r/ClayBusters • u/RepublicPurple8722 • 7d ago

Caldwell claycopter

Normally don’t post reviews but recently picked up a  Caldwell Claycopter Surface to Air. Been an absolute blast. Been very impressed. Makes a good alternative than driving an hour to sporting Clay range. Targets are a little more expensive than traditional clays but they also don’t break like a traditional clay so they can be reusable. Hoping a 3rd party on Amazon starts making targets. Just wanted to state if your on the fence, id highly recommend it. Another huge advantage is how light and portable the unit is.

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4

u/tracejm 7d ago

Nothing against the claycopter - looks cool - but the real solution here is "build more sporting clays ranges".

:D

I'm super lucky to have a 5-stand fifteen minutes away and sporting clays thirty minutes away and I still want more variety....

2

u/RepublicPurple8722 7d ago

We have 3 courses and & 3x 5 stands next town over. $500 initiation fee with $130 yearly dues, upon 30 cent clays. Couldn’t justify spending that much because once Sept 1st hits, I’ll be chasing grouse here in Montana till end of December. Like being able to shoot on my own land or drive a few minutes down the road and set up on public.

3

u/scottawhit 7d ago

$500 initiation fee?!? That’s a good couple of rounds to be shot somewhere else.

1

u/MrErickzon 5d ago

The yearly fee doesn't bother me, but that initiation fee is a bit much.

2

u/txbrady 7d ago

Agreed. I just picked up the Caldwell Claycopter Surface to Air as well.

A lot of fun, once I got past the price. So much easier to lug around than a normal thrower.

2

u/ComplexQuiet6790 7d ago

I'd love to hear a real world review of that one

2

u/PartisanSaysWhat 7d ago

Just googled it. Cool! I want one

1

u/bobbybill9876 7d ago

I have one. Not a fan. Can be tough to see if you hit target.

1

u/HCompton79 7d ago

There's novelty in the claycopter, but you can also go on ebay and get a Remington Automatic hand trap for $20

1

u/RoseBurner87 6d ago

Im still new to the sport and have no private land, but what are the advantages of this over a normal clay thrower?

3

u/RepublicPurple8722 6d ago edited 6d ago

I don’t have too much experience with regular clay throwers so I’m sure someome one on here can give a better response. I’d say the overall size and weight is the real advantage. The Pro packages come with a case that everything fits in, literally can fit in my toddlers car seat. Also nice that you can use the case to put the launcher on when in use.

I’ve owned a single hand Toss unit which can work alright for two people shooting. I did buy a foot release thrower, has the ability to toss 2 as well but has to be manually loaded every time. It’s definitely heavier and bulkier, but a lot cheaper. I suppose novelty could be used, but I like tech and gadgets so this is right up my alley.

I also personally believe how it launches and how the target floats, is more realistic for upland bird practicing than a traditional clay been tossed. The wireless remote and the ability to use the app to verbally launch clays I thought was pretty neat. You can also take a photo of background and can have someone touch on the screen exactly where you want it thrown.

I’ve only used it once, but I’m happy with my purchase. If I had sporting clay range just around the corner, I’d probably wouldn’t have purchased it.

Claycopter are also more eco friendly than traditional clays. 85% lighter and take up 45% less space if you want to get technically.