The Allen 8686 Hypa-Lite Included Swivel Size Mossy Oak Obsession Made a Bold First Impression
The Allen 8686 Hypa-Lite Included Swivel Size Mossy Oak Obsession turkey sling arrived with a promise of lightweight comfort and specialized features for the avid turkey hunter. Allen Company aims to provide affordable and functional gear, and this sling seemed tailored to that philosophy. It boasts hypalon construction, Mossy Oak Obsession camo, and dedicated call and shell storage, ticking several boxes for a dedicated turkey hunting setup.
Years of lugging shotguns through dense woods had me searching for a sling that wouldn’t add unnecessary weight and would provide some dedicated storage. I was tired of calls bouncing around in my vest pockets and shells digging into my side. Several other slings were considered, including a neoprene model and a more expensive, leather option. The Allen sling won out due to its focused design on lightweight materials and storage without breaking the bank.
My initial impressions were largely positive upon unboxing. The hypalon felt sturdy yet surprisingly light, and the camo pattern looked effective. The inclusion of integrated call and shell holders was a welcome sight, indicating a thoughtful design for the specific needs of turkey hunters. I was eager to see how it would perform in the field compared to my old, generic rifle sling.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Allen 8686 Hypa-Lite Included Swivel Size Mossy Oak Obsession** to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Allen 8686 Hypa-Lite Included Swivel Size Mossy Oak Obsession was during a spring turkey hunt in the Appalachian foothills. The terrain was steep and heavily wooded, providing an ideal testing ground for the sling’s comfort and functionality. It was a damp morning with light drizzle, testing the material’s water resistance.
The sling proved comfortable enough during the hike, and I didn’t experience the usual shoulder fatigue after several hours. The call pockets were convenient and allowed for quick access to different calls without fumbling in my vest. I did notice, however, that the shell loops felt a bit tight, making it difficult to quickly remove a shell.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of turkey hunting, the Allen 8686 Hypa-Lite Included Swivel Size Mossy Oak Obsession has proven to be a reliable, though not perfect, companion. There are no significant signs of wear and tear, although the Mossy Oak Obsession camo has faded slightly in high-friction areas. The hypalon material has held up admirably, resisting tears and abrasions despite frequent encounters with branches and briars.
The sling is easy to wipe clean after a muddy hunt, but the call pockets can retain moisture if not properly dried. Compared to my previous experience with a bulkier, padded sling, the Allen sling is a clear winner in terms of weight and convenience. The shell loops, however, continue to be a minor annoyance, requiring more effort than desired to quickly access ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of **Allen 8686 Hypa-Lite Included Swivel Size Mossy Oak Obsession**
Specifications
- The Allen 8686 Hypa-Lite Included Swivel Size Mossy Oak Obsession is constructed with ultra-durable, lightweight hypalon material. This provides a strong and water-resistant base for the sling, essential for outdoor use.
- It features a molded, low-density foam pad and a non-slip backing. These enhance comfort and prevent the sling from sliding off the shoulder, even with heavy clothing.
- The front of the sling is covered in quiet fabric with Mossy Oak Obsession camo. This ensures effective concealment while minimizing noise during movement.
- It has three mouth call storage pockets with a quiet opening flap. This allows for quick and silent access to essential calls, a crucial element in turkey hunting.
- There are two extra shell loops. These offer convenient storage for additional ammunition, allowing for quick reloads in the field.
- The shoulder pad is 14″ long by 3.25″ wide. This provides ample coverage and support for the shoulder.
- The adjustable web sling is 1″ wide. This allows for comfortable carry and is adjustable to fit various body sizes and weapon configurations.
- An adjustable ladder lock buckle is included. This buckle enables quick and easy length adjustments for a customized fit.
- It includes swivels for easy attachment to the firearm. These allow for free movement and prevent the sling from twisting.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen 8686 Hypa-Lite Included Swivel Size Mossy Oak Obsession performs its primary function of carrying a shotgun effectively. Its lightweight design is a significant advantage, especially during long hunts. The call pockets are well-designed and genuinely useful.
The tight shell loops are a drawback, requiring improvement for faster reloads. Overall, the sling meets expectations for a budget-friendly, specialized turkey hunting accessory.
Design & Ergonomics
The sling’s design prioritizes lightweight construction and specialized storage. The hypalon material feels durable and the camo pattern is visually appealing. The sling is relatively comfortable, although the padding could be thicker for heavier firearms.
There is minimal learning curve. Anyone familiar with using a rifle or shotgun sling will find the Allen 8686 Hypa-Lite Included Swivel Size Mossy Oak Obsession straightforward to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The hypalon material seems robust and should last for several seasons with proper care. The sling is easy to clean with a damp cloth, and the call pockets should be emptied and dried after each use. There are no readily replaceable parts, so major damage would likely require replacing the entire sling.
Accessories and Customization Options
The sling comes with integrated call and shell storage, eliminating the need for separate pouches. No other customization options are readily available. The included swivels should be compatible with most standard shotgun swivel studs.
Pros and Cons of **Allen 8686 Hypa-Lite Included Swivel Size Mossy Oak Obsession**
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended carry.
- Integrated call storage is a game-changer for easy access.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to most hunters.
- Durable hypalon construction should withstand rugged use.
- Mossy Oak Obsession camo provides effective concealment.
Cons
- Shell loops are too tight, hindering quick reloads.
- Padding could be thicker for improved comfort with heavier shotguns.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy **Allen 8686 Hypa-Lite Included Swivel Size Mossy Oak Obsession**?
The Allen 8686 Hypa-Lite Included Swivel Size Mossy Oak Obsession is perfect for turkey hunters seeking a lightweight and functional sling with integrated call storage. Budget-conscious hunters who prioritize practicality over premium materials will find this sling a good value. Those who prefer rapid access to ammunition might find the shell loops frustrating.
Hunters carrying very heavy shotguns might benefit from a sling with thicker padding. A comfortable pair of hunting gloves are a must-have accessory to complement this product, particularly in cold weather.
Conclusion on **Allen 8686 Hypa-Lite Included Swivel Size Mossy Oak Obsession**
The Allen 8686 Hypa-Lite Included Swivel Size Mossy Oak Obsession offers a compelling value proposition for turkey hunters seeking a lightweight and functional sling. While the tight shell loops are a drawback, the integrated call storage and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment. At $22.49, the price is justified by the features and overall performance.
I would personally recommend this sling to budget-conscious turkey hunters who value convenience and lightweight design. It’s a specialized tool that effectively addresses the needs of a specific hunting style. Add this sling to your turkey hunting arsenal, and experience the freedom of hands-free carry and readily available calls!
