Inside Archery April 2021

www.insidearchery.com

®

APRIL 2021





INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021 | VOLUME 24 | NUMBER 3

38 People
30
36 Power of Participation
56 ■ Juergen Todtenhoefer |
6146
Black Flash Archery, Germany
■ Daniel Matthews |

The Outdoor Group
■ James Sexton | SA Sports, LLC
■ Amanda Popp | Arcus Hunting
■ Mark Melotik | HuntStand
■ Cade Tropila | PSE Archery

38 Arizona Archery Enterprises
Celebrating 50 Years
By Daniel Allred

Market Trends

22 New & Notable
Archery products with
strong sales potential

46 Bow Report
Athens Archery Vista 33
By Patrick Meitin

48 Sizzling 2021 Crossbows
Your comprehensive guide

46 to the hottest crossbow
models for 2021.
By Patrick Meitin

56 2021’s Performance-Driven
Broadheads

Innovative newbies and proven

best sellers—today’s broadheads

elevate performance!

By Inside Archery Staff

INSIDE ARCHERY (Volume 24, #3) 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, CO 80935. Periodical postage paid at Colorado Springs, CO 80935 and at additional offices. Postmaster please send address changes to INSIDE ARCHERY, P.O. Box 986, Levittown, PA 19055-9998.

4 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021



INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021 | VOLUME 24 | NUMBER 3

IInnsdiudsetrtyhe

10 Inside Track
Spring Dreaming

14 Kinsey’s Business
Blueprint

Top 5 Categories Your Archery
Business Should Consider

16 Inside Retailing
36 Legacy Archery Shop

20 Your ATA Insights
Take It Outside
By Kurt Smith / ATA

24 Industry News
Information that keeps you up
to speed on news, events and
people in the archery industry

30 ATA Action
Should You Offer Products, Classes
& Programs for Target Archery?
By Cassie Gasaway / ATA

22 66 Industry 5Q
Five Questions on Rocky Mountain
Bowstrings with Jeff Eskelson
56 By Daniel Allred

30 48
6
INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021



INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021 | VOLUME 24 | NUMBER 3

insidearchery.com Online Exclusives

Off-Season Archery

Bowfishing For Dummies

If you have never tried bowfishing,
you’re missing out on a world of
rip-roaring fun. Use Inside Archery
Executive Editor Patrick Meitin’s simple
advice on gearing up and getting in on
the fun this spring and summer.

Off-Season Bowhunting

Wild Hog Tune-Up

Hogs are quickly spreading across the
nation and into habitats they were
not found just a decade ago. Use this
newfound opportunity to shake the
off-season blues and fine-tune your
equipment and bowhunting skills for
coming big-game seasons.

Target Archery

Improving 3D Scores

Interested in shooting higher scores
during local 3D tournaments? Use these
preparation techniques and mental
exercises to help you execute technically
perfect shots, and gain the skills needed
for a successful 2021 big-game season.

WebXtras: In this issue: “Inside Retailing” takes

a look at Legacy Archery Shop and “Industry 5Q”
learns more about Rocky Mountain Bowstrings.

Inside Archery Digital Edition

Now Inside Archery can be delivered to your door, viewed on your computer,
AND on your smartphone or tablet. VISIT INSIDEARCHERY.COM/DIGITAL

Fresh content daily
on social media!

8 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021

9

INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE TRACK

Spring Dreaming

I type these words in March, mentally one of the roughest months in northern
Idaho. March means winter hasn’t quite loosened its grip, but hints of coming
spring taunt and tease. After three months of snowplowing driveways, split-
ting firewood, unable to shoot a bow in any real sense due to targets being drifted over
and/or inaccessible, I’m growing increasingly antsy. Tom turkeys are gobbling in the
mornings, and as the snow mercifully recedes, targets are reemerging and begging to
be shot, and my mental calendar is quickly filling with activities I’ve dearly missed.
There will soon be sheds to hunt, burrowing rodents to snipe, turkeys to call, trout to
tempt with feathered treats, bears to bait, 3D tournaments to attend, camping trips to
organize and carp to skewer. It’s all enough to make an outdoor-
sperson/archer giddy with anticipation.
In the retail world spring would normally signal a restart of
steady business. These days, much to the joy of all involved,
there seemed to be no real lull between the last of the big-game
late seasons and spring. During my retail days, late-winter/early
spring signaled tedious inventory marathons while store traffic
slowed to a crawl. Seasonal layoffs, slim commission checks and
overall boredom ensued. Yet after chatting with a good number of archery shop owners
during the past several weeks, without exception I hear reports of booming business.
As a business owner this brings a huge smile to my face. Independent pro shop own-
ers and larger sporting goods outlets alike are thriving. Political turmoil has resulted in
panic buying of guns and ammo, to the point shelves are stripped bare. While COVID-19
brought us conspicuous new numbers of archers, I believe the current storage of ammu-
nition is guiding even more outdoorsy folks and hunters to archery. You may not be able
to buy .22 Long Rifle ammo or 12-guage turkey shells right now, but you can still purchase
a bow/crossbow and arrows/bolts and broadheads—without the imposing paperwork or
the threat of future legislative restrictions on your recreational enjoyment.
Manufacturers continue to struggle with the unprecedented demand, but overall
they’re doing a commendable job of supplying our passions. Many mom-and-pop shop
owners are in grave need of a vacation, burned out and looking to add new employees
to facilitate that very real need.
Demand for hunting goods only will increase in coming months. By the time this
issue drops, turkey hunters will visit to check out the latest calls, decoys, pop-up blinds
and turkey-killing broadheads. More archers will try their hands at bowfishing, with
the established diehards showing up to replenish gear thrashed or lost last season.
Your 3D fanatics will need fresh shafts and perhaps a snazzy hip quiver or a new-year-
model bow. The prospect of spring bear hunting, fishing, camping or simple nature
hikes will attract still more customers.
With inventory and tax season coming at you fast it might begin to feel a bit over-
whelming, but businesses are hopping and cash registers singing. And that all points
to a record-breaking 2021!

Patrick Meitin, Executive Editor

INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021



Publisher

Apollo Creative Inc

Executive Editor

Patrick Meitin • [email protected]

Associate Editor

Daniel Allred • [email protected]

Copy Editor

Lauren Molenburg

Contributors

Kurt Smith | Cassie Gasaway

Sales & Marketing Director

Stephen Mack • [email protected]
(814) 341-9313

Design & Production

ER Graphics / Ed Rother • [email protected]

Graphic Designer

Tara Bondar

Website & Social Media

Stephen Mack • [email protected]

Account Manager

Pam Ludlam • [email protected]

Subscription Services & Change of Address:

Inside Archery® Circulation Department
Inside Archery, PO Box 986, Levittown, PA 19055-9998
Phone: (844) 862-9286 • Fax: (888) 965-9961
[email protected]

Publication Office

Inside Archery® / Apollo Creative Inc
P.O. Box 15827, Colorado Springs, CO 80935
Phone: (719) 495-9999 • www.InsideArchery.com

Inside Archery founded in 1998 by Bill and Sherry Krenz

Inside Archery® Copyright © 2021 Apollo Crreative Inc. All rights re-
served. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permis-
sion 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 magazine or its staff.

Submission Guidelines: Apollo Creative Inc and Inside Archery® mag-
azine assume no responsibility for unsolicited editorial, photography
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do so at their own risk. Material will not be returned without a self-
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Apollo Creative Inc unless it is signed and returned by the Editor.

Archery, hunting and bowhunting are inherently dangerous activi-
ties. Improper use of hunting or archery equipment may cause se-
rious 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-to-
date 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 advertise-
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this magazine at their own risk. Apollo Creative Inc assumes no li-
ability for any errors or omissions in the content of this magazine, or
arising from use by any person of the information in this magazine.

•—•ative inc Inside Archery®
is a publication of
p•—• ollo crea Apollo Creative Inc
Printed in the USA.

12 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY BUSINESS BLUEPRINT Sponsored by

Top 5 Business Categories to Consider
A s an archery shop owner, it’s
important to remain intently customers a way to practice and keep Kinsey’s is the leading distributor to the outdoors and
focused on your main archery their archery skills sharp during the archery industry. Carrying items from your favorite
off-season. Whether you have room brands, in-stock and ready-to-ship, the company offers
domestic and international retailers a wide array of
and accessories categories. However, at your on-site archery range or you products and services. Kinsey’s also owns innovative
consumer brands including BlackHeart, Fin-Finder,
it’s also important to remain open to host a 3D shoot at your local archery Elevation and October Mountain Products.
For more information, please visit KinseysInc.com
other horizontal categories and busi- club, plenty of options exist to mar-
cally carries the potential for higher
ness parallels. Focusing solely on ar- ket and advertise your archery shop. margins. Those higher-margin prod-
ucts help boost profits and contrib-
chery and archery accessories allows You also can bring in some supple- ute to your bottom line. If you don’t
currently carry fishing gear, look
for a potential vulnerability during a mental income to support your busi- into adding an assortment of fishing
rods, reels, bait and tackle.
slow archery season. By adding oth- ness during the archery off-season.
Guns and Ammo
er categories, you will not only help
Finally, another way you can help
hedge your bets, but also shift your Bowfishing compliment your archery business
is to consider selling firearms and
shop’s product offerings from sea- The third possibility to help steer ammo. With the addition of firearms
and ammo you’ll be giving your ar-
sonal to year-round. traffic and sales in spring and sum- chery customers a reason to come
into your shop year-round. It’s also
Here’s our top five categories your mer is by adding bowfishing gear worth noting that a large percentage
of bowhunters also hunt with rifles
archery business should consider for and accessories. Again, this seems and shotguns. Also, with the demand
for firearms and ammo at an all-
year-long sales and success. like another no-brainer if you don’t time-high it seems like the perfect
offering to add to your shop.
Indoor Target Archery already offer it. But it’s a great way
for archers and bowhunters to prac- By adding these various prod-
uct categories and services you’ll
The first way to expand and diver- tice during the archery off-season. be complementing your existing
business and offering customers a
sify your archery shop in winter is to It is great practice and most of the larger product assortment. In doing
so, you’ll take the pressure off your
consider indoor target archery. time you’ll be helping with shop leading up to and during the
core archery season. With the ad-
It seems like a no-brainer if conservation efforts by re- dition of indoor target archery, 3D
target archery, bowfishing, fishing,
you don’t already offer it, moving non-native and/ and guns and ammo, your shop will
be diversifying its year-round traf-
as it complements your or invasive fish species fic, sales and success. IA

current archery products from local waterways.

