Top 5 best/worst gear purchases

[DelaWhere_Arrow]

Best (not in order):
1#bitzenberger 2#ropeman 1 3#Bushnell Legend M series 4#CBE Slider sight 5#Switching to mobile hunting set up 6#onX

Worst (not in order)
1#fanny packs (keep buying new and never use them) 2#trail cameras(never have time to check them or set them up) 3#ladder stands (when you hunt alone the are an absolute pain to move so I wasted a few years of hunting not moving them)

I just wish my fanny pack fit a hydration bladder, which is why I use my pack more often.
I also love my fletching jig, although it’s a bohning and not a bitz. Couldn’t get my arrows fletched well at nearby shops.

 

[d_rek]

In no particular order...

Best
Saddles - particularly aerohunter kestrel and tethrd mantis
Ropeman 1 - no more fussy prussiks for me
Saddle platform - game changer for comfort
Prime Bows - they're like the cadillac of compound bows! Can't see myself shooting anything else.
$10 clearance rack gerber fixed blade gut hook knife - Been through double digit animals, holds an edge better than anything in my kitchen, and is just a damned good knife.

Worst
Danner hunting boots + shoes - leaked and fell apart within a season. Owned a pair of danner hikers and the sizing was awful, gave me foot cramps.
Trophyline tree saddle - my hips ache just thinking about that thing
Buttout - it's great until it breaks inside the, uh, animal.
Most deer calls - they're all varying degrees of worthless here in Michigan
knockoff microsuede camo tape - Bought some from a local company and all it managed to do was peel and leave sticky residue on my gear. Back to stealth strips for me...

 

[Murph4028]

In no particular order...

Best
Saddles - particularly aerohunter kestrel and tethrd mantis
Ropeman 1 - no more fussy prussiks for me
Saddle platform - game changer for comfort
Prime Bows - they're like the cadillac of compound bows! Can't see myself shooting anything else.
$10 clearance rack gerber fixed blade gut hook knife - Been through double digit animals, holds an edge better than anything in my kitchen, and is just a damned good knife.

Worst
Danner hunting boots + shoes - leaked and fell apart within a season. Owned a pair of danner hikers and the sizing was awful, gave me foot cramps.
Trophyline tree saddle - my hips ache just thinking about that thing
Buttout - it's great until it breaks inside the, uh, animal.
Most deer calls - they're all varying degrees of worthless here in Michigan
knockoff microsuede camo tape - Bought some from a local company and all it managed to do was peel and leave sticky residue on my gear. Back to stealth strips for me...

So what makes prime bows so awesome? I've seen nothing but good things said about them. I've never owned a 1000 dollar bow because I've always been satisfied with a decent PSE. But on the next one I may get something really nice

 

[d_rek]

So what makes prime bows so awesome? I've seen nothing but good things said about them. I've never owned a 1000 dollar bow because I've always been satisfied with a decent PSE. But on the next one I may get something really nice

Quality of components, quality of machining tolerances of said components, excellent fit and finish, very easy to tune, the parallel cams eliminate almost all cam lean issues, shoot like a dream, and have a solid factory warranty.

You don't have to buy one new. Find a newer used model - say 1 or 2 years old - on ArcheryTalk to get a feel for them. Should be able to snag a Centergy or a Logic for $500 or less now. If you wait until next year the Logic CT series (3/5/9) should hit classifieds for well under 25% off retail, if they aren't already. My next bow will be a logic ct9. It's Primes split limb hybrid hunting/target bow with a long ATA. I shot one for a while at total archery and it just felt great in the hand. Can't wait to get one!

 

[BuckFutter]

Best:
knock Off schwacker broad heads
Lacrosse aeroheads
Summit titan climber
Ophir rch with diy fleece saddle
Helium sticks
Midway usa $20 hunter creek bibs

Worst:
First lite obsidian pants
Mankini green mesh saddle
Nikon arrow id 5000 Rangefinder
Fire Knocks
Black eagle titan arrows




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[Murph4028]

Quality of components, quality of machining tolerances of said components, excellent fit and finish, very easy to tune, the parallel cams eliminate almost all cam lean issues, shoot like a dream, and have a solid factory warranty.

You don't have to buy one new. Find a newer used model - say 1 or 2 years old - on ArcheryTalk to get a feel for them. Should be able to snag a Centergy or a Logic for $500 or less now. If you wait until next year the Logic CT series (3/5/9) should hit classifieds for well under 25% off retail, if they aren't already. My next bow will be a logic ct9. It's Primes split limb hybrid hunting/target bow with a long ATA. I shot one for a while at total archery and it just felt great in the hand. Can't wait to get one!

