The Wise Guy Report (new release)

[konrad]

Hello Folks,

Because I have had such excellent results with the Spot Hogg, wrapped, Hogg It sight and with the B-Stinger, not too many months after the introduction of the Wise Guy release I ordered one. As my receipt of the release was just prior to the beginning of the archery season, I determined not to play with it until afterward. I have been using the Wise Guy since that time and would like to give you some feed back.

Please accept all of the following in the spirit in which it is given – the spirit of constructive criticism.

A: It was the Spot Hogg web-site that suggested using smooth gloves while shooting to minimize application of torque to the riser at full draw. I adopted the practice and use mechanic’s type synthetic leather gloves (Craftsman) for all my archery endeavors. I have become so accustomed to the practice I no longer shoot at all without my gloves.

The Wise Guy magnetic buckle strap will not reach around my gloved wrist.

When using the release without a gloved hand, the padding is inadequate for prolonged practice sessions without discomfort (It’s OK, you can call me a cry baby.).

The Wise Guy is marketed as a “Hunting Release” and even were I not conditioned to wearing a glove I would certainly consider wearing them during late season here in Washington. This would dictate cutting a hole in my $20 shooting gloves and as such is an unacceptable idea (we call that nit-picking where I come from).

B: The Velcro strap is exceedingly noisy to properly adjust while on stand. Once again, the Wise Guy is advertised as a “hunting release”. I personally feel Velcro to be unacceptable material in a hunting application.

C: The use of the single “hook” or “post” gives me constant cause for concern. During practice sessions I have repeatedly had the D-loop slip from the release while relaxing at the line, with a nocked arrow, lower wheel in holster and release on loop. When such an event occurs (all too often), the arrow goes “boink”, off of the string, clattering across the platform and out of control. Were this to occur when Mr. Big was approaching and all of my attention was focused upon his actions, both he and I would be upset to say the least. A two jaw design is much better as this condition is completely avoided.

D: The adjustable length design is EXCELLENT. It is very positive and foolproof (a property highly prized by a fool such as I).

E: The over-all initial length of the release is perfect for my draw and hand.

F: The trigger feel and operation is EXCELLENT. “Achieving” a true surprise release is non sequitur. It breaks cleanly, with no creep and with only moderate over-travel. The use of the Wise Guy did improve my groups (when I wasn’t chasing “boinked” arrows) and this was no doubt due the fine trigger action.

In summery:

As a hunting release, the Wise Guy’s negatives out weigh the positives and he will not find his way into my stand in the current configuration. However, I am sure the Wise Guy will find his way into many shooting leagues.

If I could find a release that blended The Wise Guy’s trigger quality, over-all length and length adjustment with the Tru Fire 360 Elite’s two jaws, rotating head, nicely padded strap and actual buckle attachment, I would be a happy guy.

I know, I don’t want much do I?

[Button Nubbs]

Thanks for the review! I was actually looking at that release the other night. I'm rally tired of the sloppy trigger on my little bitty goose but love the adjustibility of it.

[D-Rock425]

I shot a Scott release with a hook on it for the D loop and liked it a lot.  I've shot with a Scott release for years but always with the fully inclosed jaws not an open hook.  Anyway thanks for the review.

[konrad]

Please find a response from the President of TruFire, Steve Tentler, the day after I posted this report.
TruFire has always written to me immediately with an answer to every question or concern I have had.
They have great products and support.
Now, I guess I'm going to have to discuss adding another release to the budget (such as it is) with my Chief Financial Officer (Mrs. Konrad)!


Hello Konrad,

If you are shooting off of a loop (which I garnered from your email below) I would highly suggest our Edge series release which also comes on our buckle strap which hands down is the finest in the industry. Looking at our buckle you will notice a feature that we call the foldback feature. It allows you to stow the head and neck of the release so it is actually pointing at your elbow verses laying in your hand. We also have the finest length adjustment system of any release company. On the Edges you can get a little over 1 inch of length adjustment simply by screwing in the length adjustment coupler. Currently our Edge series is extremely popular because the head of the release is very small and the trigger mechanism is fluid and quick but our new Hardcore for 2011 is already turning some heads in the industry. It's a single jaw (open hook style) release but unlike what you had mentioned about your Wiseguy, it is impossible for a stringloop to inadvertently slip off the jaw when pulling back. Two reasons: 1) the jaw has an aggressive hook design (deep hook) and 2) we have a self centering pivot action that enables the head of the release to always stay straight when pulling back the bow as well as at full draw. Plus the fact that the trigger takes a mere 4 ounces to fire a 70 lbs bow with 80% letoff. I should also add that the jaw automatically resets after each shot. I had been shooting the prototype of the Hardcore since this summer and I can honestly say it is our finest release we have made in the past 24 years of being in business. If you haven't seen it on our website, go to the homepage and near the bottom you will see an orange box that says "sneak peek for 2011" click on it and you will see the Hardcore. Thank you for the feedback in your email, we appreciate it. Good luck next season.