and services. We under- Adding an assortment of

stand not all shops have bowfishing products can

the space to accommodate help increase store visits

an indoor archery range if and sales during the archery

you don’t already have one. How- off-season. This is a true

ever, aside from offering win-win for you and

only target archery your customers.

products, you could Fishing
explore hosting or

sponsoring a league, The fourth way you

or advertise at your can help increase

local archery club. Plen- traffic and sales

ty of options exist includ- in your shop in

ing ASA, IBO and NFAA spring and sum-

local and regional mer is by adding

events. fishing gear. It’s not

3D Target Archery guaranteed that archers
are anglers or that anglers

The second way to expand and di- are archers. However, it’s a

versify your archery shop in spring good way to offer an assort-

and summer is through 3D target ar- ment of fishing items to the outdoor

chery. Like indoor target archery, 3D enthusiasts who already frequent

target archery events offer your core your shop. The fishing category typi-

14 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE RETAILING

Ramping Up for Booming 2021

Legacy Archery Shop

Store Profile current archery shop. Through many ups Brad and Sheri Lockwood, owners
and downs and failed partnerships Lock- of Legacy Archery Shop.
■ Headquarters: Brookville, Pennsylvania wood acquired full ownership of the busi-
ness. They have been blessed to experience also complement those months with some
■ Owners: Brad and Sheri Lockwood continual growth and expansion during great sales to incentivize customers to
their time as owners of Legacy Archery. purchase early. In February, for instance,
■ Years in Business: 20-plus This success allowed the purchase of Viper we offer trade-in sales, where customers
Archery Products (manufacturer of qual- can trade in their old bow for a new bow of
■ Square footage: 4,500 (total), 2,700 (store ity bow sights, stabilizers and accessories) their choice. We add additional bonuses if
floor), 1,800 (shooting lanes). and the launch of Koola Buck (a highly we have any leftover bows from the prior
portable field cooler system). year that are being discontinued.
■ Staffing: 2 full-time, 2 part-time.
Retailing Q & A We also maintain store foot traffic with
■ Bow Lines: Matthews, PSE, Xpedition indoor leagues and TechnoHUNT sys-
and Prime Inside Archery: Traditionally, is spring tem. Additionally, we host our local high
a slow period for your store, or does im- school archery club, allowing them to use
■ Arrow Lines: Gold Tip, Black Eagle, proving weather help motivate archers our range free any time they like. I know
Easton, Victory Archery and Carbon Express to get out and shoot more, thus driving many stores use their range as a revenue
increased sales? How does the manufac-
■ Crossbow Lines: TenPoint, Ravin, Wick- turing end of your business (Viper Archery
ed Ridge, PSE Archery, Barnett, Killer In- and Koola Buck) differ during this season
stinct, Mission, Excalibur, Expedition and from the pro-shop side?
Carbon Express
Lockwood: We actually experience a solid
■ Inside Numbers: Estimated annual start to the year as new bow models are
revenues: $500,000. Percentage (estimate) released. All the new products are an-
of store’s revenue generated by bow- nounced at the beginning of the year, so
hunting: 90%; by target and recreational we see strong sales in January-March. We
archery: 10%

■ Store History: Brad Lockwood has al-
ways been passionate about archery and
bowhunting, beginning his journey as an
investor with the original founder of the

Legacy Archery Shop, located in Brookville, Pennsylvania, has been in business for over 20 years.

16 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021

Sponsored by

Plano Synergy

Participating retailers will receive $1,000 in The shop’s TechoHUNT system helps bring customers into the door.
products generously donated by Plano Synergy.

generator, but we use ours more to lure cus- Buck and Viper Archery Products and it real- shoots. We either make a donation to the
tomers through the door. While they are ly gets busy. We are releasing new products club or pay for booth space, if applicable, so
here we capitalize on arrow sales, trying and retailers are placing orders, so we’re al- we can set up our trailer and sell products
new releases, changing stabilizer setups, ways hopping at the beginning of the year. on site. Our trailer includes an arrow saw
paper tuning and general bow work. Typically, we’re also factoring in travel for and bow press, along with retail slat board
trade shows. That obviously wasn’t an issue on the walls for product display. You can’t
In March we run our Total Madness this year, so figuring out how to service our go wrong with a couple hundred archers in
sales, offering lots of free merchandise customers without face-to-face show meet- one location!
with the purchase of any new bow. By then ings has been a challenge.
most of the new bows are on the racks and Inside Archery: If one or more of these
ready to move. Inside Archery: How much bearing do tra- spring activities have a positive impact on
ditional springtime activities such as turkey store sales and product orders, can you pro-
April brings fishing season and spring seasons, bowfishing or 3D archery tourna- vide examples of products that sell briskly
turkey season, so we stock a good supply of ments have on sales in your store—or man- during spring months?
fishing tackle, live bait and plenty of turkey ufacturing schedules—and what strategies
calls, decoys and ground blinds. We usually do you use to take advantage of these pas- Lockwood: Arrows are a big seller at 3D
host a spring turkey contest, with prizes for times? events. So many archers lose arrows or
the biggest bird and all youths receiving a break them while shooting, so you can’t go
prize. We follow NWTF scoring rules, with Lockwood: We don’t have a lot of bowfish- wrong having an arrow saw, a good variety
all birds checked in and photographed at ing in our region, but we do have a lot of of arrows, field points, fletching jigs and a
our store, so this provides good social media outdoor 3D shoots, which are great for busi- selection of releases on hand. Guys are al-
exposure and creates foot traffic. ness. We do our best to support as many lo- ways looking to blame anything from ar-
cal archery clubs as possible. We also have rows to releases for poor scores! We take
Combine the busy retail store with Koola a Viper trailer that we take to bigger 3D advantage of those opportunities.

About 1,800 square feet are devoted to the shop’s shooting lanes. Quality customer service keeps the shop’s clientele coming back for more.

APRIL 2021 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 17

INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE RETAILING

Legacy Archery Shop carries bow models from Mathews, PSE, Xpedition and Prime. With a large customer base of bowhunters, the shop
places an emphasis on prompt and quality tuning services.

Inside Archery: Does the arrival of new- customers embrace early releases—they Inside Archery: How do you use the spring
year products help drive store traffic/sales just can’t wait to get their hands on the months to prepare for summer and even
and product orders, or do more archers and newest bows, arrows, sights, releases and fall months that lay ahead?
bowhunters wait until later in the summer rests. The other 60 percent are more your
when thoughts turn to impending fall bow- traditional meat hunters who typically Lockwood: This year we really focused on
hunting seasons? storm the doors at the end of July and keep ordering. I feel that manufacturers are still
Lockwood: We typically see about a 40/60 coming through November. We have sold having a difficult time getting products to
split at our store. About 40 percent of our new bow set ups on the last day of archery retail stores. I can see it already with so
season. many manufacturers being so far behind, so
The shop’s 2,700-square-foot sales floor is programed orders will be very important for
packed with high quality accessories. Inside Archery: How often do your average archery dealers this year. If you don’t have it
customers upgrade major items such as you can’t sell it, and you may not be able to
bows and accessories in your region, and get it at all if you don’t plan far in advance.
how do you help drive sales of upgraded
equipment in your store? Inside Archery: Any other bit of advice you
can offer dealers or department managers
Lockwood: I think our shop is fairly typi- for making the most of spring months to
cal. We have archers who buy a couple new improve sales or store traffic?
bows every single year without thinking
about it, and then we have others who get Lockwood: I would recommend looking
attached to a bow and keep it for 10 years. into the 3D shoots in your area, and do all
We offer a few sales throughout the year to you can to support those events. If you can
push the guys with older models to come host events of your own, like spring turkey
in and upgrade. We really do well with our contests and 3D shoots, I would focus on
trade-in month, offering a “push-it, pull- that to improve floor traffic. Spring turkey
it, drag-it” sale. Customers bring their old and fishing are always great ways to im-
bows in and we offer them a fair deal on a prove spring floor traffic. IA
trade-in for a new bow. That sale does re-
ally well for us, but we only offer it for one WebXtra ■ For more information
month to avoid becoming overloaded with
used bows. about Legacy Archery Shop, please go to
insidearchery.com/LegacyArchery.

18 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY YOUR ATA INSIGHTS

Take It Outside
BY KURT SMITH, COURTESY OF THE ATA

A rchery can be described many ways— with good bowfishing opportunities are a must for these archers. Equally im-
challenging, rewarding, difficult and occa- and places to donate or dispose of un- portant are accessories such as strings,

wanted fish after a successful outing. properly spined arrows (down to at least
sionally frustrating. But the most important aspect 800 spine), quivers and large but afford-

of the sport should be all about fun. Hit the Course able targets. Think about how you can

Shooting a 3D or field archery course use social media to create videos of fun

If you disagree, you may want to con- can be one of the most shooting games and activi-

sider a different line of work. This indus- enjoyable ways to experi- ties for these customers. It

try exists because people enjoy shooting ence archery outdoors, but keeps them engaged, and

bows and arrows. While some archers learning how to navigate also gives you an opportu-

really enjoy the time they spend at the the course and keep score nity to invite them back to

indoor range refining their skills and can be daunting. Just as your store for consumable

tuning equipment, most look forward to bicycle shops create group products like target faces

the time of year when they finally can rides, your shop should or services such as arrow

have some fun outdoors. consider scheduling times fletching.

