| I assume that Golden Key Futura chose the name for this drop-away rest
because of its intriguing double meaning. An optical mirage is an
image that appears to be there (like an oasis in the desert), but really
isn't. Likewise, the MIRAGE Arrow Rest appears to be there,
holding your arrow, but when you shoot you find that it has 'disappeared'
from the path of the arrow.
The Drop-Away rest is one of the newer designs intended to get us a
step closer to perfect arrow flight. Drop-away rests do just
what their name suggests, they hold the arrow in position until the string
is released, then they 'drop away' to literally get out of the way of the
oncoming arrow and fletching.
The MIRAGE, by Golden Key Futura (GKF) is an all aluminum rest to provide
durability yet keeps it light in weight. I tested the Model AR 195,
which is the right hand model. Lefties need the AR 196. The
rest came in a black anodized finish, but it also is available in a practical
generic camo pattern.
As I unpacked the MIRAGE, I immediately recognized one of its strong
points. It only has 6 major components, and 22 parts in total ...and
that is counting minor items like 2 pieces of foam, 3 pieces of rubber,
and every bolt, nut and washer! Whoops, I'm wrong, it doesn't have
any nuts! Reliability starts with simplicity, and for a fall-away
rest they don't get much simpler!
Components:
The major parts consist of the following (see photo below): 1) A slotted
mounting bracket that is bolted to the standard 5/16-24 thread available
on all bows; 2) A ¼" square rod that extends from the mounting bracket
to hold the main launcher frame; 3) The main launcher frame - which is
a U-shaped semicircle of aluminum; 4) The launcher arm - a V-shaped
Stainless Steel wire which can be covered with sound deadening rubber tubing;
5) A spring loaded actuator arm that holds the rest down before you draw
and after you release; and 6) A 'pull cord' that moves the launcher arm
up during the draw. 
Principal of operation:
The ends of the V-shaped launcher wire protrude through holes in the
launcher frame to create axles about which the wire pivots.
At rest, the launcher arm is pivoted downward (in the drop-away
position) by a torsion spring that encircles one end of the wire.
This downward position gives plenty of clearance to allow an arrow and
fletching to pass without touching the launcher.
The actuator arm is attached to the end of the launcher wire, and moving
it backward (toward the shooter) pivots the launcher wire upward to the
position needed to hold the arrow for a shot. The 'pull cord' attaches
between the actuator arm and the bow's downward moving cable.
As you draw the bow, the cord pulls back on the actuator arm
to bring it to the shooting position.
When you shoot, the pull cord relaxes and allows the torsion
spring to snap the launcher down and out of the way of the arrow.
Installation and tuning:
Mounting the rest was straightforward, and the actual installation
only took about 10 minutes - including reading the instructions.
It was accomplished by bolting the mounting bracket to the bow, then attaching
the pull cord to the correct cable. I would recommend using a set
screw or second bolt in addition to the primary mounting bolt to provide
additional security.
Tools required: 3 Allen keys (2 of which were supplied with the rest).
Note: No pro shop or degree in mechanics is needed to install this rest.
Just bolt it on and attach the cord.
Adjusting the MIRAGE took a little longer than mounting it, but the
adjustments were intuitive (i.e. you could figure out how to adjust it
just by looking at it.) Like any rest, a bow square and center shot
gauge is recommended to get you in the ballpark before starting paper testing.
The adjustment for center shot is obvious, and getting the arrow square
with the string can be accomplished by moving your nocking point, or by
adjusting the upper limit of the Launcher arm using an Allen key.
I installed it on my PSE and adjusted it until I got small paper tears
in about half an hour.
Features:
I talked about the design of the MIRAGE with Rick Bohl, General Manager
of Golden Key Futura. During my conversation with Rick, it was obvious
that he was very knowledgeable and personally involved with the development
of the Mirage. He enlightened me on one important feature that sets
the MIRAGE apart from some of the other drop-away models. This feature
is adjustable 'hang time' - a term that Rick used to describe the amount
of time that the launcher arm stays in the up position and in contact with
the arrow before dropping down.
