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Home Bowhunting Posts Bowhunting Gear

S4Gear SideWinder EVO

Dave Conrad by Dave Conrad
March 5, 2011 - Updated on October 5, 2012
in Bowhunting Gear, Bowhunting Posts
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55

WIN A SIDEWINDER EVO: DETAILS AT THE BOTTOM

 

By: Dave Conrad

When hunting whitetails I have never been one to carry a lot of accessories with me. I like to be ‘stealthy’” and keep items to a minimum. I find the more you carry the more noise you make, which is detrimental when pursuing trophy whitetail. I also like to keep things organized and close within reach, which includes my rangefinder and binoculars.

This year I am using the SideWinder EVO in order to keep my rangefinder close by my side. The EVO can be best described as a “retractable gear deployment system”. My initial thought was, “Why didn’t I think of something as simple as this?” It has a solid, well engineered feel that should put up with years of outdoor abuse.


The device clips onto your pack straps, pant waist or a variety of places using the removable LeverLock belt clip or integrated mounting slits in the frame of the unit. The LeverLock system can be quickly engaged with the flip of a finger. This design prohibits the belt clip from opening and ensures the SideWinder EVO stays securely in place. Molded grips on the inside and end of the belt clip also secures the device in place inhibiting movement along your pack straps or the waist or your pants.

The belt clip also has a pivoting 360 degree design so that it can be positioned at any angle. This can be accomplished by turning a dial on the inside faceplate of the belt clip. Within a few turns the SideWinder EVO pivots freely. This makes for a great feature because it can be changed from my pack strap to my waist quickly without removing my rangefinder. Disengaging the dial completely allows for the belt clip to be removed altogether enabling you to use the integrated mounting slits. (S4Gear has advised us they will soon have available and arm band, ATV mount and GPS and 2-way radio hard cradle mounts.)

Attaching a device to the tether pad on the Coupling Post is accomplished using a combination of a Velcro strap and an adhesive pad. The pad uses powerful 3M adhesive to attach your device to the tether pad. The Velcro strap works in conjunction with the adhesive to doubly secure your device. To ensure that a mishap doesn’t occur, the SideWinder EVO also is equipped with a safety lanyard. So just in case an accident occurs causing the Velcro/adhesive combo to separate I have the tough thin wired safety lanyard secured through the lanyard hole on my rangefinder. In testing I have not encountered any problems from bumps and brushes and quite frankly I don’t anticipate any with the rock solid combination grip.

If you do want to remove your electronic device from the tether system the Coupling Post and Tether Pad are designed with a release stud/hole combination. To remove your device, simply press on the Quick Detach button located on top of the Coupling Post and pull. This comes in handy when your buddy somehow forgets or leaves his rangefinder back at the truck.

The retractable Kevlar cord is silent, even if pulled across the fabric of your jacket or pack. The 36 inch length easily allows you a variety of places to clip your electronic devices. I had no problem what so ever retrieving my rangefinder from the thigh pocket on my camo BDU style pants.

What I like best about the SideWinder EVO is the smooth rotation of the internal Teflon Skid Plates. The Consistent Force Power Spring keeps a constant and consistent tension on the cable system. So whether you are extending or retracting the Kevlar cord the tension doesn’t bind or hesitate during motion. The Coupling Post is designed and engineered with over molded soft rubber in order to interconnect quietly with the SideWinder EVO base. This also helps in securing the device in place.

Testing of the SideWinder EVO was designed to put as many features as possible through routine field demands. I decided to start with what I thought was the most common single point of failure, the attachment of my rangefinder using the he Velcro/3M adhesive. I repeatedly bumped and brushed the rangefinder to simulate walking through bushes and underbrush. The system did not display any signs of separation, even with a few small sticks and briars being purposely caught between the tether pad and main body of the system.

Continuous pulling of the Kevlar cord in multiple directions, over the surfaces on the back and the sides of the SideWinder EVO did not cause any hang-ups or snags in the retrieval process. Repeatedly tugging on the device resulted in no failures of the LeverLock system and only minimal movement when pulled vigorously along pack straps. Overall the SideWinder passed with flying colors.

The SideWinder EVO device engineering is first rate and the quality showed throughout the testing. As mentioned earlier the total system feel is solid and designed with the rugged outdoors in mind. The molded soft rubber of the Coupling secured my rangefinder solidly to the main body. The main body also has soft rubber incorporated to allow for a solid grip when installing or removing the device to my pack straps or belt.

In conclusion I expect my equipment to perform to the best of my abilities when hunting. I believe the SideWinder EVO will allow me to quickly and easily utilize my rangefinder on upcoming hunts.
Company Products Statement:

S4Gear makes outdoor stuff that gets noticed. Innovative, cutting-edge equipment that supplies an air of confidence to the outdoor enthusiast. S4Gear is based in Eugene, Oregon and was born in the woods. S4Gear is dedicated to providing superior quality, craftsmanship, and technically advanced products that meet the demands of nature and those who tame it.


 

For more go to: S4Gear

Tags: S4Gear SideWinder EVO
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Comments 55

  1. Justin Medina says:
    12 years ago

    This is a great device and I would find it very useful for my rangefinder and gps that way I would always have them within reach.

