This week we have an interview with Straight ‘N Arrow Archery.

Not only do I want to do business with companies that produce great equipment and provide great customer service I also like to do business with great people.  Travis and Lynisa at Straight ‘N Arrow Archery out of Montana fit that bill quite nicely.  SNA produces wrist slings in a dizzying number of braids and colors, survival bracelets, neck lanyards and release lanyards from paracord.  I have the privilege of being on their promo-staff and thought an opportunity to hear more from them was in order.  The following is a recent interview.

An SNA Bloodrunner braid sling on my Strother Infinity.

 The same Bloodrunner braid on my Strother Valor.  Lynisa picked the colors to match the Valor’s camo.

dvMA:  What is SNA all about?

SNA:  Growing. Whether it be expanding our selection of bow wrist sling braids (we are always experimenting) or paracord colors or, obviously, our customer base and friends; we love to grow.

All SNA products come professionally packaged.

dvMA:  I’ve noticed SNA customer service is outstanding.  Can you maintain this as SNA becomes more popular?

SNA:  That will definitely be our highest priority.  Our customers will always come first for us because we see them as our newest friends.  And no one wants to let their friends down.

The SNA sling helped to pimp out my Strother Infinity with Vapor Trail Archery strings.

dvMA:  How did you get started in archery and bowhunting?

SNA:  Actually, that was our middle son’s fault (blessing).  He had been reading a book series called The Ranger’s Apprentice and asked for over a year for a bow before we finally relented.  Now, I was familiar with hunting with a rifle because of my uncle, but archery had never been on my radar.  I was immediately fascinated, however, after seeing him kill a few targets. 

dvMA:  What are your favorite animals to hunt?

SNA:  Breathing ones, no seriously, Muley and White Tails for now.  We are hoping to find someone who can show us the elk hunting ropes around here though.  Antelope would be fun also.

dvMA:  How did you start making slings? 

SNA:  Well, you know how picky some women can be… my wife’s one of them. There are some really nice sling makers out there but all I heard was, “I can make that.”

dvMA:  I’ve noticed that the quality of SNA slings, from the leather to the individual braids, is superior to my own DIY slings and that of some of your competitors.  What do you do to make them better?

SNA:  If I told you I’d have to at least wound you (laughing)!  Honestly, luck, we just send out what we’d be happy with for ourselves and nothing less.

dvMA:  What are your favorite pieces of non-archery related hunting gear? 

SNA:  That I own?  Our Alpen binos and Under Armor hikers.  That are on my wish list?  Sitka camo and a Bad Boy Buggie.

dvMA:  Anything you want to say to dvMA readers?

SNA:  We are so proud to be part of the hunting community.  It is an amazing and wonderful tradition that we are very happy to pass down to our children.  Jerry, keep up the good work keeping everyone informed!

dvMA:  Thanks for your time and keep producing those outstanding slings.

happy hunting, dv

If you liked this blog you may like the following: 

• An Interview With A Bowhunting Booking Agency
• Mostly Archery Top Ten Blog Posts
• dv’s Top Product Picks From ATA Part I
• dv’s Top Product Picks From ATA Part II

Feedback, Questions & Comments

I’d like to hear your tips, feedback, comments or questions.  Please leave them below.

Subscribe 

Like this blog? Want to be notified of updates? Subscribe via RSS feed by clicking here.

 Subscribe in a reader

Follow on FaceBook

Copyright © Jerry E Long, 2009-2011

A dustyvarmint Gear Provider Recommendation

After listening to Jim Barnhart speak at the Madison, Wisconsin Deer and Turkey Classic more than a decade ago I’ve been a fan of “large, open” camouflage patterns like ASAT (All Season, All Terrain).  However, not being “mainstream” it is hard to find quality clothing in that pattern at reasonable prices.  Enter Carl Abrams of ACE.  ACE handles ASAT, Sitka Gear and Wilderness Athlete Products at excellent prices and with outstanding customer service. 

I’ll give you an example of the kind of guy Carl is.  Quite a number of years ago I asked for turkey hunting advice on an archery forum.  Carl sent me a comprehensive packet of turkey hunting guides and calling information he had developed over the years.  He just did it.  No cost.  Just like that.  I still refer to those materials each spring.

Later, while looking for some ASAT camouflage clothing I ran across Carl again.  He was a dealer.  Prices were excellent.  As a very small-framed hunter I always have problems with sizing.  Carl works with me to get things just right.  Service was outstanding.  Additionally, ASAT product quality is excellent.

