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QAD Exodus Broadhead and Ultra-Rest HDX

By Jace Bauserman

In 1992 Quality Archery Designs embarked on a mission—a mission of quality and integrity. That mission has been achieved. With soaring customer satisfaction, ingenious product development and customer service that’s second to none, Quality Archery Designs (QAD) is a major player in the archery industry.

All of QAD’s products are made from start to finish at its facilities in Madison Heights, Virginia. That’s right—all of the design, assembly and packaging takes place right here in the USA, and it’s all done by hardworking Americans. This is definitely something to applaud.

The popularity of QAD’s highly coveted rests are undeniable, and we will delve deeper into one of those hot new rests in a moment. But first let’s take a walk on the “razor-sharp” side of QAD. New for 2011 is the Exodus Broadhead. Bearing the slogan, “To Exit Life,” this engineering marvel sports QAD’s new BOS (Blade Over Shaft) technology. The magic behind this design is that hunters will be equipped with a super-short, low-profile broadhead that still boasts a 1.25-inch cutting diameter. A large wound channel is made possible through a two-part process. First, the tempered stainless-steel head, which paves the way for the.040 extra-strong blades, is both durable (400 series stainless-steel) and needle-point sharp. Second, the unique position of the Exodus’ trio of blades, angling back and over the arrow shaft, creates a blood-spilling wound.

Another striking and notable feature of the Exodus is its field-point accuracy. Personally, I feel this is the most crucial feature of any fixed-blade head. Most archers practice several times a week. If that practice entails firing broadheads into a pricey foam target, frustration builds quickly. What I found with the Exodus was spot-on field-point accuracy. I credit this to the short distance the Exodus extends from the shaft, which is more typical of a field point. More importantly, the Exodus has zero axial runout. Simply put, axial runout is how far (left or right) the broadhead tip runs out from the shaft. If that tip extends too far in one direction, accuracy is greatly comprised. Using a squaring tool and my trusty eyeballs, I determined that the Exodus has perfect arrow-shaft alignment. A spin test showed no wobbles or wavers. The Exodus flies like a field point for superior accuracy.

One of my hunting partners is a taxidermist, so I get plenty of scrap hide to cram broadheads through. For the Exodus test I partnered the iron skin of a mid-sized Texas hog with its steel-like shoulder plate. I then took shots at 20, 30, 40 and 50 yards. The results were devastating. Even through the thick hide and plate, the Exodus boasted plenty of penetration—oftentimes passing completely through. I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to screw this broadhead on my arrow shafts, regardless of what game animal I was pursuing.

“Focus on the shot. We’ll take care of the rest.”This is the slogan QAD has attached to its fine line of rests, and it couldn’t be more appropriate. Thousands of hunters around the globe depend on the never-fail technology and rugged durability found in the Ultra-Rest line.

New for 2011 is the Ultra-Rest HDX. Boasting all the pleasing features that made the Ultra-Rest family so popular, the stylish Ultra-Rest HDX ushers in some new eye-popping features. The capture bar shows off a stylish new curve designed to enhance versatility. The new vertical gives the rest a sweet modern day look and added compatibility, while the Advanced Vibration System hushes the shot. Also impressive with the Ultra-Rest HDX is the Cord Lock and Full Draw Indicator Marks. The Cord Lock makes timing a no-issue, no-worry concern. Even after being clamped into the buss cable, the cord is still adjustable. This saves a lot of precious time during the bow-tuning process and eliminates the need to constantly press the bow. As for the Full Draw Indicator Marks, they ensure proper launcher position at full draw. Yes, absolute quality and performance. Would you expect anything less from QAD?

As a hardcore hunter and bow technician I really appreciate simplicity. Now I’m not talking about simplicity in terms of generic or absent technology. I’m talking about simplicity in assembly and use. After setting up two of my personal hunting rigs with QAD’s Ultra-Rest HDX, I can tell you with absolute confidence that this rest is headache-free. QAD has definitely found the right formula to boost technology and performance in this new rest without comprising simplicity. Setting up this rest is a dream. Simply de-cock the launcher from the Capture to the Drop Away position, use the mounting block bolt and washer to attach the rest and then make vertical and horizontal adjustments. The included cable clamp means no serving or bow press is required for setup. Small and simple to use, this durable clamp makes in-the-field adjustment possible.

Another hat-tipping feature of the QAD Ultra-Rest HDX is the Patented Safety Breakaway Feature. Meant to be used as a safety feature only, this innovative technology protects both the operator and the rest in case of improper de-cock.

Vertical Drop-Away Technology (VTD) means your arrow will never fall off the rest. When that trophy of a lifetime pauses behind arrow-impassible brush and you have to letdown, it won’t be a noisy, game-spooking process. VDT keeps the rest in the Capture position, reducing noise and allowing the bowhunter to regroup and redraw very quickly.

Lock Down Technology (LDT) prevents accuracy-robbing rest bounceback. As the launcher falls it’s locked down in the drop-way position, preventing it from rebounding off the arrow shelf and contacting the speeding shaft. Even with today’s flamethrower-style bows, LDT keeps your arrow untouched, increasing accuracy.

Advanced Vibration Technology (AVT) means a whisper can be heard above the fall of the capture bar. AVT harnesses vibration, keeping it to a minimum and helping to ensure that trophy buck won’t duck a speeding arrow.

The QAD Ultra-Rest HDX is an exceptional rest that you’ll be able to count on this hunting season.

For more information, see your dealer, visit qadinc.com or call (434) 846-5839.

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