Maven RF.1 Rangefinder Review | 7×25

Key Features and Benefits

Field / Forest Function

The Maven RF.1 uses state of the art technology to deliver precise distance measurements between 5 to 4,500 yards. It also features angle compensation modes for accurate readings on steep angles, which is necessary for shorter distances when bowhunting.  The Field / Forest Function allows you to customize the range mode, which makes it easier to get accurate readings in a unique environment.  It’s easy to get a bad range if you don’t notice a small tree branch of another obstacle between you and your target.  Honestly, I utilize the Forest Mode all of the time, so I don’t have to worry about changing my settings.  Forest mode helps with targets in dense vegetation, while field mode is ideal for open areas.

How to use the Forest and Field mode properly:  Switch to the Field mode when you want to acquire small, hard to hit targets and ignore larger objects in the background. Alternatively, switch to the Forest mode when you need to range objects behind trees, bushes, etc, or when rainy or snowy conditions persist.

Display and Readouts

The red display ensures visibility in low-light conditions, and the rangefinder provides visible readouts for quick and easy data interpretation.  The brightness adjustment is quick and easy, unlike any other rangefinder that I’ve ever used.  Most rangefinders require you to scan through the modes or click a button on the side.  However, the Maven RF.1 has a dial on the side of the rangefinder that’s quick and easy to customize the brightness controls as the day changes.

Durability and Design

Made with the best available materials, the Maven RF.1 is durable and reliable. It comes with a double-layered microfiber storage bag and wrist strap for easy carrying and protection.  Maven also offers a lifetime warranty in case something were to go wrong.

Angle Compensation Modes

The angle compensation modes provide accurate readings on steep terrain. This feature is crucial for both long-range shooters and archery hunters.  If you remember anything about geometry, then you might be able to grasp this concept easier, but it’s imperative that you buy a rangefinder that has a built-in angle-compensated ranging capabilities to keep you on target at steep angles, such as shooting from a treestand.  Line of sight mode measurements can drastically decrease your accuracy in archery hunting, as well as long-range shooting.

Quality Optics

Maybe the most impressive feature in this rangefinder is how easy it is on the eyes.  Maven is known for quality glass (quality optics) and the RF.1 lives up to the Maven name.  When comparing the RF.1 to my old rangefinder, it was an immediate and noticeable difference.  With a 7x magnification, there’s plenty of hunts that I can leave the binoculars at home and just use the rangefinder to identify my target.  The adjustable eye-piece was a new feature for me on a laser rangefinder and it immediately gave me the impression that this rangefinder is in an elite class.

Maven RF.1 Rangefinder – Field Testing and Results

Now the fun part, the actual in-the-field testing and my personal opinion about the Maven RF.1 Rangefinder.  The first thing you’ll notice about this rangefinder is its size.  It has a much larger profile than any other rangefinder that I’ve tested in the past and the dial on the side protrudes even further out.  So far, the rangefinder fits snuggly in the rangefinder pocket of my Sitka Fanatic Jacket, Sitka Stratus Jacket, and KUIU Proximity Jacket, so no real issue there.

I love the quality of the glass when looking through the lens before ranging a target.  The 7x magnification is apparent and the light gathering within the rangefinder is much better than my other rangefinder.  The brightness adjustment is quick and easy to use and really helps as the conditions change throughout the hunt.  You’ll want to increase the brightness level during clear, sunny days, and decrease it around daylight and dusk.  The dial makes it effortless.

As for the other features, I don’t really use them for my hunting style that often.  I don’t need to shoot a deer 4,000 yards away and I typically utilize OnX Hunt for long-distance measurements when traveling on foot.  It’s impressive how quickly it measures a long distance target and how accurate.

From my testing, the maximum distance that I’ve been able to range in the hills of southeastern Ohio is 2,500 yards.  This was a treeline on the furthest hillside that I could find near my house.  It might range further, as Maven claims that this rangefinder works out to 4,500 yards.  For standing corn and smaller targets, the maximum range was around 800 yards. Distances inside were quick and easy to obtain, while distances outside of 800 yards often needed a solid rest, such as the Fourth Arrow Monopod.

One unexpected advantage of using the Maven RF.1 is the high-quality glass and 7x magnification. When bowhunting, I don’t have to carry binoculars with me on most treestand hunts unless I’m hunting on a field edge.  In the timber, where I’m lucky to see a deer more than 100 yards away, the Maven RF.1 Rangefinder provides enough magnification to help me identify an approaching buck’s antlers and determine whether or not he’s a shooter.

The last thing I need to brag about is the responsiveness.  When I hit the range button, it spits out a range quickly.  I’ve used similar rangefinders in the past that hesitated when ranging targets and I hated using them.  However, this RF.1 is quick and accurate.  During testing, I ranged box blind on the neighbor’s farm three times from a rest.  The measurement readings were 1,650 yards, 1651 yards, and 1,650 yards.  It doesn’t get much better than that!