After this long winter of restrictions, for small groups of customers to visit a If you’re looking for ideas on how

people are looking for reasons to get out local 3D or field course. An employee or you can encourage your customers to

of the house. Now is the perfect time for staff member can lead the group, giv- get outside and have more fun with

you to advertise unique outdoor experi- ing advice and answering questions. archery, you don’t have to do it alone.

ences. Seasoned archers probably al- Make it a regular thing, or set up a Explore partnering with a local outdoor

ready know where to look to find outdoor single event at the beginning of spring. range or club to take advantage of ex-

competitions or 3D shoots. New archers To promote sales, have your store rep- isting programs or events. Programs

may not be familiar with those events, resentative take some new gear with such as Explore Bowfishing or Explore

or may simply want to enjoy the sport them so customers can see it in action Archery also can be great sources of

outdoors in a less formal way. or try it. ideas. Above all, think about the dif-

Here are a few suggestions to encour- ferent types of customers who support

age people to enjoy archery during the Encourage the Backyard Champion your business, and consider how you

warmer weather. Not only will this help Sometimes simplicity provides the can give all of them a reason to get out

keep your customers engaged, it also will most enjoyment. Even folks who just and enjoy some archery fun.

help you sell products that may be read- want to be outside at their own home

ily available while many manufacturers still need equipment and advice for If you have questions or want more infor-

catch up with increased demand. getting started. Evaluate your current mation about ATA programs, contact me

Get Them on the Water inventory and see where you can add at [email protected]. Or log
more low-cost options for those who in to your MyATA member dashboard to

Bowfishing is a unique way to get more want to shoot casually. Lower draw- see all of the resources available to you as
people shooting archery equipment. It’s weight compound and recurve bows an ATA member. IA

fun, allows socializing and is generally

relaxing. A small selection of bowfish-

ing equipment may be enough to get new

participants started. They will likely need

some instruction as well. Consider using

ideas from ATA’s Explore Bowfishing pro-

gram in your store to get people familiar

with bowfishing gear and tactics. You

also can create a bowfishing one-sheet

for your area that lists license require-

ments, available species, waterways

20 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021



MARKET TRENDS NEW & NOTABLE

Tactacam Reveal X Trail Camera AXCEL Landslyde Carbon Pro

Tactacam’s Reveal X Trail Camera is a 24MP cellular camera that brings more versatility The new Landslyde Carbon Pro slider sight from AXCEL is
to scouting efforts, and it’s available in AT&T and VERIZON models. The remote- feature-packed and silky smooth. The Quick Adjust Knob
access design keeps disturbances to a minimum on hunting properties. The camera is includes precise micro or rapid macro adjustment capabili-
compact and easily hidden, and it’s built to withstand extreme weather. The unit provides ties and increased windage travel. The scope block is removable
for quick changes or storage, and it is compatible with all
a 96-foot flash range (adjustable) and captures still im- AXCEL metal sight tapes (eight two-sided metal sight tapes
ages—including a multi-shot option—and video clips. An provided). Dual/adjustable red pointers allow users to reference
HD image option is available on the Reveal app, and a two aiming points. Independent first-, second- and third-axis
pre-activated SIM card is included. The camera offers adjustments are included, with sights available with single or
ultra-fast triggering and the low glow IR flash freezes multiple pins, or without a scope or housing. Individual windage
the action without spooking wildlife or attracting and elevation locks are provided, with the latter including a new
attention from would-be thieves. It offers easy setup
and includes built-in health check to ensure optimal adjustable dead stop for no-look reference. Landslyde sights
use. Learn more at revealcellcam.com. are USA made and retail for $319.99-$524.99. Learn more
at axcelsights.com.

Burris Optics Oracle X

The new-for-2021 Oracle X from Burris Optics integrates a laser range- Bow Anchor Products The
finder into a crossbow-ready scope. The Oracle X allows shooters to Guardian 4x4 Case
get an accurate range estimate, removes trajectory guess-
work on tilted landscapes, and provides aiming points and The Guardian 4x4 Case is the world’s first bow/rifle
point of impact. The Oracle X’s integrated rangefinder case equipped with sturdy, deployable legs located
provides tilt-compensated ranges out to 200 yards, at each corner. The case features a waterproof seal
for point-on aiming at any range or across any to protect equipment from dust and moisture, heavy duty
terrain. The Oracle X is programmable for two latches and a handle for safe travel, and plenty of storage
different bolt weights, and all functions are space. The fold-out legs allow you to use the case for a camp
controlled through intuitive button opera- table, shooting stand to hold accessories and arrows, or as
tion and menu programming. Adjustable a firearms shooting bench. The legs mean you’ll no longer
reticle brightness and an integrated bubble have to lay a bow case on the ground or need a flat tailgate
level help shooters makes their best shot. A to more comfortably access the case’s contents. The rugged,
wireless remote activates the unit and the optic long-lasting design is made in the USA and measures 18.5-
includes an integrated Picatinny-rail compatible mounting by-46 inches to hold just about any compound bow made.
system. MAP price is $899. Learn more at burrisoptics.com. Learn more at bowanchor.com.  

Big&J BB2 Apple Flavor

Energy-packed Big&J BB2 Apple Flavor provides
quality nutrition for deer via an optimal dose of
digestible fiber and just enough starch to help
maximize digestion. Apple BB2 contains 110 percent of
the energy value of corn with a minimum 18 percent
protein. The TDN (Total Digestible Nutrition) granular
blend allows deer to obtain the highest nutrition
possible, and the Apple BB2 attractant sends out a
far-reaching scent that lures deer from hundreds of yards
away. Big&J’s flagship attractant-BB2 has a proven track
record for bringing big bucks to bait sites and keeping
them coming back for more (note that baiting deer isn’t
legal in all areas). Learn more at bigandj.com.

22 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY NEWS

DKienasleeyr’SshBorwingTos AAnColothseer The classic, high-profile excitement por- rectors by Archery Trade Association voters.
tion of KDS21 ran from Feb. 24-26 and in- Teresa Williams, CEO of 3Rivers Archery,
Kinsey’s Inc. celebrated another success- cluded three amazing Hot Shows, vendor
ful dealer show, holding its annual event and dealer interactions and product give- was reelected to serve a four-year term
virtually this year from Feb. 10 to March 3. aways. The second and final day featured through March 31, 2025. Two new mem-
the highly anticipated four livestream bers to the board are Keith Arnold, National
The show typically runs for three days giveaway events which featured 42 ven- Sales Manager for TenPoint Crossbows, and
at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsyl- dor products. More than 40 dealers walked Timmy Thomas, Consumer Education and
vania. Kinsey’s made the difficult decision Outreach representative for Morrell Targets.
to hold the 2021 show virtually away with more than $18,000
due to the ongoing COVID-19 in prize giveaways. All three are eager to represent the ATA
travel restrictions and the re- and its members.
strictions on large, in-person The excitement was pal-
group events and gatherings. pable for the main Kinsey’s “After the absence of the Trade Show
Dealer Show Grand Prize Give- this past year, I believe there is hard work
The expanded virtual show away that was held Feb. 26. ahead of us to ensure both continuity for
offered dealers exclusive deals, Three lucky dealers walked future shows and diversification of reve-
great savings and amazing away with three amazing nue streams,” Williams said. “It is an hon-
giveaways. This year’s dealer grand prize packages—in- or to continue to serve on the ATA Board of
attendees saved up to 40 percent off ev- cluding a shop renovation worth $20,000 Directors, and I’m committed to working
eryday prices. It featured new and exciting to be spent to upgrade their store. Win- towards the long-term sustainability of
products from hundreds of industry-lead- ners included $20,000 Shop Renovation the organization.”
ing brands, with products ranging from a for Courtney Archery, a paid hunt for four
variety of categories including firearms, to Bald Hills Archery, and a $1,500 Kinsey’s Arnold had similar thoughts. “I am very
ammo, archery and accessories. credit to WBT Outdoors Enterprises. pleased to join the ATA Board,” he said. “I
Plans are being made for the 2022 look forward to strategizing with the other
“Although we missed seeing our dealer show, scheduled for Feb. 24-27 in Her- Board members on how we can turn the
and vendor partners in person, we’re glad shey, Pennsylvania. | call (800) 366-4269 to recent ‘COVID bowhunting converts’ into
to have brought the same value and ex- set up a Kinsey’s Dealer account and participate long-term participants who will sustain
citement to our dealers this year,” said in next year’s show. our industry for the next generation.”
Kelsey Heisey, Kinsey’s Dealer Show Coor-
dinator. “The Kinsey’s team learned a lot New ATA Board Members Appointed “I will contribute on initiatives that
this year through the new platform and benefit both manufacturers and retail-
we look forward to bringing that together Two new members have been elected and ers alike. On the manufacturing front,
for a better physical show in 2022.” one member re-elected to the Board of Di- I intend to focus on driving down the
volume of counterfeit products that are

Continued on Page 26

Responsible Hunting Scent Association Encourages Hunters to Support Louisiana Rule Update

The Responsible Hunting Scent Association (RHSA) is Louisiana is the first state to require that cervid
encouraging hunters to support a proposed update urine-based hunting scents used in the state be
to Louisiana’s deer hunting regulations that would tested for the presence of CWD prions. Using the
allow the sale and use of scents that are derived from cutting-edge RT-QuIC assay, manufacturers can test
Deer Protection Program. and screen the urine used in their scents as a final
confirmation that no CWD is detected before packaging and distribution. Avail-
The rule change is needed because administration of the program is transition- ability of RT-QuIC tested products has increased immensely since 2019, and they
ing from the Archery Trade Association to RHSA, so natural deer urine products that are readily available from multiple manufacturers. Complying products are
meet the requirements of the law will begin featuring a new “DPP Check- clearly labeled with the RT-QuIC logo.
mark” logo. “Chronic Wasting Disease a real threat to wild deer and deer
hunting, and the Responsible Hunting Scent Association is ac-
The RHSA is continuing the same scientifically based biosecurity tively and scientifically engaged to address the problem,” said Sam
requirements that have been in place since 2016. Qualified urine Burgeson, RHSA President. “Our members stand to be partners
producers must: with hunters and wildlife agencies like LDWF to turn the tide on this
■ Be enrolled in the APHIS Herd Certification Program, including unfortunate disease.”
closed herds with no importation of animals for more than five years. A public hearing on this rule update will be held April 21 at LDWF headquarters
■ Be annually inspected by a state accredited veterinarian. in Baton Rouge. LDWF is also accepting online comments. | learn more by
■ Maintain fencing and facilities to prevent outside contamination. visiting wlf.louisiana.gov.
■ Track and test all animal deaths, even if they leave the urine collection
program.

