Cool New Product For 2019

New products hit the market every year for bowhunters. Some work, some don’t. Many are expensive. And then there are a few products that fit my 3 favorite categories: effective, easy-to-use and inexpensive. THAT new product is The Range Viewer.  The Range Viewer is a bow-mounted rangefinder that allows you to accurately range any big game animal while at full draw. Each unit is custom-made to your specific draw length and the animal you are hunting (whitetails, elk, mule deer). All for under $30.

How It Works

It’s pretty simple. Use the Range Viewer to measure the animal from the front of the shoulder to the hind end.  For an animal facing to the LEFT place the end of the Range Viewer on the front of the shoulder and see where the hind end falls within the cut-out sections. If the animal is facing to the RIGHT place the end of the Range Viewer on hind end and see where the shoulder falls within the cutouts. Here’s a couple of examples and videos to help illustrate the product’s functionality.

Field Test Setup

The fun part….let’s see if this thing actually works. I mounted a Range Viewer (made for a 30″ draw length and whitetail deer) to my bow, which was super easy using the provided bracket and mounting band.

I then placed my 3D target in the middle of my yard in an area I don’t normally shoot from (to take any of my normal yardage reference points). Now, I literally have the worlds smallest 3D target. It’s the size of a yearling doe. The folks at Range Viewer informed me that most mature whitetail deer measure 40-43″ from hind end to shoulder (your two reference points for the product). On my target, hind end to nose is about 40″ so for the purpose of this test I used the Range Viewer measuring from hind end to nose.

Shot #1

Starting at the target I walked a zig-zag path (so I couldn’t count my steps) to a spot in my yard. I drew back, lined up the Range Viewer and ranged a distance of 23 yards. Assuming that yardage I aimed for what would be the heart of the deer and let it rip. The result: A perfect shot. I then ranged the actual distance…21 yards.

Shot #2

I zig-zagged around my yard again and stopped a little farther out. I drew and ranged the target to be 28 yards with my Range Viewer. Again, my shot was right where it should be. The actual distance this time was 27 yards.

Shot #3

My final shot, again a little further back. The Range Viewer measured 38 yards. Once again, another arrow right where it should be. The actual distance measured 36 yards.

My Thoughts

To be perfectly honest, I was pleasantly surprised at how well this worked. I probably would not believe someone if they told me I’d be within 1-2 yards on my first 3 shots. It was easy, fast and accurate, and I’m sure with a little more practice my ranging speed and accuracy will only improve. Now, I did not try the Range Viewer from an elevated stand or with animal standing at an angle (yet), however after these 3 broadside shots I’m confident it will perform as advertised.

All-in-all, everyone should have one of these on their bow. Seriously, its cheap insurance during the moment of truth knowing you can accurately judge distance at full draw. It may not replace your laser rangefinder (I certainly plan on keeping mine) but it’s a great companion to it. This product is the real deal, it really is. And, since you’ve read my entire review, use promo code DRAGGINDEER to save 15% on your order. That means you can get a Range Viewer Key, Bracket and Band (everything you need) for under $25.

As a bowhunter, this could very well be the best $25 you’ll ever spend. Please check out Reggie and our friends at Range Viewer today (click here)! Good luck, be safe and happy hunting!

-Matt