View Full Version : General Accessories Reviews
Antarcher
01-09-06, 03:26 PM
Place reviews here of anything bowhunting that hasn't been covered in any of the other topics.
I was lucky enough to win one of these in BHDU mag a few months back and thought i would put in a review of my early impressions.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/Jpukallus/126_2673_1.jpg
Blazers and a combination of outback hunters, supremes, one three-bladed generic head and one tusker. Shot from 20 metres
Construction:
the butt is fairly heavy, which bares witness to the solid nature that it needs to have to stop broadheads. The outer casing is harder than the internal foam, but it is all heavy-duty stuff. I cannot comment on the claimed longevity, having only shot about 30 arrows into it so far. Two arrows pulled small sections of the foam out with them, the rest have not. While shooting from 20 metres with a 70lb compound bow, some arrows were touching the back surface of the butt, but none came through.
My only critiscism would be the red target "decals" that stick onto the target. While they are good sizes to use, and help me to imagine the target area on deer, goats, foxes etc using the different sizes, they disintegrate fairly quickly when you hit them with arrows. (Yes, i did hit in the right zone a few times.)
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/Jpukallus/126_2682_1.jpg
This photo shows the decal being chopped up.Remember, this is only after a few shots.
My only suggestion would be to somehow integrate the colour into the rubber. However, this problem is easily fixed by stripping off the chopped up decal and replacing with "contact" used to cover books whenever it got too worn. 4 out of 5 for construction.
Price
At around $200 the price is fairly high but it is a solid product that will provide good value for this degree of outlay. 4 out of 5 value for money. (I can't really complain about the price, can i?)
Practicality
In a week i have learned a lot about the way broadheads group compared to target points. Until i got this target i was not game to practice with broadheads as they would go straight through my home-made target butt. I am now increasing my range out to 30 metres, which isn't much for some, but confidence at this range will help me immensely when hunting for deer. The butt is only relatively small, and so will find a place on the back of my ute on any big hunting trip to make sure nothing has moved in transit, and to know in camp that everything is working well.
This butt has helped me to see the spin that my right helical blazers impart to my broadheads, as you can see from the following photo:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/Jpukallus/126_2680_1.jpg
The blades spun in clockwise. I found that it helped to turn my hand counter-clockwise while removing them, allowing the blades to slip out fairly easily along the channels that they made going in. On the other hand, after shooting a target point into the butt, i had to stand on the butt with one foot and use both hands to get the arrow out. This was because the foam compressed around it and clung on, in much the same way as muscle tissue would: A quick lesson in why we use broadheads to quickly and humanely drop our target animals, and not target points!
Practicality, 5 out of 5
So, overall, i would give it 4 out of 5.
The all 4 3d target butt. A hunter's friend. Australian made and owned. Manufactured by Mick Koster. Coff's Harbour NSW ph: 0418654730
Puk
mines had well over 1000 shots into it and it's still going strong :)
Puk, I ripped the stickers off and just coloured it in with a red permanant marker
Hey PUK in the first pic it looks like you put the top spot in the wrong spot,it should have been a bit to the left. :D.Thanks for the review it sounds like it is better value than the US blocks.
Cheers KIM
I wish that was the problem Kim.
I can't explain the difference in windage between shooting at the upper and lower targets. I don't think it is typical, just a big coincidence.
Puk.
P.S. I hope.
NormGunston
01-09-06, 07:44 PM
Gentlemen- we now have a standard for reviews. I like this style as it has only the necessary details; no randomn opinion tangents/raves, balance of pros and cons and with Mozza's info (good for at least 1000 shots) it becomes a useful article.
May be interesting to compare this butt with The Block.
Ant
No eye deer
03-09-06, 05:18 PM
Dont get me started on "The Block!!!
Mark :x
Let it rip Mark...thats why this thread is here.....
Sparra...
NormGunston
03-09-06, 10:42 PM
Portable target butt review
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/NormGunston/r-3.jpg
ITEM: The Black Hole 'small' model.
DESC.: Open-layered closed-cell, high-density, 'self-healing' foam target butt designed for use with field points and '... any type of broadhead' (from Black Hole website- http://www.blackholetarget.com/ ).
DIMENSIONS: 56cm X 50cm X 27cm, 7kg.
COST: $190.00 (approx.) Purchased from Archery Academy in September 2004.
USE: Used (almost) daily by same archer at ranges from 3 - 50 metres. Average daily distance approx. 10 metres.
ARROW AND POINTS: PDP field points used approximately 90% of all shots. 2004 - 2005 Ribtek and NAP Thunderhead, 2005 - 2006 Outback and Muzzy b/heads used. Carbon arrows used were Goldtip shaft sizes 3555 / 5575 / 7595.
