www.insidearchery.com MARCH 2024 ®
4 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 24 44 40 80 26 82 58 42 INSIDE ARCHERY (Volume 27, #2) 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. INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 | VOLUME 27 | NUMBER 2 26 80 60 42 82 People Power of Participation ■ Marty Cecil | B3 Archery ■ Justus Leimbach | Allen Company ■ Jared Bloomgren | Kryptek ■ Luke Guest | Hunters’ Hollow ■ Robin Parks | Hot Shot Archery ■ Neil Kucich | Pro Line Archery Lanes APA Innovations Pushing the Limits By Michaelean Pike Market Trends Bow Report Hoyt Carbon RX-8 Gear Report Victory Archery RIP XV Standout Flagship Hunting Bows 2024 has a lot to offer new-bow buyers! By Patrick Meitin The Importance of Feather Fletching in Modern Archery By Patrick Meitin Gear Report BIGshot Digital Archery Range with Delta McKenzie ASA Targets Hottest Consumer Picks for 2024 Top products that spark the most interest at the beginning of 2024 By Inside Archery Staff
6 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 50 12 8 10 98 60 14 20 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 | VOLUME 27 | NUMBER 2 82 ■ Bow / Crossbow / Gear Report WebXtras ■ insidearchery.com online exclusives ■ Weekly newsfeed of archery news from around the industry We are a new and improved resource for archery news, new gear and more, launching every Friday online and as an E-newsletter. ■ Visit archerynewsfeed.com and contact stephen@insidearchery.com to have content included in Archery Newsfeed. ■ Subscribe to recieve Archery Newsfeed at insidearchery.com/enews. Learning Basic Home Bow Setup Skills Gives You Independence Obsession Bows & Kevin Strother Join Forces To Create 3 New 2024 Bows Understanding the Anatomy of an Effective Turkey Broadhead Spring Black Bear Hunting Primer— DIY to Fully Guided 14 40 24 Inside the Industry Inside Track Serving the Target Crowd Your ATA Insights Think Small Industry News The latest on news, events, and people in the archery industry Inside Retailing AJ’s Archery ATA Action That’s a Wrap on the 2024 ATA Show 2024 ATA Trade Show Review A visual recap of the annual gathering of the industry Industry 5Q Five Questions with Louis Butkovich from Stealth Outdoors insidearchery.com
8 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 Serving the Target Crowd epending on location, March is either a dreary wrap-up to winter or the first greening days of spring. Where I live in Idaho March is just another gloomy month tacked to the end of winter, including bitter cold and heavy snow. When I lived in southern New Mexico March was full of sunshine and welcomed warmth. In more wintery environments indoor leagues break up the doldrums and keep archers engaged—even if they’d rather be outside engaging in something as simple as stump shooting. In more temperate climates March can signal the start of 3-D season, including weekends of camping and competitive shooting. Many bow shops, even those with extensive indoor shooting lanes, fail to take full advantage of the spring target season. There are certainly exceptions, but many shops, including my local pro shop, are predominately bowhunting-centric. Even when ample space and shooting lanes are available, organizing a league might seem unnecessarily complicated— advertising league times/dates, printing scorecards and lining up prizes, buying and hanging engaging targets, staying late one evening a week to keep an eye on everyone to ensure safety and tally scores… I get that. But recalling local league nights while attending Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas, brings back fond memories. Leagues were more social gatherings than serious competition, though there were prizes involved (gift certificates, or overstocked/dated store goods). The entry fee was nominal, maybe $7 a night, but multiplied by 30 or 40 shooters, overhead was more than covered. More importantly was the fact that by spending time in that shop I invariably spent money on impulse buys of archery wares that might catch my eye. Shooting that much also introduced tech issues, such as worn serving, misbehaving peeps, and so forth that generated service work. The annual spring 3-D season offers another potential boost to annual sales when hunting gear isn’t moving well. While many archers use spring 3-D shooting to dust off their preferred hunting equipment, there is also an entire cadre of shooters who take this stuff pretty seriously, adopting 3-D-specific rigs assembled for greater precision. This might include target-specific bows, longer stabilizers, precision mover sights and target arrow rests, in addition to arrows and specialty points designed with the unique demands of target archery in mind. Some of this might constitute special-order goods, but the demand certainly exists. Remember, too, there will always be certain archers who have no interest in bowhunting, instead seeking the relaxation and challenge of shooting target recurves or compounds. Creating a welcoming atmosphere for these non-hunting paper-punchers is always good for business and an easy way to expand sales outside your normal parameters. When space is available, creating an outdoor range on your grounds is also something to consider. While bowhunting undoubtedly constitutes a larger portion of your annual shop sales, tapping into the target market is a great way to boost revenues during the slow days of spring and cultivate an entirely different customer base. Patrick Meitin, Executive Editor D INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE TRACK Inside Archery® is a publication of Apollo Creative Inc Printed in the USA. Publisher Apollo Creative Inc Executive Editor Patrick Meitin • patrick@insidearchery.com Associate Editor Michaelean Pike • michaelean@insidearchery.com Contributors Cassie Gasaway | Michaelean Pike | Kurt Smith Sales & Marketing Director Stephen Mack • stephen@insidearchery.com (814) 341-9313 Design & Production ER Graphics / Ed Rother • erother@mac.com Graphic Designer Tara Bondar Social Media Manager Jason Ashe Video Editor Marc Balistreri Account Manager Pam Ludlam • pam@insidearchery.com 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 customerservice@d3data.net 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 © 2024 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 magazine 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. No 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.
10 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 Think Small hat’s the next big thing? Let’s be honest, most of us have no idea. If you told me a few years ago that insulated Stanley cups would be the next major trend among young females, I probably would have doubted you. But here we are, and now I’m the dad whose 10-year-old daughter is telling me why her new Stanley cup is cool, but my thermos manufactured by the same company 30 years ago is not. The same thing happens in any industry, including ours. The “big thing” one year will hang around for a while and provide some great revenue for those who strike while the iron is hot. But trends like this are usually fleeting, and while the bump in sales might be big, it is usually not sustainable. So, is it worth your time trying to predict what will come next? Or should your business planning sessions focus on those smaller gains that will provide a more modest, yet steadier boost to your customer base and your bottom line? If you can’t already tell, I vote for the latter. Here is why: Maintain Your Identity ■ Trends in the archery industry can be polarizing. Just look at the heavy arrow, high F.O.C. debate. There are notable names on both sides of this topic, and everyone is entitled to their opinion on the matter. There is no doubt that moving your inventory selection to some of these smaller and pricier brands could allow you to capitalize on much-higher-ticket arrow sales, but it could also start to make your customers question whether you truly believe in the product or are just trying to make an extra buck. Try to maintain the identity of your INSIDE THE INDUSTRY YOUR ATA INSIGHTS W BY KURT SMITH, COURTESY OF THE ATA business by adding some options that fit the needs of all customers, but remain confident in the advice and recommendations you offer. This shows customers that you are in tune with current trends, but also steadfast in what you believe in and fully committed to giving them the best possible service. Leave Room for the Unexpected ■ The only thing that remains the same is change. When planning out your year, don’t be afraid to leave room in your budget and your schedule to capitalize on a major trend. It could be something like we have seen in the past with archery getting the spotlight in popular culture, or even a new broadhead that gets a serious marketing push. If there is no room in your plans for the unforeseen you might have to risk a major shakeup in your store’s offerings and hope that it works out. Conversely, leaving that little bit of room means you can bring in some new product and see how it sells or add a few events to your calendar and gauge the response. You may not see as significant of an impact as going “all in,” but you have less risk of a big bust as well. Add More Customers ■ There seems to be a misconception that a business must either cater to its existing customer base or try to attract new groups of customers. Perhaps this is rooted in the idea that appealing to a new audience could mean making big changes, like taking down the deer mounts, bringing in a bunch of blue and pink recurve bows, and hosting pizza parties every Friday night. But that’s not what it’s all about. In what small ways can you appeal to a new customer group? You could add a small selection of a new product category like traditional bows or camping gear. Another way is just changing how you market your business. Instead of talking about how everyone knows you do quality work, start talking about details and what makes your service stand out. Do you spend more time with customers? Are you more highly trained? Do you have superior tuning equipment? New customers don’t know any of this, but you also won’t alienate any existing customers who are already loyal patrons. Big gains often come from many smaller ones. In 2024, avoid the all-ornothing approach to business growth. Identify some small changes that will make positive impacts. Look at industry trends and start communicating with your customers about how you are on board while still maintaining your identity and reputation. Create a thoughtful plan for the year that allows for flexibility. Seek some further education like a manufacturer training or the ATA Bow Technician Certification that you can then use to market to new audiences. Whatever you focus on, remember that thinking small can yield big results. Looking for ways to better your business in 2024? We’d love to see how we can help. Just contact me at kurtsmith@ archerytrade.org or you can visit us at archerytrade.org. IA
