Inside Archery January 2022

www.insidearchery.com

®

JANUARY 2022









INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022 | VOLUME 25 | NUMBER 1

People

32 Power of Participation
■ Brandon Reyes | T.R.U. Ball / AXCEL
■ Jared Bloomgren | Legion / Kryptek
■ Jon Seibt | White Gold Deer Feed
■ Josh Knoebel | Bass Pro / Cabela’s
■ Jerry Tepps | Pine Ridge Archery
■ Trent Kleeberger | The Outdoor Group

34 The Outdoor Group
Brands You Know, Manufacturing
You Trust & Service To Fit Your Schedule

34 By Daniel Allred

Market Trends

48 Bow Report
APA Archery King Cobra DG

50 Gear Report
Primal Treestands: The Descender
Emergency Descent Device

122 51 2022 Featured Products
A comprehensive guide for
2022’s top products in the industry
68 Gear Report
HHA Sports 2022 Tetra
4-Pin Mover Bow Sight
70 Learning from Success

112 48 A review and celebration of
Inside Archery’s 2021 cover stories
By Daniel Allred

112 Gear Report
Redline Bowhunting
RL 2 Single Pin Sight

114 Bow Report
Martin Archery LEGEND 730
Gear Report

6264 116 Steambow Fenris Bow Magazine
continued on Page 8

INSIDE ARCHERY (Volume 25, #1) ISSN #1940-3879, USPS #024-412 is published 10 times per year (Jan / Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep / Oct, Nov, Dec) by Apollo Creative Inc. PO Box 15827, Colorado Springs,
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.

6 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022



INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022 | VOLUME 25 | NUMBER 1

continued

122 Gear Report
Buck Rub Gear Magne’ Drop Arrow Rest

124 Arrows, Bolts & Lighted

Nocks That Will Sell In 2022

By Josh Honeycutt

IInnsdiudsetrtyhe

12 Inside Track
32 Happy New Year!

16 Kinsey’s Business Blueprint
116 A New Approach to 2022 Trade Show Season

52 18 Your ATA Insights
118 No Right Way
By Kurt Smith / ATA

20 Industry News
The latest on news, events and
people in the archery industry

26 ATA Action
Masterclass Preview:
What to Expect for #ATA2022

By Taylor Walston / ATA

80 Lancaster Archery Classic
Spreading archery cheer and boosting

68 business with annual archery classic
85 Archery Manufacturers
& Industry Services

A comprehensive listing of
manufacturers, organizations and
service providers in the industry.

118 Leading Archery
Manufacturer

Athens Outdoors LLC

130 Industry 5Q
Five Questions with George

80 Cummins from Buck Bourbon

8 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022



INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022 | VOLUME 25 | NUMBER 1

insidearchery.com Online Exclusives

Whitetail Lore

Post Season Scouting For
A Better 2022 Whitetail Season!

Scouting the post-season can set you up for a more
productive 2022 archery season by revealing what
you’ve been missing. Patrick Meitin reveals how
to gain insight into the evasive tactics of area
whitetail by scouting after season closer.

Turkey Tips

Winter Prep For A More Productive
Spring Turkey Season

Spring turkey season may seem like only a distant
hope right now, but there are steps you can take for
a better 2022 season. Inside Archery’s turkey guru
reveals what you can do now to ensure a more
productive turkey season come spring.

Better Shooting

Beat Target Panic—Do It Now!

Is target panic negatively effecting your bowhunting suc-
cess? The time to get a handle on this frustrating shooting
ailment is right now, during the winter offseason. Inside
Archery’s Executive Editor Patrick Meitin tells you how.

Archery Engagement

Archery Projects To Beat The Winter Doldrums

For the dedicated bowhunter, the gap between late
whitetail seasons and spring turkey and bears can
be depressing. Patrick Meitin shares some ideas for
productive winter projects to stave off boredom and
remain engaged in the archery passion.

WebXtras: Gear Reports on Primal Treestands The Descender Emergency Descent

Device, HHA Tetra 4-Pin Mover Sight, Redline RL 2 Single Pin Sight, Steambow Fenris
Bow Magazine, and Buck Rub Gear Magne’ Drop Away Rest; Bow Reports on APA
King Cobra DG and Martin Legend 730. Plus 5Q with Buck Bourbon.

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!

INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE TRACK

Happy New Year!

T his is Apollo Creative’s second New Year as the owners of Inside Archery, and
I have to say things have been going swimmingly. Like the rest of our vibrant
industry, we’ve been going at full speed, with hardly a moment to catch our
collective breaths. And just like anyone else who has remained productive during
this trying year, our country’s ongoing supply-chain issues have caused headaches,
yet solutions are formulated and the show goes on. This is largely what I’ve been
hearing from dealers and pro-shop owners across the coun-
try—sometimes you can’t get exactly what you want, but sav-
vy planning provides substitutes that keep gears well oiled.

