NEW Garmin Xero A1i Bow Sight Review | is it worth it? (WATCH BEFORE YOU BUY!)

[@creekkings]

Do you think this bow sight is cheating?

[@annabethel5611]

No ☺️

[@michaelklein3244]

That's like ppl saying mechanical broadheads and compound bows and lights on scopes and any and every other modern add on is cheating. The Garmin does not kill the deer or aim or hold for you. It's just a built in range finder that has a memory storage to hold your arrow profiles. The first range finder that ever released would probably be the biggest "cheat" known to archery if we are being technical

[@michaelklein3244]

Let's not forget about camouflage lol. At tge end of the day the most important thing is getting the animal down and dead as fast and as ethical as possible. Taking an animals life isn't a a game to be discussing cheating at. The name of the game is efficiency and no matter what cones out, the best products to improve efficiency in any category is going to be most ethical and the animal that's upfront of you will appreciate that the most

[@creekkings]

@@michaelklein3244 we agree! The real game is getting the deer to walk in front of you at 30 yards!

[@creekkings]

@@annabethel5611 your dang right shawty

[@byronelkins6706]

Basically helped me decide which model is right for my set up. Nice video

[@memyself1925]

I have been shooting an A1 for about a year and a half and couldn’t be happier. Picked up mine on sale for $599. When I bought mine my biggest question was how did it perform at really close range. I have practiced with mine from a tree all the way up to straight down. It was spot on all the way to the tree. My only regret is not getting one sooner!!!!!

[@creekkings]

Everyone has been loving this sight! We will definitely be recommending to everyone who asks!

[@cobbiebobedas6962]

I got one a couple weeks ago and it’s the a1i version for 799. So far I really like this sight a lot! If it holds up I think a person would be better getting a mid priced bow and this sight instead of a flagship bow with a 2-400 sight. I can’t notice the weight either but I was shooting a heavy spott Hogg sight before. Seems like an awesome product!

[@creekkings]

We agree 100%. A mid priced bow with this sight is a great setup that saves you time and makes you more efficient in the stand. Looks bulky but the weight isn’t that bad at all. Thanks for supporting the channel, stay tuned for more!

[@bobbydenezza7795]

When you first got your sight in the mail, how would you go about french and walk back tuning your bow with this sight?

[@claytonc8101]

I love this sight. I used it in the bush stump shooting and it didnt once give me an incorrect range. Cant wait to hunt with it this season. Only complaint is the level is a bit small and the red dot isnt super crisp like a single pin sight.

[@creekkings]

Yeah we love this sight! Hunting the bush is on our bucket list!!!

[@KillingStuffWithJosephJackson]

Try turning the brightness down. That may make the pin appear “more crisp” and have less halo effect.

[@creekkings]

@@KillingStuffWithJosephJackson I approve this message

[@brokenarrowoutdoors2467]

What is the tape you used on the wire and button? Mine hasn’t came in yet.

[@justinbooth1074]

Sorry for the late response! It just takes it to the riser so that was it’s not loose and in the way!! it comes in the box! Thanks for watching good luck this season!!

[@geraldmorris8730]

Great review, question...... when replacing batteries does it delete your settings?

[@KillingStuffWithJosephJackson]

No

[@paulcrave3112]

Does it work with shoot through mesh on ground blind windows?

[@creekkings]

Yes and no. We literally just missed a 170 inch monster because it ranged a twig from a ground blind. It’s meant for more tree stands. Not recommended for ground hunting. Stay tuned for that video where this Garmin screwed us over .

[@jasonzbranek8690]

Can you get or with bridgelock for a Lift 29.5

[@creekkings]

Yes!

[@tylerbrooks5113]

Now when you hit the button to get a range do you have to hit the button every time

[@creekkings]

Correct!

[@cameronbell6253]

How does it do in low light conditions ranging? I hunt in heavily wooded areas

[@creekkings]

It worked perfect! Drew on my target buck 2 seasons ago with 5 minutes left of light and it was perfect. You can adjust the brightness of the pin as well so it’s not so bright.

[@kylekrebs9248]

Hey guys I want to order one but how does the ranges finder and sights work in standing in Golding rod and tall grass will it hit the deer 20 yards in front of me or the grass

[@creekkings]

It’s suited more for tree stands. If your on the ground in tall grass it’s going to range the grass. It’s pretty nifty but not sure if it would be the best for what your looking for

[@kylekrebs9248]

@@creekkings thank you very much I think I with still get one and try more saddle hunting

[@creekkings]

@@kylekrebs9248 good luck!

[@Illustrator76]

I just wanted to clarify that you guys stated you went back to a Spot Hogg for hunting because of reliability? I'm figuratively torn between this and a nice 3 pin sight. I love the clean sight picture of the Garmin, but I WILL be in a ground blind as well as in trees, and it sounds like the ground blinds gave you a bit of an issue ranging? I will only use a single pin sight if it's something like Garmin, otherwise I'm going back to 3 pin sights.

[@creekkings]

Hey man, thanks for the comment! So the Garmin is super nice for that last second range from a tree stand, but we have already had a bad experience with ranging from the ground. Too many twigs and the Garmin has a hard time getting past that. However the Garmin does has a 3 pin sight mode, that doesn't range. which is nice, but defeats the purpose of a 1000 dollar sight haha Its a real good option for late season tree stand hunting but not the best for ground blinds or early season in our opinion. We also got an error message one time in the field and couldn't even hunt. a 3 pin sight just seems more of a reliable option at this point. Thanks again for your support! Good luck with your bowhunting endeavors!

[@Illustrator76]

@@creekkings Thanks. I have tried one, and so far I am having issues during the setup with ranging. I have a target in my basement at 20 yards with a clear line of sight that the Garmin is ranging at 12-13 yards. Maybe there isn't enough light or something down there, but it's very concerning. The 3 pin is looking better and better as you stated.

[@creekkings]

@@Illustrator76 The range finder should work just fine in the dark, it doesn't need any light. We tested it. But we have never ran into that issue. Our Garmin ranges pretty accurately 100% of the time. So I'm not sure about that one. Maybe take it into the local archery shop? Either way its a bit concerning not being 100% sure of its ability to function in the field when a buck of a lifetime walks by. Better safe than sorry. I suggest getting it sighted in with the 3 Pin feature just incase!

[@Illustrator76]

@@creekkings Yeah, I found out that it was an issue with the housing not being adjusted properly. I finally got it working, and I like it a lot. I want to test it while in the 30 day return window to see if I have the same issues that you did.

[@bobbydenezza7795]

When you first get this sight, how can you go about French and walk back tuning before regularly sighting it in for your yardages?

[@creekkings]

I started at 10 yards getting left and right good then moved back every 10 yards

[@bobbydenezza7795]

@@creekkings I know that but with this particular sight as you move further back to take shots, the sight asks you if you hit the bullseye (In this case for walkback tuning, it's the straight vertical line) and if you say no (referring that you didn't hit the line), it asks you if you missed low or high. If you're walkback tuning you're going to miss right or left. In that case you would make your adjustments from the rest. But as your walking back, is It necessary to set your yardages if your tuning or can you stick to your primary 20 yard pin? I suppose you can ignore some of those questions the sight asks you if you're personally walk back tuning your bow before actually sighting it in for your yardages.

[@Rowsey63]

How is it cheating when you are taking more ethical shots? I think the better the shot placement you make, the better it is for you and the game.

[@droneadventure8591]

When they going to make a new smaller one??

[@creekkings]

Not sure, I’d be interested in that for sure!

[@xtremejunkie4710]

Is it Magnified any ?

[@creekkings]

No it isn’t magnified

[@waynerobinson7143]

That’s pretty cool ,What range can it range to .

[@justinbooth1074]

Their website says out to 100 yards!! Thanks for watching Wayne!

[@waynerobinson7143]

@@justinbooth1074 Thanks 👍

[@shawnk8991]

Joe’s the man

[@creekkings]

He for sure is! We love that guy!

[@buckstop1031]

You can't see the dang green arrows to align the reticle. I just let our local pro shop. Five other guys couldn't see them to get it aligned either.

[@creekkings]

It might be defective because we don’t really have that issue! Try contacting Garmin, they might be able to replace it. Or try Turing the brightness up on the dots

[@jonesoutdoors9901]

My only problem with range finding sights is that in a wood scenario, they tend to range branches or other things instead of the intended target. I got rid of mine because of this.

[@creekkings]

Understandable!

[@mchristodora]

Great video! As a newer shooter I have a few questions I'd love for you guys to clarify, can i use this sight for indoor target shooting only and have it be just as useful/successful or is it strictly for hunting outdoors only? Question two is as silly as this sounds i cant wink so will this sight help with my aim accuracy? Last question, does it matter if your a lefty shooter is this sight universal? Look forward to more videos and for your response thanks guys!

[@creekkings]

I used it for hunting and it was very useful I’m sure it would be just as useful for shooting known distance. They make a left and a right handed model so you’d just pick up whichever one you are. As far as aim it’s only as accurate as you are. You still have to make the shot, hold steady and anchor and do everything correctly. It’s the same as a single pin slider but just takes the step out of ranging and adjusting your pin which allows you to not rush a shot on an animal. Thanks for watching!

[@mchristodora]

@@creekkings thank you very much

[@creekkings]

@@mchristodora Yessir! Let us know if you have any questions!

[@RobertLopez3210]

What is the farthest shot taken with this sight and still be accurate?

[@justinbooth1074]

not super sure! i know people can stretch it out and make it out to about 100 yards if they put the pins at the very top! again the sights only as accurate as the shooter shooting it

[@creekkings]

100 yards is the maximum distance on Garmin’s website. It may stretch a little further but garmin advertises 100 yards.

