slick trick standard review header image2

These are Super Slick! [Slick Trick Broadheads Review]

In this review, I test a classic… It’s a broadhead that hunted with many years ago, many, many times. I’ve taken quite a few animals with it.

But, I realized I had never done an official test on it, and that is the Slick Trick Standard.

So, let’s dig on into it and I’ll show you all the features and then we’ll test it!

For this test, I used the Elite Era bow for most of the shooting. For the flight test, I used the Killer Instict SWAT X1 crossbow. And, then, I used Bishop FOC King Arrows for most of the shooting and Bishop FAD Eliminators for the really hard impact shots. [And for the crossbow stuff, I used the Bishop Bolt called the GOAT.]

Slick Trick Standard 125-grain Broadhead

Let’s take an up close look at the Slick Trick Standard 125 grain head…

slick trick standard profile

Here’s a good look at the Slick Trick Standard. And man, this is just a nice-looking broadhead. It’s hard to believe this was kind of revolutionary when it first came out with its super short design as it is, but so much to like about this broadhead!

slick trick standard short profile

First of all, the materials, you’ve a one piece steel ferrule. They call it a super steel. It’s like this super hardened steel there. And then you got the blades that are 0.035″ thick. The cutting diameter is 1″ so pretty small cutting diameter. But you got 4 blades so you’re getting 2 total inches of cut. Really short design. That was what was kind of revolutionary in the beginning. Its length beyond the edge of the arrow is 1.1″. That’s just going to aid in flight as well as penetration.

slick trick standard blade sharpness

For resharpening these blades, the best way to resharpen them is to use a Stay Sharp Guide replaceable blade sharpener. And you can use that for pretty much all of the Slick Trick replaceable blades. They work really well with that.

Man, the Slick Trick Standard 125-grain head is just a no-nonsense design. Typically, these fly very well, penetrate very well, and hold up really well in durability. But I was eager to put this to the test and see how it performed…

Slick Trick 125 Flight Test

In this test I shot 1 field point and one broadhead from 30 yards, using a Killer Instinct SWAT X1 Crossbow and 375 gr Bishop Bolt at 300 fps):  

slick trick standard flight test field point

Here’s the shot with the field point…

slick trick standard flight test broadhead

And here’s Slick Trick Standard… a bulls-eye!

THESE tips will make you a deer hunting ninja!

Initial Sharpness Test

In this sharpness test, I check to see how many grams of force it takes to cut a copolymer wire.

slick trick standard sharpness test 1

It took 166 grams of force to cut through the wire which is a 10 on a 10-point scale!

How do I know which broadhead I should use? [answers HERE!]

Penetration Test 1 – (2/3″ rubber foam mat, 1/2″ MDF, FBI Gel):   

slick trick standard ballistic gel mdf test

The Slick Trick Standard penetrated 9-1/4″, which is one of the deepest I can remember, especially when the blades are so close to the tip.

Slick Trick Broadhead 1 1/8" Magnum 4 Count (Pack of 1)
Slick Trick Broadhead 1 1/8" Magnum 4 Count (Pack of 1)
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06/13/2024 03:19 pm GMT

Edge Test 2, Edge Retention (sharpness after Penetration Test 1):

slick trick standard sharpness test 2

It took an additional 82 grams of force to cut through the wire, which is an 8.36 on a 10-point scale.

Penetration Test 2, (layered cardboard):

slick trick standard layered cardboard test

The Slick Trick Standard penetrated through 61 layers of cardboard.

Durability Test 1, (3 shots 1/2″ MDF):

slick trick standard 3 shots into mdf

The head is in excellent shape after the three shots through the MDF.

Bowhunter’s knowledge test [parts of a compound bow]

Durability Test 2 – (2 shots 22 gauge steel plate):

slick trick standard after steel plate test

And here it is after the two shots through a steel plate. It’s just in perfect condition, except the tip got slightly blunted there.

Durability Test 3 – (1 shot into cinder block):

slick trick standard after concrete block test

Here’s the Slick Trick Standard after all the durability testing, and it did just very well as expected. Did very well through the MDF and then very well through the steel plate, and very well into the cinder block as well. Still spins very well.

Should you use arrow wraps? [pros and cons HERE!]

Final Thoughts on Slick Trick 125 grain Broadhead

So, what do you think of the Slick Trick 125-grain broadheads?

Man, these are awesome heads!

slick trick standard lusk scorecard

Check out the score for the Slick Trick 125 grain head… 10 golden arrows… wow!

I mean, no wonder I used it for so many years out in the field. It just performed extremely well in every area and it got one of the highest scores of any head I’ve tested, and close to the the highest of any fixed blade head. Really, really impressive!

John Lusk archery goat
John Lusk of Lusk Archery Adventures

broken in hiking boots

When “Broken” Is Better! | How To Break In Your Hiking Boots

Written by N1 Outdoors on . Posted in Blog, Hiking

After months of dreaming, your hiking adventure in your dream location is just around the corner. You have probably meticulously planned your hike, researched the perfect route, and packed your essentials, including your newly bought hiking boots.

