www.insidearchery.comJANUARY 2026®
INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 202620506444707446346832301246240INSIDE ARCHERY (Volume 29, #1) ISSN #1940-3879, USPS #024-412 is published 10 times per year (Jan / Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep / Oct, Nov, Dec) by Apollo Creative Inc. PO Box 15827, Colorado Springs,CÏ ƶ0ȳʯǣ. ñeriodical postage paid at Colorado Springs, CÏ ƶ0ȳʯǣ and at additional oǓces. ñostmaster please send address changes to INSIDE ARCHERY, ñ.Ï. Box ȳƶ6, Levittown, ñA 1ȳ0ǣǣ‑ȳȳȳƶ.INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026 | VOLUME 29 | NUMBER 1PeopleBowtechInnovation With PurposeBy Michaelean PikeLearning From SuccessA review and celebration ofInside Archery’s 2025 cover storiesBy Michaelean PikeMarket TrendsGear Report Hawke Optics Vantage HD 8x34mm BinocularGear Report Morrell BOA 24-Inch CompressionArchery TargetGear Report Vapor Trail Archery The Float™Gear Report Killer Food Plots Aqua ShieldGear Report Bohning Heritage Bowstring WaxGear Report Annihilator Broadheads BloodReign™ Mechanical BroadheadGear Report Power Stop TargetsRange 24 Archery TargetOptics Report Hawke Optics 2-8x36mmXB30 Zoom FFP Crossbow OpticGear Report Arsenal CLOUD FREEDOM™ SaddleGear Report Dialed Archery 3VX Mag OptionFeatured ProductsNew & Best-Selling Arrows for 2026Check out the latest arrows andcrossbow bolts for the New Year!By Patrick Meitin201612430484432
■ Bow / Crossbow / Gear Report WebXtras■ insidearchery.com online exclusives■ Weekly newsfeed of archery news from around the industryinsidearchery.comWe are a new and improved resource for archery news, new gear and more, launchingevery Friday online and as an E-newsletter. ■ Visit archerynewsfeed.com and [email protected] to have content included in Archery Newsfeed.■ Subscribe for FREE to recieve Archery Newsfeed at insidearchery.com/enews. INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 20265081612132729699664248INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026 | VOLUME 29 | NUMBER 170Inside the IndustryInside Track | The ATA Show... Here We Go AgainYour ATA InsightsIt’s the Start of a New Year: What You Do Next MattersBy Kurt Smith, Archery Trade AssociationATA ActionUnlock New Revenue: ATA Releases the Ultimate Guideto 'uilding a Profitable, \"ommunity-&riven (rchery *angeBy Nicole Nash, Archery Trade AssociationLeading Archery ManufacturersFirstStringLeading Archery ManufacturersGas BowstringsPro Shop EssentialsBowtackle.comPro Shop EssentialsFirenock: Applied Science with Pro Shops at the CenterArchery Manufacturers& Industry Services DirectoryA comprehensive listing of manufacturers,organiations, and service providers in the industryATA Show Floor MapIndustry 5QFive $uestions with Paul flandberg of0ildlife *esearch \"enter42741324634
INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE TRACKThe ATA Trade Show... Here We Go Again!ve been attending ATA Trade Shows since they have existed—and SHOT Shows before ATA’s event consolidated archery under one roof. There are many things I love about attending annual Trade Shows. There are also things I truly abhor.Firstly, I hate modern airline travel with the heat of a thousands suns. The kabuki theater of TSA “safety” checks, the stress of making connections and discomfort of wedging my 6-foot, 5-inch frame into the space of plebian seating... Contrasting my quiet backwoods existence, big-city hotels are also noisy places where people are seemingly appointed to slamming doors every 10 minutes to make sound sleep impossible—in addition to the hourly sirens and weehours garbage trucks abusing industrial dumpsters.For all that, I happily attend the ATA Show each year because the good times far outweigh the bad. Though most who know me best would be surprised to hear this, look forward to the people most of all. The archery industry is full of fine folk, many who I truly look forward to seeing each year. I see guys who I guided professionally way back in the day, people who came into the industry at the same time I did back in the ‘90s, those I’ve shared hunting camps with and many who I’ve become genuine friends with through the common bond of archery and bowhunting. I talk to a large number of these people on the telephone regularly, through emails and even social media, but meeting face to face is what being human is all about.I’m genuinely disappointed when long-time friends fail to make the Show for various reasons—mostly financial in nature. ’m talking about you (nders, flance, Adam, Brian…Once upon a time ATA Trade Shows were casual affairs where I wandered aimlessly, sharing carefree hunting tales and photos of the year’s trophies (printed copies, not cell-phone swiping), sought the next big thing to add to my personal hunting arsenal (not potential advertisers), shot a lot of bows (unfortunately, something I rarely have time to do today) and generally treated it all like a relaxing vacation.Today the ATA Show has become an endless series of business meetings, scrambling to distribute copies of Inside Archery and signing up new subscribers. I still get in plenty of face-to-face interaction with old friends, but searching for fresh new products has become more an information-gathering mission for our readers than a personal quest. So it is in the times we live in… Business, business, business.I can only imagine that is the case for most independent archery dealers. Time is money and organization is vital, especially with the abbreviated two-day dealer/business format of the 2026 ATA Show. Creating comprehensive lists and prioritizing your time is the order of the day, as without a highly-organized approach there is just no way to get everything accomplished in the time allotted. Despite these realities, I wouldn’t miss it for the world!I’
INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026Inside Archery®is a publication ofApollo Creative IncPrinted in the USA.Publisher Apollo Creative IncExecutive EditorPatrick Meitin • [email protected] EditorMichaelean Pike • [email protected] Nash | Michaelean Pike | Kurt SmithSales & Marketing DirectorStephen Mack • [email protected](814) 341-9313Design & ProductionER Graphics / Ed Rother • [email protected] DesignerTara BondarSocial Media ManagerJason AsheVideo EditorMarc BalistreriAccount Manager Pam Ludlam • [email protected] Services & Change of Address:Inside Archery® Circulation Department Inside Archery, PO Box 986, Levittown, PA 19055-9998 Phone: (844) 862-9286 • Fax: (888) [email protected] OfficeInside Archery® / Apollo Creative IncP.O. Box 15827, Colorado Springs, CO 80935Phone: (719) 495-9999 • www.InsideArchery.comInside Archery founded in 1998 by Bill and Sherry KrenzInside Archery® Copyright © 2026 Apollo Crreative Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Inside Archery® is a registered U.S. trademark of Apollo Creative Inc. Opinions expressed in by-lined articles or columns are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, the magaine or its staff.Submission Guidelines: Apollo Creative Inc and Inside Archery® magazine assume no responsibility for unsolicited editorial, photography or art submissions. Contributors submitting articles, photos or art do so at their own risk. Material will not be returned without a selfaddressed envelope with sufficient postage. !o contract, agreement, term or condition provided by any contributor shall be binding on Apollo Creative Inc unless it is signed and returned by the Editor.Archery, hunting and bowhunting are inherently dangerous activities. Improper use of hunting or archery equipment may cause serious injury or death. Always follow state and local hunting safety rules, and get required permits or licenses before hunting. Apollo Creative Inc uses reasonable efforts to include accurate and up-todate information in our publications; however, we do not make any warranties or representations as to accuracy or completeness. All information in this magazine is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. Apollo Creative Inc is not responsible for researching and investigating the accuracy of the contents of stories or advertisements published in this magazine. Readers use the information in this magazine at their own risk. Apollo Creative Inc assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this magazine, or arising from use by any person of the information in this magazine.
