Mostly Archery with dustyvarmint » Gear Reviews

The Oxy Elim-A-Scent

dustyvarmint — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:47:40 +0000

A look at my use of the Oxy Elim-A-Scent from Buck Country Products.

The Oxy Elim-A-Scent is a lightweight, compact electronic scent elimination product that produces a “combination of natural cleansing activated oxygen and healthful negative ions (Oxyions) to safely destroy all bacteria and non-bacteria scent/odors, mildew, mold, pollutants and more”. The Pro model, which was provided to me by Buck Country Products as part of their pro-staff is reasonably priced; especially when compared to other such devices on the market. Now, in my opinion it wouldn’t be particularly ethical to write a review for a product that I’m on pro-staff for. So, in order to give the Oxy Elim-A-Scent its due I’ll instead share how I use it and how it has performed for me.

Above: The Oxy Elim-A-Scent Pro with AC and DC cords.

I must note that I do not know if any scent elimination product effectively eliminates odor to a degree sufficient enough to fool an animal’s nose. Anecdotal hunting evidence of scent elimination product effectiveness is always subject to a very wide degree of atmospheric conditions not usually recorded or replicated. For instance I once had an 8-point whitetail approach my downwind side, trot to within 8 yards of me and end up with an arrow in his ribs.

In that encounter I was using no particular scent elimination or cover product at the time other than non-hunting oriented scent free detergent, Dead Down Wind Field Towels for clean up and Dead Down Wind antiperspirant. It was morning. Were rising thermals in play? Was the deer distracted by the 6-pointer he was chasing or by the coyote that was chasing both of them? Did the wind momentarily switch directions and I didn’t notice due to focusing on the show in front of me? I don’t know the answer to any of these questions. What I know is that he came from the direction the wind was prevailing to that morning, he didn’t spook at my scent if any blew in that direction and I shot him.

So, back to the Oxy Elim-A-Scent. There were two things that always bugged me about attempting to be scent free. First, there are items such as my safety harness and backpack that I don’t want to throw in the washing machine. I’m a sweaty guy so those things get sweated up. Second, with varying temperatures over any few days I may wear a heavy jacket only once and then need to wash it for scent prevention purposes. All that washing certainly places wear on already expensive clothing. The Elim-A-Scent helps me with both problems.

Using a wardrobe hanger and wardrobe from a local variety store I created a chamber for my Elim-A-Scent Pro. A small hole was cut in the bottom of the wardrobe, the Pro’s cord was fed up into it and the unit plugged in. Always wary of fire potential from prolonged contact between electronics and fabric I hung the Pro from the wardrobe hanger’s bar and the Pro’s mounting hole vice just laying it in the bottom. Now I can put my day pack, Eberlestock X2, safety harness and once-worn jacket or bibs in the chamber for scent elimination. The Pro has Lo, Hi and Boost settings. Unless I’m in a hurry I leave it on the Lo setting.

Above: My homemade Oxy Elim-A-Scent Pro chamber. The unit is near the bottom.

Above: The chamber and wardrobe also serve well as a bow rack.

It also comes with a 12V DC plug in for use in vehicles. I thought this would be pretty handy while traveling to hunting spots in the mornings or on transition breaks from one spot to another. Especially since I never know what the inside of my truck may smell like. However, I just don’t think I’m in the truck long enough on these short trips for it to matter so I didn’t continue the practice.

When Kansas friend Big Will brought up the subject of similar scent elimination products I referred him to the Oxy Elim-A-Scent and he chose the Micro Aggressor; a small, battery operated unit with optional AC and DC cords. Big Will hunts primarily from blinds so he wanted something easily packed that could be used in the blind. So far he is happy with his selection and has taken a whitetail doe while using it. Will is employed by a large university in central Kansas. He told me once, “I know it (the Micro Aggressor) works. At work we use a similar machine on a much larger scale to sanitize sporting equipment. It (the Micro Aggressor) smells just like that larger unit.” After seeing Will’s I’m also considering a purchase of the portable Micro Aggressor unit.

