When setting up your bow sight, pin diameter might seem like a minor detail. It’s not. The difference between .010 and .019 pins can make or break your accuracy, especially when it matters most. Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice.
The Size Difference
.010 pins measure ten thousandths of an inch in diameter – about the thickness of a human hair. .019 pins are nearly twice as thick at nineteen thousandths of an inch. That might not sound like much, but when you’re looking through your peep sight at a target, that difference is significant.
Think of it this way: a .010 pin covers less target area, while a .019 pin covers more. This affects what you can see and how precisely you can aim.
Visibility and Light Conditions
.019 pins are easier to see in low light conditions. The thicker fiber optic material gathers more light, making them brighter at dawn and dusk when deer are moving. If you hunt primarily during these prime times, thicker pins give you a real advantage.
.010 pins can be harder to see in dim conditions but excel in bright light. They won’t wash out as easily in full sunlight, maintaining their visibility when thicker pins might become too bright to use effectively.
Precision and Target Coverage
Here’s where .010 pins shine. The thinner profile covers less of your target, allowing for more precise aiming. At longer distances, this becomes crucial. A thick pin can completely cover a deer’s vital zone at 40+ yards, making precise shot placement difficult.
.010 pins let you see more of what you’re aiming at. You can place the pin exactly where you want the arrow to hit without the pin itself obscuring your target. This precision advantage grows more important as shooting distance increases.
.019 pins cover more target area, which can hurt precision at longer ranges. However, they’re often easier for new archers to acquire quickly, making them faster for close-range shots.
Shooting Distance Considerations
For shots under 25 yards – typical Midwest treestand hunting – .019 pins work fine. The precision difference isn’t as critical, and the improved visibility can help with quick target acquisition.
Beyond 30 yards, .010 pins become more valuable. The reduced target coverage allows for better shot placement on smaller vital zones. Western hunters and those taking longer shots across fields often prefer the precision of thinner pins.
Fiber Optic Durability
.019 pins use thicker fiber optic material, making them more durable. They’re less likely to break if you bump your sight or drop your bow. This durability matters for hunters who are hard on their equipment.
.010 pins are more fragile. The thin fiber optic strands can break more easily, potentially leaving you with a dark pin when you need it most. However, quality manufacturers have improved durability significantly in recent years.
Eye Conditions and Age
Your eyes matter more than you might think. Older hunters or those with vision issues often find .019 pins easier to see and use effectively. The larger diameter is simply easier for aging eyes to pick up quickly.
Younger hunters with sharp vision can typically handle .010 pins without issues and benefit from the added precision they provide.
Mixed Pin Setups
Many experienced hunters use a combination approach. They’ll run a .019 pin for their 20-yard shot – fast acquisition for close encounters – and .010 pins for longer distances where precision matters more.
This hybrid setup gives you the best of both worlds: quick target acquisition for close shots and precision for longer ones.
Light Management
.019 pins can become too bright in certain conditions, washing out and becoming difficult to use. Some hunters end up covering part of the fiber optic to reduce brightness, which defeats the purpose of having thicker pins.
.010 pins are easier to manage in varying light conditions. They’re less likely to become overwhelmingly bright, maintaining usability across different lighting scenarios.
Cost and Availability
Pin diameter typically doesn’t affect cost significantly. Both sizes are readily available from major sight manufacturers. Replacement pins are also commonly stocked at most archery shops.
Making Your Choice
Choose .010 pins if you:
- Take shots beyond 30 yards regularly
- Hunt in bright conditions frequently
- Want maximum precision for shot placement
- Have good vision and steady hands
Choose .019 pins if you:
- Hunt primarily in low-light conditions
- Take mostly close shots under 25 yards
- Want maximum visibility and quick acquisition
- Have vision challenges or shaky hands
There’s no universally “best” pin size. Your hunting situation, eyesight, shooting distance, and lighting conditions all factor into the decision. Many successful hunters use both sizes in different situations or combine them in the same sight.
The key is matching your pin choice to your actual hunting conditions, not what looks good on paper. Consider your typical shot distances, lighting conditions, and personal vision needs. Test both sizes if possible before making your final decision.
Remember: the best pin is the one you can see clearly and place accurately when a buck steps out. Everything else is just details.