Everyone has a preference for their chosen pin orientation. One-, two-, three-, four-, five- and seven-pin setups have their dedicated followers. Whether it's a single-pin slider sight or a horizontal, fixed, seven-pin scope, there are no shortage of those who will swear by their choice in scope system and lay out the reasons their opinion is superior to yours and everyone else's. Horizontal pin users have the adjustability point on their side, while the vertical users have unmatched visibility on theirs. With reasons aplenty to choose one over the other, the question remains... which is best? Maybe now, we are starting to have that question answered.
With ever-evolving archery technology consistently being thrown in our collective direction, a certain pin system is beginning to take hold in the modern zeitgeist. Has this pin system been around for a few years? Yes, it has. Has it really taken hold thus far, though? Not really. Not until very recently, anyway. The micro-adjustable, vertical pin system being used and released by popular sight manufacturers recently shows a real shift in the mindset of the archery community. Is it primarily hunters driving the market this way? Probably, but I reckon the prevalence of events such as the Total Archery Challenge (TAC) and other "for fun" 3D courses have really driven the needle as well. In a world where single pin sights aren't enough, and where horizontal pins don't offer the visibility required, the multi-vertical systems are taking hold.
While Trophy Ridge has been utilizing their system for a few years now on their SWFT and Peak sights, the vertical adjustable pin really came to the forefront with the introduction of the Dialed 3VA and the HHA XV3. These sights all employ micro-adjustable vertical pins that provide pristine visibility you'd ordinarily only see in fixed-pin slider systems, while incorporating the fine tuning we've all come to love within horizontal pin scopes. The ability to perfectly align your pins to your specific sight tape yardages while keeping such a clear image through the scope is an advancement we have needed more companies to introduce. Well, now they have.
SWFT DUO
The first of these pin systems to be releases was from Trophy Ridge. Their SWFT DUO pin system includes a micro-adjustable secondary pin. This pin includes a laser engraved indicator that works in tandem with the laser engraved scale found on the primary pin within the scope, allowing you to have a good idea of your required adjustment. The fixed primary pin also cuts down on confusion and aids in quick setup for your sight tape.
PEAK
A more budget-friendly option from the folks at Trophy Ridge, the Peak hunting sight is a standard mount, non-sliding sight system that still includes FIVE micro-adjustable vertical pins. It does still maintain toolless windage and elevation on the sight body, though, and the Allen head screw pin adjustment is simple and easy to access. Much like the SWFT DUO, the pin bodies are laser engraved to ensure precise adjustment when dialing in your setup.
Dialed 3VA
Dialed entered the game with their 3VA Mag in the Autumn of 2025, and brought the adjustable vertical pin system into the truly high-end hunting sight market. With the 3VA system, each of the three pins are have micro-adjust functionality accessed through the base of the scope housing. Simply loosen the pin locking screw, adjust your pins up or down based on your setup, and tighten the locking screw back down to finish up. It is a foolproof process and allows for incredibly precise and personal pin setups.
HHA XV3
HHA came out with their XV3 scope in late 2025, highlighting a shift in the market towards this new pin system style. Their adjustable pin system brings "the ultimate in precision and clarity" to their scopes, and it is hard to argue with them on that. The simplicity of the adjustment mirrors that of the Dialed 3VA - loosen locking screw, adjust pins, tighten locking screw - while their updated rheostat system designed to accommodate this new pin setup is an improvement on the one found on their standard scopes.
Each of these offerings bring different technology to the table as far as the whole sight system is concerned, as well as being at different price points - the Trophy Ridge Peak being a bargain at under $100. The SWFT sight is available in both standard and picatinny mounting options, the Dialed in dovetail, picatinny, and Bridge-Lock, while the HHA includes options for standard mount, picatinny, dovetail, and Bridge-Lock. It is up to you, the consumer, to figure out which sight works best for you. Maybe you will stick with your single-pin slider. Maybe you don't want to sway from the tried-and-true horizontal pin system you've been using for years. Whatever you choose to roll with, it is ultimately about what fits you best, and what helps you shoot your best.