A dv Gear Review – Master Lock Python Cables

by dustyvarmint

February 15, 2010

Posted by Jerry Long

This week I take a look at the Master Lock Python Cables.

See the general note about dv’s Gear Reviews.

Product: Master Lock Python Cables

The 5/16 inch camouflage Master Lock Python Cable.

Overall Rating: ***+ (3.5 stars of 5)

Specifications (from Master Lock website):

-Cut resistant 6 foot x 5/16 inch diameter vinyl coated cable, camouflage finish, part number 8418KADCAMO-TMB

-and-

-Cut resistant 6 foot x 3/16 inch diameter vinyl coated cable, black finish, part number 8417D
-Durable ABS bumpers
-Pick resistant reliable pin tumbler locking mechanism
-Easy to use Velcro strap holds excess cable in place

Cost: *** (3 stars of 5). Typically $14-20 for the 5/16″ cable and $6-10 for the 3/16″ cable.

Performance: **** (4 stars of 5). The advantage of the Python Cables over chain or non-adjustable cables is that they cinch the item being locked up closely to the object they are being locked to, a tree for example. This makes it harder to wrest the item away or tamper with it. I bought the 5/16″ cables for use with the security boxes on game cameras and the 3/16″ cables for use on external batteries. All four of the Pythons have been in the field for over a year and have been 100% reliable. Those from Whitetail Supply are keyed alike which is very handy as opposed to those I purchased off-the-shelf from Menards. The Velcro straps aren’t very helpful, easily sliding off and getting lost, but are of little consequence.

The 5/16 inch diameter Master Lock Python Cable secures a Scoutguard 550 camera in security box to the tree.

Manufacturer’s Customer Service: Not used, not rated.

Sources: Whitetail Supply (unsure if they are still in business) Menard’s for the 3/16″.

General notes: The HCO Scoutguard series of cameras, see dv’s Mostly Archery review here, are often marketed with Python Cables as they have a cable channel built in. However, this combination is easily defeated by simply working the game camera up the tree’s natural taper until it is loose enough to pull the camera out. I recommend the use of a security box. See Hazard’s to Game Cameras for a simple, no-weld, low-cost version.

happy hunting, dv

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Forschner Knives – Buy Now, Thank Me Later

by dustyvarmint

February 8, 2010

What product would you tell your friends to buy now and thank you later? My answer is, emphatically, Forschner knives from Victorinox.

The Forschner line is characterized by good steel that holds a great edge, tough handles and excellent utility. Mrs. dustyvarmint and I own five now and have a few more on our wish lists.

Field Dressing and More

Forschner pare knives.

From turkeys to whitetails, and other critters both large and small, the little four-inch Forschner pare knife handles the majority of my field dressing needs. Granted, this is not your typical huntin’ knife; it isn’t camouflaged, there’s no machismo – its straight-up, top-notch, functional utility. I own two complete Buck Selectors with a variety of blades and custom knives, yet the Forschner pare is my field knife of choice. Ohhhhh, to have had one to five of them back when I worked in a fur-buying and skinning shop… Rob Kiebler at Fair Chase, Ltd, a Texas whitetail, feral hog and javelina outfitter, carries one of those zippered bank deposit pouches full of them to handle all dressing, skinning and pre-taxidermy work.

A web sheath, a blade cover and the knife’s original package.

At $4-6 each and weighing only 0.75 ounces the knives’ blades are thin, well-shaped, easily sharpened, semi-flexible and work well for skinning and light butchering. The only draw back is the lack of a sheath, but there are several options to overcome that. Small web sheaths work well, there are after-market blade covers available and a person could even whip up a leather sheath without too much effort. I thought I lost my black-handled one last year in the snow and almost cried. Turns out it was in my bib pocket the whole time (good thing the tears were frozen in). For me the pares are equally at home in the woods, in camp and in the kitchen.

Butchering

The five-inch, semi-curved, semi-flexible boning knife picks up where the four-inch pare leaves off. This is what I use to cut out loins, quarter critters and break down primal cuts. Again, excellent steel that holds an edge.

The Forschner five-inch, semi-curved, semi-flexible boning knife with blade cover.