24 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY NEWS

Continued from Page 24

am an avid bowhunt- sport. I have found great joy in introduc-
ing people to archery. I love nothing more
er and target archer. than seeing someone who felt they could
not shoot a bow succeed in doing so. My
I also love to shoot hope is that everyone may someday have
the opportunity to experience the magical
tournaments: 3D, In- flight of the arrow.”

door, Field and FITA. Departing the Board after serving multi-
ple terms are Rob Kaufhold, President/Own-
I attend as many dif- er of Lancaster Archery Supply, and Lonnie
Workman, Regional Sales Manager of PSE
ferent events around Archery. | learn more by visiting archerytrade.org.

the country as I can ANnAnSoPuCnEcOe/sPRreestiidreemnteRnoty Grimes

Teresa Williams Keith Arnold Timmy Thomas every year. Whether Roy Grimes, CEO/President of the National
they are ASA, NFAA, Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), re-
tired April 1 after leading the organization
currently being offered in the archery in- IBO or USA Archery, I love them all. for nearly two decades.
dustry. Specifically, for archery retailers, I
hope to contribute on initiatives that better “Owning a pro shop for many years The NASP was officially launched March
equip independent retailers to compete and 3, 2002, in 21 Kentucky schools. At the
thrive in today’s retail climate. The ATA is taught me exactly how much work, dedica- time, Grimes worked with the Kentucky
truly ‘Archery’s Watchdog’ on many fronts, Department of Fish & Wildlife, which was
and I am excited to be a part of the team.” tion and passion it takes to keep a business

Thomas is also enthusiastic about join- running. Working for state fish and wildlife
ing the Board. “I am very excited to have the
opportunity to work with the ATA Board,” agencies as an archery education coordina-
he said. “I know they spend many hours
working to expand and promote archery tor, I also understand the hours required by
and diligently work to help the industry. I
not only the coordinator, but also the many

volunteers to achieve success.

“With my experience, I intend to help the

ATA expand archery in every way, whether

it is shooting targets, hunting, retail or

programming. I truly love all aspects of our

26 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021

collaborating with the organization to participation in the shooting sports among

help introduce archery to young people. students in grades 4-12. NASP lessons are

Grimes championed the program and was presented by school faculty as part of the

selected as its first Executive Director. in-school curriculum. NASP lessons were

The NASP has flourished co-written by educators and

under Grimes’ leadership. archers. They were designed to

It is now available in 47 be compliant with core content

states, eight provinces and standards defined by education

11 countries. It has put a bow departments. By aligning ar-

in the hands of more than chery lessons with these stan-

18 million students and dards, NASP lessons are taught

trained more than 100,000 in school, during the school day,

adults since its inception. to every student. This in-school

It has also been awarded teaching emphasis provides op-

more than $2.3 million in Roy Grimes portunity for every student to

cash scholarships. It has, discover their interest and ap-

as the organization’s mantra says, changed titude for archery as opposed to attract-

many, many lives, “One arrow at a time!” ing only existing archers to after-school-

“It has been one of the many blessings in only programming. | to learn more, visit

my life to have been in on the ground floor naspschools.org or email [email protected].

of the planning and implementation of NRuebwliTneeaMmaMrkeemtinbgerAsdds
NASP,” Grimes said. “Vital assistance from
so many Fish & Wildlife people, teachers,

parents, and certain archery and conserva- Dylan Rohlfsen and Jacob Thiessen have

tion industry leaders were among the keys joined RubLine Marketing in new roles,

to our success.” with Rohlfsen serving as Data Analyst for

The future for NASP is bright despite the the company’s portfolio of brands and

turmoil of 2020, thanks in no small part to Thiessen as Marketing and Social Media

what Grimes helped build. Coordinator.

“This past year has been a tough one for Rohlfsen is part of a team that pours

so many people around the world. Some over thousands of minutes of video and

have gone on and others have been left be- images, audits performance of contracted

hind,” he said in a letter to NASP employ- media placements, pulls all analytical data

ees. “It appears we are coming out of this for social media integration and processes

dark season and NASP will be on its stron- this data into client dashboards. This cru-

gest ground yet.” cial data supports Rubline strategists’ deci-

This sentiment was echoed by incom- sion-making process while reviewing vari-

ing NASP President Tommy Floyd, who ous campaign results. Rohlfsen grew up in

summed up his regard for Grimes’ leader- the marketing and advertising world and

ship and mentorship by saying, “I feel

like there are big shoes to fill and I

know that I have a lot to learn. I am

certainly very grateful to Roy, and to

have been given the opportunity to

become a part of this team in 2015.

We wish Roy and Patty Jo, his wife,

all the best in retirement. We know

he will keep busy enjoying time with

his grandkids and his many hobbies.”

The NASP promotes instruction in

international-style target archery as

a part of in-school curriculum, to im-

prove educational performance and Jacob Thiessen Dylan Rohlfsen

APRIL 2021 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 27

INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY NEWS

is the oldest daughter of RubLine President of background and personal experience broadhead technology game and has ex-
Chase Rohlfsen. that makes him a tremendous asset for our perienced continued global growth as a
team, and more importantly, he will have result. With the addition of Walston as the
“Dylan has always strived for perfection a positive impact for our clients. His first- company’s new COO, VIP looks to continue
in her work and being related to anyone in hand experience in outdoor retail will allow that industry leading momentum.
the workplace is never easy, especially the him to add immediate value for our clients
owner.” Chase Rohlfsen said. “I feel a tre- and their products.” | learn more by visiting “We’re thrilled to add Mike to the VIP
mendous amount of pride seeing the qual- rublinemarketing.com. family,” said Matthew Futtere, founder of
ity of work and dedication to the trade that VIP. “As we look to the future and where
she has, all while balancing her studies to HVeirteesraMnikInenWoavlasttiovne Products
earn a Degree in Marketing from the Uni- we want to go as a young orga-
versity of Northern Iowa.” Mike Waltson has been named nization, Mike adds critical and
Chief Operating Officer for Veteran unique talents to our company. His
Thiessen is an avid outdoorsman and Innovative Products, bringing lead- leadership experience, his many
brings knowledge of both retail product ership experience in sales, marketing relationships and his knowledge of
sales and project management. An Iowa and operations to VIP. our industry will help us excel as we
native, he studied at the University of build out our strategies for growth.”
Northern Iowa where he obtained a mar- “I am honored to be a part of the VIP team Walston previously served on the Boards
keting degree with an emphasis in sales and look forward to continue their efforts of Directors for the Archery Trade Asso-
management. Thiessen also participated in of bringing innovative products to the out- ciation and the Treestand Manufacturer’s
the UNI Fishing Club and was a member of door industry, our loyal VIP consumers and Association. He worked for organizations
the American Marketing Association. expanding the VIP footprint,” Walston said. including Lone Wolf Treestands, Tecomate
and Synergy Outdoors. | learn more by visiting
“Jacob is an easy fit for Rubline Market- VIP has quickly become a leader in the veteranip.com. IA
ing,” Rohlfsen said. “He has a great blend

28 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTION

Should You Offer Products, Classes & Programs for Target Archery?

BY CASSIE GASAWAY

E valuate your business and shop and range,” he said. The Aldridges “Likewise, if someone doesn’t want to
market to learn if you should built a 9,000-square-foot, 50-yard indoor bowhunt, they can do target archery at
expand into target archery. range in late 2014 to host leagues, tour- whatever capacity they choose, including
naments, indoor spot shoots, 3D compe- recreationally, competitively, or in a club
or league. Target archery creates a well-
titions and Archery Shooters Association rounded archery home.”