BOWS USED: Recurve: 35# - 55# Compound: 60# - 70# Approx. 50/50 use of recurve and compound. Fastest bow (manufacturer's AMO rating) 315 fps.
PROS: Light, compact, easy arrow removal when shot from any distance (although was very tight in the centre for the first 1000 shots- to be expected). No problem shooting into it from any angle; such as elevated in a tree stand or 45deg. to the face of the target. Has never left any residue on shafts (although leaves small amount of plastic on b/heads).
CONS: Biggest drawback was longevity with b/head use. Broadheads were not routinely used for practise- only when group tuning with field points. B/heads caused 0.5cm - 5cm long slices of foam to be pushed (at any point of impact) from the back of the butt after approx. one year of use. The steel retaining bands began to loosen after approx. 18 months of use, causing the centre of the butt to become quite soft (but still did not result in total pass throughs.)
CONCLUSION: A little more expensive compared with equivalent butts on the market (e.g. Morrell Yellow Jacket b/head target $145, The Block $170), although there are many more at higher prices. At around 18 months the butt was rebuilt. The shot-out and sliced layers (middle) were exchanged with the firm, intact layers (top and bottom). Wood blocks and all thread were used to compress the rearranged butt, which has extended its life. Unsure what the manufacturer claims the life expectancy is for The Black Hole, but would have thought more than 10,000 shots (approx.) which is when 40% of the target became unusable. A sand bag is a lot cheaper!
:wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: (FIVE OUT OF TEN)
Ant
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/NormGunston/DSC_0003.jpg
Thanks guys for the great reviews.. :D ...but I think I'll stick to my 4-5 boogie boards tapped together with masking tape. Total cost about $40 - $50 or cheaper if you can score them during the council rubbish clean ups. Maybe not as pretty as yours....but I can get a lot of boogie boards for the same cost...IMO.. :D :D
johnno,
How do the boogy boards handle broadheads?
Also, how portable is it?
I have never trusted myself to hit a target as small as the 3d butt, but once the bow is tuned it isn't a problem. I am going to the school where i do some chaplaincy tomorrow as they are having a medieval feast and doing some archery. I am going to take my bow as well and show them how things have evolved since medieval days. I have no problem throwing the butt in the back of the car.
Puk
Puk sorry for not getting back to you sooner :oops: :oops:
The boogies handle the broadheads just fine... depending if you use a 2 blade you can generally pull them back through the same cut holes..in the case of a multiple blade head its better to unscrew them (assuming they screw in) prior to pulling out the arrow. Ive shot them out of mine at 71.5# and although they sometimes penetrate up to the fletching rarely do they pass through when using 5 boogies. Unless you keep hitting the same soft spot !! Portability is not an issue and 5-6 boogie boards taped together is still very light weight...cheap and easy !! Just make sure you get the soft backs and not the ones with the hard plastic backing.. they make it almost impossible to retract your field tip arrows. :D :D
In the never ending quest for the perfect target butt I recently came across one in BDU mag. Although in the past boogie boards have been adequate, they can soon be shot out and at the 5 that I need at around $10-15 per board, if unable to scrounge one, the cost soon mounts up. So I was onto the phone to Clyde from FX Rubber in Qld and after he received my funds the butt was delivered to my door in about 3 days. So for customer service it scores a 10/10.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/WayneJohnson/DSC01642.jpg
The Butt presents as made from compressed rubber, shreded tyres or similar, and the ends are then heat moulded. It measures approx 48cm x 48cm x 14cm and on my scales weighed approx 22.2kgs. I am told the rubber is UV treated and thus suitable for outdoors. The centre has a painted white area, slightly larger than a CD. Generally, its dimensions suggest that it would be easily transportable and I am told that for the "younguns" shooting lighter poundage bows, a thinner version, and therefore lighter, is available. So for general design it scores a 9/10.