In the Kitchen

The eight-inch chef’s knife delivers in the kitchen. Whether working over some onions, thinly cutting some semi-frozen venison rump for jerky or portioning my favorite venison breakfast sausage this knife has what it takes. Again, the key is good steel that holds an edge.

The Forschner eight-inch chef’s knife with magnetic blade cover.

The whole Forschner line is economically priced, though not as economically as the pares. If you are looking for field, butchering or kitchen knives check out the Forschner line. Buy ‘em now, thank me later.

happy hunting, dv

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The Versatile Eberlestock X2 Pack

by dustyvarmint

January 25, 2010

Need a pack to carry climbing sticks, a stand, a blind, huntin’ gear, a deer quarter or extra cold weather clothes? Please read on…

After purchasing a Trophy Line Tree Saddle last year I looked for a pack to carry it, my Lone Wolf climbing sticks, my hunting gear and my extra cold weather clothing in. While I was at it I thought I ought to have a pack that would carry a blind when necessary. Although I think the SOP Blind Hog is a great, functional item for this the fit is simply too big for my small carcass. A weight bearing waist belt on this new pack would be nice too. Badland’s packs are very popular so I looked pretty hard at their line, but, again, nothing would fit my scrawny carcass. Badlands will custom size the waist belt at no charge, but there’s shipping and hassle to contend with. Then, what would the resale value be?

While visiting Archery Headquarters (awesome selection of bows and equipment) in Chandler, AZ during a business trip I ran across the Eberlestock X2. First of all, it fit. It had “wings” perfect for carrying climbing sticks. It had horizontal compression straps perfect for carrying a blind. At a capacity of 1800 cubic inches it was right for what I needed it for. The soft shell finish was nice and the organizational features were superior to anything I’d previously owned. Upon arriving home I scoured the usual forums including Bowsite and ArcheryTalk for user feedback (all positive) and called Eberlestock not once, but twice. They were helpful and one gentleman said the X2 fit his mother quite well which meant it’d likely fit me. However, it’ll fit “normal” sized folks also as you’ll see further down. They told me about a back log of the soft-shell camo versions, but a simple internet search turned up an in-state supplier with one in stock for $140 including shipping.

The Eberlestock X2.

Carry a Pack on a Stand or a Stand on a Pack?

The X2 is my first “real” pack. I used it for the entire 2009 Wisconsin whitetail season. I’m not sure the Tree Saddle was my cup of tea, but the X2 carried four Lone Wolf climbing sticks and the saddle quite well. It also strapped right on my Lone Wolf Sit and Climb. The X2 really shines at carrying all the extra clothes I need in my stand in freezing temps that I don’t want to wear in and get all sweaty as well as keeping my gear organized. What it didn’t necessarily do well due to its internal frame was strap onto my Lone Wolf Alpha Assault and climbing stick combination. I tried a number of ways to adapt the stand to the pack, but couldn’t get it right. An e-mail inquiry to Eberlestock went unanswered so I kept searching.

Then I ran into ArcheryTalk user Michigan Man. I thought I’d done some clever mobile things with my stands, Packin’ It In And Out – Treestands, but I’m not even a dim candle flame compared to this brilliant bowhunter. He sent me the following photographs showing how he uses the Eberlestock X2 to carry his Lone Wolf sticks and Alpha Assault.

The first photograph, below, shows the X2’s compression straps all open including the “wings”. Note the black ball bungee ties (elastic cord with plastic balls on end), two on each side, attached to the webbing on the main body of the pack just inside the wings. These are used to secure the sticks. I’ve carried the sticks without these bungee ties, but it required a full pack whether I needed it or not and even then a set might slide down and whack me in the leg while walking. Very clever. For this blog post we’ll pretend like we can’t see that very interesting climbing rope set up replacing what can be the short, noisy, cam buckles and straps on those Lone Wolf sticks.

The X2 open with the climbing sticks on each side.

The second photograph shows the sticks secured in the bungee ties with the wings closed and the compression straps buckled.

The X2 with the horizontal compression straps closed.

The third photograph shows the Alpha Assault secured to the stand with the X2’s compression straps and a hooked bungee strap. Michigan Man said the bungee strap provides a little more stability to the load. He didn’t say what the bungee tie on the bottom was for, but no doubt something quite clever.

The X2 with a Lone Wolf Alpha Assault, Lone Wolf climbing sticks attached and vertical compression straps closed.

