The Windstalker Cable Guard is, as it's promoted - a unique cable guard.  The cable guard on a compound bow is a necessary evil (lets not discuss the merits of C.P. Oneida products here).  A bowstring must have separation from the cables so that an arrow will pass by the cables without being deflected via fletching/cable contact.  Archery manufacturers strive to make innovative changes to their products, yet the simple cable guard is most often overlooked.  Yes, a couple bow manufacturers, Jennings (SwingArm™) and Mathews (Roller Guard), come to mind, with their unique cable guards.  However, the Windstalker is the first innovative and unique cable guard offered to archers as a replacement cable guard.

While the instructions may be a little wordy, installation is easier than it appears; who needs instructions when pictures are all you need?  (~8^)~ I installed this Windstalker on a Hoyt RazorTec.  Care must be taken when ordering or purchasing this product as there are Windstalker models manufactured to fit your specific bow/model.  Swapping out the original cable guard with the Windstalker took approximately three minutes.  If you are using a fall-away rest that is affixed to your bus cable, you may have to lower the point where the rest is tied to your bus cable as the Windstalker lower slide must not conflict with the operation of the fall-away rest.  The instructions suggest that you cut off the excess rod length.  However, if the excess rod length does not interfere with your sight, I suggest that you leave it full length, or at least cut it off once you have had it installed and you are absolutely sure where to make the cut.

Before I removed the old cable guard, I measured the draw weight, chronographed arrow speed and shot a few arrows into a clean target.

After installing the Windstalker, I repeated those items.  See the table below for the results:

A three arrow group with the original cable guard on the left and a three arrow group with the Windstalker installed is on the right:

As suggested by the draw weight and arrow speed measurements, the installation of the Windstalker accounts for an additional 1.5 lbs of draw weight and an arrow speed increase of 6 FPS.  Chronograph readings were repeated several times to ensure that an accurate accounting was reported.  The increase in speed can be attributed to the increased draw weight and the fact that the resistance caused by the original slide on the cable guard is no longer a factor. Several arrow groupings were also shot and all arrows grouped high after the Windstalker was installed.

Windstalker claims that their cable guard reduces noise generated by the cables.  The cables centre themselves behind the cable stop and the the Windstalker is adjusted so that the cables touch the back of the cable stop.  This prevents the cables from moving past vertical after a shot (momentum) and therefore reduces cable oscillation.  My ears tell me that this bow is indeed quieter after the Windstalker was installed.  There is no noise produced from a cable slide moving along a cable guard.........because it doesn't have a cable slide.

I did not notice any unusual effort in drawing the bow, the draw remained smooth throughout the entire draw length.  While it is said that the Windstalker reduces left/right torque and therefore lessens the prospect of left/right misses, I did not observe this feature.  Shooting longer distances may be the test for this feature...something that I will indeed be doing in the future...

When transporting your bow, you will appreciate the fact that your bow is a little more compact than before, as there is no cable guard extending outside of your string. 

For a complete list of Windstalker features, models, installation instructions, ordering, etc.................visit http://archeryetc.com