If you want to attract new customers qualifiers. More adults got involved and Aldridge said the most difficult part of
expanding the shop and adding target ar-
and boost your profits, consider adding their customer base grew. chery was balancing the extra paperwork
and scheduling new participants while
target archery to your business. Ronnie They joined the National Field Archery satisfying all customers. He said the
transition was worth it because target
and Caira Aldridge of Richmond, Ken- Association in 2019, and recently added archery increases revenues and enriches
peoples’ lives.
tucky, opened In-Range Archery in 2013 a Junior Olympics Archery Development
“There’s so much more to this sport
as a small store with a 20-yard indoor club to give youngsters more opportuni- than shooting a bow,” he said. “We’ve
seen the love of archery unite people,
range. They started with target archery, ties and better chances of meeting college create lifelong friendships, improve
someone’s focus, discipline, confidence,
adding scholastic 3D Archery in 2013 and recruiters. patience and coordination, help people
relax and set and accomplish goals.”
the National Archery in the Schools pro- Aldridge said focusing on target ar-
Can you follow the Aldridges’ path to
gram in 2014. They quickly received their chery allows In-Range Archery to wel- target archery? Start with these five steps:

S3DA certification and their Basic Archery come all archers. They cater to pros, STEP 1 | Conduct a Market Analysis

Instructor certification through NASP. beginners, hunters, recurve archers, tra- ■ Nash said retailers should conduct a
market analysis to determine if their
Those offerings brought many children ditional archers and anyone else wanting area needs a target-archery program.
This analysis assesses the market by
and families into their shop. to shoot a bow. gathering information on current and
potential customers and competitors,
Ronnie Aldridge said the area’s grow- Nicole Nash, ATA’s range and retail and analyzing data on buying patterns,
family incomes and business informa-
ing love for archery encouraged them to program manager, said the great thing tion. This analysis lets you see what the
market has and what it needs to fill gaps.
expand their range and offerings. about target archery is it provides oppor- It also helps identify potential business
challenges and realistic expectations if
“Our community and surrounding tunities for everyone. you choose to take the next step.

communities showed up in a big way to “Bowhunters can do target archery to Contact the state coordinator for tar-
get-archery organizations like ASA, S3DA,
push our decision to expand the retail expand their skills and season,” she said. NFAA and USA Archery to discuss your lo-
cation and nearby competitors.
Evaluate your business and market to learn if you should
expand into target archery. photo © in-range archery Nash said these conversations can help

Continued on Page 32

UNITING THE INDUSTRY ARCHERY TRADE ASSOCIATION
archerytrade.org

30 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTION

Continued from Page 30

Gauge interest in your community by posting polls Good research helps you make good busi- commitment, including fees, certifications,
on Facebook and talking to current customers. ness decisions, so don’t skip this step. and requirements. Understand their expec-
photo © in-range archery tations and how you will work together to
STEP 3 | Choose Your Route ■ After ana- determine the best fit for your business.
determine if your community can support
target archery. Such talks also give you a lyzing your findings, you’ll have two options: You can start with one organization or
feel for each organization’s goals. Represen- 1 • If the market has potential, your com- program and grow over time as the Aldridg-
tatives will help analyze your surroundings munity is interested and your staff agrees es did. If your community needs a JOAD
to identify nearby clubs and offerings, and it’s a good move, move to Step 4. But if you club, start there. You might find your shop
determine if your community needs their sense hesitation, conduct follow-up re- also needs ASA or NFAA. You don’t need to
organization’s help. If so, they can help cre- search. Ask target-archery organization join all the organizations immediately, and
ate sustainable programs. representatives more questions. Resolve you don’t need to stick with the one you
your concerns or learn how to address picked first. Grow and adapt as you go.
STEP 2 | Consult Your Customers & Com- them before moving to Step 4.
munity ■ Once you connect with those 2 • If you find your market is saturated, STEP 5 | Go for it or Talk it Over ■ If you
your customers lack interest in target ar-
organizations, try connecting with current chery, or you lack the time or resources feel confident about the decision, go for it!
and potential customers. Will a new target- for target archery, accept it. If you explored Create a dynamic team from your staff, or-
archery program help your community? your options and the possibilities, your ganization representatives and volunteer
Can it create after-school activities? Could it conscience should be clear. But don’t shut customers to create and execute a plan.
generate newcomers and increase income the door and lock it. Revisit the process af- Identify someone to handle logistics. Cre-
for nearby businesses or restaurants? Start ter a year or two, and restart at Step 1. Time ate goals and a plan to launch and run the
by contacting current customers and ask- can change desires and situations. program. Ensure the plan has small, spe-
ing what archery-program enhancements cific tasks, not large, broad ideas.
they desire. Get your staff’s input, too. STEP 4 | Evaluate Your Options ■ Once
If you need advice or someone to discuss
Also try to collect comprehensive data you commit to the idea, commit to a path. your plans or indecision with, we can help.
about your community’s demographics, Determine what type of target archery you
and residents’ desires and thoughts on tar- will offer. Consider your research and all “This is my job. This is what I love to do,”
get archery. Ask your customers if target your options, including 3D, field archery, Nash said. “Call and ask me questions. I can
archery interests them. Put out feelers and recreational archery, indoor and outdoor ar- also help you get started. That’s the benefit
conduct surveys in your town and nearby chery. The styles you choose will influence to having an ATA membership. You have ac-
communities. You could also conduct a whether you join ASA, NFAA, S3DA or USA cess to ATA staff and resources. We’re on your
Facebook poll. Archery. After narrowing your options, poll side. We’ll help you with whatever you need.”
customers to learn their preferences. Talk to
Nash suggests working with a market- organizations to discuss the details of your For more information, please contact Nicole
ing agency if you lack the time or expertise. Nash at [email protected] or
(866) 266-2776, ext. 116. IA

If your community has the need, consider joining ASA and hosting
qualifiers like the one pictured above. photo © in-range archery

32 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021







PEOPLE

PowerTheofParticipation
Archery Industry Members Participating in the Sport

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO: Visit insidearchery.com/pop or mail a color image with your name,
address, where the animal was taken, and archery gear used—both manufacturer and model—
to Inside Archery Power of Participation, P.O. Box 15827, Colorado Springs, CO 80935.

Cade Tropila • Arizona Mule Deer James Sexton • Pennsylvania Whitetail

Marketing Coordinator, PSE Archery Pro-Staff Coordinator, SA Sports, LLC

Bow ■ PSE Carbon Stealth Mach 1 Broadhead ■ Rage Trypan Crossbow ■ SA Sports Empire Punisher 420
Bolt ■ SA Sports Empire Bang Stick
Arrow ■ Gold Tip UltraLight Pro Rest ■ Hamskea Trinity Pro Rest ■ SA Sports Empire Tyrant 3-9x42IR
Quiver ■ SA Sports Claw Quiver w/Offset Bracket
Quiver ■ TightSpot Sight ■ Black Gold
Stabilizer ■ AAE Ascent Verdict Assault

36 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021

Mark Melotik • South Carolina Feral Hogs

Media Executive Editor, HuntStand

Juergen Todtenhoefer Bow ■ Mathews V3 31 Arrow ■ Victory VAP TKO
Broadhead ■ G5 Montec M3 Quiver ■ Apex Gear Reactor X

• Slovakia European Wild Boar Rest ■ Mathews Stabilizer ■ Mathews Flatline

UltraRest Integrate MX Sight ■ Trophy Ridge React Pro

Owner Black Flash Archery, Köenitz, Germany Other ■ HuntStand Hunting App

Bow ■ PSE Evolve 35 Arrow ■ Easton Epic

Broadhead ■ Grim Reaper Sight ■ Viper Pro
Pro Series Carni-Four Quiver ■ TightSpot

Rest ■ QAD UltraRest LD

Daniel Matthews • Iowa Whitetail

Amanda Popp • Nebraska Whitetail Regional Sales Manager, The Outdoor Group

Marketing Leader, Arcus Hunting Bow ■ Elite Kure Stabilizer ■ CBE Torx Spyder,
Arrow ■ Black Eagle Spartan Down Quick Disconnect

Bow ■ Cabela’s Instigator Arrow ■ Black Eagle Broadhead ■ Slick Trick Quiver ■ CBE Tactic
Broadhead ■ Ramcat Quiver ■ Ramcat
Rest ■ Trophy Taker Standard 100 Rest ■ Hamskea Trinity

Sight ■ CBE Engage Hybrid 3-Pin Release ■ Scott Long Horn Hex

APRIL 2021 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 37

Arizona Archery Enterprises

Celebrating 50 Years
AAE is a remarkably versatile and prolific manufacturer. In addition to being
the world’s largest maker of nocks and vanes, the company also offers an
extensive lineup of innovative and high-quality archery accessories. But this
hardly scratches the surface of everything AAE actually does.

The company’s 65,000-square-foot fa- Nick Fisher, the newly appointed presi-
cility in Prescott Valley, Arizona, pro- dent of AAE, is the son of T.J. and Chelly
duces specialized components for al- Fisher and grandson of Tom and Millie
most every industry you can imagine. AAE Fisher. He looks back fondly on the his-
makes parts for everything from semi- tory of his family business.
trucks to swimming pools. It produces
components for housing, aerospace, med- “It all definitely goes back to my grand-
ical and military applications, to name pa’s love for archery,” Nick Fisher said.
just a few. “He was actually involved with a lot of
different parts of the industry early on.
Of course, as an OEM manufacturer Of course, there were nowhere near as
that specializes in archery, AAE has pro- many archers back then, so if you were
duced countless components on behalf of any good you became pretty popular in
other brands in the archery industry. AAE the industry right away. My grandfather
has been a silent workhorse, lending its was good friends with Max Hamilton, and
manufacturing expertise and capabilities he also worked with (Tom) Jennings to
to anyone who comes looking for it. create some of the first compound bows.
Eventually his love for archery motivated
Family owned and operated since 1971, him and my grandma—along with their
AAE is celebrating its 50th anniversary friends, Charlie and Liz Sandlin—to pur-
this year. A half-century of business is a chase Plastifletch from Max, and that’s
significant milestone for AAE’s dedicated where AAE started.”
staff, and it’s also a solid testament to all
the incredible things this company is ca- AAE began with humble beginnings but
pable of making. evolved quickly and found its ideal niche.

