Marc Anthony Outdoors

Here’s a video that my describe the Ghillie suit better!

Review: Redfield Rebel 10X50 binoculars.
 
In days of old, reviewing binoculars was rather painful for me. Trying to test a set of binoculars in low light, rainy and in real hunting conditions always left me wanting more. That’s not the case anymore! Technology has improved and manufacturing costs have stabilized to the point that it’s really difficult trying to find a lousy set of binoculars. Today, most people expect reasonable performance from their binoculars and only pay more when adding features that are more important to their personal needs or desires. Many of those higher scaled features can be found in the Redfield Rebel 10X50 binoculars, without paying the added price!
 
When choosing binoculars, there are two basic designs to choose from; the Roof prism and the Porro prism.  The “Roof prism” and the “Porro prism” designed binoculars differ in construction. Roof prisms are used where compact size is needed and Porro prisms are found on your higher end binoculars. Having said that; it’s not uncommon to find a set of high-end Roof prism binoculars with quality that nearly parallels that of the Porro prism. The Redfield Rebel uses a Roof prism to keep the desired size at bay.
 
When building binoculars, it’s all about the glass when trying to capture light, color and clarity. Redfield, now owned by Leupold, built and designed the lenses and prisms with some of the features you would find in an upper-end set of binoculars. Their lenses are fully multi-coated, which provides true transmission of color and clarity. They also use the BAK4 prism glass that is the cream of the crop for binoculars. BAK4 is usually found in the upper echelon of binoculars. I was quite surprised to see the Rebel using such a superior style of glass! Because they are nitrogen filled, they are fog proof, in addition to being waterproof too.

 
Some specs for the Rebel 10X50 are as follows:
 
Magnification 10X.
 
Field of View: 283.5’ @ 1000yards.
 
Weight: 30 ounces.
 
Exit pupil: 4.6
 
Everything mentioned is the specification sheet is pretty much self-explanatory and easy to understand. I do want to explain what the exit pupil numbers mean, since it’s not an everyday term to most outdoorsmen/women. The magnification and the diameter of the front lens determine the size of the exit pupil. Light transmitted to your eye is determined by the size of the exit pupil. The exit pupil can be calculated on any set of binoculars by dividing the number of the front lens in millimeters, by the magnification of the binoculars. So a 10X50 would be in the 5mm range. Exit pupils are really worthless, until you find yourself in low light conditions. At that point, the human eye increases the size of the pupil, which could become larger than the exit pupil, thus limiting sight. An older person in their 40-50s has a maximum pupil size around 5mm. These are important numbers to look at when purchasing a set of binoculars, especially when taking your personal age into consideration! Younger eyes, in excellent shape are in the 7mm range. Take note! If light is important to you, always match what your eyes are capable of receiving if you can afford it.
 
The body of the Rebel has an armored polycarbonate body for durability, and is well designed, ergonomically speaking. My test binoculars weighed about 29.8 ounces, which is close to what the manufacturer states. They were comfortable to use and easily adjustable. Redfield offers a limited lifetime warranty for as long as you own them.
 
In summary, I was flat out impressed with the quality of these binoculars, especially for the price. My test binoculars were very crisp and the colors remained true, thanks to the BAK4 prism. I had no issues at low light, granted I’m in my 50’s. They are very rugged and offer the same features as many of the higher priced binoculars. My search of the web came up with prices ranging from $119.00 to $139.00. What a deal! A hundred plus dollars and change for an ultra-clear, waterproof, fog proof set of hunting binoculars. I give these a big thumbs-up.
 
As an overview, the only reason anyone would ever want to upgrade to a more expensive set of binoculars would be if they wanted even more light gathering capabilities, a larger exit pupil size or a lighter set altogether. Even though I’m getting picky with these upgrades, they are the very reason manufacturers make them. So buy the Rebel in confidence as I don’t think I’ve come across a better performer for the price!

Here’s a very nice drawing by Jason Gaal, a local Illinois artist. Notice the arrow in the tree stump below and to the right! What do you think?

Another fine example of a well made product!

If you’re interested in buying some new binoculars, check these out!

You hear it quite often, “Yeah, I pull 70 lbs.”, then an echo in the back, “I pull 80″. I think to myself, OK you’re all studs . Having said that, I did pull 70 lbs. with my bow, most of my life until the last 3 years where I dropped down to 65. It’s all about the smooth draw and not about the poundage and if I have to drop down to 55 lbs., I will if that’s what it takes. Let’s face it; 40 lbs. will kill a deer!

