2018 ATA Show – Quality Archery Designs (QAD) and Optifade Camo

Posted on January 18, 2018 by Calvin@SELFILMED

I’ve always loved an all black bow setup so finding accessories was never very difficult for me.  However, new and extremely effective patterns (such as the Gore Optifade patterns utilized with Sitka Gear) began to pop up over the past several years.  These Gore Optifade patterns used to be only available on clothing and footwear, but are now available options for a lot of 2018 bows on the market.  When it comes to choosing a rest, most folks pick a rest they liked and would be stuck with black, some other solid color, or a mismatching camo pattern.  These options (or lack there of) didn’t always appease the hunters that insisted on having matching accessories on their new bows.

If you are one of those kind of guys mentioned above, QAD had a pleasant surprise for you at the 2018 ATA Show:  They now have an exclusive partnership with Gore Optifade so the camo on your UltraRest can now match the finish on the high-end rig of yours.

QAD has always offered the most accurate, dependable, and highest quality full containment rests on the market.  QAD now offers their two high-end rest designs, the UltraRest HDX and UltraRest MXT, in all three of the Gore Optifade big game patterns; Subalpine, Elevated II, and Open Country.  Both of these rests offer a bomb-proof, limited lifetime warranty (one that I’ve personally tested).

While the HDX model has all the bells and whistles – and is arguably the ultimate rock-solid, full-containment hunting rest, I am partial to the precise adjustability of the MXT. An accurately tuned bow is critical for precise shots at long distance.  No other full-containment rest gives you the ability to fine-tune your rest position like this (<0.002″ per click… that’s roughly half the thickness of a typical human hair!).

These new Gore Optifade patterns, as well as the new Realtree Edge pattern should be available later in 2018.  In the meantime, keep your eye on their website www.qadinc.com for more information on these gorgeous new patterns, as well as any of their quality rests.

Be sure to stay tuned into the SELFILMED blog as we bring you updates on exciting new products from the 2018 ATA Show in Indianapolis.

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2018 ATA Show – Firenock AeroStab

Posted on January 13, 2018 by Calvin@SELFILMED

In his typical fashion, Dorge at Firenock had numerous breakthrough products to display at this year’s ATA show.   The one that immediately caught my attention was an extreme example of infinite configurations; His new AeroStab titanium stabilizer system. Yes, that’s right, I said titanium.  I could probably stop there when describing what sets the AeroStab apart from every other stabilizer system on the market, but that wouldn’t do it justice.

You’re probably asking… why titanium? There are multiple reasons.  First, we “balance” a bow by essentially hanging weights at a distance from the bow.  While almost all stabilizers on the market will rightfully place a mass towards the end of the stabilizer, those stabilizers use a heavy rod and threaded steel bolt that connect to the riser.  These add a significant amount of additional mass close to the bow (which would be best placed away from the riser).  Hence Firenock’s use of the metal with the highest strength-to-weight ratio known to man. This lightweight system allows you to place the mass of the stabilizer away from the riser where it will be best used.  Couple that with the rigidity and vibration resistance of titanium and you have one vibration-killing stabilizer.  Typical stabilizers on the market will send the vibrations after the shot down the length of the stabilizer bar.  The weights at the end will then vibrate and return those vibrations back down the length of the stabilizer to the bow riser to be absorbed.

The ability to put the majority of the mass away from the balance point of the bow does no good if you cannot accurately place it there (and securely keep it in place).  The earlier picture of the various possible configurations may have been overkill, but it demonstrates the capability of this system. Eight components can build whatever design you can dream up. Notice the O-rings located at the attachment interface of every component.  These allow for smooth, precise adjustments; until you want to lock it down with the hollow titanium torx bolt.

This is just a small offering of the new and amazing products Firenock has for 2018.  For more information or to purchase these and other products, please visit Dorge at www.firenock.com.

Also, be sure to stay tuned into the SELFILMED blog as we bring you up-to-date coverage from the 2018 ATA Show in Indianapolis.

 

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2018 ATA Show – Carter Enterprises Evolution Too

Posted on January 13, 2018 by Calvin@SELFILMED

Carter Enterprises showcased another cutting-edge release-aid design at this year’s ATA show; the revolutionary three and four-finger Piston Resistance activated Evolution Too.

