The Archery Trade Association (ATA) show 2018 is going on right now in Indianapolis. I’m not there, but from what I hear this digital range-finding sight from Garmin is the big news, and I can see why. I just wonder why it took a company so long to come up with one.
From Garmin:
We are excited to announce the Xero A1 and A1i, two groundbreaking auto-ranging digital laser bow sights that automatically measure the distance to a target and provide a precise, virtual lighted pin for the shot.
A silent, single-button trigger mounted on the bow’s grip lets the archer range targets at rest or at full draw, virtually eliminating distance estimation and hunter movement …The laser range finder instantly provides the precise angle-compensated distance – up to 100 yards on game or 300 yards on reflective targets. The Xero then projects a precise, virtual LED pin that is only visible to the archer, and without the clutter of multiple physical pins. An ambient light sensor ensures the pin brightness is optimized for various shooting conditions.
The Xero A1i includes many additional features. Laser Locate™ estimates the arrow’s point of impact and transfers that location to a compatible Garmin device (sold separately) so hunters know where to begin their recovery of game.
Super intriguing, this sight will interest all deer hunters. The only downside I see is retail price. Would you spend $800 to $1,000 for a bow sight? Serious whitetail bow hunters are a passionate lot, and I’m betting a lot of you will if the Xero proves to perform as Garmin says it will.
And this is to used in a “Primitive” weapon season??????
Looks like a very innovative, cool product: but I wonder how many (more) hunters will be willing to fling arrows at game that is too far away for an ethical, clean-killing shot? And, will this cause some bowhunters to not practice as much as they normally would? These are a couple things I don’t like about this idea. Now, what if a Co. comes up with a gun scope with a built in range-finder? (Disclaimer: that will be coming very, very soon…I predict.) Scope makers who catch wind of this will begin designing this weekend is my prediction). Would that make gun hunters try to take shots that are too long/unethical.? Does it change things since it’s a firearm? I don’t know the answers to these questions, but I think they are things that make for excellent conversation. Also, will state game officials deem the use of digital range-finding sight as too unfair and outlaw them? I guess we’ll find out. Thanks for the report Hanback.
Doesn’t Burris already have one?
Not sure Curt. Maybe…