| If you were to compare the arrow rest section in a 1995 catalog to
the same section in a current catalog, one major difference would be evident
-- fall away arrow rests. No doubt about it, they are the hottest things
in the arrow rest department since micro adjustments became commonplace.
 As
with many archery companies, Cavalier Equipment was started by an avid
archer who also happened to be a machinist. Jim Haines saw a need in the
market for simple sight extensions and inexpensive sights for school programs.
The business grew and Jim started producing OEM sights for the likes of
Wing and Ben Pearson.
At about the same time that Jim's business was in full swing, another
man, Richard Tone, saw a need for better rests. Thus the T-300 was born,
which became the standard rest for finger shooters all across the country.
Dick called Jim Haines to do the manufacturing. He did just that for several
years and in 1982 Dick and Jim became partners. Over the next few years
Dick developed other products to add to the line and in 1986 Cavalier became
incorporated.
Still going strong, Cavalier manufactures products for finger and release
shooters while also maintaining a strong OEM business with many of the
larger bow companies. Their dealers and distributors operate in almost
every country in the world!
Based in Arizona, the company focuses on building archery products that
will last a lifetime and provide superior performance. Cavalier equipment
Archers have won just about every competition including the Olympics, World
and National championships. Bowhunters have also come to rely on Cavalier
Equipment in the field.
Over the past couple of years I have tested quite a few fall away rests
and have seen just about everything -- the good the bad and the ugly! There
are several factors that separate the good from the bad including durability,
consistency of function and ease of adjustability. Read on to see how the
Avalanche Extreme performed in these categories.
The Basics:
The Extreme is made up of 8 main components. They are as follows: Mounting
bracket, vertical adjustment block, windage adjustment block, spring adjustment
knob, axle, spring/cord combination and the cable slide. The mounting bracket
is constructed of 3/8? thick 6061-T6 aluminum and contains an elongated
slot for the mounting screw. This 1.050" long slot allows the rest to be
mounted in various positions. As with the other 6061-T6 aluminum parts
on the Avalanche Extreme, the mounting bracket is black anodized.
Both the vertical and windage blocks are constructed of ¾" aluminum
and are also black anodized. The windage block has graduated tuning marks
located on the backside for easier set up. The Vertical adjustment block
does not have graduated tuning marks. Both blocks are adjusted by loosening
a locking screw and then turning a knob/screw that is captivated and acts
like a "worm" gear.
The spring adjustment knob, also made of black anodized aluminum, actually
consists of two pieces. The first piece is the variable position disc and
the other is the spring retention fixture. The disc has 7 countersunk holes
on the side facing the spring retention fixture. A small stainless steel
dowel pin protrudes from the spring retention fixture and can be placed
in any of these holes to adjust the rotation of the activation cord. An
activation cord mounting tab is also located on the disc. The spring retention
fixture contains, as mentioned above, the stainless steel dowel and a small
countersunk hole to retain the spring located between the windage block
and retention fixture. This spring is held in place by a large countersink
in the windage block.
The stainless steel axle has a "flat" machined on it to allow for a
positive launcher lock down. The axle runs from just outside of the launcher
to the inside of the spring retention fixture where it is held by a small
screw. A 5/64" wrench is needed to remove the variable position disc and
the spring retention fixture from the axle.
The launcher, also aluminum, is approximately .195" long by .615" wide.
It contains a deep groove for the arrow to sit in and two mounting holes.
The stainless steel spring/cord combination feeds through a small hole
in the cable slide where it is adjusted and then tied off.
Testing:
First up on the testing agenda was a thorough quality check. Everything
was in great order including the machining, finish and mechanical function.
Cavalier has done an impressive job on the quality and workmanship of the
Avalanche - one of the best I've seen.
At first glance the Extreme looks a bit intimidating with quite a few
knobs, screws and other moving parts. It took a couple of minutes to get
my bearings. The position of the launcher was somewhat difficult to set
just right the first time around. When I was setting the launcher rotation,
the spring adjustment knob would stop before the stop-collar would hit
the stop. I found that the spring attachment on the spring adjustment knob
was hitting the vertical adjustment screw. When this screw is in the lowest
position in the slot the spring attachment will not clear it. An easy remedy
to the situation was to loosen the stop-collar screw and rotate the entire
axle.
From the package to perfect paper tears, it took me approximately 30
minutes. Not bad. Cavalier provides a detailed instruction sheet that walks
you through the process, step by step.
After the initial set up I spent a couple of hours shooting arrow after
arrow through the Extreme. I was curious to see if the spring would continue
to consistently perform or if it would stretch. After the shooting session
I paper tested my rig again. Not a problem, nothing changed. To make sure
I had a handle on the set up process I re-adjusted all the settings to
be completely out of tune and then set it up again. It gets easier the
second time!
Next up was to test the Avalanche Extreme in a hunting situation --
ground hogs! When I hunt hogs my bow ends up in just about every position
imaginable, as I sneak, belly crawl and shimmy into position. The Cavalier
has a design that could allow the arrow to shift side to side or completely
come off of the shelf depending on how your final set up positions the
launcher. After a few stalks I decided to glue a couple of tabs on each
side of the launcher in a wide "V" pattern. It took care of the problem
and didn't hinder the arrow flight. With the "V" tabs still in place I
took to the trees and shot some 3D.
The Extreme performed well in that situation. One thing that I would
like to see Cavalier and many of the archery equipment manufacturers do
is to use black hardware. A few of the Extreme's exposed parts are bare
metal and have a shine to them.
Cavalier provides strips of sticky-back felt that are used to quiet
the all-metal launcher. You will also need to cover the arrow shelf on
your riser to prevent the noise that occurs when the launcher strikes it.
The Extreme is built like a brick house and should provide good performance
for an indefinite amount of time (It will probably last longer than you!).
The only parts that may need replaced at some point should be the cord
and the springs. Everything else is solid metal. Two hex head wrenches
are needed to do all of the tuning, a 5/64" and a 7/64". The mounting screw
requires a 3/16" wrench.
If set up properly, the Extreme is a good performer that has proven
to me that it can remain in tune through quite a bit of abuse. It is a
quality piece of work and is certainly built to last. I Look forward to
getting better acquainted with Cavalier Equipment's other products.
Quality: 4.5 of 5
One look at the Extreme and you can see that the workmanship and quality
is there.
Design: 3.5 of 5
As mentioned before the rest is somewhat difficult to set up but once
you get the process mastered there should be no problems. One suggestion
is to use a low profile screw for the vertical adjustment. This will alleviate
any potential clearance problems.
Performance: 4 of 5
The Extreme is a superb performer and really does drop out of the way
when set up properly. The only suggestion here would be to add tabs to
the side of the launcher for increased arrow control in hunting situations.
For information on these and other Cavalier
Equipment products contact:
Cavalier Equipment Company,
Inc
PO Box 753
700 N. Neely #2
Gilbert, Arizona 85299
Telephone: 480.497. 2977
Fax: 480.497.6753
Web Site: www.cavalier-archery.com |
