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G5 T3 Broadhead by Adam Bender Nov/Dec 2011 Eastmans’ Bowhunting Journal

G5 T3 Broadhead

Adam Bender

Broadheads are one of the most debated pieces of equipment in the archery industry and rightly so. Everyone has their "pitch” as to why theirs is the best and hunters have their favorites – it’s almost like a Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge debate. They all work, some better than others, but G5 has always remained steadfast in the broadhead community because let’s face it, their products work. With that said, the new T3 ushers in a new wave of technological development and confidence for in the field.
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SKB Rifle/Bow Case by Adam Bender Oct/Nov 2011 Eastmans’ Hunting Journal

SKB Rifle/Bow Case

Adam Bender

Prior to leaving for the first hunt of the year, we found ourselves in quite a quandary. We had ordered a new rifle/ bow case several weeks before our trip, but alas, it never showed up in time. So, there we were, mere hours before leaving and we had no way to get all of our rifles and bows to Quebec. This was a problem.
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Bowtech Invasion CPX by Adam Bender Sep/Oct 2011 Eastmans’ Bowhunting Journal

Bowtech Invasion CPX

Adam Bender

A good bow is one of those pieces of hunting equipment that doesn’t need changed or upgraded on an annual basis. However, in order to stay ahead of the curve, bow manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries to stay on top of their game, and new bows are born every year. As such, it’s always a dilemma whether to stick with what you’ve got or go chasing the next new bow.
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S4 Gear Lockdown by Adam Bender Aug/Sep 2011 Eastmans’ Hunting Journal

S4 Gear Lockdown

Adam Bender

When the first binocular harnesses hit the market, I rushed out and bought one. Finally, gone were the days of those uncomfortable, cheap factory straps that never felt like they were quite right for hunting. After just a few months, it seemed as though everyone had or wanted one.

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Spot Hogg Hogg-It by Adam Bender Jul/Aug 2011 Eastmans’ Bowhunting Journal

Spot Hogg Hogg-It

Adam Bender

As a habitual ruffian on equipment, I’m not always looking for the coolest or most technologically advanced…I just want it to work. From sights to arrows and releases to string material, I need to know that it’s going to work at crunch time.
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Vortex Razor HD Binoculars by Adam Bender Jun/Jul 2011 Eastmans’ Hunting Journal

Vortex Razor HD Binoculars

Adam Bender

Few people would argue with the fact that your binoculars are one of the most-used pieces of equipment you own. From scanning a basin to sizing up the last few inches on that trophy, quality glass is a must. However, the gap in pricing between binoculars has become so severe that at times it’s hard to determine low-end, mid-range and high-quality optics. What used to be thought of as “expensive” is now mid-range and what used to be mid-range is now low-end.
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Hoyt Carbon Element & Matrix by Darin Cooper May/Jun 2011 Eastmans’ Bowhunting Journal

Hoyt Carbon Element & Matrix

Darin Cooper

Over the past 18 months, I’ve had the pleasure of abusing both of Hoyt’s flagship Carbon bows - the Carbon Matrix and the Carbon Element. Both are lightweight, rock-solid performers. From its unveiling, the Carbon Matrix was a showstopper – a bow unlike anything ever produced before. The radically different appearance invoked a polarity of reactions, but the overwhelming majority thought it was just flat-out cool! Walking into a pro shop with one is a bit like walking through the door with a supermodel - you quickly are the envy of nearly every guy around.
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Carbon Express Maxima Hunter KV by Adam Bender Mar/Apr 2011 Eastmans’ Bowhunting Journal

Carbon Express Maxima Hunter KV

Adam Bender

As dedicated bowhunters, leaving as little to chance as possible is part of our mantra. It’s an absolute must when you’re hitting the trailhead with a bow in your hand and a tag in your pocket. You have to be able to trust your gear and know it will work at crunch time, because simply put, you’ve got too much time and effort into the hunt for any other result.
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Hanwag Alaska GTX by Ryan Hatfield Apr/May 2011 Eastmans’ Hunting Journal

Hanwag Alaska GTX

Ryan Hatfield

Nearly 16 miles into our hike, my friend, Derek, and I stopped in a saddle to survey a high mountain basin. We were thankful for the opportunity to get away, see God’s country, and temporarily live the dream. We were scouting for my upcoming mountain goat hunt in Idaho and the hike had been a real test on both me and my equipment. Hot August days brought little sign of mountain goats but plenty of breathtaking views. 
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Skull Hooker: Mythbusters the Eastman Way by Adam Bender Dec/Jan 2011 Eastmans’ Hunting Journal

Skull Hooker: Mythbusters the Eastman Way

Adam Bender

At face value, the name “Skull Hooker” might make you snicker, but once you actually look at what it’s capable of and does, the jokes are quickly turned into, “I wish I would’ve thought of that.”
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SureFire St. Minimus LED Headlamp by Ryan Hatfield Dec/Jan 2011 Eastmans’ Hunting Journal

SureFire St. Minimus LED Headlamp

Ryan Hatfield

 If there’s one thing hardcore western hunters can appreciate, it’s the mantra of “do it once and do it right.” Nothing can be more frustrating than having to re-buy something because it didn’t last or perform up to expectations. That’s why it’s easy to appreciate something built intelligently and ruggedly. Cue the Surefire St. Minimus headlamp.
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