by Jackson | Mar 3, 2014 | Compound Bows
First off, I love bow names. The Sinister just makes me happy. Don’t let the name fool you. For a ready to shoot package, this beast not only gives you super performance, but you’re going to get a much lighter and smaller bow that makes it easier to take anywhere and that is what makes it Sinister.
This bow shoots fast, quiet, and it’s deadly. Here is the Amazon link so you can check it out yourself.
PSE Sinister Ready to Shoot Package
Bow specifications
- Axle to Axle – 28″
- Brace Height – 7 1/4″
- Weight – 3.9 lbs
- Draw weight – 50-60, or 60-70
- Draw length – 25.5″ – 30.5″
- Arrow speed – 319-327 fps
What’s included
- Aries bow sight
- Whisker biscuit arrow rest
- Mongoose 6 arrow quiver
- Flextech stabilizer
- Neoprene bow sling
- peep sight
- nock loop
Not included
- arrows
- trigger release
- bow case
- target
Special notes
- This is the Ready to Shot Package version.
- Easily adjusted with Allen wrenches
- Comes in right and left hand options
- Comes in different draw weight ranges
There are several Pros for this bow. The first is that this bow is smaller than many other bows. The second is that it’s lighter than other bows. These two things make it great for taking it into to tree stands, long hikes, or thick brush areas. You can adjust your own setting with just an Allen wrench. The PSE Sinister has 10 different notch settings for you to choose.
The ready to shoot package takes so many things out of your mind. It comes ready to shoot, you just need the arrows and something to shoot at. The Aries sight is a 3 pin sight with fiber optic strands to help catch light. You get a Mongoose 6 arrow quiver that mounts to the bow. The bow sling is really handy for making sure you don’t drop your bow. The nock loop is for your trigger release that you use. It really comes ready to shoot which is great!
PSE Sinister Ready to Shoot Package
There are a few cons that you should know about as well. First, the bow has a bit of a strong cam cycle that might take a bit of getting used to. It does have a 75% let off once you get drawn back all the way. The peep sight isn’t the best and it might need to be replaced after a short time. That’s about it for the negatives.
The price can vary a lot for this bow. The one that I’ve linked to is a ready to shoot package. If you already have all the other accessories, then check out getting just the bow. It’s a great bow no matter what and I’m sure you’ll like it.
As always, I recommend you take it to a bow shop after you get it just to make sure everything is good to go.
Checkout the PSE Sinister Ready to Shoot Package
It’s one that you’ll greatly enjoy shooting and hunting with.
I do use affiliate links to Amazon in this post. If you click them and make a purchase, I will make a small commission, but it won’t cost you anything. It will help me to make this site better serve all your archery needs. My PSE sinister review is my own and I was not given anything for this review.
by Jackson | Feb 17, 2014 | How to
One question that I have been asked before is, ” How do I find an archery range near me?” It’s a big question, but if you live close to a good size population, then there’s really good hope for you. I’m not trying to ignore people in a small town, it’s just that the smaller the town, the fewer the options.
I’m going to answer the question with another question.
Do you want to find a place to shoot your bow by yourself, or are you looking for a place to shoot your bow with other people?
If you are just looking to shoot your bow by yourself, then an archery range is the ideal spot.
An archery club is a group of people who either shoot together or by themselves. They normally have their own range set up for members to use when they want. This is my preference if you can’t tell. Walking around doing 3D target shooting and getting to hang out and ask any question you want is pretty amazing.
Archery range
Where to look
My Archery Range and Archery Club List– this list contains over 2000 archery clubs, ranges and sportsmens associations .
Looking in person
Outdoor stores and archery shops are the two best places to check out. You normally find a board of people posting their latest hunts or other information. I’d even recommend asking the staff. Don’t get mad if they don’t know. They are a retail sales employee and not an expert in the entire archery field. They normally are really helpful though.
Other spots to consider are any kind of hunting stores. If you’re in an area that has a lot of hunting, you’ll also find feed and supply stores that sell deer corn, stands, and etc. These are decent spots to check out too.
I’ve also seen a lot of gun ranges that have an archery section. So if you get stumped looking around for an archery range near you, then try going to a gun range and seeing if they know anyone.
Searching online
You can of course Google archery ranges and archery clubs online, but sometimes that won’t get you everything you’re looking for. Here are a few other places to help you find what you’re looking for.
USA Archery – They do olympic shooting, but it’s always worth checking out to see if you happen to be near one.
3Dshoots.com – They have a huge list of archery clubs all across the US
I had a rough time finding clubs internationally, at least all in one website, so you just might have to search by country if you’re somewhere else in the world.
Don’t forget you can shoot at home
Most of the time, you can still shoot at your home or somewhere very close as well. It’s a lot of fun to go out and shoot other places, but don’t forget your own backyard.
