Radical Archery Designs Super Deuce 38 Peep Sight Review

Is the Hype Real? Radical Archery Designs Super Deuce 38 Peep Sight Reviewed

For those deeply entrenched in the world of archery, the pursuit of precision is a constant. It’s about those small components that, when working in harmony, elevate performance. This is where the Radical Archery Designs Super Deuce 38 Peep Sight enters the picture. Radical Archery Designs, a name that resonates with archers looking for functional, no-nonsense gear, offers this seemingly simple yet critical piece of equipment. My own journey led me to this specific peep sight after a frustrating season battling inconsistent sight picture alignment, especially at full draw. My previous peep, a generic model, seemed to distort the aperture shape as the string tensed, throwing off my aim just enough to matter. I was looking for a solution that would maintain a perfectly round sight picture, no matter the draw cycle.

Upon receiving the Super Deuce 38, my initial impression was one of understated quality. It’s machined from anodized aluminum, a material that promises both durability and a lightweight addition to the bowstring. The finish felt smooth, with no rough edges or burrs immediately apparent. While I’d briefly considered a popular, more established brand, the price point and the specific promise of the 38-degree angle for a true round aperture at full draw made this particular model a compelling alternative. It’s not a flashy piece of equipment, but sometimes, the most impactful gear is the most unassuming. My first reaction was one of quiet satisfaction; it felt like a solid, well-made component ready for the task.

Real-World Testing: Putting Radical Archery Designs Super Deuce 38 Peep Sight to the Test

My testing grounds for this peep sight were primarily the local archery range and a few informal practice sessions in my backyard. I installed it on my compound bow, a setup I use for target practice and the occasional field archery outing. The installation itself was straightforward, requiring standard peep sight installation tools and a bow press.

The first few shots were revealing. At rest, the aperture looked crisp and clean. As I drew the bow, the defining characteristic of the Radical Archery Designs Super Deuce 38 Peep Sight immediately became apparent. The aperture remained remarkably round, even at the deepest point of my draw. This consistency translated into a much more stable and predictable sight picture. I didn’t experience the subtle ovalization I’d noticed with my previous peep, which made aligning the pin sight through the aperture far more intuitive.

Over several weeks of consistent use, the Super Deuce 38 has proven its mettle. I’ve put well over a hundred arrows downrange with it, and it shows no signs of wear or performance degradation. The anodized aluminum has held up against minor bumps and scrapes against my bow riser without any noticeable cosmetic damage or structural compromise. Its inherent simplicity means there’s very little to go wrong. Cleaning is as simple as wiping it down with a soft cloth, and I haven’t needed any specific maintenance beyond that.

Compared to the generic peep I used previously, this model is a significant upgrade. While the previous one was functional, it lacked the precision and consistency that the Super Deuce 38 offers. It feels like a component built for serious archers who understand the importance of every detail. It’s not a budget option in terms of performance, but its low price point makes it accessible.

First Use Experience

The installation of the Radical Archery Designs Super Deuce 38 Peep Sight went smoothly. It integrated seamlessly with my existing bowstring. My initial range session involved careful sighting in, and I immediately noticed the benefit of the angled aperture.

The true round aperture at full draw made a tangible difference. My aiming process felt more fluid, and I spent less time making micro-adjustments to get the pin perfectly centered. The consistent sight picture allowed me to focus more on my form and release.

During this initial testing, I experienced no issues or surprises. The performance was exactly as advertised: a consistent, clear sight picture.

Extended Use & Reliability

After approximately two months of consistent use, often multiple times a week, the Super Deuce 38 peep sight remains as reliable as day one. Its aluminum construction has resisted scuffing and wear remarkably well, even from incidental contact with my bow’s accessories. There are no signs of the string cutting into the aperture, which was a concern with older, less robust materials.

Maintenance has been minimal, consisting of a quick wipe-down to remove dust and grime. This simplicity is a major advantage for any gear intended for outdoor or workshop environments. The peep holds its position on the string without any creeping, ensuring consistent alignment shot after shot.

Compared to previous peep sights I’ve used, including some much more expensive models, this one stands out for its durability and consistent performance at its price point. It has easily surpassed my expectations for a component in this price bracket.

Breaking Down the Features of Radical Archery Designs Super Deuce 38 Peep Sight

Specifications

The Radical Archery Designs Super Deuce 38 Peep Sight is constructed from anodized aluminum, a material chosen for its strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance. Its defining specification is the 38-degree angle, which is engineered to provide a true round aperture hole at full draw. This angle ensures that as the bowstring draws back and compresses, the viewing hole appears perfectly circular to the archer, preventing distortion. Additionally, the design incorporates dual radius slotting, a feature specifically aimed at eliminating string cutting burrs and sharp points.