Deep Roots in the Industry “With Max’s equipment, they started
producing vanes in a little gutted-out mo-
The history of AAE begins with Max Ham- bile home,” Fisher said. “Tragically, Char-
ilton, who invented Plastifletch vane tech- lie passed away about three years after
nology in 1948. Max operated Plastifletch they bought the company, resulting in my
with his wife, Jewel, until
they decided to retire grandparents buying Liz out
and sell the company and becoming the sole
in 1971. The new owners owners. Naturally, my
of Plastifletch were a pair dad and uncle became
of couples: Tom and Millie Fisher, and
Charlie and Liz Sandlin. the first two employees, but
it was something they just did on the
side for a few years. The company really

BY DANIEL ALLRED

38 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021

APRIL 2021 INSIDEARCHERY.COM got going in about 1977, which is when they
relocated to our current location here in
Prescott Valley.

“Shortly thereafter, they got involved with
injection molding and started producing
Plastinocks and Z-nocks,” Fisher contin-
ued. “We’ve been producing those nocks for
more than 40 years, but they also saw that
there was a huge market for injection mold-
ing. One of the first products we produced
was actually for a night vision company
called Litton, and we still produce products
for them to this day. Soon after, we started
working with Easton, and everything rapidly
expanded from there as we produced mold-
ed products for hundreds of different com-
panies. We did OEM work for a ton of differ-
ent archery products, and we got more and
more involved with Easton, making things
like bat caps for their aluminum baseball
bats, in addition to their nocks and vanes.”

With this noteworthy foothold in the
manufacturing world, AAE was able to con-
tinue growing steadily in the decades to fol-
low. The company proved repeatedly that it
could get the job done correctly and fairly.

“The key to AAE’s success was first and
foremost just being able to provide a qual-
ity product at a fair price and follow through
with our word,” Fisher said. “In the early 80s
and 90s injection molding was fairly com-
monplace, but it was very difficult to produce
molds. It all really came down to what your
skill level was with manual machines—
manual mills, lathes and surface grinders—
and that was another important key to the
company’s success. You needed to take a cre-
ative approach to make certain shapes, and
all our work with nocks and vanes helped
us figure that out quickly. A lot of that kind
of work was also being done overseas, so it
was a big deal that we could produce those
products here in the United States. There
were other mold shops, but they were most-
ly automotive based. We covered everything
across the board, from military, to medical,
to sports. We produced everything that could
be molded, any idea that came to us.”

Tom Fisher, founder of AAE, celebrates
his company’s 50th anniversary this year.

39

Passion for archery and pride in Amer- ny always has taken a wise top ■ Although many associate AAE with nocks and vanes,
ican manufacturing have remained con- slow-and-steady approach. the company has expanded its lineup in recent decades
sistent themes throughout AAE’s long Growing up in the family to include a variety of other high-quality accessories.
history. business, Fisher saw many
of these transformations middle ■ AAE’s Max Vane is a tribute to Max Hamilton,
“AAE is a company that takes pride in first hand and learned valu- founder of Plastifletch, and it’s also one of the company’s
employing people,” Fisher said. “We have able life lessons from them. most popular and timeless offerings.
about 60 employees, and we want to help
them thrive and support their families. “I started working at AAE
We have always averaged between 50 in 1993, when I was just 10
and 60 employees throughout our histo- years old,” he said. “I learned
ry, and that works out to approximately at a young age that you get
250 mouths that we are responsible for. what you earn and that ev-
We take a lot of pride in providing our erything costs money, so it’s
employees with a good living, and all of best to always pay for things
our branching out in other industries has with cash, not credit. Those
helped us do that. Archery will always are the same principles that
be central because we love it and have helped this company grow
a passion for it, but like a lot of other at a steady and responsible
companies in the industry, we have also rate. Outside of dipping my
created a secondary source of income to toes in the construction field
support our employees and help us keep to just try something differ-
doing what we love.” ent, I’ve worked here for 28
years. When I was young-
50 Years of Growth er, I couldn’t really under-
stand why the company
AAE has seen a lot of transformations was growing, but it was very exciting to
during its long history, but the compa- watch it evolve.”

bottom ■ AAE’s state-of-the-art production facility AAE’s manufacturing capabilities con-
makes just about every archery accessory you can tinued to expand gradually. So did its ar-
imagine, along with countless odds and ends that chery offerings.

you never would have expected. “Our facility just kept growing as I
worked here through my teenage years,”

40 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021

Fisher said. “In 1994 we built a custom AAE’s long history in the archery industry
designed press room for our injection extends all the way back to 1948, when
molding facility and quickly followed Max Hamilton invented Plastifletch
that with an addition for all of our CNC vane technology. Hamilton passed
machines. We already had state-of-the- the company on to Tom and
art extrusion equipment that allowed us Millie Fisher in 1971. Under
to make higher quality vanes even faster. the steady leadership of this
When my grandparents retired around archery-loving couple, their
the turn of the century, they sold the sons, and now their grandson,
company to my dad, T.J. Fisher, and my AAE has remained an industry
uncle, Dan Fisher.” staple throughout the last
half-century.
After taking over the company more
than 20 years ago, T.J. Fisher helped build 41
AAE into the largest vane and nock man-
ufacturer in the world. He understood
the need to diversify into the retail side
of the industry, so he expanded the com-
pany’s manufacturing capabilities to in-
clude AAE retail products. He purchased
other brands and invested in the people
and equipment that would be needed for
his son and future owner to continue
growing the business and compete at the
highest levels.

“The next big milestone occurred in
2006, when we purchased Cavalier USA
from Dick and Diane Tone,” Nick Fisher
said. “That’s when our archery prod-
uct line opened up to something closer
to what you see today. In addition to
our nocks and vanes—along with other
tried-and-true offerings like our Fastset
Glue—we started producing products like
the Avalanche and Shadow arrow-rests.
The Cavalier acquisition also brought
a lot of staple recurve products that we
still produce, and they were all patented
items that Dick had designed.”

All of AAE’s OEM manufacturing end-
ed up causing an interesting situation
for the company in the mid 2000s. The
company had been in the industry for
decades, but much of its work was done
behind the scenes.

“My mom, Chelly Fisher, always liked
to say that we’re the ghostwriter of the
industry,” Fisher said. “We were produc-
ing parts for so many different compa-
nies, but nobody knew about everything
we did. All of our growth came from
word of mouth, and that was all that
was necessary. Once our product line ex-
panded and we started getting our name
out in the archery industry, we realized a

APRIL 2021 INSIDEARCHERY.COM

left ■ An AAE employee applies the “pad printing” tion,’” Fisher said. “First and foremost, that we didn’t, and all of that ties back
process by hand to some of the company’s we have always wanted to produce to our mission statement.”
popular Max Hunter Vanes. products that we are proud of and be-
lieve in. I think ‘integrity’ and ‘excel- One of the companies acquired by AAE
right ■ Chelly Fisher, wife of T.J. Fisher and lence’ capture that mindset well. We in recent years was Gripper Archery,
mother of Nick Fisher, retired from her position want to produce top-quality products which had developed perhaps the most
at a fair price. Knowing everything secure and repeatable stabilizer-mount-
as vice president of AAE this past December. that goes into the cost of manufactur- ing bracket in the industry.
ing our products, we have still always
change of strategy was needed. I remem- wanted archers to be able to use and “Gripper was a European-based com-
ber going to archery events to represent afford them. As a result, we have never pany brought to our attention by our
the company and being asked again and focused solely on profit, but rather the pro-staffer, Jesse Broadwater,” Fisher
again if we were a new company. We user experience. Then of course we have said. “We were working on a design
sort of emerged as this dark horse, and innovation, which is related to our own that coincidentally functioned similarly
since then we’ve been very strategic in creative ideas, but also our determina- to the bracket system they already had
making our presence known publicly in tion to never copy other people in the developed. Rather than compromise on
the industry.” market. There are a couple companies what we considered to be the best con-
that we have acquired over the years cept for the product, we paused our de-
Throughout its long history, AAE has because they had products that worked velopment process and connected with
remained governed by the principles that well with us. We didn’t try to copy them them. They coincidently were looking
helped it thrive since the early days. or claim that we came up with an idea for help with manufacturing and dis-
tribution. We sat down with the owners
“Our mission statement and slogan at the shoot in Las Vegas, and after we
is: ‘Integrity, Excellence and Innova- started manufacturing and distributing
the Gripper bracket globally, we eventu-
ally purchased the company. It’s an in-
credible product that we have continued
to improve and expand on.”

Another important addition to the AAE
family was Feather Vision, which makes
high-quality and affordable lenses for
target archery.

“We are always looking for companies
to acquire that make sense and have a
great product line, and we are not going
to displace people and eliminate jobs in
the process,” Fisher said. “Our purchase
of Feather Vision in 2015 is a great ex-
ample of this approach. Feather Vision’s
owner at the time was ready to retire.

AAE does all of its plastic injection work
in this state-of-the-art press room.