12Continued on page 14INSIDE THE INDUSTRY YOUR ATA INSIGHTSetween the ATA Trade Show, buying group shows and other industryevents, there’s a good chance you’ve spent some time on the road over the last month or two.Now that you’re back in the shop and looking ahead to spring, it’s time to think about how you can make the most of the time and effort you just put in over the winter months—because with some intentional planning and action, you can generate a positive return on that investment.BBY KURT SMITH, ARCHERY TRADE ASSOCIATIONflet’s take it in two parts@ first, reviewing trade show transactions and connections, and second, creating a plan for the year ahead.Trade Show Review ■You should have a record of all the orders placed during the various shows. Now is the time to compile all of those transactions in one place and make sure you’re getting the right product on your shelves at the right time of year. Make sure to note the payment terms of each order as well so you can get ahead of any due dates that might hinder cash flow.In addition to placing orders, you likely spent some time networking with potential business partners and peers while attending shows. Many of us gather business cards or contact information and then throw them on the desk to sort through later. Before long, we forget who these people were and why we were trying to connect. Instead, when you return from the show, make a list or a spreadsheet of people you’d like to reconnect with and the reason. Even if you don’t get in touch within a few weeks, you’ll have that list at the ready when the opportunity arrives. Remember that those connections were likely not just with vendors or customers but also with peers and those who offer business support. While you may not have an immediate reason to get in touch, keeping open lines of It’s the Start of a New Year: What You Do Next MattersINSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026
INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026INSIDE THE INDUSTRY YOUR ATA INSIGHTScommunication makes it much easier when a need does arise.Get a Head Start on Planning ■ Once you’ve got a good handle on everything that happened during your show attendance, it’s time to take it all into account and begin planning for the year ahead. Think about how you can take advantage of your early quickly turn new inventory, generating profits while freeing up funds to reinvest in additional stock. Planning for the year doesn’t always have to revolve around selling new products. You can also identify times when some increased cash on hand could help fuel your business in a leaner sales period. This is when you might want to get creative with product bundles or offer some deep discounts to unload aged inventory. Remember, while nobody likes to lose money on a product, keeping old inventory on your shelf costs you money each month, ties up cash and gives customers the impression that your store always has the same products on the shelf. Beyond inventory, think about ways you can utilize connections you made at shows to benefit your customers and business throughout the year. Did you get contact information from a youth archery organization like NASP or S3DA? Get in touch with local coaches to determine when they hold major tournaments so you can advertise to those competitors with products and services. Think about sales reps you spoke with that have name recognition within the archery community. Perhaps they would be willing to schedule a product demonstration at your store.No matter why you attend industry shows in the first quarter of the year, you’ll get the most out of them only if you make certain to thoroughly review your experience afterward, take advantage of the connections you’ve made, and use all of that information to make a solid plan for the year ahead. Looking for other opportunities to grow your business or plan for the year ahead? Check out the ATA Learning Center for content on business operations, marketing and more. To check it out, go to archerytrade.org and click on Education. IAContinued from page 12orders and ship dates to generate foot traffic and increased sales. For example, if you jumped on a show special for a new line of arrows, schedule a social media video spotlighting them during the week before their expected arrival, and then consider running a sales promotion encouraging customers to stock up. This strategy allows you to
16INSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTIONARCHERY TRADE ASSOCIATIONarcherytrade.orgContinued on page 18A New Era for Archery Retailers ■Imagine a range that’s more than lanes and targets—but a place people want to spend time.A space where beginners feel comfortable, regulars feel connected and your revenue stays steady year-round. That’s the aim of the Archery Trade Association’s updated “Monetizing the Archery Range” Guide, a modern, streamlined resource to help retailers turn their range into a reliable business driver.Since the Archery Range Guide series debuted in 2019, it has helped shops and community groups create safer, more accessible archery experiences. This newly refreshed edition builds on that success with practical insights that match the way today’s retailers operate, balancing business needs with a welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back.ATA’s education team combined previous editions into one easy-to-use guide focused on customer experience, meaningful engagement and the small details that shape how archers feel the moment they arrive. The goal isn’t to add endless programs, it’s to create a smooth, encouraging environment people want to return to.