Items put into and then removed from the chamber I made have a sweet ozone smell. I received the Pro model about the same time I received my 2010 African Archery Safari trophies. The mothball smell was almost unbearable. So, I put them all in a large box and put in the scent elimination unit. It did not entirely remove the eye watering naptha smell, but it did noticeably reduce it. I continue to utilize it for a variety of large and small items I want to de-scent.

Both the Oxy Elim-A-Micro Pro and Micro Aggressor are sturdily built. The Pro comes with mounting hardware, extra emitter and 120VAC and 12VDC cords for $39.95 MSRP. The Micro Aggressor comes with a mounting strip and hanging strap for $34.95 MSRP. Again, I don’t know if scent elimination products work, but I feel confident the Oxy Elim-A-Scent products do something besides voodoo magic for a price that is reasonable compared to other similar products on the market.

happy hunting, dv

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dv Gear Review – Nite Hawk #3 Peep Sight

dustyvarmint — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:34:30 +0000

A review of the unique Nite Hawk Archery #3 peep sight.

Overall Rating: ***** (5 stars of 5)

Specifications:

The unique aperture of the Nite Hawk reduces light refraction that causes left/right shots in low light as well as making objects sighted in the peep clearer.

Performance: ***** (5 stars of 5). While it did take some getting used to looking through a cross as compared to a circle the learning curve really wasn’t too bad; probably two weeks of 3D league. I think that having a quality bowstring, like those from Vapor Trail Archery, is of greater importance with the Nite Hawk peep than with shooting a round-hole peep. If a lesser-quality string rotates too far with a round-hole peep one can likely still see through it. With the Nite Hawk peep an over-rotated string may prevent one from seeing through it at all.

Above: The Nite Hawk Archery #3 peep sight.

Above: The G5 Meta-Peep in 1/4″.

Comparison shooting for this review was conducted utilizing two set ups. The Nite Hawk #3 peep was set in my current hunting rig; the outstanding Strother Archery Infinity. A one-quarter inch G5 Meta Peep was set in my back up bow; the highly reliable and shootable Bowtech SWAT. The day was a typical southern Wisconsin over cast grey. A McKenzie 3D whitetail target was placed at 60 yards near the end of the range where tall oaks and dense brush provide a darker, natural background. Each bow was drawn, aimed towards the whitetail target and held for several seconds to examine the entire aperture and sight picture. This was repeated, alternately, three times for each peep. For reference I’m a center-the-sight-housing-in-the-peep versus centering-the-pin-in-the-peep guy.

Above: A whitetail 3D target at 60 yards was used to aim at.

Above: A closer shot of the whitetail 3D target at 60 yards.

No noticeable differences in clarity were noted between the two peeps – both sight pictures were very clear. No noticeable differences in the amount of light seen through the peep were noted. The outside edges of both peep pictures were somewhat fuzzy at full draw. However, I did notice a lot of light bouncing off the inside bottom of the Meta Peep. Could this change point of aim and a resultant point of impact? I don’t know. I don’t think this is possible with the Nite Hawk peep. While light could bounce off the inside bottom the flat back wall would likely negate its influence. This would be the same whether the light were bouncing of the left or right, also.

I did not conduct accuracy testing with the peeps – without a Hooter Shooter the results would be questionable at best. Since switching to a Nite Hawk peep I have shot my best scores ever. However, this is also likely a function of two other things – equipment upgrades this year and actually keeping score. As for hunting performance I have taken two whitetail does and one hen turkey utilizing the Nite Hawk. The Rainy Day Doe was taken on a hazy, rainy afternoon hunt and my First Kansas Archery Whitetail was taken in the last few minutes of legal shooting light. The First Fall Turkey was taken on a hazy October morning in somewhat normal fall season hunting light, but from a blind. The peep performed well in all situations.

Pros:

A quality manufactured product.
Once the learning period was over I had no difficulties utilizing the Nite Hawk peep.

Cons:

None noted.

Cost: *** (5 stars of 5). $14.99.

Manufacturer’s Customer Service: ***** (5 stars of 5). I’ve had the occasion to ask many questions of Ken at Nite Hawk before and after my purchase. He’s always responded quickly and with excellent information.

Source: Purchased, retail, directly from Nite Hawk Archery.

