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Pros - Includes bow mode for archers - Comes with case, lanyard, and carabiner -Good image quality Cons - Range is only 850 yards for highly reflective targets - LCD display is difficult to read in low-light conditions - Image itself is quite dark during dusk and dawn hours

Hey there, and welcome to another rangefinder review. Today I’m looking at Bushnell’s Trophy Xtreme laser rangefinder, an accessory designed with archers in mind. It features Bushnell’s ARC (Angle Range Compensation) mode, but only for bow usage. Let’s see how well it performs.

First, you should know what you get for your money. In the box, you’ll find the following items:

• The Bushnell Trophy Xtreme laser rangefinder itself
• A nylon carrying case with carabiner and belt carrying options
• A lanyard
• Microfiber cleaning cloth
• A CR-2 battery
• The owner’s manual
• Warranty card

What’s the Range of the Trophy Xtreme?

Since this model is designed with archers in mind, the range is a bit lower than I’d like. You can get accurate distances on highly reflective targets up to 850 yards away, so if you’re a long-range rifle shooter, this isn’t the rangefinder for you. With that said, if all you’re using it for is hunting deer from 200 yards or less, this rangefinder will definitely do the trick.

Unfortunately, however, it only offers 4X magnification and the accuracy is a bit mediocre at plus or minus one yard.

How Easy Is This Model To Use?

With simple one-touch operation, you can’t beat this rangefinder for ease of use. The owner’s manual is very clear and well-written, and the menus are intuitive and simple to navigate. You can turn bow mode on and off with ease, and quickly switch between meters and yards.

The rangefinder features a 20mm objective lens, but the optics are only multicoated optics. They aren’t fully multicoated, meaning you’ll lose a fair bit of light. This won’t impact you unless you hunt during low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk.

You’ll enjoy a very generous field of view of 430 feet from 1,000 yards. Eyeglass wearers will like the 20mm eye relief, but you won’t get any diopter adjustment from this rangefinder.

How’s It Powered?

Bushnell includes a battery already installed, so all you have to do is remove the plastic tab to get started. Alas, this is another model that uses the infamously difficult to find CR-2 battery. Yes, you get one with the purchase, but I recommend buying a spare since this can be so hard to find in the rural areas where hunters typically frequent.

Power consumption is very good, and the device automatically shuts itself off after a few seconds of inactivity.

What Features Are Included?

This is a very simple, barebones rangefinder designed with bowhunters in mind. Bow mode is automatically selected any time you are ranging an object less than 200 yards away, at which point the display switches to line-of-sight distance only. You won’t find any way to pan targets, however, or select other targeting priorities than just what the reticle is covering. I would have liked to see target priority, most distant object, and closest object modes included, but they simply aren’t there.

What’s the Light Gathering Capability Like on the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme?

Light gathering capability on this model is average at best. You will notice a significantly darker image during dawn and dusk, making the rangefinder almost impossible to use. You might also have problems with the LCD display during low-light conditions, since the readout is only available in black.

How Are the Optics and Focus on This Rangefinder?

Since this is an entry-level, barebones model, don’t expect the latest and greatest technology. The optics are just a bit better than average, with an image that’s good but not anything to write home about. The Trophy Xtreme’s Perma Focus works pretty quickly, though, and gives you a nice, sharp image without any hassle.

How Durable Is It?

Bushnell isn’t completely clear on whether this rangefinder is fogproof or waterproof. The manual states the model is rainproof, and I haven’t noticed any fogging when I’ve used it in cold conditions. I can make an educated guess that it’s O-ring sealed around the lenses and that the optics chamber is nitrogen-purged, but I could be wrong. The housing is nicely armored with rubber, offering plenty of grip to keep you from accidentally dropping the device.

The owner’s manual states that this rangefinder comes with a one-year limited warranty, but Bushnell’s website says it is covered by their Bulletproof Guarantee. Bushnell confirmed that the Trophy Xtreme does now include the Bulletproof Guarantee, so you can buy it with confidence.