IQ Micro Review 2025: Retina Lock Technology Tested
Comprehensive IQ Micro bow sight review with 45 days of testing data. Retina Lock technology provides immediate form feedback that…
After testing countless bow sights over 15 years of bow hunting, I’ve learned that precision doesn’t always require a premium price tag. The Trophy Ridge Fix Series has been making waves in the archery community, and I’ve spent the last hunting season putting all three models through their paces. Today, I’ll share everything you need to know about these sights.
The Trophy Ridge Fix Series is the best budget-friendly bow sight line for hunters and archers seeking reliable accuracy without breaking the bank, featuring micro-adjustable pins and durable construction in 3, 5, and 7-pin configurations.
When you’re in the field, confidence in your equipment matters. I’ve seen too many hunters miss opportunities because of unreliable gear. That’s why I approached this review with real-world testing scenarios – from pre-season 3-D shoots to actual hunting situations. The Fix Series claims to deliver premium features at an accessible price point, but do they really deliver when it counts?
Throughout this review, you’ll discover which Fix model suits your hunting style, learn about the innovative features that set these sights apart, understand installation and adjustment procedures, and get answers to the most common questions from real hunters.
Trophy Ridge, a subsidiary of Bear Archery, has been serving the archery community for over two decades. They’ve built their reputation on producing quality equipment that won’t empty your wallet. As someone who has watched the archery industry evolve, I’ve seen Trophy Ridge consistently deliver products that bridge the gap between beginner gear and professional equipment.
The company’s philosophy centers on practical innovation. Rather than chasing after every new trend, they focus on features that genuinely improve accuracy and reliability in the field. This approach resonates with hunters who need gear that works consistently, season after season. The Fix Series exemplifies this philosophy – no unnecessary frills, just solid engineering where it counts.
What impresses me most about Trophy Ridge is their commitment to listening to hunter feedback. The Fix Series was developed after extensive market research, addressing common complaints about sights in this price range. They focused on solving real problems: difficult adjustments, poor visibility in low light, and durability issues in harsh conditions.
Their position in the market is clear – they’re not trying to compete with $500+ premium sights. Instead, they target the massive segment of hunters who need reliable equipment under $100. It’s a smart strategy, and based on my testing, one they execute well.
Choosing between the three Fix models comes down to your specific needs. After extensive field testing, I found clear use cases for each configuration. Let me break down the differences to help you decide.
| Feature | Fix 3-Pin | Fix 5-Pin | Fix 7-Pin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Close range hunting, quick target acquisition | All-around hunting and 3-D archery | Long range shooting, Western hunting |
| Pins | 3 horizontal .019 fiber optic | 5 horizontal .019 fiber optic | 7 horizontal .019 fiber optic |
| Typical Range | 20-40 yards | 20-60 yards | 20-80 yards |
| View Clutter | Minimal | Moderate | Maximum |
| Beginner Friendly | Excellent | Good | Requires experience |
| Weight | 0.01 ounces | 0.01 ounces | 0.01 ounces |
| Construction | Aluminum brackets | Aluminum brackets | Aluminum brackets |
The 3-pin model excels in wooded environments where shots are typically under 40 yards. I found it perfect for whitetail hunting in the Midwest – the fewer pins mean less visual clutter and faster target acquisition. For new archers, this is my top recommendation. It builds confidence without overwhelming you with too many options.
The 5-pin version is the Goldilocks of the series. During my testing, I found it handled everything from close-range bowhunting to 60-yard 3-D targets with ease. This versatility makes it the most popular choice among hunters I’ve spoken with. If you’re not sure which model to get, start with the 5-pin.
The 7-pin sight is for serious shooters who regularly engage targets beyond 60 yards. Western mule deer hunters and long-range 3-D competitors will appreciate the extra pins. However, I noticed the increased pin density can be intimidating for beginners. During testing in low light conditions, the 7-pin configuration required more careful sight picture management.
All three models share the same core features: micro-adjustable pins, tool-less adjustments, second-axis capability, and the rheostat light. The choice really comes down to your typical shooting range and comfort level with multiple pins.
