Gear - Mostly Archery with dustyvarmint

JAN 24

2012

Vapor Trail Archery Strings and Cables

Posted by dustyvarmint

Talking about one of my favorite bowhunting products.

Back in 2004 I was preparing for my first feral hog hunt, see Into the Sunny Black. I’d been on time-demanding sea duty for two years and didn’t feel the string and cables on my old round-wheel Hoyt Spectra Fast Flite were quite up to snuff primarily due to a lack of love on my part. After a lot of research Vapor Trail Archery replacements were decided upon. From that day forward, with one silly short-term exception, my bows have worn Vapor Trail strings and cables. That Spectra Fast Flite in particular has seen lots of abuse as my primary bowfishing bow since 2005. Recently, the Berger button nut on this cast riser bow simply fell out, but amidst heat, freezing temperatures, water, ice, slime and blood those strings and cables are still going strong.

Above: I’m pictured with Vapor Trail’s Steve Fondie at the recent 2012 Archery Trade Association show.

When you call Vapor Trail in Ham Lake, MN you talk to a person. I like that. You are likely to be referred to Steve or Jarrod Fondie, president and vice-president respectively, for technical or business questions. Orders are shipped fast for a reasonable price. I can’t remember it taking more than 2-3 days to receive a new set. Who wouldn’t like that? Even when I’ve screwed up my own order, thanks to a manufacturer’s technical listing, VTA got me strings and cables so quickly, twice, that I was able to change them out between weekly league shoots. I have used more expensive strings with far less customer service support, but with no better performance results.

Above: Available in a wide-variety of color combinations VTA strings look as good as they function.

To my knowledge VTA doesn’t advertise what their strings are made. However, whatever it is they are made well and, apparently, pre-stretched. Thought goes into their construction. For example I’ve received VTA strings that had serving at the string stopper location where the original manufacturer’s strings did not. That is a good feature for this wear-prone location. Thread is inserted into the middle of the string near where your peep should go to make installation easier. In my experience they are usually set within about ten shots. I can count on no further peep rotation after that point. This also makes tuning, a necessary process I hate, quicker.

dv’s Time Out Corner: If at all possible I do not subject my bow and, by inclusion, strings/cables to the extreme internal temperatures of a hot vehicle for long periods of time. Again, once in a great while, if unavoidable, they will get left in the truck under full sun, but overall through many years of hunting trips and 3D shoots it is the rare occasion that they experience this. I feel that over time this practice has had positive results where I see others complain about good quality strings/cables over-rotating and stretching who are less cautious with their equipment.

It is true that I was selected for VTA’s pro-staff in 2011 and have been renewed for 2012. However, I used their products for six years before joining and would use and recommend their strings and cables even if I were not on their pro-staff today. VTA strings and cables are what I trust on dustyvarmint’s everyday ordinary bowhunting adventures.

happy hunting, dv

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JAN 02

2012

The Hot Shot Infinity Release

Posted by dustyvarmint

Covering the Hot Shot Infinity release.

In early 2011 I was fortunate enough to be chosen for the Hot Shot Manufacturing promo-staff.
They have long been a manufacturer of archery releases. Super Slam Bowhunter and friend Gary Martin has successfully used their products for many, many years. In 2008 current owner David White bought the company and began a modernizing overhaul. Hot Shot’s home page shows him posing with a beautiful 2009 SCI record book waterbuck. Anyway, the all new line of Hot Shot products has brought them into the present age of materials with features serious archers and bowhunters want. Hot Shot promo-staff manager Robin Parks noted that target shooters are clamoring to get the new products.

Above: The Hot Shot Infinity Wrist Strap Release.

