Well, I have had my Sentinel back for awhile after having it entirely checked out and set back up after the cable broke. The bow is entirely fine, nothing was bent/broke (thankfully), As far as a cause for the cable breaking.... we really couldn't figure out any reason at all, it was a fluke accident. I decided while I was at it to just have the string replaced along with the new cables. I went with a set of custom FirstString strings and cables in their "camo" pattern, which looks awsome! I put my new Octane Hostage Pro rest on along with some Simms dampeners and tied in a d-loop just to finally get some shots out of the bow. I can't speak to performance or accuracy yet as I pretty much just threw the rest on and eye'd it up, it is nowhere near tuned, but after around a dozen shots I can say that I am impressed with this bow. The bow has a pretty smooth draw, definetly not the smoothest drawing bow I have ever shot (that would go to a 04 BowTech Liberty) but it was a huge improvement over my 82nd Airborne. The draw cycle seems pretty similar to my 05 Allegiance and a hair more harsh than my 06 Old Glory. Handshock/noise is no competition, this bow wins hands down which was one of the most important factors for me simply because it allows me to get back to where I actually just enjoy shooting the bow. Not to mention that the bow just holds dead steady. This weekend I plan on getting everything fine tuned and dialed in and I will updated again after that. So far, I couldn't be more happy!:D
Cool. I need a new string for my Ally. After you shoot it some more, let me know how you like that string & how pricey it is. I was debating new strings from bucknasty or a set of bowtech factory ones. A dealer told me they really improved them...not sure if that was a BS line or not.
Thanks guys Ryan, I put a set of FirstString Flightwire strings and cables on my 82nd and they were awsome!! There was no settle in period, no stretch, and with proper care, they hold up very well. They are definetly a step above the factory strings, and they are as good or better than Winners Choice that I have used. I havn't used BuckNasty strings so I can't comment on them. The FirstStrings aren't cheap, they cost anywhere from $79.99 up to $160.00 for your strings and cables depending on which ones you go with. Mine cost $84.99 and the set I had on my 82nd were $99.99
The pre-installed thing is interesting. I have only used VaporTrail Strings, haven't had a reason to go elsewhere. (I am hell on strings) I have also heard that Bowtech made some improvements and or is offering a higher quality string in addition to it's stock ones. No experience with that though. Oh and on the Sentinel, please let us know how you like it. I have a 2010, and I love it.
The difference between the aftermarket Octane strings and the stock BowTech strings is the "G"... in other words, BowTech strings are made of 452X and the Octane strings are a proprietary blend of 452GX. The G stands for Gore, and the string is built with strands of Gore fiber, which helps to lubricate the string from the inside out. Even without that though, BowTech's strings are widely thought to be the best stock strings on the market, and I honestly would put them up against anything out there, including Winner's Choice, Vapor Trail and all the other more popular ones. I've seen the string-making in action, and it's pretty incredible the steps that a string goes through at the factory to be made. The tolerances are almost unfathomable. Nice rig, Jason... glad to see you're getting close to gettin' her back on her feet again.
Ben, the pre-installed peep and d-loop are actually pretty darn cool and work very well. The set I ordered for my 82nd had that option and I was skeptical until I tried, but it worked great and made for a very quick and simple set-up. As far as the Sentinel goes, so far I am loving it and I can't wait to have it in the blind with me this spring chasing gobblers around! Greg, I think the next set of strings I try just might be the Octane strings, they sound like they are going to be awsome.
Hhhmmm, this is making it tougher to decide. But at least it seems like a win-win. Firststrings or Octane strings?
Rybo, that is a win win. I just ordered a set of Octane (Flor grn/blk) for my Black Op D350. I'll post pics once I get them. ;-) BM, exceptional bow and I'm still wondering why I don't own one. Currently eight bows hang in my basement, 9 if you count my original 1983 Black Bear II. My 340 is shooting incredibly and I can't justify getting a Sentinel until I take the 340 out on the outside ranges beyond my back yard and my 350 isn't totally set up. I was going to pick up a Sentinel last year and Buckeye talked me out of it because of how well I shoot the 82nd, which I still have. Don't know which one to grab. ;-)
