January 11, 2018
By Darron McDougal
Mathews Flatline Stabilizer (Darron McDougal photo)
Jazz up your bow with today's high-performance gadgets.
Dampen and Control
Mathews launches the Flatline Stabilizer, which features Mathews-exclusive dampening technology in a new EHS Nano configuration for supreme vibration-dampening qualities. The EHS Nano is paired with a high-modulus, carbon-fiber rod and precision-machined end-cap weights to ensure ultimate rigidity, while providing the perfect balance via its adjustable weight system. The Flatline comes in 6- or 8-inch lengths, and perfectly complements the 2018 Mathews TRIAX bow. To boot, it's available in six finish options.
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MSRP: $139 (6-inch); $149 (8-inch) | www.mathewsinc.com
Notable Improvements
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For 2018, the TightSpot quiver has a four-fastener crossbar system that provides a much more stable platform that reduces vibrations and allows for a more secure system on the structural carbon rods. The crossbar section between the rods has been beefed up twice as thick to make it more rigid and stronger without adding weight. TightSpot has also implemented a Delrin saddle washer under the locking lever. This allows the lever to operate more smoothly. Also new is an optional secondary gripper for the 5-arrow quiver that can be attached to the carbon rods near the hood. This secondary gripper allows the user to secure arrows in two places while the tip of the arrow is covered inside the hood, but the blades don't contact anything. The TightSpot quiver is also available in more colors, including Gore OptiFade and Kuiu Verde. All TightSpot models provide better bow balance, thanks to TightSpot's patented three-way adjustment system that essentially allows your quiver to act as a stabilizer. They also kill vibrations and noise five different ways and feature acoustic dampening material in the hood and vibration-absorbing carbon rods. The quivers feature TightSpot's patented BullDog Arrow Grippers that are individually adjustable and offer 20 times the gripping power of other quivers.
MSRP: $167.95 | www.tightspotquiver.com
Game Over
APEX GEAR's End Game Stabilizer is a durable, lightweight carbon-fiber tube that supports an adjustable end-weight system to help archers achieve optimal bow balance. Engineered for today's high-performance hunting bows, the End Game includes dampening rings to absorb noise and vibrations. To boot, seven different colors of dampening rings are included for a custom look anyone can appreciate. The end weights can be tuned to 6, 7 or 8 ounces, ensuring optimal balance with virtually any bow. Its futuristic appearance also gives your bow rig a modern touch that won't go unnoticed.
MSRP: N/A | www.apex-gear.com
Leather Strap
Scott Archery has long been a top release manufacturer, and it annually bolsters that reputation with outstanding release models for bowhunters and target archers alike. Fresh out of the gate is the all-new Quick-Shot, an index-finger release featuring a leather buckle strap with a rope connector that adjusts to length for virtually any shooter. This simplifies release-shopping duties – you get the trusted Scott name and performance with outstanding adjustability and value. The release features Scott's mainstay mechanics – a single-caliper roller-sear design. It comes with factory-preset trigger travel and tension. This means it offers out of the package performance for a fuss-free experience.
MSRP: $44.99 | www.scottarchery.com
Share Your Hunt
Tactacam's ultra-popular line of cameras are built by hunters for hunters. The Tactacam 4.0 brings on exciting new features like Wi-Fi-compatible viewing and control via smartphone. Other upgrades include a battery monitor and three resolution settings. A high-quality lens and low-light recording produce stunning field footage that will wow your friends or hunting-camp partners. The 4.0's 5X zoom brings the action in closer so you can replay the hunt and see the minute details. The Tactacam 4.0 is also shock-resistant (.50-caliber tested). The rechargeable cold-weather lithium battery last up to 2.5 hours, and can be charged via 110-120-volt AC outlet. Powering the unit requires little movement. With one touch of the button, you can power the unit and begin recording. An 8GB SD card and 1-year warranty make this a no-brainer.
