My Current Single Pin Setup and Why I Trust It

I didn’t buy my bow sight setup to follow a trend. I built it based on years of combat experience, real-world bowhunting, and medical necessity. After dealing with the effects of a traumatic brain injury, switching to a single-pin sight gave me clarity, simplicity, and accuracy I couldn’t find with a multi-pin system.

You can see the full story about why I switched to a single-pin bow sight here.

And the gear I run now? It’s the most confident I’ve ever felt behind the bow.

Why I Trust This Setup

I didn’t just upgrade to this bow sight because it looked good on paper. I made the switch after years of fighting with the Apex Covert Pro. It couldn’t hold 3rd axis alignment, even after using Loctite. And when you’re 20 feet up in a tree with a steep-angle shot at a buck, your sight better be dialed, or that shot’s gone.

The Axcel Landslyde with the AVX-41 scope is built for precision. I added the torque indicator for one reason: to fight my own limitations. After a TBI from an IED in Iraq, I’ve had issues with visual tracking and stability. That torque indicator isn’t just a gadget. It’s a tool that helps me stay consistent and keep shooting with confidence.

This sight system gives me exactly what I need:

• A clean sight picture that doesn’t overload my vision
• Reliable leveling that stays locked in
• The ability to make confident shots in real hunting conditions, not just on flat ranges

I didn’t pick this setup because it’s trendy. I picked it because I needed a tool that wouldn’t fail when it mattered. It gives me control, clarity, and peace of mind in the moment of truth.

My Single-Pin Bow Sight Setup (Top to Bottom)

Here’s exactly what I use, and why it works in real hunting scenarios:

🔧 Sight: Axcel Landslyde Slider Sight (Single Pin Model) – See it here

• Why I chose it: The Landslyde offers full micro-adjustments and full axis leveling (1st, 2nd, and 3rd), which is absolutely critical for shooting from tree stands or angled terrain. A lot of bow sights claim this, but Axcel nailed the build quality.
• Slider control: It’s smooth, quiet, and locks tight. I never have to worry about a loose dial in the field.
• Mounting system: I run it in the close (inner) mounting position, which keeps my housing tighter to the riser. That’s better for close-range shooting and faster target acquisition in the woods.
• Where I got it: I got it on eBay. It was brand new and at half the normal price. I recommend looking here to save money on what can be a very expensive bow sight.

🔭 Scope: AVX-41 Scope Housing (Axcel)

• Why I chose it: The 41mm scope gives me a larger, clearer sight picture than a 31mm without being too bulky.
• Peep alignment: It pairs perfectly with my current peep size and my anchor point while wearing full cold-weather gear. No guessing. Just a clean circle-in-circle sight picture.
• Aftermarket compatibility: I wanted the option to upgrade with accessories like a lens and sunshade; this scope supports that without extra mods.
• How to get it: Make sure you check the model of the Axcel Landslyde sight you buy. The packaging or model description will tell you which scope it comes with. You can buy them individually, too.

🔍 Lens: 4x Lens Insert

• Why I use it: With my vision and eye tracking issues from my TBI, the 4x lens allows me to focus more easily on the pin and the target. It sharpens my field of view, which helps with confidence at full draw.
• Tip for other hunters: If you’ve never tried a lens, be sure to check your state’s legality for magnified optics during archery season. But if it’s allowed, it’s a game changer, especially if your eyesight isn’t perfect (like mine).
• Where I got mine: Just like the sight, I got the lens insert on eBay, too. eBay is the best place for discounted archery hunting gear anywhere online, in my opinion. See the lens options here.
• What you need with it: You will also need a lens retainer, like this one.

☀️ Sunshade Attachment

• Why it matters: I shoot from treestands, ground cover, and on sunny days in open timber. The sunshade cuts glare and keeps my target image sharp.
• Front-mounted: It threads onto the front of the AVX-41 scope and adds zero bulk.
• Where I got it cheap: eBay once again. See this uber-discounted option here.

💡 Optional: Rheostat Light Port and Torque Indicator

• I don’t currently use a light, but the AVX-41 includes a port for a rheostat light if you ever want to illuminate the pin for low-light conditions. It’s nice knowing the option is there.
• One addon I just picked up is the Torque Indicator. It is a great option to show you if you are torqueing the bow when shooting from an elevated position. See both here.

Pro Tip for Other Hunters

If you’re considering a scope build like this, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Size your peep for your housing. You want your peep to frame the housing exactly. If it’s too big or too small, your alignment suffers.
• Level your sight at hunting height. Don’t just do it on flat ground. Get up in a stand or elevated platform and confirm it.
• Try a lens if your eyesight is even slightly compromised. It’s not cheating. It’s optimizing.

Final Thoughts

This setup isn’t the cheapest. But it’s the most reliable I’ve used. When I draw my bow, I see one clean pin, properly magnified, perfectly aligned, and dead center in my peep.

That kind of trust changes how you hunt. It quiets the doubt. It lets you focus on the shot, not the gear.

I’ve tested a lot of sights in the field. And I can confidently say: this one earns its place on my bow.

➜ Want to see how I level this setup in detail? Read my full bow sight leveling tutorial.
➜ Curious how I run this in the woods? Check out my post on zeroing at 25 yards and using the bracket system.
➜ Not sure if a single pin is right for you? Start here: Why I Switched to a Single Pin (And What I’d Do With Fixed Pins Again)