First Impressions of TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless accessories promising to enhance the shooting experience. When I first laid eyes on the TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest, I was intrigued by its simplicity and potential utility for crossbow hunters. The promise of a stable, portable shooting platform immediately caught my attention, especially given the inherent challenges of accurately firing a crossbow in various hunting scenarios.
My biggest problem was finding a reliable and easily transportable support system for my crossbow hunts. Standard bipods and tripods are often bulky and impractical in dense terrain, and I needed a solution that allowed for quick and steady shots in the field. This led me to explore options like the TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by how lightweight the rest was. The combination of aluminum and composite materials felt sturdy enough to withstand field use while remaining incredibly portable. Initial impressions were positive; it seemed well-constructed, and the adjustable length feature promised a customizable fit.
Compared to traditional shooting sticks or bipods, the TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest offered a unique approach by utilizing the shooter’s hip or the ground as a stabilizing point. While I considered options like the Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 Crossbow model, I ultimately chose the TruGlo due to its compact design and specific focus on hip support, which seemed ideal for my style of hunting. My first impression was cautiously optimistic, eager to see how it performed in the field, as I often find these types of devices are either a game changer or a total bust.
Real-World Testing: Putting TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest came during a whitetail deer hunt in the Appalachian foothills. The terrain was rugged, and the vegetation was thick, making it challenging to set up a stable shooting position. I used it both standing and kneeling.
The initial setup took a few minutes to adjust the length properly for my hip. Once adjusted, the rest provided a noticeable improvement in stability compared to shooting unsupported. I found it particularly helpful when standing, as it minimized the wobble often associated with holding a crossbow freehand.
However, the ground wasn’t always level, and the single point of contact on the ground required careful placement to avoid instability. Also, the plastic screw which locks the length adjustment in place began to loosen after a few uses. After my first day of use, it was clear that while it provided added stability, it may not be the magic bullet I was hoping for.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest on various hunts and at the range, its strengths and limitations became more apparent. It definitely improves stability in situations where a solid rest isn’t readily available. The aluminum and composite construction has held up well, showing no significant signs of wear and tear beyond minor scratches.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and debris. While it doesn’t completely replace a dedicated bench rest or tripod for precision shooting, it’s a valuable tool for adding stability in dynamic hunting scenarios, which is where it has excelled over other options I have tried in the past. Overall, it has exceeded my initial expectations of being a gimmick.
Breaking Down the Features of TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest
Specifications
The TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest boasts a lightweight design, constructed from aluminum and composite materials. The adjustable length, ranging from 20-29 inches, allows for customization to fit different shooters and shooting positions. At a mere 10 ounces, it’s incredibly portable and won’t add significant weight to your hunting gear.
The adjustable length of 20-29 inches is crucial for accommodating different body types and shooting stances, ensuring a comfortable and stable shooting platform. The lightweight design is essential for hunters who prioritize mobility and don’t want to be weighed down by bulky equipment.
Performance & Functionality
The TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest enhances shooting stability by providing a third point of contact, bracing against the hip or the ground. This reduces wobble and allows for more accurate shots, especially at longer distances. Its primary strength lies in its portability and ease of use in the field.
However, it’s not a substitute for a bench rest or tripod, and its effectiveness can be limited by uneven terrain. It is important to note the plastic adjustment screw is a weak point. The TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest met my expectations as a portable stability aid, but it did not exceed them as a replacement for more stable platforms.
Design & Ergonomics
The TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest features a simple, functional design. The combination of aluminum and composite materials strikes a good balance between weight and durability. The adjustable length is easy to use, though the plastic screw used to tighten it could be more robust.
There’s a slight learning curve to finding the optimal hip placement and adjusting the length for maximum stability. The TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest has a learning curve but is easy to implement and makes a difference in the field.
Durability & Maintenance
The TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest appears to be reasonably durable, with the aluminum and composite materials holding up well to regular use. The most vulnerable component is the plastic length adjustment screw, which could potentially strip or break with excessive force. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning.
Given the simplicity of the design, repairs should be relatively straightforward if any components fail. With reasonable care, it should last for many hunting seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest does not come with any additional accessories. Customization is limited to adjusting the length of the rest to fit the shooter’s preference. There are no aftermarket accessories specifically designed for the TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest.
While the lack of accessories might be seen as a drawback, it also reflects the simplicity and focused design of the product.
Pros and Cons of TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest
Pros
- Provides enhanced stability for crossbow shooting in the field.
- Lightweight and compact design for easy portability.
- Adjustable length to accommodate different shooters and shooting positions.
- Simple to use with minimal learning curve.
- Durable aluminum and composite construction.
Cons
- Plastic length adjustment screw could be more robust.
- Effectiveness limited by uneven terrain.
- Doesn’t replace a dedicated bench rest or tripod for precision shooting.
Who Should Buy TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest?
The TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest is perfect for crossbow hunters who prioritize mobility and need a lightweight, portable solution for improving shooting stability in the field. It’s particularly well-suited for hunters who often find themselves in situations where setting up a traditional tripod or bipod is impractical. This is also a great option for hunters with physical limitations or balance issues.
Those seeking maximum stability for precision shooting should stick with a dedicated bench rest or tripod. Also, hunters who primarily hunt from fixed stands or blinds may not find the TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest as beneficial. A must-have modification would be to replace the plastic screw with a metal screw to improve durability.
Conclusion on TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest
The TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest offers a practical and affordable solution for crossbow hunters seeking to enhance their shooting stability in the field. While it’s not a perfect replacement for a dedicated bench rest or tripod, its lightweight design, adjustable length, and ease of use make it a valuable tool for dynamic hunting scenarios. At a price of $47.49, the TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest is a worthwhile investment for hunters looking to improve their accuracy and confidence in the field.
I would personally recommend it to any crossbow hunter looking for a portable and affordable stability aid. Upgrade the screw and you’re set. Add the TruGlo Hip Shot Crossbow Shooting Rest to your gear and experience the difference it makes!