12 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 Pope & Young Club Supports the National Bowhunter Education Foundation The Pope & Young Club has sponsored the National Bowhunter Education Foundation’s (NBEF) Today’s 3-in-1 Responsibility Guide Booklet for Hunters. This helpful guide provides timely information about treestand usage, big-game shot placement, and recovery. Written for hunting with a bow or firearm, the hunting safety and ethics information applies to beginners as well as experienced hunters. The handy size allows it to fit inside a pocket or pack so it can be used in the field. The booklet is available for $5, with quantity pricing available. “NBEF appreciates the support from the Pope & Young INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY NEWS Club. It is a highly engaged group of experienced bowhunters who contribute so much to the sport. The members often help grow the sport by working with beginners and many become bowhunter ed instructors,” said NBEF Executive Director Marilyn Bentz. “Promoting bowhunting and protecting the future of the sport is important to both of our organizations so we’re happy to support NBEF’s educational efforts,” said Pope & Young Club Executive Director Justin Spring. NBEF offers bowhunting instructional items, books, videos, 3-D models, apparel, and more at nbef.org. The National Bowhunter Education Foundation offers instructional content and tools for bowhunter education classes in the U.S. Helping bowhunters become safe and successful hunters and stewards of the sport are important NBEF missions. NBEF provides the bowhunter certification standards and class content that some states and certain circumstances require in order to bowhunt. NBEF provides instructor training and certification. NBEF oversees the International Bowhunter Education Program and works with the International Hunter Education Association and state agencies to coordinate a unified program. States may have additional requirements. Europe and other countries accept the NBEF (IBEP) certification and conduct classes. NBEF also oversees the International Crossbow Education Program and works with state Voters in the 2024 Archery Trade Association Board of Directors election retained two current members and installed one newly-elected Board member. Joel Maxfield, brand ambassador for Mathews Inc.; Justin Gorman, CEO for Kinsey’s Inc.; and Jason Harris, director of marketing and product management at Primos/Vista Outdoor Inc. were all elected by their peers during the recent election ending February 29. “ATA’s Board members are committed and well suited to advance the organization’s goals and mission,” said Jeff Poole, ATA’s president and CEO. “They are a talented group with the knowledge, experience and passion to lead our industry.” Mathews Archery and Kinsey’s Inc. will continue to hold their seats on the Board, with Primos/Vista Outdoor Inc. set to join. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve another term as a Board member,” Maxfield said. “With a firm commitment to our mission, I’m excited to continue the journey of driving positive change, fostering collaboration, and ensuring our organization’s sustained success. Thank you for the ongoing confidence and support.” “As a re-elected Board member, I’m humbled by the continued support and trust of our community,” Gorman said. “This renewed mandate fuels my passion to further contribute to the growth and prosperity of our organization. Together, we will build on past achievements and navigate the future challenges that lie ahead.” Newly-elected Harris is excited to advance the ATA’s mission by serving on the Board. “I’m honored to be elected by my friends and colleagues to serve the ATA as the newest Board member,” Harris said. “Archery and hunting have been my life-long passion and I’m committed to serving the Archery Trade Association to execute toward the vision and success of our organization.” The four-year term for Maxfield, Gorman and Harris will begin April 1, 2024, and end March 31, 2028. They will join Poole, the ATA’s senior leadership and the current Board members at the 2024 ATA Board of Directors’ meeting held in Indianapolis, April 14-16. Departing the ATA Board are Jeff Adee of Headhunter Bow Strings and Mark Copeland of Jay’s Sporting Goods. Jeff Greer from Music City Archery will replace Copeland on the Board as the Retail Council representative. “Jeff and Mark have been instrumental leaders on the ATA Board for many years, tackling and resolving numerous issues,” Poole said. “The ATA is grateful for their service and contributions and know their direction and guidance will leave a lasting impression on our industry.” | PLEASE CONTACT JENNIFER MAZUR, ATA’S SENIOR DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH AND EDUCATION, AT JENNIFERMAZUR@ARCHERYTRADE.ORG WITH ANY QUESTIONS. ATA Announces New Board Members
MARCH 2024 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 13 agencies responsible for crossbow education to develop comprehensive online crossbow safety courses that teach students important laws and regulations, game identification, and safe, responsible handling of crossbow equipment. NBEF is a 501(c)3 corporation that isn’t a membership-based organization. Taxdeductible donations to support this non-profit are welcome. | LEARN MORE AT NBEF.ORG. USA Archery Receives Multiple Grants to Kick Off 2024 Outreach Efforts USA Archery (USAA) has received two Multistate Conservation Grants for 2024, allowing for greater support of collegiate programs and helping grow the sport among those from underrepresented populations. These generous grants, courtesy of The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, follow the incredible success of last year’s Multistate Conservation Grant for the Archery is For Everyone! national awareness campaign with Marvel Entertainment, LLC. 2024 Grants: ■ Collegiate archery programs to recruit and retain 18-24 year-olds. ■ Grow diversity among archery instructors nationwide to increase participation from under-represented populations. ■ For collegiate, USAA will recruit 10 new colleges, and through the grant program provide the programming, equipment, and instructor certification necessary to start a successful Collegiate Archery Program. If you are a collegiate archer, coach, or involved in archery at your community level and know of a college interested in adding an archery program, contact collegearchery@usarchery.org for more information. In addition, USA Archery has received funding to certify and train 30 instructors located in urban and suburban areas, who will also receive program materials and equipment to help support the start-up of a new Explore Archery Program and/or USAA club. Mary Emmons, USA Archery Chief of Sport Performance and Operations, commented: “USAA is grateful to The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for these grants, which allow USAA to establish new partners, certify new instructors and expand opportunities for youth and collegiate participation nationwide. “Collegiate archery is a key component in the recruitment and retention of 18-24 year-old athletes beyond their time in college.” USA Archery is the National Governing Body for the Olympic sport of archery in the United States. USA Archery selects and trains Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship, and World Cup teams, and develops archery at the grassroots level across the United States. | FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.USARCHERY.ORG. Tethrd LLC Welcomes Dan Chumbler as New CEO Tethrd LLC, a leader in the ultralight saddle hunting equipment industry, proudly announces the appointment of Dan Chumbler as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chumbler has a robust background with iconic outdoor lifestyle brands like Callaway Golf, Polaris, and MeatEater, where he was most recently CEO. He brings extensive experience and strategic vision to Tethrd and is poised to lead the company into its next phase of growth and innovation. Dan’s track record in leading teams to drive outsized growth aligns with Tethrd’s commitment to play an even bigger role in making hunters everywhere more successful in the field. “I am thrilled to join Tethrd at such an exciting time in their young history,” said Chumbler. “Tethrd’s dedication to leading through innovation is in a class by itself, and I look forward to working closely with the extremely talented team to drive continued success and deliver unparalleled value to our customers.” “We are delighted to welcome Dan Chumbler as our new CEO,” said Ernie Power, Co-Founder at Tethrd. “Dan’s leadership, coupled with his deep industry knowledge, will be instrumental in advancing Tethrd’s strategic objectives and fostering long-term sustainability.” “Tethrd is about to explode,” said Greg Godfrey, Co-Founder at Tethrd. “With Dan’s experience, leadership, and vision, Tethrd will continue to innovate the best hunting gear on the planet. Besides, Dan has been hunting from a Tethrd saddle for the last four years! He understands saddle hunters, because he’s one of us.” Chumbler’s appointment comes as Tethrd continues to charge forward as a leader in ultralight elevated hunting gear market, leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to address the evolving needs of hunters around the world. | FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TETHRD LLC AND ITS INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS, PLEASE VISIT TETHRDNATION.COM. IA