General notes: I’m blaming the purchase and use of this peep sight on Outdoor’s Buddy Seth. Why he happened up on it and then convinced me to buy one I’m not totally certain, but I am happy with the decision. I do know that the explanation on Nite Hawk’s web site made sense. Secondly, the product evaluation by Norb Mullaney made a lot of sense, too, and I’m a pretty big fan of his. I will continue to use the Nite Hawk peep for 3D and hunting.

happy hunting, dv

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dv Gear Review – Norway Industry’s Zip Strip

dustyvarmint — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:24:49 +0000

A review of the Norway Industries Zip Strip.

Overall Rating: ****+ (4+ stars of 5)

Above: The Norway Industry’s Zip Strip. The carbon steel can oxidize quickly.

Specifications (from the Norway Industries website):

The Zip-Strip® has a razor-sharp edge which removes any vane from any shaft as well as any residual adhesive. NO MORE damaged carbon arrows!
Made at Norway Industries of premium grade tool steel and heat treated for durable long-term wear this handy tool is a must for all arrow-smiths.
Easily sharpens with a flat file on the back surface or a round file on the curved front surface.
Strip arrows quickly & easily. The fastest, cleanest way to strip old or damaged vanes!

Performance: ****+ (4+ stars of 5). Having traditionally and successfully used an old, dull steak knife I found in my father’s bachelor-living box for feather and vane removal I didn’t really think there could be much improvement on this task. I can only say I was wrong – way wrong. The first time I used the Zip-Strip on some plastic vanes it actually shot them off the arrow about 18 inches – right into the trash can! The rounded blade is superior for tough glue removal without damage to arrows.

Pros:

Truly “zips” vanes, feathers, old glue and remnants of wraps right off arrows.
Rounded blade fits arrows’ contour.
Tool’s handle fits well while the angle allows proper pressure on the arrow.
Does not damage arrows.

Cons:

None, other than price, possibly.

Above: The Zip Strip in use. Note that we had to shoot this controlled removal twice – the first vane shot off so quickly we couldn’t capture the shot.

Cost: *** (3 stars of 5). $28-35 street price.

Manufacturer’s Customer Service: ***** (5 stars of 5). I met Jill Haliburton of Norway Industries at the ATA show in 2011 and I’ve conversed a bit with Janis Milton via e-mail and phone. Both are extremely nice people. A caller is just as likely to find Janis working on the manufacturing floor as in the office.

Above: Jill Haliburton of Norway Industries models the company’s Zeon Fusion Vanes.

Source: Purchased through a cooperative program directly from Norway Industries.

General notes: I find I get the most complete vane/feather and glue removal by using the tool with the blade’s concave face up in one direction and then using it flat side up in the same direction (toward nock for instance). Then I do it over again in the other direction (toward field point in this example). Followed up with some acetone the arrows are usually very clean, smooth and ready for new vanes or feathers.

happy hunting, dv

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dv Gear Review – Hazmore Silent Hammock Seat

dustyvarmint — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:21:10 +0000

A review of the Hazmore Silent Hammock Seat.

Overall Rating: ****+ (4+ stars of 5)

The Hazmore Silent Hammock Seat

Specifications:

Treated against UV damage and rot
Does not absorb water
Quiet
Slides out of the way easily
Comfortable
Less bulky and more lightweight than OEM seat
Requires less wrestling during set up and climbing than the OEM seat
Silent

Performance: **** (4 stars of 5). I’ve used the Hazmore seat for two seasons now and prefer it over the OEM Lone Wolf seat. Now, to be honest, neither of those seats is as comfortable as the Summit seat, like that found on a Viper, but the Hazmore is more convenient for use with the Lone Wolf Sit & Climb.

Pros:

The specifications pretty much say it all. No hype there.
I like not having to flip the seat over during initial set up or wrestling with it during climbing.
Comfortable. I can sit for a long time in it.
Light weight.
It is never in the way when I stand up. The material gives way to my legs easily and there is no need to flip up or out of the way to maneuver for a look or shot.

The Hazmore seat pushed back ready for some shooting.

Cons:

Does not extend past the front past edge of the stand so it does reduce total sitting depth when compared to OEM seat.

