Guest Indianscout Posted May 9, 2006 Report Share Posted May 9, 2006 I have been hunting for years and had plenty of success. I always try to stay as scent free as I can and always play the wind when hunting. But I have been thinking about trying a carbon suit (have friends that swear by them). I am looking at both the scent-lok savanna and scent blocker XLT brands, does anyone have any comments concerning the two especially how does each wear and hold up in the field? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted May 9, 2006 Report Share Posted May 9, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker Welcome to the forums. Have never tried any special scent blocking or containing suits, probably never will. I keep my clothes and me as free of scent as possible. I keep my clothes in plastic totes lined with cedar limbs. Really helps here with cedars scattered all around the property. Have had deer come in on the downwind side on numerous occasions and walk under my ladder stands with them being totally unaware of my presence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoytguy08 Posted May 10, 2006 Report Share Posted May 10, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker i have always done fine w/out the special clothing, but i want to buy the Scent Blocker Dream Season suit made by Robinson Outdoors b/c i know people who have it and really like it. As far as Scent-lok goes i'm not sure how it works, but i would guess that it would work fine(or should work for the $$ it costs) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted May 10, 2006 Report Share Posted May 10, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker I would really like to get a dream season suit. However, I stay as scent free as possible using the H.S sent eliminator soap, shampoo and deoderant and I use the "fresh earth" spray on all my clothes, and equiptment. I have had deer walk as close as 5 yards from me while sitting on the ground with no blind and directly under me in a tree stand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted May 10, 2006 Report Share Posted May 10, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker I have a Scent Blocker outfit, I personally like it. Whether it works or not I beleive if you can change the odds to your favor and the technology is out there then try it. Some will debate over this and say its a waste of money, all I know is I have liked my results and when I should have been busted I wasn't. Maybe the suit helped, maybe it was the other precautions I take when I go hunting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Indianscout Posted May 10, 2006 Report Share Posted May 10, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker Thanks for the info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bow Hunter Derek Posted May 10, 2006 Report Share Posted May 10, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker It's your money so go for it if it gives you confindence. Personally, I'd use the money to buy a high quality set of camo that is quiet and water proof and in a pattern that blends in with your area. I've spent much more on good camo gear than a Dream Season suit will ever cost. Scent free tubs/soaps/good hygene will do more than any saturated carbon in a suit any day. I'm an engineer that has worked with carbon adsorption technology before. There is NO WAY that a carbon suit can work as claimed. It is absolutely not possible from an engineering perspective. The carbon is saturated before you ever buy the suit and can not be effectively regenerated without destroying the fabric of the suit. Again, it is your money and if it adds to your confidence than by all means buy the product. I'll use my money on other products that actually work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8ptbuckpa Posted May 10, 2006 Report Share Posted May 10, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker Last Year me and my dad where hunting in our back yard about 20 acres during so we were hunting close because the does only traveled one area so I got stuck where a funnel is but because of trespassers there was a load of concrete with rebar but the deer came running my direction as my bow was already on the ground because i forgot my harness when they came and I shot a buck as it crossed the concrete. but the thing is my dad was hunting about 60 yards south of me and the wind was blowing from the west towards the deer he was not wearing a scent blocker suit and I believe his scent was what pushed the deer to me and I was fully clothed with scent blocker and THE DEER HAD NO IDEA I WAS THERE and i made a lot of noise while getting my bow back up in the tree. the only bad thing was I never found my buck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snapper Posted May 10, 2006 Report Share Posted May 10, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker I the deer I've harvested with my bow didn't know I wasn't wearing any scent blocking clothing. I personally think if you try and stay scent free as posible...use some cover scent (earth scent) and play the wind (that being the biggest issue), you don't need scent blockers. Whether they work or not...guess we'll never know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig mack Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker I think they work. And I seen a noticable difference since I started using them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker You have to think of it as this, some guys will spend $700.00 or more on just a bow but are not willing to spend a couple hundred on clothing?!!!? I can't believe the guys at Scent Loc & Scent Blocker are putting time and money into things that don't work and I can't believe the people wearing it are wearing it if it cannot help your success. Sure you can buy the soaps and detergents and work on hygiene but why not cover it all up with a carbon activated suit? I didn't go out and buy a $700.00 bow so I used that extra money to buy me a Scent Blocker suit and still have a great bow to shoot deer with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Indianscout Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker It seems that most of the people that wear the carbon suits believe that they have helped them, is it the suit or are they more scent conscience? Most of the talk about it not working comes from those who haven't worn the carbon suits. I have personnally never worn one that's why I have been asking around about how well they work. I know you will never be totally scent free and I am very scent conscience (scent free soaps, cover scents etc.). Will the carbon suits give a hunter more of an edge over a deers nose? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker Guess if you think it makes you a better hunter and builds your confidence, more power to you. For me, I just dont see the need. I walk out to my stand smelling like a cedar tree. Been working well for me for years, and does not cost me any additional expense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker I guess when I watch shows and the ones hunting 160" class or bigger deer and being undetected are wearing carbon suits it tells me something, if you can fool the big boys of your presence then something is working. As for the additional expense goes back to my thinking of buying a $700.00 bow, do you need it? Will it make you a better shot? Will it kill more deer? Its just personal preference I guess but you can have the lastest equipment but if the game you hunt smells you the hunt is over. There is a reason Scent Loc and Scent Blocker are in business and its not for making suits that don't work, people are wearing them and having success. I think if the suits cost $50.00 then nobody would doubt them, its the costs that scare them off and say its not needed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michiganbowhunter_SQ2 Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker i think if you use them right they work...but i also think that you don't have to use them to be "scent free"...i personally use the suits...to me its just another thing to get the upper hand on deer. but you have to use them right....you can't just store them in a scent free bag and throw them on over your clothes and take off.....i believe you still should use all of the scent free soaps and shampoos and stuff like that....and don't use scent wafers and don't store them with them either....and spray with something scent free for extra protection...i use white lightning....alot of people who use them use them wrong...there are alot of little things that some people do that effect the way the suits work....like if you are wearing rubber boots...most people tuck their pants into the boot...and this is WRONG....each step you take causes a "burping" that comes out the top of your boot...you are supossed to put the pants over your boot...not inside....but anywho...thats just my $0.02..sorry for the scent control 101 tutorial ...i am bored Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker great tips Michiganbowhunter SQ2, I agree with everything you said. These are not "magic" suits, precautions are still needed. You can't change the oil in your truck and then afterwards throw on the suit and expect a miracle. Need to be scent cautious and keep hygiene up in order to see deer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Scent_Lok_G_Designer Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker They are both real good choices. The XLT will be heavier due to some extra panels of fabric inside the chest areas and back of the jacket. The Savanna series is the lightest odor adsorbing garments on the market. As for wear and tear, I cannot comment on the XLT, however we have tested the new fabrics that are on the market to be much more durable and burr resistant. Also, we reinforce our seams to make them last longer. Lastly, we guarantee our garments for workmanship for one year, if something goes wrong with it after that give our customer service a call and we'll take care of you!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker [ QUOTE ] They are both real good choices. The XLT will be heavier due to some extra panels of fabric inside the chest areas and back of the jacket. The Savanna series is the lightest odor adsorbing garments on the market. As for wear and tear, I cannot comment on the XLT, however we have tested the new fabrics that are on the market to be much more durable and burr resistant. Also, we reinforce our seams to make them last longer. Lastly, we guarantee our garments for workmanship for one year, if something goes wrong with it after that give our customer service a call and we'll take care of you!! [/ QUOTE ] Thank you for joining the forum here. Its great to have an "insider" here to offer insight. Please post often and welcome to the sight. With a heated topic like Scent Loc or Scent Blocker and whether its worth it or a waste as you are well aware you will have skeptics on your products. Have a thick skin and take it with a grain of salt. There are great guys and gals on here and we try not to bash each other too bad. Just guys and gals offering their opinions and at times it gets heated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Scent_Lok_G_Designer Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker No problem. I have been through the routine on other chat boards as well. I welcome any questions and I will do my best to answer them as best I can. I can tell you, obviously I work for Scent-Lok, that I will not talk down any other product. That is just bad business. I will tell exactly what they do and don't do based on our testing. We test a lot of products in a lot of laboratories so I can speak with confidence on those subjects. As with other boards, I'm sure there are those who have their mind made up and will argue just to argue. I'm sure I'll get to know them pretty quick. Ha ha. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmoss Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker I own a few scent blocker suits, Dream Season, ProTec and Alpha. I love them all, not just because of the Scent Control but camo patterns and quick material. I would recommend buying one ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker [ QUOTE ] I guess when I watch shows and the ones hunting 160" class or bigger deer and being undetected are wearing carbon suits it tells me something, if you can fool the big boys of your presence then something is working. [/ QUOTE ] Tells me first of all that they are hunting where there are 160 class and better deer. Secondly it tells me that the sponsors are making sure you see their product. Have fooled plenty of deer here without it. Nothing wrong with spending the money you earn however you want. If you think you need it and want it go ahead, it might really work somewhat in the way they say it does, but there are also other proven less expensive methods of controlling human scent. For me, thinking I am going to go out and hunt behind my house and see a 160 class deer just because I have this "scent eliminating" suit would be pretty naive as there is just not likely any deer of that caliber around here at this point. I consistently have deer pretty well every year walk under me, even some mature deer. But then again turkey hunting I was on the ground and had 6 deer walk 20 yards behind me to never know I was there with NO SCENT control practices whatsoever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