“Creating a community around your BY NICOLE NASH, ARCHERY TRADE ASSOCIATIONrange can go a long way toward bringing in new customers, increasing foot traffic and marketing your business,” said Jennifer Mazur, ATA’s senior director of outreach and education. “When people feel welcomed and connected, they stay engaged—and they bring others with them.”That sense of connection naturally drives consistent income. When archers feel comfortable, they take more lessons, join leagues, attend events and upgrade equipment. Small details—a warm friendly staff, easyto-read signage, warm welcome, thoughtful seating and flow—can significantly increase how long customers stay and how often they return.Mazur encourages retailers to focus on the everyday experiences that build loyalty. “A strong archery community isn’t built from a one-off event—it grows from consistent, meaningful interactions,” Mazur said.What’s Inside the Updated Guide ■ The guide walks retailers through the entire customer journey—from the curious first-timer to the committed, returning archer—showing how to make each stage inviting and pressure-free.It also expands on proven programming ideas, including classes, leagues, private lessons, special events and community partnerships. These flexible options help retailers reach families, teens, adults, corporate groups and experienced archers.Beyond the main content, the guide’s appendices provide practical, ready-to-use tools that help spark ideas and give a clear place to start. These resources include:■ A sample class-progression pathway, from introductory lessons to more advanced instruction.A job description for retailers considering additional staff, outlining key responsibilities and expectations.■ Detailed outlines for beginner programs, including introductory group classes and beginner-friendly leagues, making it simple to add new offerings without extensive planning.■ .ample floor plans show how a range can be integrated into existing retail spaces.■ By offering ready-made examples and templates, the appendix section saves retailers valuable time—time they can put back into running and growing their business.Smart range design is another key focus. flighting, seating, flow and lane setup all influence comfort, efficiency and spending. A well-designed space encourages longer visits and naturally guides customers toward accessories, upgrades and pro shop services.The guide is free for ATA members. Contact Kim Watson, ATA’s membership director, at [email protected] or visit membership.archerytrade.org/member-types/ to register for a membership. Nonmembers may also access the guide by purchasing a copy through our Shopify store.Build a Range That Keeps People Coming Back ■ Whether you’re updating your current range or starting from scratch, “Monetizing the Archery Range” helps you build a business model Unlock New Revenue: ATA Releases the Ultimate Guide to Building a Profitable, Community-Driven Archery RangeINSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026UNITING THE INDUSTRY
18 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026that supports predictable revenue. Beyond detailing layout and equipment, it offers strategies for scheduling, pricing, staffing and programming so your range consistently strengthens the bottom line.Real-World Revenue GeneratorsFeatured in the Guide ■ Group classes, such as weekly Intro to Archery sessions for adults, kids, or families—great for building confidence and recurring income.■ Private lessons with tiered pricing, serving beginners through competitive archers.■ fleagues that improve retention and fill slower evenings or off-season periods.■ Fun shoots and themed events—like cosmic archery or seasonal challenges—that keep participation high between structured programs.Pricing strategies that account for equipment, staffing and time so programsreflect their true value.■ By blending strong business practices with creative programming, the guide helps retailers view their range as a true engine for growth—not just another shop feature. The goal is a warm, fun, modern environment that meets today’s archers’ expectations while giving your business consistent, reliable revenue.If you’re ready to increase revenue, boost participation and build a range people love returning to, now is the perfect time to explore the updated“Monetizing the Archery Range” guide.Want Even More Ways to Bring People Through Your Doors? ■ Creative experiences keep customers engaged all year long. ATA members get exclusive access Continued from page 16to two additional resources:■ ATA Event Planning Workbook: a step-bystep tool for designing and executing successful archery events.■ Monthly Archery Shoot Ideas: fresh concepts delivered regularly to keep your programming exciting and your community active.■ Whether you’re hosting a glow shoot, a date-night event or a competitive league, these tools help you maintain momentum. Paired with the updated range guide, you’ll have everything you need to create an archery experience your community loves. IAINSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTION
20 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026Innovation~ With~PurposeBowtech Archery Does Not Do Gimmicks.That was something Bowtech Brand Manager Todd Snader emphasized repeatedly during our recent interview.“If we can’t explain a technology in a very clear, benefit-driven manner, that technology doesn’t need to be on one of our bows,” Snader said. “If there’s no benefit other than giving us some marketing fluff, it’s not for us.vBY MICHAELEAN PIKE
21 JANUARY 2026 INSIDEARCHERY.COMBowtech is part of Pure Archery Group, which also owns Diamond Archery, Excalibur Crossbows, Black Gold, Ripcord and TightSpot. Since it was founded in 1999, Bowtech has earned a reputation for producing bows that offer superior accuracy, better tunability and more control for the archer. That’s due in large part to the company’s philosophy, which is to look at new features and technologies and ask the most important question: How does this benefit the archeroA Legacy of InnovationBowtech has a long history of introducing technologies that make archery easier.One example of that is the Binary Cam System introduced in 2005.wThat was one of the first steps in what I describe as easy accuracy,” Snader said. “There were cam systems out there that did well but ran into some tuning frustrations. With our long-term goal to make archery easy, Binary was the way to go.”The Binary Cam System was great, but, using customer feedback, Bowtech continued to innovate.“That system evolved into the Overdrive Binary,” Snader said. “We wanted to take that Binary System, based on consumer and dealer feedback, and add the next level of tunability. The Overdrive Binary System allows you to adjust your string left or right in the back, kind of giving your bow a four-wheel alignment.