Ok makes sense. Thanks for the info

 

[Patriot]

Best
- milkweed ; great and free
- Predator
-Kestrel - for me the comfort is superior
- Thermacel
- Rage - a shot with rage is like sex, even when it’s bad it’s still pretty dang good

Honorable mention; stealth strips, ropeman, CAYG, new helium’s (modified of course), LW stands bc admit it, that’s where you first started as a mobile hunter.

Worst
- my 28lb gear guide climber. Thing was a death trap, huge loud AF and bulky
- Montec BH. killed deer with it but they seem to rust with so much as a humid day!
- paracord as pull rope, big mess
- third hand archery bow holder - it’s awesome but Hawk makes one
literally 80% cheaper
- might be my climb rite spurs unless I start getting more comfy real soon. I’m not scared all the time but I’m also not comfortable. I’m going to keep trying though.

Dishonorable mention:
OnX, I can’t figure it out but my Hunstand app is easy. Is it just me???

 

[LateRiser]

Best:
1) Wild Edge steps (+knaider and swaider) - ability to keep climbing method in my pack all day, but be able to get 20 feet up if I want has been a game changer. I sometimes cover 4-5 miles scouting/hunting and having sticks poking out and catching on brush drove me insane.
2) Kestrel/Mantis - haven't figured out which one I'm going to keep, but as above, being able to keep a saddle in my pack and bring it out of I want to get in a tree, without needing to carry a stand, is such a huge bonus.
3) Ropeman 1. Lineman's belt and tether, it just works
4) High quality hunting clothes (Kuiu and Sitka) - given the amount of ground I cover, and the different weather, having a system based on western hunting with layers (merino base, fleece or breathable insulation mid, soft or hard shell outer), makes it so I can avoid sweating while hiking, but also sit for hours without freezing once I get where I'm going. Clothes that are super lightweight, warm, packable and quick drying. Most whitetail gear is awful and dangerous in the winter if you're in deep.
5) Gaiters - over my hiking boots, or over my Mucks if I'm not going somewhere with hills. Keeps your pants dry from wet grass, keeps things out of your boots, and keeps water out of your boots if you dunk yourself up to your knees. Another western hunting thing that has huge benefits for eastern woods.
6) FHF or Kuiu bino harness. Keeps binos on my chest with no noticeable weight, rides under my pack like nothing, also holds my coin purse full of milkweed, a grunt call and my range finder, protects binos, easy to take out with one hand, silent.
7) High quality western style pack. If I bring a stand instead of a saddle, it can go in the meat shelf. Lightweight, can carry extra clothes, water, snacks, kill kit, first aid, light. And can carry a deer out if I kill one - quarter it up, no dragging. And because they're made to carry 80+lbs comfortably, carrying 20-30 feels like nothing. I hiked 3600 vertical feet last week with 30 lbs in my pack and never really noticed I was carrying anything.

Bonus edit, because paracord keeps coming up: making a figure 8 between your fingers when storing paracord. Game changer, haven't had a tangle or snag since.

Worst:
1) scent control anything - the amount of time I spent trying to keep myself and my gear scent free took away from time in the woods, was a pain in the ass, did nothing, made me pay attention to the wrong things, kept me from buying high quality clothing. Now I just get dressed at home, drive where I'm going, grab my pack and bow and I'm hunting.
2) scent wicks, deer urine, buck bombs, etc. - even if they do work, they're blowing downwind, which is where my scent is also going. And putting out a scent wick out means I've walked to the spot I put it, leaving ground scent where I want a deer to come.
3) Climbers - loud, bulky, heavy. Can't believe how many miles I covered with one of those on my back. Ugh.
4) Lone Wolf sticks - too long, one step, annoying in every way
5) Outdoor Edge folding knife - piece of crap, heavy, dulls quickly

 

[DelaWhere_Arrow]

