Hey All!

As promised, I got my Apex 7 completed today. No more things are coming in. The only thing missing is the arrow tips, but they will come in the next day or two...then I'll get those installed and have the whole package. But, as far as the bow goes...no more parts.

Review:
My Sureloc arrived in the mail from Obsession Archery today (thanks Chris!) so I installed that and drove as fast as I could to my local archery shop to shoot the bow. I have to tell you, as everyone could have told me 1,000,000 times...the bow is fairly heavy fully loaded...(missing a stabilizer) I have the 1 3/4" Viper scope, 3/32 clarifier #2...the Sureloc Supreme...and the best bow you can get, the A7...perfect combo for sniping X's right!? Well, the bow did what I told it to, I just have to work on telling it to do the right thing!:)

The first shot I took with it, it was amazing how smooth the cam rolls over...there is no valley at all to speak of. Once you hit the wall, it is solid as a rock...no give at all. Moving my eye into position to look thru the peep, I find my correct anchor point and look for the X. I have to tell you, with the Viper 6X lens and the Superpeep #2 clarifier....the X at 20 yards comes in CLEAR AS A BELL! I think I have better vision with this set-up than my own vision! The great thing...from 20 yards...the X takes up about 66% of the peep, leaving me a little room to see around it, but making it very easy to see where I'm supposed to shoot. Because of the power of the lens, the X does move rather quickly, but as my form improves, I think the X will stop moving as much. Plus, I didn't have a stabilizer on yet, so I'm hoping that slows the pin movement a bit also.

As I got my pin (green...SUPER BRIGHT) on the X, I slowly squeezed the trigger on my wrist release...and BAM...I hit dead center...about 5" low. Moved the Sureloc 3 more times, and then I had it sighted in. (Very easy, very fast to make adjustments with Supreme...THANK YOU CHRIS FOR NOT LETTING ME GET CHALLENGER! I proceeded to shoot 4 arrows...I flinched on one, missing the X by a good 4", but the other 3 hit one another each time. I ended up slicing 2 vanes on this round...Needless to say...this bow is accurate! Disregarding the first arrow, I shot a group of about...1/2"!

Surprisingly, the bow felt fairly still in my hand...it jumps, but it doesn't vibrate or give me handshock. I think I'll get an STS and throw that on to eliminate most of the jump, but it could be done without one. The bow is exceptionaly quiet for being a target bow...I think it is almost as quiet, if not more quiet than my Hoyt Vectrix!

As for the steadiness...she's a little RIGHT heavy due to the Sureloc, I'm not sure if I should get a little stabilizer arm to correct that, or if I should just fix it with my hand...time will tell on that one. I think I'll just get a front end stabilizer at first and see how that goes. Because the bow is pretty heavy, I'm looking into the Doinker aluminum series...a 30" stabilizer that only weighs about 4oz.

I have to say, this is probably the most badass looking bow out there...the black and lizard green are just amazing in real life to see. Everyone at the range commented on how beautful the bow looked...and then I let them shoot it, and they had even more comments on how it felt!

The A2A feels pretty good...I wouldn't mind another 2-3 inches....maybe the C4 or the Apex would be great bows too, but I don't think it will help/hurt anymore having one over the other.

Overall...I love my new bow, total costs of the project: bow, rest, sight, scope, peep, arrows...I'm at about $1700...so spendy, but in my mind, worth it. I'm excited to get my real 580grain arrows done, and see how much better I shoot with those. I'll attached a few pictures for your enjoyment in about 5 minutes...stay tuned!

http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v315/63/102/63908740/n63908740_34561964_811.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v315/63/102/63908740/n63908740_34561966_2235.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v315/63/102/63908740/n63908740_34561967_2870.jpg

dare to be different. The sight lock down or for your bow lock up knob. lol
looks great

dare to be different. The sight lock down or for your bow lock up knob. lol
looks great

Yeah, I thought it looked cool being down...plus it is easier for me because I'm right handed...easier to adjust. Do you like the set-up?

I shot my CX Maxima Hunters...390 grains...238fps...so I'm guessing my 550 grain will go about 200fps...should be great. Ended up getting True Flight 4" Right helical...those should be done tomorrow...then I'm just waiting on the tips...can't wait!

Thanks for all the advice QSA...you're amazing!

Looks good, I am just pass the info down that I was shown over the years. That is what makes this sport so great everyone helping each other. One thing to always keep in mind. Every thing does not work for every one. But form is the key to it all. So sling some arrows and happy shooting.

Add me to those who love the color combination - very sharp :thumb:

Add a customized Posten setup and totally tricked out Slingbraid to that bow and she will be smokin.................

that is a nice looking setup congrats. You said it is a little right heavy, if you can get a side stab. dont try to correct with your hand.

