Nikon Binoculars are proven time and again. The new 36mm lens series provides a lightweight choice for day trips spent glassing or for us bowhunters climbing around in trees. The binoculars deliver phase-correction coated prisms for precise clarity. They’re a well rounded binocular that every outdoorsmen should own.

Features:

*100% waterproof and fogproof

*Ultra-rugged rubber-armor design

*Precision-aligned optics for viewing

*Extended eye relief and center focus

*Fully multicoated lenses for bright, clear images

On Target- Almost any decent binocular will work well when the light is good and the conditions are right, but the true test of quality is under lighting extremes. Last light and early morning will be your major obstacles.

In order to get a good review for Nikon I had to get them in the field. I drug them around on several hunts and they honestly preformed very well. The size, fit, and feel was awesome for a 10-power hunting binocular. Not to mention the sharpness of image, resolution, and lighting were also excellent. The binoculars are just right for an avid bowhunter. I really appreciated the features and will carry a set with me in the upcoming 2007 season.

Overall, under a wide range of conditions the Nikon’s proved their worth and demonstrated the solid performance one would expect from high-quality binocular. Last light, deep shadows, morning fog and harsh bright days - it really didn’t matter the condition, the Nikon’s just worked well and always delivered a crystal clear image.

Off Target- While testing the binoculars I could only come up with two drawbacks. I was really disappointed in the lens covers for one. They’re made of a hard plastic that does not want to work with you. I was either back tracking my steps trying to find them or trying not to break them when it got really cold. The other drawback was dust getting into the adjustable eye cups. I don’t think their supposed to make that grinding sound.

If your looking for a high performance binocular where you get more than you pay for check out a pair of Nikon’s. www.nikonsportoptics.com

If your pulse is pounding, it’s a DRENALIN, the new ‘SlimLimb’ bow from Mathews! DRENALIN’s next-generation SE3 composite ‘SlimLimbs’ are thinner, lighter and tougher.

Thinner - The SE3 Composite Limbs on the Drenalin measure just 1 1/8′ wide.
Tougher - The SE3 Composite Limbs are tough. In fact, cycling tests prove SlimLimbs last over twice as long as typical lifetime-guaranteed limbs.
Lighter - The Drenalin weights in at 3.85 lbs.
Faster - 320 fps IBO
Quieter - The Drenalin features Harmonic Dampers, Roller Guard, Perimeter-weighted cam, string suppressors and parallel-limbs to help reduce vibration and noise.
COOLER - The Drenalin feature Realtree All Purpose Repeat camo.

On Target- Mathews makes great bows. Ok, I said it, like everyone didn’t already know that.

I have started the 2007 season with the Drenalin and so far it has proven itself worthy of making my “Best bows ever list”. The one thing I notice right off the bat was that I wouldn’t have to load it up with limbsavers, silencers, etc. The thing is quiet enough. Along with that the thing is ultra smooth. Sometimes I ask myself did I just shoot an arrow. Mathews isn’t telling you it’s something it’s not. It’s a lightweight, small, quiet, fast, and good-looking bow that with a little practice will have you miraculously shooting 180’s. Well, will know Mathews is really good when they can guarantee that. It makes you wonder what’s next.

Off Target- I know you can probably pick apart a post-it note and find ways to make them better. I tend to not dig to deep on products I critique but I do throw a couple disappointments to the public. You gotta love it though.

I have never been a big fan of the wooden grip. I find that you feel the shock of the bow a tad more than with the rubber grip. I would also say that there is not much difference than it an the Switchback XT. On paper there are differences but shooting them side -by-side there is very little. Has Mathews peaked on their performance and bow specs?

I say go to your local retailer and test one. Most likely you’ll be pulling out the plastic. www.mathewsinc.com

The world’s most accurate and most lethal broadhead incorporates Spin-Tite Airfoil Technology which spin-stabilizes arrows from the front. Three rigid airfoils on the blades achieve high-speed spin keeping the arrow flying true. These airfoils also make the arrow screw through the target, much like a drywall screw, producing the Spiral Wound Channel. Massive hemorrhaging and unmistakable blood trails result.

On Target- You have all heard the saying “The proof is in the pudding”. Well let me just say “The proof is in the blood” and lots of it. I have been hunting turkeys with a bow for a couple of years now and have stuck a few but never have I heard or seen a gobbler bleed like mine did this year. At 30 yards I placed a Talon right into the longbeards beauty shop and as of now he is out of business.

