This article is an attempt to compare the advantages of different systems and their features! Due to the rapid development of archery simulators, the
This article is an attempt to compare the advantages of different systems and their features!
Due to the rapid development of archery simulators, the documentation of the individual systems is still very sketchy. As a result, there are more and more unsatisfied customers that end up with a product that does not meet their expectations. So far there has been neither a comprehensive comparison option, nor have all producers provided enough references and information.
We hope this article makes a start. To provide accurate, comprehensive and relevant information, we have talked to the manufacturers and customers of all currently available products. Feedback from at least 2 actual users of each system is included below. If any information in this article is misunderstood or misinterpreted, please help us to improve it. We look forward to your comments.
The article is meant to be an objective and useful resource for archery enthusiasts and helping them make the better purchase decisions. The feedback from the customers described further below only reflects the perceptions of individual users. Every customer has different expectations and requirements. This article should encourage you to contact the appropriate providers for further information and helping you to ask the right questions.
This table gives an overview of the functions and services of the described products (last update 29.5.2018).
BowSim 4D | Beier Bow Cinema/ https://bow-cinema.com/ | HSV Lienz/Kurt Wallensteiner Cinema | TechnoHUNT | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Projector included | ||||
Target included | ||||
Larger target option | ||||
Cost for target upgrade* | ||||
Shooting at moving targets | ||||
Upload own videos | ||||
Content offer (digital) | ||||
Content offer (4D Animals) | ||||
Regular content Updates | ||||
Impact detection | ||||
Customer reviews available online | ||||
Console included | ||||
Sensor included | ||||
Foot-switch included | ||||
Multi-screen ready | ||||
Multi-screen content available | ||||
Show hit zones | ||||
Create playlists | ||||
Rename playlists | ||||
Hit counter | ||||
Displaying archers names | ||||
Cost* |
* Prices are displayed exclusive of VAT. The BowSim 4D and the Beier bow cinema are plug and play solutions that include the projector and the 4D target. The bow cinema of the HSV Lienz is a software package only. It requires additional components to complete the setup.
The bow simulator of the club HSV-Lienz
This is a low cost concept and by far the cheapest product available. The recording of the impact is done via a microphone. The system is easy to use and the software is quickly installed on your own computer. With a cost of 70 Euro (software only), you can be sure to get value for money. There is no way of accessing the technology for a more affordable price. A simple sensor can be built with a common microphone as available is most electronics shops. Apart from a computer that is needed to play, the cost of software and technology can be less than 200 Euros. But you do require a 4D target (foam wall) and a projector too. A product video can be seen here.
Since the offered product is only a software, the customer himself must be active to assemble the system. The same applies to finding the content/courses. No content or training courses are available for this 4D shooting cinema concept. Visit the product website here.
We talked to 2 archers who bought the bow cinema of HSV-Lienz. Both have rated it as a good and uncomplicated solution for a “beginner system”. However they described finding high quality content to load to this system rather difficult.
The bow cinema of Beier Distribution
The offer on the website of Beier Distribution promises an ideal bow cinema for all areas of use. However, neither featured videos nor the description on the company’s website indicates that the product is merely a video player that is delivered on a USB flash drive. The bow cinema does not respond to the impact of the arrow, nor does it offer the opportunity to train on moving targets. Presented clips are cut to pause after a while and a crosshair like target appears. Now the archer is encouraged to release the arrow. After a while, the video continues to play. Toward the end, the stills are presented again to evaluate where shots had gone. In product videos of the company those can be seen after the “Stop Shooting – RESULTS” appears.
Buyers must find their own training content as only 5 clips with animals and a digital dartboard is available at purchase. These are stored in the memory of the projector, through which the sound is also played. At the time of writing the bow cinema can only be ordered as a complete package with projector and an ethafoam target.
We talked to 2 archers that have purchased the bow cinema from Beier. Both were surprised about the fact that they received only a player without any sensors and where overall disappointed by the value for money.
BowSim 4D
The BowSim 4D team has been pioneering 4D archery since 2015, providing extensive documentation and more than 20 videos on YouTube and many more on social media. BowSim 4D customers can be found in several European countries and as far as Australia. Many people regularly share photos and videos. BowSim 4D provides written references and the names of many satisfied customers online.
The complete system comes with tailor-made technology, such as a water and impact-proof sensor as well as a cordless footswitch, a computer and a sound system. Components can be purchased individually or as a set with 4D Target and Beamer.
With over 300 contents, BowSim 4D comes with an incomparable variety of digital games, 4D animals, dinosaurs, dinosaurs, dragons and more. Through an automated update, customers receive at least 10 new content per month. BowSim 4D is the most expensive of the 4D bow cinemas compared here.
We talked to 2 archers who bought BowSim 4D Bow Cinema. Both are very satisfied with the value for money and after-sales support. Interested parties can continue to find references online and contact them independently.
What did we learn?
Bow cinema users have different requirements and expectations. Yours can differ greatly from those that gave feedback above. Our research shows that there are huge differences between these products. Customers should engage into their own research.
Prior to purchasing, we strongly recommend inquiring for references and call some existing users. Only then can you be sure to make the right investment for your business leisure or club.
Do you already own a bow cinema? We would be very interested in learning about your experience. Your feedback will help other readers to make better decisions.
Note: The American TechnoHUNT system has not been included in this article, as it sits in a significantly higher price bracket.
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