Garmin Xero X1i Crossbow Scope: Tested and Reviewed
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.
Garmin Xero X1i Installation & Setup
Mounting the scope on all crossbows we tested it with was a breeze. The Xero X1i is designed to attach to any picatinny or weaver rail via two screws. Easy to make micro adjustments to find a full and clear field of view and eye relief was easy to adjust for a focused picture.
The scope comes with two ranging buttons: one located on the top of the scope, and a remote ranging trigger that plugs into the scope and can be mounted to the stock. On most bows it’s easy to set up remote trigger for both right- and left- handed shooters.
Once mounted the scope has a super easy sight in process. It has detailed on-screen instructions that walks you through the calibration process making super easy and quick. Using the the windage and elevation knobs, adjustments are easy and precise. In under 6 arrows we were able to precisely sight in at 20 yards. This is where we were amazed, using Garmin’s Automatic Bolt Trajectory Software we were able to punch in the arrow speed and be accurate out to 80 yards. After testing this on multiple crossbows we were comfortable trusting the scope: you learn to just range, aim and shoot.
Tons of adjustments, settings and options are available. Shoot with the ranging single pin or click in to the conventional fixed-pin mode and sit reticles for 20-30-40-50-60 yards (or whatever yardage set up you desire). Change the reticle patterns and colors. We found that green was by far the best and most effective on battery life.
Performance and Use
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 Hard Take
- 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