I have yet to try them on any big game but intend to do so come fall. After shooting them numerous times into my broadhead target I found that they fly pretty true and smooth and the bonus broadhead helps the last minute decision making when trying to decide what broadhead to go with.

Off Target- Last I checked I would not be able to hunt with a Crimson Talon in Colorado. Because of some game laws I won’t go into Colorado prohibits the use of a broadhead this lethal. (This leaves me scratching my head) If you have any updated information on this ordeal fill free to let us know.
Also, I found that at further distances I was losing my tight grouping. I am not 100% on this but what I found was if my vanes were not running with the spiral channel of the broadhead they would drift a touch outside. So if you stay under 100 yards you should be good.

Check out Crimson Talons complete new line of redesigned broadheads at: www.spintite.com

Flambeau’s Soft Compound Bow Case gives protection until your next shot.

• Fully padded and lined
• Main Compartment for bow storage
• Secondary Compartment holds up to 12
arrows and includes zippered mesh pockets
for organization of other accessories

On Target- I have used the hard cases for years and they are hard to beat. They are great for flying, traveling with the bow case in the back of a truck, and not having to worry about something bumping your sights. I still rely on my hard case especially for the way I am with bows. After taking a look at the soft case from Flambeau and actually trying one out I’ve started to appreciate them. It doesn’t take up the room as my hard case, a lot easier to carry around, and extra storage pockets are a great plus. I’ll stick with my hard case for flying otherwise the bow will be in the soft case.

Off Target- I just picked up a Mathews Drenalin and dad gumit if it doesn’t fit the straps in the bow case. Before it I shot a Darton Maurader and dad gumit if it didn’t fit the straps in the bow case. Are these cases made for specific bows cause I wasn’t given that option? One other thing that brought questioning to my mind was the fact that when you have an arrow with a broadhead exposed you might want to cover it. I’d hate for that broadhead to cut the inside fabric while your carrying your bow around.

Check out Flambeau’s bow cases along with their complete line of other archery accessories at www.flambeauoutdoors.com

SilverScent is a revolutionary scent-eliminating formula that utilizes patented silver nano-particles to fight odor at the molecular level. Human odor is caused by the ammonia produced by odor-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin.

SilverScent kills bacteria on contact, eliminates odor so you can hunt with confidence all day. SilverScent is organic, natural, safe on skin, and will NOT stain or fade clothing.

On Target - I have tried it all. Meaning all the cover scent clothing and sprays. Three weeks ago my buddies and I tried a new product, to us, and it was Silver Scent Products. We went to film some hog hunts and were told that there noses were as good as any. Well needless to say, we never found out. As the wind swirled in every direction we seemed to stay undetected from any approaching game. Whether it was deer or hogs, they were all over us. I tend to stick with products that don’t give me any problems and Silver Scent made the team. It’s a clean, reliable product that I would recommend to other fellow hunters.

Off Target - The product seems to work great. The real test will come this deer season. I will put the off target on me. I haven’t been able to really put the product to much testing. My bad on that and I will assure you that I will have a better synopsis on Silver Scent Products come the end of January.

If your looking for something new and reliable try Silver Scent Products. Check them out at: www.silverscentproducts.com

Everyday air-activated hand, toe, foot and body warmers to keep you warm whether you’re enjoying outdoor activities, at work, or relaxing indoors. Grabber has the head-to-toe solution to keep you toasty and comfortable, no matter the temperature. All Grabber Warmers are designed for one-time, disposable use.

Frogg Toggs products are constructed with a patented process of three layers of polypropylene material with a center layer of microporous film. Because the pores are 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, moisture cannot penetrate. Also, our patented seaming process eliminates needle holes and possible water entry.

Patented fabric keeps you cool even when your zipped up watertight, body vapors escape while wind and rain stay out, entire suit weighs less than 1 pound, and best of all you can pack it just about anywhere.

On Target - As Borat would say, “Very Nice”!

I just got back from shark and tarpon fishing the Keys and thank goodness I had my trusty Frogg Togg suit on board. The second day we got caught in a horrific down pour while fishing about an hour out. I was the only one with a Frogg Togg suit and it wasn’t going cheap. Needless to say the next day all the other guys had suits but as it always happens there was no rain. I will continue to carry the suit with me on all my trips. It’s small enough to not take up space yet important enough that it wouldn’t matter.

Off Target - As Borat would say, “Not so much”.

