Field Evaluation: Hind Sight

Bowhunting.net

Dave Conrad
Field Evaluation: Hind Sight
By Dave Conrad
Aug 6, 2006, 10:15

After become familiar and set in your ways after many years it is sometimes very hard to break old habits or ways of performing duties. I wouldn't think this would change after more than 25 years of bowhunting. But it did as I was recently introduced to a new type of bow sight that takes my old means of sighting and totally changes it.

When asked to evaluate a product called the Hind Sight I was first a little apprehensive, but that all changed after speaking with Don Priebe from Hind Sight. We spent a good 25 minutes on the phone and Don explained the working details behind the sight. The more we talked the more I couldn't wait to get my hands on the Eclipse model. (To see the full line: HindSight)

The new Eclipse

Initial Inspection

Initial inspection revealed an extended sight similar to a double reference point found on a gun. This Eclipse however allowed for multiple pins, but with a twist. The twist comes from the fact that you always align the same distance pin within the cross hairs.

The front of the sight utilizes multiple extended .029 Tru-Glo pins. Extended means the fiber optic is longer than normal sight pins thereby allowing additional light to pass through resulting in brighter pins. An enlarged circular view from the glow in the dark rear cross hairs centers perfectly within the Magnum sight ring of the Tru-Glo pins. This aids in consistence in anchor point thereby increasing shot after shot accuracy.

Mounting

The Eclipse was fairly easy to mount after becoming familiar with all the parts. The directions are straight forward and include tips on aligning the sight as well as what to avoid. This was very helpful since I am use to a peep. By eliminating a peep the Eclipse allows for extended shooting at those crucial dawn and dusk periods.

I mounted the Eclipse on two bows just to see how accustom I could get with the new sight. The bows were a 2006 Fred Bear Code as well as an older Hoyt Tec series. The second time was quite a bit easier than the first, just like with most everything.

Sighting In

Once mounted the Eclipse was a little time consuming on getting it sighted in. It took just under an hour, but by the time I was through I was shooting less than 2" groups at 20 yards. Not bad and I can only say the reason it took so long is I attribute this to many years of using a peep. The confusing part was figuring out which part to adjust, the pins or the aperture (cross hairs). This is mainly because the Hind Sight, no matter which model you choose, is based on a four point alignment. These four being your eye, front and rear sight as well as the target. In order to adjust the sight you need to move the front sight as well as the rear sight in the same direction, which is toward the arrows impact. This at first was causing me the majority of my problems. I was only adjusting one, the front sight, and this resulted in a teeter totter effect, causing drastic over adjustments. Since the rear sight is closer to the eye, it needs to be adjusted less than the front toward impact. After rereading my notes and the directions I was on my way in no time.

Now if you want to adjust the sight for shorter or longer distances, there is a difference from what you might think. You always place the same front distance pin in the center of the cross hairs but pivot the bow so the correct distance pin is centered on the target. For example, I sighted the bow in using a 20 yard pin. If I wanted to shoot 30 yards I would center the 20 yard pin within the cross hairs and raise the 30 yard pin to where I wanted to hit the target. The same is true for 40 yards, center the 20 yard pin and place the 40 yard pin on the target. Using this method you are always certain you are holding correct alignment and not adding torque to the bow.

One thing you will notice when using a Hind Sight is that bow torque is virtually eliminated. Because the front and rear sight are in alignment on opposite sides of the riser your grip can be thought of as a pivot point. If you torque the bow slightly while anchored at full draw the sights will move in opposite directions. This action provides you with immediate feedback.

The short time I spent on this evaluation was more than enough to get use to the new sighting system. The bow draws up nicely in the picture window while the pin and crosshair combination falls easily in line. Because the cross hairs are offset at 2, 4, 8 and 10 o'clock, you do not have to worry about blocking out any of the intended target.

Design 8.5 out of 10 - I have to admit, I wasn't use to sighting in a bow this way. I can see how centering the same distance pin in the cross hairs will prevent bow torque, but it took me a little while to get use to shooting longer distance. You have the option of adjusting either the sight pins or aperture, but I recommend only adjusting the pins after getting a comfortable feel with the aperture. The reason is that you get accustomed to the cross hairs falling into alignment as they are closer to your eye.

The Eclipse does however require multiple hex wrenches to adjust the sight, one for the pins and another size for the aperture. Once dialed in the Eclipse will allow you to shoot tight patterns.

The cross hairs contain an advanced photoluminescence material called ProGlow 20. With only exposure to a light source for a minimum of 7 minutes the cross hairs will continue to glow for up to 14 hours. So for a morning hunt use your flashlight and for an afternoon hunt the sun should suffice. Combined with the no peep design you should enjoy longer shooting opportunities during early morning or late evening when the big boys hang out. To aid in extended target shooting the Eclipse also comes with a free LED light. This advanced light illuminates the pins with minimal glare. Finally only one model is needed as the Eclipse is right or left hand reversible.

Quality 9.0 out of 10 - Smooth lines show quality machining and using Tru-Glo pins gives the shooter the brightest pins in the industry. All machined parts show tight tolerances and a standard matte black cover the sight and aperture. The mounting bracket however has a gloss black coat.

To see the full line: HindSight