Allen Deluxe Reflective Hoist Review

The Allen Deluxe Reflective Hoist Made a Bold First Impression

The Allen Deluxe Reflective Hoist. It sounds simple, but sometimes the most basic tools are the most crucial. As someone who spends a significant amount of time in the outdoors, from setting up deer stands to hoisting gear up into treehouses for my kids, I’ve learned that a reliable hoist rope is indispensable. This offering from Allen promises to be just that: a dependable tool to get the job done.

I was specifically looking for a hoist rope that was both strong and visible. After a near miss with a poorly secured pack last hunting season, I decided that enhanced visibility was a must. So I wanted to avoid anything dark or easily camouflaged against trees. The advertised reflective properties of the Allen Deluxe Reflective Hoist immediately caught my eye.

My first impression upon unboxing it was a bit of a mixed bag. The rope itself felt sturdy enough, with a decent thickness, but the packaging was pretty basic. Compared to some of the more premium hoisting systems I’ve used, like the Hunter Safety System Lifeline or even a paracord setup with carabiners, the Allen Deluxe Reflective Hoist seemed almost too simple. I wanted to see how this $5.99 tool would hold up to the elements.

The Hunter Safety System Lifeline is a fantastic product, but it is geared towards treestand safety, and doesn’t suit hoisting up items. A paracord system is more flexible, but it lacks the reflective qualities of the Allen Deluxe Reflective Hoist. I picked this one hoping for a balance of utility and visibility. I was hoping for a no-frills tool that could do the job reliably.

To be honest, I wasn’t blown away by the initial appearance of the Allen Deluxe Reflective Hoist. I was, however, intrigued. I was curious to see if it would perform better than it looked. I planned to put it through its paces, fully expecting a few surprises along the way.

Real-World Testing: Putting Allen Deluxe Reflective Hoist to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Allen Deluxe Reflective Hoist while setting up a new deer stand. The location was deep in the woods, a good 20-minute hike from my truck. It involved hoisting my backpack (around 30 pounds) and my bow (another 5 pounds) up into the stand.

The weather was damp, with a light drizzle that made the rope a bit slippery. The rope itself was easy to grip, even when wet. There was no excessive fraying, which I was pleased to see. I did notice that the reflective strands were not as prominent as I had hoped in the dim light of the forest.

The rope worked smoothly enough, though I did wish it had some sort of pulley system to reduce the strain. I was able to haul up my gear without too much effort, but definitely felt the weight more than when using a pulley. The biggest issue I encountered was the lack of a proper attachment point. I ended up tying a bowline knot each time, which took extra time.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Allen Deluxe Reflective Hoist has held up surprisingly well. I’ve used it to haul up everything from backpacks to treestands (disassembled, of course). The rope itself hasn’t shown any significant signs of wear and tear.

I have noticed some slight fraying at the ends where I’ve tied knots, but nothing too concerning. Cleaning it is simple: a quick rinse with water and it’s good to go. It is important to let it fully dry before storing to prevent mildew.

Compared to the heavier-duty hoisting systems I’ve used in the past, the Allen Deluxe Reflective Hoist is lighter and more portable, but also less convenient. The lack of a pulley and attachment hardware makes it less efficient for heavier loads. However, for simple, everyday tasks, it gets the job done adequately and at a budget-friendly price.

Breaking Down the Features of Allen Deluxe Reflective Hoist

Specifications

The Allen Deluxe Reflective Hoist is a simple, no-frills piece of equipment. It consists of a single strand of braided rope. Let’s break down the key specifications:

• Length: 25 feet. This provides ample length for most treestand and hoisting applications.
• Material: Braided rope, likely a blend of synthetic fibers for strength and durability.
• Reflectivity: Woven with reflective strands to enhance visibility in low-light conditions. This visibility is a key safety feature.
• Diameter: The rope has a reasonable thickness, allowing for comfortable grip.
• Price: $5.99. This makes it one of the most affordable options on the market.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the hoist’s usability and safety. The length determines how high you can hoist items. The reflectivity improves visibility, and the material dictates its strength and resistance to wear. The low price point makes it accessible to almost everyone.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Allen Deluxe Reflective Hoist is to lift and lower gear. It performs this basic task adequately. The rope is strong enough to handle most hunting-related loads (bows, backpacks, etc.).

Its biggest weakness is the lack of a pulley system. Hauling heavier items can be strenuous. It meets basic expectations for a hoist rope, but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is as basic as it gets: a length of rope. The braided construction provides a decent grip. The bright color with reflective strands improves visibility.

There’s no real learning curve to using it. Simply tie a knot, attach your gear, and hoist away. More complex systems, like those with pulleys, require more setup.

Durability & Maintenance

The Allen Deluxe Reflective Hoist appears to be reasonably durable. The braided rope resists fraying, and the synthetic material should withstand the elements. With proper care (avoiding excessive abrasion, storing it dry), it should last for several seasons.

Maintenance is minimal. Just rinse it off with water if it gets dirty and let it air dry. Avoid using harsh chemicals, which could damage the fibers.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Allen Deluxe Reflective Hoist comes with zero accessories. It’s just the rope itself. Customization is also limited.

Users could add carabiners or pulleys to enhance its functionality. However, this adds to the cost and complexity. Its compatibility with other brands is irrelevant.

Pros and Cons of Allen Deluxe Reflective Hoist