Not so much noise that is. The Frogg Togg suit is made to keep you dry and that’s what it does. The suit is perfect for just about anything except on a misty day in November. Your 27 foot high in a tree in Illinois and a 180 is closing the distance. Bow in hand and the wind in your favor. Is the suit on or off? I personally wouldn’t be wearing it. Now on a hard rain in rifle season, a mild rainy duck hunt, or a drizzling fly-fishing trip I’ll definitely be sporting one.

check out all the Frogg Togg gear at www.froggtoggs.com

Time in the field no longer has to include swatting bugs or messing with smelly sprays, greasy lotions or cumbersome netting. ThermaCELL®, the unique butane-operated mosquito repellent system, is the perfect hunting companion—small, portable and highly-effective, and it fits nicely into a pack or vest pocket.

ThermaCELL creates an odorless 15 x 15-foot comfort zone, which offers up to 98% effective protection against mosquitoes and other biting insects. With the click of a button, ThermaCELL is on and repelling insects. The complete comfort zone is created in under 10 minutes.

On Target- I don’t know about you but I hate nagging mosquitoes and those little tiny black biting flies. Nothing ruins a hunt more than to have those suckers flying in your eyes or ears while your trying to be still. When I first heard of the ThermaCell system I was a little skeptical because of several reasons; I thought there had to be an odor, what’s one going to cost, and that’s all I need is one more thing to add to my hunting arsenal. Well, I was surprised all around. I won’t go spring bear hunting or turkey hunting without one. They work and I think you’ll be surprised too. Next time you have one of those afternoon spring cookouts I suggest you set a ThermaCell system on your picnic table.

Off Target- While trying to pick this unit apart and find one thing that stuck out was stressful. I mean trying to find something wrong with a device that detours mosquitoes just feels wrong. I have come down to this. If your like me you probably carry to much in the woods anyway, what’s one more thing going to matter, right? OK, then you won’t have a problem strapping this unit that measures 7.5″x3″x1.5x at the top and 7.5″x1.5″x1.5″ at the bottom to your hip. That’s all I’m saying.

For more information on ThermaCELL’s complete line of products or store locations please visit www.thermacell.com or call 1-8-NO-SKEETERS (866-753-3837).

These boots provide ultimate Protection for the serious Outdoorsman. Wolverine boots are made to withstand the harshest conditions and keep your feet warm and dry all day.  Canyon-High boots feature Waterproof Nubuck leather with nylon upper, a breathable GORE-TEX® waterproof membrane lining, removable full-cushion insole, compression molded EVA foam midsole with camo wrap, Wolverine® Rubber Lug outsole, cement construction and a lightweight nylon shank that fights fatigue.

On target – I believe in being comfortable whether it’s the bow you shoot or the boots on your feet.  I’ve tried a lot of the boots out there, from inexpensive to top of the line, and I’ve found that pricier doesn’t always necessarily mean better.  This is one case where it does.  These are not your $60 local store-hunting boots that will last you a season at best. These are boots made for the long haul. And when they do wear out, several years down the road, you’ll want another pair just like them.  Trust me.

Off target – These boots are 10-inch high, but not all 10 inches are waterproof. There’s a flap that connects to the tongue mid way where they stop being waterproof.   Other than that, these boots are solid.

Check out their full line-up at www.wolverine.com 

LIGHTWEIGHT COMPACT QUIVER HOLDS LARGEST REGULAR BROADHEADS

This is a good-looking, lightweight, 4-arrow quiver for regular broadheads. ARCTIC-2® arrow holder and ultra-lock bracket locking system assures quiet, solid mounting on any bow. No accidental knock-offs. This is a quiver you’ll be proud to own.

On target – Well, they haven’t been Inside Archery’s Best Buy winner for 6 years, received the Dealer’s Choice for 8 years, or been Bowhunting Worlds Reader’s Choice for 12 years for nothing. Kwikee Kwiver has produced great arrow quivers for awhile now and is doing a very good job at it. These quivers are a great buy. They are lightweight, durable, the broadheads aren’t exposed and best of all, the price is reasonable.

Off target – If you’re like me, I always remove the quiver once I’m in my stand. Less is more when it comes to getting that perfect shot off. I have done it before and will probably do it again, and that’s losing the little screw that tightens the quiver to the bow after being snapped in. You just have to be careful not to unscrew the screw out too far and I seem to never remember that.

Find out more on Kwickee Kwiver at www.kwickeekwiver.com