Let’s Dive into Cold Steel Boomerang
The Cold Steel Boomerang isn’t your grandpa’s returning toy; it’s a modern take on an ancient tool, crafted from high-impact polypropylene for durability and performance. Cold Steel, known for its innovative and sometimes unconventional weapon designs, has created a non-returning boomerang that aims to be more than just a plaything. It promises to improve hand-eye coordination, serve as a hunting implement for small game, and even function as a self-defense tool in a pinch.
I’ve always been fascinated by edged weapons and throwing implements and wanted to explore alternatives to traditional knives and axes. The promise of honing my throwing skills while potentially adding another tool to my survival kit intrigued me. Unboxing the Cold Steel Boomerang, my initial impression was one of surprise at its size; it’s much larger than I expected, spanning nearly two and a half feet. The molded polypropylene feels sturdy and has a textured wood-grain finish for a better grip.
Compared to a traditional wooden boomerang, the Cold Steel offering is undeniably more durable and weather-resistant, though it lacks the traditional return feature. I considered a competition-grade returning boomerang for recreational fun, and some smaller polymer throwing knives for close range, but I wanted something with more impact potential for hunting and survival scenarios. My first impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism; I was eager to see if this oversized piece of plastic could live up to its claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cold Steel Boomerang to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Cold Steel Boomerang at a secluded section of BLM land during a weekend camping trip, choosing a wide-open area clear of rocks and trees. I was aiming for a set of cardboard targets at varying distances. Initially, the boomerang took some getting used to; the size and weight required a significantly different throwing motion compared to smaller items.
The Boomerang performed surprisingly well in light wind conditions, maintaining a relatively stable flight path. It became noticeably less accurate when the wind picked up. I also quickly learned to avoid throwing it into anything harder than soft earth; even though it is durable, impacts on hard surfaces did leave slight abrasions on the polypropylene.
It took several throws to get a feel for the proper angle and spin. After the first few clumsy attempts, I started achieving consistent throws that landed close to the targets. The initial surprise was how much power this thing has; even a glancing blow from the Boomerang sent my cardboard targets tumbling.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Cold Steel Boomerang has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of significant wear or structural damage. The polypropylene material is proving to be very resistant to cracking or breaking, even after repeated impacts with the ground. I have used it several times a week for the last month.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only an occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. Compared to maintaining a knife or axe, this is a welcome change. I have found it has become a fun addition to my training equipment.
It outperforms any expectations I had for a non-returning boomerang in terms of its throwing distance and impact force. I am now consistently hitting targets out to 40 yards. It’s definitely earned a spot in my go-bag.
Breaking Down the Features of Cold Steel Boomerang
Specifications
- The Cold Steel Boomerang boasts an overall length of 28 inches, making it a substantial piece of equipment. Its size contributes to its throwing distance and impact potential.
- It’s constructed from high-impact polypropylene, a durable and weather-resistant material. This material choice ensures the boomerang can withstand repeated use in various conditions without significant wear and tear.
- The height is 7 inches, contributing to its aerodynamic profile. This aids in stable and predictable flight.
- Weighing in at 12.1 oz (1.5 lbs), the Boomerang feels solid and substantial without being overly cumbersome. The weight balances power and throwability.
- The blade thickness is 0.5 inches, giving it a good balance between strength and aerodynamics. This thickness ensures the boomerang can withstand impacts without bending or breaking.
- It has an attractive wood grain texture molded into the polypropylene. This adds a touch of aesthetic appeal while also improving grip.
These specifications highlight the Boomerang’s design for both durability and practical use. The choice of materials and dimensions translates directly into a reliable and effective throwing tool.
Performance & Functionality
The Cold Steel Boomerang is designed for distance and impact. It excels at both, delivering surprising power and accuracy once you master the throwing technique.
Its strength lies in its ability to be thrown accurately over a good distance and deliver a significant blow to the target. A weakness is that it is non-returning, which means you have to walk to retrieve it. I would rate the performance an 8/10.
It meets and exceeds expectations. The boomerang delivers more power and accuracy than I initially anticipated.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Cold Steel Boomerang is excellent, thanks to the robust polypropylene construction. The weight feels balanced in hand, and the wood grain texture provides a secure grip.
It is relatively user-friendly, although there is a learning curve associated with mastering the throwing technique. Some practice is required.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction, the Cold Steel Boomerang is built to last. The polypropylene material is highly resistant to wear and tear, ensuring a long service life.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only an occasional cleaning with soap and water. No special tools or products are needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cold Steel Boomerang does not come with any accessories, nor is there a need for customization. It is a standalone tool designed for a specific purpose.
No additional accessories are truly necessary, it is ready to use right out of the package. There is no compatibility with 3rd party accessories.
Pros and Cons of Cold Steel Boomerang
Pros
- Extremely durable due to its high-impact polypropylene construction.
- Impressive throwing distance and impact force.
- Simple to maintain, requiring only basic cleaning.
- Enhances hand-eye coordination and throwing skills.
- Can be used for hunting small game or as a self-defense tool.
Cons
- Non-returning design requires retrieval after each throw.
- Large size can make it difficult to carry and store.
Who Should Buy Cold Steel Boomerang?
Perfect for outdoorsmen, survivalists, and anyone looking to improve their throwing skills. It is an excellent tool for those seeking a durable and versatile hunting implement.
Those looking for a traditional, returning boomerang for recreational use should skip this product. It’s designed for distance and impact, not for circling back.
A must-have accessory would be a durable carrying case or sling for easy transport in the field. Safety glasses are also essential to protect your eyes.
Conclusion on Cold Steel Boomerang
The Cold Steel Boomerang is a surprisingly effective and durable tool that lives up to its claims. While it’s not a toy, it offers practical benefits for hunters, survivalists, and anyone interested in honing their throwing skills.
The price of $27.29 is justified, considering the quality of materials and the versatility of the product. It offers a unique combination of recreation, training, and potential utility in survival situations.
I would personally recommend the Cold Steel Boomerang to anyone looking for a durable, powerful, and versatile throwing implement. It’s a fun, challenging, and surprisingly effective tool that has earned a permanent place in my outdoor gear. So, grab one and give it a throw; you might be surprised at what you can hit!