New Gear Performance Ratings: Accompanying me this year during the archery season have been a few new pieces of gear. Below are my reviews of their initial use.

• Kodak Zi8 video camera: Awesome product. I was extremely pleased with the performance of the camera.

The camera guy? He needed a little work. The HD video camera is small enough that it becomes a challenge to hold steady while your adrenaline is pumping hard with deer around! I got better at getting steadier the more I used it. The video was good quality in low- and high-light and the internal microphone did a great job picking up sounds. The one challenge is the stepped zoom. Instead of gradually moving in and out, the zoom jumps. It’s not a deal breaker for me. The hidden gem of the product: It doubles as an awesome tool for checking trail cameras afield. Just slap the SD card in the camera and get color photos from your trail cams. This product rates out as a booner in my book.

• Primos bow sling: This thing was a gift or I wouldn’t own one, but I’m kicking myself for never having one before hand. It’s sort of a hands-free device when you’re walking to/from your stand.

I also underestimated it as a nice shield for your string and cams when in transport. It’s another booner.

• Manzella Ranger bow hunting gloves: These were replacements for a pair of Rocky gloves that I’d had for a couple years. I almost pulled the trigger on buying a pair of Under Armour gloves, but opted to try these. Overall, they did their job. That said, they frayed a large amount for just one week’s use. And they seemed a bit bulkier between the fingers than some of the other gloves I’ve used in the past. I’ll likely be replacing these. I’ll rate these as a 100” 8 pointer!

• Mathews Monster: It sure looked good in the tree, but I sadly didn’t get to fling the first arrow from it. Shooting the foam target at camp – not quite the same as shooting at a deer – showed that it should perform well when given the chance. Holding the rating until it gets the “true” test.