GearExpert

Back from SHOT Show 2014 – Part 1

Jan 27 • News • 6585

SHOT Show 2014 was a total system overload! There was far too much gear and new products for me to cover in one week. I saw some amazing new items I cant wait to get my hands on, and met some very cool people. The show was a madhouse – Ted Nugent had a line for autographs the length of the strip! Throughout all the insanity I was able to take a breath and test some very promising products.

I was able to hold some of the biggest and most sought after guns in the world. I played with scopes that have more tech in them than the average car, and in the end a few new items really stuck out to me. The PSE XBOW with the new EOTECH 512 red dot was absolutely jaw dropping. This is a true holographic sight from EOTECH, and is made specifically for crossbows. EOTECH was able to bring a sight and a rangefinder together into one piece of equipment. Now bowhunters have the same access to these amazing sights as firearm shooters. The holo/rangefinder is operated by simply placing the lower part of the reticle on the deer’s underbelly, then, based on the intersection on the ranging pattern, you instantly know how far away that deer is. With the new EOTECH 512, aiming for the spine or aiming very low to compensate arrow rise/drop is no longer a guess. It’s science! Living in Illinois and being an avid bow hunter I have been investigating crossbows since the legal parameters are being lifted in my home state, and I know many others are following suit. I have sailed arrows, buried them in the dirt – even the heard the smack of my arrow digging into a tree, and anyone who says this doesn’t happen is lying! For years now, I have scoped everything to ensure that when I set that pin/sight and release that arrow, I’ll be pumping my fists, not holding my head in disbelief.

EOTECH holo/rangefinder!

I also got a kick out of the scope protectors. Has anyone seen these things yet? If you haven’t, allow me to provide a brief description: manufacturers and distributors are now making and pushing “scope protectors”. In short, these are roll cages for your scope! They mount around the outside of your scope, preventing anything from dinging the optics and guaranteeing a perfect zero. Now, this is just my personal opinion, but having been through the woods, range, water, numerous falls, and all the hits and the bumps, I have yet to see a scope of mine ever lose its zero from something external touching or scratching my tube. Scopes are built made and housed in quality constructed tubes for this reason, some companies even prove this by driving vehicles over them to show their brute strength. These scope protectors essentially are good for protecting the body of your scope and keeping that finish as pretty as the day it came out of the box. Is this cage around my optics really going to prevent me from losing my zero if I drop my gun or the guy at the airport throws my case like a pillow? I don’t think so. I would never rely on a cage surrounding my scope to guarantee my perfect shot every time. I might be a little tough on my gear but, that’s what its built for, and if it can’t keep up with me, I have zero time or space for it. If you’re frequently bumping your scope or losing your zero, you need to re-examine your mounting/lapping process, and always be sure to fire a few rounds and check your zero before any hunt!

Throughout the gun market craze over the past year or so, I have been looking for a new cartridge for a bolt action gun, a cartridge that was extremely flat and fast for coyotes and powerful enough to slam home a big old buck. I found myself wavering between distance and speed, trying to decide on the perfect round. Close shots and long range shots all provide me with the same thrills, as I am very comfortable getting up close, or reaching out there. Apparantly, Nosler went ahead did the work for me and ended my search.

Eye Candy

The Nolser 26 is an amazingly new awesome cartridge and one that I’m itching to touch off. Check out the numbers and the reports for yourself, and trust me you be looking for this bad boy as well. Coming out of the barrel at 3400 fps and slamming a major punch with zeroed ranges between 350-450 yards depending on bullet and grain I plan to own and have a full write up on this cartridge as soon as I can get my hands on one and am able to pull my cheek off the stock! Here’s what the president of Nosler had to say regarding the Nosler 26. “With minimal recoil, tremendous velocity, energy and the ability to point and shoot at the intended target up to a quarter mile away, this is the quintessential deer, antelope and long-range target cartridge available on the market today.” –Bob Nosler, CEO/President Nosler, Inc.

SHOT Show 2014 was impressive and entertaining. I have tons more to tell you guys about so be sure to check back in soon for more updates and product reviews!

Alex P • No Comments on Back from SHOT Show 2014 – Part 1
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Enter to Win 5 New Products from SHOT Show 2014!

Jan 24 • News • 11107

The OpticsPlanet crew had such an awesome time at SHOT Show 2014 that we want to share the excitement with you! That’s why they’ve lined up 5 new products featured at SHOT Show 2014 that you now have the opportunity to win! Just head over to the contest page, LIKE us on Facebook, and enter your email address for each product you want the chance to win. But hurry! The contest ends February 2014.

Check out the awesome products featured in this big sweepstakes:

The NightForce 2.5-10x42mm NXS Compact Riflescope helps you make the shot.

The NightForce 2.5-10x42mm NXS Compact Rifle Scope certainly is a force to be reckoned with! Featuring an enhanced objective lens and a ton of new tech, the NXS will revolutionize the way you shoot. The coolest feature? Probably the Power Throw Lever (PTL), which provides for an instant magnification change in a fraction of an second. Plus, you can switch between red and green illumination in the reticle.