Kinsey’s is the leading distributor to the archery and outdoors industry. Carrying items from your favorite brands, in-stock and ready-to-ship, the well-established company offers domestic and international retailers a wide array of products and services. Kinsey’s also owns innovative consumer brands including Alpine Archery, BlackHeart, Fin-Finder, Elevation, and October Mountain Products. For more information, please visit KinseysInc.com Presented by INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE RETAILING 14 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 Continued Success During Challenging Financial Times Inside Archery: How has the current economic downturn affected your business and in what specific ways? Laubscher: Sales have steadily declined since the peak a couple of years ago. Customers had more cash to spend, and the desire to participate in outdoor activities during the pandemic. Service work continues to be strong, as customers are extending the life of their older equipment. Firearm transfers are up as customers are finding deeply discounted products online. Inside Archery: What approaches have you taken to maintain profit margins and keep customers interested in continuing to visit your shop? Laubscher: Having products available and the ability to deliver a completed setup immediately is important to a family firearms business in 1980, then headquartered in Morrisville, New York. The shop was relocated to Cazenovia, New York, in 1992 and added archery products in 2000. Initially, AJ’s Archery purchased its inventory from archery distributors, but as sales increased, they joined ATA. They attended their first ATA Show in Nashville. It was at that show that they met the owner of Delta Targets and PSE Archery and began placing dealer orders with both of those companies. Not long after the ATA Show, owner John Laubscher’s sons John and Adam attended the retail business shooting and super-tuning school offered by PSE, then taught by George Chapman. At that time PSE had a pro-shop and indoor range located in French Lick, Indiana. Within the next couple of years, AJ’s Archery also became dealers for Mathews, Bowtech, and Hoyt, and soon joined the ARRO buying group. In 2005 John’s daughter Allison helped to make the shop a fulltime business. As the firearms business grew, an addition was added in 2016 to the original building built in 1995. ■ Headquarters: Cazenovia, NY ■ Owner: John Laubscher ■ Years in Business: 43 years firearms, 24 years archery ■ Square footage, store floor: 1,300 ■ Square footage, shooting lanes: 250 ■ Total business square footage: 2,520 ■ Staffing: Full-time: 1; Part-time: 4 ■ Bow Lines: Bowtech, Hoyt, Mathews and Mission Archery; OMP and PSE Archery recurves, plus special order ■ Arrow Lines: Carbon Express, Gold Tip, and Victory Archery (three private label arrows) ■ Crossbow Lines: Mission Archery, Ravin, and Xpedition, plus special order ■ Inside Numbers: Estimated annual revenues: $1,300,000. Percentage (estimate) of store’s revenue generated by bowhunting: 33%; by target and recreational archery: 5%. ■ Store History: AJ’s Archery began as Store Profile Retailing Q & A AJ's Archery AJ's Archery is located in Cazenovia, New York, and occupies 2,500 square foot, including 250 square feet of shooting lanes. AJ's Archery's owner John Laubscher enjoys some vacation time with his wife Anne in Alaska. Continued on Page 16
INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE RETAILING 16 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 many customers. We carry products that are innovative and pro shop exclusive, while also keeping all the accessories, colors, and camo patterns in stock. We also hired a PT professional merchandiser to clean up and display more products, change up displays, and move products to keep customers interested. Back-office operations were streamlined, and we started more closely tracking replacement costs, updating MSRPs, and simplifying and streamlining bookkeeping and receiving. We also installed A/P software updates, reviewed merchant services expenses, weighing the benefits of charging the customer with the CC fees. We strive to pay everything on the best terms, sometimes saving 8 percent. Service fees and hourly rates were also reviewed, as inflation increased our overhead. We also occasionally email customers with pending changes in firearms laws, and we added category-specific excise taxes and the like. This gives the customer the information needed to decide when to purchase. Inside Archery: Have you found your Like most highly successful archery pro shops, AJ's Archery has made its mark by providing unsurpassed customer service. The owners of AJ's Archery started business selling firearms, but expanded into archery in 2000 to better serve area sportsmen. customers have changed their buying habits to make ends meet, and how has this affected your buying and stocking decisions? Laubscher: Some customers’ shopping habits have changed. Fewer customers are coming to the shop and more are looking and waiting to purchase. Service work is steady, and we are servicing a lot of older equipment as customers hold onto their equipment longer. Inside Archery: What specific product models have helped fill the gaps for customers looking for more affordable options to continue their archery and bowhunting passions? Laubscher: We are not seeing many customers willing to “downgrade” their expectations. Most customers have an idea of what they want to purchase. On occasion, a customer will accept a less expensive option, and they generally buy their bows with fewer accessories. During the off-season there is the opportunity for layaway, allowing customers a few months to pay off a bow, too. Inside Archery: How has the sale of alternative product categories such as crossbows, firearms or other outdoor activities helped keep your business operating in the black? Laubscher: When it comes to keeping the business profitable you need to diversify. Adding a variety of crossbows helps maintain archery sales, but crossbows are seasonal and often replace a Continued on Page 18 Continued from Page 14
18 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE RETAILING vertical-bow sale. Firearms, optics, and ammunition provide year-round sales and definitely help the bottom line. Inside Archery: How do distributors such as Kinsey’s help independent shop owners turn a profit when economic factors slow annual sales? Laubscher: Distributors are a great source for products that you don’t need to stock. When cash flow is minimal, net 30 terms with the distributor allow you to receive and sell products before you pay. This works especially well when the customer is willing to wait a few days to pick up their bow package. It’s important to collect a deposit on all sales orders and special orders. Inside Archery: What other advice can you offer to help shop owners weather the current economy? Laubscher: Check the replacement cost and MSRP on inventory and adjust as necessary. Hold a sale, discount, and sell off older inventory and pay down/off business debt. Keep enough bows and accessories in stock to allow immediate sale and delivery of bow packages. Communicate with your customers, reminding them of the product lines and services provided. Reduce operating costs where possible, lower thermostats during off hours, employ LED lighting, review insurance coverage, and pay vendors on the best terms possible to get the biggest discounts. Analyze all expense categories and streamline where possible. IA AJ's Archery's primary bow lines are Mathews/Mission Archery, Bowtech and Hoyt (plus OMP and PSE traditional bows), but they can special order any brand a customer requests. AJ's Archery is a full service archery pro shop, employing top-notch, certified bow technicians their customers have come to trust. AJ's Archery is a family-owned business that not only serves the archery community, but sells a wide selection of firearms. Continued from Page 16
20 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 That’s a Wrap on the 2024 ATA Show INSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTION ARCHERY TRADE ASSOCIATION archerytrade.org T housands of archery and bowhunting members from across the world gathered in St. Louis for the industry’s largest event of the year, the ATA Show. The ATA Show’s first trip to St. Louis kicked off 2024 by connecting the archery industry with exhibitors reporting strong order writing and retailers getting their first look at more than 150 newly launched products. Additionally, this year’s event attracted more than 100 archery retailers to their first ATA Show. Jeff Poole, ATA’s president and CEO, said, “The ATA Show continues to be the best place to see new products, connect face-to-face, and conduct business with archery professionals from around the globe. We’ve heard great things about the Show location, atmosphere, and buying opportunities.” Overall, both exhibitors and retailers were satisfied with the 2024 ATA Show. “The ATA Show is the place to meet people, make friends, and build relationships,” said David Merrill, owner of Bow Spider in Riverton, Wyoming. “I’ve reached a lot of clients I haven’t in the past by being here in St. Louis. It’s good to get in front of fresh eyeballs, write orders, and sell products, but it’s interactions with the smallest dealer to the biggest industry influencer that make the ATA Show irreplaceable.” Phil Kepple, owner of 4 Arrows Archery in Weedsport, New York, had a BY CASSIE GASAWAY, COURTESY OF THE ATA Continued on Page 22 Attendees were impressed with the turnout, venue, and more than 150 new products released at the Show. PHOTO © ATA. Attendees got to see and test new products that were launched at the 2024 ATA Show, including bows and crossbows by Obsession Bows, Excalibur, and others. PHOTO © ATA. UNITING THE INDUSTRY
