I have used the original A1i since it came out. It is the best hunting sight I have ever seen. Best low light sight I have ever used. I have no doubt that this sight is awesome!
Nice review. A quick correction though, the Cant indicator (dynamic level) is not a new feature . It's also on the A1i . Gotta admit, Garmin pretty much covered my wish list for improvements on the A1i. I mean, every single one and more. Just fantastic! With that Apex indicator, they even matched what Leupold did with the RX-Full draw. I'll likely sell my A1i and pick this one up.
clearest explanation of the differences between this and the earlier models that I've seen. Thanks. Can you use this without a peep, like a red dot scope? Or is a peep still required?
That is a good question. I've never timed it. Typically, it's about enough time to shoot twice when I'm at the range. But you can bring the dot back by tapping the button on the grip. You can also toggle between the single ranged dot and the multi-dot array (like a multi-pin - 20/30/40/50/60 yards) by tapping on the button before the dot disappears.
Question about XD mode. Let's say if you have 2 arrow profiles. In profile 1, After calibrating the standard pin stack and you calibrate the XD mode, is that XD mode the same XD mode as arrow profile 2 or will the device allow you to calibrate a separate XD mode for arrow profile 2 after you set up a standard mode for profile 2?
Yes. You can range at full draw. There is a ranging button I keep on the front of the grip. If you hold that range button, an aiming point will show up in the scope. Hold that over the animal/target. When you let go of the button, you will get your specific yardage "pin". It sound a bit more complicated than it is. Maybe takes a second or two. Much quicker than reaching for your range finder.
Oh my looks like they addressed the issues I had with the original. Wish they would put in a system like axcel has with the detent/stoppers. So you could set you home position then, the second position to shoot the extra distance you want quickly.
Watching their setup video on XD mode you have to range from the hip/rest not at full draw. Not worth the upgrade over the old version, IMO, even with the other features. Was hoping it would be like an actual slider I mentioned above, and the aiming reticle would stay aligned so you could range atbfull draw. Needs more refinement before I'd buy another. I did the whole range from rest/hip versus at draw on my a1i before I sold it last year, it worked but at distance it was a pain. Shame as with that sight I was deadly accurate, I like shooting longer ranges 100-150yds and I couldn't do it with the garmin.
question: Is there enough dove tail that can be used in new Mathew bow? Is the Dovetail double sided on Garmin if that's the case its a no go for Mathews V3X?
While using the extra distance mode, are you still able to range and get a single pin for the further distances or is it just a pin stack for the extended ranges?
These sights are neat. One question though, if I am going to use this sight, how can I go about tuning purposes? Meaning like how can i use this site to get started to French tune, walk back tune and broad head tune my bow by using this site? It's easy and basic to do your tuning using a regular sight.
Walk back tuning and broadhead tuning should be no different than a regular site, as both are usually accomplished with rest and yoke/spacer changes. French tuning might be tricky, as once you have the A1i set up so it's perfect at anchor (donut hole sits in the donut), you really don't ever touch the site again. However, I've never done French tuning myself, so I'm probably not the right one to comment on this.
@@ArcheryTalkVideo So If I am using this sight, should I dial in my yardage pins in first before I walk back tune? Because based on what this sight does, you have to set up your yardage pins first unlike a regular sight where it has a physical pin in it.
@@ArcheryTalkVideo That's perfect. Usually I shoot at a vertical line at 20 yards and fix my rest if needed. If not then I move to 30, 40 , and 50 yards and shoot at all those ranges. So when It comes to using this sight, I can set my 20 yard pin on this Sight first so I have a pin to use and I can tell the sight that I don't want to calibrate any more distances at least temporarily so I can use that 20 yard pin to shoot up to 50 yards. They may shoot lower but the whole idea is to see if the arrows are shooting straight on the line. The thing is if I tell the sight I don't want to calibrate any more distances (ar least for now since I would be walk back tuning) will the sight let you eventually calibrate more distances when you're done walk back tuning so you can broadhead tune? Or once you calibrated your yardage pin, is It permanently set and you cant make changes?
