Review: Diamond Edge SB-1 by Bowtech

As the first bow I’ve ever owned, I’m pleased to say the Diamond Edge SB-1 by Bowtech has lived up to and surpassed even my highest expectations. So much so, in fact, that my husband bought himself one this past weekend. 

Diamond Edge Sb-1 in Mossy Oak (Also comes in Black, Purple, and Blue)

There are two main concepts behind this bow that just put it miles above even the closest competitor -versatility and value. Not only is the SB-1 already priced in the lower range for bows with an average MSRP now of $399; you also have the added value of never needing to purchase new limbs for this bow to increase the weight.

Diamond has implemented a technology called the EZ-Adjust system. This allows an archer to go from 7lb up to 70lb with just a few turns of a wrench. This system is so simple to use, even the greenest archer can effetely adjust their own bow at home. Diamond even went the extra mile and created dedicated website and how to videos. Furthermore, you can set the draw length from 15-30 just as easily. With such a wide draw and weight range and being so well made, it’s perfect for passing down to future generations.

Upon holding the SB1 for the first time, I recall taking note of the extensive standard equipment

package preloaded onto the bow. This package includes: a 3-Pin Tundra Sight, Hostage XL Arrow Rest, DeadLock Lite Octane Quiver, 5" Ultra-Lite Octane Stabilizer, Carbon Peep Sight, BCY String Loop, and Diamond Comfort Wrist Sling. The SB-1 is lightweight at 3.6lb and has a 7 in brace hit.

My first time drawing this bow I clearly remember how awkward I was. Unable to pull it to full draw at 34lb the first day I had to settle for 28lb. After only shooting this bow for four days I was able to go up to 34lb. I even managed to pull 43lb to full draw twice -in four days. I was in complete awe at how much I was improving and so quickly for a beginner.

The ease of motion when drawing is streamline. The SB-1 has a let off around 80% but honestly it feels closer to some of the 75% let off bows I’ve tried. Figuring out how to adjust a sight on a bow for the first time was piece of cake.

The precision and accuracy of this bow are unmatched as it’s powered by Bowtech's Synchronized Binary Cam System offering a speed rating of 318 fps. I was able to get grouping in a four-inch circle within a week and a half of shooting.

After raving about this bow I should come clean and tell you about the one flaw I’ve found. Brace yourself, it might be a deal breaker… I occasionally have to turn my peep hole back to center. Devastating news, I know.

All joking aside, when everything is said and done you absolutely cannot beat the overall value of the SB-1. The only way you’re going to get a better bow for your money is by spending more and buying a higher end bow. This bow can be fitted to anyone, and it’s so easy to use. I would recommend the bow to a beginner as quickly as I would a seasoned archer without hesitation. And trust me I have.

By Fontana Smith

August 23, 2016

Fighting Fire with Facts: The Anti-Hunter and Public Opinion

When I watch TV shows, read articles, or listen to podcasts related to hunting, a common concept almost always occurs. Hunting is not a right, it is a privilege. That privilege can be taken away, and most of the time far too easily. It is almost a given that we will not change the minds of those against hunting. But we can be ambassadors for Hunting in the non-hunting community’s eyes.

Imagine for a moment witnessing an interaction between two strangers. One is a bully who is spouting nasty remarks, name calling, and putting down another person down. But the other person is calmly and politely trying explain their intentions with hardcore facts. Which person are you likely to side with as the bystander? The truth is, we as hunters have a choice. We can choose to be either the bully or the person with good intentions.

I’ve learned that when conversations like this arise, the quickest and most efficient way to defend oneself and our sport is through cold hard facts. Opinions are easy to debate, facts are not. However, what we need to remember is that bystander who is witnessing our choices is always the non-hunter. This is the group of people who make up the majority of voters nationwide. If we want hunting to remain a privilege, we need to make sure we are setting an example that make them want to take our side.

Here are some facts I personally like to use when I come under fire from an anti-hunter:

As of 2012, Hunters have contributed over $7.2 Billion dollars since 1937 via The Pittman-Robertson Act (also known as Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act). Also consider that on average through licenses, taxes, tags, and fees, hunters paid $1.3 billion toward conservation in 2013. Being 2016, that number has surely grown.