22 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 similar reaction to the Show from a retailer’s perspective. “It’s important to make the investment to come to the ATA Show because you get business and relationship opportunities that you wouldn’t get if you didn’t attend. I’ll say with 100 percent confidence going into my 11th year of business that I wouldn’t be in business if I wasn’t an ATA member and I didn’t attend the ATA Show.” New Products ■ Exhibitors came to impress and launched a record 156 new products at the ATA Show. Attendees had the opportunity to see, touch, and test the products released on Day 1 of the Show, including several bows and crossbows launched by Obsession Bows, Excalibur, Ballista, and more. “It’s nice to see old friends in person, but I love that I’m able to find new products and get the best deals on products here at the Show,” said Judy Adams, owner of Buffalo Jump Archery in Helena, Montana. “I hear about products, and I’ve changed my mind about them after seeing and testing them. Being in-person at the Show helps me make “Booth traffic has been steady daily,” said Scott Johnson, co-owner of Twisted Iron Hunting. “We met a lot of great people and we’ve written some really good orders, but the most important thing for us is networking. We made some fantastic contacts with different companies. I would never have some of the opportunities I’ve had without attending the ATA Show. We will absolutely attend the Show next year and from here on out.” ATA’s Award Program ■ The ATA honored Pete Shepley, founder, and leader of PSE Archery for 50-plus years, with its inaugural Industry Icon award. The ATA also awarded winners for the ATA’s Impact Awards and New Product Showcase Awards. Visit ArcheryTrade.org to read ATA’s press release on the ATA’s award winners for more details and to see the full list of award recipients. The ATA Show will return to Indianapolis for the next three years. Please plan to join us next year, January 8 through 10, 2025. IA Continued from Page 20 educated decisions on what I bring into my shop. That’s key for my business.” Networking ■ All attendees were welcomed on the Show floor all three days of the event, creating opportunities for authentic interactions. Renewing relationships and conducting business are the main priorities for retailers and manufacturers at the Show. PHOTO © ATA. The ATA proudly presented its fifth annual 2024 award winners at the ATA’s Industry Celebration event on January 11. PHOTO © ATA. INSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTION
24 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 PEOPLE Power Participation Theof 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. Luke Guest • South Africa Nyala Vice President, Hunters’ Hollow, Inc. Bow ■ Mathews Phase4 29 Arrow ■ Easton FMJ Broadhead ■ Magnus Stinger 125 Rest ■ QAD Integrate Sight ■ Montana Black Gold Release ■ Scott Archery Jared Bloomgren • South Dakota Turkey Staff, Kryptek Bow ■ PSE Mach One Broadhead ■ Slick Trick Magnum Arrow ■ Easton Hexx Sight ■ Redline Bowhunting RL-2 Rest ■ QAD HDX Release ■ Scott Archery Silverthorn Quiver ■ Redline Bowhunting Stabilizer ■ Redline Bowhunting
MARCH 2024 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 25 Robin Parks • South Africa Sable Director Customer Service & Prostaff, Hot Shot Archery Bow ■ Mathews V3X 29 Arrow ■ Gold Tip Black Label Quantum Broadhead ■ Magnus Sight ■ HHA Sports Tetra Black Hornet Ser-Razor Max Tournament Rest ■ Vapor Trail Archery Release ■ Hot Shot X-Spot Justus Leimbach • Kansas Whitetail Product Development Coordinator, Allen Company Bow ■ Hoyt RX-3 Arrow ■ Gold Tip Broadhead ■ Sevr 1.5 Airstrike/AAE Vanes Rest ■ QAD MXT Sight ■ Black Gold Pro Release ■ STAN Onnex Stabilizer ■ Cutter Stabilizers Neil Kucich • Illinois Whitetail Co-Owner, Pro Line Archery Lanes Bow ■ Hoyt RX-3 Arrow ■ A/C/C Pro Hunter Broadhead ■ NAP Killzone 100 Sight ■ AXCEL 5-Pin Release ■ Scott Archery Pursuit Rest ■ QAD Other ■ Ozonics HR250 Marty Cecil • Kentucky Whitetail Production Manager, B3 Archery Bow ■ Mathews Phase4 33 Arrow ■ Easton Sonic Sight ■ B3 Rize Hunter Match Grade/TAC Vanes Release ■ B3 Versa Broadhead ■ B3 Archery Destruct Rest ■ Hamskea Other ■ GAS Bowstrings
26 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 When APA President and founder Nibal Achkar first began designing bows, his focus was on functionality and performance, qualities the company continues to prioritize today. Along the way, Nibal and APA have gained a well-deserved reputation for pushing the limits of what a bow can do. An Early Interest Nibal was drawn to archery from an early age. “I got into archery when I was maybe nine or 10,” he said. “I built bows out of sticks. Then I went to fishing rods. I used the bottom section of a fishing rod for the bow, and then I made an arrow out of the top section. Then I got into recurve bows. Eventually, I traded a gold ring my father had given me to one of my friends for a compound bow. My father got very upset about that, but I got my compound bow. I took it to shop class and modified it to make it fit me. Then I got into hunting with bows, and I always wanted the latest technology. Every one or two years, I’d buy the best bow that was out there.” Nibal worked in the restaurant industry, but he opened a small shop in his house to service his own bow and make a little extra money servicing bows for his friends. Eventually, he took on enough work that his wife suggested he make it his full-time job. In 2002, he built a new facility to house his pro shop—Al’s Precision Archery, named after his nickname—and a large range. His children, Jamal and Jeena, practically grew up in that building. “I would bring the kids to work,” Nibal said. “Jeena actually learned to ride a bike in the range. It became natural for them to get involved in archery.” “My father started taking me out around 10 or 12 years old, and I completely fell in love with it,” said Jamal, who now serves as the company’s sales manager. “I loved the outdoors—just getting on the ATV or sitting in a treestand or fishing. Anything to do with the outdoors. I shot my first wild boar when I was 12, and it was awesome.” But just selling archery products wasn’t enough for Nibal. He had ideas for how to make products better. Six months after moving into the new facility, Nibal invented the APA Ultimate Arrow Rest, a fullcontainment arrow rest that held the arrow securely with no fletching contact. “When we invented the arrow rest, we formed a new company called APA Innovations Inc., and that became the manufacturing part of the business,” Nibal explained. “We went to the AMO Show and were in the top 10 products with the arrow rest.” That arrow rest was just the beginning. Nibal had more ideas—a lot more. And a few years later, APA Innovations launched its first bows. Game-Changing Technology “At the end of 2005, we started coming up with a new design for a bow that incorporated a handle,” Nibal said. “That was the first invention we put forward, our Carry Handle. That’s what started this company, that bridge on the front of the riser that acts as a carry handle. It strengthens the riser at the same time and makes the bow much more comfortable to transport. It’s like you’re carrying a briefcase when you’re walking with your bow.” The second new design innovation APA incorporated into its bows was the Tool Center, which includes APA Innovations Pushing the Limits By Michaelean Pike here is no mistaking an APA Innovations bow. Loaded with exclusive technologies and unique design elements, APA bows are built to stand out. T
MARCH 2024 27 INSIDEARCHERY.COM Nibal and Jamal Achkar
28 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 a broadhead wrench, nock adjustment tool, and carbide knife sharpener built right into the bow riser. “Our whole thinking was that when you’re bowhunting, you always have to carry all these things to put in your pack, and you might forget something,” Nibal explained. “We wanted to make it so you can just grab your bow and it’s a complete package. A lot of the things you need in the field are already there. We incorporated all of these technologies into the bow.” APA launched three bows in 2006, all named after snakes. “That theme fits because snakes are quiet and deadly, so we’ve stuck with it,” Nibal said. The bows were also fast. “In 2006, when we introduced the Black Mamba Xtreme, it was the fastest bow available that year at 346 fps,” Nibal said. “We’ve always targeted the highperformance part of the market. I’ve always been a speed person, so we keep branch after your shot when you go to retrieve your arrow instead of laying your bow on the ground.” Another innovation from APA is Cam Lock technology. “APA introduced the Cam Lock, one of the most important technologies on our bow, in 2010,” Jamal said. “It allows shooters to service their bow on their own in the field. You can take your string and cables off, or adjust your peep sight in a matter of seconds without any tools. I think that makes our shooters feel more secure in the product they’ve purchased, and we find it gives them a sense of pride because they’re able to do some of the work on their own.” APA also developed its own limbs. “We use a solid limb, but we came up with our own design in a solid limb,” Nibal said. “We like our Twin Flex limb for its lightweight and sleek profile. It makes it much nicer to carry your bow our bows in the upper end of the speed category.” “Our cams were always designed to ensure maximum performance,” Jamal said. “That was one of our top priorities—how much speed we can push in that arrow. In 2009, we introduced the original King Cobra. That bow set another IBO speed record at 362 fps. It was the fastest bow in the world at the time.” In total, APA has launched 18 unique technologies in the 18 years it’s been producing bows. In keeping with the snake theme, the next innovation was the Fang Riser. “The Fang Riser is like a hook on the top of the riser,” Nibal said. “It looks like snake fangs. It can hang your bow on a tree limb without having to screw in a screw step or anything, so it’s really convenient. It also keeps the bow off the ground. If you do a 3D shoot, for example, you can just hang your bow on a
MARCH 2024 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 29 when you’re walking through thick brush. Twin Flex technology allows our limb to bend in two independent sections. It stores more energy than a standard solid limb would. “Another really nice feature is our weight distribution system. You can add one-, two- or four-ounce disc weights to the bottom of the bow riser or at the top to manipulate the balance of the bow. That allows you to make the bow feel the way you want it to, and it makes the bow steadier when you aim.” “The Multi-Position Balancer is one of the most popular accessories that we offer,” Jamal said. “It’s a counterbalance stabilizer that slides onto your string dampener and allows the archer to counterbalance the weight of the sight and quiver mounted on the bow. It’s fully adjustable, front to back, and left and right. It gives you that perfect balance in your hand.” Also very popular is the company’s Micro Tune technology. “Before, our customers would have to time or synchronize their cam system with rotation on the cables—basically adding or removing a twist on your cable,” Jamal said. “This can get tedious and it’s just not convenient. Micro Tune technology allows the archer to turn a dial that will adjust the positioning of the cam and apply pressure onto the cable. That adjusts and synchronizes the bottom cam to the top cam without having to put the bow into a bow press or even use the Cam Lock. You just adjust your lock screw. It attaches right to the bow as part of the roller guard assembly. It’s a phenomenal piece of technology and one of our customer favorites for sure.” That’s not all APA bows have to offer. “We recently acquired a patent on our Integrated Bow Winch, which is a built-in bow hoist to conveniently lift your bow into the treestand,” Nibal said. “There’s a center shot indicator, and nock point alignment. We have a pin you can use to lock your cam. We made it so it has multiple purposes now. It has laser etching on it. You
remove your pin from your Tool Center and insert it where your arrow will be when you’re setting up your arrow rest. It lets you know where your center shot should be positioned on that arrow rest. If somebody’s setting up their bow, whether that’s at home or it’s a dealer at a pro shop, they don’t really need any additional tools. The bow can help you set up itself. That’s pretty cool.” For Nibal and the rest of the APA team, pushing the limits of bow design is what they enjoy most. “My favorite part of the company personally is the research and development,” Nibal said. “That’s what keeps me motivated and wanting to come to work every morning, just wanting to see how we can make bows better. We want to be unique so when you see an APA bow, it stands out from the crowd. You can recognize it from a distance. We didn’t want to make a bow that was just a copy of another brand. We wanted to find our own way of making a bow, something we’ve been able to accomplish really well throughout our journey. “Every year we introduce something new to the world. People are always waiting to see what we come up with. We love to see people’s reactions when we release the bows and they take them out to the field.” But while the team enjoys developing new technology, they never lose sight of what matters most to archers and bowhunters: functionality and performance. “It’s important to us to make a very functional product, and we keep performance up at the maximum,” Jamal said. “We want to build the best backcountry bow that can be purchased on the market today.” “Functionality is where we really shine,” Nibal agreed. “Not only do our bows look different, they can do so many things for you that no other bow can do. They’re designed to make your life easier in the field.” As hardcore bowhunters themselves, that’s important to Nibal and Jamal. “Our customers feel a sense of inde30 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 Continued on Page 32
32 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 also to create an ultra-lightweight bow. “We spent a lot of time testing how light we could possibly make this bow yet have it be strong enough to handle higher draw weights,” Nibal said. “When you pick up the Black Mamba Pro and hold it in front of you, it feels like it should be heavier than it is. A lot of people are surprised when they first hold it. We made sure we kept a sleek profile, and we added all this new technology to it so you can put the integrated arrow rest on it, you can mount different types of quivers…There’s almost nothing that bow can’t do.” “It’s the ultimate bow if you’re looking for every piece of equipment that APA has to offer,” Jamal said. The Black Mamba Pro is loaded with thoughtful APA innovations, starting with Pro-Connect technology. “Our Pro-Connect technology is all about pushing the limits a little further in terms of what that bow can do,” Jamal said. “The first piece of technology on the Black Mamba Pro is the Pro-Connect Sight Mount. This allows the archer to mount a dovetail sight almost flush with the riser to create a slimmer profile and bring everything closer to the center of the bow. It helps with the balance. The riser can accommodate most OEM dovetails, so many dovetail sights are compatible with your APA bow. “Another feature—and one of my favorites—is the Pro-Connect Stabilizer Mount. This allows the archer to quickly disconnect and reconnect their stabilizer. You no longer have to completely remove and unthread the stabilizer from the riser. You just give it a half turn and pendence when they purchase our product,” Jamal said. “They don’t have to rely on taking it into a shop to do a simple task. You’re more than capable of doing what you need to do in the field. When you’re on a major hunt—flying to Africa or a two-week backcountry hunt—you don’t want to have a breakdown where something small stops you from enjoying your hunt.” A 2024 Standout For 2024, APA launched the Black Mamba Pro, a bow that has quickly become the company’s hottest seller. “We really wanted to put in the extra effort this year to take our product to the next level,” Nibal said. “We wanted to target the most demanding archer, and I think we achieved that with this bow. I would say the Black Mamba Pro is the most technically armed bow that we’ve ever built. We wanted to accommodate the most serious, most seasoned archers—that’s the kind of person who’s going to most appreciate a bow like this.” One of the company’s goals for 2024 was Continued from Page 30 Continued on Page 34
it releases the stabilizer from the riser, and a half twist locks it back into place.” “That allows you to use any stabilizer you prefer,” Nibal added. “You don’t have to buy a specific stabilizer to make it work with this bow.” “Finally, there’s the Pro-Connect Bow Sling,” Jamal said. “Carrying the bow by the handle is great, but there are some times when you just have too much to carry and you need to free up your hands. This is a sling that can be attached right to the riser. It locks right into the side of the riser using a push-button. You can throw the sling over your shoulder, and it’s another way to carry the bow without even using your hands.” “We’re always pushing to build the ultimate backcountry bow,” Nibal said. “That is our main focus, and we feel for 2024 the Black Mamba Pro is king.” “It’s a work of art, in my opinion,” added Jamal. “There’s nothing like it. The Black Mamba Pro definitely is a game-changer this year. There’s technology on that bow that has never been done before.” Stellar Customer Service APA doesn’t just pride itself on its bow design. The company also strives to offer top-notch customer service. “We’ve always been known for our customer service,” Jamal said. “It’s something we prioritize. When a bow comes in to be serviced, we try to keep a really quick turnaround time, a 24-hour turnaround time. If someone has a problem, we want to address it as quickly as possible. We’re very accommodating, and we’re extremely fast to ensure a quick turnaround. That’s something that we’ve really worked hard to maintain throughout the years.” “I want our customers to know if they have any questions or they have any issues, they’re going to be looked after,” Nibal said. “Sometimes a customer won’t have someone nearby who can help them set up their bow, so we need to make that extra effort from here to walk them step by step through what they need to do.” 34 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 Continued from Page 32 Continued on Page 36
This is also true for how the company supports its dealer network. “We’re always communicating with our dealers and providing them with the fastest service possible,” Jamal said. “We understand the role of a dealer because we are a dealer ourselves. Al’s Precision Archery still exists today. We understand both sides of the equation.” “We have a dealer protection program,” Nibal said. “We want to make sure that our dealers aren’t having to compete with another dealer across the road. It helps everyone in the end.” APA Today…and in the Future Today, APA remains a family-owned and operated business. Nibal’s wife, Caty, handles the company’s marketing/social media, while his daughter, Jeena, works in sales. The family dynamic has played a major role in the company’s success. “Working with your family, you’re more familiar with who you’re working 36 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 Continued from Page 34 Continued on Page 38
with,” Nibal said. “It makes it easier to understand their personality, how everyone thinks. When you say something, they know where it’s coming from and what you mean. It works really well to carry the legacy moving forward because they’ve been there from the beginning.” “With family, everyone treats the company like it’s their child,” Jamal added. “You care so much about it. It’s what you live for. It’s what you want to do.” In addition to the family, the company has several other long-term employees who have helped it grow into what it is today, like Paul Gutek, Shane Copithorne, Cory Skinner, Terry Masikewich, Rick Malyk, Brian Worsley, Matthew Tavanetz, and Randy Rathy. “All of our staff contribute a lot to our company, and we’re very fortunate to have them,” Nibal said. While the company makes big strides in terms of technology, it does so in a very efficient (read: smaller) facility in Saskatchewan. “We’re outgrowing our current operation, but we make use of every square foot of this building,” Nibal said. “We’re definitely pushing it to its limits. We’re very organized. Everything has to be very neat and in its place to make it work.” The company continues to look for ways to push the limits of bow performance and functionality. “You’re going to see more innovation moving forward,” Nibal said. “You can expect new products, new innovation, and a higher level of performance.” “We’re always striving to push the limits a little further to see what can be done to further help the archer,” Jamal agreed. I asked if they ever worried about running out of ideas for new innovations. “Eight years ago, I told my father Naz I wondered if I would be able to keep coming up with new ideas,” Nibal said. “He told me not to worry, that I would come up with stuff. He’s been right so far. “I’m a hunter, so I’m always designing for what a hunter would want in the field. These things keep coming to me. I honestly can’t turn it off. I’m always thinking, ‘How can we make this better? How can we make this more practical?’ I also have a good team of people who work with me here. We hunt together. These are serious archers who are always giving me input on ways to make something work. So this happens fairly naturally for us, and we’re always developing products. We’re probably about three to five years ahead, testing, making sure we always stay on the cutting edge.” It sounds like fans of APA bows have much to look forward to. IA Continued from Page 36