I always wanted one that color. I ended up with a red one and a black and camo.

Yeah, I am very happy with how the set-up turned out. Like I said, once those arrows get completed and the tips come in, I'll just start practicing about 3 nights a week, and hopefully, be ready for the MN State Open next year. I would love that.

All I can say is:

1. For the money...the VIPER SCOPE is amazing! I wouldn't want anything different about it. Good decision to save the $200 and go with the Viper over the Sureloc Scope.

2. The Sureloc Supreme is definitely what you NEED if you are going to be changing distances at all...it would take forever to move if you didn't have the quick slide feature.

3. Chris and Obsession Archery are crazy fast and reliable when it comes to shipping...will use them for all my future purchases.

4. Everyone on this forum is amazing...really helped me out. Especially the experienced target shooters (you know who you are) who really went in depth with me and helped me select the arrows/set-up I needed.

I dont think your done yet........

Obsession sells these!!!

I dont think your done yet........

Obsession sells these!!!

O yes have to have the BLING

LOL! Nice...well, I think that I'm up to enough spending for right now...I'm going to use my POSTEN on it until next month, then I think I'll pull the trigger on that 4oz. 30" Doinker...maybe with the left side correction arm. Then next chance I get I'm going to jump on that STS...and if my tips ever come in from Competition Archery...I'll be set. I'm a little worried..going on 2 weeks and he said he shipped them US mail...so I don't know if they're coming:frusty: :frusty: :frusty:

But, yeah, that is the plan. I think I'll hold off on the bling....I kind of like the black on black look...looks clean and nice. Is there a way for me to find out what number i'm on at 20 yards...and then sight in for 40...and have someone run a program to tell me my ranges from 10-60 yards? I'd like to have that done.

I dont think your done yet........

Obsession sells these!!!

Yeah I was thinking the same thing....
Love the bling from Sure Loc.... :peace:

Nice setup man and good shooting to you !

Ron

Is there a way for me to find out what number i'm on at 20 yards...and then sight in for 40...and have someone run a program to tell me my ranges from 10-60 yards? I'd like to have that done.

Sight in a 20 and then record the number on the backside of the sureloc. Then back up as far as you feel comfortable and record that number as you get sighted in. The further apart you can get your marks the better it will be for the program to estimate your sight tape. I just bought archer's advantage and am still learning but I should be able to print a tape for you if you want. The software is pretty in depth so as much information as you can provide will help. Just as an example there is a section that even asks for a peep height measurement at full draw. Nice looking bow!!!

LOL! Nice...well, I think that I'm up to enough spending for right now...I'm going to use my POSTEN on it until next month, then I think I'll pull the trigger on that 4oz. 30" Doinker...maybe with the left side correction arm. Then next chance I get I'm going to jump on that STS...and if my tips ever come in from Competition Archery...I'll be set. I'm a little worried..going on 2 weeks and he said he shipped them US mail...so I don't know if they're coming:frusty: :frusty: :frusty:

But, yeah, that is the plan. I think I'll hold off on the bling....I kind of like the black on black look...looks clean and nice. Is there a way for me to find out what number i'm on at 20 yards...and then sight in for 40...and have someone run a program to tell me my ranges from 10-60 yards? I'd like to have that done.

Check AT for a user name Coolhand luke, He makes a string stopper called Vibe killer. I like them better then STS. and the bolt in the rear stablizer hole. Much cleaner looking and adjust EZ

Here's my form now with it all said and done. I think I have a BT coming, and then I'll show you my form with that also, but for now, this is what I have.

10977

Here's my form now with it all said and done. I think I have a BT coming, and then I'll show you my form with that also, but for now, this is what I have.

10977



Release will be on its way at lunch time bud.....was busy all weekend!

looks like the draw is almost good......

I hate to say this......and I will regret it, but we need a pic without a shirt like your wearing on, its too baggy and too hard to tell the position of your upper torso in relation to the rest of your body.....maybe try to tuck it in......

dont you have a 24" posten you could borrow from your hoyt, for shooting while your waiting on getting the doinker??

dont you have a 24" posten you could borrow from your hoyt, for shooting while your waiting on getting the doinker??

Yep, I actually went and picked it up this weekend from my cabin where I keep my Hoyt. I haven't shot with it yet, but I think it might work. I will probably paint it all black and call it good. Save me the $110 on the Doinker.

I'll wear a tighter shirt and snap a picture tonight if I get the chance and post. I don't know how, but it almost looks to me that I lean the same as with my 29" Hoyt...but this is a 28...the Mathews feels a lot better...but in the pictures...I don't look any better. I'll see what you guys think tonight.