Cost: ***** (5 stars of 5). $19.95

Manufacturer’s Customer Service: **** (4 stars of 5). I contacted Hazmore when I noticed the online check-out system wasn’t protected by “https:”. Someone from Hazmore responded and corrected it right away.

Source: Purchased, online retail, from Hazmore Outdoor Products.

General notes: I was concerned that my backside would be cold as the netting doesn’t cover it, but this turned out to be unfounded. For transport, comfort and ease of set up the Lone Wolf Sit and Climb is my stand of choice. The Hazmore Silent Hammock Seat is an outstanding replacement/updrade for the OEM seat.

happy hunting, dv

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dv Gear Review – Ike’s Outdoors Bow Tuning Basics DVD

dustyvarmint — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:03:51 +0000

This week I review Ike’s Outdoors Bow Tuning Basics DVD.

Overall Rating: ****+ (4+ stars of 5)

Specifications (from Ike’s Outdoor’s website): Bow Tuning Basics is a little over an hour in length and covers the following:

Finding your correct draw length & weight
Installing and centering a rest
Establishing a nocking point
Installing a string loop & peep sight
Sighting in your bow
Paper tuning
Walkback tuning
Broadhead tuning

The Bow Tuning Basics DVD set also comes with flash cards you can take with you as you tune your bow. The flash cards contain helpful notes on paper tuning, walkback tuning, and broadhead tuning your bow.

Performance: **** (4 stars of 5). I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “I hate bow tuning.” So I’m pretty much up for any reasonably priced item that’ll help me with this onerous task. Jerry (Ike) has provided that with the Ike’s Outdoors Bow Tuning Basics DVD.

Pros:

Jerry does a great job covering the basics without going too deep. For instance the rest set up is detailed enough to get everything on right, but he does not go into how to press the bow or change modules – both advanced skills that can lead to damage for the bow or strings if done improperly.
I really like the laminated flash cards. I’m always digging around for my Easton tuning book. I can toss the cards in my bow case or slip them on my quiver’s belt clip using the included ring for handy reference.
A systematic approach to bow set up and tune.

Cons:

While it would be unlikely a person could cover every tuning inconsistency in a shooting session it would be nice to see some actual shooting, corrective measures incorporated and the tuning problem solved.

Cost: ***+ (3.5 stars of 5). $22.50

Manufacturer’s Customer Service: ***** (5 stars of 5). I couldn’t get the DVD to play on my fairly new home theater system or my old desk top, but was successful on my newer laptop. I contacted Jerry and received an immediate response offering to replace the DVD. That wasn’t necessary, but this is the kind of customer service I expect from any company.

Source: Provided for review by Ike’s Outdoors.

General notes: I’ll make no bones that I’m a fan of Ike’s Outdoors (that doesn’t mean this review can’t be honest). Jerry seems to be an “everyday ordinary” bowhunter like a lot of other every day, ordinary bowhunters. His videos aren’t “polished”; the lighting isn’t studio quality and he makes mistakes and continues on while getting the point across at the same time. I like all of that. I had the good pleasure of meeting him at ATA in January; see People Pictures From The Archery Trade Association. He was just as real in person as on his videos. This DVD is a good further extension of Ike’s Outdoors.

happy hunting, dv

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dv Gear Review – Vanguard Equalizer 1QS Bipod

dustyvarmint — Tue, 24 May 2011 00:05:01 +0000

By Jerry Long, May 23, 2011

This week I review Vanguard’s Equalizer 1QS bipod. I have to remind my loyal “Tens of Readers and Visitors” that the title is Mostly Archery. I don’t assault you often with information about self-contained explosive devices so please bear with me.