40 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 MARKET TRENDS BOW REPORT As part of its quiet nature, the 2024 Carbon RX-8 by Hoyt includes streamlined Integrate rest and Picatinny sight mounting. The Hoyt Carbon RX-8 for 2024 arrives with a short lower vibration dampener, while also providing a standard stabilizer tap. The Carbon RX-8--Hoyt’s flagship bow for 2024--includes past-parallel limbs that measure 7/8-inch wide individually, and 2 7/8 inches wide as a pair for added stability. oyt launched their first Carbon Matrix bow in 2010 and the archery world has not been the same since. There had been carbon-riser bows before the Carbon Matrix, but those designs were archaic in comparison. I remember reading somewhere in the past that the Carbon Matrix riser was formed by no fewer than 42 individual pieces, fused together using a patented process, and creating one of the stoutest risers yet seen. Those inaugural Carbon Matrix bows were able to survive Hoyt’s 1,500 dry-fire testing, and everyone surely remembers the videos of those bows being run over by a full-sized pickup truck with no ill effects. Though Hoyt Carbon bows certainly cost more than those based on aluminum risers, every archer coveted one. Hoyt’s carbon riser technology provided a shooting experience like no other, free of hand shock and post-release vibrations, warm to the touch in cold weather, ultra-quiet, and, of course, impervious to rough use and harsh weather. Hoyt has also announced shorter lead times this year for their entire Carbon lineup. For 2024, Hoyt brings you the Carbon RX-8. Further Refinement ■ Those of us who had the pleasure of shooting early Carbon Matrix bows might find it difficult to believe, but Hoyt has continued to improve the company’s carbon technology. A big part of this is the all-new HBX Xact Cam. Like previous Hoyt cam systems, the HBX Xact includes a multi-module approach to ensure performance is maximized at every draw length. To that end, mods are offered to accommodate draw-length spans of 25-26, 26.25-28, and 28.25-30 inches. Draw length adjustments are also made in more precise ¼-inch increments. The HBX Xact’s draw stop can be adjusted to create an extra-hard or hard rear wall, and 75, 80, or 85 percent let-off. The test bow was shot at 85 percent on the “hard” setting. These adjustments are simple and straightforward, a single Torq screw loosened and the stop moved to the marked HX/H and 75/80/85 positions. Draw stops are marked alphabetically, but Hoyt was kind enough to adhere a “cheat sheet” to the upper left limb so users don’t have to leaf through an owner’s manual or consult a website. Compared to past Hoyt cam systems I’d call the HBX Xact just the slightest bit challenging, though this is admittedly nick-picking and does result in some impressive arrow velocities. This cam system includes what Hoyt calls an integrated Kickstand, essentially a ¾-by-3/16-inch hump milled into the upper and lower cam edges to protect the integrated WireWRX Bow Strings from wear while resting on a cam edge. Hoyt also says their engineers worked to reduce hand shock by 38.5 percent through the Carbon RX-8’s refined limb and limb pocket designs, as well as the HBX Xact Cam. I’m not sure how Hoyt engineers H BY PATRICK MEITIN measured something like that after starting from nearly zero, but I’m taking their word for it. This bow is certainly remarkably dead in the hand following release. Hoyt’s new inset VitalPoint Grip certainly helps in that regard. It is molded from a rubberized material that is supremely comfortable while offering further insulation from the riser in the coldest temperatures. Hoyt says it is made from a durable Versaflex material, while the overall VitalPoint design provides an optimized angle and thinner profile that makes consistent hand placement nearly automatic, in turn accentuating accuracy. Hoyt Carbon Silence ■ Hoyt Carbon bows are inherently quiet via their sound-deadening carbon fiber risers and past-parallel limbs, but Hoyt added a few small details that squelch any remaining shot noise that may remain. Despite the carbon-mounted, adjustable string stop, Hoyt installed new Holeshot V2 string silencers at the factory on the new-for-2024 WireWRX Bow Strings—a detail I applaud. These silencers are said to reduce string vibration by 25 percent and there is just no such thing as too quiet while bowhunting. They also likely serve as part of the speed-button system. Unlike many string silencer options, they appear durable and made to last, and certainly work as advertised. Those WireWRX strings deserve a quick second menHoyt Carbon RX-8
MARCH 2024 41 INSIDEARCHERY.COM Arrow Speed Hoyt Carbon RX-8 set at 70.0 pounds at 30.0 inches. 29-inch Arrows/ Shaft Finished Kinetic Arrow 100-Grain Tips gpi Arrow Wt. Energy Speed ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CX Triad 300 10.9 564 grains 92.7 ft. lbs. 272.0 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Easton T64 DF 7.9 tapered 528 grains 91.3 ft. lbs. 279.0 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Bloodsport Evidence 300 11.7 518 grains 90.7 ft. lbs. 280.9 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Arrow Tech MT 12.2 508 grains 90.8 ft. lbs. 283.7 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Victory VAP-SS 300 9.9 473 grains 90.8 ft. lbs. 294.1 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CX Max RED SD 350 9.4 465 grains 90.6 ft. lbs. 296.2 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Black Eagle Spartan 340 9.9 453 grains 90.7 ft. lbs. 300.3 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Victory VAP 300 8.7 424 grains 90.6 ft. lbs. 310.2 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Easton Hexx 330 7.9 386 grains 90.6 ft. lbs. 325.1 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Black Eagle Carnivore 350 7.5 363 grains 90.4 ft. lbs. 334.8 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Victory RIP XV 300 7.0 355 grains 90.3 ft. lbs. 338.4 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Liberty Archery 320 5.9 292 grains 88.7 ft. lbs. 369.8 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Arrows shot from a Spot-Hogg Hooter Shooter and velocity established using a Shooting Chrony chronograph. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (801) 363-2990 OR VISIT HOYT.COM Specifications ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Axle-to-Axle Length 30 inches ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Brace Height 6.125 inches ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Mass Weight 4.0 pounds ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Let-Off 75, 80 and 85 percent ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Available Draw Lengths 25-26, 26.25-28, 28.25-30 inches ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Peak Draw Weights 40-50, 50-60, 55-65, 60-70 and 70-80 pounds ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Available Finishes Bourbon (tan), Wilderness (green), Black Out, Realtree Edge, Kuiu Verde 2.0, Gore Optifade Subalpine and Elevated II, Orgin Raptor Highland, Realtree Edge and Black Out Bone Collector, Orgin Raptor and Black Out Keep Hammering, and new Tombstone (gray). ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Dexterity Left- and right-hand ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– MSRP $1,949 screw, loosen two others, rotate the proper letter (A in my case) to the laser engraved arrow mark, reinsert the loose screw, and tighten them all down—5 minutes, tops. Let-off and wall settings, as mentioned, are also ultra-simple. The HBX Xact Cam proved the slightest bit challenging for me the first dozen shots, free of bumps and surprises but pulling robustly through much of the draw cycle. More pointed was the back wall, which provided zero room to relax at full draw, lest my arm be jerked down unexpectedly. This required some concentration and maybe 30 arrows to become fully accustomed to, but it forced me to apply proper back tension and shooting form. That aside, the RX-8 proved remarkably silent and produced zero hand shock. It also proved fast, showing a preference for the mid-to-light-weight arrows from our test lineup. The bow was equipped with a peep and string loop during testing. I look forward to hunting with the Carbon RX-8, as it certainly stacked arrows tightly once I familiarized myself with its unique demands. I really like how it sat in the hand naturally with no manipulation required. Like past Hoyts I’ve shot, the RX-8 is a serious hunting bow. IA tion, mainly because they were engineered as part of this bow’s shooting system to provide a noticeable performance advantage over other aftermarket strings. I found the absence of limb silencers interesting, but the Carbon RX-8 holds split limbs measuring nearly 7/8-inch wide individually and a stable 2 7/8 inches wide as a pair, which provides a sure enough quiet nature. Out of the box, the Carbon RX-8 holds a stubby, vibration-dampening stabilizer just above the lower limb pocket, which also lends this bow excellent balance. The Carbon RX-8’s roller cable guard system keeps buss cables under tension to improve performance and eliminate guitar-string strumming after release. Hoyt’s In-Line accessories can also be credited with creating a quieter hunting setup. An aluminum plate is inset into the carbon riser to accommodate Integrate arrow rest models (while also providing a single side-plate mounting tap), a second aluminum plate holding a three-slot length of Picatinny rail for the newest sight models using that mounting approach, while also providing standard side-plate taps. Hunt Ready ■ Setting up the HBX Xact Cam for my 30-inch draw length was straightforward and entirely intuitive. Remove one The Hoyt Carbon RX-8 holds a roller-equipped cable guard that keeps buss cables under constant tension to eliminate post-shot vibrations. Hoyt’s HBX Xact Cam produces a long peak plateau and drops smoothly into a narrow valley, which requires applying proper back tension during the shot. WebXtra ■ To take a closer look at the new Hoyt Carbon RX-8 in action, go to insidearchery.com.