Have you noticed over saturation on your target at farther distances? As far as the MOA of that red dot? And have you attempted to range through thick fog or bad weather? Thank you.
Haven't had a chance to use this in thick fog very much. Shot the Garmin Xero A1i in lots of rain and snow with no issues, though. As for over saturation at long range...I'm not so sure. I haven't shot it much past 70 meters (76 yards). At that range, it seems to work pretty well. But I can't speak on shots any farther than that. If the LED "pins" are set on the bright side, it can take over a lot of the target when you shoot at long range. But that's true if you use big .29 pins in a regular sight.
Thanks for the review. I have the Mathews V3 & live in Wyoming where I’m lucky enough that electronic sites are allowed. My question is what stabilizer do you recommend with this heavier site? I have a bee stinger now and think it will be to much. Thanks for any advice and thanks again for your content.
I don't normally to use a long hunting stabilizer. With this one I just used the stubby one that came with the Hoyt. I'd think a 10-12 inch stab will work just fine. You just need to play with the end weights to see what works best for you.
@@ArcheryTalkVideo Thanks for the reply. The reason I ask is I am legally blind and can’t see a peep sight anyway So I am always on the lookout for something that would make my target shooting much more reliable and repeatable. For now I practice technique and form to help make my shots dead on and I only shoot from 20 to 30 yards anyway. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated thanks for your time and keep up the great videos
@@joeallison2779 I'm afraid I really don't have good solutions for your specific issue. You can always experiment and see what works for you, but with a site at this price point that could get expensive.
awesome review. My question, before definitely considering purchasing this sight, is will it still perform with 600+ grain arrows? I know that sounds a bit odd, however my current (new) sight (React) worked great with 380 grain arrows and auto pin adjustment but when I made the switch to 600, the automatic pin spread seemed to struggle badly. Do you know how the Garmin would fair with 600ish?
I have no experience with that type of arrow weight. But I have no reason to think it wouldn't. Besides, you can verify each distance individually if you want to. That's what I did with the original Garmin Xero A1i. It takes a bit longer, but it works.
@@ArcheryTalkVideo okay so when setting up you enter in you DL, FPS, and total weight correct? Do you know if there is a limit on that total weight? I just don’t want to spend $1,300+ and then find out that it caps at 550gr or something.
@@mangofactory9490 You don't put in total arrow weight. You put in your draw length and your speed through the chronograph. I do not know if there is any kind of limit as to what your speed to draw length ratio should be, though. The slower your arrow, the less yardage you will have in your scope. So my set up (30 inch DL/286 FPS) gets me out to 87 yards or so, I believe. With a 600-grain arrow, that may drop to 55 or 60 yards. But theoretically, it should still work even with a heavier arrow. However, you can always reach out to Garmin and ask them. They will be able to give you a better answer than I can. You can try messaging Garmin Fish & Hunt on Facebook.
I own the A1i and shoot a 650gn arrow. I can get out to about 65 yards on it. 291/2"dl, 65#dw. So the sight absolutely performs. Right now, I'm kinda pissed because I bought the A1i in July and now they come out with the A1i Pro. So..., anyone want to pick up an A1i at a good price? It's in great shape.
Well your right, o stayed away from the Garmin due to weight and price. Decided to go with the sure site from South Africa. The sure site is absolutely great EXCEPT North American animals do see this green last. The laser is actually quite bright and I have spooked a coyote and a couple whitetail. Afraid to turn it on a 10 point I had at 50 yards for fear it would see the light from laser. I have reached out to sure site to see if the laser brightness can be turned down. I would think that a red light might be better but I don’t know
Unfortunately I was asked to send email privately. They sent a video of them pointing laser at a whitetail. The deer was a buck in velvet. Where the deer was I do not know. I do not believe it was a wild deer though. I did offer to send video of the wild ones I hunt and how they react. I have asked them if there is a way to turn brightness of laser down. I am thinking that it’s still a great site for Daytime periods where light will be drowned out but at dusk and dawn you better be careful aiming at a mature buck. He will spook.