    Reply
  2. Richard Holdcraft says:
    12 years ago

    As a safety professional with over 30 years of experience and a treestand safety expert, I would use this device to hold my radio or cell phone for quick communication with my hunting partners. In case of a fall from a treestand this device would be beneficial to all hunters. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being best, I would rate this a 9.

    Reply
  3. Brian Jarry says:
    12 years ago

    I would use it for my Nikon Archers Choice Max Rangefinder.

    Reply
  4. Bob Brown says:
    12 years ago

    Bow hunting with a handicapped partner, I keep my radio on and as close to my ear as possible. With the Sidewinder EVO, I would attach my radio it it so it was easily accessible and closer to my ear to hear it.

    Reply
  5. Joe Martin says:
    12 years ago

    I would use it on all of them from hunting\ surveying\ fishing, keeping thing’s at close hand is a good thing

    Reply
  6. Mike says:
    12 years ago

    I would use it to hold my range finder

    Reply
  7. Doug Bermel says:
    12 years ago

    Being a disabled hunter in wheelchair things are always falling out of my pockets and it is not easy to retrieve them. This product will help keep my equipment where I need it.

    Reply
  8. Holly Weatherwax says:
    12 years ago

    I would use it for my rangefinder. But I would need to get my husband one for his rangefinder and his radio, which he has lost one of each in the past.

    Reply
  9. Rick Rhodes says:
    12 years ago

    I It would be great for my phone while at work, don’t want to get shot looking for my phone. Also would be great for my rangefinder while in the stand archery season. Thanks for the possibility of getting a great tool.

    Reply
  10. Albert Quackenbush says:
    12 years ago

    I would use mine for my rangefinder. The retractable device I use now isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

    Reply
  11. Tracy Brown says:
    12 years ago

    This sounds like a great idea and a must have. I cant wait to get one and do away with the pouch with noisy zipper on my belt that I keep my rangefindet in.

    Reply
  12. Randy Archey says:
    12 years ago

    Looks pretty handy to me. Range finder, GPS or camera, I’ve dropped them all, even my cell phone.

    Reply
  13. rich says:
    12 years ago

    This unit would work great to hold my HD flip or Nikon range finder so it’s there when I need them. Way more quite than digging in my bag or pocket.

    Reply
  14. Eric Ashenfelter says:
    12 years ago

    It would be a good excuse to go buy all new stuff to put in the sidewinder. Thank you Bowhunting.net for bringing us hunters these great products!

    Reply
  15. Rob w says:
    12 years ago

    Looks like a winner to me!!!! Hook me up!!!!

    Reply
  16. Chris Donofrio says:
    12 years ago

    The S4Gear sidewinder EVO Is a great idea. Using a climbing treestand, I can’t count how many times I had to climb back down to pick up dropped cell phones or my rangefinder. Just being able to have your rangefinder right there when the moment comes is awesome. The S4gear SideWinder will be in my hunting arsenal this season.

    Reply
  17. Jeremy Hoyt says:
    12 years ago

    Going to use two, 1 for GPS & 1 for the Rangefinder.

    Reply
  18. Tony Pannkuk says:
    12 years ago

    I would use it for my range finder and/or portable radio. Also, not only writing for bowhunting.net I write for Bear Hunting Magazine and free lance for Mountain Hunter Magazine from the Outfitters Guide Association in British Columbia, Safari Club International, Boar Hunter Magazine and Varmint Hunter. I would make sure when taking pictures for publications I would have the Sidewnder EVO in place so my readers could see it in use. Plus it would be mentioned in the articles.

    I also produce a TV show here in Washington State titled “Hunters’ Inc.” and it would be used on the show. Thus, giving more exposure for the company.

    Thank you, Tony Pannkuk, Hunters’ Inc.

    Reply
  19. Todd Koenig says:
    12 years ago

    Looks like an excellent product. Plan to use it with my rangefinder on a pronghorn hunt this fall. May look at it for a walkie talkie / cell phone for duck hunting (I have lost both into ponds in North Dakota).

    Reply
  20. R waite says:
    12 years ago

    Can’t wait to win mine!!!!! Great Product i can really appriciate!

    Reply
  21. Brian H says:
    12 years ago

    awesome product ! this will work great for my gps and radio.

    Reply
  22. Dave: Salt Lake City, UT says:
    12 years ago

    This looks like a great product. I can’t count how many times I had to SquEEze my Nikon rangefinder out of its case and try to be quick about it. This would work perfectly for a rangefinder during a bow hunt, a radio, or even my GPS unit during a hike. Can I have two? :)

    Reply
  23. Mike B says:
    12 years ago

    I’d love to use this for GPS or even my cell phone with a Spot Connect in my pocket! Or even for a rangefinder.

    Reply
  24. Calvin Beeke says:
    12 years ago

    I would use it for my little GoPro camera when I need to shoot some footage real quick. I would also use it for my Bushnell Rangefinder and blackberry when I am working.

