First Thoughts on the Butler Creek Featherlight 3″ x 22″-36″ Blaze Orange Foam Rifle
Every hunter knows the importance of a good rifle sling. After a decade of lugging rifles through dense brush and up steep inclines, I’ve learned that comfort and security are paramount. The Butler Creek Featherlight 3″ x 22″-36″ Blaze Orange Foam Rifle sling promises both, packaged in a lightweight and highly visible design.
My quest for the perfect sling started years ago with heavy leather straps that dug into my shoulder. I moved to padded nylon, which was better, but still trapped heat and shifted on my shoulder. The Butler Creek Featherlight caught my eye because of its innovative foam construction and blaze orange color – safety is key, and comfort a close second.
Unboxing the sling, I was immediately struck by how light it felt. The foam is surprisingly dense and feels like it will provide adequate cushioning. The blaze orange color is vibrant and unmistakable, ensuring I’m highly visible in the woods. Compared to my old padded nylon sling from Uncle Mike’s and a basic paracord sling I sometimes used, the Butler Creek Featherlight seemed to offer a significant upgrade in both comfort and safety.
My first impression was definitely positive. I was excited to test its breathability and see if the large thumb loop would truly secure the sling on my shoulder. My initial reaction was optimistic, with a strong belief that this sling was going to bring a solution to both shoulder fatigue and enhanced visible safety measures in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek Featherlight 3″ x 22″-36″ Blaze Orange Foam Rifle to the Test
First Use Experience
I put the Butler Creek Featherlight to the test during a week-long deer hunt in the Pennsylvania mountains. The terrain was rugged, with dense forests and steep hills. I experienced everything from light rain to crisp, sunny days.
The sling performed admirably. The breathable foam kept my shoulder cool and dry, even during strenuous climbs. The large thumb loop proved to be incredibly useful, preventing the rifle from slipping off my shoulder while navigating tricky terrain. After a full day of hiking, I noticed a significant reduction in shoulder fatigue compared to my old sling. There were no unexpected issues during the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use across different hunting seasons and target practice at the range, the Butler Creek Featherlight has held up surprisingly well. I have used it in various conditions. Exposure to sun, rain, and mud have yet to impact the functionality.
There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear, and the foam retains its shape and cushioning. Cleaning is a breeze; a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove dirt and mud. The sling has consistently outperformed my expectations. It’s proved itself to be significantly more comfortable and secure than any other sling I’ve used.
Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek Featherlight 3″ x 22″-36″ Blaze Orange Foam Rifle
Specifications
The Butler Creek Featherlight 3″ x 22″-36″ Blaze Orange Foam Rifle sling boasts a few key specifications that contribute to its overall performance:
- Length: Adjustable from 22″ to 36″, accommodating a wide range of body sizes and rifle configurations. This adjustability ensures a comfortable fit for virtually any user.
- Width: 3″, providing ample surface area for even weight distribution across the shoulder. The wider profile reduces pressure points and enhances comfort.
- Color: Blaze Orange, maximizing visibility in the field for safety. The vibrant color ensures you’re easily seen by other hunters.
- Material: Lightweight Foam, offering superior comfort and breathability. The foam construction is significantly lighter than traditional padded slings.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the sling’s comfort, functionality, and safety. The adjustability caters to individual preferences, while the width and foam material work together to minimize shoulder fatigue. Finally, the bright orange color enhances visibility, a critical safety feature for any hunter.
Performance & Functionality
The Butler Creek Featherlight excels in its primary function: carrying a rifle comfortably and securely. The foam padding provides excellent cushioning, even with heavier rifles. The adjustable length allows for a customized fit.
The sling’s greatest strength is its combination of comfort and security. The thumb loop is a game-changer, preventing the rifle from slipping off the shoulder during movement. One area for possible improvement would be adding some texture to the thumb loop to increase grip and reduce hand slippage when wet. It definitely met my expectations and even exceeded them.
Design & Ergonomics
The sling’s design is simple yet effective. The use of lightweight foam makes it incredibly comfortable to wear for extended periods. The blaze orange color is a practical safety feature, and the adjustable length ensures a proper fit for different body types.
The design is very user-friendly. There is no learning curve. The sling is easy to adjust and attach to any rifle with standard sling swivels.
Durability & Maintenance
The Butler Creek Featherlight appears to be surprisingly durable, given its lightweight construction. The foam is resistant to tearing and abrasion, and the stitching is well-reinforced. Proper care is always necessary.
Maintenance is minimal. As stated previously, a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep the sling clean.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Butler Creek Featherlight 3″ x 22″-36″ Blaze Orange Foam Rifle sling doesn’t come with any additional accessories. It’s a straightforward, no-frills design.
Customization options are limited to adjusting the length. Because it has a universal design, it is compatible with any rifle that utilizes standard sling swivels.
Pros and Cons of Butler Creek Featherlight 3″ x 22″-36″ Blaze Orange Foam Rifle
Pros
- Unmatched Comfort: The lightweight foam provides exceptional cushioning and breathability.
- Enhanced Security: The large thumb loop prevents the rifle from slipping off your shoulder.
- High Visibility: The blaze orange color ensures you’re easily seen in the field, increasing safety.
- Adjustable Length: The sling can be customized to fit a wide range of body sizes and rifle configurations.
- Easy Maintenance: A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes to keep the sling clean.
Cons
- Limited Customization: The design is fairly basic. There aren’t many options for personalization.
- Foam Durability Concerns: While it has held up well so far, the long-term durability of the foam material is unknown.
Who Should Buy Butler Creek Featherlight 3″ x 22″-36″ Blaze Orange Foam Rifle?
The Butler Creek Featherlight 3″ x 22″-36″ Blaze Orange Foam Rifle is perfect for hunters who prioritize comfort, security, and safety. It’s also a great option for anyone who spends long hours carrying a rifle in the field, such as hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
This sling might not be the best choice for those seeking a highly customizable or tactical sling with lots of extra features.
A must-have accessory would be high-quality sling swivels, if your rifle doesn’t already have them. Make sure they are properly installed for maximum security.
Conclusion on Butler Creek Featherlight 3″ x 22″-36″ Blaze Orange Foam Rifle
The Butler Creek Featherlight 3″ x 22″-36″ Blaze Orange Foam Rifle sling is a well-designed, comfortable, and safe option for carrying a rifle in the field. Its lightweight foam construction, secure thumb loop, and high-visibility color make it an excellent choice for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
At $23.99, the price is more than justified. The Butler Creek Featherlight offers excellent value for the money and delivers on its promises of comfort, security, and safety.
I would definitely recommend this sling. The Butler Creek Featherlight provides a significant upgrade in comfort and safety compared to traditional rifle slings. Get yours today and experience the difference!