Sad thing that Garmins service and warranty is basically bullshit here. I thought I wanted this, but then they pulled that crap on me with my smartwatch. Not buying Garmin anymore.
@SickCall Ranger All personal preference. I like techy stuff with rifle hunting but it takes a lot of the challenge and fun out of it for me with archery. I'm not against advancement, I do after all shoot a compound with a moveable sight. But I've sort of drawn a personal line in the sand for what I'm willing to use with what I'd call bowhunting.
@SickCall Ranger you get no argument from me. I love mine. And everybody at the range that's checked it out is always amazed at how light it is. However, the weight spec on the A1i Pro does seem heavy. But it's still not a deal breaker for me. I shoot a very light bow.
I have used the original A1i since it came out. It is the best hunting sight I have ever seen. Best low light sight I have ever used. I have no doubt that this sight is awesome!
I was about to ask the low light question and how good it ranged the target.animal at lowlight conditions. Glad to hear this
Nice review. A quick correction though, the Cant indicator (dynamic level) is not a new feature . It's also on the A1i . Gotta admit, Garmin pretty much covered my wish list for improvements on the A1i. I mean, every single one and more. Just fantastic! With that Apex indicator, they even matched what Leupold did with the RX-Full draw. I'll likely sell my A1i and pick this one up.
Had my Pro for about a year now, has worked great but now all of sudden get a reflection on the lens of the green circle and level. Not sure why
Video is looking awesome, thank you
clearest explanation of the differences between this and the earlier models that I've seen. Thanks. Can you use this without a peep, like a red dot scope? Or is a peep still required?
I’ve only ever used these sights with a peep. Not sure I’d recommend shooting without one, but I think it may be possible.
@@ArcheryTalkVideo thanks for taking the time to reply and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
From the time you range, until the dot appears ready to shoot is how many seconds?
That is a good question. I've never timed it. Typically, it's about enough time to shoot twice when I'm at the range. But you can bring the dot back by tapping the button on the grip. You can also toggle between the single ranged dot and the multi-dot array (like a multi-pin - 20/30/40/50/60 yards) by tapping on the button before the dot disappears.
Question about XD mode. Let's say if you have 2 arrow profiles. In profile 1, After calibrating the standard pin stack and you calibrate the XD mode, is that XD mode the same XD mode as arrow profile 2 or will the device allow you to calibrate a separate XD mode for arrow profile 2 after you set up a standard mode for profile 2?
May I ask when your ranging, how do you line up an animal or target? Is the a guide within the glass that you use to line up the animal?
Yes. You can range at full draw. There is a ranging button I keep on the front of the grip. If you hold that range button, an aiming point will show up in the scope. Hold that over the animal/target. When you let go of the button, you will get your specific yardage "pin". It sound a bit more complicated than it is. Maybe takes a second or two. Much quicker than reaching for your range finder.
Nice review. Hey I never got a good look at the neon green cord / spring setup on your bow. I'm not familiar with it. What is it? Thanks!
Oh my looks like they addressed the issues I had with the original. Wish they would put in a system like axcel has with the detent/stoppers. So you could set you home position then, the second position to shoot the extra distance you want quickly.
That's a good idea. Though the system Garmin has in place now is pretty simple to use. I think I may have over complicated it in my explanation.
Watching their setup video on XD mode you have to range from the hip/rest not at full draw. Not worth the upgrade over the old version, IMO, even with the other features. Was hoping it would be like an actual slider I mentioned above, and the aiming reticle would stay aligned so you could range atbfull draw. Needs more refinement before I'd buy another.
I did the whole range from rest/hip versus at draw on my a1i before I sold it last year, it worked but at distance it was a pain. Shame as with that sight I was deadly accurate, I like shooting longer ranges 100-150yds and I couldn't do it with the garmin.
question: Is there enough dove tail that can be used in new Mathew bow? Is the Dovetail double sided on Garmin if that's the case its a no go for Mathews V3X?
There is not. I did talk to Garmin and they told me they will be releasing an accessory dovetail that will work with the new Mathews bows.
Nice sight. My only concern is the weight.
While using the extra distance mode, are you still able to range and get a single pin for the further distances or is it just a pin stack for the extended ranges?
Any chance the dovetail fits the bridge lock on the new V3X?
It does not. However, Garmin is working on an accessory dovetail mount to fit the V3X models.
@@ArcheryTalkVideo thank you!
Does this fit the new Mathews bow slot?
It doesn’t fit. However, Garmin is working on an accessory dovetail that will fit.
Is a 50lb compound suitable for hunting?
These sights are neat. One question though, if I am going to use this sight, how can I go about tuning purposes? Meaning like how can i use this site to get started to French tune, walk back tune and broad head tune my bow by using this site? It's easy and basic to do your tuning using a regular sight.
Walk back tuning and broadhead tuning should be no different than a regular site, as both are usually accomplished with rest and yoke/spacer changes. French tuning might be tricky, as once you have the A1i set up so it's perfect at anchor (donut hole sits in the donut), you really don't ever touch the site again. However, I've never done French tuning myself, so I'm probably not the right one to comment on this.
@@ArcheryTalkVideo So If I am using this sight, should I dial in my yardage pins in first before I walk back tune? Because based on what this sight does, you have to set up your yardage pins first unlike a regular sight where it has a physical pin in it.
@@bobbydenezza7795 You can do it once you have a single distance set. Or you can wait until it is fully sighted in. Up to you.
@@ArcheryTalkVideo That's perfect. Usually I shoot at a vertical line at 20 yards and fix my rest if needed. If not then I move to 30, 40 , and 50 yards and shoot at all those ranges. So when It comes to using this sight, I can set my 20 yard pin on this Sight first so I have a pin to use and I can tell the sight that I don't want to calibrate any more distances at least temporarily so I can use that 20 yard pin to shoot up to 50 yards. They may shoot lower but the whole idea is to see if the arrows are shooting straight on the line.
The thing is if I tell the sight I don't want to calibrate any more distances (ar least for now since I would be walk back tuning) will the sight let you eventually calibrate more distances when you're done walk back tuning so you can broadhead tune? Or once you calibrated your yardage pin, is It permanently set and you cant make changes?
Have you noticed over saturation on your target at farther distances? As far as the MOA of that red dot? And have you attempted to range through thick fog or bad weather? Thank you.
Haven't had a chance to use this in thick fog very much. Shot the Garmin Xero A1i in lots of rain and snow with no issues, though. As for over saturation at long range...I'm not so sure. I haven't shot it much past 70 meters (76 yards). At that range, it seems to work pretty well. But I can't speak on shots any farther than that. If the LED "pins" are set on the bright side, it can take over a lot of the target when you shoot at long range. But that's true if you use big .29 pins in a regular sight.
The level is included with the a1 as well not a new feature .
Can't figure out if it's legal in California. From what I read it is. But others say no
Thanks for the review. I have the Mathews V3 & live in Wyoming where I’m lucky enough that electronic sites are allowed. My question is what stabilizer do you recommend with this heavier site? I have a bee stinger now and think it will be to much. Thanks for any advice and thanks again for your content.
I don't normally to use a long hunting stabilizer. With this one I just used the stubby one that came with the Hoyt. I'd think a 10-12 inch stab will work just fine. You just need to play with the end weights to see what works best for you.
@@ArcheryTalkVideo thanks for the reply. Upon purchasing I’ll post what works for others here. Thank you
Can you tell me if the garmin allows you to do away with a peep sight? Thanks for the great video
I don't believe that is the plan. However, I suppose it is theoretically possible considering the reticle alignment. I don't think I'd do it, though.
@@ArcheryTalkVideo Thanks for the reply. The reason I ask is I am legally blind and can’t see a peep sight anyway So I am always on the lookout for something that would make my target shooting much more reliable and repeatable. For now I practice technique and form to help make my shots dead on and I only shoot from 20 to 30 yards anyway. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated thanks for your time and keep up the great videos
@@joeallison2779 I'm afraid I really don't have good solutions for your specific issue. You can always experiment and see what works for you, but with a site at this price point that could get expensive.
