The Garmin Xero A1 and A1i Bow Sight: What You Need to Know
Last week Garmin International debuted two groundbreaking auto-ranging digital laser bow sights, the Xero A1 and A1i. What are the differences in the models? Simply put, the A1 and A1i contain the same groundbreaking technology with added features to the A1i.
WHAT DO THEY HAVE IN COMMON?
Both the Xero A1 and the A1i have an all-in-one design. As the first ever bow-mounted digital laser rangefinders and targeting display systems, they automatically measure distance to your target and provide a LED pin for the shot — even on those “in-between” yardages. The built-in rangefinder instantly provides the precise angle-compensated distance to game up to 100 yards away or up to 300 yards on reflective targets, at rest or full draw.
With the press of a button the Garmin Xero’s laser rangefinder will display the range of your target with a pin calibrated to you and your bow.
Both models’ LED pins automatically adjust brightness to conditions and allow you to clearly see your target, unobstructed by physical pins. The pins on the A1 and A1i are customizable for single-pin and multi-pin configurations.
The silent single-button trigger requires minimal movement, at rest or full draw. Mount the button in the most convenient location for your grip so that one finger can silently trigger the laser range finder to give you the distance and exact pin for the shot.
The Garmin Xero A1 and A1i are durable and lightweight (14.7 oz / 418g) and have a water rating of IPX7. In other words, the Xero is good for submission in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Therefore, you don’t have to hesitate taking the Xero out on hunts during wet weather. The Garmin Xero runs on two lithium AAA Batteries (not included) and will last up to one year (or 25,000 ranges) before having to replace the batteries.
A few other features that both the A1 and A1i have: the range distance will be displayed on screen (pictured left); the shot odometer will let you know how many arrows you’ve shot total, or during a practice session (pictured center); and the Xero has pre-loaded, fixed pins as well as customizable pin yardages (pictured right).
ADDITIONAL FEATURES IN THE A1i
The Xero A1i includes dual-color LED pins. The user may select from either red or green-colored pins when setting up their bow.
The Laser Locate Feature on the A1i enables use of a compatible Garmin GPS1 device to know exactly where your target was when the shot or range was taken. The information is then sent to your Garmin-compatible device and navigates you to where your target was hit. No more trying to remember where you think your animal was when you took the shot! See the list of Garmin compatible devices here .
Pair any one of the compatible Garmin devices to your Xero to activate the Laser Locate Feature.
For bow hunters who don’t shoot the same arrows for target and hunting applications, the Garmin Xero A1i allows you to program different arrow profiles. Likely, the arrows you hunt with are heavier than what you use on the range. So, if your bow is calibrated to your target arrows, you can simply create a new arrow profile and recalibrate your bow to your hunting arrows. That information is stored in your A1i so you can easily switch from a target configuration to a hunting setup without having to adjust the sight each time you go out into the field.
Finally, the Garmin A1i Shot Dynamic includes information that can help improve archer performance. Archers can view data such as bow level at release, bow impulse duration, and more.
We hope this article helped break down the differences and similarities in determining which Garmin Xero model is right for you. Please visit Garmin.com/xero for more information.