Best:
1) Wild Edge steps (+knaider and swaider) - ability to keep climbing method in my pack all day, but be able to get 20 feet up if I want has been a game changer. I sometimes cover 4-5 miles scouting/hunting and having sticks poking out and catching on brush drove me insane.
2) Kestrel/Mantis - haven't figured out which one I'm going to keep, but as above, being able to keep a saddle in my pack and bring it out of I want to get in a tree, without needing to carry a stand, is such a huge bonus.
3) Ropeman 1. Lineman's belt and tether, it just works
4) High quality hunting clothes (Kuiu and Sitka) - given the amount of ground I cover, and the different weather, having a system based on western hunting with layers (merino base, fleece or breathable insulation mid, soft or hard shell outer), makes it so I can avoid sweating while hiking, but also sit for hours without freezing once I get where I'm going. Clothes that are super lightweight, warm, packable and quick drying. Most whitetail gear is awful and dangerous in the winter if you're in deep.
5) Gaiters - over my hiking boots, or over my Mucks if I'm not going somewhere with hills. Keeps your pants dry from wet grass, keeps things out of your boots, and keeps water out of your boots if you dunk yourself up to your knees. Another western hunting thing that has huge benefits for eastern woods.
6) FHF or Kuiu bino harness. Keeps binos on my chest with no noticeable weight, rides under my pack like nothing, also holds my coin purse full of milkweed, a grunt call and my range finder, protects binos, easy to take out with one hand, silent.
7) High quality western style pack. If I bring a stand instead of a saddle, it can go in the meat shelf. Lightweight, can carry extra clothes, water, snacks, kill kit, first aid, light. And can carry a deer out if I kill one - quarter it up, no dragging. And because they're made to carry 80+lbs comfortably, carrying 20-30 feels like nothing. I hiked 3600 vertical feet last week with 30 lbs in my pack and never really noticed I was carrying anything.

Bonus edit, because paracord keeps coming up: making a figure 8 between your fingers when storing paracord. Game changer, haven't had a tangle or snag since.

Worst:
1) scent control anything - the amount of time I spent trying to keep myself and my gear scent free took away from time in the woods, was a pain in the ass, did nothing, made me pay attention to the wrong things, kept me from buying high quality clothing. Now I just get dressed at home, drive where I'm going, grab my pack and bow and I'm hunting.
2) scent wicks, deer urine, buck bombs, etc. - even if they do work, they're blowing downwind, which is where my scent is also going. And putting out a scent wick out means I've walked to the spot I put it, leaving ground scent where I want a deer to come.
3) Climbers - loud, bulky, heavy. Can't believe how many miles I covered with one of those on my back. Ugh.
4) Lone Wolf sticks - too long, one step, annoying in every way
5) Outdoor Edge folding knife - piece of crap, heavy, dulls quickly

Only thing I disagree with is my OE folder, which has a really nice zipper blade that completely prevents nicking guts and minimizes hair on meat.
That said, I really like this list.

 

[Apex7]

Best
Electric hunting bike
Lonewolf sticks
Wildedge steps
5 foot aider
Ropeman 1
Worst
Sherpa deer cart
Montec broadheads
Red and white static rope from REI.
Loc-on treestand
Camo face paint

 

[dpierce72]

BEST

• Lone Wolf Stands (the original) - where my mobile journey began so have to pay homage ...(Now Mantis Saddle / Predator Platform)
• BEAST Sticks & CAYG aider / Pole Climbers - My two ways up a tree
• Hand Warmers (I hate thick gloves)
• Thermal (I also hate mosquitoes)
• Merino Wool

Also in contention: Paranta Havalon Knives (I can sharpen them ...but now I don't have to), Binoculars, Milk Weed, Ropeman 1, Gaiters for non-rubber boots, Rage broad heads

What I hope to add: high quality spotting scope, e bike

WORST

• Packs
  • I can never find something I'm satisfied with. Spent more on packs than bows and guns it feels like
• Screw in Bow Holders
• 4+ step aiders (I believe more people will get injured with this method than all other methods of ascending/descending combined before it's said and done)
• Tinks 69, wicks, storage bottles
• 5 pin sites (I've tried them ...but I'm a single pin shooter)

 

[Tbird]

Best
1Thread injectors- have build 3 saddles, tipi, tut, and a pack
2 kifaru packs
3 predator platform- went diy 1st and worked but predator is simpler and faster
4 limb driver rest-hamskea
5 Hoyt carbon bows are my jam
6 Lowa Tibet boots
7 onxmaps
8 Sitka clothing. -shacket, fantatic hoody and vest prefect.


Worst
1 Cheap pos packs-had one from every brand and they all suck
2 Irish setter boots-rut master 2.0
3 Elite bows-love back wall, hate the rest and zero resale value
4 Trail cams in general- other than inventory huge waste of time that has never lead to an actual kill-burned more spots looking for pics
5 Rage broadheads- cost me a 170 inch public land buck because it didn’t open . Found buried in dirt still closed. Lost a second buck in ms with them yr later
6 summit sd viper- loudest pos stand that would pop and creak anytime less that 30 degrees- the on with the round tubing.
7 Muddy pro sticks- same as summit, heavy, popping steps.

