If I move the aiming reticle to the side of the tree to range the deer, the display will show 300 yards.
When I hold the power button down and scan the tree, the display will show 200 yards. Say, for example, there is a tree trunk at 200 yards and a deer at some distance behind it. Unless I wasn’t correctly understanding the modes, the RF.1 Scan feature seems to work for me for just two ranges. What usually happens is that the rangefinder fires its laser, records a reading, flashes the range distance on the display, then fires again, reads, displays, etc, etc, etc for as long as you hold the button down. Maven does have a Scan mode, which in some rangefinders works when you press the power/firing button and hold it. It’s fast and just does a great job of reading your intended target and reporting the range with little fuss or need for reshoots. The RF.1 Scan Mode The Maven RF.1 Rangefinder is a joy to use. In my experience so far, the RF.1’s Field/Forest modes removes the pressing need for a Scan mode - however, the RF.1 does have a Scan mode, too (of sorts). To get around those tendencies, most good rangefinders have Scan modes that allow you to move the reticule (and corresponding laser) over and around the object you’re trying to range so you can figure out the actual distance. Some less powerful rangefinders have a tendency to simply deliver the range of whatever was large enough in the path to provide a laser reflection first. In person, the Maven RF.1 delivers these ranges quickly. and you’ll likely range individual branches in between you and the tree trunk. And, if you’re curious, you can toggle to Field mode. Incidentally, the Forest mode is the easiest mode to test because you can say, pick out a tree trunk that’s 50 yards away and then purposely range through branches to see if you get the correct range. Where I hunt elk most often, there’s usually some branches that give lesser rangefinders fits. However, while I didn’t hunt with the RF.1 during archery elk season this year, I can see how I would appreciate the Forest mode. Not all modes will be shown at once, of course, but this image illustrates all the data points offered by the display.įor where and how I hunt in the mixed terrain of Idaho, both modes are handy.
The result is an easy-to-use mode option that you can see inside the display - and toggle with your thumb while looking through the RF.1 while ranging. In Forest mode, small branches in between yourself and a deer won’t mess up your range. What’s this mean? In the case of Field mode, you’re more likely to range a specific object like a deer than bushes, trees or the ground beyond it. The Forest mode ignores small objects in the path of the laser and instead ranges larger, more reflective targets. Each mode is tuned to the environment it suggests: The Field mode lets you quickly range objects in open country. In addition, the RF.1 uses an innovative lever switch that lets you toggle between ‘Field’ and ‘Forest’ modes. Field & Forest Modes Maven’s innovative mode selection lever and knob make the RF.1 very easy to use. For instance, I can range a small tree at 800 yards that more entry-level rangefinders simply can’t range at all. Not only can it range reflective objects up to 4,500 yards, it can easily find ranges on typical hunting objects at longer-than-typical distances. Instead of creating an entry-level model first, Maven jumped out of the starting gate with an elite, long-range laser rangefinder. Meanwhile, Maven’s first rangefinder, the RF.1, is powerful. (If you’re interested in Maven and its binoculars, start with my B1.2 review here.) This business model lets it offer high-quality products at more affordable price points. Maven is a direct-to-consumer optics company, which means it cuts out typical retail markup and overhead. I’ve been testing Maven binoculars over the last couple of years, and each time Maven has delivered price-to-value winners.
It’s capable of ranging reflective objects out to 4,500 yards and deer up to 2,700 yards. After testing it during rifle season in Idaho in a variety of conditions, this is what we learned: RF.1 Rangefinder Review The Maven RF.1 Rangefinder is powerful. To get us a closer look, Maven sent Man Makes Fire a review unit. It’s designed for both rifle and archery hunters, and it includes line of sight and angle compensation modes. The Maven RF.1 Rangefinder is a powerful laser rangefinder that can range objects as far away as a 4,500 yards - about 2.5 miles.