Although I have shot the 4-finger Tempest I was specifically set up from the beginning to shoot the Infinity model which one might liken to a single-jaw caliper release. Before I throw the next sentence out there let me say I’ve shot a lot of caliper-style releases over time including those by Scott, Winn-Free, Tru-Fire and many more. The Infinity has the single best release mechanism of ANY, yes ANY caliper-style release I’ve ever shot. It has zero take up, nearly no travel and breaks over extremely cleanly and effortlessly. Hot Shot notes that this is done through the use of a Lever-Link™ trigger mechanism vice roller bearings. Additionally, the mechanism is self-lubricating. While in the new set up phase I adjusted the mechanism much too lightly and ended up with what one would call in firearm lingo a “hair trigger”. A heavy breath under back tension would set that thing off!

The materials used are very lightweight compared to what is normally expected making the head feel unusually light for its size. The connector from head to wrist strap is infinitely adjustable. This is a feature I greatly appreciate as I shoot a very, very short strap length in order to maintain proper anchor with my already short draw length. The wrist strap is soft, supple, doesn’t chafe and for as light as it is endures my 68-70 pound hunting draw weights just fine.

Rumor has it that Hot Shot is coming out with two new versions of the Infinity in 2012 as well as a new wrist strap. I can’t wait to the new line up. If you haven’t tried out their products yet I recommend you find a dealer that carries them or contact Hot Shot to see where you can give ‘em a shot.

happy hunting, dv

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DEC 27

2011

The Oxy Elim-A-Scent

Posted by dustyvarmint

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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DEC 12

2011

What’s In Your Whitetail Pack?

Posted by dustyvarmint

Discussing pack content and how it can vary by style of hunting.

A topic I often see discussed on bowhunting forums is the content of a bowhunter’s pack. In this case your whitetail pack. However, like most things in life there aren’t really simple answers. Contents will be influenced by style of hunting. For instance, I pack nearly everything on my back nearly every time, see Packin’ It In and Out – Treestands. This means my pack consistently contains items such as a bow retrieval rope and bow hangers that the bowhunter who consistently hunts from permanent stands doesn’t necessarily need to carry. Similarly, a whitetail hunter in western South Dakota may use a fully loaded day pack for his or her pursuits. So, already knowing my style of hunting let’s do a deep dive into my pack and then I’d like to hear from you about the contents of your similarly purposed pack.

dv’s Whitetail Pack Content

Space blanket very tightly compressed.
- I do figure, though, that the time I fall out of a tree and have to sleep overnight crippled on the ground that the space blanket will still be in the pack on the stand.
Disposable lighter
Toilet paper; small amount tightly rolled and compressed.
Allergy and headache medicine.
- These keep me in the field longer.
Two to three screw in or strap on bow hooks (depending on state rules).
- I forget these things all over the woods.
HME Scent Dispensers, see the dvMA Review here.
I-pod and earphones.
dustyvarmint woodworks combination doe bleat/buck grunt call.
NikonMonarch ATB 10×42 binoculars with harness.
- I’d like to find something smaller in size and lighter, but with similar light gathering capability. Cheaper mini-binos are worthless and a more expensive set hasn’t popped up high enough on the priority list yet.
Fiskar’s pruning saw
Fiskar’s ratchet pruners
6-8 ounces of water (in my custom camo’d, non-glare, “sock” bottle)
- Priceless when you get that tickle in your throat.
Snacks
Toe and hand warmers during colder temperatures.
Backup battery charger for my smart phone.
- This is a very recent addition.
Safety harness tree tether.
Tack-type reflective trail markers.

Above: dv’s whitetail pack contents.

I don’t think that is too much stuff or “over the top”. However, again, it is more than a person who consistently hunts from permanently placed treestands might carry and less than a western hunter might pack. Conspicuously missing from that list are field dressing items, photography equipment and some means of dragging a deer out. Since those items are needed on a minority of my hunts (I suck???) I see no reason to carry the extra weight of them on every hunt. I’ll dead-head to the truck, drop off the stand and extra clothing and retrieve the items I need to perform those chores.

Being a simple-minded guy I don’t want to remove stuff from my pack on the rare occasion I do hunt from a permanent stand. More importantly I don’t want to forget to put it back in my pack later; especially something like the tree tether. Nor do I want to switch gear back and forth to another pack for when I hunt from a blind. I just leave everything in and strap it to my Eberlestock X2, see The Versatile Eberlestock X2 here, with the blind, chair and warm clothing.

