First lite fusion reports from the field???

[COlineman78]

Ungulates don't see the same way as we do so a picture is basically useless in determining effectiveness.

Exactly why I posted it in black/white. The actual filter needed to make it accurate wasn't possible on google photos, but you would need to turn up the blues other than that it's mostly black and white and as there is no gray or blue in fusion it shouldn't make much of a difference. IMO the more important thing about camo is breaking up your outline and think a solid color is exactly what you don't want. This is why I have a problem with the DoW argument that animals don't see orange so it doesn't matter. While it is true that orange looks no different than dry earth to them, it is still a solid color.

This greatly depends on how you hunt as well. If you are spot and stalk, I agree camo isn't all that important, but ambush/stand hunters need much more concealment cause often the animals are staring at you as they slowly walk into range.

 

[Jarrod Renaud]

Cracks me up when somebody posts a picture and everybody comments on how good it looks. Ungulates don't see the same way as we do so a picture is basically useless in determining effectiveness. More important is movement. I've convinced camo is mostly you getting parted from your hard earned money rather than being a more effective hunter. Low sheen solid earth tones are probably at least as effective and many more options available. Just my $0.02. Full disclosure, I purchased a set of First Lite in ASAT last fall. Love the clothes but if I did it all over again I'd go with dry earth or pine and save some money.

Yeah I agree. I see guys posting their harvests on the tradbow sites and more than half of them are in solid colors and end up with shots under 15 yards. Movement is key. And/or silhouetting yourself is never a good thing.

But Fusion looks awesome, hence, me and the wife went all Fusion this year.

 

[Trial153]

I think the cost factor is way over blown. We are taking about appx 10% difference ...say 100 on 1000 worth of first lite clothing. On a one time purchase if it give you confidence and a little bit of an edge is it really a big deal? Not for my part ..... The positives of a good camouflage pattern on top quality clothing out way the cost savings for me.

 

[airlocksniffer]

Exactly why I posted it in black/white. The actual filter needed to make it accurate wasn't possible on google photos, but you would need to turn up the blues other than that it's mostly black and white and as there is no gray or blue in fusion it shouldn't make much of a difference.

A BW filter is a kind of useful comparison but you would probably need to smear some vaseline on the lens as ungulates have pretty bad detail vision (20/200 I read somewhere).

But Fusion looks awesome, hence, me and the wife went all Fusion this year.

I agree it looks pretty sweet. Not saying camo can hurt but I think a lot of sales are based on how people think it looks vs how it gives you better odds at harvesting an animal, which is what we should be concerned with. Not sure if the amount camo increases your chance of success (if at all) are worth the increased price. Same with with scent control crap. Play the wind like you should and scent control is useless.

 

[COlineman78]

I had read 20/40, with blue/UV sensitivity. I agree, just like most products it's playing on the psychology of the customer as much as actually doing something better or faster. As Trial pointed out it's a 10% difference in cost with FL (0% with Kuiu) between flats and camo. It would be hard to prove anything with statistics given that skill and style is a factor, so it would be nearly impossible to isolate the statistics. Observation would be the most effective way of proving anything.

 

[Qfrog]

It still looks good and that counts when you are hunting anything other than the ungulates. Like bear, turkey,etc. that being said my buddy has some old brown wool stuff he wears and I lost track of him last trip out. Movement and wind trumps all. Still that fusion is awesome!

 

[COlineman78]

It still looks good and that counts when you are hunting anything other than the ungulates. Like bear, turkey,etc. that being said my buddy has some old brown wool stuff he wears and I lost track of him last trip out. Movement and wind trumps all. Still that fusion is awesome!

As far as wind goes, I always wear a cow elk urine scent wafer on my hat. That in combination with the scent control of the FL gear I had several elk come in from down wind of me this year. Saw a calf put her nose up and sniff about 15 yards downwind of me and thought for sure I was busted, but she kept walking right towards me and stopped to eat at under 10 yards! I was wearing many layers at the time in preparation for sundown which might help, but I didn't get winded once all year. Did get busted for movement twice though.

 

[Jarrod Renaud]

As far as wind goes, I always wear a cow elk urine scent wafer on my hat. That in combination with the scent control of the FL gear I had several elk come in from down wind of me this year. Saw a calf put her nose up and sniff about 15 yards downwind of me and thought for sure I was busted, but she kept walking right towards me and stopped to eat at under 10 yards! I was wearing many layers at the time in preparation for sundown which might help, but I didn't get winded once all year. Did get busted for movement twice though.

I sprayed some cow urine on my boots one time and never did it again because I kept getting excited about smelling elk "everywhere". Took me about an hour to realize it was me haha

 

[COlineman78]

I sprayed some cow urine on my boots one time and never did it again because I kept getting excited about smelling elk "everywhere". Took me about an hour to realize it was me haha

Haha, the cow elk urine wafers smell distinctly different than the smell you come across where a bull has been bedding down so I don't necessarily have this problem. The wafer also gives you the ability to take it off as you will regret it if you don't and leave it in the truck. My hat will usually begin to smell over the week without the wafer, but not nearly as strong. If it bothers you they make sage and other scents, but I have found the cow elk scent to be most effective (and hardest to find).

 

[Jarrod Renaud]

Haha, the cow elk urine wafers smell distinctly different than the smell you come across where a bull has been bedding down so I don't necessarily have this problem. The wafer also gives you the ability to take it off as you will regret it if you don't and leave it in the truck. My hat will usually begin to smell over the week without the wafer, but not nearly as strong. If it bothers you they make sage and other scents, but I have found the cow elk scent to be most effective (and hardest to find).

haha yeah man. I carry it with me and will spray it on the ground when I'm moving in and out of certain wallows/watering holes... and when Im in a set up and am calling an active bull. It's saved me when the bull has worked his way down wind of me. It's also brought in young bulls full throttle from down wind of me, but they were certainly "crazy eye'd."

 

[boom]

Until we can talk to the animals, we are only guessing as to what animals actually see.

I however think the new pattern looks fantastic to my eye. I'm going to replace my Sitka 90% with the north branch.

Just need my brothers police discount.

 

[Desk Jockey]

I dig my north branch jacket.

Would be happy to test the prototype of the pants, as I am not a bib fan.

Firstlite, just give me a call.

 

[Hillbilly]

I dig my north branch jacket.

Would be happy to test the prototype of the pants, as I am not a bib fan.

Firstlite, just give me a call.

If you can find a retailer with a good return policy (just in case) give the NB "bib" a try. I worried about this when I purchased the set when they came out as I hate bibs as well. These are more like pants with built in suspenders. Definitely the most comfortable, well thought out, and executed piece Ive worn.