If you’re unfamiliar with what specifically a 1-pin sight is, it’s a scope with just a single pin for hunting bows. One of the main advantages to choosing a 1-pin bow sight over 3 or 5-pin sight is the crystal clear view you’ll enjoy when you hunt with this particular style of bow hunting sight.
What is the best one pin bow sight out there? While opinions can vary overall the HHA Optimizer Lite 1-Pin Bow Sight is our top pick, with Trophy Ridge’s Pursuit and Drive Slider one pin sights following close behind.
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Best One Pin Sights for Bow Hunting
There are a lot of different kinds of 1-pin designs on the market. Knowing which one you should invest in can be a little frustrating sometimes. A quality bow hunting sight should be durable, weather resistant, easy to adjust, and help you effectively improve the accuracy of your shots.
We also like one pin sights because they aren’t complicated. Spend too much time trying to figure out how to line up the shot, and that buck might just hop away when you’ve fidgeted a bit too long.
Listed below are a few of the top models sold on the market today. Read through them all and see which one catches your interest.
HHA Optimizer Lite 1-Pin Bow Sight
With this handy bow sight, shooting a target 80 yards away won’t be a problem in the slightest bit. The wide crystal-clear optical lens are an absolute pleasure to use, and unlike 3 and 5-pin sights, the 1-pin style delivers a clean, uncluttered field of view.
The ability to change the windage and elevation adjustments within seconds is another feature worth mentioning. This makes zoning in on your target a piece of cake. In fact, once you sight in your bow at either 20 or 60 yards, the HHA Optimizer Lite will be automatically locked into 20 to 80 yards. The sight does this in increments of 5-yards.
If quality construction tickles your fancy, then you’ll be happy to know that the body is crafted from a tough aluminum and has a repetition for being indestructible. This hunting sight can also handle all sorts of extreme weather and temperatures. It doesn’t matter what kind of conditions or terrain you’re hiking in, this gem is built to last.
Pros:
- Well-designed
- Can be adjusted in seconds
- Simple to mount
- Lightweight
Cons
- Pin is hard to see in low-light environments
Click here for up to date prices on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/HHA-Optimizer-Lite-Sight-OL-3019/dp/B004X2WVSU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=HHA+Optimizer+Lite+3019&qid=1556756008&s=gateway&sr=8-3-fkmrnull&linkCode=sl1&tag=outdoormeta-20&linkId=201ff5086983930f56274520e3477364
Trophy Ridge Pursuit 1-Pin Bow Sight
The thing that’s really unique about this 1-pin sight is the way the fiber optic ring, the bight fiber optic pin, and the slider all glow in the dark. In fact, there’s even a built-in, adjustable rheostat light, too.
This is all quite useful when you find yourself hunting in low-light or foggy environments. Hunting in these conditions can be challenging sometimes, but when you have these tools, it’s a lot easier.
Another thing that’s great about this bow hunting sight is the field of view. When you use this sight, you’ll notice how your field of view is crystal clear and completely unobstructed. This open-styled view will definitely help you hit that bullseye 50 yards or more away.
IMPORTANT: There are two different style designs with the one-pin model. Personally I like the vertical pin a bit more, but Jon likes the Alpha Slide sight that comes with a triangle one pin. Both are good and we’ll include the links for both below so you can decide which one suits your style of shooting best.
The construction of this 1-pin bow hunting sight is also impressive. The overall design has a very sleek and polished look to it and the body is made from premium, machined aluminum.
Moisture, extreme temperatures, and the occasional bump or drop are no match for this eye-catching hunting accessory that will hold up during even the most challenging of deer seasons.
Pros
- Glow in the dark technology
- Uncluttered field of view
- Bright optical pin
- High-quality design
- Lightweight
Cons
- Made only for the right-handed shooter
- Allen keys are needed to adjust the sight
Click here for up to date prices on Amazon for the Alpha Slide Sight: https://www.amazon.com/Trophy-Ridge-Alpha-Slide-1-Pin/dp/B07JZFVPC4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=2BX2VJPDNT09D&dchild=1&keywords=trophy+ridge+pursuit+1-pin+sight&qid=1589288262&sprefix=trophy+ridge+pursuit,aps,185&sr=8-7&linkCode=sl1&tag=outdoormeta-20&linkId=d055e47e00cb033672e2d2547ee5d7e3&language=en_US
Trophy Ridge Drive Slider 1-Pin Bow Sight
This 1-pin hunting bow sight has an adjustable indicator pin. This is definitely a feature you’re going to enjoy. So, what does it do? This indicator pin gives you the ability to make the proper modifications to accurately shoot in any kind of environment.