These specifications are crucial for an archery peep sight. The anodized aluminum ensures the peep won’t easily corrode or deform under the stress of repeated shooting. The 38-degree angle is the key innovation here; most standard peeps have a 45 or 50-degree angle, which can lead to an oval aperture at full draw. A perfectly round aperture is vital for precise aiming, as it allows the archer to center their sight pin more accurately and consistently. The dual radius slotting is a subtle but important detail that contributes to the longevity of both the peep and the bowstring, preventing premature wear. Compared to some generic peeps that might have sharper edges, this feature speaks to the thoughtful design of the Radical Archery Designs product.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of a peep sight is to provide a consistent, clear aiming point. The Radical Archery Designs Super Deuce 38 Peep Sight excels at this core function. Its main selling point, the 38-degree angle, delivers on its promise by maintaining a perfectly round aperture throughout the entire draw cycle. This consistency is not just a minor convenience; it’s fundamental to accurate shooting.

The biggest strength of this peep is undoubtedly its aperture consistency. This directly translates to improved shot-to-shot accuracy because your aiming reference point is always the same. A weakness, though minor and inherent to most peep sights, is that it requires proper installation to function optimally. If the peep is not installed perpendicular to the string, the benefit of the angle can be diminished. For its intended purpose and price, it meets and even exceeds expectations, particularly in its ability to offer a distortion-free view.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Radical Archery Designs Super Deuce 38 Peep Sight is focused on functionality and durability. The use of anodized aluminum gives it a robust feel, suggesting it can withstand the rigors of regular use. Its finish is smooth to the touch, and the dual radius slotting is evident upon close inspection, indicating attention to detail in its manufacturing.

Ergonomically, the Super Deuce 38 is designed to be unobtrusive. Once installed, it sits neatly on the bowstring without creating any bulk or catching on clothing or equipment. The round aperture is comfortable to look through, and the absence of sharp edges around the slotting means it’s gentle on the bowstring. There’s virtually no learning curve; if you know how to install a peep sight, this one installs just the same. The practical design detail of the true round aperture at full draw is its most significant ergonomic benefit, as it reduces aiming fatigue.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its anodized aluminum construction and the absence of any complex moving parts, the Radical Archery Designs Super Deuce 38 Peep Sight is built for longevity. Under normal use in archery, this type of peep sight is designed to last for thousands of shots. The dual radius slotting is a key feature that enhances durability by preventing the bowstring from being cut or frayed by sharp edges.

Maintenance is incredibly straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a dry or slightly damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep it clean and free of debris. There are no parts to lubricate or adjust, making it a low-maintenance component. The primary potential failure point for any peep sight is string wear, but the design of this specific model seems to mitigate that risk effectively due to its smooth slotting. I have experienced no issues with wear or tear thus far, and I anticipate it will remain a reliable part of my archery setup for a long time.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Radical Archery Designs Super Deuce 38 Peep Sight comes as a singular unit, and its primary customization comes in the form of selecting the appropriate aperture size for your vision and preference. It does not typically come with additional accessories like a peep sight alignment tool or tubing, as these are usually standard archery installation items. However, this peep is designed to be compatible with standard archery peep sight tubing if desired for string alignment.

It is also compatible with most aftermarket peep sight clarifiers or verifiers that screw into a standard peep sight thread. This allows archers to customize their aiming experience further by adding magnification or corrective lenses. The key is that the 38-degree angle and the anodized aluminum body are the core features, and any customization would focus on enhancing the viewing experience through the aperture itself.

Pros and Cons of Radical Archery Designs Super Deuce 38 Peep Sight

Who Should Buy Radical Archery Designs Super Deuce 38 Peep Sight?

This peep sight is ideally suited for intermediate to advanced archers who are serious about fine-tuning their accuracy and understanding the nuances of their equipment. If you’ve experienced inconsistent sight pictures at full draw or find yourself battling a slightly distorted aperture, this is the perfect upgrade. It’s also an excellent choice for DIY bow tuners or anyone looking to improve their bow setup without a significant financial outlay.

Anyone looking for a basic, no-frills peep sight that performs exceptionally well and is gentle on their bowstring should consider this model. However, if you are a complete beginner who has not yet had a peep sight installed professionally, it might be wise to have it fitted by an experienced archery technician to ensure it’s perfectly aligned. For those seeking extreme customization in aperture size directly from the manufacturer, you might need to look at other brands, though the Super Deuce 38 can accommodate standard screw-in clarifiers.

Conclusion on Radical Archery Designs Super Deuce 38 Peep Sight

The Radical Archery Designs Super Deuce 38 Peep Sight punches well above its weight, offering a critical performance enhancement for archers at an incredibly accessible price point. Its core innovation – the 38-degree angle for a true round aperture at full draw – directly addresses a common point of frustration for those striving for precision. Combined with its durable anodized aluminum construction and string-saving dual radius slotting, this peep sight represents outstanding value.

It’s not the flashiest component on the market, but its performance speaks for itself. If you’re an archer looking to achieve more consistent sight pictures and improve your accuracy, and you value functional design over aesthetics, then this is a product I would wholeheartedly recommend. It’s a small investment that yields significant returns in shot-to-shot repeatability and aiming confidence. For its price, it’s a no-brainer upgrade for anyone serious about their archery.