Everything you need to know about archery sights

Introduction to Archery Sights

The world of archery is vast and fascinating, and the bow sight is one of its essential pieces of equipment.

The sight is an accessory mounted on the bow, often on the riser window, which provides visual markers and adjustments to help the archer align their bow with the target. Its role is to improve shooting accuracy. It generally consists of a pin, reticle, or other devices allowing the archer to aim consistently. Some sights are equipped with adjustments that allow the archer to adjust elevation and windage, which is crucial for compensating for variations in distance and wind.

The bow sight has evolved throughout the history of archery, from simple visual signals to more sophisticated devices. Its importance lies in its contribution to the evolution of the sport by making aiming more precise and accessible to a greater number of practitioners.

Types of Sights

Simple sights or sophisticated sights?

Archery sights come in various categories, from simple models to more modern versions.

The following table will help you understand the distinctions between these two types and allow you to choose the one that best suits your needs and experience level:

Sights for recurve bows and compound bows

Archery offers various types of bows, and each category requires an adapted sight. Making the optimal choice based on your equipment is a significant step in your practice, whether you'll be using a sight for recurve bow or a compound bow sight. These two types generally retain the same characteristics as simple and sophisticated sights respectively.

Specific characteristics

There are still characteristics specific to sights if we refer, for example, to their aiming points:

• Single-pin sights require frequent adjustments based on distance and allow for clearer visual clarity
• Multi-pin sights are adaptable according to distance, as each pin is set for a specific distance. They also compensate for drift and are easier to handle for quick learning for beginners.

The choice between a single pin sight and a multi-pin sight depends on the archer's personal preferences, their shooting style, and the nature of the competition or archery activity practiced. It's worth noting that while the multi-pin sight is ideal for club hunting, it is not allowed in competition.

How to choose a Sight?

Selection criteria

There are 3 main criteria to consider when choosing your sight:

• Precision:
  • Adjustment Type: sights offering fine and precise adjustments facilitate tuning for different distances, which is crucial for maintaining accuracy
  • Stability: a stable sight that is securely attached to the bow minimizes vibrations, contributing to more accurate aiming
• Ease of Use:
• Easy Calibration: Models with simple and precise calibration mechanisms allow for more accurate aiming adjustments
• Visibility: A sight offering clear visibility of the target and markers facilitates aiming, especially in low light conditions
• Locking System: An easy-to-use locking mechanism allows for quick and secure adjustments without requiring additional tools
• Intuitive Adjustments: Sights with intuitive and understandable adjustment systems simplify use, especially for beginners
• Robustness:
• Construction materials: Choose sights made from durable materials such as aluminum or carbon to ensure robustness against shocks and weather conditions.
• Shock resistance: The sight's ability to withstand shocks, vibrations, and jolts is essential for maintaining long-term accuracy
• Waterproofing: For archers who practice in all weather conditions, a waterproof sight protects the internal components from moisture, ensuring increased durability

Considering these criteria, an archer can choose a sight that matches their specific needs, thus contributing to improving their archery experience.

Sights for beginners VS sights for experienced archers

The selection of a sight also depends on your level of experience. Discover the ideal characteristics for beginners and more advanced options suited for experienced archers in the following table:

Buying tips

Purchasing a sight for your bow is an important step in improving your archery accuracy. A good balance between quality, features, and your budget is essential when buying a bow sight. Take the time to do thorough research and, if possible, consult archery experts for personalized recommendations.

Here are some tips to guide you in your choice:

• Know Your Needs: shooting style, your experience level, and specific preferences
• Recommended Brands: among reputable brands, you'll find Axcel, Trophy Ridge, HHA Sports, Black Gold, and Spot Hogg
• Sight Type: Choose between a single pin sight and a multi-pin sight based on your preference and shooting style
• Settings and adjustability: choose a sight offering fine adjustments and good adaptability to allow you to customize your aim for different distances
• Materials and Construction: look for durable materials such as aluminum or carbon to ensure the robustness and durability of the sight
• Visibility and Light: consider the visibility of markers or lighting options, especially in low light conditions
• Ease of Installation: which doesn't require advanced skills
• Budget: sight prices vary considerably. Set a realistic budget based on your needs and level of commitment to archery
• Read Reviews and Feedback: Consult online reviews and feedback from other archers to get a more accurate idea of the performance and satisfaction related to a specific model
• Try Before Buying: If possible, try the sight on your bow or ask for a professional's opinion to ensure it matches your shooting style

Installation and Adjustment

Basic adjustment technique

Adjustments are mainly made either vertically or horizontally. Adjusting the sight in the direction of the arrow's fault is an essential tip for effectively correcting the trajectory.

Tips for fine-tuning adjustments

Fine-tuning sight adjustments is crucial to ensure accurate and consistent aiming at different distances and in various conditions.

Here are three relevant tips to achieve this:

• Distance Setting: start by setting your sight at a fixed distance, then gradually adjust it for different distances. By focusing first on a specific distance, you can fine-tune the settings without being too influenced by other variables. Once this distance is mastered, extend the adjustments to other ranges
• Grouping Test: Take several consecutive shots at the same distance and observe the grouping of the arrows. A tight grouping indicates high accuracy. If the arrows are scattered, adjust the sight accordingly. This allows for fine-tuning based on actual shooting performance.
• Evaluation of Shooting Conditions: Take into account weather conditions, light, and wind when fine-tuning adjustments. Changing conditions can influence arrow trajectory

You can also document your settings. Noting adjustments and results obtained provides a precise vision for future configurations to adopt based on those that have worked well.

In summary, the archery sight is much more than just an accessory. It's an essential companion for any archer, regardless of their experience level. By encouraging practice and experimentation with different types of sights, we invite you to discover the fascinating world of archery from a new angle. May your arrows fly straight and your archery experience always be enriching!