However, amidst the excitement, there is a slight problem: your new hiking boots. Why? Because those brand new hiking boots are too stiff and uncomfortable because they have not yet been broken in.

hiker standing on a peak

If you ask any seasoned hiker, they’ll tell you that this is an important step to take before you commence your trip. 

But no worries—we’ve got you covered!

This guide explains some simple and fast techniques to break in your hiking boots so that you can hike in comfort. and, even though the majority of hiking footwear from reputable online shops don’t take too much work to break in, you should always try your hiking boots out before you embark on your big adventure.

So, let’s get started!

Choosing the Right Hiking Boots

hiking boots on white background

Before you can even think about how to break in hiking boots, it’s important to choose the right pair for your needs in the first place. Here are some useful tips to help you make the best choice:

Type of Hiking

First things first… determine the type of hiking you’ll be doing. Here’s why this is an important first step… Lighter boots will be good for day hiking, and sturdier hiking boots with ankle support should be used for trips like backpacking. 

Material

Leather boots have long been long known for their excellent durability and support, but they require more breaking in. On the other hand, synthetic materials are easy to break in and also lightweight and breathable, but they don’t provide the same level of support as leather boots. 

Support

Always select hiking boots with adequate ankle support and soft soles, especially when planning to hike in rugged terrain or carrying a heavy backpack.

Fit

The most important factor when buying hiking boots is getting them in the right fit. You can get your footwear from reputable online shops or professionally fitted at an outdoors store.

Breaking In Your New Hiking Boots

hiking boots on feet

Now, let’s now explain how to break in hiking boots. Here are some simple and effective ways to break in your boots for those hiking adventures that await you!

Around The House

This one’s easy… simply put on your new hiking boots and simply walk around inside your house. This is probably one of the most common methods used to loosen up the boot material, but it’s quite useful! So, whether you’re doing laundry, cooking in your kitchen, or doing daily household chores, keep wearing your hiking footwear to help with the breaking in process!

Also, be sure to tighten the laces and wear the socks and insoles – in short, the same way you plan to wear them outside, do just the same inside.

This “around the house” process could take from an hour or two to a day or two, depending on the boot. This will help you to note any discomfort or friction and identify any potential issues early on. You can typically return or exchange for a more comfortable pair if you need to. 

Lynx 400 Rocky Boot Review HERE!

Go for Short Walks

group hiking on trail

Now that you’ve worn your brand-new hiking boots for a few hours and gotten used to what they feel like, it’s time to wear them outside! that’s right, put on those hiking boots (the same way you plan to wear them on your hiking trip) and go for walks outside your home. 

Start with short and simple walks around your neighborhood or your nearest park. After some time, increase the distance and try various terrains and activities as your boots soften.

Be sure to try different surfaces, such as pavement and grass, and walk on even slightly uneven terrain to simulate trail conditions. If the boots feel good, you’re ready for your adventure! 

This food just works for camping!

Wear the Right Socks

Are you new to hiking? If yes, you are probably thinking, “I’ll just throw on my cotton socks, and I’m good to go.”

Not so fast!

You likely will not be comfortable, since cotton retains moisture, which can create friction and lead to severe blisters. 

So, what kind of socks should you wear? 

Always wear thick, moisture-wicking socks, like merino wool socks, when hiking. If you’re planning a thru-hike or any long distance, buy liner socks for extra comfort. If pressure points arise, try wearing two pairs of thin socks for a short period of time to create more padding.

Use a Boot Stretcher

If you feel that some areas of your boot are still tight, you can use a boot stretcher. That’s right, a high-quality boot stretcher will help to loosen specific areas of your boots, such as the toe box or heel. If you have leather hiking boots, this simple tool can gently stretch the leather to alleviate discomfort.

Try being a “fifth wheel” on your next camping trip!

Tighten Your Laces

Another helpful way to assist in breaking in your new hiking boots is to simply lace them up snugly.

To keep your foot comfortable inside the shoe, you have to tighten your laces carefully so that your foot doesn’t move much. More movement means more friction, which can result in serious blisters.

hiking boots with mountain background

Yes, while this seems pretty basic and obvious, many people don’t know to tighten their hiking boot laces, which can cause discomfort and blisters. 

So, make sure to tighten those laces well, but not too tight, before you start walking around in your boots. Pay attention to different sections of your foot, adjusting the tightness as needed.

You can also experiment with different lacing techniques to find the most comfortable fit. 

Hiking boot recommendations for men HERE!

Final Thoughts On Breaking In Hiking Boots

The information listed above will not only help you select the right hiking boots, but also assist you in being able break them in. This way, you can quickly turn your brand-new, not-so-comfortable boots into comfortable companions for your outdoor adventures!

Just remember that breaking in hiking boots takes time, and some boots take longer than others. Also, if you experience persistent pain after breaking in your boots, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice or get new hiking boots.

Happy hiking!

floating dock EZ Dock

Whatever floats your… | The Best Types Of Floating Docks for Boaters

Boating on any body of water is a gateway to a spectacular outdoor experience.

And, whether your love fishing, or just enjoy breathing the fresh air, it helps to have a dock to secure your boat, to make it easier for your friends, family and loved ones to climb aboard.