For my style of hunting that is what I normally carry routinely and why. Different situations call for different items, though. I might decide to bring in a scent dripper and scent, polar fleece vest, batteries for a game camera and who knows what else. It’s all dependent on the exact conditions. So that’s enough about my pack. What do you carry on your whitetail pursuits?

happy hunting, dv

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DEC 06

2011

The Victorinox Tinker – dv’s “Perfect” Pocket Knife

Posted by dustyvarmint

Taking a look at the knife I’ve carried daily since December 1990.

I’ve been a “knife” guy my whole life. A trait inherited from my father. When old enough to carry my own, which was pretty young in rural Kansas, I started with a single-blade, lock-back import. When older my father gifted me a beautiful Buck 501 Classic Squire lock-back. As much as possible I carried that 501 daily into adulthood including my time in the U.S. Navy until I received a phone call on Thanksgiving leave in 1990. That call notified me my Seabee Battalion was being deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm. In those days before the popularity of multi-tools I knew I needed something more versatile than a single-blade knife for that deployment. I don’t remember how and I don’t remember why, but I chose the Victorinox Tinker for the purpose.

Above: The Buck 501 Classic Squire.

Above: My original engraved Tinker, note how short the blade depth is from sharpening, and my current daily carry Tinker.

The Tinker had what I felt was important; a blade to be kept sharp for cutting and slicing, a smaller blade that could be used for more utility type work (but not abuse) like stripping wires, two flat-blade screwdrivers, one Phillips screwdriver, a bottle-opener and a can opener. The awl, toothpick, wire-stripper itself and tweezers were bonuses. Twenty-one years later I’ve retired one Tinker, lost one nearly new Tinker doing yard work, carry a third Tinker and still consider it the best tool available for my daily needs.

Above: The Victorinox Camo Hunter.

It is small enough and light enough to fit in my trouser pocket whether in casual, work or dress clothes. A multi-tool can’t match that. Bigger cousins like the Victorinox Hunter, see my review here, can’t match that. The more intermediate cousin, the Super Tinker, has scissors, but I’ve never found a use for pocket scissors that couldn’t be handled by a knife blade. The Tinker has enough functions to repair things, skin things, prepare food, hold the yard gate open in windy weather, act as a weight for throwing a scent dripper line over a branch and much, much more. A doubting cityite once asked how often I used my knife to justify carrying it. I would gauge it gets used at least daily if not more often. On the rare occasion that I misplace it I am lost until it turns up. It has yet a smaller cousin, the Mini Tinker, but it is too much of a compromise in size.

With proper care and maintenance the blades remain scary sharp. See How To – Use A Sharpening Steel here. While the knife receives frequent use it does not receive hard abuse. I have never broken any blade or tool on the Tinker. Over the years the prices have actually gotten cheaper. Normally they run about $18, but I’ve bought one for as low as $6 and another somewhere in between with carry pouch and diamond sharpener. Bargains in all cases.

The title was “perfect” in quotes as the Tinker isn’t actually perfect – just the best of all worlds for my needs. What would I change to make it perfect? I’d change the large blade shape to a drop point, make it slightly thicker and hollow ground and add a locking mechanism even if that meant a liner lock which I’m not all that fond of. Anything else? Yep, although initially an “extra” I’ve used that toothpick countless times over the years and replaced lost ones many times too. However, the tips, as purchased now, seem to have gotten flimsier over the years. I’d like them to be a little stouter. I might remove the awl to save weight. It has gotten use over the years, but not enough that I’d miss it.

One last point – on two occasions I have been surprised by security checks including x-rays machines and metal detectors while sight-seeing as a tourist. In these instances it seems the Tinker makes an excellent camera repair tool in addition to all the other good things it can accomplish.