Finally, Michigan Man, who looks like a normal-sized bowhunter compared to me, models the pack ready for transiting to his favorite whackin’ tree.

Michigan Man shows off the complete load.

Since I’m spoiled with a lot of trees I can use my Lone Wolf Sit and Climb stand (very, very comfy) in around my whitetail area I haven’t set up my X2 for this method of carrying the LW Alpha Assault yet, but I intend to for next year. One thing I will do, due to the method I use for climbing with my sticks, though, is add a single strap to the stand I can throw over my neck and shoulder while I climb the tree fastening my sticks as I go. That way I don’t have to come back down to the ground to grab the stand and then go back up to fasten it to the tree. It’ll just be one trip up.

Thanks to Michigan Man for sharing this very clever set up.

X2 as Blind Hauler

Maybe I’m just a softy, but carrying a Primos Double-Bull Darkhorse blind with nothing but one shoulder strap is a pain in the… neck. Like I mentioned before, the SOP Blind Hog is a great product, but the shoulder straps and waist belt are so large that I have to adjust the height of the blind in the carry bag or it hits me in the back of the calves and I can’t use the waist belt to relieve any weight from the shoulders at all. The X2 allows me to fasten the blind at any height and while that can be inconvenient when traveling through brush it is certainly better than getting whacked in the back of the calves every step. My chair gets bundled right up with the blind. I’ve yet to figure out where I’ll put a full-body, non-crushable decoy, yet, but I’ll get there.

The X2 carrying a blind. The blind’s height in the pack is adjustable.

If you are looking for an extremely versatile pack I’d recommend checking out the Eberlestock X2. I don’t think you’ll be sorry.

happy hunting, dv

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Climbing Sticks – Gorilla Silver Back Predator vs. Lone Wolf

by dustyvarmint

November 30, 2009

Here’s a post I’m excited to bring you – a head to head comparison of the Gorilla Silver Back Predator vs. Lone Wolf climbing sticks.

Outdoors buddy Seth called the other day to tell me one of his 2 x 4 and cotton clothes line tree steps had broken on him while he was trying to ascend a very large oak tree that morning. Keep in mind that the steps, plans for which were once included in the National Bowhunter Education Foundation Bowhunter Education Course, are probably a minimum of 16 years old from when I taught him to climb trees for bowhunting. The following day I was perusing a local store for paracord to make a wrist sling, see DIY Wrist Sling for Your Bow, when I happened upon a set of three Gorilla Silver Back Predator climbing sticks for a price I couldn’t in good conscience pass up.

An old 2 x 4 and cotton clothes line tree step.

Once home I called Seth and offered them up. Seth is a very good soul often taking me out bowfishing all spring and summer, giving me lots of scrap wood for various projects and loaning me his Primos Double Bull Dark Horse blind even though I have two blinds in the basement. If he broke his neck climbing a tree who would do all these things? Anyway, I asked for one thing – I wanted to set them up and compare them to my Lone Wolf sticks for you, Mostly Archery readers. He agreed.

Specifications from their respective websites:

*Gorilla Silver Back Predator Sticks:

Lightweight aluminum construction
Extreme portability – each stick nests/locks to the other
Steps conveniently fold up out of the way
Cam buckle attachment strap
Weight: 3.5 pounds each
Rating: 250 pounds
Length: 32 inches
Step distance: 15 inches
Steps per stick: 3
Retail: About $119.00

*Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks:

Stick Length: 32 inches
Distance between steps: 15 inches
Weight: 2.5 pounds per stick
Fits 4-22″ tree
Single tube design
Reversible steps
350 pound rating
Retail: About $129

As you can see there are a lot of similarities between the two sticks; both are 32 inches long, both have reversible steps spaced 15 inches apart, both are nesting (although via different methods) and both use cam buckles for attachment (also via different methods). However, there are some significant differences too; the Gorilla sticks weigh one pound more for a total of three extra pounds per set of three, the Gorilla sticks are rated at 250 pounds versus the Lone Wolf’s 350 pound rating which may be due to its composite design versus Lone Wolf’s single tube design and while Lone Wolf’s sticks will accommodate 4-22″ inch straight or crooked trees the Gorilla instructions indicate their product should be used on straight trees a minimum of 8″ in diameter.