The Trophy Ridge bow sight also has a bubble level installed for increased accuracy.
The pin embedded in this bow sight isn’t just adjustable, it’s also extremely bright and works great in dim environments. The outer ring also glows in the dark and adds to the overall shooting experience.
If that’s not enough, there’s an attachable sight light included with each purchase. This is a really cool addition.
The lightweight durable design is another desirable feature. There’s nothing worse than a heavy sight weighing your bow down. When you mount this 1-pin sight, you’ll hardly be able to tell it’s even attached. It’s that comfortable to shoot with.
An additional feature that separates this sight from the many other models on the market is the way the slider locks into place. With some bow sights, the slider has been know to come loose when taking a shot.
That can become annoying quite fast. With this model, that’s not something you have to deal with. This truly is one good bow hunting accessory.
Pros
- Easy to mount
- Increased accuracy in any environment
- Bright pin and glow in the dark indicator tape
- Free sight light
- Bushings are made of nylon for quiet adjustments
Cons
- Adjustments require an Allen wrench
- For right-handed shooters
- May take a little time to dial it in
Click here for up to date prices on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Trophy-Ridge-Drive-Slider-Sight/dp/B0064VF22K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=one+pin+bow+sight&qid=1556755654&s=gateway&sr=8-2&linkCode=sl1&tag=outdoormeta-20&linkId=4ce1f095b2ce1aeaff34fbfb635c6828
Truglo Range-Rover Series 1-Pin Bow Sight
This is quite an impressive series of 1-pin bow hunting sights. In fact, the Truglo Range-Rover sight comes in 5 different models and 4 different colors. Although each one of these models vary a little when it comes to their specific details, they all provide the shooter with a clear, uncluttered field of view.
The accuracy you’ll experience when using one of these 1-pin sights is really impressive.
Toolless adjustments is another feature that makes using this bow sight is real treat. It gets old having to carry random tools with you when you hunt. When you use this clever contraption, you won’t have to work about that. Simply turn the dial and set your yardage.
For your convenience, Truglo includes over 40 pre-marketed yardage tapes. These really do help make the overall setup much easier, especially for beginners.
Another really cool feature about this hunting sight is that it can be adjusted for both right and left-handed shooters. Many of the sights sold on the market these days are designed for right-handed hunters.
With the Range-Rover, you simply have to make a few adjustments and a left-handed individual can shoot with it too. It’s that easy.
Pros
- Toolless adjustments
- Designed for both right and left-handed shooters
- Tough aluminum construction
- Easy to mount / quick set-up
- Lightweight design
- Bright pin
Cons
- The dial is made of plastic and a little bit flimsy
- The screws have come loose on certain models
- Adjusting the sight can create a little noise
Click here for up to date prices on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/TRUGLO-RANGE-ROVER-Single-Pin-Right-Handed-Micro-Adjustable/dp/B00H6YHG8M/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=one+pin+bow+sight&qid=1556755654&s=gateway&sr=8-4&linkCode=sl1&tag=outdoormeta-20&linkId=e76ef917d954790d7af7ba0d16861376
HHA Optimizer Lite Ultra 1-Pin Bow Sight
This 1-pin bow sight is definitely worth your hard earned cash. The body of this device is constructed from top-of-the-line machined aluminum and designed to endure the harshest weather.
Rain, snow, and heat don’t stand a chance. This is one tough bow hunting accessory.
In addition to this quality construction, the HHA Optimizer Lite Ultra is also quite convenient. This sight can be mounted and calibrated in minutes and with little skill. It’s that easy. Even if you have minimal experience working with tools, mounting the Lite Ultra is quite a simple job.
The ability to calculate your yardage within seconds is another feature that you’ll absolutely love. You’ll be able to choose the exact yardage. This is a really handy feature that’s bound to help you increase the accuracy of your shots.
Give it a try and see for yourself!