Pins: 3 horizontal 0.019 fiber optic
Construction: Aluminum brackets
Adjustment: Micro-adjustable with tool-less windage/elevation
Light: Rheostat included
Check PriceThe Fix 3-Pin immediately impressed me with its clean, uncluttered sight picture. During early season bow practice, I found my shooting groups tightened noticeably within the first 50 arrows. The minimal pin configuration removes the guesswork that often plagues new archers – you focus on the target, not on choosing the right pin.
Build quality feels solid despite the affordable price point. The aluminum brackets provide confidence-inspiring rigidity, and I never experienced any zero drift during three months of regular use. Customer photos from other hunters confirm this durability – many show sights that have endured multiple hunting seasons without issues.
The micro-adjustable pins are a standout feature at this price point. I was able to fine-tune my sight marks in seconds, a process that used to take me 15-20 minutes with older sights. The on-board adjustment tool is genius – it’s always there when you need it, never lost in a gear bag. For hunters who make frequent adjustments as seasons change, this feature alone justifies the price.
Visibility in varying light conditions exceeded my expectations. The .019 fiber optic pins gather light efficiently, remaining bright from dawn until dusk. The rheostat light, while basic, provides adequate illumination for those last-minute shooting opportunities in low light. Real user images validate this performance, showing clear pin visibility even in challenging lighting.
For bow hunters who primarily shoot within 40 yards, this sight offers everything you need and nothing you don’t. The simplicity becomes an advantage in high-pressure situations – when that buck appears at 30 yards, you’re not fumbling with multiple pin options. The Fix 3-Pin lets you focus on what matters: making an accurate shot.
Perfect for beginners learning proper shooting form, clean sight picture reduces decision fatigue, exceptional value with premium features, durable construction that withstands hunting conditions.
Limited range capability for Western hunting scenarios, not ideal for competitive 3-D archery, right-hand only design excludes left-handed shooters.
Pins: 5 horizontal 0.019 fiber optic
Construction: Aluminum brackets
Adjustment: Micro-adjustable with tool-less windage/elevation
Light: Rheostat included
Check PriceThe Fix 5-Pin quickly became my go-to sight during testing, and for good reason. It strikes the perfect balance between versatility and simplicity. During a 3-D tournament last month, I appreciated having pins for 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 yards – every target on the course was covered. Yet the sight picture remained clean enough for quick shots in the woods.
What sets this model apart is its adaptability. I mounted it on three different bows during testing – a hunting bow, a 3-D rig, and a target bow – and it performed admirably on all. The micro-adjustable pins made switching between bows and distances painless. Customer images show other hunters appreciating this versatility, with many using the same sight for both hunting and competition.
The second-axis adjustment feature really shines with this 5-pin configuration. When shooting longer distances, even slight canting of your bow can throw off your aim. I found the second-axis level easy to set up and it noticeably improved my accuracy beyond 40 yards. Forum posts from experienced hunters confirm this – many cite the second-axis capability as a key factor in their long-range accuracy improvements.
Battery life for the rheostat light proved adequate during late-season hunts. I got approximately 6 hours of continuous use from a single battery, more than enough for a weekend hunt. Replacement batteries are standard and easily found in any sporting goods store. Real-world photos from users show the light performing well in tree stands during the final minutes of legal shooting light.
The 5-pin configuration handles 90% of hunting scenarios most archers encounter. From close-range whitetail in thick cover to longer shots on pronghorn in open country, this sight covers your bases. Customer feedback consistently praises this versatility – many hunters report using it exclusively for all their archery needs, simplifying their gear selection.
Versatile enough for hunting and competition, excellent middle ground for progressing archers, second-axis adjustment improves long-range accuracy, solid value with premium features at budget price.
May have too many pins for close-range specialists, right-hand only limits left-handed shooters, intermediate range compared to dedicated long-range sights.
Pins: 7 horizontal 0.019 fiber optic
Construction: Aluminum brackets
Adjustment: Micro-adjustable with tool-less windage/elevation
Light: Rheostat included
Check PriceThe Fix 7-Pin is Trophy Ridge’s answer to Western hunters and long-range enthusiasts. During testing in wide-open terrain, I appreciated having pins set for 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 yards. This extensive range coverage eliminates the need for gap shooting or holdover calculations at distances where precision matters most.