So that’s it – dv’s “Perfect” pocket knife – the Victorinox Tinker. What is your favorite daily carry knife?

happy hunting, dv

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AUG 23

2011

An Interview with Straight ‘N Arrow Archery

Posted by dustyvarmint

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

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JUN 13

2011

DIY – Lone Wolf Climbing Stick Carry Strap

Posted by dustyvarmint

By Jerry Long, June 13, 2011

Making a Lone Wolf climbing stick carry strap.

The finished Lone Wolf climbing stick carry strap.

For two years now I’ve wanted to buy one of the Lone Wolf climbing stick caddys to use on those rare instances where my stand is in place and I just need sticks. I’ve tried a few other makeshift methods and usually end up with an aluminum standoff poking me in the spine which is not pleasurable. Usually priced about $10.99 I don’t consider the caddy itself to be over-priced, but I haven’t been able to find one locally and by the time I add in shipping costs I’m not willing to pay the price.

So, enough is enough and I decided to make one using the picture on the website as a guide. I had most of the things I needed in my junk rope and strap box, but picked up a few items at a local Army surplus store for less than $6. I’m handy with a sewing machine so that is easy, also. Taking your significant other out for a meal might cost more than buying and shipping a caddy if you aren’t familiar with a sewing machine so take that into account when deciding whether or not to do this project.

Materials:

60” of 1.5” nylon web strap – heavier the better
51” of 1” nylon web strap – heavier the better
(2) 1” nylon cam locks
(2) 1” nylon “D” rings
(2) 1.5” swivel hooks
(1) 1.5” overlap buckle

I had most of the materials at home, but picked up a few at a local Army surplus store.

1. Make an arm/shoulder sling out of the 60” piece of 1.5” nylon web strap by adding an overlap buckle and two swivel hooks.

1.a. Cut all fresh ends and melt them tight with a lighter to prevent fraying.

1.b. Run a couple inches of webbing through the receiving end of a swivel hook, fold it back down on itself and stitch down. I used bar tacks (straight back and forth across the web width) about 1.25” apart and then ran an “X” tack, as shown in the picture below, between the two bar tacks.

The “X” tack is shown with an arrow in between the two bar tacks. The stitching on the web strap going through the receiving end of the swivel hook is left over from whatever it was used for previously.

1.c. Thread the opposite end of this strap, once, through the 1.5” overlap buckle, through the receiving end of the swivel hook and then, a second time, through the bottom half of the overlap buckle as shown in the picture below.

The first swivel hook is already sewn on to the left. The short end of the strap shown has gone through the second swivel hook on the right and has come back up and through the overlap buckle as shown.

1.d. Sew the short strap (the left one held by my thumb in the picture) to the long strap (the right one held by my thumb) as was previously done. You now have an adjustable length carry strap with a swivel hook on both ends.

2. Construct the cinch straps with “D” rings.

2.a. Cut the 51” piece of 1” web strap in half. Melt the ends with a lighter as before.

2.b. Assemble a strap, “D” ring and cam lock as shown in picture number 6, below.

The short end of the strap is on top, threads to the right through the “D” ring, to the left through the end of the cam lock and then back to the right again.

2.c. Sew the connection tight as shown in picture 7, below, using the bar and “X” tacks as previously discussed.

The cam lock is to the left and the “D” ring is to the right.

2.b. Repeat steps 2.b. and 2.c. for the second cinch strap.

3. You now have a long carry strap and two cinch straps with “D” rings as show in picture 8, below.

The finished project.

To use the carry strap wrap the cinch straps around your sticks, thread the cinch strap end through the cam buckle, cinch tight, lock down the cam lock and connect the swivel hooks to the “D” rings. Adjust the carry strap to your desired length. Now go hunting.

happy hunting, dv

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APR 19

2011

dv Gear Review – Bowtech SWAT

Posted by dustyvarmint

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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MAR 28

2011

A dv Gear Review – Blood Brothers Outdoors Hunting Marsh Bucks

Posted by dustyvarmint

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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MAR 15

2011

dv Gear Review – QAD Ultra-Rest Pro Series HD

Posted by dustyvarmint

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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