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Pros - Accurate to within +/- one yard - Offers both single-shot and scan modes - Rubberized trim provides for an excellent grip Cons - Not auto-focusing - Sometimes requires multiple readings - Uses CR–2 battery instead of 9-volt

Welcome to our review of the Wildgame Innovations Halo XRT Rangefinder. Wildgame Innovations is better known for its trail cams and other hunting accessories, so I was anxious to see how well they could make a rangefinder. This particular rangefinder is a budget model, so let’s see how well it performs.

How Far Can The Halo XRT Range Objects?

The advertised range of this rangefinder is 500 yards, but keep in mind that would be under near-perfect conditions and to a highly reflective object. In my real-world testing, I was able to range large buildings out to about 350 yards, and deer as far as 200 yards. That’s probably as far as I’d be willing to take a shot, anyways, so this rangefinder performs very well for the price.

Accuracy is astounding, within +/- one yard. I double-checked ranges to buildings using a 300-foot measuring tape, and it was definitely within that tolerance. For such a budget model, it’s surprising to find it actually perform within that level of precision, so I can highly recommend this rangefinder, so far. Response time is pretty good, too, except in scan mode. In scan mode, it takes the rangefinder a few seconds to “catch up” with where I’m pointing it.

One thing I noticed, though, is that the rangefinder does occasionally give false readings, especially if there are any obstacles between you and the object you’re measuring the distance to. I typically take three readings, anyways, but you really shouldn’t have to.

Is This Rangefinder Easy To Use?

The Halo XRT is pretty easy to use, with just two buttons for choosing the mode and for measuring the distance. Choosing the mode is easy, since you only have to select between Scan mode and single-shot mode. You get 6X optical magnification from the Halo XRT, allowing you an easy close-up view of what you want to range to.

The rangefinder has an LCD display that is very easy to read, but it’s worthless in the dark. It’s not backlit, but it does include a battery low indicator. Otherwise, the LCD display performs very well, and gives you both an excellent view of your subject as well as easy-to-read information about the distance to target.

The Wildgame Innovations Halo XRT is contoured nicely to your hand, its plastic housing complemented by rubberized grips on the top and bottom to improve its non-slip capabilities. There are also finger grooves, helping even more to keep your grip on the device. The buttons are sized just large enough that you can use them even with gloves on.

What Kind Of Battery Do I Need?

This rangefinder takes a CR–2 battery, and one is included in the box. I hate CR–2 batteries; they’re expensive and sometimes hard to find. Fortunately, the Halo XRT does make good use of the battery, and it should last you for a full year before needing to be replaced.

One complaint I have with this, like with many rangefinders, is the lack of a power button. Instead, it automatically powers off after 20 seconds of not using it. I suppose that’s good for power saving, but I’d still like to see an actual button to turn the darned thing off.

What Features Can I Expect From the Halo XRT Rangefinder?

This is a simple, barebones rangefinder. You can choose between Scan mode for constant reading or single-shot mode, and it provides you with great accuracy once you get a solid lock on what you want to range. Unfortunately, the rangefinder won’t give you angular adjustments; it’s direct line-of-sight.

The rangefinder comes with a handy nylon carrying case, which includes a belt loop for attaching the case to your backpack strap or belt. It also comes with a wrist lanyard, allowing you to leave the rangefinder dangling from your wrist if you choose. The lanyard hole is standard, meaning you could easily swap out the strap with a neck strap for easier carrying.

How Is The Light Gathering Capability On The Rangefinder?

I was pleasantly surprised at how well this rangefinder operated in low light, offering me excellent results even early in the morning or late in the evening. Objects in shadows are a bit dicey, but overall it performed really well under most lighting conditions. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely better than expected for the price.

How Good Are The Rangefinder’s Optics And Focus?

The optics are quite good, fogproof and with O-ring seals to make the whole thing waterproof. I’ve used this rangefinder in both cold and hot temperatures, including foggy and muggy days, and it’s never fogged up. You’ll have to remember, though, that this is a manually focused rangefinder. The focus knob is on they eyepiece, which can sometimes be a bit of a hassle when you’re trying to use the device one-handed.

How Durable is the Halo XRT?

The plastic housing is quite good quality, but it’s not rubber armored. Therefore, the rangefinder is not drop- or shock-proof. You can, however, use it in inclement weather without any worries, because it is water-resistant. It’s also got great non-slip characteristics, making it unlikely that you’ll drop it, even if your hands are wet.