Before my recent trip to Texas I was looking for some quality camouflage undergarments I could use as an inner layer, but still maintain a camouflage appearance as I stripped off what I didn’t need.  I contacted Carl about Sitka’s Core products in Mothwing Mountain Mimicry, another “large, open” pattern somewhat in between ASAT and the more popularly marketed patterns.  Overall I packed for much colder weather and I can’t tell you what an asset that Core Layer shirt turned out to be.  It was the only lightweight camouflage item I had. 

For your ASAT, Sitka Gear and WAP needs at excellent prices and with outstanding customer service contact Carl from the links page.

A combination of ASAT and Sitka Gear, all from ACE, in Texas. 

happy hunting, dv

Feedback, Questions & Comments
I’d like to hear your tips, feedback, comments or questions. Please leave them below.  

Subscribe
Like this blog? Want to be notified of updates? Subscribe via RSS feed by clicking here.

Coming up on Mostly Archery

• dv’s Gear Provider Recommendations – ACE, provider of ASAT, Sitka Gear and Wilderness Athlete Products
• Overhauling A Bow
• Veteran’s Dogsled in Minnesota’s Boundary Water Canoe Area

Before I post another dv’s Gear Provider Recommendation or my first Gear Review I wanted to drop a note about them.

First, I am not currently sponsored by any retailer, manufacturer or service provider.  If that ever changes I will update this post and each Review or Recommendation will refer back to it.  The bottom line is that if I don’t think something measures up I will tell you about it.

Second, unless something fails right away it will have been used for some period of time, likely an entire season, before it is reviewed.  One of my pet peeves is the following review, “Just got it in the mail today.  Looks great.  Should work great.  I give it five stars!”  What, are you kidding me?  Reviewing items at the end of a season doesn’t put me on the cutting edge, but that isn’t my purpose.  I want solid-performing gear worth the meager money Mrs. dv allows me to spend.

Gear Providers will likely only be recommended if they have been used at least twice.  Things like returning phone calls and e-mails in a timely manner, standing behind their product and providing great customer service are critical factors.

Third, it is economically unlikely that I can compare multiple models of a particular product.  For instance I can Review a particular rangefinder, but it will be unlikely I can compare that rangefinder to three others by different manufacturers.  However, it may happen on occasion.

happy hunting, dv

Feedback, Questions & Comments
I’d like to hear your tips, feedback, comments or questions. Please leave them below.

Subscribe
Like this blog? Want to be notified of updates? Subscribe via RSS feed by clicking here.

Coming up on Mostly Archery

• dv’s Gear Provider Recommendations – ACE, provider of ASAT, Sitka Gear and Wilderness Athlete Products
• Overhauling A Bow
• Veteran’s Dogsled in Minnesota’s Boundary Water Canoe Area

One of the hardest things about deciding which tree stand you want is trying it out.  It isn’t easy.  Some companies won’t let you near them in the store, others won’t take them back if they’ve been opened and yet others charge a twenty percent restocking fee for returned stands.

In cooperation with your local dealer Lone Wolf Stands is letting us try them out in the hunting field for two days.  Who can beat that?  My local archery pro shop is a participating dealer.  They have one Alpha Hang On stand and a set of Climbing Sticks hunters can try before buying.  Very cool!

Yours truly is a huge fan of Lone Wolf products and lucky enough to own the Alpha Assault, Sit and Climb and their Climbing Sticks.  Although not cheap, their light weight and functional products are top of the line.

Visit The Lone Challenge for more information or visit your local Lone Wolf Stands’ dealer.  Come back to dv’s Mostly Archery and let us hear your experience with The Lone Wolf Challenge.

happy hunting, dv

Feedback, Questions & Comments
I’d like to hear your tips, feedback, comments or questions. Please leave them below.

Subscribe
Like this blog? Want to be notified of updates? Subscribe via RSS feed by clicking here.

Coming up on Mostly Archery

• Outfitter Reports – Why We Should Be Doing Them
• Overhauling My Bow
• How To – Make Your Own Turkey Friction Call

dustyvarmint’s Gear Provider Recommendations

When I get good customer service and products I like to tell people about it.  So, once in awhile I’ll hi-light a company or person who has provided that service and/or product. 

Stumpy Glassman

As turkey season approaches call orders start coming in.  I was recently hit with two large orders and very little glass.  Chad “Stumpy Glassman” hooked me up quick and I’m back on track to make a lot more turkey callers happy.  Chad can provide glass, slate and crystal in various sizes, thicknesses and strengths to meet your call making needs.  Prices are probably less than half what you are paying now and customer service is excellent.  You can find contact information on the links page.

Slate, glass and crystal

Stumpys glass in use

Feedback, Questions & Comments

Have tips of your own?  Please leave your feedback, comments and questions below.

Coming up on Mostly Archery

• Outfitter Reports – Why we should be doing them.
• Overhauling My Bow
• Outfitter Report – Javelina and Hogs in Texas.