Lone Wolf (left) and Gorilla Silver Back Predator (right) Climbing Sticks.

When holding them in my hands, side-by-side, the Gorilla sticks seemed more “substantial”. The stand-offs are longer and seem beefier, possibly cast versus machined, and the stick has a good overall feel to it. The Lone Wolf stick seems slim and compact.

We laid the sticks out side-by-side. In the photo above you see the Lone Wolf on the left and the Gorilla on the right. Note the versa-button on the Lone Wolf and the left/right ears on the Gorilla. These are for attaching the cam straps. The ears on the Gorilla sticks are open on both sides. We found the cam straps had a tendency to come right off the ears while being carried around or up the tree. I might duct tape or zip-tie the left ear closed to prevent this. In years of use with the Lone Wolf sticks I have never had a cam strap slip off the versa button.

The Lone Wolf sticks nest by matching up the v-shaped stand-offs to the next stick down and matching the Allen screw heads from the top of the lower stick to holes in the back of the upper stick. A strap and buckle on the bottom stick secures the three (or more) sticks together. One problem with this system is that it isn’t always easy to get the sticks nested together and one must make sure the stick with the strap is on the bottom of the stack. Once nested, though, they are quite stable and quiet. The Gorilla sticks nest by matching keyholes on the top of the lower stick to posts on the back of the upper stick. This mate-up was also not necessarily easy to accomplish and once accomplished was secure, but kind of “jiggly” as there was no other strap. However, this allows them to be stacked in any order. After a week’s worth of use Seth said the sticks, “…just come apart now.” One or more of the cam straps could be wrapped around the three sticks to possibly remedy this. I’m also curious to know if the slotted screw head on the post indicates it could be adjusted…

The hole in the back of the Lone Wolf stick and the Allen screw head on the front of the other stick (on the versa-button).

The keyhole on the front of the Gorilla stick.

The post on the back of the Gorilla stick.

Standard storage practice for the cam straps on the Lone Wolf sticks is to wrap them around the bottom stand off and then back up to the versa-button. This works well. I did this on the Gorilla sticks and it seemed to work well also. A stack of three Gorilla sticks was substantially taller than a stack of three Lone Wolf sticks although I didn’t measure the difference.

A stack of three Gorilla sticks was substantially taller than the same number of Lone Wolf sticks. Note the excess straps stowed along the bottom stand-offs on both sets.

We hung the sticks and functionally found no difference between the two. Both reached 12 feet without any stretching or contorting. The Gorilla’s ended up about 5-6 inches higher, but that was because I hung the bottom stick a little high and then Seth hung the top two sticks. I felt the Gorillas were a little more stable, but that could have been because Seth set them up with his weight and my little carcass wasn’t even a factor for them once set. One complaint I often hear about sticks with alternating steps is that the steps always end up on the wrong side. I’ve never had much trouble with this, but I am right handed and when using my standard four sticks I always start with the bottom step to the left. I think the important thing is finding a standard procedure and stick with it.

Three Lone Wolf climbing sticks mounted on an oak tree.

Three Gorilla Silver Back Predator climbing sticks mounted to the same oak tree.

Summary:

Although a very serious Lone Wolf fan I was excited to see Gorilla come out with a competing product. I was disillusioned, though, when I saw the price. The way I looked at it was that for $10 more I could save three pounds and use the very proven Lone Wolf product. Also, the Lone Wolf Alpha and Alpha Assault stands are made with matching spots for packing their brand sticks which is quite nice. I’m not sure if Gorilla’s new HX series of stands has that feature. Had I found the Gorilla sticks for the price I found these for Seth or for the current advertised sale price of $89.99 at Cabela’s I might be using them now instead. I believe they are a quality, stable and safe alternative.

I know, I know, you are saying, “I want to see a comparison of the Lone Wolf sticks to the Muddy sticks.” I recently saw just such a comparison and I’ve asked the author to do a guest blog here on Mostly Archery. He was busy hunting at the time and we are attempting to get back together.

happy hunting, dv

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Horseplay With Muzzle Loader Ends With Appalachian Student Dead

by Daniel "Moose" McLaughlin

November 24, 2009

An off campus party ended tragically with a fatal shooting of Jay Franklin Derby a sophomore at ASU allegedly by Galen Elijah “Eli” Ruble.

