdy as a compound bow will throw more forces around than a recurve. They can also have more axis of adjustment and can have magnified lenses. Recurve sights are lighter, only usually have 1 axis of adjustment and are sighted through an aperture.​

There are also different competitive rules governing both recurve and compound archery competitions these rules also have determining effects on the development of sights made for either style of bow. Many recurve competitions exclude the use of lenses and levels.

Can you use compound bow sights on a recurve bow?

Yes. If you ensure that the fitment of the sight allows it to mount on your bow you should be able to use it, however you won’t be allowed to do so in competition.

Sight lights, extensions and other accessories

There are all sorts of sight accessories available from cross-ring inserts to covers and sun shades. You can replace the sight level on your sight (or even add one if your sight didn’t include one). There are aftermarket sight lights for people shooting in dusky conditions that will illuminate hard to see pins.

Magnifying bow sights

They are rare and we don’t cover any in this article but some bow sights can accept magnifying lenses. 2x, 4x and 8x magnifications are common. You may find magnification helps with your accuracy. This can depend on your general eyesight. Adding over 4x magnification to a bow sight will mean that instead of seeing tiny pins you’ll be lining up baseballs.

Example of 1x, 2x, 4x and 8x magnification
Example of 1x, 2x, 4x and 8x magnification

What’s best for hunting?

The best hunting sight for you is really going to come down to personal preference and price. Take a look at the section above on the differences between multi-pin and single-pin bow sights. If you hunt from a tree-stand a pendulum may be the better choice. Hunting at dusk you’re going to want illuminated pins. Our reviews below should help you identify some of the best of each available on the market today.

Why are they so expensive?

Demand drives prices. Bowhunting and archery are pretty affordable hobbies and there are some good sights on the market that really don’t cost the earth. We’ve found them and listed them in this article.

Built in rangefinders

There are products on the market that integrate a laser rangefinder with a bow sight. The problem here is that in some states this is illegal for bow-hunting and certainly won’t be allowed in many competitions. It’s also another distraction to add to the sight picture which you just don’t need. We’d recommend you stay away from these devices and learn to judge distance effectively. This is one of the joys of the sport!

Anything to share?

I hope this roundup was useful and led you in the direction of a quality component for your bow. Please let us know if we’re missing your favorite and need to add it to this review, or if there​ are any aspects of any of the above we’ve not covered correctly! Either leave a comment or send us some feedback!

Hi there! I'm a passionate bowman and a fan of all target sports in general. You'll often find me at my local archery and shooting ranges honing my skills.

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