Some things work... - 10/22/15 06:38 PM
Zep made a great post regarding solar lights the other day - I feel positive or negative feedback on products is valuable information to add to the forum to help guide our decisions on product purchases.
I have a little time today, so thought I'd add a totally random list of items off the top of my brain. If my feedback helps just one person, it's worth the effort!
20 V Black and Decker LLP120B Bare Max Lithium Ion Alligator Lopper Saw
I own a Stihl 290 18" and Echo 14" but was tempted by the positive reviews on a limb lopping saw to keep around the house for small chores where I don't want to hassle with firing up the gas saws. So far, it's been very versatile and I've used it for trimming trees and also for cutting chunks of oak, etc for my smoker since I don't have a band or table saw. I've never come close to running down the lithium battery - so far, so good.
There are many lithium powered saw out there - almost dropped $500+ on the Stihl, but for under $100 this BD was a steal.
Frog Toggs breathable waders
I've spent a small fortune on Cabelas and Simms waders in the past that have either sprung a leak or I've left streamside a few times, but saw a great deal on chest waders a 6 years ago from Frog Toggs and figured it was worth a $60 shot in the dark. I was only familiar with their rain gear, but these waders have kept me cool, are very comfortable and roomy, and are still going strong despite very heavy abuse.
I just purchased a pair of Frog Hellbender guide pants [waist waders] today as my Cabelas waist waders finally bit the dust. I'm looking forward to getting them out on the mountain streams next Summer.
Green Monster Light
I bought one of these from Nate when he came and built my dock with Justin/crew 4 years ago, and I've been very happy with it's performance. I've never had to replace the bulb, the photo cell never skips a beat, and the eerie glow cast beneath my dock has enabled me to view nocturnal fish behavior which has been enlightening and fun. Never knew that crappie would swim upside down and vertically to graze on zooplankton!
Caution: Staring into the glow at the end of the dock on a warm Summer evening can result in temporal displacement and significant missing beer episodes.
Aqua Vu AV Micro
This handheld camera is great when ice trolling and scouting holes for active fish - saves a ton of time lugging a flasher or larger camera and leads to far more productive fishing. It's also been a huge benefit checking out the feeding activity of my caged fish, specifically Yellow Perch, which I feed hydrated or sinking feed. I can determine which fish are eating, and how much they are eating, and allows me to save a ton of time/food as I can tell when they are satiated. The little handheld camera also provides a great view of the fish community beneath the dock, and has allowed me to retrieve a lost rod/reel, sump pump, pliers, and a net so far. I sometimes will throw the camera out into deeper water - and I can slowly retrieve the camera and watch my SMB/HSB feeding above.
Some models have DVR capabilities - mine does not, but at $150 for a reconditioned model it was a steal and has provided a ton of data so far.
Grate Wall of Fire
My family enjoys burning wood during the Fall/Winter, but I've often had smoke issues despite using only dry, seasoned Ash and Oak. For some reason my chimney just wasn't drawing well all the time. I was nearly going to install a chimney fan when I stumbled across the website for these new vertical grates. Reviews were positive, so I bit, and have been very satisfied with the product. Since the grate is vertical, it allows the fire to remain in the rear of the firebox, and that has completely eliminated all smoke draw issues I had battled for 12 years. Further, the vertical design of the grate makes the fuel self feeding down onto the coals - I can literally stack it and forget about it for 45 minutes. While I enjoy tinkering with fire, having to tend to the fire every 10 minutes was a real chore historically. Simple design, amazing results for anyone who is suffering from smoke or tiring of babysitting their fires.
I'll add more product feedback throughout the year - encourage anyone to pose questions or post their own product reviews.
I have a little time today, so thought I'd add a totally random list of items off the top of my brain. If my feedback helps just one person, it's worth the effort!
20 V Black and Decker LLP120B Bare Max Lithium Ion Alligator Lopper Saw
I own a Stihl 290 18" and Echo 14" but was tempted by the positive reviews on a limb lopping saw to keep around the house for small chores where I don't want to hassle with firing up the gas saws. So far, it's been very versatile and I've used it for trimming trees and also for cutting chunks of oak, etc for my smoker since I don't have a band or table saw. I've never come close to running down the lithium battery - so far, so good.
There are many lithium powered saw out there - almost dropped $500+ on the Stihl, but for under $100 this BD was a steal.
Frog Toggs breathable waders
I've spent a small fortune on Cabelas and Simms waders in the past that have either sprung a leak or I've left streamside a few times, but saw a great deal on chest waders a 6 years ago from Frog Toggs and figured it was worth a $60 shot in the dark. I was only familiar with their rain gear, but these waders have kept me cool, are very comfortable and roomy, and are still going strong despite very heavy abuse.
I just purchased a pair of Frog Hellbender guide pants [waist waders] today as my Cabelas waist waders finally bit the dust. I'm looking forward to getting them out on the mountain streams next Summer.
Green Monster Light
I bought one of these from Nate when he came and built my dock with Justin/crew 4 years ago, and I've been very happy with it's performance. I've never had to replace the bulb, the photo cell never skips a beat, and the eerie glow cast beneath my dock has enabled me to view nocturnal fish behavior which has been enlightening and fun. Never knew that crappie would swim upside down and vertically to graze on zooplankton!
Caution: Staring into the glow at the end of the dock on a warm Summer evening can result in temporal displacement and significant missing beer episodes.
Aqua Vu AV Micro
This handheld camera is great when ice trolling and scouting holes for active fish - saves a ton of time lugging a flasher or larger camera and leads to far more productive fishing. It's also been a huge benefit checking out the feeding activity of my caged fish, specifically Yellow Perch, which I feed hydrated or sinking feed. I can determine which fish are eating, and how much they are eating, and allows me to save a ton of time/food as I can tell when they are satiated. The little handheld camera also provides a great view of the fish community beneath the dock, and has allowed me to retrieve a lost rod/reel, sump pump, pliers, and a net so far. I sometimes will throw the camera out into deeper water - and I can slowly retrieve the camera and watch my SMB/HSB feeding above.
Some models have DVR capabilities - mine does not, but at $150 for a reconditioned model it was a steal and has provided a ton of data so far.
Grate Wall of Fire
My family enjoys burning wood during the Fall/Winter, but I've often had smoke issues despite using only dry, seasoned Ash and Oak. For some reason my chimney just wasn't drawing well all the time. I was nearly going to install a chimney fan when I stumbled across the website for these new vertical grates. Reviews were positive, so I bit, and have been very satisfied with the product. Since the grate is vertical, it allows the fire to remain in the rear of the firebox, and that has completely eliminated all smoke draw issues I had battled for 12 years. Further, the vertical design of the grate makes the fuel self feeding down onto the coals - I can literally stack it and forget about it for 45 minutes. While I enjoy tinkering with fire, having to tend to the fire every 10 minutes was a real chore historically. Simple design, amazing results for anyone who is suffering from smoke or tiring of babysitting their fires.
I'll add more product feedback throughout the year - encourage anyone to pose questions or post their own product reviews.