Hunters know that choosing the right sight can make or break your accuracy in the field. Today, we’re putting three heavy hitters head-to-head: the Spot Hogg Boonie, the HHA Tetra RYZ X3, and the Black Gold Pro Hunter (S&S Backcountry). Whether you’re chasing elk through thick timber or lining up for that long-range mule deer, having a sight you can count on is critical. Let’s break down these options to see which one fits your hunting style.
Weight Matters—Especially on Long Hunts
Weight can impact both your shot and your endurance, especially when you’re hauling gear across rough terrain.
- Spot Hogg Boonie: At 15.1 oz, this is the tank of the bunch. It’s built for durability, so if you’re willing to carry the extra weight, this sight will take whatever punishment you throw at it.
- Black Gold Pro Hunter: The lightweight contender at 9.8 oz. If you’re hiking deep into the backcountry, this is a great option to cut down on overall weight.
- HHA Tetra RYZ X3: Right in the middle at 13.8 oz, it strikes a good balance between weight and durability. You get a rugged sight that won’t wear you down.
Built for Abuse—Durability That Lasts
Your gear takes a beating in the field. Between branches, drops, and the elements, you need something that won’t quit.
- Spot Hogg Boonie: Known as one of the toughest sights in the industry, this sight is basically bombproof. You could run it over with your truck, and it would still hold zero.
- HHA Tetra RYZ X3: The Tetra RYZ X3 is all about smooth mechanics. While it might not be as thick or heavy as the Boonie, its craftsmanship is top-notch, and it can handle tough conditions.
- Black Gold Pro Hunter: Though lighter, it’s tough where it counts. While it may not have the overbuilt feel of the Boonie, it has proven itself in the field. The photochromatic shell adds another layer of protection to keep your pins safe.
Pin Brightness—Because Low Light is Prime Time
Low-light conditions are when you’re most likely to get that shot at first light or right before dusk. Pin brightness matters.
- Black Gold Pro Hunter: Known for having some of the brightest pins out there. The photochromatic shell adjusts to the lighting, ensuring you won’t be dealing with pin glare or starbursts. It’s a no-nonsense setup that works.
- HHA Tetra RYZ X3: Close behind the Black Gold in brightness, it features a manual rheostat, so you can dial in exactly how much light you want hitting your pins. The slanted pin design keeps your sight picture clean.
- Spot Hogg Boonie: The Boonie holds its own with solid pin brightness. The fibers wrap around the housing, maximizing light collection. You won’t have issues seeing these pins, even in low light.
Adjustment Systems—Precision is King
Being able to dial in your sight without hassle is crucial, especially when you’re out in the field and conditions are changing.
- Spot Hogg Boonie: The Boonie’s new dial lock system is a game-changer. You can lock it down tight or loosen it for quick, smooth adjustments. Plus, you can swap sight wheels if you’re running different arrow setups—one for your heavy elk arrows, another for lighter deer setups.
- HHA Tetra RYZ X3: The smoothest dial system of the group. It’s almost effortless to adjust, though you might want to add a little tension to avoid accidental adjustments. The Tetra also has a removable sight wheel, just like the Boonie, for multiple arrow profiles.
- Black Gold Pro Hunter: While it lacks the fancy removable sight wheels of the others, the Black Gold has a reliable dial system. Some might feel tight at first, but they usually break in well. The interior window display for sight tape isn’t everyone’s favorite, as it’s harder to see while at full draw.
Mounting and Base Options
You need flexibility when setting up your rig, and all three sights deliver with various mounting options.
- All three models come with dovetail mounts that are Bridge-Lock compatible for Mathews bows. Whether you’re running Mathews, Hoyt, or another brand, the Picatinny and hard mount options are available across the board.
Indicators—Know Your Distance
Hunting often involves quick, in-the-moment decisions, so having clear indicators for your pins is a must.
- Black Gold Pro Hunter: Comes with a single red indicator for your floater pin. You can add a second, but don’t expect to fit a third.
- HHA Tetra RYZ X3: Offers a three-indicator system that allows you to track the position of all your pins. This makes it easy to know exactly where your sight is set for each pin.
- Spot Hogg Boonie: Comes with one indicator, but you can easily add two more for a three-indicator setup, similar to the HHA.
Price—You Get What You Pay For
Price is often the deciding factor, so here’s the breakdown:
- Black Gold Pro Hunter: $370—Affordable, lightweight, and tough, making it a great bang for your buck.
- HHA Tetra RYZ X3: $400—You’re paying for precision and craftsmanship, especially with that buttery-smooth dial.
- Spot Hogg Boonie: $475—The most expensive option, but you’re getting a nearly indestructible sight with unique features like the removable sight wheel.
Conclusion: Which One’s Right for You?
- For the Hunter Who Wants Indestructible Gear: If you’re hard on your gear and want something that can take a beating and still perform, the Spot Hogg Boonie is your pick.
- For the Precision Shooter: If you’re after silky-smooth adjustments and easy-to-read indicators, the HHA Tetra RYZ X3 is the way to go.
- For the Lightweight Minimalist: If you need a lightweight sight that still delivers excellent performance, the Black Gold Pro Hunter hits the mark.
No matter which sight you choose, you’ll be well-equipped for success in the field. Ready to pick up one of these sights? Check out the full lineup at S&S Archery.