While very cool and I’d love to give it a spin that price tag.
awesome review. My question, before definitely considering purchasing this sight, is will it still perform with 600+ grain arrows? I know that sounds a bit odd, however my current (new) sight (React) worked great with 380 grain arrows and auto pin adjustment but when I made the switch to 600, the automatic pin spread seemed to struggle badly. Do you know how the Garmin would fair with 600ish?
I have no experience with that type of arrow weight. But I have no reason to think it wouldn't. Besides, you can verify each distance individually if you want to. That's what I did with the original Garmin Xero A1i. It takes a bit longer, but it works.
@@ArcheryTalkVideo okay so when setting up you enter in you DL, FPS, and total weight correct? Do you know if there is a limit on that total weight? I just don’t want to spend $1,300+ and then find out that it caps at 550gr or something.
@@mangofactory9490 You don't put in total arrow weight. You put in your draw length and your speed through the chronograph. I do not know if there is any kind of limit as to what your speed to draw length ratio should be, though. The slower your arrow, the less yardage you will have in your scope. So my set up (30 inch DL/286 FPS) gets me out to 87 yards or so, I believe. With a 600-grain arrow, that may drop to 55 or 60 yards. But theoretically, it should still work even with a heavier arrow. However, you can always reach out to Garmin and ask them. They will be able to give you a better answer than I can. You can try messaging Garmin Fish & Hunt on Facebook.
I own the A1i and shoot a 650gn arrow. I can get out to about 65 yards on it. 291/2"dl, 65#dw. So the sight absolutely performs. Right now, I'm kinda pissed because I bought the A1i in July and now they come out with the A1i Pro. So..., anyone want to pick up an A1i at a good price? It's in great shape.
@@srmjr4200 i would love one lol
nice....
Well your right, o stayed away from the Garmin due to weight and price. Decided to go with the sure site from South Africa.
The sure site is absolutely great EXCEPT North American animals do see this green last.
The laser is actually quite bright and I have spooked a coyote and a couple whitetail.
Afraid to turn it on a 10 point I had at 50 yards for fear it would see the light from laser. I have reached out to sure site to see if the laser brightness can be turned down. I would think that a red light might be better but I don’t know
I have not hunted with the Sure Sight. Unfortunately to hear that you've been busted with it. Curious what they will have to say.
Unfortunately I was asked to send email privately. They sent a video of them pointing laser at a whitetail. The deer was a buck in velvet. Where the deer was I do not know. I do not believe it was a wild deer though. I did offer to send video of the wild ones I hunt and how they react. I have asked them if there is a way to turn brightness of laser down. I am thinking that it’s still a great site for Daytime periods where light will be drowned out but at dusk and dawn you better be careful aiming at a mature buck. He will spook.
Well... Maybe the A1s are getting cheaper 2nd hand now.
The A1i is still a great sight. If you can find one for a steal, I’d jump on it.
@@ArcheryTalkVideo ...I'm pretty much ready to sell mine.
Sad thing that Garmins service and warranty is basically bullshit here. I thought I wanted this, but then they pulled that crap on me with my smartwatch. Not buying Garmin anymore.
batteries don't belong on a bow imo
@SickCall Ranger All personal preference. I like techy stuff with rifle hunting but it takes a lot of the challenge and fun out of it for me with archery. I'm not against advancement, I do after all shoot a compound with a moveable sight. But I've sort of drawn a personal line in the sand for what I'm willing to use with what I'd call bowhunting.
@SickCall Ranger its def a cool idea and Garmin makes good stuff, my dad has a couple of their GPS devices.
Over engineered heavy crap. I was hoping they were going to make a lighter version.
The Garmin A1i is lighter than a Fast Eddie XL and several other leading sights. But I don't know how light the A1i Pro is.
@@srmjr4200 the A1i pro is 510 grams
@@jozsefpetrik7902 Yeah, that's is heavy.
Haha, you definitely haven't used one!
@SickCall Ranger you get no argument from me. I love mine. And everybody at the range that's checked it out is always amazed at how light it is. However, the weight spec on the A1i Pro does seem heavy. But it's still not a deal breaker for me. I shoot a very light bow.