KUIU's Tiburon System For Warmer Hunts

Recently, like just last week, KUIU annouced the release of their warm weather hunting system called Tiburon. I had the opportunity to read the latest release and read more about it on the KUIU blog and I must say, I'm excited for this system.

To me this sounds like a great set of camo that would work great for antelope season in August, elk season in September, and even as a layer into the late season. It gets very warm hunting for antelope and elk spot and stalk style in August and September. I'll admit it too, I sweat very easily. So when KUIU introduced a  warm weather hunting system claiming that it allows for maximum breathability, of course it perked my interest.

First off, the system is a Zip-T and Pant which are constructed from a unique Toray fabric advancement called Dot Air. One of the most important things to consider is the fabric of your camo. You want something that is durable, breathable, and quiet. This is where I think KUIU has exceeded expectations with the Tiburon system.

"Dot Air is constructed with micro-openings in the fabric designed to maximize breathability, allowing even the slightest breeze to pass through the fabric, keeping you cool in the warmest temperatures while still protecting you from the elements. The Tiburon system is 100% polyester, treated with Toray’s Kudos DWR for water repellency, quick drying, and most importantly quiet. Designed for versatility, both pieces can be worn next to skin, or over additional base layers in cooler temperatures."


Looking at the close up picture, you can see how is almost like a mesh type fabric only this fabric is a lot more durable than a pair of gym shorts. I would have to say that from the pictures and my reading, the Tiburon system is very versatile, breathable, and durable, KUIU has nailed it for a warm hunting system.

Weather in Idaho shifts so much just like many places. In August we will wake up to chilly temperatures in the morning and be up to 80-90 degree weather in the afternoon. So layering this system up next to my skin on those August antelope hunts would come in very handy. The versatility of using it like a base layer and then shedding the jacket to hunt in just the Tiburon system for the afternoon is very appealing.

“The Tiburon Zip-T and Pant are one of my favorite developments because it solves the problem of the wide temperature changes we face during summer and early fall hunts,” explains Jason Hariston, founder of KUIU. “I have tested the Tiburon on the coastal range in California during the summer in 100 degree heat and layered up underneath in 10 degree hunts in November.  I love the versatility of Tiburon.”

The Tiburon Zip-T and Pant comes in the Vias or Verde Camo pattern. The Zip-T weighs in at only 8.5 ounces while the Pants are only 12.5 ounces. A warm weather hunting system providing breathability, durability, and water repelling power at only 21 ounces is pretty outstanding. So what's the price for this system? The top comes in at $99.99 and the pant comes in at $139.99. While the price definitely isn't the cheapest around, the fact that they bypass the retail stores and sell directly to the consumer allows them to keep the price of the high quality clothing lower than if you were to buy it from a retail store.

So be sure to check them out and this is a brand new product so it currently isn't on the site yet, but you can preorder the Tiburon System by contacting KUIU. All around this looks like a great set up and I believe it will be a success for all the warm weather hunters out there looking for high quality camo.

Make sure you subscribe to the KUIU blog for updates on new KUIU products coming out and also make sure you go give KUIU a follow on Twitter at @KUIU and like the KUIU Facebook Page .


ABOUT KUIU: Based in Dixon, California, KUIU was founded in 2011 ­­­­­to provide customers with the world’s most advanced hunting layering system and equipment on the market. KUIU provides remarkable apparel and equipment that is light, packable, and dependable. By eliminating retailers and selling their products exclusively online, KUIU drives the ultimate shopping experience. They provide superior customer service, lower pricing, and the highest product quality. For additional information visit www.KUIU.com or call 1-855-367-5848 Monday-Friday from 9:00AM-5:00PM PST.

Smart Optix SM Field Guide - Gear Review

I recently had the opportunity to test out the SM Field Guide from Smart Optix which is a useful digiscoping adapter. With the hunting world booming on social media, tools like the SM Field Guide help hunters and outdoor enthusiasts share their experiences quickly and easily. Who doesn't want to snap some pictures with their smartphone and share them with their friends or family? This is where a digiscope adapter comes in handy. Here is a little story of the company and the initial product from President and Co-Founder Ross Varner:

“Our initial product was a cardboard and duct tape contraption that allowed my brother to capture and share what he saw with his friends and family. In that moment, Smart Optix was born. Since that time, we’ve focused on developing an innovative solution that would work for everyone, in both function and cost.”