Pros
- Quick set-up
- Built-in revolutionary yardage dial
- Designed to withstand the harshest environments
- Bright pin
Cons
- Designed for right-handed shooters
- Some quivers won’t fit with the sight attached.
Click here for up to date prices on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/HHA-Optimizer-Lite-Ultra-Sight/dp/B001F0M4K8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&keywords=HHA+Optimizer+Lite+Ultra&qid=1589304883&sr=8-3&linkCode=sl1&tag=outdoormeta-20&linkId=b41ebd90ccc3c5e4296f49a30013fa5f&language=en_US
Apex Gear Covert 1-Pin Bow Sight
The Apex Gear Covert is a really a great sight, but the thing that makes it stand out from the rest of the competition is the way you can change the pin color from red to yellow to green in no time at all. If that’s not enough, the sighting pin is also interchangeable.
In fact, each package includes a 0.010″ and a 0.19″ pin. Now, how great is that?
The ability to mount this 1-pin bow sight quickly and effectively is really convenient. The process takes seconds. However, you do have to use tools that aren’t provided to mount the device and calibrate it. Other than that, you’ll enjoy a quick set-up.
The optical lenses on the Apex Gear Covert is located in the rear, and because the makers designed it this way, you’re able to see the yardage tape location much easier than other models. This is a really handy feature that definitely adds to the overall quality of the device.
Pros
- Made in America
- Quickly change the pin light
- Lightweight design
- Easy to mount
- Glow in the dark shooter’s ring
- Constructed from top-of-the-line machined aluminum
Cons
- The 2x magnification lens, which is sold separately, can make a soft rattling noise when attached.
- Adjustments and dialing the sight in can be a little confusing for beginners
Click here for up to date prices on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/APEX-Covert-1-Pin-Sight-Black/dp/B00J3SD7J6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=one+pin+bow+sight&qid=1556755654&s=gateway&sr=8-8&linkCode=sl1&tag=outdoormeta-20&linkId=5a3f9e2f33468f78184881665f266b97
How Does a One-Pin Sight Work?
One-pin sights are more commonly used in comparison to three-pin and five-pin sights. Why? This single-pin style offers a wide, uncluttered field of view. When aiming, simply line your target up with your sight’s pin. You will then have to calculate in the wind, distance, and other factors to ensure your accuracy is on beat.
There are two kinds of one-pin hunting bow sights, rear facing lens and front facing lens. Both of these styles work well, so it really comes down to personal preference.
Both of these styles are available for right and left-handed shooters. Once you find the style that truly works for you, you’ll enjoy shooting your bow that much more.
What Are the Positives & Negatives of a 1-Pin Sight?
One of the main benefits of using a one-pin bow sight is the wide, uncluttered field of view that you’ll enjoy with every shot. With the three and five-pin sight, you get a more restricted view.
For some people, this is extremely annoying and will ultimately affect their shots.
On the other hand, three pin bow hunting sights and five-pin bow hunting sights do have their advantages. Three and five-pin sights help you calculate the correct yardage required to hit your target.
When you shoot with a single-pin sight, you’ll have to calculate this yourself. Again, it really all comes down to personal preference and usability.
What Should You Shop for in a Single-Pin Bow Sight?
One of the first things you’ll want to look for in a one-pin bow hunting sight is the overall construction. Sights made from machined aluminum typically tend to be some of the toughest choices on the market.
Over the years, you’re going to bump it against random objects. It’s just the way it is. That’s why you’ll want to invest in a hunting sight that can take the abuse and continue to perform.
Another feature you’ll want to look for in a single-pin sight is convenience. Choose a model that is easy to mount and can be calibrated with little effort at all. Shooting sights that are complex to set-up can become quite frustrating.
Spend the extra money for one that’s simple, convenient, and takes minimal work. You’ll be glad you did.
Lastly, always remember the lighter the better. Heavy sights can weigh your bow down and make it hard to balance during a shot. This can ultimately effect the accuracy of your shots. Heavy bows are also hard to travel with and will take a lot more energy to hike with them.
In Conclusion
The style of a bow sight can tell you a lot about a hunter and how they like to shoot. With that being said, many of us grow up using the gear that our outdoor mentors used themselves. That means sometimes we actually don’t know what type of gear actually would be best for each of us individually.
Consider taking a look at a single pin sight. You may find that when it comes to bow hunting less is more. Especially when bagging that big buck.