Anyone using the CBE SL4 or had any luck modifying one?

krisn416

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Just bought a CBE SL4 4-pin sight. Nice looking sight, but pins are not as bright as I’d like, probably because they’re smaller diameter than I’m used to. Electronics on archery equipment is illegal in my state, so no rheostat light. Considering adding an additional (5th) Rhino pin with a larger diameter for close range; looks like it’s doable, but not 100% positive. I know swapping pins is possible, but not sure about adding more. Also, considering loosening up the fiber coil inside the housing on top, to expose the fibers to more light. Already have removed the guard on the side. Not looking for suggestions for other sights, just looking for tips on this specific sight. I’ve narrowed it down the SL4 for several reasons and like it otherwise. On a Bowtech Realm. Any experience with modding these sights? Thanks
 
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I removed two pins to give more room for the fiber optic to gather more light (not packed in as tight). Exact opposite of what you're wanting to do, I think, by adding a 5th pin.

Something you can try is to place a piece of reflective material on the bottom of the fiber "housing" in attempt to shine more natural light onto the fiber.
 
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krisn416

krisn416

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Thanks for the reply. After you removed them, did you leave the fibers loose in the housing, or coil them tightly like they were from the factory? Hadn’t thought about reflecting light back. Thanks for the suggestion.
 

keepriding

Lil-Rokslider
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Apr 20, 2019
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I like mine too. Added a rheostat light and a dovetail mount. You can also add a 3rd axis block. Just make sure if you do, you order the right one.
loike.jpg
 
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Thanks for the reply. After you removed them, did you leave the fibers loose in the housing, or coil them tightly like they were from the factory? Hadn’t thought about reflecting light back. Thanks for the suggestion.

Left them semi-loose.
 
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krisn416

krisn416

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Good thought. Haven’t cracked it open yet. Just want to make sure I don’t introduce any new noises too. Thanks guys
 
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krisn416

krisn416

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Alright, just following up here in case anyone has a similar need.

So I ordered a yellow back .029 pin off eBay, and it was wonky. It was a CBE pin, but the fiber was exiting the pin’s base on the wrong side, and then to top it off the pin is the obsolete older defective style where the thin tube rotates in the pin’s base. Looks great, super bummed, but won’t trust it out in the field. Trying to return the pin.

I also added some chrome vinyl material to the components inside, like what they use on cars. You can get a sample on eBay for less than two bucks. When I applied it to the part underneath the fiber coil, it warped and peeled up because of all the curved parts of the sight housing. I may try some foil ducting tape since it will conform to the shape of the housing better. The portion I applied to the back of the fiber housing adhered well and might help, who knows, and not hurting anything to leave it.

Overall, unless I could find the correct newer CBE pin (they don’t make them apparently in this size and configuration), I wouldn’t waste the time again. Opening the housing and messing with the coil voids the warranty too, and you can risk breaking the fibers (and it’s a pain in the but to get it re-coiled and reassemble).
 

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I will look and see if I have any extra pins. I personally would refiber your top pin with a lot more fiber. This will brighten it up.
 
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krisn416

krisn416

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Right on, thanks for checking on that. That would be awesome. CBE is saying they don’t have the new pin version in yellow and .029 for the SL4. I may call them and see if they make a yellow in .019 for it. I really wanted bigger for my top pin, but at least it would be the same size as the rest. From what I’ve read there’s no way to get the fibers out of these pins though. I’ve read threads of guys who have tried and failed. I’ve also considered trying to somehow glue the pin housing/tube into the pin’s base, but if they couldn’t get it right in the factory I’m not sure I could do much better.
 
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The rhino pins are no fun to mess with but can be done. You can also push a little fiber through and flare it a little more to make it appear larger.
 
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krisn416

krisn416

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The rhino pins are no fun to mess with but can be done. You can also push a little fiber through and flare it a little more to make it appear larger.
Question. Are you referring to the new style pins? They changed them in the last couple years. Just want to confirm before I try that.
 
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krisn416

krisn416

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Alright, done. Pulled the yellow defective pin out for good and returning it. CBE doesn’t make yellow pins for the SL4 in the new style, only green, red, and blue. I may add a green .029 top pin, but I’m over this little project for now. Added aluminum ducting tape below the fiber coil, which is thin enough to form well and sticks great.
 

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