22 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026“That evolved into DeadLock. DeadLock Technology®is an even more intuitive system to make that type of full bow adjustments by allowing easy cam alignment adjustments with a set of Allen wrenches, and no bow press. We also launched TimeLock on our target bows and then brought it over to our hunting bows. TimeLock is another piece of intuitive technology that allows consumers to work on their own bows. These are tangible technologies that make a difference. It’s not bells and whistles. It’s something that the consumer can use. They can see instant results in terms of accuracy.”Other notable innovations include FlipDisc Technology, which was once again designed to give archers exactly what they wanted.“We had consumers who wanted a speed bow,” Snader said. “We had consumers who wanted a smooth bow. And we thought, ‘What if we give consumers both in one bow?’ That’s where FlipDisc Technology comes in. We wanted a technology that would allow archers to switch from a speed bow to a smooth bow. If they’re shooting out West and they want something fast, they can
JANUARY 2026 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 23set it in the performance setting. Or, if it’s January and they’re wearing heavy clothing, they can put it in the comfort setting so the bow is super easy to draw in that cold weather. It allows archers to custom tailor the bow to their individual preferences.”One other popular Bowtech innovation is the GripLock.“It’s a simple feature, but it means consumers don’t have to spend additional money to get a personal fit,v .nader said. “One of the most subjective parts on a bow is the grip. We could have the greatest bow in the world, and the first comment is always, ‘Why did you do this grip? I don’t like it.’ Everybody’s hand is different. We wanted to create something where we could have an adjustable grip system, so consumers don’t have to buy aftermarket grips. The GripLock may not be as exciting as a new cam technology, but it’s actually been one of the most well-received technologies. It really complements the rest of the bow. You have the tunability of DeadLock to the individual shooter’s preference. You have TimeLock. Now you also have the tunability of your grip. And they all play off each other in creating better accuracy.”Inspired by Real-World ShootersBowtech’s new technologies are largely developed in response to customer feedback.“We focus on dealer and consumer feedback,v .nader said. w0e have product teams that consist of myself, our sales leadership, R&D, product development, and operations. We take that field feedback and weave into the new product planning. .nader explained that monitoring customer responses to what’s currently on the market is critical to the Bowtech design process.“We don’t create gimmicks,” he said. “We’re always listening to what the consumers are asking for.”Bowtech also uses social media responses in deciding what to release in the future.“We watch social media intently,” .nader said. wflast year, we launched the Proven, a long axle-to-axle bow. We launched the .olution fl.. 0e launched the Virtue magnesium bow. We watch comments when we launch a bow. .omebody will say, u want a 66-inch model,’ or ‘I want a speed bow.’ We’ll factor that in. That goes onto the draw-
24 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026ing board. That’s what we use on our roadmap.Intuitive TechnologyBefore our interview, Snader sent us some information about the company and its philosophy.“Bowtech designs bows around human performance,” he wrote. “The philosophy is: If it feels intuitive, accuracy becomes instinctive.”We asked him to elaborate on that.wThere’s a fine line where you’ve got to make technology that’s intuitive,” he explained. “It can be intimidating to work on your own bow. There are a lot of hunters that just want to go to their local dealer and don’t want to mess with it. But I think your core bowhunter will have their dealer set the bow up initially, but then they want to learn how to tie in their own peeps, D-loops and eventually want to start learning how to do their own tuning. It saves them time. They don’t want to leave their bow in the shop for simple things. They can tune it themselves, walk out to their backyard and shoot.”Bowtech wants to make working on your bow less intimidating.“We always tell our consumers, when they get a new bow, have your dealer set it up first,v .nader said. “Then have them show you the nuances of the DeadLock Cam System and what our bow technologies can do for you when you’re doing your own work. If it’s easy, if you take away the intimidation factor, that goes a long way. A lot of it is just being in control. If people take pride in setting up their own equipment, tuning their own bows, doing anything themselves, it goes a long way toward the end result. You know you set it up. You know it’s tuned to you. You know everything is adjusted to you, and it equates to that confidence in the end.”Sometimes, small additions can make big difference in the confidence archers have when it comes to working on their own equipment.“We get great feedback from our dealers,” Snader said. “Dealers told us consumers are intimidated by complicated technology. They were worried about adjusting their cams and throwing them off. So for 2026, we made a few simple additions to the cam system on the new Alliance and Alliance 33. We added laser reference marks. When they’re adjusting that cam system and they think they went too far or didn’t go far enough, they have something as simple as a laser mark to remove that intimidation factor. You can’t screw it up.”
JANUARY 2026 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 25Rigorous TestingOnce Bowtech has developed a new product or technology, it goes through an intense testing process to ensure it delivers both value to the shooter and meets Bowtech’s exacting demands.“Once we get to a certain design phase, the product goes into a limited model prototype stage,” Snader said. “It goes out to a core group. We’ll do the initial setup and testing.“At the same time, we’re also doing a lot of lab testing. We have cycle machines that will be running bows for weeks on end to test durability, test limbs, test cams, test risers. We want components to hold up..”Once a product has been through those tests and any changes have been made, the company brings in some key influencers to put the product through its paces.
26 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026“For example, on the target side, we bring in Paige Pearce,” Snader said. She’ll spend a couple days with us going through the bow. Paige is a major bowhunter as well and a great source for testing and feedback on that side as well.New for 2026For this year, Bowtech is introducing two new bows packed with the kind of purposeful features that bowhunters have been asking for.“We’re introducing the Alliance and the Alliance 33,” Snader said.“We wanted to create a product that gives basically everything in a bow with no compromise. So, with the Alliance, we have a super lightweight aluminum bow. It’s going to be just over 4 pounds. It’s 30.5 inches axle to axle. It has a really, really smooth draw. It has the updated DeadLock Cam System with the new laser reference marks for more intuitive adjustments. We also positioned the cams a little bit differently on the limbs to make them even more efficient so we were able to keep the draw super, super smooth but help increase the speeds on it as well.“Then you have the Alliance 33. You have all the same features, the same tunability, the same draw feel, but now you have a little longer axleto-axle bow ideal for a Western-style hunter, a spot-and-stalk hunter, a hunter that needs a little more stability for longer shots.“Consumers tell us they want a short, maneuverable bow, and others tell us they want a longer axleto-axle stable bow. They want a smooth draw and good speed. The speeds on these bows are right at the 335 and 338 mark. You don’t have to sacrifice anything. flook at the (lliance 33. Normally, with a 33-inch axle-to-axle bow, you’re going to sacrifice weight. 3ou’re going to get up to 4.5, 4.7 pounds. The 33 is 4.25 pounds. That is lighter than most of