42 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021

It was a small company with only one to our experience in building plastic in- seen. His skill set in this area is unparal-
full time employee, but Feather Vision jection molds out of hardened steel,” leled, in my opinion. Although, I’m not
was still producing the gold standard Fisher said. “So, when we go back to sure he will ever completely step away
for lenses in the archery world. We had manufacturing products out of alumi- from the company. Wherever he is, I’m
never made a product like lenses before, num, creating high quality products that sure he’ll have a laptop in case he needs
but it fit extremely well with our product are built to last comes naturally. This is to help us out with a design in a pinch.”
line. Feather Vision has become another a direct result of having long-term em-
great segment of our company, and we ployees who are very skilled at their jobs. The industry’s recent explosive growth
are very proud of those products today.” Many have been here for 20 or 30 years,
and we have always strived to create a top ■ This expansive warehouse stores
20 21 and Beyond quality work environment that expands all of AAE’s raw materials.
their skill sets and makes them proud of
AAE is entering its next half-century of what we create.” bottom ■ T.J. Fisher served as president of AAE for
business in full swing. The company over 20 years after he and his brother, Dan, bought
is no longer a ghostwriter behind the AAE’s 50th anniversary also signifies a the company from their father, Tom Fisher. T.J.’s son,
scenes, but instead a prominent force at passing of the family torch. Nick, is the newly appointed president of AAE, but
the front and center, with leading prod- T.J. remains involved as the acting CEO.
ucts in multiple categories. And just as “It wasn’t really the plan, but the 50th
the company began, passion for archery anniversary sort of represents the be-
is a driving force for AAE. ginning of a new era for
AAE,” Fisher said. “My
“I certainly followed in my grandfa- mom, Chelly, was our vice
ther’s footsteps in terms of my love for president and she retired
archery,” Fisher said. “He started training in December. My dad, T.J.,
me when I was young, and I’ve shot ever (now CEO) followed suit on
since. Just like him, that love inspires the first of March. A lot of
me to create products that will make a my mom and dad’s man-
true improvement to the end-user’s ex- agers also are retiring. In
perience. I am definitely a bow-tuning preparation for this natu-
fanatic. I love going through the entire ral transition, we have
process, trying to achieve the perfect set- spent the last few years
up, and naturally I always run into little developing the next team
issues that could be prevented. It’s fun to of managers, with pro-
get outside the box of what we usually moting current employ-
produce and make things like broadhead ees always being the first
ferrules, for example.” option. They understand
the products we make,
AAE’s long history in manufacturing and they understand our
also will keep contributing to the com- dedication to quality. My
pany’s high-quality products. father is the most talented
mold designer I have ever
“We are very accustomed to working
with extremely tight tolerances, thanks

APRIL 2021 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 43

With 50 years in business, AAE has a veteran platform we are going to keep expanding ing up archery brands in the last 10 years.
staff that understands the company’s extreme on in the future. In general, 2020 ended We had our fair share of offers, but we take
up being an amazing year for us, and if great pride in being a family-owned Amer-
dedication to quality. 2021 continues on its current trajectory, ican manufacturer. We take great pride in
it will be our best year yet.” all the products we’ve made over the years,
will be another important factor in AAE’s and we take great pride in the incredible
continued success. Co nclusion employees who helped us get here.

“They say that your goals should be so AAE has been a foundational company “My family has been honored to be in
big they scare you, and if they don’t scare in the archery industry. The company’s the archery industry for 50 years, and
you, they aren’t big enough,” Fisher said. nocks and vanes have been used around we want to keep helping archery thrive
“We definitely have big plans for the fu- the world for decades, along with a mul- worldwide—by continuing to make in-
ture, with many of the things we’ve been titude of other products that might not novative products, and supporting our
working on for years coming to fruition. even bear the AAE logo. shooters and industry organizations. My
We released the Freakshow QD arrow grandparents created something special
rest last year, and it was extremely well Looking ahead, AAE will continue doing here. Then my parents built on that, and
received by the industry and immediate- what it does best. But the company also is 50 years later, we are still going strong
ly found its way to the top of the podium. taking an important moment to look back with a bright future ahead of us.” IA
It features an innovative, quick-detach and celebrate this 50-year milestone.
mount design with amazing torque tun- AAE’s laser etching machine adds detailed finishing
ing capabilities in both the rest mount “It’s pretty rare to see a family-owned touches to many of the company’s products.
and patent-pending Sling blade launch- and family-operated business make it to 50
er blade holder. The QD rest design is a years,” Fisher said. “It’s even more rare af-
ter all the private equity firms started buy-

44 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021



MARKET TRENDS BOW REPORT

Athens Archery Vista 33
BY PATRICK MEITIN

A thens Archery has long been nologies for Athens and answer the calls module systems offer dealers the ability
known for building high qual- of those familiar or new to the brand. to make on-the-fly adjustments for cus-
tomers test-driving bows and allows for
The Vista 33 is driven by the brand-new quicker turnaround once the customer
makes a purchase. This system also al-
ity bows, but the company’s new 2021 RT-X Cam system, which provides an in- lows RT-X-equipped bows to grow with
credibly smooth draw cycle, along with young shooters.

offerings should definitely propel it into rotating modules. The Vista 33 also fea- The RT-X Cam system also features a
unique indexable draw stop, which allows
competing with the biggest names in the tures a patent-pending Limb-Lok pocket customizing let-off to any archer’s needs
or preferences from roughly 80 to 90 per-
industry in all areas. New for 2021, Ath- that is coupled with a 1-inch-wide split cent. To adjust the system, simply loosen
the indexable draw stop screw, rotate it
ens Archery has introduced the Vista Se- limb design and longer riser, a combina- to the desired indexed position and re-
tighten the screw. The system allows three
ries, comprised of the Vista 33 and Vista tion that provides the ultimate in stabili- let-off settings of approximately 80, 85 and
90 percent. These let-off adjustments also
35. These two bows showcase new tech- ty and forgiveness. The past-parallel limb allow fine-tuning draw length in 1/8-inch
increments, by moving the indexable draw
design, along with the new Axion limb stop (let-off numbers are approximate and
may vary slightly). The indexable draw
dampeners, make the Vista series one of stop on the RT-X Cam includes a cable stop
that provides no play or sponginess at the
the quietest and most shock-free bows to back wall, providing the same repeatable
and rock-solid rear wall that Athens Ar-
come from Athens Archery to date. The chery customers have grown to expect.

Vista 33 proves to be a true contender in This new RT-X Cam system from Ath-
ens Archery is truly a game changer, with
all aspects of hunting and target archery. its wide variety of adjustability, smooth
and forgiving draw cycle, solid backwall
The Vista 33 comes in at 33 inches axle and impressive speed generation.

to axle, with IBO speeds of up to 335 fps, Smooth & Forgiving

draw length adjustments of 25 to 31 inch- The RT-X Cam provides an ultra-smooth
and pleasant draw-force curve. During
es and an out-of-the-box weight of just the draw cycle peak weight is hit early,
with the cam slowly decreasing draw
4.2 pounds. weight until hitting the valley and rear
wall. There are no surprises, draw spikes
The new RT-X Cam system that powers the Vista RT-X Cam System or harsh drop-offs in pull/hold weight
33 is incredibly adjustable and smooth, and it also throughout the entire draw cycle. At 90
produces impressive arrow speeds. For 2021 Athens Archery introduced the percent let-off the Vista 33 is easy to hold
RT-X Cam System. The RT-X Cam includes
The Vista 33 has a comfortable and narrow grip a rotating module system, allowing ad-
that fits perfectly in the hand and encourages justments for both draw length and let-
consistent hand placement. off without the need for a bow press. This
cam system is incredibly smooth while
still delivering the raw speed archers de-
mand.

The RT-X Cam system allows the Vis-
ta 33 to provide a wide range of draw
lengths—from 25 all the way to 31 inches,
in ½-inch increments. This wide range
of draw lengths is accomplished with
two module sets. The RT-X Cam’s rotat-
ing modules allow for easy, time-saving
adjustment for draw length. Simply re-
move two torx screws and slide the mod-
ule to the designated indexing mark for
the preferred draw length. The system
is designed so the screws can only be
inserted one-way, no matter what draw
length setting is selected, providing con-
fidence that adjustments are correct. The
same adjustments can be made should
the module be replaced in order to move
from the longer draw length range to
the shorter draw length range—without
the need for a bow press. The rotating

46 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021

Specifications Arrow Speed

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Vista 33 Arrow Speed Test | 70 pounds at 30 inches.

Axle-to-Axle Length 29-INCH ARROWS/ SHAFT *FINISHED KINETIC ARROW
33 inches
100-GRAIN TIPS GPI ARROW WT. ENERGY SPEED
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Brace Height
6.5 inches VV . 3. . .

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Mass Weight V. .. .

4.2 pounds –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– .3 .3 . . 3

Let-Off –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

80 - 90 percent T . 3.3 . . 3

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Available Draw Lengths .3 ... 3
25 to 31 inches
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
in half inch increments
T XT . ... 3
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Available Draw Weights
40, 50, 60, 65, and 70 pounds V VX 3 .3 .. . 3

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Available Colors . . . . 3 .3 . . 33
New Treezyn Early Seeyzn and
Late Seeyzn, Realtree Edge and –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Excape, and many more. ... .3 . .. 3

