Are you just getting started in bowhunting or working with a tight budget but still want to improve your accuracy? This AOFAR HX-700N laser rangefinder review will be the article for you then! Even if you are working on a tight budget you owe it to yourself and the game you’re pursuing to ensure that you are making accurate, effective, and ethical shots with your bow. In this article, I’ll go over why I’ve been super satisfied with my AOFAR rangefinder and how it’s helped me become a better hunter.
What AOFAR Claims This Rangefinder Can Do
“AOFAR functional HX-700N hunting range finder brings you accurate and fast shooting with latest AI technology that auto calculate distance or speed of your prey.”
These are the claims in the product description on Amazon’s product listing. I really don’t have any objections, but I will share my experience using this device.
One of the main reasons I wanted to share this AOFAR HX-700N laser rangefinder review is that I’ve had no issues with range detections. This rangefinder even operates well through glass windows. If you do have a mesh screen behind your window it will detect that instead. I know this isn’t quite hunting related but does give an idea of its capability.
The detection range is way more than I expect to need in the near future. Living and hunting in central North Carolina I am not often presented with shot opportunities outside of 100 yards so the 700-yard capabilities of this device are probably overkill. However, it is nice to know that if I ever get the opportunity to hunt some game in more open country I will be prepared.
The next part of their claim is based on the speed at which this rangefinder detects the distance of your target. I haven’t had any issues with this either, detection is fast and responsive. I press the button once to wake the device and a second time to get a nearly instant range detection.
I cannot comment on the speed detection features and claims made by AOFAR as that is not what I purchased this device for and I haven’t done any real-world testing.
The Pro and Con List
Pros
- Affordably Priced
- Simple Operation
- Camouflage Design
- Reliability
- IPX4 Waterproof
Cons
- No Illumination
- Bright Metal Logo
Some of the reasons I believe this to be the best budget rangefinder for bow hunting are the affordable price, super simple operation, and camouflage design. I love to save some money and also receive a quality product and this rangefinder checks both of those boxes.
The operation is a breeze and when you have a target animal approaching and you need to know its distance simplicity is key to keeping quiet and preparing for your shot. I also love that even with the budget pricing this rangefinder is camouflage so I don’t have to worry about hiding it or wrapping it in some type of camo tape.
Another reason I felt that I needed to write this AOFAR HX-700N laser rangefinder review is that there are a couple of downsides I wanted to share. One is that there is no display illumination. This is understandable when you consider the price but frustrating when preparing for a shot opportunity in the early morning. Even after legal shooting time, there is often very little light available and that makes it difficult to determine ranges and predict shot distances.
Lastly, I do not love that the AOFAR logo on the side of this rangefinder is a bright silver design. This could easily reflect the sunlight and spook an animal I am hunting. I would love to see this logo feature a matte black design.
How The Aofar HX-700N Works For Me
I’ve been using this rangefinder for about two seasons now and it has played a critical role in taking at least two whitetail deer with a bow and a shotgun.
Before and during hunts I will often range nearby trees to determine a kill zone of sorts where I have a good idea of the distance around that point so I can focus on preparing myself and my weapon moments before a shot rather than having to range an animal. The AOFAR HX-700N has been critical for this.
I almost always carry this rangefinder in a side pouch on my TideWe Bino Harness. The included lanyard works well for hitching the rangefinder to my harness so that I know I can’t drop it from my stand. I will sometimes use this lanyard to clip into my diy gear strap on the tree for quicker access.
One slight modification I’ve made to this rangefinder is that I’ve covered that bright metal logo. I simply took a piece of black electrical tape a covered it up. This has held up well and eliminates the concern of unwanted reflections.
Other Uses for a Quality Rangefinder
Even though this rangefinder has paid for itself by improving my hunting and target shooting accuracy I have found other ways to use it that could make it more worth the money for you.
Although target practice and bow tuning should be a precursor to your hunt I will mention it again. This rangefinder can help you build confidence in your setup and make you a better hunter. Check out this article for more tips on how to get the most out of your rangefinder.
I often deer hunt in suburban areas and duck hunt on public lakes both of which have specific safe shooting distance limits to buildings. This rangefinder has been helpful in determining if I am legal in the spot I am hunting.
I also recently learned that rangefinders can be helpful in your golf game. I am definitely not at a skill level that requires the use of a rangefinder but it is nice to know that I am prepared if I ever make it to that point.