Garmin Xero X1i Crossbow Scope: Tested and Reviewed
The Garmin Xero X1i, you’ve never seen a crossbow scope like this before. Ranging targets up to 250 yards away, and use digital aim points automatically calibrated to your crossbow setup.
Performance and use of the XERO X1i
On the range is one thing, but we wanted to see how the Garmin XERO X1i would perform in the woods. We liked what we discovered. All our testers found the 3.5X magnification to be the perfect amount. Visually the scope comes equip with a built-in digital level, steady aim indicator and a ton of color and reticle patterns. We quickly discovered the durability and ruggedness of the scope with accidental four foot drip that resulted in a minor scratch and a fully functioning garmin xero.
Brightness of the reticle was never a big issue. Garmin Xero X1i has an auto brightness that changes depending on available light, or buttons on the outside of the scope that gives you quick adjustments as you see fit. We did discover that when using green we did not have to turn the brightness as high as we did we other colors, resulting in way better battery life. We had an issue with some colors like teal, which could not be seen unless brightness was on full power.
The steady aim, and digital level are awesome tools. The digital level is a built in digital level that gives you a quick guide to make sure your not leaning one way or another. The steady aim is setting that shows how steady or unsteady you are. Using a blinking circle to indicate how much you are moving. A couple of our testers felt overwhelmed by the steady aim indicator, but the Xero allows you to turn off or adjust the settings.
Advanced settings
The Xero A1i comes with a ton of addiction features that add to the scopes functionality. A cool feature is the Laser Locate, which uses the known range and built in compass to estimate the actual location of you target at the time of the shot. This information can be shared with compatible Garmin handheld GPS units or smart watches to give you a starting point to help aid in the recovery of your trophy or bolt.
The Xero A1i has the ability to have multiple bolt profiles, to allow storage of pins for multiple bolts. A shot counter will help monitor string life and routine maintenance. The scope also shows impulse duration and the amount of roll the crossbow experiences during the shot.
the Hardtake
- Mounting and set-up was a breeze
- Sight in process is super easy and accurate
- Internal Memory, batteries easy to change
- Durable and Rugged
- Garmin updates software
- Remote raning button can be tricky on some crossbows
- Amount settings can be overwhelming
- Battery life under full brightness and all setting can go quick
Xero X1i take away
Garmin’s Xero X1i is without a doubt, the most advanced crossbow scope on the market. The thing we love about Garmin is their passion to create the best product they can. Unlike other ranging sights on the market, the Garmin has a software system that can be plugged into a computer an updated. They are constantly improving and adding features and make all of them available to you via a software update. Although it certainly wont fit everyone’s budget, the number of options and performance match the price point. We give it the ole Whale-Tales Tested, Whale-Tales Approved Stamp!
Get your Garmin X1i today!
