Vortex Crossfire HD Rangefinder

Last week Vortex Optics released several new rangefinders with HD glass.  I had the opportunity to test out the Crossfire HD rangefinder when it was released.  The Crossfire HD is the entry level to HD glass in Vortex Optics.  The glass quality is definitely on par with higher end optics, but overall the price is still affordable to a lot of users.  Let's take a look at the features of the Crossfire HD rangefinder.

Vortex announced this rangefinder with an MSRP of $269.99, but as is typical with a lot of the Vortex products, the actual street price is about $199.99 at places such as EuroOptic.  This is a competitive price for a rangefinder that is rated for 1400 yards on reflective targets and uses HD glass.  I can tell you my old rangefinders before I switched to the Vortex Fury HD rangefinding binoculars had glass that left a lot to be desired.  

Before we take a look at the specs, check out my video on the Crossfire HD here:

Now, let's take a look at some of specs:

Max Reflective Range-   1400 yards

Tree Range-                    950 yards

Deer Range-                    750 yards

Minimum usable range- 5 yards

Weight-                    4.8 ozs 

Dimensions-            4"L x 1.3"W x 2.9"H

Field of View-         367 ft @1000 yards

You can see more info about the actual distances that I was measuring in the video above, but overall their projected numbers are pretty accurate.  I couldn't quite get to 1400 yards on a building, but I was getting at least 950 yards on trees and open field areas.  The more expensive rangefinders in the Vortex lineup will offer longer effective distances, but for most hunters and shooters the near 1000 yard tree ranging distance should be plenty.  

The display is a red LED display that is adjustable for brightness.  The default brightness in the middle might be a little dim for some eyes, especially if there was a lot of snow on the ground.  Fortunately, I found that the brighter settings were plenty bright enough for pretty much anything you will need.

There are two ranging modes available, a Horizontal Component Distance (HCD) and Line of Sight (LOS).  The HCD mode uses the distance and angle to give you an equivalent total distance.  This is a yardage that your bullet or arrow "thinks" that it is flying.  It allows reasonably accurate shots out to around 800 yards without having to calculate the angle of the shot.

If you want to be more precise, the LOS mode gives you a reading of the straight line distance and angle up or down towards the ranged target.  This allows you to add your own specific angle compensation.

There is also a first and last mode.  If there is grass, branches or other objects around what you are trying to range, you can use these modes to get a more accurate measurement.  If the animal or target that you are trying to range is in front of grass or trees, use the first mode to get a range to the target and ignore what is behind it.  If you are trying to range an elk through the trees, use the last mode to get a distance to the furthest object.

Even though I prefer rangefinding binoculars, I really like what the Crossfire HD rangefinder offers in such a small light package.  This is a great option for an archer, or shooter that doesn't need the range or ballistic software of some of the more expensive options out there.  If you want to check out the Crossfire HD at EuroOptic use this link to take a look at support this site.  It doesn't cost you anything and helps me to fund other reviews that aren't provided by the manufacturers.  

If you're interested in rangefinding binoculars, check out my video on the Vortex Fury HD here: