Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Archery Gear => Topic started by: jackelope on April 23, 2011, 08:37:43 AM

Title: Trophy Taker Smackdown?
Post by: jackelope on April 23, 2011, 08:37:43 AM: Anybody using one of these rests?
http://www.keystonecountrystore.com/Archery_Equipment_-_Supplies/Arrow_Rests/Trophy_Taker_Arrow_Rests/Trophy_Taker_SmackDown_FC_Arrow_Rest_Camo_RH/Page_1/ARR3780010.html (http://www.keystonecountrystore.com/Archery_Equipment_-_Supplies/Arrow_Rests/Trophy_Taker_Arrow_Rests/Trophy_Taker_SmackDown_FC_Arrow_Rest_Camo_RH/Page_1/ARR3780010.html)
Title: Re: Trophy Taker Smackdown?
Post by: mtbiker on April 23, 2011, 09:12:26 AM: So, I know a lot of folks like the Trophy Taker, but I ended-up disappointed. I like like the concept (i.e. limb driven and full containment), but I got rid of mine after discovering a few flaws. I had mine attached to the bottom limb using the provided limb attachment. While on its maiden voyage at the range my shooting time was cut in half being that the sharp edges on the limb attachment cut the cord. :bash: So I thought ok, I'll break out the dremel and fix that. In the process I found that the hole on the rest where the cord attaches also has shape edges and it would be a matter of time before the cord is cut there. Did some more dremeling, but was getting sick of the idea that I had to fix these major flaws.

Shot the rest some more, but wasn't happy with the full containment. Yes, it contains the arrow, but the containment area is so large that the arrow bounces all over in the place in there. I found myself hooking the arrow with my finger to manage it. So, after some reflecting I got rid of it and went back to my tired-and-true limbdriver.

I like the idea of not having the rest driven off the bus cable. Also, I like the timing operation of a limb driven rest. Vapor Trail now has a limb driven, full containment rest called the Limbdriver Pro V, but it's a large containment area and my later issue with the Trophy Taker would not be addressed. Personally, I think the best full containment rest is the QAD. I've had a couple of them over the years and if I really had to have a full containment, I would go back to that one.

If you do go with this rest, don't use the limb attachment. Tie the cord directly to the limb (ala limbdriver) or to the upper bus cable. :twocents:
Title: Re: Trophy Taker Smackdown?
Post by: MIKEXRAY on April 23, 2011, 10:25:12 AM: I have one on my Mathews & love it. I set the center shot & had it shooting bullets on paper in 5 arrows. I've had it for a year with no issues. I like the whale tail on mine, no matter where the arrow is it will pick it up. Good luck. Mike
Title: Re: Trophy Taker Smackdown?
Post by: jechicdr on April 23, 2011, 01:40:02 PM: Have a Matthews Z7, have a trophy taker but not a smackdown. The archery shop did a custom arrow holder on the shelf that holds the arrow, even if I turn the bow upside down. Basically consists of a metal clip under felt that is glued down onto the shelf. Very quiet and smooth and leave arrow in the V of the rest.
Title: Re: Trophy Taker Smackdown?
Post by: carpsniperg2 on April 23, 2011, 01:41:41 PM: I shoot the extreme full containment model that is a lot like that one. + my buddies kid who I hunt with shoots one and they have always worked great for us.
Title: Re: Trophy Taker Smackdown?
Post by: BULLBLASTER on April 24, 2011, 08:57:41 AM: the smack down is my favorite. easy to set up and works great. i did hear of some of the early ones having the sharp edges, but trophy taker is a great company who stands behind their product. they should make it right.
Title: Re: Trophy Taker Smackdown?
Post by: mtbiker on April 24, 2011, 09:52:40 AM: I thought of contacting TT, but in my usual infinite genius I figured I could fix it. I have yet to learn from my own history that 9 times out of 10 my "fixes" sorta fix at best. I had done enough dremeling that there's no way I would call TT after the fact and ask them to fix it. I've heard that TT is a great company and I'm planning to buy one of their spring steel rests for my target bow. I wouldn't discourage anyone from buying their products, but just wanted to share my experience as a FYI.

Yeah, a friend had the cord cutting issue with one of the early versions of the Extreme where the cord came out of the rest and angled down to the bus cable. It was clear that they fixed this by comparing the rest to a newer Extreme.
Title: Re: Trophy Taker Smackdown?
Post by: BULLBLASTER on April 24, 2011, 08:03:24 PM: Quote from: mtbiker on April 24, 2011, 09:52:40 AM
I thought of contacting TT, but in my usual infinite genius I figured I could fix it. I have yet to learn from my own history that 9 times out of 10 my "fixes" sorta fix at best. I had done enough dremeling that there's no way I would call TT after the fact and ask them to fix it. I've heard that TT is a great company and I'm planning to buy one of their spring steel rests for my target bow. I wouldn't discourage anyone from buying their products, but just wanted to share my experience as a FYI.

Yeah, a friend had the cord cutting issue with one of the early versions of the Extreme where the cord came out of the rest and angled down to the bus cable. It was clear that they fixed this by comparing the rest to a newer Extreme.
i have "fixed" plemty of things too... sometimes i fix it so well i need to buy a new one.
Title: Re: Trophy Taker Smackdown?
Post by: nwhntr08 on April 26, 2011, 08:59:12 PM: In my experience, tying any type of fall away into the cable always seems to work better than going into the limbs. :twocents: Smackdown is a great idea, especially for newer speed bows. Designed to fall as fast as the bow shoots unlike a standard fallaway which is pulled down by the tension in the internal spring. I have not used one yet but will be getting one soon. Great luck with trophy taker in both quality and customer service.
Title: Re: Trophy Taker Smackdown?
Post by: alwinearcher on April 30, 2011, 07:10:34 PM: I have been shooting Smack downs on my hunting bows for a year or so now and I absolutely love them!
I am considering switching to the Smack down pronghorn for my 3D bow also..
Awesome rest! :twocents:
Title: Re: Trophy Taker Smackdown?
Post by: whacker1 on April 30, 2011, 07:42:28 PM: Matt set up my bow with a smackdown last summer. I have been very impressed and have no intention of changing any time soon. Works really well with my old ass jennings bow.
Title: Re: Trophy Taker Smackdown?
Post by: JKEEN33 on May 01, 2011, 08:59:56 PM: Got one on my new bow in January. So far no complaints. Works great.