MSRP: N/A | www.tactacam.com
Give 'em the Sting
Bee Stinger's all-new MicroHex hunting stabilizer brings a whole new level of stability to the shooting equation. Available in 6-, 8- and 10-inch lengths, the MicroHex features Countervail Technology, a proprietary material integrated right into the carbon bar, which substantially dampens heard shot noise and felt vibrations. The stabilizer features three independent, 1-ounce end weights, and its micro-diameter profile enhances aiming in windy conditions. Additionally, the MicroHex is compatible with all current Bee Stinger hardware mounts. The MicroHex is also available in Counter Slide models measuring 10, 12 or 15 inches. Seven finish options offer everyone something.
MSRP: $74.99-154.99 (varies by model) | www.beestinger.com
Quick-Detach
The Light-Lock and Light-Lock 2 from Trophy Ridge feature innovative upgrades from previous quivers, and include green LED lights, which can be simultaneously or independently used as a flashlight and a hood light. The Light-Lock features an adjustable mounting bracket that allows the quiver to sit higher or lower on the bow for a slimmer, compact profile, and offers adjustable single or dual arrow grippers. This lightweight, quick-attachment quiver holds five arrows, and includes a braided rope loop integrated into the quiver hood for easy hanging in a blind or deer stand. For a compact, lightweight two-piece quiver design, the Light-Lock 2 is perfect for hunters who don't remove the quiver from the bow before shooting. Offering multiple mounting positions, the Light-Lock 2 is compatible with most bow models and attaches easily.
MSRP: $69.99 | www.trophyridge.com
It's Hot! Pick up image from NGG
T.R.U. Ball's eXecute is the first nickel-plated, brass-bodied wrist-strap release to hit the market. It comes complete with independent travel- and tension-adjustment settings, allowing for ultra-light and -crisp to ultra-heavy. Each adjustment locks to prevent unintended movement. The nickel-plated coating is designed to resist corrosion, and the double-sear internal firing mechanism gives you reliability and doesn't increase trigger tension when pulling higher draw weight. The release includes two triggers, both knurled for a positive grip. Both are micro-adjustable for loop-to-trigger finger length, and are easily interchanged with one socket-head cap screw. All internal components are made of the highest quality hardened metals, including stainless-steel internal parts made of 4-40 C-SST hardened to 58/60 Rockwell and 7055-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. A web-strap connection allows for infinite anchor-point-length adjustment. Velcro and buckle options are available in Junior, Large and XL.
MSRP: $179.99-189.99 | www.truball.com
Bruin Tough
Bohning expands its impressive lineup with the Bruin quiver. It holds 4 arrows securely within dual arrow retainers, and the hood provides quiet and secure storage for all broadhead styles. A high-impact polycarbonate stem exudes strength and durability without the weight associated with aluminum stems. An integrated hook allows quick hanging, and Bohning's proven Lever-Lock mounting system secures the quiver to the bow. The Bruin is available in black, carbon fiber, Lost Camo XD, Mossy Oak Break-Up Country and Realtree Xtra. To boot, the black and carbon-fiber options are available in your choice of six hood-liner colors.
MSRP: $32.99 (black); $34.99 (carbon fiber/camo) | www.bohning.com
Designed to Win
A high-end, tournament-style, thumb-button release with true double-sear operation, the new Tru-Fire Synapse features a broad adjustment range, which allows it to be perfectly customized to an individual archer's liking. The Synapse is built on a weighted brass handle with an anodized aluminum cover, thumb button and the archer's choice of two finger extensions for three- or four-finger configuration. The internal stainless-steel components are precision milled for exceptionally crisp operation. Pressing the Synapse's cocking lever activates the trigger. The thumb button is multi-position configurable, and there are adjustments for both trigger travel and trigger sensitivity. The trigger sensitivity adjusts from 1.25-20 ounces without changing springs or disassembling the release. Finally, the feature-rich Synapse is available in five color options — red, blue, green, orange and silver.
MSRP: $199.99 | www.trufire.com