I'm not having a lot of decent work lately, so I used my idle time writing a review about one of my latest purchases.
I hope it will be useful !
Please forgive my mistakes and awkward style, English is not my native language. Comments and questions are welcome !
I can't post pictures for the moment, board being over capacity. They'll be there soon !
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HHA is a well-known manufacturer of high-end sights for traditional vertical archery. They are also producing Speed Dial Optimizers for guns and crossbow.
What’s this ?
Speed Dial Optimizers boasts “Crossbow Accuracy to 80 yards by the yard”. This device intends to help long-distance shooters to improve their accuracy, by helping them to correct their aiming.
How does it work?
HHA Optimizer Speed Dial looks like a scope mounting bracket with a dial on its right side. When turned, the dial rises the center crosshair of the scope. If you own any –Zone scope from Excal, this device eliminates the use of the trajectory compensation markers. Instead, you turn the dial and set it at the distance you want your bolt (or arrow, if you prefer
) to hit. To put it simple, it jacks up your scope to achieve long distance accuracy.Product quality
I didn’t like the look of the packaging, especially regarding the price tag of the product. I despise those cheap plastic wrap-around vertical packages, I’m much more into good ol’ nice looking cardboard boxes… The neon green color and the futuristic imagery on the package is a bit tacky and childish, but it’s a trademark of all HHA products.
But fortunately I don’t judge a book by its cover ! Once open, the packaging releases the Optimizer, which got a very nice look and feel. It’s solid aluminum, nicely polished. The dial is also in aluminum, so is the locking screw. The two plastic inserts – HHA logo on the body and “Optimizer Speed Dial” inside the dial – are sturdy and don’t look cheap, even if they are neon green. The reading mark, made of copper, is good looking and polished, its color contrasting well on the black aluminum.
A mean looking, scarily thick set of stickers is provided : they are the brain of the HHA.
In a nutshell, it’s a well designed, well manufactured product, I’m more than happy of the overall look and quality.
Installation and setup
HHA Optimizer Speed Dial is very simple to install : all it takes is to screw it on your existing scope mounting. It’s compatible with most of them, however the best results are with Excal’s older models of scope mounting – thanks again to the infinite kindness of Danny Miller for providing me one with my order. It’s more comfortable with those older model because the longer size of the rail : the wheel can be set in a better position on the crossbow. I tried both configurations and the older scope mounting is the most comfortable.
Once the HHA is set up on your bow – it can’t be simpler, with only 2 screws !- you have to put on your old scope. And this is where the fun begins…
HHA Optimizer Speed Dial is a marvelous little gizmo… once it’s properly set up ! The process of setting it up takes time : you have to first calibrate the HHA at 10 yards and it requires a scope adjustment. Once it’s done, you have to repeat this operation at 20 yards, with the measurement tape set on zero : VERY IMPORTANT ! Once you got a bunch of bull’s eye at 20 yd, time to take a 10 yd back step and turn the wheel to attain perfect shots at 30 yards. Same with 30, 40, 50 and 60 yards, each time with a little twist on the adjustment wheel.
Someone said tedious ? Well yes it is, and it’s the only way to get the best out of this little wonder !
It’s tedious on many aspects :
You must do the calibrating on a flat area
A stand or a very stable tripod is required,
The use of a rangefinder is mandatory
It takes time and a deep focus
Once you got perfect shots at 60 yards, read the number on the measurement tape and pick up the same tape number – you didn’t forget about this mean looking sticker, did you ?- and stick it on the wheel. BE CAREFUL WHEN DOING THIS ! Wipe the wheel with a dry wloth –don’t use a solvent or a greasy stuff, it may ruin the adherence of the tape. You’re finally set, you can pop a beer and celebrate.
Option 2, for lazy and not-so caring people :
Get a Chrony
Measure the median speed of a 10-bolts shooting session,
Refer to the reference chart printed in the manual
Pick up tape number accordingly.
Set up time : 5 minutes ! It works fine, but deeply in your brain you know that someday you have to go through the whole tedious process described earlier. It will haunt you during the night.
Contrary to your Excalibur crossbow, the HHA Optimizer Speed Dial is not something you can use straight out of the box. You’ll need a whole afternoon to calibrate it efficiently. Maybe more : if you’re a real careful guy (who said Boo ?!?), you may want to use the same arrow for the best result.
Final Comments
It works and does exactly what it says. Period ! It’s a perfect tool for people who are into long range shooting and who wants to go a little bit further in their practice of shooting. It’s very simple to use but it’s really tedious to calibrate properly the first time. You’ll have to go through the whole process if you change your scope.
I don’t recommend it for hunting purposes: it takes more than a half a second for the bolt to travel at 50 yard. More time is enough time for your prey to move and to turn an ethical shot into a bloody mess.
Infos
Price : $ 150 on eBay and at Danny Miller’s, $ 220 and higher at outlets I won’t even bother to name
Value for money : Very good
For : Beginners, casual shooters, advanced, freaks
Final score : 4/5