I set the butt up at about 22m and for the test I was using CX Rebels with 125 gr field tips, 3 x blazers and wraps that provides a total arrow weight of about 480grs. My Allegiance is currently set back a little to about 68# and the first shot revealed that the tip of the field point just protruded out the back.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/WayneJohnson/DSC01643.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/WayneJohnson/DSC01644.jpg
Extracting the arrow, however, proved to be a bit difficult and not easily managed with one hand. I found that sitting and placing both feet on the butt and using both hands provided the required leverage. Upon extraction the resulting holes appeared to seal up so it was onto the broadheads. Replacing the field tip with a 4 blade 125gr slick trick revealed that the broadhead again only just penetrated out the back. Extraction of the 4 blade head however was very difficult and unable to be pushed through it had to be pulled out and in so doing gouged out some of the rubber. The next shot with a 125gr Magnus 2 blade resulted that the head fully penetrated and allowed for the head to be removed and the arrow extracted without any major drama. So whilst OK for 2 blade heads I doubt that I would be using multiple blade heads at my current bow setting. So for overall performance it scores a dissapointing 8/10.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a364/WayneJohnson/DSC01645.jpg
It was also noted that after shooting into the white area it left black marks upon extracting the arrow. This may be of some concern to some and it may be that I will paint over the white area in black and just paint on a series of smaller 2" dots as aiming pionts.
Generally, the Rubber FX butt appears to be a reasonable target butt and more than adequate if you mainly intend to shoot field tips. At a cost of $145 and $25 for delivery( if you live in Sydney) if interested you can contact Clyde Moss at Rubber FX on 0401-227286
Can this butt 'stand alone' and not get nocked over every shot? It looks to need support from the back to hold it up :?
Decent review, I hate when there's crap all over the shafts when you pull em out :? :evil:
Not really mate, mine knocked it over, but you can get another model which has straps on it for the very purpose. Is a little more expensive though :D
NormGunston I hope you and Neville :lol: , dont mind if i use your description format.
ITEM: Redzone Target Block.
WEBSITE: Unknown
DESC: Multi layered high-density foam target.
DIMENSIONS: 56cm X 42cm X 28cm, 7.3kg.
COST: $99.00 (approx.) Purchased from Eagle Archery Supplies.(I noticed that Sportys at bundell- Gold Coast sells them for the same price.)
BOWS USED: Compound: 55# - 60# Approx.
CONCLUSION: Have only had it for a couple days and it has stopped my arrows very well, from as close as 10mtrs. I would think that it wouldnt have too much trouble standing up to a few thousand hits.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/timmsy/Review/redzone1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/timmsy/Review/redzone2.jpg
Cheers
I just got one of the primos bowslings off Antony at Gecko archery, they are a really well designed bowsling and very comfortable.
They also protect your strings and cables
Very impressed :)
XTfreak
10-05-07, 01:44 PM
I just got one of the primos bowslings off Antony at Gecko archery, they are a really well designed bowsling and very comfortable.
They also protect your strings and cables
Very impressed
We NEED pictures. :D
Thankyou...
Bill
I will put them up soon :)
Rear mounted STS....
Fantastic bit of kit hey, yep you can have a fast bow, you can have a smooth bow, but you gotta have a quiet bow! I have really tried to make a stealth machine outta my compound and I really do feel that the Double STS has topped this rig off :)
When they came into the shop I shot both with one installed, and without for about 2-3 weeks trying to work out the difference if any it made. I shot it indoors in silence, outside at practice, and also took it hunting with and without the STS as tests.
it helps...., both in reducing the little string vib through the shot, but only a very dull sound is emitted at the shot :)
10/10:)
Posted for Garden Gnome. :D
Aussie Ferals 3D (Cat) Target Review
Approximately four weeks ago a solid couple of knocks on the front door got me up from my perch at the kitchen table with curious family looking on not to far behind, as I opened the door I was to be greeted by the parcel postie holding a medium sized box with my name on the front and no real clue as to whom it was from save for a symbol and the word medicworx on the top left corner. Taking hold of the box I was surprised as to how heavy it weighed while going back to the kitchen and placing it onto the table, I got a knife and proceeded to open the box only to be greeted by shredded paper!
No note or letter to say who from or what it is, so the inquisitive eyes and minds where running in top gear by this stage.
A little bit of a feel revealed that there was something firm but slightly spongy inside.
Removing a couple of handfuls of the paper showed the chocolate colored head of a 3D Cat target!! I immediately new who it was from and I would like to say right now thank you very much to the owners/proprietors/suppliers Mr. Mark Harvey (aka - Scrub bull!) and Mrs. Maura Harvey (aka – Doc!) and family of Aussie Ferals for this excellent high quality product.
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r228/The_Gnome_2007/DSCF4635.jpg
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r228/The_Gnome_2007/DSCF4634.jpg
Seeing a need to fill the void in the 3D archery target industry here in Australia and to compete with the American 3D animal targets prices Mr. & Mrs. Harvey owner/proprietors of Aussie Ferals has stepped up to the mark with this the first of many introduced and feral animal species of Australian 3D animal targets.
