Field Tested Seal of Approval

Field Tested
recommended by members
by Tony Stokes—Product Test Editor
“These boots are the best I’ve
ever worn. They’re exceptionally comfortable, lightweight
and durable.”–Coleman Duvall/
Greensboro, GA
“The boots look
fantastic, and
Average rating: 9.0
Top Rated Categories: quality, performance, effectiveness
The Alpha Mudlite series is a
100 percent waterproof boot
designed to keep your feet dry
and comfortable in wet, muddy
conditions. The lightweight
boots feature Ankle-Fit technology for a secure fit, and the
rubber-over-neoprene design
insulates and stretches for easy
on and off. Built-in antimicrobial
lining encourages maximum
air circulation and breathability on all 14- and 18-inch
styles. Contact LaCrosse
Footwear at: (800) 323-2668;
lacrossefootwear.com. ($130)
ThermaCell Mosquito Repellent Appliance
Average rating: 8.6
Top Rated Categories: appearance, performance, quality
LaCrosse Alpha Mudlite Boots
1,491 NAHC members tested products worth more than $65,483 for this issue! Ratings: 10-excellent, 5-average, 1-poor
The ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent
Appliance features an ergonomic handle
for easy transport and a quiet on/off button for silence in the outdoors. It operates
on a single butane cartridge that heats
a mat, creating a 15- by 15-foot zone of
protection from mosquitoes and other biting insects. Available in olive or Realtree
APG camo, the appliance weighs 7.1
ounces and can easily clip onto your belt or
backpack. Contact ThermaCell at: (866)
753-3837; thermacell.com. ($23.99/olive;
$29.99/Realtree) “I consider the ThermaCell one of my most
important hunting accessories. Now I don’t
have to use smelly DEET sprays.”–Stanton
Stout/Monroe, GA
“I tested the ThermaCell while bear hunting
in Canada and Alaska, and while deer hunting
in South Carolina’s low country. Five minutes
after activating the bugs are gone, and no bear
or deer could hear or smell it. It’s a must-have
for the outdoorsman.”–Chris Fulcher/Erin, TN
I like the shin
guard, too.
They’re easy
to get on and
off, and flex-
Timney Replacement Trigger
Top Rated Categories: Performance, quality, effectiveness
Average rating: 9.3
ible around the
leg and ankle,
providing good
comfort.”–Anthony
Howell/Robins AFB, GA
The new Timney Axis/Edge trigger (Model 633) is machined
from case-hardened steel and is fully adjustable for pull weight,
creep and over-travel. Designed specifically for the Savage Axis
and Edge rifles, the trigger’s pull weight can be adjusted from
1½-4 pounds. Contact Timney Triggers at: (602) 274-2999;
timneytriggers.com. ($104.95/standard; $114.95/nickel-plated)
“Timney has always been a top manufacturer of triggers,
and they kept the tradition going with this product. It
offered a smooth and even pull, allowing for more
accurate shot placement.”–Will Jones/Aztec, NM
“My son is a pretty good shot at the range, and after installing the Savage
Axis/Edge Trigger, his accuracy improved dramatically. We love the fact
the trigger pull is field adjustable. The Savage is straight shooting out
of the box, but this trigger makes even the novice shooter group shots
like a pro.”–Sidney Rolin/Century, FL
Be A Tester! Simply complete a Product Test Profile Form. To request a form, call Member Services at (800) 922-4868 or visit the Club’s website at HuntingClub.­com.
Go to HuntingClub.com, and scroll to the bottom of the homepage.
82 J u n e / J u l y 2 0 1 2
North American Hunter
The France1 features a full-wrap, rimless
frame that offers adjustable temple and
nose pad pieces, as well as interchangeable lenses. Included in this kit are two
pairs of sunglasses (black gloss with
laser smoke lenses, and demi turtle with
laser brown lenses), three sets of spare lenses (racing orange, racing yellow and
performance clear), one hard protector case and two soft carrying cases with
cleaning cloths. Contact XX2i at: (866) 662-6291; xx2i.com. ($149.99)
“One of the best features is the comfort and style of the glasses. I spend a lot
of time at the shooting range, and it’s convenient to swap to the yellow-colored
lens to sharpen the contrast of the targets.”–David Platt/Payette, ID
“The color options of available lenses gave me ample opportunity to shoot at
varying times and conditions at the range. I can easily pack the hard case and
Average rating: 8.2
Top Rated Categories: Performance, design, size
EasyHit SSB 3mm Sight
have that versatility with me on my hunt.”–Joel Colvin/Sweet Home, OR
The EasyHit SSB (Sport Shooting Bead) is a low-profile fiberoptic sighting system that attaches by an adhesive strip on a
shotgun’s ventilated or solid rib. The hollow tube design will help
shooters keep both eyes open while acquiring the sight picture.
The tube is 3mm in diameter and available in red or green.