Steve Tentler
Tru-Fire Corp.

[konrad]

The following is the e-mail exchange I conducted with Cabe Johnson, President of Spot Hogg Archery Products. Please note: He not only offered refund of my purchase price but suggestions and solutions including replacement of the Velcro strap with a new buckle design.

Another great company filled with great folks!
Konrad

PS   Additional reports as updated parts arrive…


Mr. K,

I will get you a leather wrist strap free of charge.

We can do this in a couple different ways.

Option 1:  I can send the leather strap to you, and you will have to do a little bit of disassembly and reassembly. 

Option 2:  You can send the release to us and we can do it for you.

Let me know what you want to do?

thanks

Cabe Johnson
Spot-Hogg Archery Products
P.O. Box 226
125 Smith Street
Harrisburg, OR  97446
Office: 541-995-3702
Fax: 541-995-6370
Toll: 888-302-7768
www.Spot-Hogg.com
cabe.spothogg@comcast.com


Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2010 1:19 PM
To: Cabe
Subject: Re: Wise guy Problems

Mr. Johnson,
 
Thank you for your reply. I am sure most of my lost loop "dissatisfaction" is due to operator error and not adopting a different procedure while at the line. The strap issue, in its current form, is irresolvable and as such I would like to follow up on pricing and availability on the buckle strap and modification of the Wise Guy I currently own.
 
As I stated in my first letter, I have nothing but praise for all of the other products I own from your fine house including the Whammy, Hogg It and the B-Stinger.
It would appear that not only do I want it all, I want it now as well!
 
Thank you for your excellent products and support,
Konrad


Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2010 12:53 PM
Subject: Wise guy Problems

Mr. K

It sounds like you are very dissatisfied with the new release we are sorry to hear that.  We do offer a money back guarantee.

We try very hard to design products that work for everyone.  But that is a nearly impossible.

However I do have some ideas and suggestions for you.

It sounds like 80% of your dislike is centered around the wrist strap.  We do offer a leather buckle wrist strap that should solve some of your size and noise problems.

As far as the hook goes, I don’t have a fix for that.  But, if we get enough requests from people just like you we may design a double jaw release down the road. 

But, I do have faith that if you spend some more time with the release the misfires will become non-existent. 

If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask.

Cabe Johnson
Spot-Hogg Archery Products
P.O. Box 226
125 Smith Street
Harrisburg, OR  97446
Office: 541-995-3702
Fax: 541-995-6370
Toll: 888-302-7768
www.Spot-Hogg.com
cabe.spothogg@comcast.com

[MIKEXRAY]

I used mine before the season and during the whole season. I really like it and now that I am used to it I wouldn't go back to my old one. I don't find the Velcro to be a problem as once I put it on I don't mess with it at all. Doesn't seem to need re tightening throughout the day or anything. It took a little getting used to the open design, now after practice I find it much faster to find the loop & get ready for the shot. I slap it on the D loop, my index finger is behind the trigger & my thumb protects it from slipping off. It is all routine now with no thought. Every release I have owned has gone on my bare wrist & then glove on the hand if I need a glove. I've always had the glove without the shooting finger tip or now the glove folds off all fingers. I've only shot 5 or 6 releases in my years and by no means an expert. I know this release is smoother & I feel my groups are better because of it. I would recommend it to anyone. Mike

[quadrafire]

Nice review Konrad. Thanks for the info

[D-Rock425]

At least spott hog is trying to make thinks right with you.

[konrad]

All too often these days we hear of lousy American companies and their lousy customer service. The reason I included all the communications in my posts was to point out that just doesn’t hold true in the American archery industry.

Both Spot Hogg and TruFire have ALWAYS treated me as a first class customer.
I don’t know about anyone else but when I find a great company, I stick with them.

It reminds me that business in America is not completely hopeless.

I would also add that Bear Archery, Bohnig, Easton Technical Products, Hoyt, Saunders and a number of others have been just as helpful and willing to answer questions.