First Impressions of Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit
The world of archery is constantly evolving, with innovations aimed at enhancing stability, accuracy, and overall shooting experience. The Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit aims to do just that, taking their already popular Influence arrow rest and upgrading it for those seeking a more deluxe and adjustable setup. As someone deeply entrenched in the tactical and outdoor gear world, I’m always eager to see how aftermarket upgrades perform and whether they genuinely provide a tangible benefit to the end user.
I was initially drawn to this product because I’ve been working on fine-tuning my bow setup for 3D archery competitions, and I wanted to explore ways to improve my bow’s balance and reduce torque. I’ve used the standard Influence rest for years and have always appreciated its reliability and adjustability. This upgrade kit promised to take things to the next level.
Upon unboxing the kit, I was immediately impressed with the quality of the components. The black anodized finish on the long bar and riser mount looked sleek and professional. The hardware felt solid and well-machined. Compared to some other aftermarket rest upgrades I’ve seen, this felt more robust and meticulously crafted. This Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit looks like it means business.
I considered some similar options from other manufacturers, but I ultimately chose the Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit due to my prior positive experience with the standard Influence rest and the reputation of Specialty Archery for producing high-quality archery accessories. Other options felt either too flimsy or lacked the specific adjustability I was seeking.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited about the potential performance gains the Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit might offer, but also a little skeptical about whether the upgrade would justify the cost. The build quality certainly inspired confidence, and I was eager to get it installed and see how it performed on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit at my local archery range, which is an outdoor facility with targets ranging from 20 to 80 yards. I spent several hours shooting with the upgraded rest, experimenting with different bar positions and arrow configurations. The weather was mild and sunny, providing ideal conditions for testing.
The most immediately noticeable difference was the increased stability of the bow. The 4.5″ long bar allowed me to fine-tune the balance point, which helped reduce unwanted torque during the draw and release. I was also impressed with the ease of adjustment. The laser markings on the bar made it easy to make precise changes to the bar’s position. After the first few shots, I knew the Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit was a real improvement.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit has proven to be a reliable and durable upgrade. There are no signs of wear and tear, and all the hardware remains tight and secure. I’ve also taken the bow on a few outdoor 3D archery courses, where it has been exposed to varying weather conditions, including light rain and dusty trails.
The long bar kit has held up admirably, requiring minimal maintenance. I simply wipe it down with a clean cloth after each use to remove any dirt or debris. Compared to some of my previous archery setups, this has been far easier to maintain. The Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit has significantly improved my shooting consistency and accuracy.
Breaking Down the Features of Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit
Specifications
The Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit includes several key components that contribute to its overall performance:
- 4.5″ Long Bar: This is the core of the upgrade kit, providing added length for adjusting the bow’s balance. The bar is constructed from lightweight, high-strength aluminum.
- Double Berger Hole Riser Mount: This mount replaces the standard Influence rest’s single Berger hole mount. It offers enhanced stability and allows for more precise adjustments.
- Berger Hole Bolt & Cone Head Screw: These are the necessary hardware components for securely attaching the mount to the riser. Specialty Archery provides high-quality hardware.
- Black Anodized Finish: This finish provides a sleek, professional look while also protecting the aluminum components from corrosion. The anodized finish enhances the durability of the Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit.
- Laser Marked Adjustments: Precise laser markings along the long bar allow for quick and accurate adjustments. The laser markings make fine-tuning easy.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the stability, adjustability, and durability of the arrow rest. The longer bar allows for better balance and torque reduction, while the double Berger hole mount ensures a more secure and stable attachment to the riser.
Performance & Functionality
The Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit significantly enhances the performance and functionality of the standard Influence arrow rest. It provides increased stability, improved adjustability, and a more consistent shooting experience.
The primary strength of the kit is its ability to fine-tune the bow’s balance, leading to reduced torque and improved accuracy. The only area for potential improvement would be offering different bar lengths to cater to archers with varying preferences and bow setups. The Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit meets and even exceeds expectations for an aftermarket upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit boasts a well-thought-out design with a focus on both aesthetics and functionality. The materials used are high-quality, contributing to the overall durability and lightweight feel of the kit.
The installation process is relatively straightforward, requiring only basic archery tools. There is a slight learning curve involved in finding the optimal bar position. However, the laser markings and intuitive design make the process relatively easy.
Durability & Maintenance
The Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit is built to last, with high-quality aluminum components and a durable black anodized finish. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable performance.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris. There are no proprietary parts that would make repairs difficult, ensuring the kit remains a valuable upgrade for years to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit includes all the necessary hardware for installation. There are no additional accessories included in the kit.
The kit is compatible with a wide range of bows and arrow setups. However, it is specifically designed as an upgrade for the standard Specialty Archery Influence arrow rest, so compatibility with other rests may be limited.
Pros and Cons of Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit
Pros
- Significantly improves bow stability and reduces torque.
- Allows for precise fine-tuning of bow balance.
- High-quality materials and durable construction.
- Easy to install and adjust.
- Laser markings for accurate adjustments.
Cons
- Only compatible with the Specialty Archery Influence arrow rest.
- May require some experimentation to find the optimal bar position.
Who Should Buy Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit?
The Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit is perfect for competitive target archers and serious bowhunters looking to enhance the stability and accuracy of their bow setup. It’s also well-suited for archers who already own and appreciate the standard Specialty Archery Influence arrow rest and want to take it to the next level.
Archers who are completely new to archery or are simply looking for a basic arrow rest may find this kit to be overkill. It’s also not suitable for archers who use arrow rests from other manufacturers, as the Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit is specifically designed for the Specialty Archery Influence rest. A must-have accessory would be a good set of archery tools for precise installation and adjustments.
Conclusion on Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit
The Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit is a worthwhile upgrade for anyone seeking to improve the stability and accuracy of their bow. It’s particularly well-suited for competitive archers and serious bowhunters who demand the best possible performance from their equipment.
The price of $77.36 is justified by the quality of the materials, the enhanced adjustability, and the tangible performance gains it provides. I would personally recommend the Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit to anyone looking to take their archery game to the next level.
If you’re serious about archery and want to experience the difference that a well-balanced and adjustable arrow rest can make, I encourage you to give the Specialty Archery Influence Long Bar Kit a try. You won’t be disappointed.