Hunters themselves fund more than any federal grant or contributions private organizations combined. Effectively, if hunting disappeared, so would the majority of funding to maintain national and statewide parks. Any programs that repair damaged habitats for wildlife or receive funding for preservation through hunters would also cease to exist.

Hunters support over 680,000 jobs for American’s nationwide. When the average unemployment rate of 4.9% in the United States, nothing more needs to be said.

Legal hunting has NEVER caused an endangered species to go extinct. When the words, “due to over hunting” appear next to an extinct animal’s description, it is easy to assume that we are the cause. That’s why it is vital that we make the critical distinction between us and illegal hunters.

We, the real hunting population, are just as against poaching and illegal hunting practices as the rest of the population. Poaching hurts everyone, but it especially hurts us as hunters. People who have not been educated in our ethics will almost always throw us all together. Use any and every opportunity to denounce these people and practices. This is my go to statement to make a separation between us and the unethical illegal hunter is: We love to hunt and the renewable resource it provides to our table. We would have to be downright mad want to jeopardize something we love due to over hunting. That’s why we take conservation and following the laws and regulations so seriously. We want to continue to hunt, and I want to be able to share this experience with my children one day.

Hunting promotes conservation and preservation of wildlife by helping manage a population of game animals that the natural habitat is able to sustain. Any given habitat has a maximum number of animals that it can provide for. When a population of a species exceeds that limit, the habitat will suffer and there won’t be enough food or water to support the remaining species. Through hunting, we are able to keep habitats at a sustainable level so all wildlife flourishes, not just the game we hunt.

Hunting legally in underdeveloped countries provides food for native people and puts money back into their economy. Hunters pay a lot of money to hunt in other countries *legally*. They have to apply for a license, tags, and when their done that meat is donated to a local tribe for food.

You’re not likely to change the mind of an anti-hunter. But the public’s view of us is always up for negotiation. I have already seen my fair share of ill-treatment and nasty comments to people who openly display their pride as hunters (from both sides unfortunately.) I agree with you; we absolutely shouldn’t be ashamed or apologize for our actions as ethical hunters. But, we don’t need to stoop to the same level as anti-hunters, especially when all the facts are on our side.

Sources: America’s Sporting Heritage: Fueling the American Economy (2013) & Hunting in America: An Economic Force for Conservation (2013); US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation; National Hunting and Fishing Day: Hunting Facts; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2016)

7 Steps to Becoming a Hunter: For a Beginning by a Beginner

Navigating the world of hunting can be tough. It’s even harder if you don’t have friends or family that you can ask for advice or information. I know this better than anyone. I started this way, and I’m still on the journey to my first hunt this September. I found that the key is to taking it step by step and try not to rush it. These are also the personal steps I have used to get where I am now. So here are the basics of what I have found:

Step One: Be really sure you this is something you want to do.

Do your research, and then do some more. If your reading this then you’re probably thinking this step is pointless, but try to hear me out. Hunting like any sport, can be pricey (Like thousands of dollars pricey). I’m not saying it isn’t possible to do it on a budget, but your likely starting with nothing. That means a weapon to hunt with, ammo, camo, camping equipment, backpack, boots, emergency supplies, the lists can be endless and expensive. Make sure your budget can handle the expense and your schedule can open up the time require to become proficient with whatever weapon you choose.

Step Two: If you are absolutely sure hunting is for you, get your Hunter Safety Certification.

No matter where you are nationwide, you will need this to purchase a hunting license. No license means no hunting. This also gives you tons of information on the equipment used in hunting as well as proper and safe hunting practices. Ask questions when you take the course! The men and women instructing these classes have a wealth of knowledge that most of times surpasses the basics of hunter safety. This course is the best foundation for any new hunter to start on. It will also help you narrow down what weapon you think will be the best fit for you as it goes over a variety of hunting weapons.

Step Three: Purchase Your Chosen Weapon

Great, you are now a knowledgeable potential hunter. The next step is to research and find out what you have to do to purchase the gun or bow you’ve chosen. Each state will have different laws, regulations, and requirements needed to purchase a gun or bow. It will save you a lot of time if you make sure you meet all the requirements or fill out any forms available online before you enter a shop. Also keep in mind the cost is not limited to just to weapon. You will need ammo, a case or cases, possibly a gun safe, a scope, or sight for a bow etc. Your local retailer will be able to help you get all the necessities to get started.