To describe this target one would say it’s quite robust and stout in its stance which will aid greatly in its stability on the ground. It has a very solid head-to-neck transition with its tail and front-side rear leg molding together but still well defined as to see the difference between the two, this is for less breakage/loss of parts as well as longevity. It has smooth but well textured grooves all over the top to give the appearance of fur lines, with a smooth belly/underside and fairly-quite strong flexible stout legs/feet to cope with a drop from around waist height or 3ft.
As studied from pictures in veterinary literature and photos, it was explained to me by Mr. Harvey the cat has a well placed and clearly marked score zone of two rings one large, one smaller inner one on one side only, locating where the heart and lungs would be on a cat of this size as well as approximate size of the heart and lungs, essential for anyone who may be hunting such animals so as to know exactly where to aim when they come across one in a broadside or quartering position. Also having the score zone on one side is a benefit for the teaching/testing of shot placement for new bowhunters as one can fully appreciate. Other score zones can be put on easily with a soldering iron as to where the archer or club wants them. Tarzans grip works well for small repairs and cuts. E.g. it glues broadhead cuts well. Mr. Harvey is also currently working on a cheap repair kit for our targets and others.
Photos were taken and it was out the back yard for some testing with the bows.
My oldest son was called upon for this task as he is an excellent shot with the trad gear.
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r228/The_Gnome_2007/DSCF4642.jpg
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r228/The_Gnome_2007/DSCF4643.jpg
Eight to ten shots later at a distance of twelve yards from his 75# @ 29” Norseman Longbow, shooting 80# spined poc arrows tipped with field points and the cat affectionately named Chocolate was stopping all that was thrown at it, bringing the arrows to a resounding stop without falling over or showing signs of rolling/flipping back.
Now was the test for the dreaded (compound) 80# Oneida @ 29’’ draw with field tipped carbon and alloy arrows at twelve yards, eight shots and as before no rolling/flipping over and complete stoppage of all the arrows. No sign of a pass through was evident or even looked to be happening.
Removal of the arrows was a different affair, laying the cat on its side using a foot to steady it then using both hands a firm and steady pull is required to extract ones arrows carbon, alloy and wood. The quality of the material used is such that when the arrows are removed the healing or closing up of the holes is quite rapid leaving only small 2-3mm holes as evidence of where the arrows have entered.
I also took it out to Hunter Valley Traditional Archers Inc for the members to look at, handle, and then eventually shoot some arrows from varying bows and differing poundage’s at a longer distance than twelve yards, also to get much broader evaluation/opinions on this target. Results and evaluations were very pleasing with only one carbon arrow loosing a point and insert to the grip of the foam.
A phone call was made to the maker/supplier Mr. Harvey, and all was revealed as to easier removal of ones arrows by using tire shine as apposed to silicone in a dipper tube on the arrows before shooting the target makes for a more comfortable but still firm one handed removal of arrows with no signs of deterioration or damage to the target foam.
In a comparison to the Mackenzie 3D targets and the old Aus-Style 3D targets the foam used in this one is considerably denser hence the relative weight. The healing/closing up or sealing characteristics of the foam are as good as if not better than the aforementioned targets. I can see that this target and others to follow will hold there life/value for quite some time if only used for there intended purpose as a field target on the 3D courses or by the back yard target archer/hunter for practice.
If used for Broadhead practice one could expect a target of this size lasting 3-9 months depending on number of shooters and there consistency of accuracy before seeing a need to repair the hole made or replacing the entire target with a new one, in my humble opinion good value for money for the discerning/serious bowhunter/s.
I could also see this as an excellent practice target for the bowhunter to take with them as a final fine tune target at camp before going out hunting as it takes up little space and the weight is minimal too, as anyone who hunts with compounds knows that a sight can be easily knocked out of place during transport leading to a bad shot and wounded or lost game.
I am looking forward to a long service from this target as I'm sure all new owners and clubs will too, as well as seeing what other animals Aussie Ferals will be introducing in the near future.
Dimensions are:
• Color; Chocolate, though other colors may be available.
• Height; 300mm or 12 inches @ tip of the ears, 200mm or 8 inches @ the shoulder, 190mm or 7 ½ inches @ the rump.
• Length; 480mm or 19 inches from ear to tail.
• Girth; 420.5mm 0r 16 ¾ inches behind front legs 480mm or 19 inches in front of back legs.
• Weight approx; 2.5 kilo or 5.5pounds.
Cost;
Retail will be $80.00 plus postage
Enquires can be made to:
Aussie Ferals
Mark Harvey
P.O Box 791
Cooroy, QLD. 4563
Phone: (07) 544-26-232 A/H
Fax: (07) 544-26-855
Email: mark@medicworx.com (mark@medicworx.com)
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