27 JANUARY 2026 INSIDEARCHERY.COMour competitors’ shorter bows.“This is a precursor to bigger things to come. You’ll see a very intense focus on exactly what consumers are asking us for. They’re starting to hit dealer shops already. They’re excited to launch these to the consumers. We’ve received some great feedback from our dealers already.”While most bow companies launched their 2026 bows at the end of 2025, Bowtech waited until the first day of the 2026 ATA Show.“We wanted bows in shops when we launched,” Snader explained. “We wanted to be able to tell consumers that the bows are at their local dealers right now. We wanted to tell them to get to their dealer and test the bows out. You want to go feel it and pick it up. I can tell you it’s a smooth bow, but you need to go to your dealer and shoot it for yourself. So having the bows in the shops was important for us. We want consumers to be able to get the bows in their hands.”Delivering the BestCustomer Service“I think consumers will be pleasantly surprised in the advancements over the years,” Snader said. “They’re not getting the typical customer service experience where they send an email and wait days for a reply. We wanted to eliminate that. We want direct ac-
28 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026cess. We want our customers to get an email or call back the same day or as close as possilbe. We want to make sure they’re getting their questions answered. We cross-utilize our customer service departments across our facilities. We have our team in-house here at the Bowtech factory. We have a team at our Black Gold facility in Montana and a team at our Excalibur facility in Canada.A Focus on EventsWe asked Snader about the company’s marketing strategy. To no one’s surprise, one of the answers was to go where archers are. Sure, the company uses traditional advertising platforms like Inside Archery magazine and social media. But for Bowtech, there’s no better use of time and money than talking with archers and getting to hear what they’re looking for.“A big part of our strategy is to get out to consumer events,” Snader said. “Consumer trade shows are also a big part of that. Just as we tell our consumers to get out and try the bow at their local dealer, we want to be able to access consumers. And that’s good support for our dealers as well to help consumers in to their local dealers in those event areas.”The Future of BowtechBowtech is fortunate to have a number of experienced team members who help ensure the continued success of
JANUARY 2026 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 29the company, with roughly 200 employees. Some key team members include Rob Gates, senior vice president of sales and marketing; Beth Shimanski, vice president of marketing; David Bailey, Vice President of Operations; Jeff Eastburn, director of sales operations; Casey Diefanbach, senior director of sales; and Jeff Suiter, senior director of product management.The company takes a lot of pride in its focus on regular shooters. “We want to make sure we’re the approachable brand. That’s one thing we did when we started. Bowtech was always the cool brand to be associated with. We weren’t one of the big dogs. Granted, we’ve worked our way up to be one of the largest brands, but we don’t want to lose sight of how we started out. We always want to be the approachable brand. And not just for Bowtech shooters. We want to have an environment at our events where we don’t care what you shoot. Come hang out with Bowtech. We’re here to have fun. This is about archery. We want to be a brand people have fun hanging out with and have fun being part of.”I asked Snader what the future holds for the company.“We want to continue to grow our family of brands to be that one-stop shop for your archery needs,” he said. “There are a lot of things we’re working on, and it’s only up from here. We just hit 25 years last year. I’m ready to hit 50!” IA
30MARKET TRENDS GEAR REPORTABY PATRICK MEITINHawke OpticsVantage HD 8x34mm Binocularprices, yet they are packed with advanced features that make any pair of binoculars worth carrying in the first place. To start, +antage HD series binoculars include the company’s H2 optical system, phase corrected prism coatings and fully multi-coated lenses. This combination delivers incredible light transmission combined with tack-sharp detail and accurate color fidelity that ultimately translates into more game spotted. Hawke manages this while providing exceptional value for your customer’s hard-earned money. They are also entirely practical, including a rugged polycarbonate chassis covered with protective rubber armor to make them both lightweight and impervious to hard use. The openhinge design makes them easy to handle, even while wearing gloves or in wet conditions. #ther practical features include twist-up eye cups that are compatible with eyeglasses and s a former big-game guide and outǞtterƙ and someone ˹ho approaches ever˿ Žo˹hunt ˹ith a Žurning passionƙ thereɻs no single piece onj hunting eɴuipment more important to me than m˿ Žinoculars.Despite a long list of modern outdoor gear carry into the field, without a pair of binoculars in tow I simply feel naked. ’m also much less likely to discover the game I am pursuing… Having invested a short stint in retail sporting goods, I also understand that not every customer can afford the price of the German- or Austrian-made optics I was able to justify as a professional hunter. That is where fflawke #ptics comes in. fflawke is renowned for supplying optical products that not only provide top-quality glass, coatings and features, but at prices the average working man can afford. The +antage ffl& series from fflawke #ptics serves as a prime example. The +antage ffl& series are hunting binoculars offered at blue-collar a ¼-inch by 20 UNC tripod mounting tap. The latter is especially useful with higher magnifications in habitats were a long, hard look is necessary to find widely-scattered game. As an avid elk hunter who is able to secure an annual public-lands archery tag, I really like the looks of the midsied :x69mm configuration. fflere is an ideal run-and-gun or treestand binocular including a lightweight and compact design that won’t weigh you down when climbing steep terrain in pursuit of that bugling bull, or get in the way on the cramped confines of a treestand. The :x69 +antage ffl& provides a 7.5-degree field of view at 544 yards and weighs ust 5;.8 ounces, or slightly less than 5 pound. +antage ffl& binoculars are also offered in ultra-compact 8x26mm and 54x8<mm; midsied 54x69mm; and fullsied :x98mm or 54x98mm options for steadier viewing at greater distances. This lineup covers any terrain or commonly-pursued big game. The fflawke +antage ffl& series is 544 percent fog- and waterproof, giving hunters piece of mind when hunting in the harshest weather. ncluded accessories include a comfortable neck strap, padded storage case and protective stay-on lens covers. They’re also covered by Hawke’s No-Fault Lifetime 0arranty. %o to hawkeoptics.com to learn more. IAWebXtra ■ For a closer look at this product and many others, check them out at insidearchery.com.Vantage HD 8x34mm Binocularprices, yet they are packed with advanced features that make any pair of binoculars worth carrying in the first place. To start, +antage HD series binoculars include the company’s H2 optical system, phase corrected prism coatings and fully a ¼-inch by 20 UNC tripod mounting tap. The latter is especially useful with higher magnifications in habitats INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026
32MARKET TRENDS GEAR REPORTDBY PATRICK MEITINMorrell TargetsBOA 24-Inch Compression Archery TargetCompression targets were designed to stop the fastest, heaviest compoundbow arrows and crossbow bolts. The BOA 24 includes a 500 fps speed limit to handle the vast majority of hardhitting archery projectiles. Other BOA options include the compact BOA 18 measuring 18-by-13-by-18 inches, and the BOA 20 measuring 20-by-14-by-20 inches and including no speed limit. All BOA targets feature an ultra-durable Gridlock nylon facing and high-density compression core. The Gridlock facing ensures longer target life, while the core is packed so tightly it requires an interior wooden frame to manage the massive amounts of force. The design still allows effortless arrow extraction. BOA targets provide two shooting surfaces. One face presents traditional bullseyes, the other a crossbow tuning cross and 16-inch sighting grid marked in even inches. Woven polypropylene carry handles are provided. To test the BOA 24’s ability to stop arrows and bolts sent from high-energy outfits, first tried my hard-hitting 73#@30” Australian water buffalo outfit sending 630-grain Victory Archery VAP SS 250s with 95-grain insert system and 150-grain tips at 259 fps (more than 90 foot pounds of kinetic energy). That was child’s play for the BOA 24, resulting in only 9-10 inches of penetration. !ext grabbed my *avin *8=2 2-7 crossbow. This crossbow sends 944-grain *avin crossbolts to 944 fps, ale Morrell, through Morrell Manufacturing (now Morrell Targets), introduced archer˿ to the Ǟrst modern bag target.The patented floating burlap center and layered construction stopped arrows cold, while also allowing two-finger arrow removal. The company launched in 1986, quickly becoming an industry standard and continuing to move target technology forward. A big part of Morrell’s popularity has been their ability to remain apace of ever-increasing advancements in compound bow energy delivery, and the widespread adoption of modern crossbows pushing bolts to speeds in excess of 450 fps. They accomplished this while maintaining the company’s trademark effortless arrow/bolt extraction.Morrell’s BOA 24-inch Compression target is the largest in the series and the latest iteration in the company’s quest to remain abreast with increasing arrow/bolt energy and speed delivery. BOA producing nearly 59; foot pounds of -E. As a point of reference, with any of my layered foam targets all that’s protruding after a shot is half the fletching and a nock, making extraction frustratingly difficult. 0ith the '#( 89 about two thirds of the bolt remained outside the target, allowing easy pulling. This target actually makes shooting a crossbow fun—no digging, no separate arrow pullers.The BOA Compression series is strictly a field point target. might also note that the outsert sleeves on my water buffalo arrows tended to snag on the Gridlock nylon facing, requiring a sharp tug to free them from the target, though the face appeared unfaed. *egarding the crossbow in particular, the BOA 24’s generous face allowed shooting from 100 yards in complete confidence.To learn more about all the BOA Compression series targets, visit morrelltargets.com. IAWebXtra ■ For a closer look at this product and many others, check them out at insidearchery.com.INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026
34MARKET TRENDS GEAR REPORTFBY PATRICK MEITINVapor Trail ArcheryThe Float™WebXtra ■ For a closer look at this product and many others, check them out at insidearchery.com.during the draw cycle and ensure no game-spooking clicks. This also left the arrow unsupported well into the draw cycle.The Float eliminates that dynamic with patent-pending technology promising to change everything. The Float is a truly innovative mechanism that acts as a cocking mechanism to allow the launcher arm to remain fully upright before the shot and thoroughly supporting the arrow, without the need for a lock-up system. The Float provides the convenience and confidence of full arrow support, without sacrificing the superior downrange accuracy that only a free-floating launcher can provide.The Float eliminates any possibility of an errant arrow while waiting on stand, or the uncertainty of bobbling an arrow during the inevitable nervousness that comes when drawing on big game. The Float does this while still ensuring the cleanest, most accurate arrow flight possible.or more than 30 years Vapor Trail Archery has been designing and manufacturing products that redeǞne entire archer˿ categories.Vapor Trail arrow rests were instrumental in revolutionizing the limb-driven drop-away concept, the company continuing to define that category while pushing accuracy and performance boundaries through ingenious innovation. I’ve utilized Vapor Trail arrow rests during some of my most noteworthy bowhunts and can honestly not recall a single problem.So leave it to Vapor Trail to discover a way to wring still more efficiency and accuracy potential out of the limbdriven rest design. The all-new The Float is a patent-pending advancement set to redefine how limb-driven dropaway arrow rests perform at brace.Traditionally, limb-driven arrow rests have required the launcher to remain in the down or full-drop position before the bow is drawn and shot. This has generally required a padded or rubber cradle, adhered to the arrow shelf, to help guide the arrow shaft This is how it works: The Float is daisy-chained into the existing launcher activation cord and functions properly whether that activation cord is attached to the top or bottom limb according to preferences. The Float, as the name suggests, is not a lock-up mechanism. This is entirely the point, as launcher lock-up systems sacrifice forgiveness and ultimately accuracy. The entire point of The Float is to preserve all the benefits of a true free-floating launcher. This gives archers and bowhunters the best attributes of a fully supported arrow while at rest or brace and during the start of the draw cycle, but the ultimate accuracy and forgiveness of a free-floating launcher that is allowed to absorb tiny tuning flaws or shooter glitches following release. This all translates into a more forgiving and ultimately accurate shot, for the reasonable price of $59.99.&ealers will get their first hands-on look of The Float during the 2026 ATA Trade Show (booth #207), where Vapor Trail will provide demonstrations, technical breakdowns and hands-on testing opportunities. Learn more about Vapor Trail Archery’s full lineup of revolutionary drop-away arrow rest, and get more details on The Float technology, by visiting vaportrailarchery.com. IAINSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026
40MARKET TRENDS GEAR REPORTTBY PATRICK MEITINKiller Food PlotsAqua ShieldEHD outbreaks typically occur during hot, dry summers, when ponds and other water sources experience lower water levels that expose mud banks. Midge larvae thrive and hatch in this exposed mud, generally in water that is less than 2 inches deep. Long dry spells create the ideal habitat for these midges, which spread the often-fatal disease by biting deer around tender areas such as the eyes, ears and velvet antlers. EHD-infected deer quit eating, grow weak, salivate excessively and develop rapid respiration and fever, which frequently drives deer to seek water in an attempt to reduce body temperature. Because water serves as midge breeding sites, managing this resource is vitally important to minimizing EHD outbreaks. The Killer Food Plot team has firsthand experience with EHD and developed Aqua Shield as an important tool in the fight against Effl&. (qua .hield addresses the root cause of EHD. Used according to recommendations, Aqua Shield immediately begins to break down harmful bacteria, toxins and muck in ponds and water sources using aerobic bacteria and proprietary enzymes. This boosts oxygen production, reduces harmful algae, clarifies water he sad hunting news from places like southeastern Ohio the summer of 2025 were major outbreaks of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD).This was hardly an isolated event, my own backyard and other places in the nation hit hard by this tragic disease, which can decimate localized deer herds. EHD is transmitted by the biting midge Culicoides variipennis, which is found worldwide. Localized deer herds develop various degrees of immunity. In the Deep South, for instance, the disease is characterized as frequent and mild—while northern areas experience infrequent but severe outbreaks resulting in high mortality.and ultimately eliminates EHDcarrying midge larvae.Aqua Shield is 100 percent safe to livestock and humans. It has been used by the dairy industry for years to flush drainage systems and treat runoff areas, aiding in breaking down organic matter and clarifying waste water. Aqua Shield is heavier than water, allowing it to quickly sink to the bottom of water sources and go to work. In direct regards to managing deer herds, KFP Aqua Shield destroys the black, stinky muck at the bottom of ponds and watering holes, where harmful midge larvae and anaerobic bacteria thrive. The active ingredients help clarify any water, improve pond health and ultimately protect whitetails and other ungulates from the spread of EHD carried by midge larvae. As stated, Aqua Shield will not harm livestock that drink treated water, and any treated pond is perfectly safe for pets and even young children to swim in. Aqua Shield isn’t ust safe for all fish and aquatic insects, but enhances dissolved oxygen to make for healthier habitats. KFP Aqua Shield is cheap insurance that the deer herd your customers have worked hard to manage will not be destroyed by an outbreak of EHD brought on by midge-harboring water sources. Check it out by going to killerfoodplots.com. WebXtra ■ For a closer look at this product and many others, check them out at insidearchery.com.INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026BEFOREAFTER
42INSIDE THE INDUSTRY LEADING ARCHERY MANUFACTURERSINSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026ing manufacturers. His strings also allowed dealers who were building their own strings to use that time servicing customers or focusing on merchandising and marketing.The first year in business, FirstString was able to bring on several small dealers. Scott hired Outtech and partnered with an established manufacturer to help with business accounting, so his time was free to continue building the bowstrings which quickly won over the industry.n 8457, Mikey came on as a fulltime employee of First.tring after working part-time for many years. 0orking closely together, .cott and Mikey formed a partnership—not only in business, but also in life. The two married a few years later, and their oint focus on the company has continued to grow First.tring stronger than ever.Mikey and .cott have worked diligently to build an incredible team. First.tring is like a family, with a supportive work environment that keeps employees long-term. 0hile the team works hard, .cott and Mikey also realie the employees have families too. They have watched many of their employees’ children grow up over the years and they make sure their people have time to spend with those families. The result is an experienced, skilled team of craftsmen who are the backbone of First.tring.Exceptional craftsmanship is ultimately what makes First.ting so successful and so well respected with serious shooters and retailers. For irstString is a leader in custom bowstrings and a trusted name for consumers and dealers seeking top-notch replacement strings for any bow make and model ever made. ³iǘe man˿ flourishing archery businesses, FirstString comes from humble beginnings that blossomed into something much larger, thanks to decades of experience and a lot of hard work.First.tring founder .cott Parrish began building bowstrings as a kid, w'ack in the days when compound bows really began to catch on and there were no reliable options for strings available.” flater, .cott was part of the team who developed the (M system used in ffloyt compound bows. Materials were much different in those early days, however that early experience would eventually evolve into what First.ting is today. .cott worked in a retail shop while attending high school and built strings for the shop with the materials on hand. (fter a little time, he came up with a proposition: Scott would take over the string building under First.tring Products, which would allow the shop to offer a more stable, competitive and higher-quality product.#ver time, .cott developed a program where he supplied dealers with quality strings at lower prices than what dealers were paying from existFthe retailer, the product they receive from First.tring is second to none. The company’s production team of highly skilled and experienced workers makes sure this is the case each and every day, providing retailers strings that fit and perform perfectly every time right out of the box, without adjustments.n any retailing environment, Bespecially in archeryC time is the key element to success and customer satisfaction, and First.tring leads the industry in fast delivery. First.tring’s pricing is highly competitive, and in many cases the lowest-cost option. Scott worked during his entire adult life to create a full database of bows, new and old, allowing First.tring to make strings for any bow in existence. This gives dealers the ability to service any and every customer. First.tring typically maintains immediate shipping to three days turnaround time on any string set for any kind of bow.First.tring strives to identify the needs of each dealer and to find ways of making the dealer more successful. First.tring does everything they can to be the best partner to every one of their dealers, ensuring the end user has a positive experience and continues to trust their dealer’s workmanship. First.tring works hard to ensure their dealers grow their success in this category.#rdering from First.tring means bowstrings arrive faster, and they will hit the mark every time— meaning peeps do not rotate, strings do not stretch and serving does not separate. This has everything to do with the uncompromising quality of the materials utilized and the experience needed to craft a perfect bowstring. 0ith years of experience, the string builders on First.tring’s production floor are some of the best in the business. FirstString
JANUARY 2026 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 43FirstString invests in their staff to build the best product available. The end results are strings that can be installed without fussing and without tweaking to get your customers back to shooting faster.How reliable are FirstString strings? Mikey found out on a bow hunt in Illinois before she worked for the company. She was hunting lease land using a climber stand, during frigid weather while swathed in heated clothing. That evening Mikey left her bow on the climber overnight, and when she returned in the morning it was covered in icicles and the cams crystalized with ice. She reminisced how beautiful her bow was. A monster buck walked in that morning and Mikey’s arrow found the mark, now mounted and in her office. Even extreme conditions are no match for a quality FirstString bowstring.FirstString offers a wide variety of bowstrings, building and using their extensive database covering everything from youth to adult bows, traditional to compound bows, new to old bows, and all crossbow brands as well. There’s not a bow in the world FirstString cannot accommodate. FirstString offers more than 215,000 different color combinations, which includes 55 different string-material colors and 20 serving colors, meaning they have a custom color scheme for any look or requirement.First.tring is excited to accept new dealers of any size and has the capacity to grow even more in 2026 and maintain the same incredible turnaround time and attention to details. FirstString is the largest independent manufacturer in this category, leading the industry as the one-stop shop for all bowstrings.Contact FirstString today by calling (317) 535-8116, or by emailing Scott at s arrismfirststring.com. IA
44MARKET TRENDS GEAR REPORTWBY PATRICK MEITINBohningHeritage Bowstring WaxWebXtra ■ For a closer look at this product and many others, check them out at insidearchery.com.alone should encourage modern archers to get back into the habit of regularly waxing their bowstrings and buss cables—and that is to say nothing of the weather protection and general boost in performance that comes with this basic maintenance product.Bohning likely made much of the bowstring wax I began using back in the ‘70s, and is still one of the best sources for that need today. Bohning has continued to refine bowstring wax technologies, including the newest synthetic blends. For 2026, Bohning reversed the chemical-based trend to return to an all-natural formula.Heritage Bowstring Wax is new for 2026 and serves the modern trend of environmentally-friendly and hypoallergenic products for those with chemical sensitivities. Bohning’s Heritage Bowstring Wax is an all-natural product including only pure beeswax and plant-based ingredients. But this is hen I started bowhunting way back in the late 1970s, bowstring wax was pretty much standard issue archery equipment.If anything, we likely waxed our bowstrings a bit too frequently—often after every practice session or hunt. Though it could be argued there is no such thing as too much of a good thing in this case… Granted, bowstring materials have come a very long way since those wayback days of recurves and steel-cabled, limb-bracket compounds. But I also just don’t seem to see a lot of bowstring wax in the kits of the average modern archer today. It’s certainly no longer the obsessive habit it once was.Still, while modern bowstring materials are much more resistant to abrasion, fuzzing and general breakdown, they are also worlds more expensive than they once were. Quality replacement bowstrings can now set a bow owner back $175 to $200 a set—plus the cost of pro shop services. That also a modern version of the all-nature theme. Despite its natural makeup it offers superior bowstring conditioning and protection from wear, abrasion and color fading in 21st Century bowstring materials.Whether serving a woodsy primitive-bow shooter, modern traditionalist or cuttingedge compound shooter, Heritage Bowstring Wax allows customers to protect their bowstrings the natural way. Those of us who have been in the archery game from the time before carbon arrows remember 100 percent beeswax bowstring products. They crumbled when it was even slightly cool and had to be aggressively worked into the fibers by creating friction with our fingers or a piece of leather.Bohning’s proprietary blend of allnatural soy oils, beeswax and plantbased ingredients creates a softer product than beeswax alone. Its softer makeup allows the slippery natural ingredients to penetrate to the base fibers of a bowstring to reduce internal abrasion and friction with every shot. This translates to longer string life, improved performance and protection from moisture that can erode arrow velocities and UV rays that can fade string colors. The no-mess formula comes in a natural-brown biodegradable tube for easy application and is compatible with all bow types and bowstring materials. Visit bohning.com to learn more. IAINSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026
46MARKET TRENDS GEAR REPORTABY PATRICK MEITIN100 1 2 5 mechanical system. When assembled, the ferrule and spacer are matched to a remarkable +/- .001-inch of indicated runout to spin and fly true. This allows turning virtually any fixed-blade broadhead into a hybrid mechanical system. With the 75-grain mechanical assembly, the fixed-blade creates the finished weight. This gives bowhunters the flexibility to increase overall point weight and F.#.\"., more control over arrow tuning and the ability to utilie a familiar fixed-blade broadhead up front. The adaptor system includes a nylon clocking washer to help lock fixed blades where they are wanted—aligned with the mechanicals for deeper penetration, or offset for increased tissue damage. These facets are why (nnihilator labels the BloodReign a system and not an accessory. The mechanical blades are cryogenically heat-treated stainless steel and are .060-inch thick. Serration increases cutting edge length and surface area without increasing blade profile. Mechanical blades open to 1 ¾ inches, blade position determined by Force-ndexed 'lade \"ontrol free of #-rings, rubber bands, clips or retention collars. This allows mechanical blades to operate independently, and also adapt should they meet hard resistance—like bone. ( single blade can enter w'one Modev without involving the others, which makes them more immune to failure. (nnihilator offers different blade packages tuned for low-, medium- and high-speed arrow setups, allowing use across traditional, compound and crossbow platforms.Finally, the (nnihilator fixed tip is constructed from proprietary steel and treated to a black nitride finish like other (nnihilator 'roadheads. The fixed nnihilator Broadheads is getting into the mechanical broadhead game in 2026, introducing the company’s out-of-thebox approach to bring bowhunters something truly unique.This is the (nnihilator way, like their two-blade -atana with \"rosscut Technology and patented cavitation scoop geometry, which was revolutionary enough to win 'est 'roadhead at the 8489 (T( Trade .how.The new 'lood*eign is a truly innovative six-blade broadhead designed from the start as an overall mechanical broadhead system, not just a standalone broadhead. The 'lood*eign combines (nnihilator’s original three-blade scoop technology fixed-blade with three mechanical blades—what (nnihilator calls a FixedÙMechanical Fusion. 'lood*eign’s mechanical assembly Bferrule and bladesC weighs 7; grains and incorporates a standard 8-32 thread pattern. The %rade ; titanium ferrule was intentionally kept short to keep the system compact and strong, a length allowing installing the fixed blade frontal assembly and maintaining precision alignment and concentricity.That’s where the optional fixed-blade adaptor (spacer) add-on kit comes in. This adaptor is purpose-built to mate to the BloodReign mechanical ferrule and extend it to the correct length so any standard :-68 fixed-blade broadhead can be threaded into the front of the scoop tip is single beveled like the mechanical blades to create devastating spiral wound channels, and enhance the rotating mechanical system to maximie penetration. The fixed tip is ʈ-inch wide and includes :mm scoops to reduce drag, but opens full 1-inchwide wound channels. 'lood*eign broadheads include a lifetime guarantee for the ferrule and tip, and blades are easily replaceable. Learn more at annihilatorbroadheads.com. IAWebXtra ■ For a closer look at this product and many others, check them out at insidearchery.com.Annihilator BroadheadsBloodReign™ Mechanical Broadheadmechanical system. When assembled, the ferrule and spacer are matched to arrow tuning and the ability to utilie a familiar fixed-blade broadhead up front. The adaptor system includes INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2026