Daystate Daystate review on HAM

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bchannell

bchannell

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Nov 1, 2020
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While it's cold and I can't get much done, I decided to give my next airgun purchase some thought and started looking at the Daystate Red Wolf. Having had an electronic DS rifle years ago, and not being all that impressed with it, I wondered if things had changed over the years. I read a HAM review on the RW from Sept '22 which gave the gun a 98%, which is at or near the highest score of any airgun I've seen. What caught my eye was the shot string, and how they characterized it. 38 shots with a fairly erratic drop of 40fps over the entire string at ~1000fps. Which equates to a 4% ES. Now that's not what I would call terrible, but it's not something to brag about to me. What really surprised me was the characterization of it being "not significant" and "well controlled". Do they mean the inconsistency is well controlled? Holy cow! Batman, I don't want this guy on my six sigma team!
Oh well, I was just looking at guns I "might" want. I'm still an old school guy and can't get used to electronics in guns. Funny though, I'm an electrical/HVAC business owner/tech and all my family are electricians, go figure.
 
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They can be tuned to be EXTREMELY consistent but is it worth the time? That's for the individual to decide. The tuner is somewhat archaic but works ok and the process isn't difficult though may be time consuming. Here's a thread about it that's quite comprehensive.

Daystate - THE DAYSTATE PROGRAMMER-LET'S TALK ABOUT (PROPERLY) PROGRAMMING THE REDWOLF

Dear all, after discussions with members on AGN and comments by some recently, I am going to start a thread discussing the programming of the DAYSTATE REDWOLF using the handheld programmer. This will be a fun Q&A hopefully, please post questions on the thread for all to see, not via PM as it...
www.airgunnation.com www.airgunnation.com
I have a tuner but chose to instal a Heliboard in each of ours. It has 12 power levels and all is adjusted from the trigger. A very simple voltage change raises or lowers the whole string. Jack's included programming is pretty well leveled... just need to find nearest pl and set voltage for power you want.
Among my somewhat extensive group of rifles, the Red Wolf stands as a near perfect rifle for me. I have all calibers from 177 short to 30 in 28". Swapping is just a couple of minutes, depending on swapping shroud and hardware or not. At 12 ft lb, it seems to shoot FOREVER, but still a decent shot count at 100 ft lb in 30. I have a LOT of barrels and fitting capabilities so this doesn't necessarily apply to anyone. There is no cocking so cycling effort is very little. It can be cycled VERY fast. I think the stock could be more ergonomic for some uses but is pretty decent, all around , and not bad looking. The battery lasts pretty well but I don't care for having to remove it to charge. The electronics have had VERY few failures.
It may not be PERFECT but it sure brings a lot to the table.
Bob
 
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bchannell said:
While it's cold and I can't get much done, I decided to give my next airgun purchase some thought and started looking at the Daystate Red Wolf. Having had an electronic DS rifle years ago, and not being all that impressed with it, I wondered if things had changed over the years. I read a HAM review on the RW from Sept '22 which gave the gun a 98%, which is at or near the highest score of any airgun I've seen. What caught my eye was the shot string, and how they characterized it. 38 shots with a fairly erratic drop of 40fps over the entire string at ~1000fps. Which equates to a 4% ES. Now that's not what I would call terrible, but it's not something to brag about to me. What really surprised me was the characterization of it being "not significant" and "well controlled". Do they mean the inconsistency is well controlled? Holy cow! Batman, I don't want this guy on my six sigma team!
Oh well, I was just looking at guns I "might" want. I'm still an old school guy and can't get used to electronics in guns. Funny though, I'm an electrical/HVAC business owner/tech and all my family are electricians, go figure.
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You understand the intricacies of electronics and their failings, I don’t like electronic guns either! Had a couple red wolves — not for me. Buy a ghost and shoot it a bit then write a post thanking me! Lol
 
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My RW shoots great, but no better than my best mechanical rifles. The electronic trigger, really a pressure switch, works well enough, but can't compare with a true match grade mechanical trigger. Although I'll probably never fully trust the technology, I have to admit that the RW has been totally reliable, and is very accurate. Is that worth the price premium? That's a personal decision. I know folks who drink $500 bourbon, and they say it's worth it. As a friend says, it all depends on QTL (quality time left), something none of us know.
I'm not going to put any more money in an aftermarket board, or a Daystate tuner. It suits me fine for now, but I'm sure I'll sell it at some point, as it's just not my comfort level.
 
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elh0102 said:
My RW shoots great, but no better than my best mechanical rifles. The electronic trigger, really a pressure switch, works well enough, but can't compare with a true match grade mechanical trigger. Although I'll probably never fully trust the technology, I have to admit that the RW has been totally reliable, and is very accurate. Is that worth the price premium? That's a personal decision. I know folks who drink $500 bourbon, and they say it's worth it. As a friend says, it all depends on QTL (quality time left), something none of us know.
I'm not going to put any more money in an aftermarket board, or a Daystate tuner. It suits me fine for now, but I'm sure I'll sell it at some point, as it's just not my comfort level.
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I totally understand where you’re coming from. The price is premium, but it is something not seen in a lot of air rifles. Daystate has shown that they want to continue the advancement of it. That’s enough reason for me to understand the cost. The amount of man hours and testing that goes into it justifies the cost in my opinion. But also having in mind it’s something they are dedicated to. I’m willing to pay, just not yet. I want a RW style rifle, I just feel the tech is dated now. I’m holding out hope they will release it’s replacement with the electronics in the Alpha.
 
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The Heliboard is great. Too bad installing it voids your warranty. The DW cured me of ever wanting another electronic gun. If I could get a mechanical gun with nothing but the electronic trigger, I might try one. I feel an electric airgun puts you at the mercy of the person who wrote the software, not to mention another thing to keep charged in a ready to shoot state.
 
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