by Brad Harris May 1, 2018

Best Single Pin Bow Sight

Choosing the right bow sight can make a world of difference for your archery or hunting experience. After all, it is the piece of the equipment that determines how accurate your aim is. But with so many different options, how do you find the perfect one for yourself?

In this article, we will focus on one type of these devices – the single pin bow sight. We will tell you about some of the best single pin bow sights and explain why each of them could be a good choice for you.

And to make your search easier, we have also included a buyer’s guide in which we will give you all the information you need to find the best bow sight for yourself.

So, without further ado, let’s start with our top picks for the best single pin bow sight on the market.

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Trophy Ridge Drive Slider Bow Sight

The first item on our list comes from Trophy Ridge, a company well-known for making a wide range of quality archery equipment. This bow sight is no exception since it has all kinds of features that landed it on our list of the best single pin bow sights.

Features

.029” vertical fiber optic pin
Rheostat light
Pre-installed bubble level
Glow-in-the-dark ring

Pros

Great value for money
No tools required for adjustment
Large, highly visible fiber optic pin
Easy to set up

Cons

Inconvenient for left-handed use
Not suitable for longer distances

Review

For a budget-friendly product, this bow sight is packed with features. It’s well-built, easy to use, and provides great accuracy thanks to the large fiber optic pin.

Build Quality
The mounting bracket of this sight is made of aluminum, making it very solid and lightweight at the same time. Some parts are plastic, which is prone to breaking, but there is no doubt this bow is durable enough to withstand average use.

It also features nylon bushings that ensure quiet movement by eliminating metal-to-metal contact, which is especially useful in hunting.

Accuracy
Thanks to the .029 inch wide fiber optic pin, this sight is a great option for all kinds of bow hunting adventures. This is one of the biggest pin sizes available, and it is very bright so rest assured hunting in low-light conditions won’t be an issue. There is a downside to this, though. A larger pin blocks more of your sight, so it might be a bit inconvenient for smaller and farther targets.

For improved visibility, the ring glows in the dark, and there is also a rheostat light that adds enough light to see the pin clearly.

As if that’s not enough, there is also a bubble level installed on the bottom of the ring, so you can align your bow correctly.

Adjustment
Another reason why this is one of the best single pin bow sights available is the ease of use. Adjustment is quick and easy and requires no separate tools. If you’re a bit experienced in using bow sights, adjusting this one will be easy. If you’re not, you’ll get used to it pretty quickly.

Right-Handed Use
This device is built for right-handed use. It is possible to use it if you shoot with your left hand, but you’re going to have to make some alterations.

The way to do this is to remove the four bolts at the top of the sight and then rotate it 180 degrees. Put the bolts back in and you should be good to go. The only thing to keep in mind is that this way, the level will be at the top of the ring. If that’s something that won’t be a problem for you, you can use it the same way you would if you were right handed.

There are also a couple of other things you should keep in mind. First of all, the sight doesn’t come pre-marked, so you have to mark the yardages yourself. Be sure to do this carefully, in order to avoid confusion.

Also, some of the features and adjustments can be a bit confusing to beginners. Don’t worry about this, because after you’ve used it a couple of times, it will become easier as you go.
Overall, this bow sight is definitely worth considering. You get a ton of useful features at a very low price. In case your hunting adventures don’t require a top-notch sight that does everything, this could be a good choice.

Fuse Helix Slider Single Pin Sight

The next product on our list of the best single pin bow sights is a mid-range device by Fuse Archery. This bow sight has great build quality and it’s versatile and easily adjustable.

Features

.019 inch steel fiber optic pin
Stealth Band technology
Rheostat light
Right and left hand compatibility

Pros

Low noise and vibration levels
High build quality
Easily adjustable

Cons

A bit expensive
The exposed fiber optic could be better protected

Review

If you’re willing to spend a bit more on a bow sight, this could be your choice. Despite a couple of drawbacks, it’s still a great bow sight that can make your shooting a lot more precise and convenient.

The Pin
This bow sight’s pin is .019 inches wide, which may not be the widest out there, but it’s definitely bright enough to provide great visibility. There is also a sight light for improved visibility and precision. Another good thing about the pin is that it’s made from stainless steel, so durability won’t be an issue. You can rest assured it will survive all kinds of adventures.

The only thing that might be a problem in some situations is that the fiber optic is wrapped around the housing. This means it’s exposed to the elements. The designers have chosen to make the sight easy to locate in favor of a bit more protection that would make it more reliable.

Convenience
There are a couple of features that make this device one of the best single pin bow sights on the market right now. The first is the simplicity of installation and use. The sight is ready for mounting out of the box. Just attach it to your bow’s riser with a couple of bolts and you’re good to go.

Setting it up to fit your bow may take some time, but it’s not hard even if you’ve never used one before.
Another thing that makes this bow sight convenient is the Stealth Band technology. This is used to effectively minimize noise and vibration. This is more important for hunters than archers, since you can use it quietly without the fear of your target running away.

The design of this sight allows for both right and left-handed use. If you’re left-handed, you can simply mount it on the other side of your bow, without having to make any adjustments.

