SHOT Show Gear Reviews – Where Are They?
So I’ve received a few emails from folks I met at SHOT wondering how things are going, and hoping, “by the way”, that I found the samples of their products satisfactory. In other words, they’re wondering if or when I’m going to review their products. A couple of Hog Blog readers are wondering similar things. And it’s a fair enough question. ..
So my answer, in short, is that I don’t write reviews off of press releases and product labels. I don’t sit and turn something around on my desk until I’m struck by the product review muse with some glibly positive commentary. If I am going to review something, I intend to use it, try it as it’s intended to be used, and then I’ll write about it.
For example, if it’s ammo, I will shoot it. Ideally, I’ll use it on game, but at the very least, I’m going to see how it performs on targets and in my guns. Is it accurate, does it chamber and cycle, and does it kill cleanly? If it’s a knife, I’ll cut something with it. How’s it hold up on a hog skin (if it can handle skinning hogs, it can handle anything)? Does it keep an edge, and can I resharpen it easily?
I’m not going to test optics by looking across the living room or out the back door. I need to take them in the field, under real conditions. I don’t have one of these high-tech testing labs either… I’m not measuring exit pupil or light gathering capacity. I want to know if I can clearly see what I’m looking at. How’s it handle rain, fog, or 100-degree heat?
If it’s clothing, I’ll wear it… not just around the living room, but in the field. Is it tough, waterproof, or whatever else it’s advertised to be? Before review, I’ll read the book or view the video. And so on…
Point is, all of this takes a little time and time is a precious commodity. I’ve got a good-sized stack of things to go over, and some more that should be in the mail. Included are the new, lead-free .22lr cartridges from CCI, some great new boots from RedBack (which I love so far), several hog calls (this is for you, Rex), a couple of books and videos, and some new “scent-blocking” clothing.
There are a couple of exceptions to my rule, though… for example, some things are just great ideas that I want to share.
One example is the “Shotkeeper“. It’s a shadow-box designed to hold a photo from your hunt, with a special cutout to fit the shotgun or rifle shell used to make the shot. You can get them for 2″x3″ or 4″x6″ photo sizes. Simple, I agree, but it’s a really cool idea and a nice way to commemorate a hunt. They also make a similar display, called the “Lurekeeper“, for fishing (a photo and a cutout for a special lure or fly). I didn’t get a good photo, but check their site.
So hang tight, as some reviews will be forthcoming over the next couple of weeks. Others will take longer, but should be coming as my spring hunting kicks into high gear.
Smart idea on the “Shotkeeper” frame – I’ve still got the spent cartridge from my first deer sitting here on my desk. Would you like me to do the product testing on that one, Phillip?
As for the rest, I’d be happy to help with the field work, Phillip. I particularly would like to have you walk the runway in some new hunting clothing so I can critique it. I’ll even do a fashion shoot for you, if you like…
February 7th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
LOL… actually, I still have the single antler and shotshell from my first deer (the “unicorn”), right here on my desk. No photos, though. I don’t think we even took any pictures of that hunt.
Be careful what you volunteer for. Although the “runway” I usually do my modeling on is lined with grass, oak trees, and hog tracks.
February 8th, 2010 at 6:08 am
I’m always happy to spend time on that runway!
February 8th, 2010 at 7:21 am
This makes perfect sense to me, Phillip. I hope whoever was pressuring you wouldn’t expect you to write a review on something that you truly hadn’t tested yet. That just seems like common sense to me.
And that Shotkeeper does sound like a pretty cool idea.
February 8th, 2010 at 9:50 am