January 15, 2021
By Jace Bauserman
A New Ridge Reaper – Browning Trail Cameras Ridgeline Cellular Camera Browning Trail Cameras Ridgeline Cellular Camera Browning’s family of Defender Wireless Cameras grows by one in 2021 with the all-new Ridgeline and its invisible IR nighttime flash. Sure to not spook game and deliver coveted big-buck pics directly to your phone, the Ridgeline sports Dual Carrier Technology, meaning it has both AT&T and Verizon technology installed so you don’t need to choose between two camera models. In true Browning fashion, the Ridgeline also delivers high-quality images and video. Other notable features include adjustable trigger speeds, rapid-fire images, multi-shot modes, programmable picture delay and Illuma-Smart technology.
MSRP: $200 | browningtrailcameras.com
A Helping Hand – Leupold RX-Fulldraw 4 Leupold RX-Fulldraw 4 Unless you’re intimately familiar with the terrain you hunt, having a high-quality rangefinder is an essential piece of equipment. Leupold’s RX-Fulldraw 4, featuring Archers’ Advantage software, is designed to take the guesswork out of assessing almost any shot, including close-range angle shots, as well as longer-range shooting situations you might encounter while afield. Entering data on your arrow weight, velocity and peep sight height allows the rangefinder to calculate the arrow’s trajectory with reported half-yard accuracy out to 125 yards, while also determining if your arrow will clear any branches or other obstructions that may be in the way. With its ability to determine ranges out to 1,200 yards, the RX-Fulldraw also lets you know how much you need to close the gap for a shot at that elk, mule deer or pronghorn you’ve been eyeing in the distance. The unit features an OLED display, 6X magnification, sturdy rubber casing and is 100-percent waterproof.
MSRP: $714.99 | leupold.com
A Quality Crossbow Topper – TenPoint EVO-X Marksman Elite 500 Fps Scope TenPoint EVO-X Marksman Elite 500 Fps Scope Built to handle crossbows shooting up to 500 fps, TenPoint’s all-new Marksman Elite gives crossbow hunters an accurate, variable-speed crossbow topper that promises superior long-range performance. Waterproof and fogproof, the scope features an arrow-drop-compensation setting that works for crossbows sending bolts downrange 300-500 fps. The reticle configuration sports a trio of illuminated duplex crosshairs calibrated at 20, 40 and 60 yards, as well as two illuminated dots at 30 and 50 yards. Four non-illuminated chevrons are also found for distances of 70, 80, 90 and 100 yards. The 30mm aluminum tube is equipped with an etched glass reticle, and multi-coated 2-8X optics ensure clarity and exceptional low-light performance.
MSRP: $499.99 Veil Alpine Camo; $449.99 Black | tenpointcrossbows.com
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Affordable Trail Cam Technology – Cuddeback Cuddelink Cell Trail Camera Cuddeback Cuddelink Cell Trail Camera In an effort to make sending images easier and more affordable than ever, Cuddeback gives scouting camera fanatics the CuddeLink Cell with patented CuddeLink Technology. This technology allows users to run up to 24 separate cameras on a single, $10/month plan that provides up to 750 images. Unlimited images can be had for a $30/month payment. Plus, with Gen 2 firmware, CuddeLink Cell users get complete control over their network. Home and remote camera settings can be changed from any web browser.
MSRP: $10-$30 per month; camera prices vary by model | cuddeback.com
Let the App Decide – Wildgame Innovations Huntsmart App Wildgame Innovations Huntsmart App Featuring a built-in species recognition algorithm, Wildgame’s HuntSmart App organizes and analyzes trail-camera images automatically. This feature includes buck or doe labeling as well as differentiation of turkey, coyote, elk, hog and more. Using weather and moon intel, HuntSmart predicts the best time and location for your next hunt. Cameras can be monitored remotely and in real-time via Live Stream to the HuntSmart App from up to 150 yards away when using any Wildgame Insite Cell or Insite Air camera.
MSRP: $2 per month; camera prices vary by model | wildgameinnovations.com
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More Megapixels – Stealth Cam DS4KMAX Stealth Cam DS4KMAX Already held in high regard by the trail-camera crowd, Stealth Cam’s DS4KMAX just got better. Aside from guaranteeing crisp 4K video, the all-new model has been fitted with a 32MP sensor to provide maximum image size and clarity. Other notable features include a less-than-.4-second trigger speed, 42 No Glo IR flash emitters and 100-foot flash range. A Quick Set pre-programmed mode eliminates guesswork and has the camera snapping pics in no time. Burst Modes snap between one and nine images, allowing for full customization. The DS4KMAX runs on 12 AA batteries and is fitted with an external power jack for a 12-volt battery box.
MSRP: $299.99 | stealthcam.com
Revealing Images – Tactacam Reveal Trail Camera Tactacam Reveal Trail Camera Action camera mastermind TACTACAM has taken its genius and developed a price-point trail camera that will appeal to cellular and noncellular game-cam fanatics. The Reveal is fitted with a color LCD screen that makes for easy setup in less than 2 minutes. The camera detects game up to 96 feet away, captures 24MP images and has adjustable night illumination. It can be managed via an SD card or on the Reveal App. Monthly plans for AT&T and Verizon start as low as $5/month.