The Vanguard Equalizer 1QS bipod

Overall Rating: **** (4 stars of 5)

Specifications (from Vanguard’s website):

Equalizer QS has a picatinny rail system that allows shooters to attach and detach firearms faster than ever. Hunters appreciate its quick leg deployment. Its Pull and Position leg adjustment system enables you to quickly and safely reposition. A buffer spring reduces shock and vibration while providing a solid shooting base. It has a pivot tilt of 0 to 5 degrees and a -30 to +30-degree swing angle. Equalizer QS takes on an array of terrains with feet that convert from metal spikes to rubber. Equalizer 1QS is designed for prone position shooting.
Has a picatinny rail quick shoe system for extremely fast attachment
Buffer spring provides solid shooting
Bonus 2nd picatinny rail quick shoe for quick attachment to other firearms

Quality: ***** (5 stars of 5). I appreciate great products. Even before I opened the package I could tell by the heft, appearance and description that I was likely to be pleased with the Equalizer. I also appreciate products that are well built, but intuitive to use. Again, without an initial reading of the directions I knew exactly how to attach and use the bipod except for one thing – the extra shoe. Who knew these days that a company would actually include an extra of anything? I did have to consult the directions to make sure I understood that.

The 1QS on a Savage 93R17 in .17 HMR.

The 1QS removes from the rifle with a simple twist of a tab.

The 1QS on a CZ 527 American in .204 Ruger.

If a person had two rifles with traditional stocks and one or more “evil black rifles” the one bipod would actually service 3 or more rifles. That’s pretty cool. Mrs. dustyvarmint has yet to buy me one of those neat little tactical .22’s that have the picatinny rail so I just stuck with my CZ 527 American in .204 Ruger and a Savage 93R17 in .17 HMR. The 1QS performed flawlessly and reliably on both.

Pros:

Ruggedly and reliably designed and built.
Extra shoe.
Clever attachment design.
Convertible rubber feet or spikes.
Buffer spring.

Cons:

Possibly a tad on the expensive side.

Reliability: ***** (5 stars of 5). This bipod is well built. Each shoe has a removable channel containing a Phillips head screw that is held in place by two hex head screws (wrench included). The Phillips head screw goes through the channel and the rifle’s forward sling-swivel stud. The padded shoe is attached to that. Then the bipod is attached to the shoe. No movement or loosening of this connection system was noticed during a recent trip to the range which included intentionally closing the rifles and installed bipods in foam lined cases, several hundred rounds of shooting and transport to and around the range.

For this review I made a trip to a local shooting range and prepared my rifles for an upcoming trip to North Dakota where varmint shooting is on the recreation list. During shooting I did notice and appreciate the buffer spring’s dampening effect. Also, in order to provide a more stable shot I would set the feet on the shooting bench and pull back slightly against the pivot. While recoil from the pivot might not be the best follow through technique I was pleased with it. I truly appreciated the convertible feet, from spike to rubber, and feel this feature is just another of several in a well-thought-out design. The wind was extremely bad on this day so shooting conditions were not the greatest. However, the bipod performed well and I was satisfied that my initial impressions were valid.

Note the convertible feet, from spike to rubber. The rubber simply threads back to expose the spike.

I don’t know if this is an intentional feature or not, but the bipod sits flat even when folded. I like that.

Another shot of the rifle sitting flat with the legs folded.

Value & Price: *** (3 stars of 5). Around $79.99 street price.

Referability: *** (3 stars of 5). My only reservation for referral to friends and family would be price.

Manufacturer’s Customer Service: Not used, not rated.

General notes: Even though my true love is bowhunting I’m no stranger to varmint shooting. In the mid-90’s we used to make annual trips to Montana, Washington or Oregon in pursuit of “sage rats”, ground squirrels and prairie dogs. So there is one thing I want to point out about rifle mounted bipods. The shorter ones like the 1QS make a person think of getting down on the ground in the prone position to shoot. Even back then before I reached my 30’s it didn’t take many shots for that to get old. The neck is tired (and actually painful after a day), the back is tired and the front is filled with cactus spines, ants and dirt. The shorter bipods like the 1QS are best for 1-2 shots in a prone position at extra-large varmints or long-term shooting from a bench. Consider Vanguard’s 2QS or 3QS for a day’s worth of shooting from the sitting position without the pain.

There is something decidedly different about that dustyvarrmint! Oh yes, about 15 years or so.

happy hunting, dv

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A dv Gear Review – Victorinox Hunter Camo Knife

dustyvarmint — Tue, 17 May 2011 00:08:55 +0000

By Jerry Long, May 16, 2011

This week I review Victorinox’s Hunter Camo knife they graciously sent me for dv’s African Archery Safari.