Contact EasyHit Inc. at: [email protected]; easyhit.com. ($25)
Average rating: 8.5
Average rating: 8.8
Top Rated Categories: appearance, comfort, Performance
Top Rated Categories: Clarity of Lenses, Appearance, Comfort
Ironclad Gripworx AP Hunting Gloves
France1 Dual Pack Glasses
Providing high-performance
grip, dexterity and comfort, the
Gripworx Realtree Outfitters
Gloves feature four-way stretch
Realtree AP camo material for
a secure fit that’s breathable
and moisture wicking. The
hunting glove’s DiamondClad
silicone-fused palm pattern
provides a flexible grip in all
conditions. Contact Ironclad
Performance Wear at: (888)
314-3197; ironclad.com.
($32.99)
“I love this product for the
“I tested the product while shooting clay pigeons and was very
non-slip factor. It was fantastic
happy with how easy it was to pick up targets. I’m also looking
for climbing up steel steps to
forward to using the EasyHit during the upcoming dove sea-
my treestand on damp, frosty
son.”–Chad Riley/Murray, KY
days.”–Mike Vostad/Canton, SD
“I recommend the EasyHit because
“Gripworx are very comfort-
it makes me faster at acquir-
able and durable gloves.
ing targets. If you’re a traditional
I used them while cutting
bead-sight shooter, you need to give
firewood and look forward to
the EasyHit a try; you’ll be pleasantly sur-
using them hunting as well!”
prised!”–Tracy Rushing/Moline, IL
–Phil Tymes/Byron Center, MI
TEK Series Location and Training System
Top Rated Categories: quality, effectiveness, performance
Average rating: 8.8
The TEK 1.0 Training System is available with GPS tracking capabilities only (Model TEK 1.0L) or with a dualpurpose collar-receiver (Model TEK 1.0LT) that allows remote dog training via stimulation, vibration or tone, as
well as GPS tracking. All components charge quickly via wall adapter, providing a minimum of 20 hours of
use between charges. Contact SportDog Brand Inc. at: (800) 732-0144; sportdog.com. ($699)
“I highly recommend the TEK Training System because it helped me train my pup to
hunt the right way and to point out game.”–Austin Nichols/Prestonsburg, KY
“The ruggedness and waterproof aspects of this system are outstanding. Plus, the multiple-dog feature is great for running a pack of my coon hounds.”–Ray Sukeena/Pottsville, PA
North American Hunter
HuntingClub.com
83
Average rating: 9.1
Top Rated Categories: quality, performance, effectiveness
Tri-Tronics Bark Limiter G3
Real Avid Bowsmith Multi-Tool
Top Rated Categories: Appearance, effectiveness, performance
Average rating: 8.6
The Real Avid Bowsmith features 28 archery tools
packed in one multi-tool frame, including: needle-nose
pliers with cutters, nock spreader, nock crimp and
string-loop setter, broadhead sharpener, fletching stripper, broadhead wrench, peep-sight string spreader, 14
hex bits and ¼-inch hex driver, knife, insert extractor
tool and arrow-shaft cleaning brush. Contact Real Avid
at: (800) 286-0567; realavid.com. ($49.99)
The Bark Limiter G3’s design
has a high-intensity stimulation
that will deter even the most
stubborn dogs from barking.
Improvements to the electronics
have increased battery life, and
the sensitivity of the enhanced
vibration sensor offers a more
consistent delivery of stimulation. The Lexan casing can
withstand aggressive wear and
tear, and it also provides solid
waterproof protection. Contact
Tri-Tronics at: (800) 456-4343;
tritronics.com. ($99)
“The Bowsmith is small and light enough to fit and
carry in my bowcase, or in my backpack to carry in the woods at all times for
those minor bow emergencies that come up.”–Anthony Knieper/New Lothrop, MI
“This tool is just what the bowhunter has been waiting for. Everything I need to work
on my bow is on this tool. It has a great carrying case, too.”–Bob Theroux/De Pere, WI
Gorilla Tape Camo
Top Rated Categories: Performance, quality, design
“The best feature of the Bark
Average rating: 9.1
All of the same great attributes that make Gorilla Tape a must-have product
to have around the house also make Gorilla Tape Camo a necessity in the
field. Gorilla Tape’s permanent adhesive layer sticks to smooth,
rough and uneven surfaces, and it’s weather resistant for use
indoors and out. Contact Gorilla Glue at: (800) 9663458; gorillatough.com. ($5.99/9-yard roll)
Limiter G3 is its ability to
be adjusted to fit and work
on any size dog. The sensor
probes work on any length of
coat—two thumbs up.”–William
Mosley/Tulsa, OK
“I’ve used duct tape for many years until Gorilla
“Tri-Tronics is a great company,
Tape came about, and now it’s my tape of choice.
and they make great products.
The camo version just got added to my hunting
The best feature about the
gear as a must-have.”–Ray Beye/Redlands, CA
Bark Limiter G3 is the size of
the unit and the number of
“I used Gorilla Tape to patch my hunting blind. It’s
stimulation levels available.”–
super strong and holds great even when it’s wet.”