Step Four: Practice, practice, and practice some more.

If you aren’t a good shot, you will likely not make an ethical kill. I spend 5-6 days a week at a range shooting for a minimum of an hour or more. Do you have to do this? Of course not! Do whatever your schedule allows. Just make sure you spend enough time shooting your weapon before you go hunting to know it inside and out. As you spend more time in the hunting world you will realize how important it is to all hunters alike that we make a clean kill. Also becoming proficient with your weapon means you will know the proper way to handle it safely. Nothing is more important than your safety and those with you.

Step Five: Plan your hunt.

What are you going to hunt? Is that game in your area? When are you going? Did you want to be with a group locally or did you want to hire a professional to guide and teach you? When went to go to buy your weapon, did take note at the people behind the counter? They are often hunters or they potentially know some. They can help point you in the right direction, and I personally have always found them to be more than happy to help. On this note, clubs and organizations in your area for hunting or the weapon you have chosen will be a great resource as well. Don’t forget to purchase the tags for any game you will be hunting. Again, each state is different. Make sure you know your states regulations and laws and any state you plan to visit for hunting. Every hunter is responsible for themselves. My greatest resource to finding the right person to help me was google and social media. I feel like I got extremely lucky to find my mentor and guide for my first hunt this way. This may not be the norm for everyone. Where you live will often determine what will work best for you.

Step Six: Purchase the necessities.

This includes but is in no way limited to: camo, cooler for meat, camping supplies. Something things you can use for multiple game and some you won’t use but for one particular game animal. You won’t need a 4-person tent and a 60lb hiking backpack if you are only hiking a few miles in or it’s only a day hunting trip. Make sure your buying what you NEED not what you want. Something things you can save money on, others you really need to choose quality over quantity. Just remember, you get what you pay for.

Step Seven: Enjoy yourself!

This is the step I’m currently on myself. I know you will be nervous. I will definitely be too. But try to remember what appealed to you the most when you decided to start this journey! This should be a fun and rewarding experience. After all you’ve done to prepare, all the articles, books, classes, and time you’ve devoted, you deserve this moment! Now all that’s left is to go out and get it!

By Fontana Smith

August 21, 2016

Welcome to My Blog!

I'm fairly new at this, but I figured starting with an introduction. Seems appropriate. I created this blog to have a place to organize the editorial articles and stories that I have written and will write along my journey. I named it living undefined because we, as people, tend to label everything. I use to think  if you liked make up and hung out with a certain crowd you couldn't like things like hunting without another more hurtful... wait for it...  label. Like poser, imposter, faker, hurtful labels I didn't want to be associated with. But now, the only opinion that matters is the one I have of myself. So I'm done with labels. I'm going to live my life that's undefined to anyone be me. FYI: I like make up, and rainbows, some high end clothes, full camo, working on car, getting dirty, putting on a dress for a date, and dressing down to pajamas and playing video games with the hubby. This is who I am. I hope you enjoy reading about my adventures, and maybe you will be inspired to have some of your own. If you do, please don't forget to share with me! That would just completely make my year.

Ever since I was a little girl, Daddy's little tomboy really, I have loved being outdoors.

The world we live in is such an incredibly beautiful place if we take care of it. I dread not being able to share it with my children.
As a mother, I have what I consider to be a "natural" fear of anything I can't control... I'm probably misguided in that concept. Anyway, one day I decided that I didn't like that I had no idea how to provide food for myself and my family in case of an emergency -hunting or gardening alike. That scared me, and ultimately lead me to start this journey.


The more I researched the more I fell in love with the idea of hunting, especially bow hunting. I'm an overachiever by heart ,and I love a good challenge. Bow hunting seemed like the perfect fit for me. Once I master bow hunting, I fully intend to embrace rifle hunting as well. But for now, one dangerous weapon at a time. I've learned so much in such a short amount of time. I can't wait to look back a year from now and see how much I've grown.

