| In the last few years compound bows have really taken dramatic changes
and improvements in speed and shootability. Golden Key-Futura, the
arrow rest specialist, has taken steps to ensure that accuracy hasn't suffered
with their innovations in arrow rests, especially with the new Golden Premier
with Micro-Drive adjustments. The new system allows the archer to
make very fine adjustments to center shot and nock point settings.
 Mounting
the Rest is easy thanks to the addition of a nylon tip set screw.
For bows with only one mounting hole in the riser the nylon tip secures
the rest but yet won't mar the finish. I also believe the setscrew
is a blessing for a lot of today's bows with "gorilla limbs", those shooting
above 75 pounds.
After mounting the Rest I took the factory TM Hunter Launcher coverings
off and replaced them with the new Golden Key-Futura Hush Tubes.
Hush Tubes are 100% black Teflon and simply slip right onto the prongs
with no glue or heating required. In fact they should have no problem
fitting any TM style Rest on the market. I find them very quiet when
drawing my Easton ACC's as well as a few different styles of aluminum or
all carbon. After 100's of shots they show little affects from wear
and unlike shrink tubes should have no problem making it through an entire
season. Even when one side is showing wear just take them off, turn
them over and slide back on.
Initial setup was to place the TM style Rest at the correct angle and
width for my arrows. Loosening two lockdown screws near the base
of the rest shaft where it enters the housing quickly set the correct angle.
I like to have the prongs at a little less than 45-degree angle to the
arrow. The width was also easy to set by loosening a lockdown screw
at each base of the prongs. Next I eyed the center shot and
set it by loosening the Llauncher lockdown screws and sliding the shaft
left or right for an approximate setting. The use of the Micro-Drive
system completes fine-tuning.
The Micro-Drive system is composed of a lockdown screw and internal
fine tuning screw system. To make adjustments (either horizontal
or vertical) you first need to loosen the appropriate lockdown screw.
To adjust the rest left or right grasp the horizontal adjustment knob and
turn clockwise for left adjustments and counterclockwise for right, likewise
for vertical adjustments, counterclockwise for up, clockwise for down.
As you turn the knob the assembly moves in small increments to ensure exact
placement. When finished re-tighten the lockdown screw for a secure
fitting. To ensure a tight fit each lockdown screw is fitted with
a brass washer. These act like a lock washer ensuring a tight fit
since it is a softer metal. The steps I just described are a lot
easier to perform and are detailed accurately in an illustrated manual
included with each rest.
While shooting, the Micro-Drive System combined with a built in Tuning
Gauge makes for easy fine-tuning. The gauge helps in troubleshooting
by providing a visual indication of tuning flaws and imperfections such
as incorrect nock point location and/or center shot. Optimal arrow
flight is indicated on the dial in a green zone meaning the Launcher depressed
less than ¼" upon arrow release. Anything between ¼"
and ½", appears in the yellow zone, and indicates a minor tuning
problem, whereas anything greater appears red in the tuning gauge and indicates
a major problem.
The rest took no time to have my arrows shooting like darts. One
correction was detected and thanks to the Tuning Guide it was easy to determine
that my nock point needed adjusting. The Micro-Drive System allowed
the change to be made and corrected quickly.
Premier ratings:
Installation and Setup - 4 out of 5
I found the Premier easy to setup, adjust and tune. The Micro-Drives
for vertical and horizontal adjustments were a breeze to use and once set
were rock solid thanks to the lockdown screws. The Tuning Gauge offered
guidance for fixing erratic arrow flight.
Design - 4 out of 5
The quality engineering is evident with the smooth movement of all
parts during adjustments or shooting. I really like the markings
for horizontal and vertical settings. The Premier includes four different
Launchers to suite the shooters needs as well as an extra Tuning Gauge
label and pin.
Performance - 5 out of 5
Once installed and setup I found the Premier to be an effective rest
for either 3D or hunting. The internal springs on the Llauncher couple
with the Hush Tubes made for smooth and quiet releases.
Price - 3.5 out of 5
I found the price of around $90 dollars on the upper scale for the
beginner, but for the experienced hunter who combines 3D it is a quality
Rest, with a multitude of important features making it a good buy.
HUSH Tube Ratings:
Design - 5 of 5
Made from 100% black Teflon the Tubes simply slide right onto your
TM style rest. No messy glue or heat is required. After 100's of
shot no noticeable wear.
Performance - 5 of 5
The 100% black Teflon makes them very quiet no matter what type of
arrow you shoot. A hunter should have no problem getting an entire
season out of them.
Price - 4 of 5
At around 5 bucks a pair they are a bargain for the performance and
advantage they have over standard shrink tubing.
For Further Information Or To Order
Contact:
Golden Key Futura®
www.GldenKeyArchery.com
Email: barbara@goldenkeyarchery.com
Golden Key Futura
14090-6100 Rd.
Montrose,CO 81401
Phone: 970-249-6700
Fax #:970-249-4108 |