Note: This review was originally published as a guest post on the popular Black Bear Blog. For the sake of completeness I wanted to have it over here on dustyvarmint’s Mostly Archery.

Overall Rating: *** (3 stars of 5)

Specifications:

Large lock blade with side, slide-button release
Philips screwdriver
Wood saw
Gutting blade
Cap lifter with can opener
Flat screwdriver
Wire stripper
Reamer with sewing eye
Key Ring
Tweezers
Toothpick
Model# 54641

Cost: ** (2 stars of 5). $52.00 MSRP, around $43.00 street price.

Performance: **** (4 stars of 5). The knife was sharp out of the box and maintained its edge which has been my experience with Victorinox knives. This was my first exposure to the combination cap-lifter-can-opener and I admit to being skeptical, but it worked like charm. I carried the Camo Hunter during late whitetail season 2009 and for turkey season, whitetail scouting, my African Archery Safari and whitetail season this year. I’ve cut shooting lanes with the saw blade, tweezed splinters, tightened screws, opened cans as previously mentioned and cut things with it. Whatever I asked of it, it did well.

Pros:

The tweezers and toothpick are handy, especially for outdoors use
Came sharp and maintained its edge
Locking blade
Gutting blade is scary sharp
A multitude of handy tools

Cons:

Bulky for a pocket, but it does fit. Excellent for a back or fanny pack tool.

Manufacturer’s Customer Service: Not rated, but they provided this knife in response to an inquiry from me so that is pretty nice customer support.

Source: Victorinox USA

My daily standard knife – the Victorinox Tinker.

General notes: I’ve carried a Victorinox Tinker knife almost daily since my deployment to the first Gulf War. Properly maintained the blades hold an outstanding edge. The innovative designs provide a multi-use tool for nearly everyone. Additionally, Mrs. dustyvarmint and I own six of the outstanding Victorinox-Forschner, see Forschner Knives – Buy Now, Thank Me Later knives. I don’t see how one can go wrong with a Victorinox Knife.

happy hunting, dv

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dv Gear Review – Bowtech SWAT

dustyvarmint — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:25:31 +0000

By Jerry Long, April 18, 2011

In this review I take a look at the Bowtech SWAT.

Note: You may be wondering why I would post a review of a product after it has been replaced by a newer model. Well, as in A Note on dv’s Gear Reviews and Gear Providers Recommendations I only want to recommend proven performers and the fact is – the Bowtech SWAT fits that description. There are those bowhunters out there that don’t want to or can’t buy a new bow every year. Normally, I’m one of those who doesn’t want to, but the bowhunting spirits smiled on me this year with Strother Archery. SWATs were a good deal when new and are a good deal used, too.

The Bowtech SWAT.

Overall Rating: **** (4 stars of 5).

Specifications:

Brace Height: 7 1/8”
IBO Speed: 314-322
Axle-To-Axle: 34 1/32”
Draw Length: 26-31”
Let Off: 65-80%
Draw Weight: 50, 60, 70
Rotating Module System
Bowtech Factory Strings
Realtree Hardwoods HD Green or flat black on Special Edition
In Velvet

Cost: ***** (5 stars of 5). Around $649.00 street price.

Performance: **** (5 stars of 5). The SWAT met my ATA/BH requirements with an IBO speed at my short DL, 26.5”, I was willing to accept. I set it up in December 2009 or January 2010 and used it for spring and summer 3D leagues as well as spring turkey season, a trip to Africa and fall whitetail season. It performed well, putting down 8 animals for me in the 2010 hunting year.