Officers responded to an apartment in the App South complex on Faculty Street early Sunday morning in reference to a gunshot victim.

According to BPD, Derby was in attendance at a party at Ruble’s residence. During the course of the evening, Ruble brought out a black powder primitive single-shot rifle. He attempted to discharge a percussion cap in Derby’s direction to frighten those in attendance.

Watauga Democrat

A number of gun safety rules were violated if what is reported is accurate. Joking around with a gun can be extremely dangerous and in this case it was fatal. A horrible story for all that is involved two young lives destroyed for a joke. Please remind everyone, but especially young folks, about gun handling safety rules so tragedies like this doesn’t have to happen.

The fundamental NRA rules for safe gun handling are:

1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
This is the primary rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.

2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
When holding a gun, rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.

3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.

When using or storing a gun, always follow these NRA rules:

* Know your target and what is beyond.
Be absolutely sure you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Equally important, be aware of the area beyond your target. This means observing your prospective area of fire before you shoot. Never fire in a direction in which there are people or any other potential for mishap. Think first. Shoot second.

* Know how to use the gun safely.
Before handling a gun, learn how it operates. Know its basic parts, how to safely open and close the action and remove any ammunition from the gun or magazine. Remember, a gun’s mechanical safety device is never foolproof. Nothing can ever replace safe gun handling.

* Be sure the gun is safe to operate.
Just like other tools, guns need regular maintenance to remain operable. Regular cleaning and proper storage are a part of the gun’s general upkeep. If there is any question concerning a gun’s ability to function, a knowledgeable gunsmith should look at it.

* Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
Only BBs, pellets, cartridges or shells designed for a particular gun can be fired safely in that gun. Most guns have the ammunition type stamped on the barrel. Ammunition can be identified by information printed on the box and sometimes stamped on the cartridge. Do not shoot the gun unless you know you have the proper ammunition.

* Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.
Guns are loud and the noise can cause hearing damage. They can also emit debris and hot gas that could cause eye injury. For these reasons, shooting glasses and hearing protectors should be worn by shooters and spectators.

* Never use alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription or other drugs before or while shooting.
Alcohol, as well as any other substance likely to impair normal mental or physical bodily functions, must not be used before or while handling or shooting guns.

* Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
Many factors must be considered when deciding where and how to store guns. A person’s particular situation will be a major part of the consideration. Dozens of gun storage devices, as well as locking devices that attach directly to the gun, are available. However, mechanical locking devices, like the mechanical safeties built into guns, can fail and should not be used as a substitute for safe gun handling and the observance of all gun safety rules.

* Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions.

* Cleaning
Regular cleaning is important in order for your gun to operate correctly and safely. Taking proper care of it will also maintain its value and extend its life. Your gun should be cleaned every time that it is used.

A gun brought out of prolonged storage should also be cleaned before shooting. Accumulated moisture and dirt, or solidified grease and oil, can prevent the gun from operating properly.

Before cleaning your gun, make absolutely sure that it is unloaded. The gun’s action should be open during the cleaning process. Also, be sure that no ammunition is present in the cleaning area.

NRA

Such a sad story… both these families and this young man are in my prayers.

Written by Daniel "Moose" McLaughlin · Filed Under Blogs, Hunting, Network Blogs

A dv Gear Review – Stealth Cam 12 Volt Battery Kit

by dustyvarmint

November 11, 2009

See A Note On dv’s Gear Reviews and Gear Provider Recommendations.

Product: Stealth Cam 12 volt Battery Kit

The Stealth Cam 12 Volt Battery Kit, on the left.

Overall Rating: ***+ (3.5 stars of 5)

Specifications (from Stealth Cam website):

-STC-12VBB

-12 volt

-Weather proof box

-AC charger

Cost: **** (4 stars of 5). Typically $29.95, Wal-Mart (www.walmart.com), to $59.99 at big box outdoor retailers.

Performance: *** (3 stars of 5). To be fair I have to say that I modified the Stealth Cam Battery Kit’s plug to fit my battery hog Moultrie D40 game camera. During the non-hunting months I only check my cameras once very 30 days and during season I only check them every 2 weeks so I need the batteries to last. The battery kit does help to extend the D40’s internal battery life. However, given daily temperatures in the 30’s or less I can still only get 10 days of battery life between the internal and external batteries even when the battery kit is fitted with a solar panel.