    Reply
  25. Greg Staggs says:
    12 years ago

    I’ve always been torn in my use of a rangefinder before seeing S4’s solution to my problem. I wanted to range the animal I was about to shoot, but never felt comfortable digging in a pocket to pull it out, using it, and dropping it back into that pocket while he was in range. S4 solves that problem by making it easily accessible but letting it be stored out of the way at the moment of truth with a zip of the retractable tether.

    Reply
  26. Ben Meckbach says:
    12 years ago

    I love my Sidewinder. I’ve always had to make my own system for keeping a rangefinder close, now I have the perfect tool.

    Reply
  27. Ken Warner says:
    12 years ago

    I’ll attache it to my glasses so I can find them easier

    Reply
  28. Wes Whitman says:
    12 years ago

    I would use it for my range finder especially during spot & stalk hunts.

    Reply
  29. Ryan Raines says:
    12 years ago

    It would help keep my Nikon range finder handy.

    Reply
  30. Steve Wall says:
    12 years ago

    Looks like at great product. I am going on an elk hunt this fall and could definately use the Sidewinder Evo for my rangefinder.

    Reply
  31. Brian says:
    12 years ago

    I didn’t like how the original was designed but I will definitely purchase the EVO(if I don’t win one). No special purpose, just to hold rangefinder and keep it handy. It always looks like you guys put a LOT of thought into the products you make. WIll be purchasing the Binocular Holder too.

    Reply
  32. Nick says:
    12 years ago

    I used the old sidewinder on my bushnell arc rangefinder which is exactly what i woul use on the NEW EVO.

    Reply
  33. jack says:
    12 years ago

    I would use the EVO for my range finder. Keeping things close at hand when that moment of truth comes walking into range – and then guaranteeing the range!

    Reply
  34. Fran D says:
    12 years ago

    I would use it to lay the smack down on some tasty animals.

    Reply
  35. Chris M says:
    12 years ago

    I would use the Evo for my sky caddie and my range finder….look like a great product…would love a chance to win one…..

    Reply
  36. Michelle Dawson says:
    12 years ago

    I have heard amazing things about this product and know an awesome company stands behind it. Can’t wait to use one!

    Reply
  37. Roger Liles says:
    12 years ago

    Would be handy on the job. Having observed cell phones falling into septic tanks, wells and rivers ( I won’t say whose ) this nifty device would be a real gear saver! Hmmm… I wonder which of my carpenter tools I could hang on this thing?

    Reply
  38. Matt Haus says:
    12 years ago

    Thanks for the review. Looking forward to seein these appear on the market

    Reply
  39. Matt Haus says:
    12 years ago

    Forgot. I’d use it with a leupold rangefinder

    Reply
  40. javier morales says:
    12 years ago

    I would use it for my rangefinder and would love to try it out heard wonderful reviews!!

    Reply
  41. alma morales says:
    12 years ago

    I would like to give it away as a bithday present to my husband he would enjoy it very much.

    Reply
  42. Amy Hinds says:
    12 years ago

    I would use this on my rangefinder.

    Reply
  43. Mary Griffis says:
    12 years ago

    I would most definitley use this on my rangefinder.

    Reply
  44. Callie M says:
    12 years ago

    Im in agreement with Matt! It would be for a leupold rangefinder!

    Reply
  45. Jodi says:
    12 years ago

    I would use this for my rangefinder.

    Reply
  46. Rob w says:
    12 years ago

    I won one! AWSOME! Thank You So Much! I can’t wait to use my Sidewinder EVO!

    Reply
  47. Jerid Strasheim says:
    12 years ago

    Tony-

    email me at jerids@s4gear.com

    I will be glad to send you one – if you do not win the contest.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  48. rick hogge says:
    12 years ago

    What a great idea, I dont know how many times my rangefinder has been buried in my pack or hung around my neck, and while walking to my stand a deer will show up. this product will enable me to quickly and without a lot of movement range my deer

    Reply
  49. Dale Fogle says:
    11 years ago

    This would be AWESOME for my Bushnell Range Finder for bow hunting!!! Been looking for a product that would keep it nice & tight to my body when in a shooting position!!

    Reply
  50. Ron Mecham says:
    11 years ago

    I noticed a friend and avid Bow Hunter had an EVO attached to his belt during a recent hunt. He hunts all over the world and would use nothing but the best equipment. So here I am researching my next purchase.

    Reply
  51. rusty ward says:
    11 years ago

    THIS WOULD WORK GREAT FOR MY NIKON ARCHERS MAX!!!

    Reply
  52. Terry McBroom says:
    11 years ago

    I would love to give this to my son and husband for their range finders. I am ordering the S4 Gear Lockdown Optics Deployment System for my son this Christmas.

    Reply
  53. Bill Tozer says:
    10 years ago

    I want two! One for my Leica 900 rangefinder, and one for my Garmin 500series Rhino GPS

    Reply
  54. Bill Tozer says:
    10 years ago

    Leica 900 Rangefinder and Garmin Rhino GPS

    Reply
  55. Larry Herren says:
    10 years ago

    Just started filming hunts, this would be a great asset to secure my gear and keep it at hand. Thanks

    Reply

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