Trophy Taker SmackDown

Unlike Trophy Taker's drop-away rests of the past that attach to a buss cable, the new SmackDown ($128) attaches to the bottom limb of the bow via a limb clasp. As drawing the bow takes pressure off the timing cord, an internal opposite-tension spring inside quickly raises the launcher. This occurs early in the draw cycle before the cams break into the letoff position.

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When you release, the arrow stays in contact with the launcher almost the full length of the shaft before the launcher instantly drops out of the way. The extended time the shaft remains on the launcher stabilizes the arrow, which makes tuning high-speed bows easier. The SmackDown launcher's new dual-bearing system results in whisper-quiet, vibration-free performance throughout the shot.

Setup is easy. My buddy and I had the limb clasp attached to the limb, the rest adjusted, and were ready to shoot in four minutes. If the cable stretches or needs adjustment, simply loosen a set screw, pull out the slack, and tighten the screw back down. The SmackDown is the most user-friendly bow rest Trophy Taker has ever made.

You can buy it with or without a full-containment ring that prevents the arrow from falling off the launcher. If you are nervous about getting something caught or torn from the long timing cord from the rest down to the bottom limb, relax. I have used a similar rest for years in the backcountry of Idaho, New Mexico, and Alaska and have never had a problem. The advantages outweigh the potential problems.

Contact: Trophy Taker, Inc., (406) 826-0600, www.trophytaker.com.