Pulsar Digital Recon X550 DNV Monocular cuts through the night.

The Pulsar Digital Recon X550 Digital Night Vision 5.5×50 Monocular finally lets you conquer the dark. This compact DNV device gathers light at an exceptional capacity, and features highly sensitive optics for one of the clearest pictures you’ll find. Hook up the included jack to record everything you see!

The Swarovski 10×42 SLC Binocular features premium multicoated optics.

Multipurpose is the name of the game with the Swarovski 10×42 SLC Wide Angle Binoculars. Featuring an ergonomic body design and that signature optical clarity that you’ve come to know and love from Swarovski, the SLC Wide Angle Binos provide an exceptionally large field of view and a rugged magnesium housing to prevent damage.

The FLIR Scout PS-32 Thermal Monocular is one of the best in thermal technology.

Go thermal with the FLIR Scout PS-32 Thermal Handheld Monocular. A great addition to any kit, this portable thermal monocular cuts through fog, smoke, dust, and foliage to get you the image you need. Mount it to a tripod for added stability!

This KFS Bipod is an OPMOD exclusive.

Speaking of stability, take a look at the KFS Special Edition Sierra 7 Bipod! This is an OPMOD exclusive, and isn’t even available for purchase yet (lucky you)! Featuring smooth motion and rugged design, it’ll dig into just about any terrain to make sure your shot is right on target.

Head to the contest page to enter your email address for each product you’d like the opportunity to win! As with all of the sweepstakes, they won’t let me enter, but you’ll want to go ahead and put in for all five. These are some awesome products! But remember, the contest ends February 10, 2014. Happy hunting!

admin • 13 Comments on Enter to Win 5 New Products from SHOT Show 2014!
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SHOT Show 2014 – Part One: Media Day

Jan 24 • News • 5122

Check out some awesome images from SHOT Show 2014! The OpticsPlanet crew headed to Las Vegas for one of the largest industry conventions in the U.S. They had a great time, and got the drop on a lot of new products. Check back for more soon! These images are from media day, before the show officially kicked off.

Trevor take aim at the range.

Check out the SOG booth!

Trevor had a great time at Media Day.

Trevor takes aim again, this time on a rest.

Steve examines his setup.

Trevor takes aim again.

Steve at Media Day

admin • No Comments on SHOT Show 2014 – Part One: Media Day
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Don’t Hibernate! Dealing with the Cold on the Hunt

Jan 10 • How-To, News • 12620

As an avid hunter and someone from the Midwest, I hunt in a very wide range of weather patterns and temperatures. Living in Chicago, I have to travel to my favorite spots, so I’d better make sure I am prepared for everything! During the hunting season, you can find me with the tires on the ground, rolling from the southernmost tip of Illinois to the great north woods of Michigan. Dedication is the name of the game and hunting in cold weather takes a lot of it! Having a hunt cut short due to the elements is absolutely disheartening. Months and months of waiting and work all come down to a few short weeks, so it’s absolutely necessary for this hunter to be ready at all times.

Cold Is Different on the Hunt

I will be the first person to admit that I am as self-taught as they come when it comes to hunting. One of the biggest lessons I have learned along the way and try to instill in everyone I talk to or bring out for a hunt is to prepare for the cold. Proper preparations, if done correctly, can lead to a very enjoyable hunt – even in sub-zero weather such as the recent Polar Vortex that had the country in its grips. During a normal winter, the weather man might say it’s very comfortable outside, and you might think the same. That’s until you go and climb a tree or sit in the wind dead still for hours. That changes the game.

Unfortunately, I am not graced with the option of driving my truck or ATV to my spots, as the terrain is far too rough and usually far from the nearest road. I do a lot of walking and even climbing rock faces to get to the spots I know that the big deer roam. I have fallen through frozen rivers and irrigation ditches during the pitch black morning hours and still made it through the hunt. That’s because I prepare – I will never underestimate the weather or the potential situations that could come about.

The reason is this: if you’re going to be in cold weather while you’re active and doing your daily routine, you’ll probably feel fine. However, that same temperature will feel absolutely frigid once your circulation slows down – say, when you’re in a tree stand. The answer layers – and smart layers – with good gear.

Always be sure to layer up!

Base Layers – and Lots of Them

Base layers have come a very long way from the “long johns” or long underwear I would wear as a kid. Today’s advances in technology will keep you warmer than ever before and are worth their (typically light) weight in gold. Some of these are rated for different levels of cold and are made of different materials depending on the brand. Be sure when you’re purchasing a good camo jacket/pants or Bib System for the cold, go a size or two larger to accommodate for the base layers and additional clothing.