 

[woodsdog2]

Best:

1. Rem 870 with an open sight slug barrel (mine is a 12ga.)- great deer, bear and turkey gun, get a "bird" barrel for anything else! You can hunt anything in the world with this simple set up.
2. Truglo (red, green, blue) dot sight. Cheapest but most durable "red dot" that's killed a lot of deer on the above 870
3. Matthews Legacy - Killed my first PY qualified buck with it in '04. I do have other bows and they are great, but this one is probably my favorite and its bomb proof.
4. Tethrd Mantis Saddle- safety, comfort and modularity. Someone said it earlier, this truly is a "game changer" for mobile deer hunting
5. Any great bow press (Check out LCA's Easy Green) or the Pack 'n Press on Archery Talk. Very portable and can do XBows too.
(Honorable mention) Bitzenburger fletching jig with Rhelical and Straight clamps and a "TM" nock receiver- Can fletch sure about anything including Xbow bolts plus they're US made and still in business in Michigan!!! I got a new magnet for mine this spring, called them up and $15 STYD.
I'll also have to mention my Summit Viper climber..... its like sitting in a lazy boy 18 ft. up a tree!! Not for long walks though unless training for the SFAS.

Worst:

1. Any small diameter broadheads.... was lazy on tuning several years ago and lost a great buck shooting a 7/8" diameter fixed blade head during the pre-mechanical years. I'm not saying mechanicals are the be all end all and I'm using a fixed blade head presently, but my point is just make sure you use a head that flies well and has a minimum 1.25-1.5" cutting diameter. I'm sure I would have had a different outcome with a larger diameter head.
2. Any two-piece grunt call. You'll lose one end or the other eventually. Love the HS Tru-talker or whatever its called. I think its coming back this year BTW.
3. Cheap bowstring and cable material.... stretching strings and cables are a curse
4. Lightweight arrows.... never sacrifice momentum for speed.
5. Noisy hunting clothes and equipment! If it fails the "fingernail" test, don't buy it.

 

[bj139]

Sometimes my worst purchases turn out to be my best purchases when I find out how to use them.

 

[Vulocity]

Worst:
To make it on this list, I thought about the things I've owned, that if I was given for free, I'd either decline, or give away without thinking twice.

1. LaCrosse AeroHead 7mm - Uncomfortable. Constricted blood flow to my feet.
2. Alps Outdoor Fanny Pack - I wanted to be a fanny pack guy. There something appealing about being able to go in with so little gear that it all fits into a Hunting Waist Satchel of Death (trademark pending). Except, you throw a bottle of water in there, some snacks and a kill kit and next thing you know, every other steps requires you to pull it up from around your butt. Shoulder straps would have been nice.
3. High End knives. I just worried too much about them in the field. Plus, big fixed blades are heavy. Now, I I only carry a Browning 918 folder that was given to me as a gift and a Gerber Vital as a back up.
4. Badlands SuperDay Pack. Too many small compartments that ended up making it feel so small for such a large and heavy bag.
5. Primal V Steps. Tried them with stock straps, WE ropes, with aiders, Swaiders, Knaiders, etc. It's just not the right system for me. Too much messing around with stuff.
6. Lone Wolf Assault Hand Climber. Used it because I needed a light set up. Sold it because I found a better system.

Best:

To make it on this list, I thought about things I'd buy again if they broke or got lost that most people wouldn't immediately think of. Obvious things like bows, arrows, and packs were left off this list.

