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Gear Of The Year (part 2)
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Hunter Series Fitovers
 Optically
challenged sportspeople know that clip-on and wraparound glasses
for protecting prescription eyewear are typically uncomfortable
and don’t fit just right. The new Hunter Series ($99.95)
from Fitovers has addressed these problems with a virtually
indestructible, yet unbelievably comfortable, wrap-around style.
And the camouflage nylon frame is fitted with impact-resistant,
polarized polycarbonate lenses that come in amber, grey and
yellow. All Hunters come in two sizes and include polarized
side shields, camo case, adjustable head strap and lens cloth.
Fitovers Eyewear Canada, 64212, 5512-4th
Street Northwest, Calgary, Alberta T2K 0J6; 1-800-209-5164;
www.fitovers.com |
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 Stealth
Layout Field Blind
With geese and ducks becoming increasingly difficult to fool,
Chrono Manufacturing has released its new Stealth Layout Field
Blind ($449) to stay one step ahead of wary birds. With long,
shadow-reducing tapers, the Stealth eliminates the square profile
of traditional blinds without sacrificing space or comfort.
Its welded, steel-tube construction makes it strong, yet light,
and it sets up in seconds. An internal suspended-seat system
is comfortable and ensures stable shots. Available in three
camouflage patterns, the Stealth also has straps for attaching
vegetation to further enhance effectiveness.
Chrono Manufacturing, 5528-125A Avenue,
Edmonton, Alberta T5W 1V3;
1-800-465-6678; www.ongaros.com |
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Model 700 Titanium
 Remington’s
new Model 700 Titanium (U.S.$1,200) is arguably the best factory
mountain rifle on the market, its light weight making it a sheep
hunter’s dream. Weighing just five and a quarter pounds
in the short-action version and five and a half pounds in long-action,
the Model 700 features a spiral-fluted titanium bolt that reduces
weight without sacrificing rigidity, along with a skeletal bolt
handle. A 22-inch, highly tapered stainless-steel barrel is
standard, and the 700’s barrelled action is dropped into
a Kevlar-reinforced carbon-fibre composite stock. The rifle
is also fitted with sling swivels, and drilled and tapped for
scope mounts. For 2001, it’s available chambered in .260
Rem., .270 Win., 7mm-08 and .30-06.
Remington Arms Company, 870 Remington
Drive, P.O. Box 700, Madison, North Carolina 27025; 1-800-243-9700;
www.remington.com |
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 Scent-Lok
Supreme
Scent-Lok, the industry leader in odour-eliminating clothing
for hunters, has introduced a new line for 2001 that’s
ideally suited for Canada’s adverse weather. Including
a parka (U.S.$199.95), pants (U.S.$189.95) and gloves (U.S.
$34.95), the Supreme series is waterproof, windproof, quiet
and breathable. Of course, the clothing also features the activated-carbon-scent
absorption system that has been the cornerstone of Scent-Lok’s
success. And Scent-Lok promises that the Supreme line’s
odour-eliminating features will endure repeated washings—even
more so than its predecessors.
Scent-Lok, 1731 Wierengo Drive, Muskegon,
Michigan 49442; (231) 777-7565; www.scentlok.com |
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Yardage Pro Scout
 With
its new Yardage Pro Scout ($670), Bushnell will only enhance
its reputation as the industry leader in the laser rangefinder
market. The 6.8-ounce Scout is being touted as the world’s
smallest digital laser rangefinder, measuring 1-1/2 inches by
four inches by 2-3/4 inches. Designed for one-handed operation,
it meets the needs of both short- and long-range hunters, with
a minimum effective range of 10 yards to a maximum of 700 yards
on highly reflective targets—all accurate within plus or
minus one yard. Two modes are standard: one that helps screen
secondary targets like tree limbs or brush, and another that
continuously updates the distance readout as the user scans
an area. The Scout’s three-volt lithium cell (included)
is good for more than 2,000 readings.
Bushnell Performance Optics Canada,
25A East Pearce Street, Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 2M9; 1-800-361-5702;
www.bushnell.com |
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 Minox
Windwatch Pro
The ability of the new Minox Windwatch Pro (U.S.$169) to read
weather conditions can make all the difference when it comes
to comfort and safety during hunting trips. The Windwatch Pro
is a digital thermometer that calculates and displays wind speed
and wind chill with a fully integrated barometer and altimeter,
all with the push of a button. It also tracks air-pressure changes
over a 16-hour period to provide weather forecasts. The Windwatch
Pro is water-resistant to 16 feet and weighs a miniscule 1.7
ounces.
Minox, 156 Ludlow Avenue, Northvale,
New Jersey 07647; (201) 767-7500; www.minox.com |
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Grand Slam
 Nothing
ruins a hunt faster than cold or wet feet, and Wolverine Boots’
new Grand Slam lace-ups (U.S.$105) are designed to prevent that
from happening. Available in three camouflage patterns, the
nine-inch Grand Slam features Cordura uppers reinforced with
leather toe tips and heels for added strength and durability.
For warmth there’s a 1,000-gram Thinsulate layer, while
the boot’s Gore-Tex Supprescent liner should keep feet
dry and comfortable while concealing odour. Sportsmen can choose
between the two outer-sole options that best suit their hunting
conditions.
Wolverine Canada, P.O. Box 85058, Burlington,
Ontario L7R 4K3;
1-800-263-8272; www.wolverinebootsandshoes.com |
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 Model
9410
Winchester says its new Model 9410 lever-action (U.S.$531) is
the fun gun of the new millennium, ideal for the trap range
or plinking away out at the farm. Better yet, it’s the
perfect rifle with which to introduce youngsters to shooting,
thanks to its nominal recoil. The first-ever production lever-action
.410, the 9410 is based on the time-tested Model 94 platform.
Along with a 24-inch, smooth-bore, cylinder-choke barrel, it
features a 2-1/2-inch chamber, a nine-round magazine and an
off-the-rack weight of 6-3/4 pounds.
U.S. Repeating Arms Company, 275 Winchester
Avenue, Morgan, Utah 84050-9333; 1-800-333-3288; www.winchester-guns.com
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| Read
more on the best gear of 2001: |
| Part
1 | Part 2 | Part
3 | Part 4 |
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