Nikon RifleHunter 550 Laser Range Finder Review
Nikon RifleHunter 550 Laser Range Finder Review
Solid all-around performer
For approximately $300 or so, the Nikon RifleHunter 550 delivers quite a bit more versatility and performance than other rangefinders in its class. No matter what your needs - be they archery & bow hunting, rifle hunting, general purpose outdoors use, or even that funny game where little white balls get hit - this quality product will most likely completely satisfy them.
Two Key Features
The Tru-Target ranging system lets users prioritize smaller and harder-to-range lone targets at the push of a button. As a result, it's easier than ever to range objects as small as fence posts, or get an instant read on that lone buck in the meadow. By being able to prioritize, you can greatly reduce false and annoyance readings. Unlike a golf pin, your target may be moving!
With the Advanced ID Technology, the RifleHunter 550 will compensate for various incline or decline shooting angles--up to an incredible plus-or-minus 89 degrees. So while it won't be able to handle straight up or down, it comes awfully close. This 'does the math' for angled shots, such as from a tree stand or down a ravine.
By compensating for the angle incline/decline, the RifleHunter 550 helps you account for bullet drop and not have to guess about holdover or anything. With ID technology on, the range finder gives distance in increments of an incredibly detailed 1/5 of a yard.
Now in reality, for most rifle hunters at actual hunting distances, is the angle compensation really all that big of a deal? Well, probably not, most hunters know that there will be a few inches less bullet drop on a downhill shot. But it's nice to have it - one less thing to think about when that bull elk is in your sights.
While not advertised as an archery/bow hunting range finder, there isn't much difference between this model and the Nikon Archer's Choice range finder, except the much higher max range of the RifleHunter (the Archer's Choice will range from 5 yds to 100 yds, while the RifleHunter is rated for 11 yds to 550 yds - hopefully, you can handle from 5 to 11 yds!) and an admittedly higher price for the RifleHunter. In fact, Nikon uses the same instruction manual for both models.
Features of the RifleHunter 550:
* Rated range from 11 yards to 550 yards
* Multicoated optics to improve light transmission, clarity, and color rendition.
* 6x magnification with a monocular design
* Displays 0.5 yd increments to 100 yds, 1 yd increments after with ID turned off
* Displays in 0.2 yd increments with ID turned on
* Uses 1 CR2 lithium battery for long life
* Dimensions: 1.5 by 2.7 by 5.1 inches (W x H x D) to fit easily in your hand
* Lightweight at 6.3 ounces (without battery)
* Waterproof/Fogproof (except battery chamber) for guaranteed performance in field conditions.
* Nikon Tru-Target ranging system to compensate for inclines/declines up to 89 degrees
Things that are great about it:
* Nikon quality, rugged package
* Small, lightweight design for one-hand operation
* Premium performance for the great majority of users - both bow and rifle
* Tru-Target ranging system allows prioritizing of targets
* Advanced ID technology for handling the steepest inclines and angles
* Great combination of price, performance, and features
Things that could be better:
* Honestly, not much - long range users may be limited by 550 yd rating
* More features make the learning curve a little harder
While some users slightly knocked the ProStaff 550 for being a bit unsteady at long ranges, there really wasn't this criticism of the RifleHunter 550. Also, with the Tru-Target ability to prioritize targets, you stand a much better chance of realizing the full range potential of the RifleHunter without a twig or other item preventing you from getting a false reading.
Conclusion
The Nikon RifleHunter 550 Laser Rangefinder is one of the top performers in its price class and a great performer at any price. If your needs don't include long-range duty at greater than 500 yds or so, then you should STRONGLY consider this high-quality range finder. For both rifle and bow hunting needs, this is an excellent choice.
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