MSRP: $119.99 camera; $5-$13 monthly plans | revealcellcam.com
Find ‘Em Easily – Bushnell Engage X 10x42mm Binoculars Bushnell Engage X 10x42mm Binoculars You can’t shoot what you can’t see, making binocular choice a pivotal part of every bowhunter’s gear arsenal. Economical and bulletproof, Bushnell’s Engage X 10x42s heed the hunting call. These binos are IPX7 waterproof rated and fitted with Bushnell’s exclusive molecularly bonded EXO Barrier to provide exceptional clarity regardless of weather conditions. The focus wheel is smooth, and the adjustable diopter ensures comfortable glassing. The Engage X is 23 percent lighter than the Engage DX 10x42 and it’s also tripod compatible.
MSRP: $130 | bushnell.com
No Intrusion – SpyPoint Link-S-Dark SpyPoint Link-S-Dark Part of SpyPoint’s innovative Link Series of LTE network cameras, the all-new Link-S-Dark promises quality and reduced intrusion. The Link-S-Dark transfers photos out via cellular networks, making card pulls obsolete. Plus, this cell cam uses an integrated solar panel and lithium battery technology to extend battery life to levels once unimaginable. The solar panel keeps the lithium battery charged and the camera working for months on end. Hybrid Illumination Technology further reduces game-spooking pressure by allowing the user to select from one of four flash settings.
MSRP: Price Unavailable | spypoint.com
Xero in on Your Target – Garmin Xero X1i Crossbow Scope Garmin Xero X1i Crossbow Scope Billed as the most advanced crossbow aiming platform on the market, Garmin’s new Xero X1i laser rangefinding crossbow scope features 3.5X magnification and nitrogen-filled optics that offer a clear, crisp field of view. Capable of ranging reflective targets out to 500 yards and deer-sized game out to 250 yards, the Xero X1i boasts accuracy to within +/-.1-yard. Compatible with the majority of crossbows, the scope is designed for easy setup in 20 minutes simply by heading to the range and following on-screen instructions. After calibrating a 20-yard aim point, the scope uses the crossbow’s bolt speed to automatically determine additional spot-on aim points at any distance out to 80 yards. Simply look through the scope, acquire your target, push the ranging button to calculate the distance and the scope instantly displays an aim point. Garmin says it is as easy as range, aim, shoot. The Xero X1i’s multicolor digital display boasts additional features such as a level gauge to help you hold your bow straight and a flight apex feature that shows the highest point of your bolt’s trajectory to help avoid brush, branches and other obstacles. The Xero X1i also features ambient light sensors that automatically adjust the scope’s display for easy viewing in any light; a Laser Locate function that estimates the bolt’s point of impact and can send that information to a compatible Garmin device so you know where to start tracking; and the ability to store multiple bolt profiles and their corresponding aim points (aiming points for distances greater than 80 yards must be manually calibrated). Contained in a rugged aluminum housing, the scope has an IPX72 waterproof rating and is powered by two AAA lithium batteries.
MSRP: $1,399.99 | buy.garmin.com
Go Ahead and Shake – Sig Sauer Electro-Optics Zulu6 Image Stabilized Binoculars Sig Sauer Electro-Optics Zulu6 Image Stabilized Binoculars Optics mastermind Sig Sauer brings its Zulu6 Image Stabilized Binoculars to market for 2021. The big to-do about these binos is Sig’s Optical Image Stabilization technology that uses an electronically stabilized two-axis gimbal system to eliminate vibration caused by wind, bumpy roads, heavy breathing or shaking. Bino coatings include SpectraCoat, LenShield and LensArmor, and these optics sport an IPX4 waterproof rating. Zulu6 binoculars are available in 10x30mm and 16x42mm options.
MSRP: $799.99-$899.99 | sigsauer.com
Just Push the Button – Halo Optics Rangefinders Halo Optics Rangefinder Up to two times faster than previous Halo models, Halo’s new rangefinders have the ability to lock in multiple targets at different yardages when set in Scan Mode. This mode delivers up to four distance readings per second, making them extremely beneficial for the spot-and-stalk hunter closing the distance. Another benefit, according to Halo, is that the glass used in the lenses is 20 percent more efficient than glass used in standard lenses. All Halo Rangefinders are water-resistant and promise a great in-the-hand feel.
MSRP: $79.99-$299.99 | halooptics.com
High-Quality Images Day or Night – Moultrie Mobile Delta Cellular Trail Camera Moultrie Mobile Delta Cellular Trail Camera Moultrie Mobile’s newest cellular trail camera, the Delta produces High Dynamic Range (HDR) images with color enhancement for more detailed, realistic-looking photos. The 32MP resolution means crisp, clear photos, while the all-new ILLUMI-NIGHT 3 Sensor and 80-foot invisible flash and detection range ensure clear, bright nighttime images. The Delta can transmit up to 10,000 images on a set of lithium batteries, which means less intrusion in your hunting area. It operates on the Verizon or AT&T 4G networks, and images are uploaded to a free, cloud-based server where customers have access to them at any time via Moultrie Mobile’s app or website.
MSRP: $119.99 | moultriemobile.com
Wireless on a Budget – Covert Trail Cameras WC30 Covert Trail Cameras WC30 Available in Verizon and AT&T models, Covert’s latest wireless gem is the WC30. Loaded with numerous top-end features while hitting a wallet-pleasing price point, this wireless scouter gives trail-cam fanatics rapid trigger speeds, high-resolution images and a long-range flash. Easy to tote to your favorite destinations, the WC30 measures 5.7x4.5x3.2 inches and features a pipe-through security port along with a reinforced tripod mount. The WC30-A (AT&T) and WC30-V (Verizon)transmit both high-resolution images and 720p videos to the Covert Web Portal and mobile app. A 2.4-inch color viewing screen boosts ease of setup, and MaXimum Silence Image Capture prevents any game-spooking camera noise.
MSRP: $169.99 | covertscoutingcameras.com