Windage and elevation adjustments are also pretty simple, but it requires the use of an Allen wrench, which is not included in the package.

As you can see, this devise is worth thinking about. If you’re able to spend a couple more bucks on a sight bow, this one could be a great option.

Axcel Accutouch HD .019 Sight

The last item on our list of the best single pin bow sights is a premium solution from Axcel. It’s a high-quality product that’s packed with all kinds of features that will make sure your hunting is as simple and accurate as it can be.

Features

Accu-Click system
.019” fiber optic pin
Three-axis leveling capabilities
45-degree sight scale
Windage Dovetail Guide system
Elevation tension lever

Pros

High build quality
High accuracy and precision
Great adjustment capabilities
Convenient and simple to use

Cons

Expensive

Review

Axcel is known in the archery community as an innovative company. This device is a perfect example of that, which makes it one of the best single pin bow sights for everyone that wants nothing but a top-notch sight.

Adjustments
One of the strongest points of this bow sight is its adjustment capabilities. The first feature worth mentioning is the Accu-Click technology that makes this device comparable to some high-end multi-pin bow sights. Basically, it lets you set it at a specific distance, making it a lot easier to lock your target in.

Sliding the sight along the elevation bar can sometimes be tricky. But thanks to the Elevation Tension Lever, you get to choose the amount of force you need to apply for this.

Windage and elevation adjustments require no other tool, and you can dial them in in a matter of minutes. Pair this with the all-axis leveling capabilities and you get one of the most versatile sights available. There is also a windage lock button, which stops the windage knob from turning when you don’t want it to. Thanks to the Windage Dovetail Guide feature, you can let your arrows fly with zero backlash.

The Pin
Here we have a standard .019 inch fiber optic pin that remains brightness in all conditions. The field of view is also wide enough to ensure visibility without distractions. The 45-degree sight scale lets you see where the sight pointer is set clearly, making your aiming a lot easier.

As you might’ve expected, all these features come at a high price. If you’re not willing to settle for anything less than a top-shelf bow sight, and don’t mind paying for it, this might be the best single pin bow sight for you. But in case you’re a beginner, or a casual archer, this one might be a bit of an overkill. You can definitely find a good sight for a lot less than this, so just ask yourself what kind of features you really need.

The Verdict

Now that we’ve shown you some of the best single pin bow sights that the market has to offer, it’s time to announce our winner. Although we believe you can’t go wrong with any of these devices, our favorite one has to be the Trophy Ridge Drive Slider Bow Sight. There are multiple reasons for this.

First of all, the price makes it easily accessible to pretty much everyone. It’s proof that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a bow sight that does a great job of letting you hit the center of the target in all kinds of situations.
It looks and feels sturdy and durable, thanks to the aluminum housing. You can rest assured it will serve you for quite some time.

The feature we probably like the most about this device is the pin itself. It’s the widest one out of all the products we’ve reviewed in this article, and it stays brightness no matter the circumstances.

If this bow sight piqued your interest, click here to find out more about it.

Of course, if you think this one won’t fit your needs, and you have a bigger budget to spend on a bow sight, our other picks might be suitable for you, especially the Axcel Accutouch HD. There’s pretty much nothing this one can’t do, so it might be a perfect addition to your archery equipment.

Bow Sight Buyer’s Guide

When looking for the best single pin bow sight for your bow, you have to take into account multiple factors. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll go over each of them and help you make a good decision. We’ll also give you some useful tips on how to get the best out of your bow sight and be at the top of your hunting game.

Single vs. Multi-Pin
Single pin bow sights have a number of advantages over the multi-pin ones. Of course, there are also some drawbacks, so choosing the right type is mostly a matter of personal preference. Here are the questions you need to ask yourself before making the final decision:

What do you need it for?
If you’re an archer, a single pin bow sight can be suitable for you. Shooting fixed targets at known ranges is very simple with this type of sights.

But in case you’re a bow hunter, it might take quite a bit of practice to get used to using a single pin sight. More often than not, your hunting will be unpredictable. Unless you’re a very experienced hunter, the changes will happen too fast for you to adjust yardages accordingly. So, if you’ve been using multiple pins for a long time, switching to a single pin sight will be a bit tough at first, but it should become easier after some practice.

How good is your focus?
In the debate of whether you should use a single or a multi-pin sight, one of the biggest arguments in favor of single pin is the clutter that multiple pins make. Having three or five pins creates a lot of blind spots that can make aiming significantly harder. It’s also too easy to switch up pins, so the main advantage of the single pin sight is the simplicity. Since there is only one focal point, there is no confusion, and you get a much clearer view of your target.

Why Go for a Single Pin Sight?

As mentioned, the main reason people decide to use a single pin bow sight is the simplicity it offers. Your shot sequence simplifies by a lot with this type of sights. There’s no mistaking the pin or clutter, no thinking too much. Just draw, take a look at the pin, and shoot.

It’s also great for everyone using a bow for the first time and looking to start practicing. The best option would be a sight with a vertical pin and a large aperture. This will allow for a wide viewing range, and it’s especially useful in low-light conditions.

What to Look For?

