Garmin's signature auto-ranging bow sight just took a huge leap forward.
On Oct. 5, 2021, Garmin introduced the all-new Xero A1i Pro, marking yet another seismic advancement in hunting technology, this time piggybacking off a product that already forever changed the way we approach America's oldest tradition.
It was only four years ago that Garmin launched the Xero A1 and A1i, the first-ever auto-ranging bow sight concept, which could not only determine the distance of a target with integrated range finder electronics, but also create a perfect pin based on the yardage and angle of the shot.
With the new facelift, the Xero series has now graduated to inconceivable heights, providing archers with new industry-altering aiming features that will help them shoot more accurately, as well as micro adjustments and auto-calibration for an effortless setup.
"The Xero A1i changed archery forever with auto-ranging and precision aiming. Today, with the launch of the Xero A1i Pro, we are proud to say our best shot just got better," said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. "The new A1i Pro combines the hunting and archery passions of Garmin engineers with customer feedback and innovative technology to provide archers with new tools they can depend on when needed most."
Aiming Features
The list of aiming features is lengthy, as Garmin undoubtedly wanted the Xero A1i Pro to take big leap from where its predecessor left off, and they did not disappoint.
For starters, the new Dynamic Level feature uses real-time accelerometer data to create indicators within the sight window to alert archers if the bow isn't level while at full draw, allowing them focus on the target without pausing to check whether or not they're level.
Similarly, the Flight Apex feature creates a flashing dot should there be branches or any other obstructions within the arrow's flight path, and will indicate specifically whether the arrow will fly above or below it.
Next, if you think you might take an especially long shot, or if you just want to test out your long-range skills on a target, the Xtra Distance Mode is a game-changer, too. When enabled, the archer can easily loosen a screw to dial the sight into a lower position with micro-adjust knobs. To make matters even simpler, the sight display provides easy-to-follow instructions to simplify the process.
As long as archers have arrow vane clearance under the sight, they can easily get an extra 10-15 yards on the sight's max shooting range.
Afterwards, on-screen instructions will guide archers to painlessly reset the sight to the base position.
Redesigned Mount
The A1i Pro's micro-adjustable rails will save archers tons of time, allowing them to make precise (.35 MOA) changes to elevation, windage, pitch and yaw in a matter of seconds. This not only allows for faster first-pin setup, but faster laser alignment, too.
Additionally, the A1i Pro offers adjustments for sight roll correction, as well as a removable dovetail with two position options, which gives shooters better sizing to the peep sight.
And, last but not least, the dovetail rail mount's "quick detach" system allows bowhunters to remove the sight by taking out a single screw from the riser and unplugging the quick-release trigger cable from the housing.
Auto-Calibration
Perhaps the coolest addition to Garmin's Xero legacy, the auto-calibration feature allows users to calibrate the sight to their bow's maximum range with only a handful of arrows. Archers just have to set a 20-yard pin mechanically and enter their bow's chronograph speed, and the Xero A1i Pro can autogenerate an entire pin stack.
Once the stack is set, the user validates it by shooting several arrows at 40 yards or more to guarantee a true ballistic match of the arrow.
Should the archer change their setup, they'll have the option of quickly revalidating.
Xero Standards
The A1i Pro still maintains all the features that made the A1 and A1i bow sights so popular, such as customizable arrow profiles, dual-color LED pins and a silent trigger for stealthily getting a range on your target.
It also sports the tried-and-true Ambient Light Sensor to control pin brightness and the Laser Locate feature, which allows bowhunters to pair it with compatible Garmin GPS devices.
Offered in both right- and left-handed configurations, it has a battery life of up to a year using two AAA lithium batteries, and can stand up to the elements with an IPX7 water rating, all while weighing only 18 ounces.
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