[@nelsonenaccion4x424]

Great Garmin sight great xplain very Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice videos guys

[@creekkings]

Glad you enjoyed it Nelson!!! We love the support!

[@michaelrichardson9372]

Amazing technology!

[@upchurchm]

Why buy the A1i Pro over the A1i ?

[@creekkings]

The A1i just has more features, not necessary by any means

[@ledbetter201]

Did anyone else hear the AC-130 at 9:54

[@creekkings]

ENEMY AC-130 ABOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@justinbooth1074]

brings back the MW2 days for sure…

[@txpatriot7038]

For me, the reason I prefer Archery is that I like being close to the animals so that I don't remove their natural defenses (sound, smell, hearing, site) and the challenge of judging the distance accurately to make an ethical kill shot. This would remove half the skill/fun. IMO.

[@KillingStuffWithJosephJackson]

Do you use any kind of range finder?

[@willshunting]

We all know that the possible outcome of a shot at an animal is never binary i.e. a clean heart lung shot or a total miss every time. So sorry dude, but I could never justify supposedly giving the animal a sporting chance with each attempted kill, (based on how skilled I was at guessing the range), versus the prospect of only wounding it and it escaping to suffer for maybe days, or even the rest of it's life. Each and every hunter owes it to the animal to maximise the probability of the quickest, most humane death possible. The use of a rangefinder has nothing to do with signifying inferior skill as a bow hunter; it is, instead an essential element to a responsible, respectful consideration of the quarrie.

[@txpatriot7038]

@@willshuntingethical kills are based on knowing your skill and being mature enough to stay in your skill range. It sounds like what you need is a gun. This site is ridiculous in my opinion. Just not for me.

[@willshunting]

@@txpatriot7038 Appreciate you taking the time to respond. I absolutely agree with you regarding this sight. I have an aquaintence who sank a lot of money into one and in my opinion, it is too large and heavy to be a comfortable addition to any bow, besides being at a dizzying price point compared to say fine scopes like HHA and the like. I'm otherwise a bit puzzled by your suggestion that my views suggest I need a gun. To be clear, I must respectfully suggest that there might be one in many millions of bow hunters who can accurately estimate ranges, up and down inclines and on the flat, 100% of the time. Of course if they could and given perfect technique every shot, not only would they never miss, they would never have an arrow land outside the humane kill zone. All that I am therefore emphasising is that unless I was that one in many millions of bow hunters with that uncanny skill, I feel I ethically owe it to the animal to use a range finder; if only to double check my first guess at range before I loose an arrow. Indeed, when in the field, I try to frequently pick out distant objects and guess their range, before I check my estimating skill with my rangefinder. I don't do this with a view to one day completely retiring my rangefinder, but to mentally prepare myself for which pin, or between which two pins, I should fix on when I refine the actual range with the rangefinder. If I ever reach the level of skill such that my estimate is 100% spot on every time (which I guess you have acheived), I could still could not bare to know my element of "fun" derived from unchecked estimate range resulted in an animal suffering longer than necessary. Again, thanks for your response and God Bless and stay well.

[@zzz7zzz9]

But are you stalking your deer, hunting them one-on-one, or laying in wait.

[@GmAn-vo8cf]

Joe knows

[@creekkings]

Joe always knows….

[@bloodlines9610]

Does that guy know that his hat goes down further than that?

[@creekkings]

No I’ll let him know

[@jyk4]

I'm happy with the a1i. If you think it's cheating, is also using a handheld rangefinder and multipin sight cheating? =P

[@creekkings]

Facts!

[@zzz7zzz9]

The only people who would call it 'cheating', are the archery communities elitest snobs. They think crossbows are cheating, ffs. All while they go sit in a tree over pet deer.

[@MikeyWoomer]

So this sight makes you more ethical than me

[@creekkings]

It makes you faster at ranging the animal so you can have more time to deliver a good shot. Leaving less room for rushed shots

[@MikeyWoomer]

@@creekkings just cost more than your bow

[@MikeyWoomer]

@@creekkings I get it and like thr sight but I don't think because your sight is fancy that makes you more ethical

[@MikeyWoomer]

@@creekkings it's just getting old seeing everyone using ethical as a selling point.

[@creekkings]

@@MikeyWoomer I think ethics all comes down the making the best shot you can make. If a fancy sight does that for you the so be it. By no means do you need a $1000 sight to be ethical. If that were the case I would be unethical because I don’t even run the sight on my setup. But that being said, I don’t think “ethics” is the selling point here, I believe the real selling point is the easy functionality of the ranging bow sight. Our talking point was more towards people who think it’s cheating to use a ranging bow sight. Would you at least agree that any piece of equipment that allows you to pull off a better shot on an animal , would be more ethical?

[@1989inception]

1 year warranty for $1000. Nah im good.. i paid $1200 for my vortex fury hd 5000 binos an i can run that over with a car an get them replaced. They are literally robbing you so hunters can be a bit more lazy in there hunting.