Trius Clay Target Trap w/High Angle Retainer Review

The Trius Clay Target Trap w/High Angle Retainer Made a Bold First Impression

The Trius Clay Target Trap w/High Angle Retainer isn’t just another clay thrower; it’s a statement. This isn’t the flimsy plastic toy I used as a kid. It is built to hurl clays with impressive range and offers the unique challenge of high-angle shots.

My journey to this trap started with frustration. My old hand-thrower was inconsistent, painful on the shoulder after a few rounds, and limited the angles I could achieve. I needed something that allowed me to practice a wider range of shots, especially those challenging overhead presentations found in upland bird hunting scenarios.

The Trius trap arrived well-packaged. The steel construction felt solid in my hands, and I immediately appreciated the simple, tool-free adjustments. Compared to some other traps I considered, like the Champion Wheelybird Auto-Feed Trap (too automated and expensive for my needs) or the Do-All Outdoors Fowl Play Automatic Trap (again, more complexity than desired), the Trius offered a sweet spot of capability and simplicity.

My initial impression was excitement mixed with anticipation. Could this simple device truly deliver the diverse shooting experience I craved, or would it be another piece of range equipment gathering dust in the garage? I was eager to find out.

Real-World Testing: Putting Trius Clay Target Trap w/High Angle Retainer to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Trius Clay Target Trap w/High Angle Retainer to my local shooting range, a mix of open fields and wooded areas, ideal for simulating different hunting environments. It was a slightly windy day, which immediately put the trap to the test regarding throwing distance and consistency.

The trap performed admirably, even with the wind. It consistently launched clays a good distance, and the high-angle retainer delivered some truly challenging overhead shots. Initially, I needed to adjust the tension to find the sweet spot for optimal throwing distance, but the large adjustment knobs made this easy.

There were no immediate issues. The trap felt stable, and the foot pedal provided a comfortable and reliable release. I also was able to throw consistent double targets without fail.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Trius Clay Target Trap w/High Angle Retainer is holding up remarkably well. The steel frame shows no signs of bending or weakening.

There’s minimal wear and tear, mainly just some cosmetic scratches from being transported in my truck. Cleaning is a breeze; I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper plastic throwers that quickly cracked or broke, the Trius trap feels like a significant upgrade in durability.

Breaking Down the Features of Trius Clay Target Trap w/High Angle Retainer

Specifications

• The Trius Clay Target Trap w/High Angle Retainer is designed to throw standard-sized clay targets. It’s compatible with both 108mm and 110mm clays.

• It can be adjusted to throw beyond regulation distance and throws doubles, including piggyback doubles. The construction consists primarily of heavy-duty steel.

  • The heavy-duty steel construction ensures longevity and can handle consistent use without bending or breaking. The range adjustment and doubles capability allows the shooter to adjust to their skills and practice needs.

• It features a high-angle target retainer for challenging high-angle targets. Large adjustment knobs make the trap fully adjustable without tools.

  • The high angle retainer is essential for simulating bird hunting scenarios, while the tool-free adjustments mean less time fiddling and more time shooting. The tool-free adjustments allow for faster customization in the field as well.

• It can be used on the ground or mounted to a tire (bolt furnished). The tire mounting bolt offers versatility in placement.

  • The tire mounting bolt is a thoughtful addition, offering a stable and portable platform. The added stability from the tire helps to ensure reliable function.

Performance & Functionality

The Trius Clay Target Trap w/High Angle Retainer excels at its primary function: throwing clays consistently and accurately. The adjustable throwing distance is a significant advantage, allowing me to simulate various shot distances. The high-angle retainer elevates the challenge, providing realistic practice for overhead shots.

The only minor weakness is that strong winds can affect clay trajectory, but this is expected with any manually operated trap. Overall, it exceeds my expectations for a trap in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Trius Clay Target Trap w/High Angle Retainer boasts a simple yet effective design. The heavy-duty steel construction gives it a robust feel.

The foot pedal is comfortable to use, and the clay holder is easy to load. The trap requires minimal setup and is relatively lightweight for its size.

Durability & Maintenance

The robust steel construction of the Trius Clay Target Trap w/High Angle Retainer promises a long lifespan. The powder-coated finish helps to resist rust and corrosion.

Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe-down after use is usually sufficient. I anticipate this trap will last for many years with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Trius Clay Target Trap w/High Angle Retainer doesn’t come with a plethora of accessories, focusing instead on core functionality. The provided tire mounting bolt is a welcome addition.

While there aren’t many direct customization options, the trap is compatible with most standard clay targets. You can adjust the throwing arm tension to alter launch speed, which somewhat mimics customization.

Pros and Cons of Trius Clay Target Trap w/High Angle Retainer