2009 Bowtech SWAT – 376.8 gr arrow
- Cabela’s Stalker Extreme 55/70 cut to 26.5″ with 3 Blazer vanes and one 4-inch wrap
- 26 5/8″ measured to AMO standard
- 69.75 lbs (maxed out)
- 14.6 gr on string (Fletcher TruPeep 8.8 gr, string loop 5.1 gr, tied string nocks .7 gr)
- 376.8 gr arrow
- 274 fps (three arrow avg)
- 62.75 ft/lbs KE (actual, initial)
- Calculated (using Archer’s Advantage) downrange KE and trajectory:
  - 20 yards – 8.9 inches drop, 58.1 ft/lbs KE
2009 Bowtech SWAT – 476.8 gr arrow
- Easton XX75 2216 cut to 26.5″ with three 4-inch feathers
- 26 5/8″ measured to AMO standard
- 70 lbs (maxed out)
- 12.3 gr on string (1/4″ G5 Meta-Peep 6.5 gr, string loop 5.1 gr, tied string nocks .7gr)
- 476.8 gr arrow
- 250 fps (three arrow avg)
- 66.00 ft/lb KE (actual, initial)
- Calculated downrange KE and trajectory:
  - 20 yards – 10.8″ drop, 60.3 ft/lbs KE

Pros:

Moderate ATA/BH
Quiet
Little hand shock
Reliable
The factory strings were solid with little creep and no peep rotation
Durable, quiet finish
Decent performance in my DL
Excellent grip

Cons:

Customer service from Bowtech can be difficult. Phone and e-mail inquiries often go unanswered or a blanket referral to a dealer, who may have caused a problem or who may have already been consulted, may be a stock answer.

Manufacturer’s Customer Service: ** (2 stars of 5) Again, Bowtech simply isn’t known for their customer service and my experience was no different. Calls and e-mails may or may not be returned and the common excuse seems to be, “We grew too fast and are still catching up.” Interestingly, my father’s customer service experiences with their parent company, Savage Arms, has always been the same way. Sounds like a rooted customer service philosphy to me.

Source: Bitter Creek Sports, Slinger, WI (no longer in business)

General notes: Bows in this price range are known as “price point” bows. The bow I used before it, the Highlander, came from Hoyt’s “price point” Reflex line. I like to prove that a bowhunter can “get it done” with a price point bow – I took one to Africa for the adventure of a lifetime. I wouldn’t have done that had I had any doubts about its ability to perform. I truly enjoyed shooting my Bowtech SWAT and it performed well for me. Highly recommended.

happy hunting, dv

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A dv Gear Review – Blood Brothers Outdoors Hunting Marsh Bucks

dustyvarmint — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:20:56 +0000

By Jerry Long, March 28, 2011

This week I review Blood Brothers Outdoors Hunting Marsh Bucks video.

Overall Rating: ***+ (3+ stars of 5)

Description (from the Blood Brothers Outdoors website): This DVD will not appeal to everyone. It was designed for the hardcore, “do it yourself” diehard whitetail hunter, who has grown tired of DVD’s that teach nothing and are only about shoving sponsored products down your throat. If you want a “whack ‘em stack ‘em” video, don’t buy this. If you want a magic potion shortcut to get your buck, don’t buy this. But if you’d like to learn how to apply time and effort towards consistent success on good bucks from a group of guys that have proven themselves in areas most of us hunters are faced with, this video will give you the tools to do this no matter where you hunt.

Cost: *** (3 stars of 5). $14.99 MSRP, about $13.95 street price.

Performance: ****+ (4+ stars of 5). In my opinion this video shows what it takes for the average guy who doesn’t want to or can’t afford to pay big bucks to get big whitetail bucks. Don’t get me wrong, though. There is significant cost – time, time, time and effort. This video shows a holistic pursuit of big bucks from an often contrarian perspective by guys who are getting it done season after season.

Pros:

Shows what lengths it may be necessary to go to in order to harvest mature bucks on heavily pressured and sometimes public property.
Places no emphasis on a manufacturer’s latest “must have” gizmos.
Marked up maps are used to provide visual reference for the set ups they were discussing – priceless.

Cons:

Sometimes the defiant, contrarian attitude gets in the way of the message I think.
I would have liked to hear more from Blood Brothers Jarrod Erdody and Lee Gatzke. Not that I don’t like Dan Infalt, but I like to hear a range of perspectives.

Manufacturer’s Customer Service: Not rated, not used.

Source: Christmas gift.

I recently ran into Dan Infalt at the Green Bay, WI Deer Hunting Classic. It is hard to read his shirt, but the caption at the bottom says, “There is no magic pixie dust.”