When you’re sitting still for hours, the cold will begin to find holes in your plan and gaps in your apparel. If you don’t prepare, it will certainly find its way to get to you. This is why you must try to tuck everything in. Stuffing your shirts into your base layer pants or underwear will help retain that much more body heat (and in the coldest weather, every bit counts). Tucking your socks up between your base layer and pants means that body heat has nowhere to go. My advice? Bring extra socks out with you just in case you fall in water, snow finds its way in, or your feet start to perspire (and in a pinch, they can double as gloves). A good set of socks is nothing short of a lifesaver. And size up when buying boots to accommodate any extra pair of socks you’ll likely slip on.

If it’s extremely cold, multiple base layers will be required and the more tucking that can be done that better. When the wind kicks up and your circulation slows, the cold really sets in and precious body heat WILL escape!

Getting to the Spot is Half the Battle

The one main thing and the biggest concern for everyone including myself is the burning of tons of calories just getting to the stand or blind. When on these hikes into the desired locations, I of course am layered up, but YOU can be your biggest enemy of all. Carrying all the gear is a workout that will jack your body heat quickly! Sweat can be the ultimate factor in determining your ability to hunt in cold weather. Once your clothing soaks up the sweat and you get to your spot, it can freeze and drop your body temperature so fast your teeth will chatter away all the game!

The best solution is to stop and rest. You shouldn’t be clipping through the woods at a high speed anyway. Moving too quickly also alerts the entire environment to your presence and elevates your heart rate. If you can’t avoid it, stop right where you are and begin to remove layers and prevent excess sweating. Not that you’ll need a reminder, but once you get to your spot, be sure to layer up again.

Planning Makes All the Difference

Remember if it’s cold out, or there is snow on the ground, it’s going to take you longer to get there. Plan ahead leave a little bit earlier so you can regulate your body heat as you head out for the day. Also keep in mind all the added time to layer up correctly. Dressing is a much longer process than throwing on your pants and shirt and walking out the door like an early season bow hunt!

Finally, get lots of sleep, as exhaustion makes the body more susceptible to the cold. And most importantly – be comfortable! Sitting in the extreme cold takes mental willpower as well as physical endurance, so make sure what you’re wearing is comfortable. Being comfortable can make a horrible “too cold, I won’t see anything” day into a “Awesome! A cold blast, that will get them moving” day. Don’t be a fair weather hunter – just take the proper preparations and bag that animal.

Be sure to check back in for part 2 of “Cold Weather Hunting” to find out more about gear and proper preparation to hunt in the cold.

Alex P • 4 Comments on Don’t Hibernate! Dealing with the Cold on the Hunt
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Google Glass, Say Hello to Rx Lens and Sunglasses Options

Jan 7 • News • 11731

There has been a lot of hype about the new technology of the future being released to the public in 2014. More specifically, hands free devices that literally gets technology out of the way but still keeps you still wired in. That’s right; I’m talking about Google Glass. Google Glass is actually a really neat device because you can record, take pictures, having directions right in front of you, speak to send messages or take notes, and over all, have an active lifestyles while staying hands free. The eyewear of the future is now even more of an option to people who already have specific optical needs – the Wetley launch of a prescription attachment for Google Glass.

When the Google Glass was first announced, I thought it was a really neat product but not a practical option for me, and I am sure for so many others. Wearing the Google Glass as intended would be really difficult for me specifically due to wearing glasses part time. In addition, I almost always have sunglasses on when outdoors. Realistically, wearing two pairs of glasses is really not an ideal situation. Thanks to the professionals at Wetley, this will no longer be an issue for me. Their solution is the GGRX, which is the first available prescription adapter clip on for the Google Glass Explorer Edition.

The GGRX adapter frame is modern, stylish, and made of lightweight stainless steel. Stainless steel is an important feature because it makes the product is very durable more clean looking, and will not be a problem for those metal allergies. It easily clips on to the Google Glass existing nose piece, without the need for screws, glue, or tools. This makes it super easy to remove or change GGRX styles to suit your situation. The frame itself can be ordered and taken to your optician to have your desired lenses put in to it. The lens options seem to be endless; OpticsPlanet.com is offering a variety of lens options that will suit any lifestyle. Some of the lens options are a clear multipurpose lens, polarized lenses, photochromic, and tinted lenses in four colors that are intended for outdoor use.

I decided to go with a non-prescription tinted grey lens option that is perfect for when I am outdoors. Realistically, I would be using my Glass outdoors for directions, taking pictures and video when I need a hands-free option. The tinted lenses are impact resistant, block UV rays, and are AR coated. In addition, the coating resists smudges and scratches, as well as repels dust and water. I also got the anti-fog feature due to being outdoors in different weather conditions and environments.

Overall, I am super excited to start using my Google Glass with the GGRX lens attachment; especially outdoors when I want to take a picture or video of what I am seeing without worrying about fumbling with my phone. Ultimately, anyone can take full advantage of the Google Glass no matter their specific eyewear needs. GGRX is a stylish, easy to use solution that allows us to really enjoy what Google Glass has to offer.

Alessandro • No Comments on Google Glass, Say Hello to Rx Lens and Sunglasses Options
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