too_pointer Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker I have a pair of bibs in scent lok that I wear alot. I can't say for sure how well they work, I play the wind all I can, but I like the idea if the wind get swirly that they can help. too_ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bow Hunter Derek Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker OK, I'll be the first to jump on this. I'm not going to bash the product. My belief is that if a product makes you more confident as a hunter, then you will be a better hunter, regardless if the product is legitimate or not. So here goes. Like I said, I'm a licensed PE (mechanical engineer). I have a pretty diverse background in environmental applications for industry. In that time, I worked with several projects utilizing carbon adsorbtion. In my experience, carbon is an awesome tool for the capture of VOC's, fumes, and odors. The only problem with carbon is that once the carbon particals are saturated then they are useless ... until regeneration. Now, to reactivate or regenerate carbon, it must be heated. Carbon must be heated to a MINIMUM of 1,400 deg F and often as high as 1,700 deg F to be reactivated. In doing so 10% to 20% of the carbon is typically lost in the process as it breaks down on a molecular level. This must be made up with new virgin carbon. You can typically regenerate carbon in an industrial application for 30% or so less than just starting out will all new material. A cost savings, but it still can be quite expensive. So, as an engineer, I have to totally question the carbon suites all together. Lets assume that when you first put on your suit, it is 100% ready to go and not already saturated. Carbon is carbon folks. When you've worn it for a few days hunting, even with all the best storage care, it will become saturated with your smells and other odors. So then how in the world is a simple clothes dryer going to regenerate carbon. I'm not sure exactly how hot a clothes dryer gets, but I know it surely does not even approach 1,400 deg F. So, I guess my question for the carbon suit manufactures is how is it that your carbon can magically regenerate at such low temperatures? I have yet to get this question directly answered. Is this some new special carbon that no one has utiltized. If it is, then boy are you guys missing the boat. Because I know of hundreds of industrial applications that would kill to have this low temp regeneration carbon. They would save a ton of money every year regenerating carbon at a low temperature. Sorry if I sound like I'm trying to ruffle feathers. I'm not. I'm simply and engineer who is struggling to wrap my brain around a concept that defies all laws of physics and chemistry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Scent_Lok_G_Designer Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker No, Bow Hunter Derek your question is quite valid and something we hear a lot. I understand that you have some history in this subject so some of it will be well below your knowledge, but I want to make sure everybody understands what we are talking about. First, we don't actualy reactivate the carbon, we do regenerate it. There is a big difference, reactivation is what you said above and does destroy a percentage of carbon when done. A typical household dryer (at roughly 145°) cannot achieve the heat or pressure needed to do this, and of course it would ruin the garment. Regeneration on the other hand is in a nutshell ridding the activated carbon of roughly 80-90% of the odor molecules but not actually breaking all of the bonds created through VanderWaal's bond. This was proven in the "Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology" 4 Ed, Vol 4. In this test they adsorbed gasoline vapor and is regenerated using a vacuum device and steam at 133°. Also in the "Technical Notes of Rohm and Haas's Ambersorb, Carbonaceous Adsorbants, (Aug 1992) is states "activated carbon solumn demonstrated regeneration of activated carbon with adsorbed chloroform using 125-130° steam, with 85-90% contaminant removal. *What this means is... 85-90% of the carbon can be basically flushed out and reused again under "household" conditions. WHEW! It doesn't compound on top of itself rendering it usless after only a few times. For example say the activated carbon adsorbs molecule A,B & C. When the regenerated it loses molecule A & B leaving C. Then molecule D, E are adsorbed. The next reactivation cycle then flushes C and E leaving D behind. That is a little hard to explain so if it is not clear I can try to explain further. We test our products using Headspace Gas Chromotography. Basically this weighs fabrics in a very controlled enviroment and can detect minute differences when weighed. A piece of oour fabric weighs more when saturated and less when we regenerate it. We can take those numbers and compare them tho the weight of the raw material to get the percentage of adsorption or regeneration that has taken place. Lastly, the reason that many filtration plants and industrial companies need the reactivation is for public safety and other related concerns. Our suits quite frankly don't need this level of reactivation because it is only a matter of mature Buck safety. Ha ha. We do list this basic stuff on our website under the "science" section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Scent_Lok_G_Designer Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 Re: scentlok/blocker After all that I decided to use this analogy to illustrate what talked about above. Think of Activated Carbon like a sponge for air. With the sponge you can clean up spilled coffee and the sponge then becomes saturated and only moves the coffee around (saturation point). You wring it out in the sink (reactivated). Now the sponge is still technically wet, but now has pores available to soak additional coffee. That is on a very basic level of how our fabrics work, only our fabric uses huge amounts of surface area with billions of pores that trap odor instead of coffee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.