|
|
Archery Equipment Review:Black Gold Flashpoint Ignite 5-Pin Bow Sight
Review: Black Gold Flashpoint Ignite 5-Pin Bow Sight
by Brian Wensel-Dewclaw Staff Shooter
 The Black Gold Flashpoint Ignite 5-Pin Compound Bow Sight was evaluated
during a two-week whitetail-hunting trip to Virginia, Ohio, and Illinois with
weather conditions that ranged from clear and sunny to torrential downpours. We were in the woods from sunrise to sunset
and really put our equipment to the test.
The weather conditions were at times, intense, and for a period of four days we were hunting in steady rain.
Design and Function:
The FlashPoint Ignite’s claim to fame is Black
Gold’s SkyCoil and Photo-Chromatic Shell that changes from white to
purple to brighten or dim light depending on the amount of ambient light
available. I currently have four hunting
bow setups, each with a different sight.
There is an obvious difference in the amount of light gathered by the
different sight pin/fiber configurations.
On a bright day, some pins gather so much light that the glow is
actually too bright and can negatively affect the ability to effectively
acquire the target, while other bow sights in low light conditions, simply do not
gather enough light to get the job done.
The photo-chromatic shell that covers the SkyCoil fiber wrap does an
amazingly effective job and provides just the right amount of shading in both
high and low ambient light to maintain a consistent pin glow that is perfect
for any shooting condition. During my
evaluation, the bow sight and the photo-chromatic feature performed flawlessly in
all conditions.
 Fit and Finish:
The bow sight is compact, rugged, fits well on the Hoyt Alphamax 32 that was used
for testing. Mechanically the sight is
fully micro-adjustable and possesses multiple axis adjustments. It is refreshing to use a bowhunting sight that
is capable of true 1st, 2nd and 3rd axis adjustability; a feature that can be a
key factor when sighting in a bow for long distance shooting and one that is
usually found only on more expensive target sights.
The pins are also individually micro-adjustable, constructed
of slim steel material, and come in 5 or 7 pin configurations. The mechanics of the pin adjustments is
interesting, with a lockdown screw and a wheel to adjust the pin. I was not impressed with the ability to truly
micro-adjust the pins with this mechanism.
When the lockdown screw is loosened, the pin does not remain in its
current location and becomes loose. If
the pin is not manipulated slightly while tightening the lockdown screw it can
actually be locked down crooked, becoming visually distracting when viewed
through the peep. The exclusive Inch
Wheel Adjustment Knobs are calibrated so 1 full turn = approx. one inch
at 20 yards. Good information, but I
didn’t use it during the sighting in process.
Ease of Use:
Overall, the bow sight was easy to install and,
other than the pin manipulation, was very easy to adjust and sight in. It was literally a mere 10 minutes before I
had this sight on the Alphamax and dialed in at 20-yards. After a slight adjustment to the 2nd
and 3rd axis when sighting in at 40-yards, it was shooting
bull’s-eyes out to 60 yards in no time.
Performance:
This bow sight is a solid performer. Once sighted in, it performed flawlessly
under the most severe weather conditions.
I was impressed with how well the photo-chromatic feature maintained a
steady glow in both bright light and dark conditions while at the same time
protecting the SkyCoil fiber wrap system from the elements. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
axis adjustments worked tremendously well and enabled me to get this bow sight
adjusted perfectly.
Aesthetics:
The sight comes in black and camouflage
finishes; camouflage being the finish that was evaluated. The camouflage pattern on the sight is not an
elaborate pattern. Although the finish
was camouflage, there is a significant shine, or glare, to the finish that  was
noticeable on bright days. Not enough to
reflect light back at a deer, but enough for me to decide to place some flat,
camouflage silencing tape on the front of the sight facing the animal, just in
case.
The average retail price for this bow sight is approximately
179.99, which puts it in the higher priced hunting sight category. However, with the many advanced features that
this sight possesses the price is actually very reasonable. Overall, I highly recommend this bow sight to
anyone who wants a solid, well built sight that can perform consistently in any
weather condition.
Summary
 Design and Function: On the mark! Technologically advanced
features place this sight well above its competition.
Aesthetics:
Sub-par camouflage finishes with a slight glare force me to have to mark this
category down two notches. But looks
aren’t always everything!
Fit and Finish: This sight is well built and the positioning
of adjustment screws was well thought out.
I have to give it a 4 out of 5 though simply because of the glare on the
finish and sub-par camouflage.
Ease of Use: All adjustments were extremely easy to
make. Although not difficult by any
means, the sight pins did require some TLC to ensure the alignment remained
true.
Performance: Grand
Slam! If the five evaluated categories
used a weighted evaluation system, this category would hold the most
weight. And this sight is a solid
performer. Flawless!
Dewclaw Archery Supplies carries a full line of bow sights from manufacturers like G5, TruGlo, Apex and Black Gold.
|
|
