Cadet Drop-Tree Spine Kit Only (22LR – Mild Steel)

Cadet Drop-Tree (Unarmoured) Spine Kit – Replacement Spine for Existing REACK X-BASE Systems

The Cadet Drop-Tree (Unarmoured) Spine Kit is a replacement spine for the Cadet Drop-Tree System or an upgrade option for shooters who already own a REACK X-BASE. If you have a duelling tree system or any other target setup that utilises the REACK X-BASE, you can simply swap out the spine to convert it into a Drop-Tree target system.

📌 Spine Only – Does Not Include REACK X-BASE or Target Paddles
📌 Drop-In Compatibility – Works with existing REACK X-BASE systems
📌 Convert Your Existing Target Setup – Swap your duelling tree spine for a Drop-Tree system
📌 Precision Laser-Cut Tubular Track System – Ensures smooth and consistent paddle movement
📌 Black Powder-Coated for Durability – All hardware is zinc-plated or stainless steel

What is the Cadet Drop-Tree?

The Cadet Drop-Tree is a reactive target system designed for .22LR shooters. Unlike a duelling tree, where paddles flip side to side, the Drop-Tree uses a tubular track system to drop and flip a single paddle downward with each hit. The paddle moves through 9 positions before ejecting on the final shot, creating an engaging challenge for timed drills, competition, and skill development.

Unlike a duelling tree, where some shooters attempt to "ride" the firearm's recoil upward to gain extra time by engaging paddles from bottom to top, the Drop-Tree forces the shooter to track downward, eliminating any ability to use recoil as an advantage. This ensures consistent skill development by reinforcing proper sight tracking and target transitions.

Why Choose the Cadet Drop-Tree (Unarmoured) Spine Kit?

✔ Cost-Effective Replacement – A direct replacement spine for the Cadet Drop-Tree (Unarmoured)
✔ Convert Your Setup – Swap this spine into your existing REACK X-BASE to convert a duelling tree or other compatible system into a Drop-Tree target system
✔ 9-Position Drop & Flip Mechanism – Each shot lowers the paddle & flips it to the opposite side
✔ Eliminates Recoil Riding Tactics – Forces shooters to track downward for realistic engagement
✔ Works With Multiple Paddle Options – Choose from mild steel or AR450 paddles

📌 Spine Only – Requires a REACK X-BASE to function
📌 REACK X-BASE & Target Paddles Sold Separately

Calibre Ratings & Shooting Distances – DT-Cadet Drop-Tree (Unarmoured – Mild Steel)

🛑 .22LR ONLY (Air/CO₂ .177, .22 & .22LR Suitable)
🔹 Angled (17° to 20°+) Targets: 25 metres+
🔹 Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 50 metres+
🔹 Maximum Velocity: 1,200 fps at impact
🔹 Minimum Velocity: 800 fps at impact (not applicable to air guns)

📌 Not rated for centrefire calibres or magnum rimfire rounds
📌 Rounds below 1,100 fps may not reliably activate the moving paddle
📌 Rounds slower than 500 fps may not fragment properly, increasing ricochet risk

For full calibre ratings, visit our [Safety, Distance & Calibre Ratings page].

Drop-Tree Paddle Options – Choosing the Right Paddle for Your Setup

✔ 100mm Round Profile – 6mm Mild Steel – Budget-friendly option for .22LR shooters. Works in all Drop-Trees but wears faster than AR450 paddles. Ideal for casual shooting and training, but expect more frequent replacements due to mild steel's lower durability.

✔ 100mm Round Profile – 6mm AR450 – Increased durability for high-volume use. Rated for .22LR, .17 HMR, and .22 Magnum, allowing closer target engagement than mild steel. When used with the unarmoured Drop-Tree, the system remains limited to mild steel ratings.

📌 AR450 paddles last significantly longer than mild steel paddles when shooting .22LR. Since the paddle absorbs direct impacts while the spine only gets hit when the shooter misses, an AR450 paddle will increase the lifespan of your setup while keeping the same overall rating.

📌 Both options work with the Cadet Drop-Tree (Unarmoured), but the target system will always be rated to its weakest component—mild steel. If using AR450 paddles for increased durability, the mild steel spine is still the limiting factor. If you plan to shoot higher-rated rimfire calibres regularly, we strongly recommend upgrading to the Cadet Drop-Tree Armoured version for better performance, longevity, and safety.

📌 Paddles Sold Separately – To purchase paddles, visit the [Steel Gongs, Paddles & Target Plate Profiles page].

📸 Photo Disclaimer: Images may show additional components for reference. This listing is for the Cadet Drop-Tree (Unarmoured) Spine Kit only – REACK X-BASE and paddles are sold separately.

🇦🇺 Proudly Made in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia

Maintenance & Track Longevity

Although the Drop-Tree track tube is fully protected behind the spine and never takes direct hits, the spine and track system can experience wear over time due to the paddle riding down the track with repeated use. To extend the lifespan and ensure smooth operation:

✔ Lubricate the track periodically using WD-40, Goss Lube, INOX Lube, or a similar dry-type lubricant. Avoid grease-based lubricants that can accumulate dirt, dust, or lead powder, which may cause the paddle to stick or function inconsistently.
✔ Monitor the reset stop position. Over time, a small indentation cavity may form at the reset position where the target lands.
✔ If a noticeable ledge develops, file down the hook-like section that forms at the stop point. This ensures a smooth, rounded surface for proper paddle actuation.
✔ If left unchecked, this ledge can cause the paddle to hang up or fail to rotate properly, getting stuck on a stop/reset point.
✔ After prolonged use, excessive filing may round off the stop point too much, preventing the paddle from stopping correctly. When this occurs, the paddle may automatically advance past the intended stop/reset position and drop to the next position prematurely.
✔ If all stop points become too rounded and the paddle no longer stops at each intended position, the spine assembly will need replacement due to general wear.
✔ As the target wears in, the powder coat on the track may chip away. This is normal and part of the break-in process. During the wear-in period, the paddle may occasionally get stuck due to partially chipped-off powder coating. This is temporary and will reduce as the system wears in over time.

By following these simple maintenance steps, you can extend the lifespan of your Drop-Tree and keep it functioning smoothly for years to come.