Simmons vertical rangefinder

[crappyice]

Cabelas is listing the Simmons vert rf for $103.99 after rebate for the black version. I've read the amazons reviews and many seem pleased with the hunting review(golfers are not so happy). Anyone out here using tis unit? Most of my hunting is out of tree stand with bow or shotgun. Is this the best unit for the price?

[Cabin Fever]

I can't believe you posted this! I was gonna do the same thing!

I've never really needed a rangefinder, as I always limit my bow shots to 25 yards and I typically step that off at each stand before season, so I know my limits. I think I would like to have a rangefinder, even to help my son (17) to start judging distances, for bow and gun. I'm just not sure I want one bad enough to spend $179+ on other brands? (That could be another cam!)

I saw the Simmons in the Cabelas catalog for $104 after rebate and it sure is tempting me! I read the reviews at Cabelas and several other sites and people are happy with them! It's only a 4x though and I would prefer a 6x, but don't think getting another brand with a 6x is worth the extra $80+. Again, IF I had more use for it, it would be. I just haven't made my mind up yet!

[Elmo]

I have this model. It works fine and is very accurate. The problem with...and probably the reason why golfer hate it is that it has a large focus point. Now, keep in mind that this is the only rangefinder I have and used so I don't know how good/bad others are.

In the middle of your view is a small box which is sort of like the bullseye which you will place on your target to get a reading on. This bullseye is fairly large so if you're trying to read a lonely tree in the middle of the plains, you will have absolutely no problem at all. If you're trying to read the last of several trees that are line-up in a row, it might pick up one of the other trees since the box will overlap all the trees.

Golfers are trying to read a tiny flag pole and the rangefinder is probably picking up the ground that's several yard behind the flag.

Ranging a target through rows of dense brush might be difficult. Out in the open, I tested it for accuracy and if it has a clear path, it is very accurate.

[Cabin Fever]

Your right! This was the one complaint that I read about on some of the reviews. So it might be difficult to get a reading 100+ yards through the woods, due to other trees, branches, and such?

[jr.deerslayer]

In the woods, a 1000 dollar rangefinder will have trouble getting a reading through brush, normally in thick areas I will take a few readings until one seems feasible. They all use a laser so naturally the first thing the laser hits is whats going to give you a reading which can be a major problem.

[crappyice]

In the woods, a 1000 dollar rangefinder will have trouble getting a reading through brush, normally in thick areas I will take a few readings until one seems feasible. They all use a laser so naturally the first thing the laser hits is whats going to give you a reading which can be a major problem.

See now..this is why I have not bought a rangefinder yet. I can guess-timate a "feasible distance" on my own. My hope for the rf is to KNOW the distance. If the top of the line rf's are incapable of an accurate distance through standard bow hunting woods then what's the point?

[Cabin Fever]

In the woods, a 1000 dollar rangefinder will have trouble getting a reading through brush, normally in thick areas I will take a few readings until one seems feasible.

Of course, it's not gonna get an accurate reading through brush. My concern is in open hardwoods. This model uses a box in the center, instead of a crosshair type reticle, to take a reading. From what I've read, and from what Elmo has described, the box makes it more difficult to lock onto a specific target.

[crappyice]

Maybe I don't understand this but if I put the object in the center of the square(regardless the siz of th square) why wouldit no act like th center of a crosshairs? The laser is not the size of th square.

[Elmo]

I'm not sure how the actual mechanics work but the end results works more like the focusing of a camera. While in takes some playing around, you'll still get decent readings here and there by making the necessary adjustments. #1. If there are branches and leaves galore between you and the target, you don't really have a shooting lane anyway. #2. I was hiking the other weekend a saw a deer's head popping out from a bush. I couldn't get an obvious read so I "tagged" a tree that looked like it was 10 yards in front of the deer and about 20 yards to the left of it. The reading said 120 yards so I figured the deer was around any where between 120 and 140 yards from me. For a rifle, that 20 yards isn't going to make that much of a difference. For bow, your range of error will be smaller since the deer will also be a lot closer.

[jr.deerslayer]

See now..this is why I have not bought a rangefinder yet. I can guess-timate a "feasible distance" on my own. My hope for the rf is to KNOW the distance. If the top of the line rf's are incapable of an accurate distance through standard bow hunting woods then what's the point?

Through standard bow hunting woods it will work fine, you will occasionally range a branch that's before the target. After I get situated in the tree, I range a few trees around me that I hope the deer will walk by so I don't need to be playing with a rangefinder when they do come in. The most basic RF will range deer with in bow hunting distances. I have a Bushnell 450 with the square reticle, as long as you can hold very steady I can range deer to about 250 yards or so. My buddy can range deer at 1000 yards with his Leica. For bow hunting distances they have the same accuracy, even though he has the cross-hairs as his reticle. As long as you keep the target within the square you'll be fine

[crappyice]

Ok..so now I am back wanting one but still would love to hear from anyone with experience with the Simmons model compared to more xpensive models...tx

[phade]

I really like my chuck adams version by Bushnell. I got a great deal on it from Cabelas. At the time the early models had some complaints, but the new ones are being used without issue. I really like it for bowhunting.

I've had a few Simmons and now that they have been absorbed by Bushnell, some of that technology trickles down. Might be worth a buy.

[TheFieldArcher]

I have and use the Simmons, works well, tends to go back and forth... example, push the button and it reads 40 yards, push it again and it reads 42 yards, it will go back and forth quite a bit, no bigh deal, always within a couple yards. The velcro belt holder that comes with it sucks, the velcro does not last long and it will fall out just bending over. The negatives are not a big deal, another holder or putting it in a backpack or fanny pac takes care of that. I would buy it again.

[chiefbkt]

I got the simmons range finder last year and love it. I compared it in the store with the Nikon, Leupold, and Bushnell. It performed as well or better than all of them and was significantly lower in price. I used it all last year during hunting season and have used it this summer for getting yardage on chucks. I also found it useful during target practice with the bow and turned it into a "game." Walk to a spot away from your target, guess the yardage, and then use the rangefinder for an accurate reading. Kind of silly, but a good way to get your yardage down.

[shawnhu]

I don't see this range finder for the price listed. I do see it for 150, even with the rebate, it's 120. Am I missing something here?

[Cabin Fever]

I don't see this range finder for the price listed. I do see it for 150, even with the rebate, it's 120. Am I missing something here?

I noticed that also. The catalog definately said $103.99 though, after rebate. Unfortunately, I tossed the catalog into the recycle bin and they picked it up yesterday... Whoops! Might be worth calling to confirm.

[shawnhu]

Found another place that I can get it for around 88 after rebate. Thanks for the heads up!

[crappyice]

Found another place that I can get it for around 88 after rebate. Thanks for the heads up!

Please share th "other place" for $88 after rebate..tx