Go have some fun.
by Jackson | Feb 10, 2014 | Types of Bows
So you want to get into archery? That’s awesome and I support you. How about a bit of history and random info to make you want to shoot a bow just a little bit more. This is the quick and short version. Feel free to read the whole thing on Wikipedia.
According to legends, bows and arrows originated around sixteen thousand years ago. In fact, most experts in the field believe that humans have an inborn talent of archery. The oldest arrowheads were first found in the South African caves. Bow fragments were discovered in Germany dating from 8,000B.C. The second bow fragments were not far from there. They were found in Denmark and dated from 6,000 B.C. Over the years, archery equipment and styles have evolved. Archery is not just a sport or used for hunting, but offers many other benefits.
Archery for beginners
Benefits of Archery for Beginners
Bows and arrows have always been used for many purposes. The primary purpose has always been self-protection and hunting. In ancient times, bows and arrows were also used as currency. They were used as a medium of exchange. I’d have a hard time selling my bow.
According to archery history, man has been closely associated with archery for a very long time. In modern times, the scope of archery has expanded. People use it to serve many functions. Some people use it for hunting, while others consider archery to be a sport. In recent years, archery has been quite famous in international sporting events like Olympics. Movies and books have also helped to make archery even more popular.
With advancements in technology, archery has been changing steadily. Technology has been responsible for significantly improving the build, design and construction of bows and arrows. Crossbows are one good example of such weapons. The modern compound bow design has probably been the single biggest change in archery over its entire history.
Although archery has never been associated with a specific culture, there are some particular regions and geographical locations which have been famous for this activity. In archery history, English archers, West German archers, Chinese archers, and Brazilian archers have been quite famous.
Due to its popularity, archery has become a big industry in many parts of the world. There are many companies which manufacture and sell archery equipment in many different designs and sizes. Different kinds of materials are used to make bows stronger and arrows more lightweight. This is why it can get pretty complex looking at all the things available.
Some Basic Tips
There are many archers who use modern bows and arrows, and favor a strong shooting form. These bows and arrows come with mechanical attachments,releases, and more. These aids can help you have better form, shoot more accurately, and produce better results.
In order to achieve proper shooting form, and even increase the accuracy of your shots, it is always better to hold the bow at full or complete draw. While shooting the arrow, there should not be any sort of mental or physical glitches. If you’re just a beginner, you should consistently practice with a bow and arrow. A strong focus and doing the same thing for every shot should be more important than hitting the target at first.
My favorite tip is this. Take your cellphone and video yourself shooting your bow. It really helps when you can see what you like from a few different angles. If you drop your bow after the shot or aren’t pulling back correctly, then having a video can be super helpful.
A good training school or class can be very beneficial for beginners. These days, you can also find some online tutorials to help you learn archery or brush up your skills. There are hundreds of thousands of people worldwide who love archery. If you need help, then you can get it in pretty much any way possible.
Go have fun and get started.
by Jackson | Feb 3, 2014 | Reviews
It’s extremely important to shoot the best that you can. One of the very best ways to make sure that your accuracy is good is to shoot the best carbon arrows that you can get your hands on. I’m a massive fan of carbon arrows for anyone getting into archery. They should be high up on your list of priorities in terms of equipment. They are the only thing that actually flies through the air and hits an object.
First time buying carbon arrows?
Don’t worry, these are all very good arrows and I’m only going to show you ones that already have vanes attached. There are a few things you should know when you buy arrows.
- They normally come full length ( about 32″)and you have to get them cut to your length and an insert glued in. If you buy arrows in person, this normally gets done for free.
- Arrows come in different degrees of stiffness called “spine.” You’ll find a chart for the arrows you want, normally on the box, that will tell you which one you should get. I also have a link to the right chart if I could find it.
- Don’t worry about which vanes on back of the arrow. Unless you’re shooting a very special setup, all the vanes below will work fine for a compound and the bottom extra arrows work well for traditional bows.
- If you do get the carbon arrows with feathers for a traditional bow, the nock will most likely not be lined up correctly. It’s set for a compound bow. You just turn the nock 90 degrees either way and you’re good to go.
The best carbon arrows
In no particular order
Carbon Express PileDriver Hunter Arrow – The Pile Driver is a solid and heavier than normal carbon arrow. The extra thickness gives it extra weight, penetration, and durability. That extra weight makes for a hard impact no matter what you’re shooting at. They come in two spines of 250 and 350. Priced around $90-150 for a dozen, you’ll get your money’s worth out of them.
Gold Tip Expedition Hunter Carbon Arrows.
– A great arrow with solid craftsmanship. These arrows are tough and good on a budget. They come in three different spines. Be aware that these shafts are just a bit shorter than normal at 30.5″ if you have a long draw length. It shouldn’t affect 80% of archers. Priced around $65-85 for a dozen.