42 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 MARKET TRENDS GEAR REPORT A BY PATRICK MEITIN Victory Archery RIP XV WebXtra ■ For a closer look at this product and many others, check them out at insidearchery.com. maximizing speed, flattening trajectory, and tightening pin gaps for archers who put in the time to fine-tune both equipment and shooting form to shoot better while going longer. The 100 percent carbon fiber RIP XV is a 204 Series hunting shaft holding X/Aseries nocks. These thin shafts cheat crosswinds and maximize penetration on game. They hold industry-leading straightness tolerances, and are spine aligned and weight-matched, translating into consistent accuracy. Victory’s proprietary ICE Nano Ceramic Coating is quiet across arrow rests, makes arrows easier to extract from high-density foam targets, and aids in penetration on game. RIP XV shafts are offered in V1 Elite, V2 Sport, and V3 Gamer grades, with +/- .001-, .003- and .006-inch straightness tolerances, respectively. They are also offered in .200, .250, .300, .350, .400 and .500 spines—stiffest to lightest—.200 and .250 deflections new for 2024. So here is where the speed comes in: RIP XV weighs 9.3 grains per inch (gpi) in .200, 8.1 in .250, 7.1 in .300, 6.4 in .350, 5.9 in .400, and 5.1 gpi in .500 plethora of new arrow brands emerged after carbon took hold, but Victory has not only stuck but dominated with superior designs, materials, and technologies. Much of this hinges on Victory’s ties to Mitsubishi Chemical, leaders in carbon-fiber technology. Yet the company is also led by hard-core bowhunters who strive to create a lineup that fills every conceivable niche. When an archer has a need for serious speed, the RIP XV is the answer, without sacrificing strength or accuracy. XV equals Xtreme Velocity, the RIP XV spine. By contrast, original VAPs weigh from 11.3 gpi (.200 spine) to 6.1 gpi (.500 spine). Victory’s heaviest arrow, the VAP SS, weighs 12.5 gpi in .200 and 8.6 gpi in .400 spine; while the old Victory speed king, the RIP, weighs 9.9 gpi in .250 and 7.0 gpi in .500 spine. Generally speaking, every 25 grains of arrow weight subtracted translates into roughly 10 fps gains in arrow speed. To illustrate the speed advantage, I shot .300-spine Victory VAP SS (469 grains finished weight), VAP (430 grains), and the RIP XV (360 grains) from the same 70-pound at 30-inch Bowtech Carbon One X. At 20 yards impact difference was minimal; just inches. At 40 yards impact spreads became more definitive, the VAP hitting about 6 ¼ inches below the RIP XV, the VAP SS 10 ¼ inches lower. Unfortunately, gloomy weather did not permit establishing chronograph velocities. Victory also gives customers choices in insert systems to help meet arrow balance and performance objectives. RIP XV arrows come standard with 21-grain SHOKTM aluminum inserts. Optional alternatives include 50-grain sleeved 7075 aluminum, 75-grain sleeved stainless steel, and 60-grain shouldered stainless steel. These inserts dictate arrow speed and allow boosting F.O.C. for added forgiveness and deeper penetration on game. The feathery mass of the RIP XV allows loading up the front end and taking F.O.C. to extremes. IA
Standout Flagship Hunting Bows 2024 has a lot to offer new-bow buyers! Standout Flagship Hunting Bows 2024 has a lot to offer new-bow buyers! Standout Flagship Hunting Bows 2024 has a lot to offer new-bow buyers! By Patrick Meitin 44 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024
MARCH 2024 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 45 L ike most serious bowhunters I greedily relish the launch of each year’s new flagship bows. Some of these bow models launched as early as October, others much later, but there is enough innovation here that all deserve a fresh look. After a thorough look (including plenty of hands-on shooting and some small amount of hunting), these are the flagship models we at Inside Archery feel will create plenty of buzz and big demand for the new sales year. There is a lot of ground to cover, so without further prelude let’s jump straight in. Bear Archery • As far back as the days when Papa Bear still ran the company, Bear Archery could be counted on to engineer bows made for serious bowhunting. The 2024 Persist takes that sentiment to extremes with a bevy of bowhunter-friendly features. The 31-inch, 6.5-inch braced Persist was also made quieter and more efficient, boasting IBO arrow speeds of up to 340 fps. Bowhunting silence comes through orbital dampeners including rubber shafts extending through the riser beneath each limb pocket, KillerWave limb silencers, a carbonmounted string-stop system with enhanced dampening technology, plus a new silent arrow shelf that muffles arrow or drop-away launcher contact. The Persist follows the industry’s recent trend of a longer riser and shorter past-parallel limbs that lend this bow increased stability in the hand, while also accentuating its quiet nature. The new milled aluminum limb pockets are also a part of this. Integrate rest and Picatinny sight mounting options are also included (in addition to traditional mounting taps) and an embedded bubble level is located in the upper riser to make initial setup faster and easier. Then there are those small details that offer big convenience to serious bowhunters. These include an integrated/streamlined, set-screw-secured wrist sling, allowing stabilizer removal without upsetting the sling, and an integrated top pull-up rope tie-off loop. Both are made from stiff rope covered with Bear-logoed heat shrink. Bear’s EKO Cam allows owners to pick the settings that work best for them, including draw lengths from 25 to 30 inches (in ¼-inch increments), and let-off options of 75, 80, 85, or 90 percent—all in a single bow and without sacrificing performance at any given setting. The selfsynchronizing, three-track cam with helix center take-up eliminates full-draw torque, cam lean, and stress on the limbs, axles, and sealed bearings for easier tuning and accuracy. Further torque reduction is provided through the slim synthetic grip, 2 ¾-inchwide split limbs, and Swing-Arm Cable Management system. Go to beararchery.com to learn more. Bowtech • Bowtech eased into the carbon-riser arena more recently, the 2024 Carbon One X a further refinement of the original worth waiting for. The first impression—besides its 4.5-pound mass— is its impressive comfort, balance, and stability in the hand. This 33-inch bow is built on a lengthened Carbon One platform and 6.125-inch brace height for added forgiveness and includes an immaculately smooth draw cycle, which combines to eliminate shot vibration. Further vibration and noise reduction is provided by Orbit Dampeners and Dual Lock limb pockets, The DeadLock Cam System allows quick and simple tuning, including TimeLock technology for easy cam positioning with an Allen wrench and no press. FlipDisk Technology allows