Ryan Petty/Clovis, ca
–Jason Kimler/Lead, SD
Xtreme Terminator Four-Pin Sight
Top Rated Categories: effectiveness, quality, design
Average rating: 9.0
The Terminator four-pin bowsight is CNC machined from aircraft-grade aluminum with large tight-fitting dovetails on both vertical
and horizontal adjustments. The patent-pending stainless-steel MIM sight pins feature some of the brightest fiber-optics available,
and the fiber-optic housing is designed to provide complete light penetration to all the fibers. Contact Xtreme Sighting Solutions
at: (337) 463-3545; xtremesights.com. ($145)
“It took very little time to get on-target; the Terminator is rock solid. With the allaluminum construction, I know it will stay where I put it.”–Nelson Overholt/Wellman, IA
“After measuring the distance between my current pins and the sight alignment on my
bow, I set the pins on the Terminator and switched sights. I was shooting spot-on after
15 minutes of practice and a few minor adjustments.”–William Perry/Whiteman AFB, MO
84 J u n e / J u l y 2 0 1 2
North American Hunter
Preview
F i e l d T e s t s These are a few of the products currently being tested by fellow NAHC members.
i n P r o g r e s s Look for their test results in upcoming issues of North American Hunter!
E-Z Drag Deluxe
Shot Simulator Software
Contact E-Z Outdoors at:
(330) 231-9906; e-zoutdoors.com
Contact F+W Media at:
(800) 258-0929; shopdeerhunting.com
The E-Z Drag Deluxe Deer Drag includes the E-Z
Drag Basic plus a versatile strap made of
1-inch-wide nylon webbing, which is
adjustable in length to make it comfortable
for your step and height. Use it as a shoulder
strap, attach it to your safety harness, or turn it
into an extension strap for dragging your deer.
($39.95/blaze orange or hunter green)
The Deer & Deer Hunting Shot Simulator provides you with real-world instructions on how
to best shoot, track and recover your deer
based on simulated arrow flight paths. This
easy-to-download software gives you a look
inside the deer and the trajectory through the
vitals. You can position yourself from treestand height
or ground-blind level and move the deer to any angle. ($19.99)
Flip n’ Zip Saw Combo
One Hand-E Hoist
Contact Outdoor Edge Cutlery corp. at:
(800) 447-3343; outdooredge.com
Contact Engleman Enterprises, LLC at:
(307) 234-5062; onehand-ehoist.com
The compact, lightweight folding knife/
saw combo includes the 41⁄2-inch doublebladed Flip n’ Zip knife, plus a 93⁄8-inch
triple-ground wood and bone saw. The Combo
comes with a high-quality nylon sheath with vertical and horizontal carry options. ($95.95)
The One Hand-E Hoist allows a hunter to hang
a treestand safely, greatly reducing the risk
of falling. It’s a specially designed tree
screw with a cable and pulley setup,
along with a rope that enables you to
hoist your treestand into position and will
hold it there while you secure your treestand to the tree. ($39.95)
USA1 Dual Shooting Sunglasses
Mrs. Doe Pee Fresh Doe Lure
CONTACT XX2i AT:
(888) 662-6291; xx2i.com
Contact American Outdoors at:
(319) 385-7255; mrsdoepee.biz
The USA1 Pack features fullframe, wrap-around glasses
with adjustable temples, nose
pads and interchangeable lenses. Included in this kit are two
pairs of sunglasses and three sets of spare lenses (racing orange,
racing yellow and performance clear), one hard protector case
(with slots for all lenses and glasses) and two soft carrying cases
with cleaning cloths. ($149.99)
Mrs. Doe Pee’s Fresh Estrus features doe-inheat urine collected at the peak of the rut and
freeze-dried (preservation without chemically
changing the product) at the height of its
potency for use this season. It’s combined
with Fresh Doe Urine for an effective buck
enticer. ($16.65/2-ounce bottle)
Never Without License Holder
Rage 2-Blade Three-Pack
Contact Never Without, LLC at:
(800) 985-9128; neverwithout1.com
Contact Rage Outdoors at:
(715) 392-2860; ragebroadheads.com The Never Without license holder incorporates
an LED light with safety strobe and a dualsided back-up knife within your license holder.
The Rectifier, a field-dressing tool, makes the
most difficult part of gutting a deer easy. The
knife and Rectifier and both fit inside your license
holder so you’ll never be without them. ($18.96;
knife and rectifier also sold separately)
Rage’s machined, aircraft-aluminum body
features the HexFlat design for stable
flight, with a stainless-steel instant-cut tip.
The SlipCam rear-deploying blades follow
the tip without grabbing or deflecting on
quartering shots, deploying on entry, creating huge entry and exit holes and massive
wound channels. ($44.99/three-pack)
North American Hunter
HuntingClub.com
85