Thanks for the release Bunny! Can't wait!

Here you go all...here is the form with the new Mathews...it is 1" shorter than the Hoyt, and I think it serves me well. I could probably go 1/2" shorter even if I wanted, but I think the 28 fits me well.

http://forums.mathewsinc.com/images/userpix/27191_DSCN1135_1.jpg

Let me know what you all think!

some one has been taking lessons or something:dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy:

some one has been taking lessons or something:dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy:

Naw, just listening to everyone on this forum and trying to sort out the BS from the valid statements. I have to say, I joined about 11 months ago, and I've really learned a ton from you all. One thing I have noticed, and I don't know if it is good or bad, I open my stance just a smidge...maybe 5-10 degrees...is that okay? Or should I work on being directly in line with my target?

Naw, just listening to everyone on this forum and trying to sort out the BS from the valid statements. I have to say, I joined about 11 months ago, and I've really learned a ton from you all. One thing I have noticed, and I don't know if it is good or bad, I open my stance just a smidge...maybe 5-10 degrees...is that okay? Or should I work on being directly in line with my target?

its all personal preference, BUT I myself shoot a pretty open stance.......

its all personal preference, BUT I myself shoot a pretty open stance.......

Okay, I won't worry about it much then...my biggest thing I need to work on is just getting the arm strength to hold my bow on target for a length of time. After about 4 seconds of holding the bow...of which it takes 2-3 seconds for me to anchor and get my peep lined up, I get pretty tired and shaky...I think as I practice more and more (and on off days hold about 7lbs out as if I were holding a bow)...I think I'll be able to hold the bow up for a longer period of time, which will let me hold on the X longer...

Right now, I put my pin about 1ft above my target at draw, then I slowly bring it to the X, then right at the top of the X I start pushing UP and OUT...that gives me about 1 second of having the pin settle on the X...and after that, I get tired and the pin starts hopping all over...

So, with time, I think I'll get better. First chance I get...I'll shoot a 5 spot 300...and report on how I do. I would guess somewhere between 275-285...with about 20X's...but we'll see.

I'm hoping that Evo + helps me out a bit too...:noidea:

swintj1


I think you’re off to a good start, the pic looks good, now work on the shot sequence and have a blast, you’re not that far away if you ever need any help.



JDX-- :peace:

draw length looks great... love the lizard green sweet bow man. i've wated one for a while now...i'm a little jealous...

That bow looks great but it would look better with a Posten on it.:peace:

By the way your form looks pretty good too. Just don't get too tired and keep on shootin because this will cause form flaws. Have Fun with that baby.

its all personal preference, BUT I myself shoot a pretty open stance.......

Yeah and to add to Bunny's comment is that a bit of an open stance promotes a little bit if a bent bow arm, which is good. If you close your stance up you chance a too stiff of a bow hand which could cause a string slap... Ouch...

Nice bow and I think your form looks good. For what that advice is worth.

Good shooting man and have fun !

Ron

Hey, thanks everyone for the compliments/comments on my form and my bow. I really appreciate all your support.

As promised, I got my tips in today from CompetitionArcheryProducts.com (200grain competition tips) so I installed those and went to the local shopt to see how my fully assembled X7 Eclipses work! They weighed in at 520grains...so pretty heavy, but lighter than I thought they'd be.

I chrono'd them...and at 53#, a 28" dl, and 520grain arrows...my A7 shot 209fps...so I was very happy about that.

Anyways, on to the results. I tried to shoot a 5-spot 300 game, but the shop closed before I could finish, but here are the results.

25,25,25,24,25,25,24,24 = 3 off the mark...

Also, got 20 X's. So, 50% X ratio, and 3 misses. The good thing...I know why I missed! When I draw back, if I keep my pin well above the target and then anchor, get my peep lined up to the scope diameter, and then slowly bring it down and focus on the X...I snipe it everytime. BUT! sometimes, especially on the top two targets...I'll pull back and when go to look through the peep...the pin is already RIGHT ON THE X, or a little below it. Then, the pin drops below the X, and I have to FIGHT GRAVITY to bring it back in, and I end up missing low by about 1/2". So, I just have to work on that and make sure I stay above the X when I'm anchoring.

Here is a pic of the results. 3 misses, 2 below, 1 above because I had 1 case of TP:frusty:

http://photos-740.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v315/63/102/63908740/n63908740_34584486_1228.jpg

Oh, I should tell you my exact set-up. With all of your help (members on 3Dshoots.com) I picked out this set-up and felt like it was the best set-up money could by for me. Whether that is true or not, don't tell me, because I'm very happy with my purchase, and there is no going back now! :D

But, here it is, because this baby shoots like a dream!