46 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 producing comfort or performance settings and the hybrid cam system accommodates draw lengths from 25.5 to 30.5 inches in a single bow. Peak draw weights of 50, 60, or 70 pounds can be ordered, with maximum draw weights easily reduced by 10 pounds. Its IBO speed rating is a respectable 339 fps. Bowtech’s proven FLX Guard Cable Containment system reduces lateral riser torque and increases forgiveness for greater accuracy. Integrate rest mounting is integral to the riser and buyers can choose between Bowtech’s standard lowprofile Clutch Grip or Clutch Control Grip. These are some of the most comfortable modular grips made and are engineered to reduce torque while increasing comfort. The Clutch Control grip is sold as an option, and both can be purchased in four color options. Customers seeking an aluminumriser option should also check out the 4.5-pound, 33-inch CORE SR for 2024, which includes through-the-riser CenterMass sight technology, in addition to the features already detailed. Go to bowtecharchery.com to learn more. Elite Archery • Elite is offering two flagships for 2024, the Ethos and Kairos, both carrying on the company’s tradition of total shootability, but now with improved arrow velocities. The 33-inch Ethos proves both imminently shootable and quick, launching arrows at up to 340 fps IBO through a forgiving 6.75- inch brace height. The Ethos sports the company’s Precision Grip to promote repeatable hand placement and comfortable shooting. The high-performance third-generation VS Performance SP Cam allows ¼-inch draw-length adjustments between 25.5 and 31 inches, and hard- to soft-wall let-off settings from 70 to 90 percent via a sliding stop. The silky-smooth SP Cam is perfectly synchronized to optimize efficiency in every setting. Performance Mods come standard, while Smooth and 75 percent let-off mods are optional. S.E.T. (Simplified. Exact. Tuning.) makes tweaking for clean arrow flight faster and easier by altering the tension on individual limbs at the limb pocket and without the need for a bow press. The Ethos includes a wider limb stance than the 2023 models for improved stability, and the dual-caged riser was refined for faster target acquisition and full-draw steadiness. Out-of-thebox bowhunting silence is established through Delta VRT and VibeX & Vibration Reduction Technology (VRT) dampeners. The 2024 Kairos offers all of the features described above but is set up with V3 Smooth Mods to provide an easier draw cycle and a smaller SPX Cam to accommodate draw lengths from 24 to 29.5 inches. It pushes arrows to 335 fps IBO (Performance Mods can be installed to produce 340 fps IBO speeds, and 75 percent mods are also offered). The 33-inch Kairos weighs 4.5 pounds and includes a 6.5-inch brace height. Both bows are ELITE ETHOS ELITE KAIROS BOWTECH CARBON ONE X BEAR PERSIST 2024 Hunting Bows Continued on Page 48
48 INSIDE ARCHERY MARCH 2024 available in left- and right-hand options, the Ethos with peak draw weights of 40 to 75 pounds, and the Kairos with 40 to 70. Go to elitearchery.com to learn more. Mathews • Mathews can always be counted on to introduce something cleverly innovative with each New Year, and for 2024 that is the Lift series. The Lift is offered in 29.5 and 33 versions, both holding a refined riser that dramatically reduces weight and introduces markedly improved balance over past year’s models. The Lift 29.5 hits the scales at just less than 4 pounds, and the Lift 33 just slightly more. The improved Dual Bridge riser includes aggressive two-axis cutouts, including provisions for Mathews’ Integrate rest mounting and Bridge-Lock stabilizer and sight slots. This riser is an inch longer than last year’s Phase4 riser. The lower Nano 740 damper was extended for better balance and vibration control. The longer riser holds yet shorter Resistance Phase Dampening (RPD) limbs, a new top-mounted axle system maximizing limb working surface area. Further silence and vibration control are introduced through the now-familiar angled and balanced Center Pivot Roller Guard, a carbon-mounted string stop, and factory-installed MonkeyTail string silencers. Limb pockets were redesigned to be wider and more secure while retaining Mathews’ Silent Connect System. Introduced on the 2024 Lift, Mathews’ new optional Shot Sense grip includes advanced technology to provide feedback on achieving perfect shooting form. The SwitchWeight X (SWX) Cam is a further refinement of Mathews’s proven system, providing 80 or 85 percent let-off, a super-smooth draw cycle, and a solid rear wall. It also produces IBO arrow speeds of up to 340 fps. The Lift can be ordered in draw weights from 55 to 80 pounds and draw lengths from 24.5 to 30 inches in the Lift 29.5, and up to 31.5 inches on the Lift 33. The SWX was engineered to maximize performance at all settings. The Lift is available in nine solid and camo finishes, new Fade-to-Black series finishes, and in left- and right-hand options. Go to mathewsinc.com to learn more. Hoyt • Hoyt was at the cutting edge of carbon riser technology and continues to refine those bows into 2024. The 2024 Carbon RX-8 series—including the 30-inch RX-8 and 34.688-inch RX-8 Ultra—continue Hoyt’s tradition of offering carbon bows that are warmer in the hand in cold weather, nail tough, lightweight, and ultra-quiet. The 30-inch, 4-pound RX-8 includes a 342 fps IBO speed rating via a 6 1/8-inch brace height, to the 34.688-inch, 4.4-pound RX-8 Ultra’s 332 fps using a 7 1/16-inch brace. Hoyt employs three module sets to ensure top performance at any given draw-length setting, with these sets providing 25- to 26-inch, 26.25- to 28- inch, and 28.25- to 30-inch draw-length spans in the RX-8, and 27- to 28-inch, 28.25- to 30- and 30.25- to 32-inch spans in the RX-8 Ultra. Choose them in draw weight spans of 40-50, 50-60, 55-65, 60- 70, and 70-80 pounds. MATHEWS LIFT HOYT CARBON RX-8 APA BLACK MAMBA PRO 2024 Hunting Bows OBSESSION VENGANCE NT Continued from Page 46 Continued on Page 50
speeds, and design features that not only make them different but hugely bowhunting practical. The 2024 Black Mamba Pro weighs just 3.9 pounds, and provides raw speed (360 fps IBO), plus a plethora of features that give owners convenience and independence. Some of these features have become APA trademarks, like the reverse Carry Handle, Riser Fang, Tool Center, Cam Lock Technology (which doubles as a center-shot gauge), Nocking Point Alignment Zone hash marks, and Direct Mount Sling, among others. The 31.5-inch Black Mamba Pro expands on those features with three Pro-Connect Technology additions. Pro-Connect Sight Mounting involves a deep recess and mounting taps, and front- and rear-edge mid-riser dovetails that move the bulky mounting blocks of popular dovetail sights into the center of the riser. This creates a sleeker fit while also improving in-hand balance. Two Pro-Connect Stabilizer mounts (standard position and another just above the lower limb pocket) include threaded barrels and milled orifices allowing quick stabilizer detachment when casing the bow. Finally, the Pro-Connect Sling system includes milled detent-ring plug-ins to accommodate QD-style sling swivel mounts and the company’s new shoulder sling. APA’s ultra-thin Twin Flex Limbs with Torque Free Limb Anchor drop-away activation cord tie-off points are other trademark APA features, which contribute to this bow’s light weight and user convenience. That industry-leading speed is produced by a highly adjustable dualcam system with rotating draw stops and XS Tune Modules that solve the problems inherent to past dual-cam systems. The Micro Tune system also ensures the fast dual-cam system stays in sync, allowing fast and easy adjustments to buss-cable Hoyt’s smooth-drawing HBX Xact Cam includes draw length adjustments in ¼-inch increments, with X-hard and hard wall options, and 75, 80, or 85 percent let-off provided. Each cam holds an integrated “kickstand” hump to keep strings out of dirt and mud while resting on a cam edge. Hoyt calls their new VitalPoint Grip their most comfortable Hoyt grip yet, a grip molded from Versaflex material for comfort in hot or cold conditions and providing an optimized angle that promotes repeatable hand placement and improved accuracy. WireWRX Bow Strings and Holeshot V2 Silencers that reduce string vibration by 25 percent are standard equipment. Hoyt’s streamlined In-Line accessories accentuate stealth and balance with these bows. Go to hoyt.com to learn more. APA Archery • APA Archery stands for three things—light weight, blazing 2024 Hunting Bows Continued from Page 48 Continued on Page 52