The BDX rangefinders and riflescopes are an integration of Applied Ballistics® and wireless Bluetooth® technologies. What SIG SAUER Electro-Optics has done by marrying this technology is truly groundbreaking; it enables interoperability and key ballistic holdover information to be exchanged wirelessly, seamlessly, in real time, between the SIG SAUER BDX Electro-Optics rangefinders and riflescopes.
Before we get to how it works, we want to answer your very first question at the outset, because it involves technology, is the BDX system complicated? What makes this system so great is the ease of use – we’re even going to go so far and say – it’s simple. It requires absolutely no new learning and uses the same tools we as hunters and shooters are already accustomed to: a rangefinder and a riflescope.
When it comes to new products, to me, simplicity is a beautiful thing. I don’t want to spend a lot of time learning something new because I’d always rather be in the field hunting. The beauty of BDX is it displays all the information you need to make an ethical shot right into the reticle of your riflescope using the information it receives from your rangefinder, while incorporating your applied ballistics. Yes, it’s true, it’s really that simple – BDX sends your dope to your scope.
Ok, so now that we’ve given you a preview, and provided you with the assurances you need that BDX is downright easy to use, let’s talk about the very important second question; how does BDX work? Simply download the “SIG BDX” app available for Android or iOS smartphones, pair the KILO BDX rangefinder and SIERRA3BDX riflescope, set up a basic ballistic profile, and then you’re ready to shoot or hunt.
Once you are in the field, range your target as you normally would, and the KILO BDX rangefinder will utilize onboard Applied Ballistics Ultralight™ to instantly send your dope to the scope via Bluetooth. Using your basic ballistic profile the ballistic solution is calculated for your target and will instantly illuminate on the BDX-R1 Digital Ballistic Reticle with windage and elevation holds in the SIERRA3BDX riflescope. A blue LED on the riflescope power selector indicates that the BDX system is paired, and when the reticle has received new ballistic holdover and windage data from the rangefinder.
“Rangefinding riflescopes of the past have had two major shortcomings: they are either big, boxy and heavy, or extremely expensive,” said Andy York, president, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics. “The revolutionary and affordable BDX system packs advanced ballistics technology into a simple platform that looks just like the rangefinder and riflescope that every hunter is using today. It is extremely simple to use; range a target, put the digital ballistic holdover dot on target, pull the trigger, impact. It’s incredibly accurate and extremely simple, just connect the dot.”
The BDX family of rangefinders includes: KILO1400BDX, KILO1800BDX, KILO2200BDX, KILO2400BDX, and KILO3000BDX rangefinder binocular. These rangefinders include many of the legacy features that the KILO name was built on: Lightwave DSP™ digital rangefinder engine, Hyperscan™ with 4 times per second scan rate, RangeLock™, and the Lumatic™ auto-adjusting display.
The SIERRA3BDX riflescopes have the look, feel, weight and size of traditional riflescopes: available in 3.5-10x42mm, 4.5-14x44mm, 4.5-14x50mm, and 6.5-20x52mm. The BDX riflescopes feature HD glass for superior resolution and optical clarity, 30mm main tubes, side-focus parallax adjustments, and the LevelPlex™ digital anti-cant system. The BDX-R1 Digital Ballistic Reticle is the evolution of holdover, providing a ballistic solution out to 800 yards with 1 MOA of accuracy.
Rounding out these superior features is SIG SAUER’s kinetic energy transfer indicator: KinETHIC™. KinETHIC provides assistance in assuring an ethical hunt by indicating when energy on target drops below a threshold that can be set by the hunter using the BDX App.
“Ethics in hunting are a contract we make with ourselves based on the standards we as sportsmen adhere to as a group, what we feel good about personally, and respect for the game and our hunting traditions,” said Andy York president, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics. “KinETHIC is a feature that asks the hunter to make an educated and ethical decision beforehand by taking into consideration what the velocity and energy capabilities of your bullet and load are to deliver a killing shot. It then lets you know if the shot you are about to take will fulfill this contract. If not, it provides a visual affirmation to stalk-in closer. Knowing your maximum effective hunting range is more than just knowing what you can hit.”
So now that we’ve told you how easy it is to use, and how it works, naturally you want to know how much does the SIG SAUER BDX system cost? Let me answer this question in one word – affordable. If you are looking for a complete kit, which includes a BDX riflescope and BDX rangefinder, you have three options:
- SIERRA3BDX 3.50-10x42mm and a KILO1400BDX MSRP: $839.99
- SIERRA3BDX 4.50-14x44mm and a KILO1800BDX MSRP: $1,079.99
- SIERRA3BDX 6.5-20x52mm and a KILO2400BDX MSRP: $1,679.99
However, to get started with BDX you don’t need to buy a kit; both the rangefinders and riflescopes are available for individual purchase and will easily integrate with your Applied Ballistics on their own. SIERRABDX riflescopes start at $599, and KILOBDX rangefinders begin at $299.
As we referenced earlier in this article SIG SAUER Electro-Optics introduced BDX at the NRA show earlier this month, and consumer reaction was very, very, positive. Visitors to the NRA show always flock to the SIG SAUER booth, but this year the interest in BDX was obvious as demonstrated by the crowds that were gathered for SIG SAUER Electro-Optics President Andy York’s BDX demonstrations. The post-presentation reaction was easy to read by the “this is way too good to be true” expressions left on the faces of onlookers post presentation. To test their skepticism there was a literal obsession with handling the riflescope to gauge the weight; this test was met with the “yes, it is true” nod. Then there was the crowd of people lined up to try BDX for themselves, and once they did, and realized, yes SIG SAUER did in-fact deliver, what we heard was, “this is a game-changer,” “I can’t believe I will be able to afford this,” and our very favorite, “this makes it too easy.”
So what’s the bottom-line on SIG SAUER Electro-Optics BDX system? FACT: BDX riflescopes have the same look and feel of riflescopes hunters are accustomed to, and includes the digital focal plane without adding weight or size. FACT: The BDX rangefinders will utilize Applied Ballistics to provide a solution up to 800 yards with 1MOA accuracy and can range far beyond that. FACT: KILO2400BDX and KILO3000BDX will even pair with your Garmin or Kestrel for Applied Ballistics Elite level performance. FACT: The BDX is simple and easy to use while incorporating your personal ballistics profile. FACT: Once you have synced your ballistics to the KILO BDX rangefinder from the SIG BDX app, you no longer need to use the app. You can leave it in your truck when you head out into the field.
Given all of those facts, combined with the high-quality product and craftsmanship we expect from SIG SAUER at an affordable price, and we’re ready to call SIG SAUER Electro-Optics BDX truly revolutionary and a win-win for everyone.
The SIG SAUER Electro-Optics BDX will be available in retail stores beginning in July. To learn more visit sigsauer.com.