Beman ICS Hunter Arrow
High quality arrows with a 2″ vane makes for an excellent shot. These even come with a vibration dampener to help the arrow maintain accuracy. You’ll have a good experience with these. They come in three different spines. Priced around $90-120 for a dozen.
Easton Flatline Arrows
– These carbon arrows are light and fast. At 8.2 grains per inch, you’ll be shooting very flat. These have the 2″ blazer vanes for a tight spiral. Easton has a reputation for good products for a reason. Priced around $100-120 for a dozen.
Cabela’s Stalker Extreme Carbon Arrows – These arrows are tough and very good quality. They shoot very flat and stand up to a fair amount of abuse. They come in two different spines. I was surprised how much I liked these when I first tried them out. Priced around $85-90. Spine chart is on the product page.
Cabela’s Stalker Extreme with Feathers – These are the ones that I’m currently shooting on my traditional setup. Just pick the 55/70 spine for a traditional bow. They shoot very flat and hit hard. Priced around $50 FOR SIX.
If you want to buy the best carbon arrows for the money, then you’ll definitely get your money’s worth by choosing any of these. Be sure to check your arrows for any cracks or defects on arrival and after any miss. It only takes a second and could save you some problems.
Some of these links go to Amazon. They are affiliate links and I will make a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. It will not affect your price at all. It will go to helping make this a better site and resource for others.
Go have fun!
by Jackson | Jan 21, 2014 | Reviews
One of the very cool things about modern archery has been the invention of mechanical broad heads. The best mechanical broadheads are made of metal construction and stay in a compact shape just like a filled point until impact where they open up to have a larger cutting pattern then you can have with a fixed broadhead.
Typical mechanical broadhead
Tips on using mechanical broadheads
If you are going to use a mechanical broadhead, you want to be sure to do a few things first. The first thing that you want to do is to make sure and use a fields point of the same gram weight as the mechanical broad head you want to use.
The second thing is to make sure that you have plenty of spare bands or blades if you damage or break a broad head. I’d also recommend getting the practice blades, normally around $15-20. These let you shoot the real broad head you want to use without wasting the targets and good blades. O-rings are made to be cut when the head opens so they are a one time use item, but they’re really cheap.
Some mechanical broadheads are made to open at the slightest pressure while others are meant to need a bit more pressure so that they can be shot through a mesh or camouflage screen. Either way, you don’t want to put your broadheads in a quiver where the point is shoved in some foam or padding because it can make the blades deploy on accident. I won’t mention grains below since most come in at least 2 different grains.
Now on to the good stuff.
The 5 best mechanical broadheads
Swhacker 100 Grain 2-Inch Cut Broadhead
– You get a three pack of 2 inch cutting diameter 2 blade broad heads. The S Whacker Broadhead is made with great quality and will fly just like your field point, so you don’t have to adjust your aim. This mechanical broadhead is held in place with a shrink band. You can buy a box of shrink bands for about 2 or 3 dollars. The 2 blade mechanical heads have just a bit more metal than a 3 blade to be used for strengthening the mechanical components, just my opinion. Priced around $25-30
Rage X-treme Two Blade Broadhead
– Rage has made a high quality mechanical broadhead for a very long time. This is a 2 blade broadhead with an impressive 2.3″ cutting diameter. These have made an update by not using shrink bands, instead, you’ll find a plastic shock collar which is made to open with a bit more force so you can shoot through mesh. Some people have said the blades are a bit thin, but that’s why they’re replaceable. Priced around $35-50.
Allen Spider Mechanical Broadheads
– A really good quality budget broadhead. Granted, I’m a fan of Allen for all those budget hunters out there, but these really do a good job. They are a 3 blade 1-1/2″cutting diameter that do exactly what they’re made to do. You might want to check and make sure the blades are sharp for these when you get them. Some people have said they had issues getting these to shoot right. If that happens, I’d check your arrow alignment and try all the broadheads, with a practice blade of course. Priced around $10-20.
New Archery Products Spitfire® Broadhead – A high quality 3 blade broadhead with a 1-1/4″ cutting diameter head that flies great. These tips don’t use o-rings. They have a retaining clip built inside the broadhead. These have little ferrules down the length of the tip to help in flight stabilization making them fly very good. Their practice heads and blades are supposed to fly the same so you can save the hunting blades for actual hunting. Just be sure that the head is completely clean and clear of debris that could keep it from working. You are supposed to replace the inside retainer clip after every 5 shots just so you know. Priced around $30-55.
Grim Reaper Razor Tip 2-Inch 3 Blade – The Grim Reaper is a 3 blade broadhead with a 2″ cutting diameter. These fly great and the pack even comes with a practice tip so you don’t have to mess up the good blades. These are made for high fps bows, but I’ve never heard of any problem of them not working with any compound. As long as you make a good shot, these will do their job. Priced around $30-38.
These are all great mechanical broadheads that will help you to have a successful hunt.
I appreciate your time and wish you the best
