Regardless if you are an avid bowhunter or a long-range rifleman, there is not a tool more relied on than a rangefinder. Without one, all shots are simply shots in the dark. Arguably, Sig Sauer has been the leader in rangefinder technology over the last decade. The newest KILO models, both monocular and binocular designs, reflect that industry leadership.
Here are a few primary features to account for when shopping for a rangefinder.
Type: Monocular models are compact, lightweight, and can be operated with one hand. Binocular models, while bulkier and heavier are a two-in-one tool, rangefinder and binocular. Rangefinder type is largely a personal preference.
Magnification: Sick with a magnification that works for the hunting — ranging — environment. A 10X magnification is likely too much if perched in a treestand measuring distance to 50 yards. However, 10X magnification for shots at 500 yards is likely a boon.
Max Reflective: The farthest distance the unit will measure, read from a highly-reflective target — an object that reflects light — such as a vehicle, building, rock outcropping, etc.
Range on Deer: The farthest distance the unit will measure, read from a non-reflective target, such as a game animal.
Weight: Weight is dependent on hunting style and personal preference. Again, monoculars are lightweight; however, binoculars combine two tools into one.
Price: Rangefinders vary in price from $100s to $1000s. Models with advanced features will cost more. Don’t skimp, purchase the best model within an allotted budget; missing a trophy animal because of an incorrectly measured distance is a costly mistake.
Below is an in-depth look at two new KILO models from Sig Sauer.
KILO8K-ABS
From Sig Sauer
Introducing the new KILO8K-ABS 7 x 25 mm laser rangefinding monocular with BDX 2.0. The KILO8K-ABS has a maximum reflective range of 8,000 yards and includes Applied Ballistics Elite (BDX Elite), onboard environmental sensors, and a digital compass; the KILO8K also supports BDX External (BDX-X) for connecting to external devices such as Kestrel and Garmin devices. The Gen II LightWave DSP engine, features new target modes: Extended Range (XR) and Fog mode, along with First, Best, and Last target. The rangefinder incorporates the first Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Graphic Display, which provides all relevant ballistic information such as range to target, elevation holdover, wind hold, energy on target, and velocity at target distance. The all-new KILO rangefinders also integrate with BaseMap to provide remote waypoints on ranged targets and can be fully configured with the Sig Sauer BDX App. All KILOs leverage Low Energy / Long Range Bluetooth 5.x for multipoint Bluetooth connections and improved connectivity to BDX-enabled riflescopes and sights. The KILO8K ships with a Multicam MOLLE bag, Multicam carry pouch, lanyard, tripod adapter, and WeatherFlow Bluetooth WindMETER.
FEATURES
- Gen II Lightwave DSP Ranging Engine with Extended Range (XR) Mode
- Onboard Environmental Sensors for Real-time Ballistic Calculations
- Drop Remote Waypoints With Basemap App
- Applied Ballistics Elite with Complete AB Bullet Database, Up to 25 Custom Bullet Profiles, and 8 Onboard Ballistic Groups
- BDX 2.0 Enabled with Low Energy, Long Range Bluetooth
SPECS
Magnification: 7X
Max Reflective: 8,000 yards
Range on Deer: 2,000 yards
Weight: 7.5 ounces
Battery: (1) CR2
MSRP: $1,791.99
CONTACT: www.sigsauer.com/kilo8k-abs.html
KILO10K-ABS HD
From Sig Sauer
Introducing the new KILO10K-ABS HD 10 x 42 mm laser rangefinding binocular with BDX 2.0. The KILO10K-ABS has a maximum reflective range of 10,000 yards and includes onboard Applied Ballistics Elite (BDX Elite), environmental sensors, and a digital compass; the KILO10K also supports BDX External (BDX-X) for connecting to external devices such as Kestrel and Garmin devices. The Gen II LightWave DSP engine, features new target modes: Extended Range (XR) and Fog mode, along with First, Best, and Last target. The KILO10K binocular incorporates the first Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Graphic Display, which provides all relevant ballistic information such as range to target, elevation holdover, wind hold, energy on target, and velocity at target distance. All new KILO rangefinders also integrate with BaseMap to provide remote waypoints on ranged targets and can be fully configured with the Sig Sauer BDX App. All KILOs leverage Low Energy/Long Range Bluetooth 5.x for multipoint Bluetooth connections and improved connectivity to BDX-enabled riflescopes and sights. The KILO10K ships with a Multicam chest carry harness and WeatherFlow Bluetooth WindMETER.
FEATURES
- Gen II Lightwave DSP Ranging Engine with Extended Range (XR) Mode
- Onboard Environmental Sensors for Real-time Ballistic Calculations
- Drop Remote Waypoints With Basemap App
- Applied Ballistics Elite with Complete AB Bullet Database, Up to 25 Custom Bullet Profiles, and 8 Onboard Ballistic Groups
- BDX 2.0 Enabled with Low Energy, Long Range Bluetooth
SPECS
Magnification: 10X
Max Reflective: 10,000 yards
Range on Deer: 3,000 yards
Weight: 32 ounces
Battery: (1) CR2
MSRP: $2,832.99
CONTACT: www.sigsauer.com/kilo10k-abs-hd.html
For a look at Sig Sauer’s complete rangefinder lineup, visit https://www.sigsauer.com/electro-optics/rangefinders.html.