Shortly after arriving at the ATA show, we made our way over to one of our favorite sponsors, Hunter Safety Systems. Michael Wydner and his lovely wife Alison were working their booth (along with other HSS staff), showing off the latest in their quality product line. We have run into Michael at several shows and as always, it was a pleasure to visit with them again. After some catching up on each other’s lives, we got down to business.. taking a look at their new product line.

The first new product we looked at was the new Ultra Lite X-Treme safety vest. In response to high customer demand, Hunter Safety System added an expansion of the popular Ultra Lite harness line with the introduction of the Ultra Lite X-TREME. The new Ultra Lite X-TREME offers the same popular design as the Ultra Lite with a few added features. Sporting the popular Realtree APG camouflage, the Ultra Lite X-TREME offers the addition of binocular/rangefinder straps. These straps are conveniently located near the shoulder/chest area and will adjust to fit each hunter individually.

Another change in this harness is that the loops for attachment of a lineman’s climbing strap have been relocated toward the front of the harness, making them easier to use. Like all the Hunter Safety System harnesses, the new Ultra Lite X-TREME comes standard with a lineman’s climbing strap and a suspension-relief strap, which doubles as a deer-drag strap. Weighing in at only 32 ounces, the new Ultra Lite X-TREME is the ideal harness for anyone who has to travel a long distance to the treestand or who prefers to feel unencumbered while staying safe. With a suggested retail price of $119.99, the Ultra Lite X-TREME is now available at retailers nationwide.

This is definitely an awesome product. As someone who hunts the deep south, it will be nice to have an alternate to my Pro Series Vest on those hot days. Bow season in South Alabama can see 90+ degree temperatures so a lighter (thus cooler) vest will be much appreciated. Very much indeed!

The next product was the Ladies Pro Vest. This vest has all of the great features of their Pro Series Vest but with some tailored modifications to better fit a woman’s body. HSS Pro Series is designed and tailored to provide a comfortable fit for the growing number of women joining the ranks of hunters nationwide. Lady Pro features the same great convenience as other Pro Series vests with a smart pink trim that sets it apart. Ample storage, ventilated mesh, slim-line tailoring, bust strap and convenient binocular/rangefinder straps are all standard equipment on every Lady Pro Series model. Available in two sizes SM/Med & LG/XL, chest to 56-inches and weights to 250lbs. Retail will be $149.95 (same as mens version). The sizes go a bit smaller than the men’s version and the pink highlights will make it a favorite among the ladies. Look out fellas! She’s got her own vest now and she is heading to the woods!

By Robert Householder

Robert was introduced to hunting by his uncle, Jeff Hendricks, at a very young age. He grew up in the outdoors, hunting and fishing at every opportunity. He started, as most boys do, with hunting squirrels and rabbits but was soon deer hunting with his uncle and thus started a true love for deer hunting. Jeff and Robert were two of a kind and stayed in the woods or on the water as much as possible until his uncles death in 2007.

Robert was introduced to turkey hunting by a close friend, Jerry Golden, and soon developed a passion for hunting this elusive bird. It remains one of his favorite game to hunt.

Robert has branched out of just hunting in Alabama to include states like Iowa, Mississippi and Georgia. He hopes to continue to hunt game in other states in the future. Robert is a veteran of the first Gulf war and served in the USAF for a total of 7 years, including assignments in Germany, Nebraska, Texas and Illinois.

Robert is the owner of an IT Managed Services company (www.gtinow.com) in Greenville, Alabama and is the founder of TalkHunting. He has been married to his wonderful wife, Annette, since 1985 and has 3 grown children, 2 sons and a daughter. He also has one grand daughter, (Katie) and one Grandson (Jake). Robert is also a hobbyist beekeeper.

God, Family and the outdoors are his life.....

Comments(2):

1. Looks good!

   The new vests look good. Pretty thoughtful of them to add a ladies vest too. HSS is a great company.

   Friday, February 11, 2011 Duane

2. the new vests lookm fantastic..especially the womens...what a great addition to their line

   Wednesday, March 02, 2011 David