Specs:

Weight: 12 oz.

Material: Polycarbonate ABS Blend

Max Eye Piece: 2.25″

Min Eye Piece: 1.0″

They sure have come a long way from cardboard and duct tape. The SM Field Guide digiscope adapter is packed full of benefits. Here are some of the easy adjustments that make this digiscope adapter stand out from the rest.

Adaptable to Any Scope

It easily adapts to any type of spotting scope. So if you ever switch spotting scopes or even if you're on a trip with some friends and they want to give it a try it easily adapts to any spotting scope.

Locking Adjustments

The adjustments lock in place as well. Once you make your adjustments to where your phone has the best field of view, you can lock the adjustment in place to ensure the exact same position the next time you pull it out of your pack.

Universal for Any Phone/Cover

This digiscope adapter easily adjust to any phone with or without a cover. It doesn't matter what phone or optics you are using, the adapter adjusts easily to either one. You can see in the picture that my phone is secured and there is plenty of room to the right for adjustments. Again no matter the size of your phone or even if it has the case attached, you can easily adjust the Field Guide to fit. 

I then put on an Otterbox cover on my phone and again it was easy to adjust and I was able to get my phone attached to start using the spotting scope. The SM Field Guide was quick and easy to use and a breeze to get use to. It made it that much more fun to look through a spotting scope.

I would definitely recommend this for anyone who has wanted to get into digiscoping but have been worried about changing phones, using a case, or changing spotting scopes. The price is very reasonable considering the longevity of the product knowing that you will be able to use this with any phone and any scope. 

The price of the Green SM Field Guide like the one seen is $59.99 and they also have them in camo as well. Considering that you'll probably upgrade your phone about every 2 years, you'll be happy that you don't have to spend anymore money to use your spotting scope adapter.

So head over and see check out what they have to offer on their website www.SmartOptix.com.
Also be sure to go follow them on Twitter @SmartOptix and head over and give them a like on the Smart Optix Facebook Page.

Disclaimer:

As with all reviews on High Country Bowhunter, the following review is my honest opinion, I received the SM Field Guide  free of charge and agreed to provide a review in exchange. I am not sponsored by or associated with Smart Optix and accepting no other compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

Upcoming 3-D Archery Shoot

My Sister-in-Law Sarah at the Shoot Last Year

I am part of the Upper Snake River Bowmen Club and they have a couple shoots in the near future. By near future I mean this weekend for starters. If you are in the area or want to make the trip, both of these shoots are great ones for you to take part in.

Annual Beaver Dick Shoot

Saturday April 20, 2013

Membership Drive

New Members Shoot Free

2 Ranges of 3-D Animal Targets

Registration Begins 8 AM

Last Flight at 3 PM

Chicks and Cubs Shoot with Parents

Or Special Kids Range

Costs: Buy a Membership and Shoot for Free

     Members $10           Non Members $15

 Youth $8                      Youth $12 

Family $25                     Family $35

Youth 12-17 years old

Membership Fees: Family $45 Single $30

BREAKFAST/LUNCH AVAILABLE

RAFFLE

Workday for set up Friday April 19 Noon to Completion

Here is a Map to the Park.
Just take Rexburg Exit 333 and head West on Highway 33


View Larger Map

The Benefits of Shooting 3-D Archery

As you can probably tell, I am getting a little anxious to get out and start hunting again. I am in the down season where predator hunting is the only season open right now and I’m looking forward to the summer/fall to cure this itch that I have. While this time of year is a point where not very much is open to hunt, I am taking advantage of practicing and participating in the many upcoming 3-D archery shoots. There are some big ones around here that are worth going to like The Bogus Challenge over in Boise Idaho or Bowcast at the Bird down in Utah where you get to scale the mountain to shoot realistic situations.