I never been a real speed freak when it comes to my bow. I could care less about the fastest claim on the market, as that’s mostly a gimmick anyway, but I do like enough speed to offset a deer jumping the string, if possible. With the inevitable aging comes weakness, and because I love the outdoors so much, I had to make a decision to either get in shape or to drop more poundage from my bow (and select my terrain better when hunting). After thinking about it for some time, I thought; that’s insane! How can I select better terrain if that’s where my opportunities take me? But memories of me getting back into the gym a few years ago was enough to put me into a deep depression. Oh, the suffering, the pain, the small gains for all of that work, etc! I came to the conclusion that I’ll never be 20 years old again and to just do what I can and try to make it work.

Never being a quitter, I wasn’t happy with that synopsis either. Then one day, I was talking to my son Drake as he was on his way out the door for his Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu training at the Peoria Athletic Club, stating the fact that I was contemplating a return to the gym, but wasn’t sure if I could endure all that pain for so little gain. After a brief conversation, we decided to hit the gym as a team. He explained to me that there is now more over-the-counter supplements then there was 20-30 years ago. Back then, a person either took amino acids and protein, or took steroids. I never took steroids and am glad I made that decision years ago!

Now they have supplements that practically work as well as steroids that are completely safe when used as directed and offer the same positive muscular results. What that means for the older generation is we now have a pseudo “fountain of youth”, when used in combination with weight training. Being the skeptic that I am, I shunned the idea of being scammed into buying some miracle powder that will make everything alright, but ultimately caved-in and tried some of these new supplements. Being a product tester, I guess I can now add one more to the list of tried and trued products that work!

My favorites: Creatine powder stacked with protein and L-arginine. The Creatine powder works wonders because it offers nearly immediate recovery from strained muscles when lifting. It provides water to your muscles preventing a break down and fatigue. It works so well, I now do 4 sets of nearly all upper and lower work outs in the same day! That’s a huge improvement from struggling with 3 sets of the uppers only (and with less exercises and weight). Something even more amazing is the fact that I started my new workout routine in the first week of January and have now broken every weight lifting record record from when I was in my twenties! To me, that’s amazing and uplifting! My new goal to to be in the 300 lb. club by the end of summer.

The L-arginine is an amino acid that is needed for muscle growth, as so is protein. Amino acids are found in meat BTW. These are all simple and easy to find supplements. I get mine at the local Walmart or online, whichever is the easiest for me at the time. I should mention that they recommend the creatine to be rotated every 6 weeks or so for effectiveness but also offer kre-alkalyn, which is buffered creatine with no rotation needed.

When I was growing up, people used to think that a person in his/her 50′s was a stone’s throw from the grave. Today’s 50′s is yesterday’s 30′s! There are now more people in their 50′s and 60′s who kick some royal butt, if you know what I mean! If you think not, check out YouTube for some videos caught while some old guy is puttin’ the hurtin’ on some young dude.

My point to this is two fold:

First, don’t throw the towel in just because of age! And second, if you love hunting as much as I do, get yourself in shape! With today’s supplements and some great workouts, expect to enjoy life more. If you still can’t seem to get it together, look for a workout partner. Having a partner makes a huge difference too! Working out with my 19 year old son and his friends, really keeps the pressure on me not to quit! Besides, you can’t quit in front of these guys, it would just kill your pride, and you can’t show that side EVER if you want any respect!

In summary, don’t always rush to adjust your equipment to offset your diminishing physical abilities. If you have to, by all means do it! Do what it takes to keep a smooth draw. But if you need some extra zip in your life (and aren’t just ready to give up on hunting rough ground), get back into the gym and push forward! Never quit!

If you have anything to contribute to this story for the benefit of health or strength, let’s hear it!

It’s that time again for the bi-annual Hit List! First I’ll introduce the new products and then I’ll tell you which products remained from last year. Here we go!

ThermaCELL heated insoles

Spring or fall, cold feet are never welcome. Instead of buying multiple heat pads that last for a few hours, you may want to try these heated insoles instead. What’s nice about these are the fact that they slip into your shoes/boots and can be custom fit with a pair of scissors if needed. Once in, you can control the heat with a remote control unit! You can choose either no heat, medium heat or high heat to suit your needs. The batteries are rechargeable, so no need to worry about purchasing new ones every few days. They offer five hours of heat, which happens to work well for hunters whom hunt in the mornings and afternoons.