Having personally never shot a resistance activated release prior to the show, I was understandably hesitant.  I know they are completely different shooting methods, but I’ve seen first hand where folks will give themselves a knuckle sandwich with a back tension release.  I’ve heard stories that resistance activated releases were even more temperamental when not set correctly for your bow, and I didn’t feel like doing home-dental work in a public setting.

However, Carter addressed the risk of inadvertent fire in this design with a thumb safety that will not let the release trigger when held.  This allows you to get fully anchored despite many factors that sometimes can cause a misfire. Once anchored, and the safety is released, you’ll hear an audible click as the safety disengages at a predetermined setting.  An added benefit to this, in the event you want to let down, you simply hold the safety back down and let up.  When ready to fire, you simply pull through the shot using your back muscles and the release fires.

To reset the release, press on the cocking lever and the piston slides to allow the jaw to fall into place.  It is this piston technology that makes the release so revolutionary:  While it is useful for loading, it is also how you control your tension as well as adjust the set point.

Forrest Carter describes the use of the newly released Evolution Too as well as their new wrist-strap offering in our video.  For additional information regarding this and other Carter products, please check out their website at www.carterenterprises.com.

Also, be sure to stay tuned into the SELFILMED blog as we bring you up-to-date coverage from the 2018 ATA Show in Indianapolis.

 

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2018 ATA Show – Benchmade Knife Company

Posted on January 12, 2018 by Calvin@SELFILMED

Benchmade released several exciting, new knives in their Hunt lineup this year at the 2018 ATA Show.  Some were improvements on fan-favorites, while others were hybrids to fill gaps between existing platforms.  My two favorite were the skeletonized knives, the 152000RG Altitude and 15200DLC Altitude.

At 1.67oz, these were destined to become part of each backcountry hunter’s arsenal. Even with the Kydex sheath, this slim and light package disappears into your pack.  At first glance one cannot help but think “scalpel.” However, the standout feature on the handle is something you don’t find in medical office or other skeletonized knives on the market. The carbon fiber scales not only look great but greatly improve the dexterity when your handle is lucky enough to get “messy.”

These knives also feature another first for the Hunt line of knives: S90V steel.    This premium, rock-hard stainless steel can be sharpened to a razor-edge bevel, and hold it. While I’ve only had the opportunity to test this on some mid-west squirrels, others tell me it’ll easily stay sharp through one and a half to two bull elk.  The orange blade has a ceramic, Cerakote® coating that adds an additional level of corrosion resistance. The black 15200DLC model features a “diamond-like carbon” coating that is, as you can imagine, extremely hard.  These knives fill multiple gaps that the variety of “disposable” blade knives currently on the market leave; rugged blades that can stand up to the abuse of backcountry hunting and less waste left behind.  To further this pledge to future generations, a portion of the proceeds from each 152000RG will be donated to Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

Expanding upon two highly successful platforms, Grizzly Creek and Crooked River, Benchmade also released two highly portable folders;  the Grizzly Ridge and Mini Crooked River.   The Grizzly Ridge features a dual-durometer handle in lieu of the stabilized wood handle of the Grizzly Creek.  It also forgoes the gut hook for save some substantial weight, as well as make it a little bit more budget-friendly.   The Mini-Crooked River is just like its larger brother:  A well-designed hunting folder but sized for everyday carry.

The largest new fixed blade in the hunting line up, the Pardu Hunter, is a good slicer and all-around hunting knife. Micarta handles give a soft, textured grip that can easily be removed if you would like to shed a few ounces while still carrying a full-sized fixed blade. Aside from the two skeletonized knives, the remainder feature  S30V premium stainless steel for all-around edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness.

For those that aren’t quite sure what knife to get, or those who want to put their own unique touch on their gear, check out Benchmade’s amazing new Custom Knife Builder.  You can find this program, the new knives above, and other wildly popular models on their website www.benchmade.com. Also, be sure to stay tuned into the SELFILMED blog as we bring you up-to-date coverage from the 2018 ATA Show in Indianapolis.

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