There is a couple of features you need to consider if you want to find the best single pin bow sight for yourself. Let’s go over the most important ones:

Pin Size
The most common pin sizes are .010 (10 thousandths of an inch), .019, and .029 inch pins. There are also .015, .040, .060 and .125 inch pins, but these are pretty rare.

The fiber optic pins are pretty simple in terms of how they work. The fibers gather ambient light, which makes the end glow. If we assume all fibers are the same length, the bigger the pin, the brighter it is. Larger pins are especially useful for hunters and 3-D archers who might face a lot of low-light situations.

The advantage of smaller pins is that they provide better visibility, but some pins like the .010 inch ones might be a bit too hard to see for most people.

Weight and Durability
The bow itself can be pretty heavy so you wouldn’t want an accessory that adds to the weight too much. You need to find a sight that’s lightweight, but at the same time durable enough to withstand different situations. Aluminum seems to be the most popular choice. It doesn’t add too much to the bow’s weight, and it’s sturdy enough to ensure longevity.

Although some parts of most sights are plastic, it’s probably not a very good idea to buy one with full plastic housing. They may appear cheaper, but they’re prone to breaking so you’ll end up losing money in the long run.

Sight Lights
These lights are a very useful feature if you have problems with seeing your pin. They are battery-powered, and they illuminate the pins enough for you to see them clearly. Although most sights come with these lights included, they are easy to find in most archery equipment stores in case you don’t have one.

Bubble Level
This is another feature that comes in handy if you’re using a compound bow. Tilting your bow just a little bit can make the shot a lot less accurate. A bubble level ensures a straight shot and significantly improves accuracy. It’s usually filed with antifreeze or some type of alcohol, so you can use it in the winter.

Adjustments
The best single pin bow sight should be easily adjustable without the need for a whole bunch of tools. Luckily, there are a lot of affordable devices that make this happen. Try to look for the ones that have simple and tool-less windage and elevation adjustments, so you don’t waste a lot of time and energy.

This is especially important for hunters. No matter how much hunting experience you have, there’s always a situation that might surprise you and that requires a quick reaction. Sometimes you won’t have enough time to deal with all kinds of levers and dials, so finding an easily adjustable sight is very important.

The Price
In our review, we have shown that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good bow sight. There are a lot of affordable options out there that do a good job of helping you aim more precisely. If you’re a beginner, or a casual archer, try not to spend too much money on an accessory unless it’s necessary. Try out different devices until you find the one that works the best for you.

And in case you’re really passionate about hunting or archery, there’s a wide range of premium bow sights for you to choose from. Take into account all the features you need, the quality and durability, and you should be able to find a bow sight that will be a good investment.

You can find them in your local sporting goods or archery equipment shop, but we believe it would be better to go online and find the right one for you. You’ll probably get a better deal, and you can find more information about it.

How to Use a Single Pin Bow Sight

Having the best single pin bow sight doesn’t mean a lot if you don’t know how to use it correctly. That’s why we decided to include some tips on how to get the most out of this device.

Mounting the Sight
Most manufacturers include all the necessary instructions on how to set up you bow sight correctly. Always make sure to follow them closely to avoid damaging the sight or the bow. In most cases, this process isn’t that complicated. You just attach the sight to the riser of your bow, secure it with the bolts, and you’re good to go.

Always make sure not to overtighten the bolts, as this can cause damage to your bow. After you’re done, lay it down for a while and check if everything is in place after some time. Depending on the material, you might have to tighten the sight further after it’s settled.

Aligning the Pin
You need to set your pin to the mid-point in order to be able to adjust it in any direction you need. If your bow sight doesn’t feature tool-less adjustment, you might need an Allen wrench for this. Make sure to do it carefully, as it can be a bit tricky if you don’t have a lot of experience, so take your time and do it right.

Marking the Ranges
This is an important step that is necessary for sighting in your bow sight properly. First of all, find a suitable target that you can fire a lot of arrows into. After you’ve done this, you can start marking your ranges. Start by walking away from the target and mark every 10 yards. If you need help with this, a rangefinder might come in handy.

Sighting in the Sight
This will probably take some trial and error, and you’re going to have to practice a lot before you can do this easily. But don’t worry, once you’ve done this a couple of times, it will come naturally.

Once you’ve marked your ranges, start by standing at the closest marked distance from your target (10 yards away). Draw, look at the pin, and shoot. Compare the sight to where the arrow hits. Make necessary adjustments and do it again.

When you’re satisfied with the result, move away 10 more yards, adjust the pin, and repeat. Do this for every marked distance up to 30-40 yards.

If all this sounds too complicated, don’t worry. You’ll get the hang of it pretty quickly, and after a couple of days you’ll notice your accuracy improving with every shot.

Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful, and that we have answered all your questions. You now know everything you should to find the best single pin bow sight for your bow. There’s a wide variety of them on the market, and the sights we showed you are just some of our favorite ones for different reasons. If you take into account all the features we talked about here, arriving at your final decision should be so straightforward that it might even come naturally.

Like most things in life, becoming a good archer or bow hunter is all about absorbing advice and practice a lot.

About Brad Harris