Chatter on forum sites indicates there may be a problem where the kit case fills with water. Mine doesn’t leak, but I set one up for a buddy’s Moultrie D40 and his case does fill with water. I couldn’t diagnose the problem so he drilled some holes in the bottom to fix it. I’ve seen where Stealth will fix the problem under warranty, but it wasn’t worth the trouble of returning it for us.

Manufacturer’s Customer Service: Not used, not rated.

Source: Wal-Mart.

General notes: None.

happy hunting, dv

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dv Tests Thermos Bottles

by dustyvarmint

November 9, 2009

It was April fifth and my feet were frozen. Mother Nature had smiled upon us during the last 4 days, but today she hit us with a sudden cold snap. We were hunting turkeys during Kansas’ archery only season, No Bird Left Behind – A Turkey Tale. In the darkness of the Double-Bull blind my buddy pulled out a Greenhead vacuum bottle and poured us both a cup of hot steaming coffee. Aaahhh, as I tried to wrap all ten fingers around the little cup I contemplated that life truly was never so good. Then it was back to watching for turkeys.

After that hunt I decided that although I had a full-sized vacuum bottle at home, I needed a small 16-18 ounce bottle for the deer and turkey woods. And, if my fortunes were down, to use at work also. But which one? Dad told me I could get one for $6 and my buddy said he paid more than $20. I searched the reviews on big box outdoor store websites, but they varied so much they really weren’t much help. One guy gave the cheap vacuum bottle a 5 star rating and the next rated it 1 star. Who knew the truth?

So, despite Mrs. dustyvarmint’s sarcastic reminders of six months shopping for a $28 factory second sleeping bag and eighteen months comparison shopping for a $17.00 cooler, I decided a vacuum bottle test was in order. Hopefully, this information will save you a little money and derision from your Mr. or Mrs. Hunter.

First, I had to collect the bottles. These were the choices, all 16-18 ounces, left to right in the picture below: Cabela’s Nissan-Thermos, $24.99; Greenhead Bullet Bottle from Cabela’s, $19.99; Cabela’s label, $12.99; Thermos from Gander Mountain (also available from Wal-Mart), $14.99; Quest from Dick’s, $5.99.

The thermos line up.

Next, I had to decide how to test them. So, I started brain storming ways to shoot them into plywood (sorry, a reference to some lame broadhead testing I once read about). I decided I’d fill them with hot water of a specific temperature, let them sit for a specific period of time and then check the liquid’s temperature. The three tests included inside for at least eight hours, outside for at least eight hours and in the refrigerator for the same amount of time. After completing test one I decided to include my full-size Thermos brand bottle and a normal water pitcher for comparison purposes.

Testing and comparison items.

Test 1 – Inside ambient air temperature

The following table shows the results of placing the bottles on the counter over night from 8:05 p.m., temperature 69.0º, to 8:05 a.m., temperature 69.0º; a total of 12 hours. All bottles were pre-warmed, as is my normal habit, for 10 minutes with 105.7º tap water then filled with 181.6º water from my coffee pot. Thermos-Nissan was the clear winner followed closely by the regular Thermos and the Greenhead Bullet. Last place goes to the Quest with the Cabela’s only slightly edging it out.

Thermos – Nissan – 145.3
Thermos – 141.5
Greenhead Bullet – 137.3
Cabela’s – 123.5
Quest – 115.8
Themos – not included
Uninsulated water pitcher – not included

Test 2 – Outside air temperature

The next table shows the results of placing the bottles outside over night from 9:10 p.m., temperature 80.1º, to 7:52 a.m., temperature 74.9º; a total of 10 hours and 42 minutes. Again, all bottles were pre-warmed for 10 minutes with 120º tap water then filled with 175.6º water from my coffee pot. Thermos-Nissan is the clear winner followed closely by the regular Thermos and the Greenhead Bullet. Last place goes to the Quest with the Cabela’s only slightly edging it out.

