The October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in Made a Bold First Impression
The October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in peep sight promises versatility and affordability for archers. Made by October Mountain Products, its claim of accommodating different bow lengths and string angles caught my attention. I was looking for a peep sight that could easily transfer between my older, shorter axle-to-axle bow and a newer, longer one without requiring a complete retuning of my setup each time.
Having spent years battling peep rotation and inconsistent anchor points, the TriView’s multi-position design seemed like a potential solution. The lightweight aluminum construction also piqued my interest, hoping it would minimize added weight to my string. Unboxing it revealed a simple, no-frills design. It’s a small, blue anodized aluminum peep with three distinct mounting holes.
Compared to higher-end peeps with tool-less adjustability, the October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in looks decidedly basic. It reminded me of the old-school aluminum peeps I used back in my early archery days, albeit with an updated, multi-position design. I initially considered the Specialty Archery Super Peep, known for its clarity and verifier lenses, but the price difference was significant, and I wanted to see if a more budget-friendly option could deliver similar performance. Another option I considered was the G5 Meta Peep, lauded for its self-aligning design, but the simplicity of the TriView appealed to me for its potentially easier installation and adjustment.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The simplicity and lightweight nature were appealing, but I wondered if such an inexpensive peep could truly offer reliable performance and durability. The low price point was certainly a welcome surprise.
Real-World Testing: Putting October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in at my local outdoor archery range, under typical sunny conditions. Installation was straightforward, requiring only a bow press and basic archery tools. I experimented with all three mounting positions to find the one that best aligned with my sight picture at full draw on my primary bow, a 32″ axle-to-axle hunting bow. It took a bit of fiddling to secure it properly and eliminate string rotation, but eventually, I found the sweet spot.
The initial shots were surprisingly consistent. The 1/4″ aperture provided a clear view of my sight pin and the target, even in bright sunlight. I did notice a slight increase in string vibration after the shot, likely due to the added weight of the aluminum peep, but it wasn’t significant enough to affect accuracy. However, when the sun started to set, the peep became a bit harder to see through in the dimmer light, a common issue with smaller apertures.
After the first session, I noticed that the string serving around the peep was starting to show slight wear. This is to be expected, but it was a reminder to keep a close eye on it and potentially re-serve the area after extended use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular shooting sessions, the October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in has held up reasonably well. There are no signs of cracking or bending, which is a testament to the quality of the aluminum used. The blue anodized finish is also still intact, showing no signs of fading or scratching.
The string serving wear hasn’t worsened significantly, but I did apply a small amount of string wax around the peep to minimize friction. I’ve also experimented with using it on my backup bow, which has a shorter axle-to-axle length. The adjustability of the TriView allowed me to easily find a comfortable and consistent anchor point on both bows.
Compared to the TruGlo Glo-Sight Supreme peep I used previously, the October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in lacks the light-gathering properties for low-light conditions. However, for daytime shooting, it performs admirably. The October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in has exceeded my expectations for its price point.
Breaking Down the Features of October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in
Specifications
- Material: Ultra-light Aluminum. This keeps the weight down, minimizing string vibration and potential accuracy issues.
- Aperture Size: 1/4 inch. This provides a good balance between brightness and target clarity for most archers.
- Design: TriView, offering three different mounting positions. This is the key feature, allowing for accommodation of various bow lengths and string angles.
- Color: Blue. The anodized blue finish adds a touch of style.
- Intended Use: Archery Peep Sight. It serves as a visual reference point to ensure consistent anchor point and accuracy.
These specifications highlight the peep’s focus on simplicity, affordability, and adaptability. The aluminum construction ensures it won’t weigh down the string excessively, while the TriView design offers flexibility for different bow setups. The 1/4″ aperture size caters to a wide range of archers and shooting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in performs its primary function adequately: providing a consistent reference point for aiming. Accuracy is generally good, and the 1/4″ aperture offers a clear view of the target.
The main strength lies in its adjustability. The three mounting positions allow for fine-tuning the peep’s alignment with your eye at full draw, regardless of your bow’s axle-to-axle length or string angle. A weakness is that it requires a bow press for installation and adjustment, and it may not be ideal for archers shooting in very low-light conditions.
The October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in meets expectations for a budget-friendly peep sight. It’s not packed with features, but it delivers reliable performance at a fraction of the cost of premium options.
Design & Ergonomics
The October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in boasts a simple, functional design. The lightweight aluminum construction contributes to its overall ease of use.
There’s virtually no learning curve. Installation requires some archery knowledge but using the peep is intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in is made from aluminum, offering good durability for its price point. While it’s not indestructible, it should withstand normal wear and tear from regular shooting.
Maintenance is minimal. Regular string waxing around the peep can help prolong the life of your string serving.
Accessories and Customization Options
The October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Its simple design doesn’t lend itself to extensive customization.
It is, however, compatible with most standard bowstrings and servings. Aftermarket peep alignment tubing can be used if desired.
Pros and Cons of October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in
Pros
- Affordable Price: Extremely budget-friendly, making it accessible to archers of all levels.
- Adjustable TriView Design: Accommodates different bow lengths and string angles.
- Lightweight Aluminum: Minimizes string vibration and maintains accuracy.
- Easy to Install: Straightforward installation process.
- Clear Sight Picture: 1/4″ aperture provides a clear view of the target in good lighting.
Cons
- Requires Bow Press: Installation and adjustment require a bow press.
- Not Ideal for Low Light: The 1/4″ aperture can be difficult to see through in dim conditions.
- Basic Design: Lacks advanced features found in premium peep sights.
Who Should Buy October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in?
The October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in is perfect for beginner to intermediate archers seeking an affordable and adjustable peep sight. It’s also a good option for archers who own multiple bows with different axle-to-axle lengths and want a single peep sight that can be easily transferred between them. It also serves well for recreational target shooters on a budget.
This product should be skipped by archers who primarily hunt in low-light conditions or those who demand the highest level of performance and customization options. Those archers may want to consider a peep sight with a larger aperture or light-gathering capabilities.
Must-have accessories include a bow press for installation and adjustment, string wax to maintain the string serving, and potentially peep alignment tubing.
Conclusion on October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in
The October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in is a surprisingly effective and affordable option for archers. While it lacks the bells and whistles of higher-end peep sights, it delivers reliable performance and versatility at a fraction of the cost.
The value proposition is excellent. For the price, you get a lightweight, adjustable peep sight that can accommodate a wide range of bow setups.
I would definitely recommend the October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in to budget-conscious archers. It’s a great way to improve your accuracy and consistency without breaking the bank. If you are looking for a simple, effective, and affordable peep sight, give the October Mountain TriView Peep Blue 1/4 in a try!