Category Archives: Product Review

Nov 10

Product Review: Third Hand Archery

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I recently received the “Kentucky Bowhunters Package” from Third Hand Archery. It comes with a tree stand bow holder, hip clip,  stabilizer strap, and accessory belt all for 39.99.

The accessory belt is, which in conjunction with the hip clip becomes a bow sling, is a really neat product. It is a 5 ft strap with four hooks. Each hook holds 25lbs totaling 100lbs of gear for the strap. Thing I like about this strap is that it replaces the need to screw for hangers into your tree. You simply put it around your tree, buckle it, tighten it down and you’re ready to go.

The stabilizer strap, like most of Third Hand Archery’s products, has multiple functions. You connect both straps to the top and bottom of your climbing stand. While your packing your stand in, cinch down the straps in a x  to hold your stand together. Once your at your tree the straps keep you from losing the bottom when climbing. When you reach the place you’ve selected tighten down you straps. Doing this prevents your top from falling while standing. The straps transfers some of your weight from the bottom to the top.

The hip clip can be used by its self or together with the accessory belt. I find that I prefer to use the clip by its self when doing target practice. You slide your belt through the top of the clip and your bowstring slides right into the clip leaving your hands free. While in the woods I prefer to have  it on the accessory strap as a bow sling.

Now my favorite piece in this package is the bow holder. The holder clamps down on your stand with four screws. It will hold any bow, including cross bows, on your stand. I like having this attached to my climber so that I can have my bow with me as I climb. I’ve even been able to put it on my lock on. I like having the bow right beside me rather than having to reach up to get it off a bow hanger.

Third hand has developed all these products with ease of use, eco-friendliness and safety in mind. They have been inventing and manufacturing hunting products since 1992. Everything they sell is made in America. Stop by and check them out.

Oct 28

Product Review: Horton Vision 175

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The Horton Vision 175 is one deadly crossbow.  This past summer, I purchased the Horton Vision 175 from Cabela’s over the Ten Point crossbow.  The setup after the purchase was very simple, cut a tag here and cut a tag there.  The first great impression of this awesome machine was the look.  This thing is simply nasty looking.  The inverted draw is very unique.  First, cocking a bolt was simple and the cocking sled worked to perfection.  Take my advice and there is no need to spend the extra money on a crank.

My first shot was dead on at 20 yards, dead on at 30 yards, and dead on at 40 yards.  I was very impressed at how accurate the scope was for being brand new.  There were no manual adjustments needed.  Horton did a great job in the initial setup of this crossbow.

Here are the specs of the Horton Vision 175:

  • Draw Weight: 175 lbs
  • Mass Weight: 8lbs
  • Length:34.5
  • Width: 19 inches
  • Power Stroke: 12 3/4
  • Arrow Length: 20 inches
  • Velocity: 325 FPS

So last weekend was the first time I had it in the woods here in PA and here are my initial reactions.  Again, cocking the crossbow in the morning at the truck was very simple.  Next, being only 19 inches wide, it was not an issue carrying the crossbow through the thick to get to my treestand.  Being only 8 pounds, it was easy to pull up to my treestand.  Once I was setup in my stand, I loaded the first bolt with a nastyRage broadhead.

Now onto the action.  Not 20 minutes in my stand, I have a doe come into me.  I reached for my crossbow and laid the crosshairs right behind the left shoulder.  Now comes my only issue with the crossbow.  When I released the safety, it made a loud “click” noise.  Now when I was at Cabela’s, the Horton sales rep did give me a fair warning that it did indeed make a larger clicking noise versus other crossbows.  When at the range at Cabela’s, I didn’t notice it as a potential issue.  But when I am in the dead-silent woods with no wind, it was noticeable.  It was so noticeable, the deer heard me releasing the safety and looked directly at me.  Luckily, the deer was only 12 yards away and I had a clear shot.  I remember two things after that, the sound of the arrow being released from the crossbow and actually hearing the arrow hit the doe with a noticeable “thumb”.  That’s the power of 325 fps.  The deer stood no chance as it was a perfect shot and the arrow passed completely through the deer.  The deer ran about 30 yards before it collapsed.

I would recommend to anyone looking to buy a new or upgrade, to consider the Horton Vision 175.  The power, weight, and look of this machine is awesome.  I would like to see Horton work on the safety mechanism to tune it down.  I’ll be taking the Horton on another walk with me this coming Saturday.  Do you have a story about your Horton crossbow?  Let us know.

Oct 24

Product Review Hunter Safety System Treestalker Safety Vest

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So I was looking for a second safety vest for people who hunt with me so after looking through all the different makes and models I opted for the HSS Treestalker Vest/Harness.  Even though most all my stands are ladder style, the risk of injury can still be high.  In addition I bought the 3 pack of the HSS Quick Connect tree straps to have enough for a few of the additional tree stands.

At first glance the HSS vest seems well put together – the components are of good quality and is certainly easy to adjust the buckles for a secure fit.  In addition it has several large pockets for holding gear etc. even though I mostly use a day pack for most gear and gadgets.  The pockets are ok but wouldn’t really keep things too secure.  The seat belt style buckles make getting in and out of this harness very simple unlike other models and the older styles which were cumbersome and never fit quite right. One down side was the chemical odor – you definitely need to spray it down and air it out.

Overall for the money it’s a great product that doesn’t cost a fortune compared to other brands and models.  Its usually available for under $99 and is something that anyone who hunts any kind of tree stand must have.  So take the safety straps that come with your tree stand and just pitch them as they are problematic and will cause you to not wear them which isn’t good.

I did match this up with the HSS Quick Connect straps and it truly is easy to get in and out of the stands and stay safe – while these are a critical component to tree stand safety, I do think they are overpriced for what they are with a 3 pack costing over $40.  Overall a great company offering very solid products.