Optics from the Field: March 2016

So, lately, I've gotten interested in doing some video reviews on YouTube. I've been blessed to have met some great folks at great companies (Bracketron and GCrafter) and have performed some product reviews for them. While they do take time to think through what you want to say and then you need to get things set up, I have been afforded a tremendous blessing....

You see, you just cannot do a video properly by yourself. Someone made the camera and/or the items you are reviewing. Further, most videos are made with an individual recording the events with a camera. I have been blessed because my camera man is shown below with a Bracketron XFlip Flexible Camera Mount. He has learned how to operate the camera, gives me feedback from what he sees in the screen, and loves to "help daddy." Right now, he thinks I am the coolest because I'm on YouTube -- I love seeing that "light" in his eyes. More importantly, its the time that we get together inside, outside, and learning together.

Everything said above also applies to leadership. You cannot lead if others are not following. I do not know who said it, but this is perfect -- "leadership without followers is just a walk." Leadership is about learning together and making mistakes together. Constant improvement is our goal and we get to showcase our work for others. The key, though, is the time -- leadership is about investing time, effort, and energy in other people.

Always look for opportunities to teach! It's time well spent....

I love - and I mean LOVE - shooting my bow. It is something my dad taught me on a 1963 Bear Bearcat recurve bow. Many arrows have been sent towards hay bales with that recurve; however, my dad still has not forgiven me for converting over to a compound. Being more of a shooter than a photographer, I've chuckled at the GoPro phase that our modern world is in where anything and everything outdoors is being recorded. Well, for those of you that know me, this review is going to be a stretch.

Yes, even I now have a camera mount for a bow, and my specific mount is the Bracketron ProX Bow Mount. This unit attaches to the bow through the stabilizer port and allows you to record any and all action through just about any video camera -- see the picture below because all we have is an older Cannon camera with a 5.0 megapixel zoom. You can learn more about the company and all of their products at www.bracketron.com. Bracketron has launched a new line of products called "Xventure" and it includes all sorts of outdoor possibilities -- handlebar mounts (camera and phone), bow mounts, caddy bag mounts for golf, tree mounts (screwed into a tree), head mounts, hand mounts, etc. So, if mounting a camera to a bow is "not your thing," they have many other opportunities for you to participate in the GoPro movement.

Just so everyone knows, the bow to which I have mounted the ProX for purposes of this review is a 9 year old Quest QS33. Is was the first bow of the Quest line and is set at the following specs: (1) 29 inch draw length, (2) 70 pound draw weight, (3) 34 inches axle to axle, and (4) weighs 4 pounds as a bare bow. I shoot arrows that are 30 inches long and have an actual spine deflection of .330 to .370, which includes a 100 grain arrow tip. Since I started this review, I've purchased a new bow -- Hoyt Charger. The draw length and poundage are identical but there are two differences: the axle to axle length is three inches shorter, and the weight of the bow is lower as well. Everything below was noted on both bows even though I do not have any pictures with the mount on the Hoyt.

Finally, I shoot my bow a lot - every week during all kinds of weather in order to track performance in difference conditions (yes, I am a nerd of sorts in those matters but I look at it this way -- over-preparation is the only kind of preparation that yields successful implementation). Simply put, shooting in all kinds of conditions familiarizes you with the bow and its performance; so that knowledge helps in reviews of products during a shooting routine.

First, this unit did not come with complex, detailed, and tiny instructions; and that is a huge selling point. I am a firm believer in keeping things simple, which is exactly what Bracketron has done. The ProX fit easily with the bow and camera meaning that I was recording withing minutes. Further, this unit is sturdy. I've had my hands on other units that are flimsy and you immediately question whether they will hold up over time. The Bracketron ProX does not have that feel. Now, granted, I've only put about 50 shots through the bow with it taking video, but that is more than I have shot with any other mount. Why? I simply did not trust them to hold the camera and worried about disturbing my set-up. The simple "feel" of this mount was much better than anything I previously touched, and this "feel" was developed by flinging arrows at multiple distances -- as close as 20 yards and as far away as 50 yards. Finally, the fact that this mount is versatile enough to handle a GoPro or an older camera works well for the budget -- you do not have to buy a new camera just for the mount (so avoid trying to use this in a negotiating tactic to get a GoPro camera if you do not own one).

Second, the weight of this mount is perfect -- absolutely perfect!! You cannot tell a difference between the stabilizer and the mount/camera. This matters because accuracy in bow shooting can be summarized in two words -- consistent routine. Part of that consistency is in technique and motion while another part is in weight of the rig. My Fuse Carbon Connexion stabilizer weighs in at 7.5 ounces; so I was pleasantly surprised to see the ProX and old Cannon camera tipping the scale at 9 ounces. In other words, there is no worry whatsoever about changing the dynamic due to weight. This mount perfectly functions as a stabilizer! The video below is from my first shot with the ProX mounted on the Quest bow.

Third, I'll be totally honest here -- I was skeptical about a possible shooting issue. Anytime that the stabilizer is removed and replaced with something that has a vertical component that you then attach a camera to, well, you have to start wondering about arrow clearance. Folks, there is NO ISSUE WHATSOEVER here. The ProX mount had no issues with arrow clearance. I tested it by sight, by shot (with fixed blade and mechanical broad heads), and by measurement. Never once did the mount and camera get in the way of an arrow leaving the arrow rest. Take my word for it...don't give this another thought.

In taking it through the paces, I only found two areas where I would offer suggestions for improvement. These are minor but something to be pondered:

Vibration Dampeners -- the unit from the threads to the elbow is 4.75 inches, which is significantly shorter than the stabilizer at 9.5 inches (with most being at 6 inches). The extra weight of the ProX and camera counterbalance it; however, a little bit more length on the arm may work. Why all of that discussion? The extra length would definitely create vibration and we all know what vibration means -- NOISE! We cannot have that so putting some vibration dampeners on the arm will help alleviate that potential concern. I did not perform a sound analysis with equipment, but I also did not detect any additional noise from my shooting sessions that were recorded on video (with the ProX mounted and without it).
Mount Base -- the base of the arm attached in the stabilizer area was small compared to a stabilizer (see picture below). That means that, if you shoot with a wrist sling, there is quite a bit of "play" in that wrist sling -- just another distraction point that you do not need in shooting a bow. Solutions are actually rather simple. The base could be slightly widened OR a larger wing nut could be provided. As you can see, if you invert the wing nut, it will secure with wrist sling completely in place; yet, it looks a bit strange and cuts a groove into the leather yoke bracket of the wrist sling. If you do not shoot with a wrist sling, then completely disregard what was just stated.

So what?

If you are looking for an attachment to mount a camera on your bow, I do not think you can go wrong with this one because it is all you need. It's simple. It's weight is just right. It's easy to attach. If you purchase a ProX Bow Mount and fling some arrows with it, I'd love to see a few pictures!

If you want to purchase, here is the link to the product website:
http://www.bracketron.com/products/prox-bow-mount#.VuwFX0akzMs