Thermos – Nissan – 140.8
Greenhead Bullet – 134.9
Thermos – 134.5
Cabela’s – 116.6
Quest – 109.0
Thermos (big) – 126.0
Uninsulated water pitcher – 43.6

Test 3 – In the refridgerator

Finally, this last table shows the results of placing the bottles in a 39.6º refrigerator from 11:35 a.m. to 8:13 p.m.; a total of 7 hours and 38 minutes. All bottles were pre-warmed for 10 minutes with 120º tap water then filled with 177.5º water. The Thermos-Nissan is the clear winner followed closely by the Greenhead Bullet and the regular Thermos. Last place goes to the Quest with the Cabela’s again only slightly edging it out.

Thermos – Nissan – 145.6
Greenhead Bullet – 138.1
Thermos – 139.3
Cabela’s – 122.5
Quest – 120.1
Thermos (big) – 135.4
Uninsulated water pitcher – 79.9

Notes

There is one primary difference between the top three and the bottom two bottles. The top three all have a one piece stopper with quick-pour feature – you pour the coffee by unscrewing the stopper just a few turns without removing it. The bottom bottles have a push-button pour-through feature. It seems as if this design does not retain heat as well.

Performance Ranking

So, overall ranking based on performance is the Thermos-Nissan, Thermos, Greenhead Bullet, Cabela’s and Quest. I chose to keep the Thermos-Nissan and return the others. However, if I were to buy a bottle today knowing what I know now I would choose the regular Thermos bottle available at Gander Mountain or Wal-Mart. It is definitely the overall best value. If I absolutely had to have camouflage I’d go with the Greenhead Bullet.

Lexus declares the winners.

happy hunting, dv

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Written by dustyvarmint · Filed Under Blogs, Hunting, Network Blogs

A dv Gear Review – Scout Guard 550 Game Camera

by dustyvarmint

August 24, 2009

See A Note On dv’s Gear Reviews and Gear Provider Recommendations.

Product: The Scout Guard 550 Game Camera

Overall Rating: ****+ (4.5 stars)

Specifications:

- Extra small size 5 1/4″ H x 3 1/4″ W x 2 1/8″ D
- Motion Sensor with adjustable sensitivity
- 1.2 second trigger speed
- 3MP or 5MP picture size
- Up to 2GB SD card
- 1 second – 60 minutes programmable delay
- 1 – 60 second programmable video length
- Stand-by mode to preserve battery life
- 8 AA batteries – extra long battery life
- Wired remote control for easy programming and compact size
- Operates from -20c to 60c
- Available in camouflage for added concealment
- 1 year limited warranty

Cost: ***** (4 stars). $199.95 including free shipping. Compare its features and performance to comparable models and this is an excellent value. I just hate spending this much for a camera.

Performance: ****** (5 stars). I don’t ask a lot from my game cameras. Take pictures or videos reliably and I’m set. Trigger time is nice compared to my 3 second Moultrie D40.

Battery life: Outstanding. Utilizing the camera on still picture mode with a single picture and one minute delay I put in a set of batteries on September 15th, 2008. The batteries were still showing two-thirds battery life on January 3rd, 2009 after taking hundreds of photos.

Picture quality: Day time pictures and video are clear and some are so nice I want to frame them. Night time infrared pictures and videos are a little grainy, but discernible.

Set up: Set up is easy even without reading the manual.

Security: Camera includes an integral groove for use with a cinch-able lock like the Bee Busy Outdoors. Ordering and shipping went smoothly.

General notes: This is a great little game camera. Easily concealable, well functioning. I have to make one note about viewing pictures from it on common game camera viewers, digital picture frames or point-and-shoot cameras. There are two common File Allocation Table (FAT) formats for removable media like SD cards, FAT 12 and FAT 16. The SGs are FAT 16 which is the opposite of most devices. This creates problems when trying to find a suitable field reader. Your desktop or laptop PC will have no problems. Just be aware of this going into a purchase.

happy hunting, dv

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Written by dustyvarmint · Filed Under Blogs, Hunting, Network Blogs

A dv Gear Review – Moultrie D40 Game Camera

by dustyvarmint

July 27, 2009

See the general note about dv’s Gear Reviews.