There is so much you can learn and grow from as a bowhunter by shooting 3-D targets. I’m not saying that shooting a block target is bad or that you should only shoot 3-D targets. When you get the chance to shoot at a life-sized deer, elk, turkey, or any animal you are pursuing, you gain that experience that you otherwise can't from just a block target. I wanted to share some of the benefits that I have gained.

Shot Placement

Sure the vitals on a deer are all in the same place, just as every elk has their vitals in the same place. But what happens when you get an animal just slightly quartering towards you or away from you? What about if they are bedded down? There are so many different possible situations that you could encounter while hunting that you couldn't possibly prepare for everyone, but you can prepare for a lot of them by shooting at life-size targets. Being able to set up a quartering shot, long distance shot, or even a kneeling shot will help prepare you for those situations better. You can also quickly walk up and analyze the shot placement, make any adjustments and try again. 

Realistic Situations

You can see different situations and scenarios in this picture

You spot your animal and you notice that there will be just this one little opening for a possible shot, should you take it or let it pass? Setting up a realistic situation is very easy to do and great practice. Set up your target with some brush in the way so you have to adjust a little, or even set it up at odd distances instead of at the regular 20,30, or 40 yards. sometimes those shots that are 36 or 43 are just enough to get you to over-think your shot. The two shoots I mentioned in the beginning are great examples of this as they are set up on a mountain and you scale the mountain to take your shot on different animals in different situations. 

Pure Enjoyment

Teaching my boy while he's young

When I shoot either at the 3-D range or at a local shoot, I am usually with friends or family when I go. Being able to have great company and friendly competition always adds to the level of enjoyment. Let's be honest, it is much more fun to shoot at something that resembles the animal you will be pursuing rather than a cube. Having friends or family share in the archery experience is priceless. My wife actually owns a bow but has made it very clear she does not want to shoot a live animal, but she loves getting out and shooting 3-D targets.

Fynch and his Bear

Smiles all around!

These are just some of the many benefits of shooting 3-D. Look up your local archery club or local archery shop and see what kind of shoots are happening in your area. There are plenty of opportunities to get out and experience shooting 3-D. Here is a video of the last shoot a couple weekends ago. It was a blast and there are plenty more on the horizon.

True Shot Coach from Don't Choke Archery

No matter what your skill level as an archer, you are constantly trying to improve. One of the most common but overlooked factors of shooting a bow is having the proper grip. Most beginners start out by wrapping your fingers around the grip and holding firmly. This causes your forearm to twist and sit more in line with the bowstring and when you shoot you’ll be left with a nice red slap mark from your string on your arm.

The biggest problem with wrapping your fingers and gripping firmly is the torque you put on your bow. When you have a firm grip on your bow, it places the riser of the bow out of square with the arrow rest. The result of bow torque is a high percentage of left or right misses. If you are constantly missing left or right, you may want to study the way you are gripping your bow.

Proper grip is one of the most overlooked aspects of improving your accuracy, yet it is easily corrected. Whether you are an expert or a beginner there is always some room for improvement. I had the opportunity to review the True Shot Coach from Don’t Choke Archery and I have to say, I was impressed. I am by no means an expert but felt confident in my form. I thought I’d give this shot coach a chance but not expecting any improvement.

I then shot two rounds of six with the True Shot Coach. When I first shot with the True Shot Coach the tool actually corrected the torque and made it easier to notice where I was lacking. I was surprised by how taking out a little bit of torque helped improve my arrow grouping. So whether you are an expert or a beginner you will benefit from the True Shot Coach. You can pick one up for $16.95 and it does help correct your grip.

Go check out their website www.DontChokeArchery.com to see the different True Shot Coach products that will help you eliminate bow torque.

Disclaimer:

As with all reviews on High Country Bowhunter, the following review is my honest opinion, I received the True Shot Coach free of charge and agreed to provide a review in exchange. I am not sponsored by or associated with Don't Choke Archery and accepting no other compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.