Bow: 2008 Mathews Apex 7: 28"dl, 53#
Rest: Mathews HDII fall-away
Sight: Sureloc Supreme w/9" extension
Scope: Viper 6X w/green up-pin
Arrows: Easton X7 Eclipse
Tips: Competition Archery Products 200grain
Stabilizer: Posten 24" (no weights)
Release: Tru-ball Stinger (not ideal, but working)

I would strongly recommend this set-up...more accurate than anything I've ever shot, and probably will ever shoot again. Thanks for all your help guys, and maybe I'll meet up with one/all of you sometime at a shoot! I'm in next year for Wabash, that is for sure.

cool looks like you are off to a good start. having a straight up 300 rnd bow is what i have wanted for a long time, maybe someday after the baby is born i will get one. I am shooting an awful lot of 299's with my 3d setup though:noidea:

Nice set-up dood,im a all black color man myself, all the way to the tip of my arrows...Color just goofs me slap up...

The best advice i can give you is to keep breathing while at full draw...When we stop breathing our brains sends messages and we start to panic without knowing it...

Here is what my coach told me years ago..

Step to the line = Dont move your feet til your done shooting your group...

Look at your target, focus on it while drawing your bow to ancor,keep breathing while things line up...Slowly squeeze your shoulder blades together til the shot and you break open...

The hardest thing in the world to do is ,letting the bow down when things dont line up or you feel off about something...We hit ancor and we want to fire that puppy,its okay to let it down and regroup...

He said "you can prepare for anything but seeing your name on top in Vegas"...
Good luck and take your time , make every shot your best shot...

Yeah, Thanks for the advice. I will try that...I think I do hold my breath right before I shoot, so maybe that will help.

I took the leap yesterday, and I converted my POSTEN from being my Hoyt's stab to my Mathews...check it out!

3 coats Black, 2 coats clearcoat. Looks pretty good!

http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v332/63/102/63908740/n63908740_34591572_4843.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v332/63/102/63908740/n63908740_34591573_5500.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v332/63/102/63908740/n63908740_34591574_6126.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v332/63/102/63908740/n63908740_34591575_6766.jpg

Not bad looking at all, not at all. Now you just need to print off a sight tape. I know you have all of the info to plug it into a software program.

From the pictures it just looked as though you didnt have one yet.

Not bad looking at all, not at all. Now you just need to print off a sight tape. I know you have all of the info to plug it into a software program.

From the pictures it just looked as though you didnt have one yet.

Well, I don't have the software, I know you do though. Problem is that I haven't gotten a chance to shoot from 40-50 yards, so all I have is 20 yards. I went to the proshop and figured out that 30.5 is where 20 yards is...but that's all I have.

What will you need to know in order to make one for me? I'll get that all for you by Monday next week if you let me know what you need. Thanks!

If you're fighting gravity try to to move your peep higher a bit,only about
1/16" at a time.Shaking can be due to you're holding with muscles,most likely
leaning your body to look through the peep.

Oh yeah she is coming along very nicely. Now you need to talk to Ben and get a custom Slingbraid for her. He does an awesome job.:peace:

Oh yeah she is coming along very nicely. Now you need to talk to Ben and get a custom Slingbraid for her. He does an awesome job.:peace:

Sorry, beat you to it. It is already ordered...have the cashiers check on it's way already! :D

Can't wait...just a simple one, a Single braid NEON GREEN AND BLACK one. That should be everything then..except a bowstand. Then I'll be set. I think I might get one of those little bowstands so when I go to a tournament, I have somewhere to set my bow, rather than lean it against the wall and hope it doesn't fall.

Thank you for the compliment...I'm very happy with it. Going to shoot it all weekend with the Evo + BT release and see how that goes, but I'm sure I'll sneak the wrist strap in there too just to re-affirm I'm not as bad as the BT makes me look. :laugh:

Sorry, beat you to it. It is already ordered...have the cashiers check on it's way already! :D

Can't wait...just a simple one, a Single braid NEON GREEN AND BLACK one. That should be everything then..except a bowstand. Then I'll be set. I think I might get one of those little bowstands so when I go to a tournament, I have somewhere to set my bow, rather than lean it against the wall and hope it doesn't fall.

Thank you for the compliment...I'm very happy with it. Going to shoot it all weekend with the Evo + BT release and see how that goes, but I'm sure I'll sneak the wrist strap in there too just to re-affirm I'm not as bad as the BT makes me look. :laugh:

I have a Quickstand for my Ovation. Just PM JCMORGAN and he will hook you right up. Good call on the Slingbraid.:peace: