Man, am I glad my girlfriend doesn't have a profile on here.
I spent a lot of money this year upgrading cheap stuff.
Leupold RX 1400 TBR/W: This replaced a 10yo Simmons that wouldn't range anything over 200yards. I like the red readout, the quick display compared to the Simmons and I was able to pickup a large metal sign over 1k yards multiple times. I will give it a 9 out of 10 because the button is a little too far forward for me.
Hawk Crawler Game Cart: If you hunt alone this is probably the best deer cart I ever used. I loaded this thing up with firewood and dragged it around the yard and even crawled over piles of firewood and never dumped the load. My girlfriends 70yo mom even put lawn bags and another stuff in it and dragged it around the yard with ease. I will give this 8 out of 10 because its huge, even folded. I also left it outside in the rain and all the welds and cut ends began to rust.
Sharpell Jet Sled Small: I love hunting late season when there is snow on the ground. I also don't want blood in the bed of my truck so I picked this up. First thoughts was whoever priced these things was on crack! Why does a plastic sled cost so much. After shooting a medium size doe in a flooded area, covered in briars waist high I left the cart in the truck and grabbed the sled and it worked well going over the water and the briars which the cart would have hung up on. I give it a 8 out of 10 as well. Downside was price and dragging across a muddy winter wheat field was a bear. I think the cart would have done better
Rick Young Bino Harness w/rangefinder loop: Lightweight and I like how it can be carried in multiple positions and hold the binos tight to your chest. I opted to get the rangefinder cord that hangs off the side of the harness. I give this a 7 out of 10. One star taken off due to price. Its just bungee cord and cost close to $45. Another star taken off is the rangefinder kind of just dangles there. I am afraid if the plastic push clip coming undone and losing the rangefinder. Another star taken off for how hard it is to get on. My old strap style one was easy to get on once untangled but the RY harness seems to get all hung up on your clothes when putting it on.
Huntworth Heated Hand Muff: For $25-30 at wally world it cant be beat. It takes a cell phone battery charger pack and heats about 3hrs on a normal charger pack. I was able to sit in 30 degree temps with no gloves all day. I give this 9 out of 10. Only downside is I have large hands and there isn't a ton of room compared to the hunter safety system heated hand warmer.
Black Eagle Executioner Crossbow Arrows: Supposedly one of the best on the market. Had one arrow with a loose nock and possible crack in the nock area that cost be an arrow and slick trick broadhead. I have used these in the past and give them a 9 out of 10 for the one arrow that was faulty. I like that they are .001 straightness and come with good vanes.
Outdoor Edge Swingblade: I've used a buddies to field dress deer and bought my own from Menards for $30 on sale. I field dressed two deer with it this season and it works very well and I highly recommend it. I don't recommend leaving it lay on the wiper area of your truck, not in the sheath and drive away when its dark only to realize you left it on the wipers. Its a good thing Menards ran another sale and I got the last one. I do feel bad for whoever's tire it shredded. I give this 10 out of 10.
Hooyman folding saw: Old purchase but first time used this year. I used it to cut about a 4'' diameter cherry tree limb and it works great. I then tried using the bone saw to cut the sternum and pelvis on a deer and it was horrible. Way too much wobble in the blade to give a consistent cut on hard bone. I give it a 8 out of 10. Price was a little high and don't see any difference than a good fiskers saw or even a Home depot saw and the flex in the blade. I done think the bone saw blade should be 8-10''.
Gerber Bone Saw: I purchased this after dealing with the Hooyman. I used to buy the $10 HME bone saws and they worked well for 1-2 deer. The Gerber being over $30 I felt like it was exactly like the HME saw. It works well for doing the pelvis and sternum. I give it 9 out of 10 because I think its overpriced.
Ice Breakers Boot Blankets: I will let you know how these work. I ordered the 2xl which is supposed to be for size 13-14 boots. I tried them on with my size 13 Timberland work boots and they were snug. I doubt my hunting boots will even fit in them but will see this weekend.
Cabelas Silent Stalker Elite Parka and Bibs: Super warm, quiet, waterproof and affordable. The parka is a little heavy but its a 3-1 parka and very warm with lots of pockets. I give this system 10 out of 10.
Winchester 300gr HP 45-70 Factory ammo. I had a couple rounds with QC issues, too much crimp while seating that crushed the case and 1 round didn't fire. Groups were 2'' at 100 yards from a Marlin 1895 22''. I was able to shoot a deer with them and they left a nice hole both in and out. The exit holes were about quarter size if not larger. I give them 9 out of 10 because of the QC issues.
Treestand Wingman: I hunt alone and from a climber so needed something to make things a little safer. It works as advertised because I tried it out in the backyard. I give it 9 out of 10. Its noisy when first hooking it up with the metal carabiner and metal from the Wingman but nothing some tape wont cure.
Lacrosse Aerohead Rubber Boots: Very lightweight and comfortable. My only complaint on them is they don't look like they would be durable when going through prickers and stuff.
