First and foremost, I am a feather shooter. So when the Blazer vanes hit the market, even though I loved them, I did not make the switch. I'm very set in my ways on some items. I still shoot cut on contact 2 blade broadheads and feathers, and I probably always will. When I discovered the Gateway Rayzr, I was instantly interested in trying them out.

I fletched an arrow with the Rayzrs and did some comparison shooting. I used an identical arrow on each set up: 28" 55/75 Gold Tip. I shot one with a 4" vane, 4" feather, Blazer vanes, and one with Rayzrs. I shot each through paper and target shot each from 10-20 yards

Each arrow paper tuned the same- perfect bullet hole everytime. Each arrow grouped the same. But here is the main difference- Silence. I have an indoor range, and if your bow makes a noise, you will amplify it indoors. My bow is ultra quiet. The only noise you can hear is from the feathers. Drawing back, the very front of my feathers drag on my whisker biscuit and in flight they have a slight whistle. The Rayzr eliminates this. Actually so does the 4" vane and Blazer, but we are discussing the Rayzr so I will not get off the subject.

For me, the Rayzr is the answer to my prayers. They give me the silence of the Blazer and the guidance of a 4" vane, but I still get to shoot feathers. The other thing I like about them is they look great. They are shield cut, so they have a traditional look ingrained with modern technology. Gateway cuts these from a very specific part of the turkey feather, making them very durable and very easy to work with.

I give the Rayzr a perfect 10. I can guarantee I will be shooting these next season.

-Ike

The #1 most important thing a person can do to ensure years of use from their bow, is to take care of the string. The strings and cables on the market today are very advanced and durable, but without care, they are no better than the strings of the medieval archer.

The first and easiest way to take care of your string is to wax it. Wax is cheap and easy to obtain. The string should be waxed every month in the off season and every 2 weeks during season. Shooting and the elements take a toll.

Make sure you check your string every few months for wear. Check not only the nocking point, but also the serving around your cams. If you are using a metal D loop, check this area more often.

In the off season, it is not necessary to back your poundage down. Keep your bow in a case, not hanging on a nail or screw. This will cause damage to your string. Use only approved oil on your cams. Products like W-D40 will also damage strings.

Strings should be changed every 2 years. With proper care, they will last this long, or even longer.

Wax your string, check for wear, properly store in the off season, and your bow will not end up like the poor bow in this picture.