Stories

Don't let that crazy stare fool you-VaporTrail President Jarrod Fondie, an award-winning pro shooter, is also one of the industry's most-talented gear designers, as evidenced by his company's unique and proven Limb Driver rest, and complete lineup of custom bowstrings and cables. Brand new for 2011 is the Limb Driver ProV rest, which uses the same limb-activated drop-away system as the original Limb Driver, but also offers a whole new launcher concept as well as full-capture security. A very cool rest. For more go to www.vaportrailarchery.com

Hunter Safety System has always been a true leader in the field of treestand safety, and its 2011 offerings are no exception. A great example is the new HSS Ultra Lite X-Treme harness, which offers the same popular design as the proven Ultra Lite introduced in 2010, with some added features. David Langston of HSS shows off the new harness that adds a Realtree APG camouflage finish, and new built-in, adjustable bino/rangefinder straps conveniently located near the shoulder/chest area. Another change is that the loops for attaching a lineman's climbing strap have been moved closer to the front of the harness for easier use. See all the new HSS stuff at www.huntersafetysystem.com

Cobra's Ted McClendon shows off his company's newest release, the compact and very affordable Serpent (about $60), which is available in several models all bowhunters need to check out. The Serpent EZ-Adjust comes with a forward-mounted adjustable trigger (to increase draw and arrow speed) and either a leather or Realtree camo strap. The "thin tip" dual caliper jaw head rotates 360 degrees, ideal for use with string loops and short bows. www.cobraarchery.com

One of coolest new hunting chairs seen at the show is the Freestyle720 from accessories specialist S4 Gear. The Freestyle720, shown off here by Katherine Rice in a simulated ground blind scenario, offers a large footprint/tripod design with a very unique cantilevered seat that allows the hunter the silent mobility to efficiently and effectively traverse from blind window to window and make the shot-with proper form-from any angle while remaining in a seated position. This sweet design features 6061T6 aluminum and reinforced polymer construction, with full deployment in less than 20 seconds. An optional seat back is also available. Overall, some very smart "outside the box" thinking. For more go to www.s4gear.com

Who makes some of the very best fixed treestands in the biz? Bowhunting World readers say that the innovators at Gorilla are definitely doing it right. Here Bowhunting World's Jared Pfeifer (right) presents a Bowhunting World 2011 Readers' Choice award to Gorilla's Lennie Rezmer, at the Gorilla booth we found packed with dealers looking to check out the latest and greatest...innovation that included the new Pro Series King Kong Expedition HX Hang-On stand, and the Gorilla G-15 E.A.S. (Energy Absorbing System) treestand safety harness. www.gorillatreestands.com