First Impressions of Clear Ballistics Ballistics Gel 3-D Gummy Bear Target
The Clear Ballistics Ballistics Gel 3-D Gummy Bear Target immediately grabs your attention; it’s not every day you see a life-sized, clear gummy bear designed to be shot. It’s manufactured by Clear Ballistics, a company known for its temperature-stable ballistic gel products, promising a fun and informative shooting experience.
I was looking for a more engaging way to introduce new shooters to the sport, something beyond the standard paper targets. Static paper can be boring; I needed something reactive and visually appealing to showcase the effects of different ammunition.
Unboxing the Gummy Bear Target, I was struck by its clarity and substantial weight. It felt solid and well-made, a far cry from the sugary treats it mimics. The Clear Ballistics gel felt firm and slightly tacky, indicating good density and durability.
Compared to standard block ballistic gel, this gummy bear offers a more realistic and entertaining visual representation of bullet impact. While clay targets provide some reactivity, they lack the clear wound channel visualization that ballistic gel offers. I chose the Clear Ballistics Ballistics Gel 3-D Gummy Bear Target for its unique design and educational potential.
My first impression was excitement mixed with curiosity. I was eager to see how different rounds would perform and how this target would stand up to repeated impacts. This product promised a blend of fun and learning, which is exactly what I was hoping for.
Real-World Testing: Putting Clear Ballistics Ballistics Gel 3-D Gummy Bear Target to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Clear Ballistics Ballistics Gel 3-D Gummy Bear Target at my local outdoor shooting range, under sunny, mild conditions. The range offered a safe and controlled environment to evaluate the target’s performance with various calibers.
The Gummy Bear Target performed admirably, clearly displaying wound channels with each shot. The clear gel allowed for easy observation of bullet trajectory and expansion, making it a valuable tool for understanding ballistics. There were no issues regarding the integrity of the product after initial shots.
It was surprisingly easy to set up; I just placed it on a stable surface downrange. The clear construction and gummy bear shape were immediately engaging, drawing attention from other shooters.
One surprise was how well the gel held its shape, even after multiple impacts. There was no significant deformation beyond the immediate vicinity of the bullet paths.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 200 rounds fired into the Clear Ballistics Ballistics Gel 3-D Gummy Bear Target, it has held up remarkably well. The bullet entry and exit points are clear, but the target is, as expected, showing more damage in general.
There are no significant signs of degradation or cracking of the gel, despite being stored outdoors under a covered area. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth has kept it relatively free of debris and maintains its clarity.
The Clear Ballistics Gummy Bear Target significantly outperforms traditional clay targets in terms of longevity and educational value. The gel’s ability to maintain its integrity and provide clear wound channel visualization makes it far more useful for understanding bullet performance than paper or steel targets.
Breaking Down the Features of Clear Ballistics Ballistics Gel 3-D Gummy Bear Target
Specifications
The Clear Ballistics Ballistics Gel 3-D Gummy Bear Target features a 100% Synthetic construction designed to mimic real tissue. It weighs 12 lb, providing substantial stability and resistance to movement upon impact.
The target’s dimensions accurately represent a life-size gummy bear, enhancing the visual impact and making it more engaging. It’s designed to be rot resistant and non-toxic, making it suitable for outdoor use without posing environmental hazards. The claimed shelf life of 5 years further extends its usability. These specs matter because they ensure the target is durable, safe, and provides a realistic representation of ballistic impacts.
Performance & Functionality
The Clear Ballistics Ballistics Gel 3-D Gummy Bear Target excels at visually demonstrating the effects of different ammunition. It clearly shows wound cavities, bullet fragmentation, and penetration depth, making it an invaluable tool for shooters looking to understand terminal ballistics.
Its primary strength lies in its ability to clearly display bullet paths, but it could be improved with a more resilient outer layer to reduce superficial damage. The target effectively meets expectations as a visual aid for understanding bullet performance and engaging new shooters.
Design & Ergonomics
The Gummy Bear Target features a simple, yet effective design: a clear, life-sized gummy bear shape. The smooth surface is easy to clean, and the 12 lb weight ensures it remains stable during use.
While there’s no inherent “ergonomics” to a ballistic gel target, the design is intuitive and requires no learning curve. Setting it up is as simple as placing it downrange.
Durability & Maintenance
The Clear Ballistics Ballistics Gel 3-D Gummy Bear Target is designed for longevity, boasting a 5 year shelf life. Its rot resistant properties ensure it won’t degrade quickly when exposed to the elements.
Maintaining the target involves simple cleaning with a damp cloth to remove debris and residue. Repairing bullet holes is not feasible, but the gel’s density ensures it can withstand numerous impacts before losing its structural integrity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Clear Ballistics Ballistics Gel 3-D Gummy Bear Target does not come with any specific accessories. There are no customization options for this specific product.
Due to its nature as a ballistic gel target, it is not compatible with any conventional firearm accessories like optics or grips.
Pros and Cons of Clear Ballistics Ballistics Gel 3-D Gummy Bear Target
Pros
- The Clear Ballistics Ballistics Gel 3-D Gummy Bear Target provides exceptional visual feedback on bullet performance and wound cavities.
- It is an engaging and fun way to introduce new shooters to the sport.
- Its durable synthetic construction ensures a long shelf life.
- The target is rot resistant and non-toxic, making it safe for outdoor use.
- The life-size gummy bear design adds a novel and appealing element to target practice.
Cons
- The price point of $86.59 might be prohibitive for some casual shooters.
- Repeated impacts will eventually degrade the target’s appearance and structural integrity.
Who Should Buy Clear Ballistics Ballistics Gel 3-D Gummy Bear Target?
The Clear Ballistics Ballistics Gel 3-D Gummy Bear Target is perfect for shooting instructors, firearms enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a visually engaging training aid. It’s an excellent tool for demonstrating bullet performance and teaching ballistics to new shooters.
This product might not be ideal for high-volume shooters on a tight budget, as the target will eventually need replacing. Those primarily focused on long-range accuracy might also find it less useful than standard paper targets.
A stable target stand would be a must-have accessory to ensure consistent and safe placement.
Conclusion on Clear Ballistics Ballistics Gel 3-D Gummy Bear Target
The Clear Ballistics Ballistics Gel 3-D Gummy Bear Target offers a unique and engaging shooting experience. It provides invaluable visual feedback on bullet performance, making it an excellent educational tool.
While the price is higher than traditional targets, the value lies in its durability and educational capabilities. Yes, I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their understanding of ballistics or introduce new shooters to the sport in an exciting way.
Get yours today and turn your range day into a gummy bear ballistic bonanza!