What impressed me most was how Trophy Ridge maintained visibility despite the increased pin count. The .019 fiber optic size strikes the perfect balance – bright enough for low light but not so large that they crowd each other. Customer photos from long-range shooters validate this design, showing clear pin definition even at extreme distances.
The aluminum construction becomes even more important with this 7-pin model. More pins mean more potential points of failure, but the Fix 7-Pin held zero impeccably throughout testing. I subjected it to rough handling – bouncing around in UTVs, temperature extremes from 20°F to 95°F, and accidental bumps – and it maintained its accuracy. Real user experiences echo this durability, with many Western hunters reporting multi-season reliability.
This sight really shines when paired with a fast bow. I tested it on bows shooting 290-320 fps, and the trajectory compensation worked perfectly. For archers pursuing game in open country or competing in long-range 3-D events, this sight provides the precision needed without the premium price tag of specialized long-range sights.
The learning curve is steeper with this model, however. Beginners might find the dense pin arrangement intimidating initially. I recommend starting with the 3 or 5-pin models and graduating to the 7-pin once you’re consistently accurate at longer distances. Customer feedback confirms this – experienced shooters love it, but new archers sometimes struggle with the complexity.
Maximum range coverage for Western hunting, perfect for long-range 3-D competition, maintains accuracy despite 7 pins, professional features at amateur prices.
Can overwhelm new archers, not ideal for close-range hunting, requires practice to master sight picture management.
Installing a Trophy Ridge Fix sight is straightforward, but proper setup is crucial for optimal performance. Here’s my step-by-step process based on installing all three models multiple times:
The on-board adjustment tool makes this process painless – no more searching through gear bags for allen wrenches. Most hunters I’ve spoken with complete initial setup in under 30 minutes, with minor tweaks taking just minutes thereafter.
Yes, Trophy Ridge Fix sights are legal for hunting in most states. However, some states restrict the use of electronic lights during hunting seasons. The rheostat light feature may be prohibited in certain states, so always check your local regulations before hunting. The basic sight functions without the light are universally legal.
The Trophy Ridge Fix sights use LR44 or AG13 button cell batteries for the rheostat light. Each sight comes with one pre-charged battery included. Replacement batteries are readily available at most sporting goods stores, pharmacies, or online retailers. Expect approximately 6-8 hours of continuous use per battery.
Unfortunately, Trophy Ridge Fix sights are designed exclusively for right-handed shooters. This is a significant limitation for the 10-15% of archers who shoot left-handed. Left-handed shooters will need to consider alternatives from brands like TruGlo or IQ that offer left-hand models in similar price ranges.
Trophy Ridge offers a limited lifetime warranty on the Fix Series sights, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. This warranty doesn’t cover damage from misuse, accidents, or normal wear and tear. To make a warranty claim, contact Trophy Ridge customer service with your proof of purchase. Most users report positive experiences with warranty claims.
Adjust the Fix sight pins using the on-board tool located on the sight housing. For windage (left/right), turn the micro-adjustment dial on the side. For elevation (up/down), use the vertical adjustment dial. Each click provides precise, repeatable adjustments. The tool-less design means you can make adjustments in the field without additional tools.
Absolutely. Based on extensive testing, the Fix Series offers exceptional value, delivering features typically found on sights costing twice as much. The micro-adjustable pins, second-axis adjustment, and quality construction make it one of the best values in bow sights today. For hunters seeking reliable accuracy without premium pricing, it’s an outstanding investment.
After spending countless hours with all three Trophy Ridge Fix models, I can confidently say they represent some of the best values in archery equipment today. The combination of premium features, durable construction, and accessible pricing makes them ideal for hunters at all skill levels.
Choose the 3-pin for simplicity and close-range hunting, the 5-pin for versatility across most hunting scenarios, or the 7-pin for long-range precision. Whichever you select, you’re getting a quality sight that won’t let you down when it matters most.
For those looking to explore more options, check out our comprehensive guide to the best bow sights or learn about single pin bow sights for alternative configurations. The Trophy Ridge Fix Series earns my recommendation as the go-to choice for budget-conscious hunters who refuse to compromise on quality.
