If you're looking at getting into target archery, you're probably scoping out a sight.
Yeah, that pun was off-target.
Like many other bits of archery equipment, sights come in a variety of models across
the price range. The cheapest versions are around 30 Australian dollars, while top-end
models like those form Sure-Loc and Shibuya can cost over $350.
We'll compare the two extremes: the Cartel X-pert and the Shibuya Ultima.
It's important to understand what a sight actually does. In its most basic form, the
sight acts as a point of reference.
Unlike what games may depict, using a sight does not give you the ability to zoom in,
and more expensive sights don't give you more magnification.
In fact, target recurve archery does not allow for the use of magnified lenses, though they
can be bought for other uses.
The sight does not magically make all your shots on target.
Improper use of the sight will make your shooting even worse.
For those familiar with firearms, you need more than one reference point to get proper
alignment. The bow sight is the first one. The rear sight is your anchor point.
It is critical that in the course of your training that you learn to consistently anchor
at the same point. Any change in vertical or horizontal placement will cause your sight
to be misaligned.
A compound shooter has the benefit of the peep as the rear sight, but alignment is just
as important.
The second important aspect in sight usage is string picture.
This refers to how you align the string in relation to the sight.
Archers may have different points of reference, but commonly used alignments keep the string
in line with the left or right side of the sight ring, over the sight pin or along the
inside of the riser.
Whichever method you use, it is essential to use the same point every single time.
Consistent practice will ingrain the string picture in your mind and your brain will recognise
correct alignment before you make your shot, allowing you to focus on the draw, hold and
release.
The final thing to note is that the sight should not be the focal point of the eyes.
The eyes should be focused on the target while the sight and string are blurred overlays.
It isn't uncommon for beginners to go cross-eyed or see two targets while they adjust their
aiming technique.
As far as selecting your sight goes, more expensive sights allow for finer adjustments.
Since I'm not a compound shooter, I can't give specific comparisons for compound sights.
The general advice for sights is the same: more expensive sights are easier to adjust
and have more options for windage and elevation. They are also sturdier and are less likely
to come apart from extended use.
Let's have a look at recurve sights.
The cheapest sights are the ones that come with junior bow packages. Sold separately,
they cost around 15 to 20 Australian dollars, and are made mostly from plastic.
This is the Cartel X-Pert sight, and costs around 60 AUD.
This is typical of what you would find in a basic bow package.
The X-Pert is made from carbon, though similarly priced sights like the Cartel K-Sight are
made from aluminium.
The long bar is mounted on the riser and offers a fair degree of movement, and the vertical
bar can be moved up or down by unscrewing the back.
The front is marked with arbitrary digits. It's worth noting that these don't correspond
to distances. That depends on your arrow and draw weight, so the figures are meant to give
you a guideline for your own reference.
The sight ring is square, and has a centre pin. Normally, a bright plastic pin goes through
the hole here, though it has come loose.
Similar sights may have differently shaped sight rings or paint the dot on the pin. It's
also possible to remove the ring and replace it with a different one of your choice.
The position of the sight is held in place by these pins and adjusting the sight means
loosening one or more.
Fine adjustment is possible with this knob and large adjustments can be done by loosening
these pins and lifting the knob clear of the rack.
The prevent damage, it can be removed completely and stored separately.
As an entry level sight, sights like the Cartel X-Pert do the job, providing a reference point
to accurately shoot at a target and at an economical price tag.
However, they can be frustrating to work with and don't have the same hardiness as the higher
range.
The grooves are relatively wide, making ultra-fine adjustment difficult, which can be a problem
for long-range shooting.
Having to tighten and undo the locking screws can be a tedious affair and one of the biggest
problems is that the vibration of the bow causes the pins to come loose, producing a
noticeable rattle.
Failure to continually tighten the screws between shots can result in a loose sight
or, as you can see here, a missing screw.
The sight is also somewhat fragile. The plastic ring can break and the screw and be bent.
They're not tremendously horrible problems. Remember, you are only paying around $50 for
one of these sights, so you have to put up with a few pains.
They're great for starting out, but if you're really serious, you might want to move onto
something like this.
This is the Shibuya Ultima sight, and this the top of the range at over 350 Australian
dollars.
Sure-Loc has similarly matched sights and similar features.
The defining feature of top-end sights in the precision and quality of manufacture.
This one is made from carbon, though the aluminium version is slightly cheaper.
They also come in a variety of colours. In this case, mine is silver.
The design is vastly different.
The markings are on one side, with the other side blank, allowing the archer to do their
own markings.
The sight ring is nice, sturdy metal and the sight block has no annoying pins sticking
out.
The patented locking mechanism is impressive. This thing does not budge and does not come
loose from extended shooting.
The block features a quick-release lever for large adjustment and easy removal.
Both the windage and elevation knobs are very tight, with each click moving the sight .002
inches, making it perfect for micro-adjustment.
Higher-end sights also come with carrying pouches as standard, with compartments for
sight parts and a hex wrench set.
We've skipped the middle range of sights, ranging from 100 to 250 dollars. There's not
much to say about these other than being a mix of characteristics from both ends of the
spectrum. Think of them as more affordable competition choices.
As with practically everything else in archery, it mostly comes down to how much you want
to spend. Sights all do the same thing with money going into precision manufacturing and
user-friendliness.
For those on a budget, the entry-level sights like the Cartel X-Pert are perfect to learn
with and can last for some time and depending on how much time you put into training.
Whereas options like the Shibuya Ultima are serious sights for serious archers.
As usual, hope you enjoyed this video and found it useful. If there are any questions,
post in the comments below and I'll have a look.
I might be doing a few more videos comparing risers and some other accessories, so if there's
anything else you want me to cover, just let me know. I can't cover everything, but I'll
see what I can do.
Anyway, I'll see you next time.