Floating docks also give you the flexibility to start your journey in different locations. So, let’s take a look at the numerous options you have for floating docks and premier outlets where you can make your purchase.

What Is a Floating Dock?

You might be wondering, what’s a floating dock anyway?

EZ Dock Idaho

Floating docks can be positioned alongside stationary docks to serve as extensions or placed on the water independently.

A floating dock is a movable (and floating) platform on which you can safely board a boat or personal watercraft.

Many floating docks are barefoot-friendly and allow you to piece together sections, similar to a puzzle, to accommodate the number of people in your party.

Advantages of Owning a Floating Dock

There are multiple types of floating docks on the market to accommodate boats and watercraft. The main differences between products relate to their sizes and materials. However, you can expect most floating docks to provide the following advantages:

  • Adaptable: You can find floating docks that adapt to changing water levels. This is perfect for lakes and reservoirs in which water levels rise and lower due to weather.
  • Removable: Change your setup between adventures to board in new locations.
  • Configuration options: Join more than one floating dock together for a larger platform.
  • Ease of use: Adjusting the size of a floating dock allows you to easily set out on your boat, jet ski, kayak or canoe without trouble.
  • Weather-ready: Floating docks adapt to inclement weather without submerging.

Top Types Of Floating Docks

Picking the right floating dock for your setup requires looking at the materials used to make them. Any dock from a reputable brand should serve you well, but you might be more inclined to choose one over another due to its characteristics.

1. Polyethylene

EZ Docks Polyethylene floating dock

Looking for a floating dock that can withstand the elements, whether that be extreme heat or cold temperatures? High-density polyethylene floating docks are resistant to moisture, which means you can reduce the chances of slipping on flat surfaces when the dock is set up.

Polyethylene floating docks are popular options for enthusiasts like you. The surfaces last for long periods of time with zero chance of rusting or rotting due to the lack of metal or wood in the designs. These docks are also affordable to fabricate, leading to a surplus of shapes available.

2. Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight metal that stands strong against surface damage — imperfections like scratches and dents are of minimal concern. Similar to polyethylene floating docks, aluminum varieties are incapable of rusting.

aluminum floating dock

An aluminum floating dock offers a sharp appearance and exceptional durability. You might consider one of these floating dock varieties when you are a fan of permanent dock aesthetics but you want the flexibility of moving your installation as needed.

3. Inflatable

Inflatable floating docks are versatile for small watercraft. As the name implies, these floating docks fill with air to stay above the water and you can fix them to permanent docks or other structures with rope.

Most inflatable floating docks are manufactured with polyester threads and PVC. These products are less durable than their polyethylene and aluminum counterparts, but the high-pressure inflation process gives them a solid feel all around.

Fishing tips for kayakers HERE!

The Best Places to Get Floating Docks

EZ Docks Connecticut 1

There are multiple outlets where you can purchase floating docks. So, it’s important to do your research and go with a supplier that offers products in the configurations you like with the features you want to see.

Here are some of the best floating dock suppliers for lakes…

1. EZ Dock

EZ Dock has been a pioneer in the floating dock industry since 1991 with fully customizable options for residential, commercial, government and industrial customers.

EZ Dock in Florida

Created by a team that was tired of finishing repairs on traditional docks, EZ Dock was born from the idea that there should be an easier way to enjoy lakes with floating docks that handle almost anything you throw at them. From harsh rain to snowy conditions, you are set up for success.

EZ Dock manufactures polyethylene docks that are slip-resistant and feature impressive weight capacities.

Products from this manufacturer are some of the best docks for lakes that freeze, as recycled rubber couplings are used to add strength and flexibility under changing conditions. Your floating dock stays intact while being straightforward to disassemble, should you need to.

2. AccuDock

accudock floating dock amd boat

AccuDock products are some of the best for leisure swimming and water sports, leaving room for outdoor seating, life jackets and other gear. (photo credit: Accudock.com)

AccuDock is well-known in the industry for manufacturing floating docks for rowing competitors. This company allows you to customize aluminum docks in virtually any size or shape, and its staff assists with permitting consultations and installations, too.

Whether you need an ADA-compliant dock or want to create a floating dock to precise specifications, this brand, based in Pompano Beach, Florida, stays current on the latest trends to create stellar products.

3. Bellingham Marine

Bellingham Marine prides itself on providing infinite solutions for waterways. One advantage of this manufacturer is that you can find concrete, wood and aluminum floating docks.

bellingham marine docks

Bellingham Marine lives by the phrase, “One-Dock-Fits-All Is a Myth,” and focuses on innovation. Bellingham Marine offers floating docks with reinforced wooden frames that can potentially last for decades.

Boat storage solutions you need to know HERE!

Final Thoughts On Best Types Of Floating Docks

A floating dock is the key to unlocking the full potential of a lake, pond, or spring. Whether you need a docking solution for work or leisure activities, the types of floating docks and the top makers mentioned in the lists above will help you make a logical decision for your boating adventures.

So, explore the waters and make new memories with friends and family like never before once you settle on a polyethylene, aluminum or inflatable floating dock that exceeds your expectations!

Happy and safe boating!