1. Garmin GPS with OnX subscription. I have an old phone so my battery dies too quickly to use the app only. I often hunt locations that I've never scouted. To navigate to my intended stand site in the dark would be impossible. The ability to search areas from home and then create waypoints for navigation saves me hours of wandering around and guessing in the dark.
2. Camo neck gaiter made from stretchy nylon. I didn't even buy this. I found it in the parking lot of a Cabela's, washed it and have been using it ever since. Sometimes I'll use it as a hat, other times, I'll use it as a face mask. Sometimes, I just use it as a regular neck gaiter to keep the warm in on chilly mornings.
3. Kenetrek Gaiters - I used to think gaiters were silly. But the hours it saves me from not having to peel off stickers and burrs from my pants, or the fact that I don't end up with wet pant legs from the morning dew makes it worth every penny I spent on them.
4. Frogg Togg Overboots - After I gave my AeroHunters away, I still needed a way to get across the streams. These things are incredible. Yes, they add weight if you're packing them in, but you can absolutely just hide them at the bank of the stream once you've crossed it. They fit so well over my boots I hunted with them on the entire gun season opener. Until I find a pair of comfortable, waterproof, knee high boots, these will continue to go with me on hunts where I expect to encounter water.
5. Guide Gear Treestand Umbrella - This thing saved my hide last year. Those who have one know what I'm talking about. Buy one, keep it in the back of your truck. If there's a possibility of rain, bring it and thank me later.
6. Darn Tough socks. Wool socks with unconditional warranty for life. It doesn't matter if I'm in Alaska or Arizona, if I'm outdoors with my hiking boots on, I'm also wearing a pair of these socks.
7. Sewing Awl - Don't have a saddle? Make one. Don't have a gear strap? Stitch it. Need to build a sw/knaider? No problem. If you can tie a fishing hook, you can learn how to sew with this thing.

 

[Aeds151]

Added
Best
Anything/everything on doublesteps.com
First Lite Sawbuck pants @Dkiss103 Thanks!





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[Lawson_vt]

Best:
1. Saddle/Platform-Way more efficient than the climber listed in the worse list lol.
2. Trail cameras, I wouldn't have killed the buck I did last year without running cameras that summer/fall. I have been able to learn a TON of info about travel patterns and bedding. I try not to lean on them as a crutch as much as possible, but they have been invaluable to use as a learning tool .
3. High quality butchering tools-vac sealer, grinder, knifes, etc. Being able to process with high quality tools that don't fuss or make thing harder is great and makes things way faster.
4. Single pin sight, after years of suffering through "buck fever" and seeing pins on the deer and taking the shot I went to a single pin. I have noticed that my eye is now forced to focus on that single point and with more field of view-definitely makes me slow down and pick a spot.
5. Heavy arrow setup, have had much more success and confidence in my setup (Vertix @ 74lbs, w/478gr arrow @ 293fps). Previously shot a lightweight arrow around 415ish grains and had minimal penetration on a really nice buck and never found him, so learned the hard way. Last year I shot through both shoulders on a doe a 37yds with a rage hypodermic, wasn't trying to hit the shoulders but it happens and having a setup that can get through almost any bone in a deer is a must.


Worst:
1. Cheap boots-never again, bought a pair that was on sale at cabelas to save a few bucks and they are the biggest waste of money ever. The sole is attached to the liner so it bunches up and it is literally impossible to get your feet out...
2. Climbing treestand, have killed plenty of deer out of it but at about 33lbs and the size of a small fridge on your back it is a major pain to carry around the woods. Insanely bulky compared to a saddle.
3. Muzzy Hybrid HBs-I thought these broadheads were going to be a solid mix from fixed and mechanical. Wrong. They are impossible to practice with cause you don't get a practice head and the two mechanical blades don't fold back so if you shoot into a target then you will bend or break the blades off-a major pain in the ass. Also, killed 3 deer with them and every single time the mechanical blades never stayed open, never. Did I mention that they also whistle in flight.
4. Anything cotton.
5. Cheap gloves, my hands are my weakest link in the late season and with cheap gloves my hands get sweaty and end up frozen in less than a hour. Currently run a layered system and have had much better success staying comfortable.

 

[Aeds151]

@Lawson_vt
I gave up on gloves as it changed my anchor point. I bought a hand muff on midwayusa.com for $19.99. It is much warmer and I have hands free when its time.


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[Lawson_vt]

@Lawson_vt
I gabe up on gloves as it changed my anchor point. I bought a hand muff on midwayusa.com for $19.99. It is much warmer and I have hands free when its time.


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My issue is hands sweating, I tend to shoot without a glove on my release hand, so just take it off if I have time. I use a thin silk or merino glove under the primary insulating glove now and it is much better than the cotton or poly gloves I used to use.

 

[Blacksmith]

BEST: Anderson Tree Sling..
Coleman Camping Clothsline. Strap to saddle for Bow Pull Rope, Never Tangles for $12,
Black Widow Recurve, Best Bow .Ive Owned. Hawk Helliums, Tubular Tree Strap and Austria Alpin Buckle,Thanks to NutterBuster,

Worst: Ladder Stands That Weigh About 100 #, Climbing Stands That Make More Noise Than Four Kids in the Woods,
LaCrosse Aeroheads that Leaked Like a Screen Door After 2 Months,