Product: The Moultrie D40 Game Camera

Overall Rating: ***+ (3.3 stars)

Specifications (from Moultrie’s website):

4.0 Mega pixels
Rapid response time captures moving game
60-day battery life
45-ft white flash ensures optimal viewable shots
Color day and night pictures
Video clips during the day
Imprinted time, date and camera ID on every photo or video
Laser and IR aim for quick and precise camera set-up
Multi-shot pictures (up to 3 shots)
Weather-resistant, airtight camera housing and seal
Operates on 6 D-cell batteries (sold separately)
Easy to operate LCD menu driven display

Cost: **** (4 stars). Typically $99.95 or less on sale. I like that price.

Performance: *** (3 stars). I don’t ask a lot from my game cameras. Take pictures or videos reliably and I’m set. Trigger time is 3 seconds from wake up (see Chasingame.com’s review). This makes it a better food plot or feed station camera than a trail camera.

Battery life: Here’s the weak link in this camera. My cameras are deployed 3.5 hours away. In the summer I visit as seldom as every 30-45 days and in the winter my visits range from 14-21 days apart. If the camera quits working then it isn’t much good to me. Summer performance, especially when coupled with a solar panel and auxiliary 12 volt battery (this’ll be the subject of another blog), is 30-60 days. In the cold temperatures of winter I’ll sometimes only get 10 days of service from good quality batteries. At one dollar per battery for a total of $6 per crack (refer to Consumer Report’s battery testing) the cost of batteries per season starts to make this camera less attractive when compared to my Scout Guard 550 (review to follow in the future).

Picture quality: Good and good enough for scouting game. See the two top photos in Best Of Trail Camera Photos - May/June 2009 for samples.

Set up: Set up is easy/intuitive even without reading the manual.

Security: The D40 is not easily secured as provided. I recommend the use of a security box which I’ll feature in a future DIY blog.

Manufacturer’s Customer Service: *** (3 stars). I’m in the middle, on the fence on this one. When I called to have a camera repaired they were initially stand-offish since I didn’t enter a purchase date in the warranty registration form on the website. There were two problems with that. First, the camera was a gift from my brother. Second, there is no option or spare space to enter the purchase date on the online form. I now mail in the card supplied with the camera. However, when I sent in my D40 Moultrie with a written explanation Moultrie repaired my camera in a timely manner without additional charge.

Source: Gift from brother (I blame him for my current infatuation with game cameras).

General notes: For feeding stations or food plots this is a great little game camera. They are popular and rated well among consumers. The price is reasonable. It’s easy to use. The pictures are great. I would like to see better battery life.

happy hunting, dv

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Magnet Gun Caddy A Handy Device

by Moose

July 19, 2009

I remember it like it was yesterday but it was actually a few years ago when I found myself looking down the muzzle of a 12 gauge. Although no one was holding on to it at the time, someone had laid it across a pickup truck toolbox, I turned my head as I walked towards my truck and it was just mere inches from my nose. It startled me and with a number of people in and around the truck it was still quite unnerving. Muzzle control is of utmost importance when it comes to gun safety and even guns that are out of our hands when we take a break.
I was given a Magnet Gun Caddy to try out but it came in at the end of turkey season and I haven’t had much opportunity to try it out.

A Smarter Way to Rest Your Gun
The Magnet Gun Caddy is designed to provide a handy place to rest and protect your gun and your car. Whether you are getting ready to begin your hunt, just taking a break to water your dogs, or returning from a rewarding experience in the field, the Magnet Gun Caddy provides a fast and convenient way to rest your gun. Remember, NEVER use the Magnet Gun Caddy with a loaded gun.

Well with some work days coming up and the sightings of a coyote at the last one it seemed like a pretty good idea that we keep some fire power close by. I wanted to check the zero on my 243 so it gave me a chance to try the Magnet Caddy out. I’m sure if you’re like me you’ve rested your gun against a truck. A good way to scratch the truck and certainly dangerous if that gun is loaded. The Magnet Caddy will securely hold your unloaded gun in place against your truck or any other steel object.
I was pretty impressed with the Magnet Gun Caddy and think it is something I’ll use regularly. It has been made a permanent addition to my truck toolbox so it will always be handy.
I would think with dove season coming up soon that this would be a product a lot of folks could use. Dove hunting is a big family event here in the south and what a better time to reinforce gun safety and to make sure all those muzzles are pointed up in a safe direction.

Order Info

Written by Moose · Filed Under Blogs, Hunting, Network Blogs