Improvement Ideas for the Maven RF.1 Rangefinder

It’s hard to think of any shortcomings of the Maven RF.1 but the only thing I’d like to see is a lockable dial to ensure that the brightness adjustment isn’t changed when removing it from my jacket pocket or bino harness.  Theoretically, this shouldn’t occur because the rangefinder wouldn’t be on while stored because you must hit the range button in order for it to turn on.  However, in the heat of the moment when you’re taking it on and off, it can happen.

The most obvious issue with the Maven RF.1 is its size.  When compared to my other rangefinder, it’s nearly double the size.  The weight is similar, but the Maven RF.1 is a much larger unit.  Maybe the internals have to be larger in order to measure distances up to 4,500 yards, who knows?  I just know that it’s much larger than any other rangefinder that I’ve ever owned.  It would also be nice to have a scan mode the provides instantaneous distance measurements as you scan an area.  A scan mode isn’t ideal for most hunting scenarios but it would be a cool feature.

Demo the Maven RF.1 Rangefinder before you buy!

Maven is a direct-to-consumer brand, so they’ve come up with a strategy to help connect their customer with the optics that best suits their needs. Maven offers customers a way to test a Maven product before making that final decision to purchase. This unique demo program provides a testing period for any of the optics of your choice.

Simply place your order and you’ll be sent a lightly used, like-new, binocular – AKA a demo model.  You’ll have two weeks to put it through its paces and then decide whether you’d like to purchase a custom model, or a stock model, keep the demo or return it for full credit to your card (minus shipping). They’ll even include a return shipping label, to make shipping easier, but you have to cover the cost of shipping if you choose not to buy.

Once returned, in like-new condition, your credit card will be credited in full for the amount that was charged (minus shipping). If you do not contact Maven in the allotted time period. they’ll assume you’re happy keeping the demo. That’s right, the demo units are priced at a discount of 5%. A demo model still has Maven’s Lifetime No-Fault Warranty. However, if it is determined that your demo must be replaced at some point, you will receive a demo rangefinder in like-new condition as the replacement.

Is the Maven RF.1 Rangefinder Worth the Price?

The Maven RF.1 Rangefinder is not the cheapest rangefinder on the market. In fact, it’s the most expensive rangefinder that I’ve ever owned.  There are rangefinders on the market you can buy for under $50, but they aren’t feature-rich like the Maven RF.1. Where the Maven RF.1 rangefinder shines is at long distances and in low-light conditions.

To be honest, if you just need a compact rangefinder for bowhunting, there are better price point options on the market such as the Maven CRF.1 that’s $155 cheaper.  The good part is, is that I can utilize it for both long-range hunters and bowhunting.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maven RF.1 Rangefinder

1. What is the maximum range of the Maven RF.1 Rangefinder?
   • The maximum and minimum distance that the Maven RF.1 Rangefinder is capable of ranging is 5 to 4500 yards.  From personal testing, I’ve been able to range objects from 13 yards to 2,500 yards,  Utilizing a solid rest will help you increase your ranging distance as well as operating in Field Mode.
2. Does it have angle compensation modes?
   • Yes, it features angle compensation modes for accurate readings on steep angles.  Even though it’s capable of ranging over 2 miles, it’s still just as a good as bowhunting rangefinder at close distances for treestands.
3. Is the display visible in low light?
   • Yes, the red display ensures visibility in low-light conditions.  The adjustment is quick and easy as conditions change throughout the day’s hunt.
4. How durable is the Maven RF.1 Rangefinder?
   • According to Maven Optics, it is made with the best available materials and a lifetime warranty!
5. What target modes does it offer?
   • It offers forest mode and field mode to suit different hunting scenarios.  Forest mode allows you to range and objects in thick cover and field mode is designed for large open areas.
6. How to get the most distance out of the Maven RF.1 Rangefinder
   • The laser that measures distance on a rangefinder needs reflective targets at long distances, so don’t expect to range an elk at 3,000 yards, instead, look for a big shiny rock or object that will reflect light (and an invisible laser).
7. How is the battery life on the Maven RF.1 Rangefinder?
   • To be honest, I don’t know yet.  I have a routine that I change the battery in my rangefinder the week before opening day of archery season, so I’ve never had it fail on me.  I do this because I had a rangefinder battery die on me during a hunt and I couldn’t find a replacement battery nearby, so I make sure that it never happens again by replacing the battery annually before it dies.
8. Can you use the Maven RF.1 Rangefinder for golf?
   1. Yes, you can use Maven’s RF 1 rangefinder on the golf course but it won’t have golf-specific features like the __ has.  However, if. If you’re going to spend $450 on a hunting rangefinder, then you should be taking it with you on the golf course as well.