This is topic Spotlight Lens Covers in forum Night forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.
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Posted by mzzlldr (Member # 779) on January 09, 2006, 10:56 AM:
Thinking of doing some nite hunting & would like to hear your thoughts about colored lens for the light. What color do you think is best to use, red, blue, amber or others? Your thought are much appreciated!
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on January 09, 2006, 11:26 AM:
Welcome to the New Huntmasters, mzzlldr. Glad to have you on board.
As far as the color of your lens, the most commonly used is red. I use it almost exclusively, but depending on the type of hunting you are doing, and what animals you are hunting, amber is a very good choice, as well. Generally speaking, coyotes get more spooky, unless you are using a red lens, the darker, the better.
For close range viewing of undisturbed animals, there is nothing wrong with green, but they can be a lot harder to keep track of.
It's hard to go wrong with red but in wide open places with unlimited visibility, it is hard to beat amber, switching to red when they get closer, if you have the right light setup. I wouldn't recommend this if you are fumbling around with snap on lenses, however.
Good hunting. LB
Posted by Joel Hughes (Member # 384) on January 14, 2006, 08:45 AM:
Leonard,
Question along these lines for you if I may, Leonard. How do you remove dykem from a glass lens?
Thanks.
Posted by varmit hunter (Member # 37) on January 14, 2006, 08:57 AM:
Not trying to run under Leonard. They have Dykum remover that works instantly. In a pinch WD-40 will do it. Just slow.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on January 14, 2006, 09:08 AM:
That's a darn good question, Joel! Believe me when I tell you that I have tried every solvent I can think of, acetone, laquer thinner, on and on. Nothing I have found cuts it. You have to buy their special Dykem solvent. It comes in a quart bottle and will last you several years.
You can add all the coats of red Dykem that you want, being careful to spray straight down, otherwise if you hold it vertical, it may drip and you will have an uneven tint.
But, when you go the other way, like right now, hunting under a full moon, you need more light, so you need to use the Dykem remover, and start over with a lighter shade.
But, this is worth it, you don't have to mess with a clip on lens, or in the case of the Nightforce, it's spring loaded, and slightly jiggles your beam when you flip it up for the white light. You do not want a bouncing beam when your shooter is trying to get off a shot.
They make a yellow Dykem but it is hard to find. It works very well with cats and gray fox but some coyotes don't like it. But, there is no doubt, it reaches out further than red, if you are hunting open plains.
Good hunting. LB
edit: hmmm? Never tried that, Ronnie? Interesting.
[ January 14, 2006, 09:09 AM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
Posted by Joel Hughes (Member # 384) on January 14, 2006, 09:37 AM:
Thanks to both of you. I am about to try the WD-40 since I have that on-hand. I've tried coleman lantern fluid with no success. I think I will go find me some of this dykem remover. Like you said, it should last for quite some time.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on January 14, 2006, 09:53 AM:
Long time, is right. I have only purchased two bottles of the solvent, ever. You tip it on a cotton ball held over the opening and after perhaps three cotton balls, you are ready to spray. It may soak through the cotton ball and get your fingers red, unless you wear rubber gloves.
This sounds messy and complicated but it is actually simple, and has so many advantages over plastic lens covers.
Good hunting. LB
edit: one caution about the WD40 solution. You MUST get all grease and oil off the surface or your Dykem will fisheye on you.
[ January 14, 2006, 09:55 AM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
Posted by onecoyote (Member # 129) on February 04, 2006, 02:47 PM:
Leonard, have you ever heard of using Standard Brands Candy Apple Red.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on February 04, 2006, 05:42 PM:
Yes, that's what everybody used to use, at least everybody in San Gabriel, that I knew of?
It's not as good as Dykem, because it does not scorch or turn opaque, on a powerful light. Nor does it chip off. I never told anyone about Dykem when I was competing. The Internet made me a blabbermouth.
Good hunting. LB
Posted by onecoyote (Member # 129) on February 05, 2006, 09:23 AM:
LOL, yeah me too, but that's ok. Granville was the first guy that I seen use dykem, I think Ken Miller or Rick told him about it. That was a few years ago, like around 25+ lol.
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