Some highlights:

Provides heat up to 111°F under your feet – three temperature settings to match conditions (high, medium, no heat)
High-tech wireless thermal technology run by remote control
Powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries
Fits easily into your boots or shoes
Comes with bag, charger, and wireless remote control
Remote control range of up to seven feet

The price ranges from around $100-$129 depending on where you buy them. They last about 2500 hours, so you’ll have them for years to come. The internet reviews are extremely positive too! Check them out on the internet at http://www.thermacell.com/heated-insoles-foot-warmers or at your local retail store.

Roost’em Game Calls

It’s that time of year again for chasing those thunderous chickens around, and it always helps to have some great sounding calls tagging along! In this day of age, mass production and plastic seem to go hand-in-hand. Not the case with Roost’em Calls. These all hand made calls feature different species of woods and laminate techniques. What does that mean to a turkey hunter? It means they sound great! My test set of slate, wood box and mouth diaphragm calls were all put to the test and I must say the results were great. Anyone who knows me will tell you that there was one time in my life where I would rather hunt turkeys than whitetails. I love hunting turkeys and found them most intriguing. Back in the day, we never used decoys but rather tried our hardest to bring those bad boys in with every trick known to man. It seemed like it was the ability to find that “right” sweet sound that made them buzz. Sometimes that “sound” would change from day to day too! Roost’em slate calls come with different strikers made from different types of wood to get that ever-so-sweet sound just right!

Roost’em calls can be ordered online or by phone at http://www.roostem.com/ and are made by honest people who try hard to please. They’re the best of the best!

U-Slide Bow Holder

I have finally found what I need to hold my bow up while I hunt for hours from the ground! It’s called the U-Slide Bow Holder. Here’s the scoop:

FEATURES
Easy self starting screw to securely mount your holder to the tree
Can be mounted off to your side or directly beneath your seat so your bow sits between your legs while in your tree stand
Whether you stand or sit to shoot the U-Slide will not be in your way
Will not swing away from you or fall down like other hangers will
Requires very little movement to get your bow in your hand
Works for both compound and recurve bows
You can slide the U shaped holder to a position that is right for you
It has a non reflective powder coating so you don’t get any sun glare
Securely holds your bow in a rubber coated U slot for easy removal
Light weight and folds small enough to fit in your pack
So versatile it can be used in a Tree Stand or Ground Blind
No need to buy extra attachments
Manufactured and assembled in the U.S.A.

I love this holder! I get sick of holding my bow and I really don’t like for it to lie on the dirt. Even in a tree stand, holding a bow gets annoying. This unit is especially nice because it holds the bow in an upright position making it easier to lift the bow when ready. It requires very little movement to retrieve it from the holder, reducing the chance of spooking the game. At $24.95 plus shipping, it’s a must for all bowhunters! Visit them at http://www.u-slide.com/index.html

Tree Stand Up

Now here’s something I wish they had available when I spent nearly three decades in a tree stand! I remember struggling with ladder stands when trying to relocate stands by myself and getting very frustrated. These nifty little things just slip on the legs of your ladder so you can press them into the dirt. Once in, just push the ladder up and your finished! It doesn’t get any easier than that. Prices range from $19.95 to $38.95 depending which size and material you choose. These are well worth the money if you’re a do-it-yourselfer. Check them out at https://www.treestandup.com/index.php” target=”_blank”

Wicked Tree Gear

There are so many saws out there, I can’t count them all. When I came across this one, I loved it because it wasn’t flimsy and it was easy to carry. I always carry a smaller saw with me that is attached to my knife, but it is only good for trimming the smaller branches. I think if you watch the video on thier website, it pretty much explains it all. At $49.99, you wouldn’t want to lose it, but it will most likely last your lifetime. Check them out at http://wickedtreegear.com/index.html” target=”_blank”

Moultrie Game Spy M-80

Ok, here it is! I have been trying for years to find something that works near as well as the Reconyx line of cameras but for half the cost, and I may have come close. The Moultrie M-80 has fantastic reviews and because it’s in the price range of $129-$150, it’s a lot cheaper than a $500 Reconyx. Check them out at http://www.moultriefeeders.com/productdetail.aspx?id=mfh-dgs-m80″ target=”_blank”