General notes: The video focuses on the marshlands of southeast Wisconsin, but that does not limit its applicability. In my opinion the general strategic attitude relayed in the video can be used anywhere. I wish there were more videos on the market like this. I want to learn something from a hunting video, not watch “whack and stack” and the shooting of big bucks that I’ll never see in my lifetime on highly managed, low-pressured properties. The closest other product I could recommend like this would be John Eberhart’s series of DVDs, but without the maps included in Hunting Marsh Bucks I think John’s book Precision Bowhunting is the closest substitute.

happy hunting, dv

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dv Gear Review – QAD Ultra-Rest Pro Series HD

dustyvarmint — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:34:54 +0000

By Jerry Long, March 14, 2011

This week I review the best rest I’ve ever used – QAD’s Ultra-Rest Pro Series HD.

Overall Rating: ***+ (3+ stars of 5)

Specifications:

Advanced Vibration Technology – Injection molded rubber thumbwheel is designed to force peak vibration amplitude to a minimum while creating a comfortable feel.
Extended thumbwheel lever
Timing cord is adjustable at the thumbwheel
Available in black, Realtree AP or Mathew’s Lost Camo
Patented Lock-Down Technology – Patented eccentric cam brakes and locks-down into the drop away position guaranteeing total fletching clearance. Allows for increased internal spring tension for faster launcher drop-away.
Totally captures the arrow – When stalking, drawing, or during slow let down your arrow always remains in total containment.
VDT (Velocity Drop-Away Technology) – The ONLY drop-away rest on the market with a patented feature that allows the ULTRA-REST to fall away only when the bow is fired, NOT during a slow let down. Unlike other rests that drop-away because of inertia or vibration the ULTRA REST relies on the velocity of the rest moving forward, via the timing cord attached to the bow’s downward buss cable, to initiate launcher drop. VDT assures the Ultra-Rest remains in the cocked position even on a slow let down and will only drop- away if the bow is fired. VDT is a durable and reliable firing mechanism which is sure to change the way you look at drop away rests.
Super quiet - Internal cam/brake design and laser cut felt offer superior noise reduction and a “Deadly Silent Draw”
Total bow shelf clearance – With the Ultra-Rest cocked into the capture position via the thumb wheel your arrow will not drag across the bow shelf during draw or let down.
Free instructional DVD with bonus hunts
Free Kiss Cut decal included

Cost: * (1 stars of 5). $134.95 MSRP (ouch!), around $125.00 street price, for the black model.

dv’s Time Out Corner: Check out Eders.com for super discounts with their Professional Bowhunter’s Buyer’s Club.

Performance: ***** (5 stars of 5). Upfront, without reservation, this is the best rest I’ve ever used, period! I shot spring and summer 3D leagues, took six African plain’s game animals and two whitetails with the rest so far this year. It has been 100% reliable without requiring any re-tuning or tweaking.

Pros:

Easy set up, helpful written and video DVD instructions
Quiet
Reliable
Totally enclosed so the arrow is ready whether the bow is sitting on your lap in a treestand or being held side-ways during a stalk.
Extra parts are included for set up variations

Cons:

Cost

Manufacturer’s Customer Service: **** (4 stars of 5) Real, knowledgeable people answered the phone when I called to determine which model I needed. The technician was patient with me, answered all my questions and took the time to ask his peers if he didn’t know the answer to a question. I shared my trophy photos from Africa with QAD and received a nice response from them.

Source: Eder’s.com

General notes: When I switched to the Bowtech SWAT in late 2009 I had a problem with my Trophy Taker Shakey Hunter rest bouncing arrows off the launcher arm during the draw cycle. That’s just plain dangerous with a broadhead not to mention a problem when drawing down on an animal in the field. I couldn’t figure out how to fix it. So, when I read about QAD and its totally enclosed rests in an archery trade magazine I was intrigued. I was slightly skeptical as I’d seen the results of not “cocking” or “resetting” a rest like this on the 3D range and viewed it as just another step to forget when the “heat was on”. However, I’ve never forgotten to cock it. The cost is high, but I simply couldn’t ask for a better, more reliable rest. Highly recommended.

happy hunting, dv

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