You will come to find that I am incredibly quick-witted, have a sharp tongue that cuts diamonds when I'm angry (I do my best to rein it in but no one is perfect), and I absolutely detest  being told I can't do something -especially if it's something a man can do. I'm am so hardheaded, stubborn, competitive, and sometimes I forget that not everyone shares my opinion, and that's ok too. Sometimes what comes out of my mouth even surprises me. I also have ADHD. But their is no mother or wife alive that loves their children of husband more than me. I know I'm bias; but the majority of parents and spouses can attest to feeling the same way. I'm also compassionate, and would give you the shirt off my back. I'm driven, intelligent, honest to an unfortunate fault, and raised with great morals. Most of the time, I have the best intentions in mind.

I'm the woman who looks for anyway to teach her children by example. Like having your daughter give your new sweater to an elderly woman waiting in the same ER lobby as your son who was cold; or not driving off with a tank of full gas when I knew it didn't take my card, even though we needed the money; or deciding not to eat my sandwich from Chick-fil-a and offering it to the homeless man on the corner instead. I am most certainly not a saint by any means. But if I do I nothing more than my raise two beautiful children who mature into responsible, compassionate, adults with a strong moral compass like their Momma, that is fine by me!

My husband gave me the most gorgeous, talented, incredible kids. Mia is our first born, 6 year-old drama queen. She is her mother made over. Boy do I dread the teenage years to come. Karma is surely going to be making it's way back around to this house. Leo is 100% a Momma's boy (as he should be). He is 3 year-old and a spit fire that hasn't let his diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis slow him down one bit. My third child, my bow just kidding, is our Boston Terrier named Cookie. She is a hot mess. Totally a daddy's dog, but has mom eating out of her paw (figuratively not literally -yuck). My kids are my whole world. I have to negotiate time and good behavior at the archery range for park time or swimming. But it's a trade that I won't be losing sleep over anytime soon. They are also my photographers, arrow retrievers, cheerleaders, and complete loves of my life -if it isn't overly obvious yet. Every moment shared with them is worth a thousands lifetimes with anyone else. I enjoy more than anything teaching them about the outdoors. Soon I hope to be a more active part in the #bringakidhuntingcampaign and of course, my two will never be to far behind.

I am married to an Active-Duty Petty Officer of the Navy. He is a Nuclear Engineer, gamer, nerd, and he is my sunshine. But if I have to be honest...we have the most backwards relationship I've ever seen. God graced me with all the common sense, no lie. Luckily, we are were both blessed with book-smarts. I'm a third generation carpenter, and own ALL the power tools in our home. Yes, you read that right -the Home Depot card is mine. I decided to learn to hunt and shoot a bow completely of my own accord. I can't count how many times I've been asked already, "Did your husband/male relative get you into this?" No...Contrary to popular opinion, I do have the capacity to think and act all on my own. Recently, he did purchase his own bow and seems to be having a ton of fun when we shoot together (If the constant smile is any sort of indication of that). Honestly though, I love that man more than words can express. He is opposite and yet my match in every way. My rock. He loves me and gave me the two best gifts in the world. He has always 100% supported me in all that I do. Even if that means being a strong woman that pushes conventional boundaries and will almost certainly come under criticism for it eventually. What woman could ask for more than that? This one definitely can't.

Only little bit on school as there isn't much to tell. I'm a 4.0 GPA, Dean's List student.(I have two very important people to set an example for.) I'm very proud of that accomplishment. I home school my children and go to school over full time credits every semester, summer included. It's never to late, believe me.


Few of my other hobbies include: spending time with the absolute best friends a girl could ask for (when we all occupy the same state country), horseback riding, cooking, water sports, fishing, the occasional MMO with the hubby, volunteering, traveling, hiking, and now writing!

Also from 2014-2015 I went from 215lb to 150lb while my husband was deployed through Nutrisystem. I've kept the weight off for over a year now! I'm not trying to brag and I'm not being paid to advertise this. But without Nutrisystem, I'd still be that miserable, depressed, lazy, person on the couch who didn't even realize how much life she was really missing out on until now. I don't even know her anymore. So if you need motivation or advice on your weight loss journey, I'm here for you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teodlPuOLn8



Clubs and Associations:
USA Archery
Roadrunner Archery Club
San Diego Archers
Womenhunters