| Field Evaluation of the Tru Fire Black
Talon Release, by Dave Conrad
Taken as they are, releases all accomplish the
same basic principal, release the bowstring allowing the arrow to propel
towards the intended target. They are however probably the most important
function of a bow that is not physically attached to it, next to arrows.
Small details sometimes take an average release
and turn it into an exceptional one. That can be said for the new
Black Talon release from Tru Fire. One detail is a plus but several
on the Black Talon, I feel, help place it in the top shelf category when
it comes to a hunting style release.
Let me start off by saying that the Black
Talon is intended specifically for a string loop shooter.
The hook style sear attaches very quickly to the
string and is capable of holding 200 pounds. This makes it strong
enough for the burliest of bowhunters.
I have to admit I have been a closed caliper release
hunter for a long time and the open design did make me a little leery at
first. That feeling quickly subsided after several volleys with no problems
of the string slipping off while drawing. The small indentation or hook
on the sear clearly prevented this from happening. While the open
design does make it exceptionally fast to attach if you completely let
down and relax you more than likely have to reacquire the string before
drawing.
Features
Tru Fire has positioned a cushion on the front
face of the trigger to prevent the sear from smacking it upon release.
This unmistakingly eliminates the audible click of metal on metal.
This combined with the Teflon coated sear makes it very quiet as well as
cuts down on wear.
Keeping in tune the trigger also has a very easy
adjustment by means of a hex screw. So no matter what your preference
you can quickly make changes with the aid of an Allen or hex wrench.
The head that encompasses the trigger and sear
is adjustable for either no, 45 or complete 360 degree rotation behind
the head. I prefer the factory set 45 degree to allow for slight
hand twist. The 360 degree is a great feature but I believe the 45
allows for the fastest way to acquire the string, especially with a trophy
animal coming into range.
Moving farther back along the main shaft of the
Black Talon you encounter what I believe is the best feature of all.
The shaft will adjust in length to over 32 positions as it is rotated.
No more fumbling with adjustable straps to get
the correct length. By simply twisting the barrel of the shaft you
can make micro adjustments without removing the release from your wrist.
Thereby when the weather turns colder I can adjust the trigger to allow
for a thin glove.
The Black Talon wrist strap is made of a flexible
man made leather material that will not cut into the wrist like unconditioned
leather. The interior of the strap is also lined with a soft fleece
like material to further aid in comfort.
The Black Talon also includes the Evolution buckle
strap. The end of the strap has an elastic extension with an anti
pull through tab on the end. The tab forms a continuous loop and
when combined with the elastic allows quick and easy fit.
It alleviates that cumbersome struggle when trying
to put on over a heavy coat sleeve or glove. The buckle has an extended
10-hole position to also accommodate a better fit. Once buckled into
place the strap also includes a clip to keep the strap tight and eliminating
the possibility of catching.
Testing
Testing was completed using a 2004 Bowtech Patriot
set at 70 pounds and fitted with a string loop. Slipping on the Black Talon
was exceptionally easy thanks to the Evolution Buckle Strap. Since
it forms a continuous loop the elastic made it very simple to get over
my hand. Once positioned the buckle could easily be set to my desired
fit.
Attaching to the bowstring was very fast thanks
to the open sear design. The indent nestled the string loop and alleviated
my fears of it coming off when drawing.
Upon my initial draw the length of the release
was a little long. The tunable barrel of the main shaft made the
adjustment quick and easy. A few turns were all it took and the great
thing was I didn’t have to remove the release from my wrist.
The trigger pull was suffice based on the sear,
metal on metal design. I felt as though with a little work it can
be improved. The cushion on the trigger prevented the slapping sound
of metal on metal as the sear released and traveled forward.
The factory setting for the trigger adjustment
suit me fine but playing around with it as well as looking at the ability
to tune gave me confidence that anyone can quickly adjust it for their
desired fit.
The final test was a passing grade as all arrows
grouped well at twenty yards. Many of the Easton ACC’s were touching
and responded with that none too easing slapping sound of shaft hitting
shaft. But in the back of your mind you are really proud of such
a grouping.
Feature set 10 of 10
The Black Talon is loaded with many features that
should rank it high on any hunters list. The cushioned trigger, easy
adjustments and new buckle design are the highlights of this release.
Design/engineering 8.5 of 10
The design of the new rotating length adjustment
is ingenious. I like the fact that the release doesn’t have to be
removed. Release fits both right and left handed archers. The only
improvement I can think of would be working on the trigger release of the
sear. I felt it could stand to be a little smoother.
Price 9 of 10
Like I mentioned several times, this many features
are usually found on a release costing much more.
Overall the Black Talon was a surprising great
value with all the features of releases costing much more. But what
else would you expect from the worlds largest release manufacturer who
has been around since 1976.
Check out our website at www.trufire.com
For information on this and other TruFire release
aids and products contact:
TruFire
World's
Largest Release Manufacturer
722
State Street
North
Fond du Lac, WI 54937-1572
Phone:
800-757-7586 or 920-923-6866
Fax:
800-787-7589
Email:
info@trufire.com
Web
Site: www.trufire.com |