Vortex Optics

When it comes to optics, Vortex brings quality and value to the table. Every single piece of equipment they make is of the utmost precision and balance but at a fraction of the price you would expect to pay. Being fog proof, water proof, shock resistant and carrying one of the best warranties in the business. you’ll be hard pressed to find another set of optics that out perform Vortex. Speaking of warranty, here’s it in a nut shell:

Our warranty is about you, not us. It’s about taking care of you after the sale.
The VIP stands for a Very Important Promise to you, our customers. We will repair or replace your Vortex product in the event it becomes damaged or defective—at no charge to you. It doesn’t matter how it happened, whose fault it was, or where you purchased it. You can count on the VIP Warranty for all riflescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes and monoculars.
Unlimited Lifetime Warranty
Fully transferable
No warranty card to fill out
No receipt needed to hang on to

Take a peak of their website at http://www.vortexoptics.com/” target=”_blank”

Carbon Synergy

No surprise here, especially if you’ve read anything I’ve written in the last year. It’s the hands-down number one, scent control product for hunters I’ve ever tested. Need I say more? http://www.carbonsynergy.net

Polaris

I love these machines!!! I tested my Ranger all last fall with exceptional results. If I had to use one word to sum up this unit, I would say “Workhorse”. My Ranger has a dump bed in the rear that makes loading and unloading a breeze. It’s comfortable to drive and it has loads of torque. Even though I’ve only had this Ranger for a year, I can tell you it is from the same genetic makeup as the previous Polaris’. Tank tough and always there for you when you need it. Here’s a clip from my previous Sportsman 500 test if you’re interested. It’s all “Thumbs up”!

“I know how to push a vehicle to its limit and with due respect, know how to take care of it the just the same. I’m a licensed aircraft power plant mechanic with decades of experience in engine and air-frame overhauls. I’ve raced 8 second quarter mile drag bikes, muscle cars and flew some mighty fast jets in my time. Having said that, I’ve also pushed my 4 x 4 trucks to the brink of destruction. Now that I’m mature and not so aggressive, I don’t necessarily punish my vehicles any more, but rather use my experience and wisdom toward preventative measures. It’s hard to pull a fast one past me if it has an engine in it!

In closing you may ask: How much time did you have with your test model? Answer: 14 years. I took possession of it from the dealer in 1997, brand new, and it still runs great today. It’s been on countless hunting trips, fell off of a 70 foot cliff (thanks to my dear wife for not putting on the parking brake), been buried in water, fell off the back of a pickup truck at 30 miles per hour, has about 40,000 miles of off road use and have pulled so many deer from the deepest of gullies, I can’t count. It still has the factory tires, factory spark plug, and has never had a failure of any part other than what broke off when it went flying off that 70 foot cliff. I’ve had four other four wheelers during the same time frame! It STILL runs like a champ today. Impressed yet?”

http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-us/ATV-RANGER/pages/home.aspx” target=”_blank”

Marc Anthony Bow Hunter Suit

Yeah, I know, I’m a little biased on this but they say “If you can’t find it what you want, make it yourself”….and that’s what we did! This is the only Ghillie suit made especially for bow hunters. With countless years field testing these suits, all I can say is “They work”! Better yet, since it has my name attached to it, my readers can go to my website and buy it cheaper than anywhere else. Check them out at http://nontypicalhunter.atetinc.com/store2/index.php

My seminar circuit brings me into Wisconsin for the year’s largest deer bash! I’ll be giving two seminars along side other industry professionals. I sure hope to meet some of my northern friends then! Check out the festival if you get the time: http://www.deerfestwi.com/articles/article.aspx?id=72

Bushrag, the manufacturer of my Ghillie suit, offered me the ability to give my readers a discount last year by using a code when ordering. The code was too much of a hassle, so if you buy the suit online here: Web Store you’ll save $10.00 on the shipping and another 20+ % on the order! That’s about $30.00! I hope this helps!

The store takes PayPal and will also take credit cards through PayPal, EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE A PAYPAL ACCOUNT! If you have any questions, please email us at admin@nontypicalhunter.net

Thanks and good luck!

UPDATE: Since I wrote this, we now offer free shipping in the U.S!

I have a brand new article in the April/May edition of Bowhunter magazine that is on the newsstands now. It’s weather related and might shed some light on hunting whitetails with good/bad weather. I hope you get something from it!