First Thoughts on the Painted Arrow Trad Pro Magnetic Phone Mount LH
The Painted Arrow Trad Pro Magnetic Phone Mount LH from Painted Arrow promises a hands-free filming experience for traditional archery enthusiasts. It’s a simple concept: magnetically attaching your smartphone to your bow. This opens a new avenue for sharing the thrill of the hunt and documenting your archery journey.
I’ve long sought a reliable way to film my hunts with a recurve bow. Juggling a phone while drawing back on a deer is, to put it mildly, less than ideal. The promise of a secure, adjustable mount that wouldn’t mar my bow caught my attention immediately.
Unboxing the Trad Pro, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. The rubber strap feels robust, and the magnetic mount itself seems sturdy. The adhesive rubber tubing is a thoughtful touch, suggesting attention to detail and a commitment to protecting the bow. Initial impressions suggest a well-thought-out piece of kit.
I considered options like chest mounts or even helmet cams, but these seemed bulky and cumbersome for traditional archery. The Trad Pro appeared to offer a more streamlined, integrated solution. The deciding factor was the dedicated design for recurve and longbows, addressing the specific challenges of filming with this style of archery.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited by the potential for capturing unique hunting footage. I also hoped the mount would not interfere with the natural feel and balance of my bow.
Real-World Testing: Putting Painted Arrow Trad Pro Magnetic Phone Mount LH to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Painted Arrow Trad Pro Magnetic Phone Mount LH during a weekend deer hunt in the dense forests of Pennsylvania. The terrain was challenging with steep inclines and thick underbrush. This provided a demanding environment to assess the mount’s stability and impact on my archery performance.
The weather was damp, with a persistent drizzle throughout the day. This tested the grip of the rubber strap and the security of the magnetic phone attachment. I found the mount remained surprisingly stable even when slightly wet.
Initially, it took a few minutes to find the optimal placement on my lower limb for the desired camera angle. Once positioned, the mount felt secure, and my phone attached easily. The canting angle adjustment was simple and effective, ensuring a level horizon in my footage.
After the first few shots, I noticed a slight vibration in my bow arm that I attributed to the added weight. This wasn’t a dealbreaker, but something I needed to adapt to. Overall, the first use was promising, demonstrating the mount’s potential for filming hunts effectively.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Trad Pro has proven to be a reliable piece of gear. The rubber strap shows no signs of stretching or wear. The magnetic connection remains strong and consistent.
Minor scuff marks have appeared on the adhesive rubber tubing protecting the bow riser. However, the tubing is doing its job, preventing any damage to the bow itself. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a damp cloth to wipe away mud or moisture.
Compared to previous attempts at filming with makeshift phone mounts, the Trad Pro is a significant upgrade. It offers a secure and adjustable platform. I no longer worry about my phone detaching mid-draw. While the initial vibration took some getting used to, the trade-off is worth it for the ability to capture my hunts on film.
Breaking Down the Features of Painted Arrow Trad Pro Magnetic Phone Mount LH
Specifications
The Painted Arrow Trad Pro Magnetic Phone Mount LH is designed specifically for recurve and longbows. It features a durable rubber strap for attachment. The mount includes an adjustable bracket to align the canting angle for level filming.
The mounting bracket’s spine is wrapped in adhesive rubber tubing to prevent marring the bow riser. The kit includes a Painted Arrow Adhesive phone plate. The entire system is proudly made in the USA.
These specifications translate to a secure and adaptable mounting solution. The rubber strap ensures compatibility with various bow limb shapes and sizes. The adjustability allows for customized filming angles. The protective tubing demonstrates care for the bow’s finish.
Performance & Functionality
The Painted Arrow Trad Pro Magnetic Phone Mount LH performs its primary function admirably: securely holding a smartphone to a traditional bow for filming. The magnetic connection is strong enough to withstand the shock of the shot. The adjustability allows for level footage.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity and effectiveness. It’s easy to install, adjust, and use. A potential improvement would be a slightly stronger magnet for larger phones, however.
The mount largely meets expectations. It provides a stable filming platform. The vibration I initially experienced is manageable with practice.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid, with durable materials and a straightforward design. The rubber strap and magnetic mount feel robust. The adhesive rubber tubing provides adequate protection.
The design is user-friendly, with no complicated mechanisms or confusing instructions. The learning curve is minimal. The initial adjustment to the weight distribution is the only real challenge.
Durability & Maintenance
The Trad Pro appears to be built to last. The high-quality materials suggest good longevity. The simplicity of the design minimizes potential points of failure.
Maintenance is minimal. Keeping the strap and mount clean is all that’s required. The replaceable adhesive phone plate is a nice touch, extending the product’s lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit comes with a Painted Arrow adhesive phone plate. This allows you to attach your phone to the magnetic mount.
No specific customization options are offered beyond the initial placement and angle adjustment. The compatibility with different phone cases could be considered a form of customization, however. Future iterations could benefit from offering different strap lengths or colors.
Pros and Cons of Painted Arrow Trad Pro Magnetic Phone Mount LH
Pros
- Magnetic Mount: The strong magnetic connection provides a secure hold for your smartphone.
- Canting Angle Adjustment: Enables hunters to align the canting angle of the bow for a level filming view.
- Bow Protection: Adhesive rubber tubing prevents marring the bow riser.
- Easy to Use: Simple to install, adjust, and use.
- Made in the USA: Proudly made in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Vibration: Adds slight vibration to the bow upon release.
- Phone Size Limitations: Very large phones might require a more powerful magnetic connection.
Who Should Buy Painted Arrow Trad Pro Magnetic Phone Mount LH?
The Painted Arrow Trad Pro Magnetic Phone Mount LH is perfect for traditional archery hunters. It is also excellent for target archers who want to document their progress. It benefits anyone seeking a hands-free filming solution for their recurve or longbow.
This product may not be ideal for compound bow users due to the different bow geometry. Those who prioritize absolute minimal weight on their bow might also want to consider alternatives. It’s also potentially unnecessary for those who only occasionally film their archery activities.
A must-have accessory is a reliable phone case to attach the adhesive plate. Experimenting with different phone placement locations on the bow limb is also recommended to find the optimal balance and filming angle.
Conclusion on Painted Arrow Trad Pro Magnetic Phone Mount LH
The Painted Arrow Trad Pro Magnetic Phone Mount LH is a well-designed and effective tool for filming with traditional bows. It addresses a specific need for archers seeking a hands-free, integrated filming solution. The $49.99 price point is justified by the quality of materials, ease of use, and the peace of mind offered by the lifetime warranty.
I would personally recommend this product to any recurve or longbow archer looking to capture their hunts or practice sessions on film. The Trad Pro delivers on its promise of a secure and adjustable mounting system. It allows archers to share their passion for traditional archery with the world.
If you’re ready to document your archery journey, the Painted Arrow Trad Pro Magnetic Phone Mount LH is a worthwhile investment. Grab yours today and start filming!