(Photo submitted by the author)
November 08, 2024
By John Warren
There’s an old saying that the right gear doesn’t guarantee a successful hunt, but it can make it a lot easier. As someone who spends considerable time in the field, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of high-quality optics. When hunting in unfamiliar terrain like Hawaii’s Moloka'i Island, having the right gear becomes critical. Axis deer hunting is an adventure in itself, and it presents unique challenges compared to my usual Western hunts. The dense jungles, steep cliffs and unpredictable weather can turn even the most seasoned hunter into a novice. So, when I set out for Moloka'i to chase axis deer, I brought along one piece of gear I knew I could rely on: the Revic BLR10B .
Revic Optics is renowned for its innovative approach, combining cutting-edge technology with user-friendly designs. The BLR10B laser rangefinding binoculars are a prime example of this. What sets Revic apart is the integration of ballistic and rangefinding technologies directly into their optics, giving hunters instant, real-time data. This streamlined process allows users to make quick, informed decisions, critical when time works against them. Their rugged, weather-resistant designs make Revic’s products durable enough for the harshest conditions while maintaining precise, high-performance optics.
Moloka'i Island is a hunting paradise, but it can quickly become a challenging maze. The landscape ranges from open grasslands to dense, jungle-like forests with steep ridges and deep valleys. The axis deer, introduced to Hawaii in the 1800s, have adapted well, making them elusive and challenging targets. The unpredictable terrain and weather tested both my patience and my gear. The ability to spot and range deer in this environment was crucial, and the Revic BLR10B quickly became the difference between success and failure.
Precision in Action (Photo submitted by the author) The BLR10B delivers exceptional optical clarity, crucial when hunting axis deer, which are naturally skittish and blend into dense foliage. The 10x magnification and 42mm objective lens provided sharp, clear images even in challenging lighting conditions. In the early mornings and late evenings on Moloka'i, when light can be tricky, these binoculars truly shined. The Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass and advanced lens coatings helped cut through the island’s glare, especially during golden hour, allowing me to spot animals that my hunting partners couldn’t see.
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On the second morning, I was glassing the edge of a densely wooded area where sunlight barely penetrated. I spotted a buck partially hidden by trees, its body blending into the shadows. The BLR10B’s clarity allowed me to pick out its features in a way that lesser optics would have struggled. The 42mm lens ensured a crisp field of view, critical for low-light situations like this one. Watching the deer move cautiously through the trees, I was reminded of how essential clear, precise optics are in the field.
Molokai’s midday sun can be harsh, making glare a serious issue. The BLR10B’s multi-coated lenses handled this glare with ease, much like polarized lenses used when fishing. One afternoon, with the sun directly overhead, it was nearly impossible to spot anything in the open. Yet, the BLR10B’s coatings reduced the glare enough for me to spot a small group of axis deer grazing about 600 yards away. Without these coatings, the sun’s light would have been too much to handle, but these binoculars allowed me to glass effectively even during the brightest part of the day.
Capabilities (Photo submitted by the author) The BLR10B’s laser rangefinding capabilities set it apart from standard binoculars. Accurately ranging a target in an environment like Moloka'i where distances can be deceptive is critical. The BLR10B boasts a maximum range of 4,000 yards (2.27 miles) for reflective targets and 2,600 yards for non-reflective ones. This precision was essential throughout the hunt, allowing me to plan my shots carefully and avoid spooking the deer before I could get into range. The laser's tight dispersion was particularly helpful when ranging through vegetation, making the BLR10B stand out even among efficient handheld units.
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On my third day, I spotted a buck grazing near the edge of a tree line about 1,500 yards away. Using the BLR10B’s rangefinder, I calculated the distance of my approach points and slowly closed the gap. Every hundred yards, I’d stop to range him again, ensuring that each movement was deliberate. The BLR10B’s pinpoint accuracy allowed me to plan my approach perfectly. After a long stalk, I was within 400 yards—close enough to take a seated tripod shot with ease.
Molokai’s steep ridges and valleys make accurate shot placement particularly challenging. The BLR10B’s angle compensation feature was critical in these situations, automatically adjusting for the angle and giving me the true horizontal distance. One memorable moment came during a stalk along the cliffs on the island’s northern side. I was about 200 feet above a group of deer. Without the angle compensation, my shot would have been off by several inches. Instead, I adjusted for the angle, made the shot, and dropped the buck cleanly. The rifleman’s rule is great, but I loved having the confidence that accurate data brings.
The Revic Ballistic Solver, integrated into the BLR10B, is a powerful tool that calculates bullet drop and wind drift with impressive accuracy. By syncing the binoculars with the Revic Ops App, I could input real-time weather data—temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, and wind speed—ensuring my ballistic calculations were precise. This level of customization allows hunters to adjust for the specific conditions they face in the field, whether in humid jungles or high-altitude environments.
On one engagement, just over 500 yards, nondeterministic variables like wind can affect a projectiles trajectory. The BLR10B’s wind hold function helped me account for the conditions, and the ballistic solver calculated the exact drop and drift. The BLR10B took out the guesswork, allowing me to focus entirely on my shot process. I settled into my natural point of aim, compensated for the wind, and pressed the trigger. A perfect shot. In Molokai’s unpredictable wind, the BLR10B’s wind hold feature was an invaluable tool that accounted for the wind at the shooter but also gave me a base line to average speed through multiple layers.
A Game-Changer in the Field (Photo submitted by the author) Hunting on Moloka'i pushed my skills and gear to the limit, and the Revic BLR10B binoculars rose to the challenge. Their superior optical performance, rangefinding precision, and advanced ballistic solver made them more than just another piece of equipment—they became an essential part of my kit and my experience. From navigating the dense jungles and deep canyons to compensating for steep shots and unpredictable winds, the BLR10B delivered flawless performance throughout my hunt.
For serious hunters and long-range shooters, a good set of rangefinding binoculars isn’t just an accessory, it’s a game-changer. If you’re looking to take your hunting to the next level and increase your confidence in the field, the Revic BLR10B should be at the top of your gear list.