The Vista 33 features the new, patent-pending –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
imb- o poc et design that provides e treme
stability. MSRP rrow speeds established using a Caldwell hooting upplies Chronograph . enotes steel inserts

at full draw for long periods of time. $949.00 FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (585) 397-7085, OR VISIT ATHENSARCHERY.COM.
The real beauty of the RT-X’s draw force
stabilizer taps for shooters who want a vari-
cur e is the efficiency y which the ista ety of mounting and balance options. It also
stores energy. This is also reflected in the offers dual sight taps for improved vertical
numbers recorded while shooting the Vista latitude. The new forged riser is a very clean
33 through the chronograph with various and minimalist design, which makes it very
hunting-weight arrows. lightweight and yet incredibly functional.
It is obvious that the engineers at Athens
Stability Focused Archery tried to leave no detail unchecked.
Even the new ¼-inch axles that tie the RT-X
The Vista 33 features a new, patent-pending Cam system to the limbs feature only a sin-
im - ok pocket design first introduced gle e-clip and leverage a boss on the opposite
on the 2021 Peak 38. The Limb-Lok pocket end—just one less item to snag in brush.
balances limb orientation and securely
locks the new 1-inch limbs in place to pre- Designed to Hunt
vent any lateral movement, while also se-
curely locking the pocket onto the riser. No With IBO speeds reaching 335fps—along
longer does the pocket ride on the back of with silent and vibration-free shooting
the riser or on the locking screws. Instead and the stability produced by the new riser
it sits on a shoulder that goes through the design and pocket systems—the Vista 33
riser for simple adjustments and consis- is the ultimate hunting bow for just about
tent tensioning, creating the most stable any archer. The 2021 Vista series also fea-
platform ever produced by Athens Archery. tures new low-profile ion lim dampen-
Now hunters can appreciate the stability ers and a Saunders Hyper Glide cable slide,
and consistency of a target bow in a com- further adding to the list of improvements
pact hunting package. that make this bow ready for the treestand,
ground blind or mountain.
The new forged riser design of the Vista
Series further contributes to just how com- Athens Archery has also long been known
fortable this bow is to shoot. The longer, for its impeccable, high-quality bow decora-
straighter riser design allows for a more tion. The company utilizes the latest in pow-
rock steady hold on target at full draw. The der coating technologies as well as the incred-
past parallel limb design dispenses any vi- i ly dura le and high definition olorfusion
bration away from the shooter, making the process for their patterned camouflage and
Vista 33 amazingly dead in the hand after custom colors see the pecifications chart
release. Shooters will appreciate the very for a complete list of options). Athens also
repeata le narrow grip which fits perfect- continues to offer their popular Save Your
ly in the hand and encourages consistent Hunt program, and as always, the company
hand placement. continues to provide a Lifetime Transferrable
Warranty on all of its bows. IA
The Vista 33 features front and rear

APRIL 2021 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 47

Your comprehensive INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021
guide to the hottest
crossbow models for 2021

Crossbows are inarguably the fastest-
growing segment of the archery industry
today. More states each year have made
room for crossbow shooters during their
regularly scheduled archery-only sea-
sons, including huge and hunter-rich states
such as Texas. Crossbows are largely used by
stalwart rifle hunters to take advantage of
longer bow seasons, but as often serve as a
natural steppingstone for dedicated firearms
shooters to dip their toes in the archery world
and eventually move on to compound bows.
Save the hardest of hard-core traditionalists,
most will admit that crossbows have been
a net positive for the industry, particularly
from the retailer’s perspective. Crossbows
have lured a completely new pool of custom-
ers into archery shops, leading to additional
sales beyond classic vertical-bow wares, and

48

APRIL 2021 INSIDEARCHERY.COM in some cases have kept shops in the black during
periods when archery sales remained stagnant,
like we witnessed maybe five years ago.

Like compound bow technology, crossbows
continue to evolve and provide increasingly user-
friendly features, via faster bolt speeds that flat-
ten trajectories and hit harder at extended ranges,
more compact lines, easier cocking systems that
make them accessible to wider segments of the
population—like youth and female hunters—and
through better ergonomics via adjustable length of
pull and cheek height. Most also offer much lighter
carry weight that makes them more pleasurable to
tote in the field. Like them or not, crossbows are
here to stay and will continue to be a big part of
the retailing scene. To follow are the brands and
models seasoned and beginning crossbow shooters
alike will be looking for in 2021.

Ravin Crossbows

Ravin’s 2021 R500 Series Crossbows are the fastest,
most powerful crossbows on the market today, de-
livering jaw-dropping speeds of up to 500 fps with
a 400-grain bolt. New technologies and accessories
featured in the R500 Series include the Ravin Elec-

tric Drive System for push-button cocking and
de-cocking and the new Ravin Adjustable Tur-
ret Scope. All Ravin R500 Series Crossbows fea-

ture the new proprietary HexCoil Cam System,
producing speeds of 500-feet-per-second with
axle-to-axle widths of 3.6 inches cocked and

7.6 inches un-cocked. The series includes the
upgradable R500, R500E (with Ravin Electric
Drive System), R500 Sniper (with Ravin Ad-
justable Turret Scope, Scope Level, and .001

Premium Arrows) and the top-of-the-line
R500E Sniper, with a complete set of fea-
tures and accessories. Available in Slate
Gray, R500 Series Crossbows are ship-
ping now. The R500 (MSRP $3,049.99)
uses the new R500 Draw Handle and
silent VersaDrive Cocking System, with
an internal screw drive to move the

49

Trac Trigger Firing System (TTFS) back Mission Crossbows XERO. The Havoc RS440 XERO provides

and forth. The internal clutch with- Mission Crossbows’ super-accurate, bolt speeds of 440 fps (400-grain bolt)

in the VersaDrive System eliminates tournament-winning SUB-1 can be or- and is equipped with Garmin’s new

over-cocking and allows cocking or de- dered in two models, the SUB-1 XR and Xero X1i Rangefinding Scope. Garmin’s

cocking to be halted at any point in the SUB-1 LITE. The SUB-1 XR delivers indus- Xero X1i crossbow digital scope includes

process. The R500E (MSRP $3,349.99) in- try-best accuracy, including the ability a built-in laser rangefinder and 3.5x

cludes the Electric Drive System, pow- to shoot 1-inch groups at 100 yards. In- magnification. A single button provides

ered by a 12-volt battery and a motor novative Benchmark Fire Control tech- ranging to 250 yards on game and 500

that can be easily detached for storage nology includes a 3-pound match-grade yards on reflective targets. The preci-

or recharging. The R500 Sniper (MSRP trigger, and the Easy-Load bolt reten- sion illuminated aim points automati-

$3,449.99) includes an additional Ravin tion arm and ability to safely de-cock cally adjust for yardage and prevailing

Adjustable Turret Scope with single with the push of a button are a big part brightness conditions for clear, unob-

crosshair. The scope allows adjusting of this. The SUB-1 XR measures 9.1-by- structed aiming solutions. Laser Locate

yardage on the fly, a Ravin Scope Level 30.5 inches, weighs 7.6 pounds and in- waypoint projection syncs with com-

ensuring plumb shooting. The Sniper cludes a 14.6-inch power stroke to gen- patible Garmin devices (sold separately)

kit includes six .001-inch straightness erate bolt speeds of up to 410 fps with a to mark targets for faster post-shot bolt

tolerance Premium Arrows. Learn more 350-grain bolt. recovery or tracking starts. Custom bolt

by visiting ravincrossbows.com. The SUB-1 LITE is versatile and user- profiles can be inputted, while Target

B earX friendly, including feathery mass and Lock and Steady Shot features assist
proving incredibly easy to cock by just with ranging and aiming performance.

The new-for-2021 Impact crossbow about any shooter. It also includes The Havoc RS440 ZERO crossbow is

from BearX features an incredibly nar- Benchmark Fire Control technology based on a new ultra-light, two-piece

row axle-to-axle measurement of 8 ⅛ with a 3.3-pound match grade trigger, TEC-TACTICAL stock tweaked to accom-

inches wide when cocked and 12 ⁄1 16 Easy-Load bolt retention arm and the modate the Garmin optic. It includes

inches un-cocked. The Impact propels ability to safely de-cock with the push of a built-in pistol grip range button and

bolts up to 415 fps with a 180-pound a button. The SUB-1 LITE measures 10.5- custom pocket below the trigger box to

draw weight. The new detachable silent by-30.25 inches, weighs only 6.9 pounds hold the scope’s trigger cable and pre-

cocking crank also can be used to de- and includes a 13.75-inch power stroke vent snagging. The tactical-style butt-

cock the crossbow thanks to an anti-re- generating 335 fps with a 350-grain bolt. stock allows 1 inch of length-of-pull

verse mechanism that stops the crank Both include 80 percent let-off cam adjustments, the elevated cheek-piece

should it be released. The crossbow is systems designed to unleash controlled providing perfect eye-to-optic align-

based on a compact bullpup design that acceleration. The let-off also allows for ment. A hollow pocket houses the safe,

includes adjustable length-of-pull and easy cocking and de-cocking. Both share silent ACUslide cocking and de-cocking

an ergonomic pistol grip. The forked the SUB-1’s AR-inspired stock, which system. The patented reverse-draw sys-

cocking stirrup folds to double as a is fully adjustable for fit—including tem creates a 13.5-inch power stroke for

steadying bipod, and the overall frame six different length-of-pull positions added speed with less draw weight, plus

is rigid and vibration free. The ready- and 1.25 inches of comb adjustment. quieter shooting and the center-mount-

to-hunt crossbow package comes with The cheek piece is also ambidextrous. ed riser provides improved balance.

three BearX TrueX bolts, an illuminat- The ergonomic, rubber over-molded TenPoint’s two-stage, zero-creep S1 trig-

ed scope, four-arrow quiver, shoulder AR-style pistol grip is interchangeable ger includes an advanced roller-sear

sling and rail lube/string wax. The Im- with any aftermarket, non-beavertail system allowing crisp, 3.5-pound pulls.

pact is cloaked with TrueTimber Strata AR grip. Both prove quiet and recoil free A DFI (Dry-Fire-Inhibitor) is included,

or Veil Stoke camouflage patterns. The and are covered by a lifetime warran- fitted with a bolt-retention brush to

compact and maneuverable platform tee. Mission Crossbows now offers Real- improve arrow grip and alignment

delivers hard-hitting performance and tree EDGE finishes. Learn more by visit- and reduce noise and vibration. An

exceptional accuracy, and includes an ing missioncrossbows.com. integrated string stop system further

anti-dry fire mechanism that prevents reduces noise and vibration. The Veil
Alpine camo-cloaked crossbows ship
TenPoint Crossbowsfiring the crossbow without a bolt in

place. The Impact includes an MSRP TenPoint and Garmin partnered to cre- assembled in a Ready-To-Hunt package

of $1,099.99. Learn more by visiting ate a more accurate long-range cross- with ACUslide cocking and de-cocking

beararchery.com/bear-x. bow package—the 2021 Havoc RS440 system, Garmin XERO X1i Rangefinding



50 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2021