I had previously assumed that the more instantaneously the launcher
arm fell, the better it had to be. However, high-speed photos, experimentation,
and many shots by the GKF team proved that some bows actually shoot tighter
groups if you lengthen the hang time. Rick attributes this to a stabilizing
affect that the launcher has on the arrow during the first few inches of
arrow travel. He has found that a hang time of about 6 inches seems
to work very well with most bows, but says that some archers may prefer
to 'tweek' the hang time to optimize it for their particular setup.
The MIRAGE comes equipped with 3 lift systems (different pull cords)
to adjust hang time from instantaneous to fairly long (about a foot or
so of hang time). Using a non-stretch cord as the pull string lets
the rest drop instantly. A pull cord with an extension spring on
the end yields medium hang time and a pull cord made of peep sight tubing
allows you to set it up for long hang time. Hang time is nearly infinitely
adjustable within the range of the three lift systems by adjusting the
length of the pull cord and by adjusting the attachment point on the bow
cable. Shortening the pull cord or lowering the attachment point
will increase the hang time.
The MIRAGE launcher system is patented as a 'Super Scoop Launcher'.
Since the launcher wire is down before you draw, the launcher literally
scoops up the arrow as you draw, and moves it to the center of the 'V'.
Additionally, the 'V' in the launcher wire is very deep and I could rotate
my bow 45 degrees in either direction when drawn without fear of the arrow
falling out of the rest. Like most drop-away rests, it takes a little
while to get comfortable with the fact that your arrow is just laying on
the shelf of your bow when the bow is not drawn. Adhesive backed fleece
material is included with the rest to cover the bow shelf so that the arrow
is quiet while on the shelf. A plastic arrow holder is also supplied
and can also be attached to the shelf to provide a nest for the arrow on
the shelf. Like the instructions stated, the plastic holder is not
necessary, as the MIRAGE will scoop up the arrow and center it to
the right spot no matter where the arrow is located on the shelf.
I put it on anyhow, as it made me feel more comfortable to have my arrow
centered on the shelf at all times.
The stainless steel launcher wire on the MIRAGE can be shot uncovered
and is quite quiet that way. I installed the tubing provided to have
more confidence that the rest would remain silent during the draw.
The tubing can be replaced without changing tuning, although I expect that
it will take a lot of shots before the tubing is worn enough to need replacement.
Performance:
Once I got the MIRAGE set up for my bow, I shot groups at various distances
to test it. The rest was silent while drawing, gave me the assurance that
my arrow wouldn't fall out of the rest, and was very quiet upon release.
My groups averaged about the same as with TM Hunter rest that I had been
shooting for the last couple years. This impressed me, as I had worked
extensively with the old rest, and had not spent much time optimizing the
new MIRAGE. This was also one of the first times I had fired up my
bow after several months of inactivity. I am already confident enough
in the rest that I plan to switch to it on my primary hunting bow.
I do plan to 'fiddle' with the hang time to truly optimize it before I
take it hunting this fall.
I pushed and pulled on the rest after tightening it and feel that it
will withstand the rigors of bowhunting very well. I would
recommend that you keep an eye on the position and security of the pull
cord, as it is possible for it to get ripped loose if you use your bow
to part the red briars when you hike to your stand. The cord
is actually a little shorter and better protected than a peep sight tube,
so it should require slightly less attention than the peep tube.
Ratings:
Design: 4.75 out of 5.
I love how Golden Key simplified the linkage system; built in adjustable
hang time and made the rest so it doesn't depend solely on gravity to snap
the launcher clear of the arrow.
Durability/Ruggedness: 3.5 out of 5.
Good overall, but the pull cord can't be made bullet proof and the
horizontal mounting bar seems like it could use a little more meat.
Installation and Tuning: 4 out of 5.
Installation is simple for a drop-away. Tuning is comparable
to other good quality rests.
Value: 4 out of 5.
The Mirage has more features and a lower price tag than others in its
class. Which makes it pretty much of a no brainer when making a decision
on which rest to buy.
Appearance/Packaging/Instructions: 4.5 out of 5
Good quality and appearance. Everything you needed was included
and well described.
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 |