From all appearances, as of press time, the ATA Trade Show
is still a go—something I actually look forward to each Janu-
ary. And this despite the sensationalist mainstream media
attempting to crank up public fear with “Omicron” hysteria
to attract eyeballs and clicks—a ‘rona strain the South Afri-
can physician who identified it says results in extremely mild
symptoms. And, as I have pointed out in a previous column, archery and bowhunt-
ing are largely recession-proof, somewhat insulated from the inflationary shenani-
gans our government has been up to lately. It’s always important to recall Fred Bear
launched Bear Archery in the middle of the Great Depression…

Despite the extreme inconvenience of traveling to the Midwest from the boon-
docks of the Inland Northwest, I enjoy in-person ATA Shows tremendously. More
than anything, I love seeing old friends, some of who I see only at the Show, or
infrequently at best. I look forward to spending quality time, seeing smiling faces,
sipping adult beverages and enjoying a good meal with like-minded folks. I’m also a
consummate gear junkie. Meaning I actually care about all that is new and innova-
tive in archery. I adamantly prefer getting my paws on new gear, as details mat-
ter and my eyes and hands are immensely more reliable than a hastily-assembled
press release. I want to feel the micro-adjust clicks, trigger the release, thumb the
broadhead edge, peer through the optics, spin the arrow across my fingernails, blow
the call and draw the bow.

Of course, the New Year is also about refining business plans, eliminating waste
or reoccurring mistakes, taking stock in what might actually make you better as a
business owner, industry influencer, salesperson, shooting instructor, bow tech-
nician or bowhunter. I know how ludicrous this may sound in the times we live
in. Most of us are overwhelmed by the fight to address daily in-your-face duties.
Creating time between all these responsibilities to look at the larger picture, even
momentarily, seems laughable.

Baby steps.
In the meantime, Inside Archery will redouble our efforts to be there for you in
2022, providing you with the latest news and industry insight, product discoveries,
commentary and reviews, human interest stories and business advice that makes
us the most trusted name in the archery-trade arena and the best way to get your
product in front of our passionate readers.

Patrick Meitin, Executive Editor

INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022



Publisher

Apollo Creative Inc

Executive Editor

Patrick Meitin • [email protected]

Associate Editor

Daniel Allred • [email protected]

Contributors

Kurt Smith | Taylor Walston | Josh Honeycutt

Sales & Marketing Director

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

Design & Production

ER Graphics / Ed Rother • [email protected]

Graphic Designer

Tara Bondar

Social Media Manager

Jason Ashe

Video Editor

Marc Balisteri

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 © 2022 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
or art submissions. Contributors submitting articles, photos or art
do so at their own risk. Material will not be returned without a self-
addressed 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 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-
ments published in this magazine. Readers use the information in
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.

Inside Archery®
is a publication of
Apollo Creative Inc
Printed in the USA.

INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY BUSINESS BLUEPRINT Sponsored by

TArNadeewSAhpopwroSaecahsoton2022 Kinsey’s is the leading distributor to the outdoors and
T rade show season is upon us. As archery industry. Carrying items from your favorite
much as in-person trade shows ways broaden your product selection. brands, in-stock and ready-to-ship, the company offers
are a return to normalcy and a For example, if a certain category of domestic and international retailers a wide array of
chance to see familiar faces, they also products may be hard to get during products and services. Kinsey’s also owns innovative
need to be a focal point for your busi- peak times of the season, take that consumer brands including BlackHeart, Fin-Finder,
ness. Going into trade shows with a forecast into consideration and buy Elevation and October Mountain Products.
game plan will help ensure you come now. Use the trade show as a way to
out of trade show season with the talk to other vendors and partners and For more information, please visit KinseysInc.com
tools for success in 2022. If you focus ensure you have product when you
your trade show discussions around need it. with a vendor, supplier or distribu-
navigating supply chain issues, pric- tor. When conducted tactfully you can
ing concerns, as well as vendor rela- Pricing Concerns help work through issues and con-
tionships, you’ll be starting the year cerns you’ve experienced in the past.
off on the right foot. Another concern that was presented In talking about previous issues and
to many of us in 2021 was pricing. concerns, you can collaborate and po-
Supply Chain Issues Pricing increases typically come as a tentially find new and creative ways
result of rising cost of materials, ship- to navigate the current times.
In 2021 many of us in the industry, and ping, production, labor and overall
many industries at large, faced supply operating costs. Throw in a growing Utilize trade shows like ATA and
chain and manufacturing issues. As a inflation rate and you’ve got a recipe Kinsey’s Dealer Show 2022 as the valu-
way to help navigate those waters in for price increases. Again, similar to able opportunities they are to foster
2022, you need to have that be a focal the supply chain issues, one way to new relationships, find new product
point during your trade show discus- navigate this issue is to broaden your innovations and trends within the in-
sions. You need to determine if ven- product selection. Use the trade show dustry at large. These shows are also
dors foresee any potential issues or to talk with different vendors, sup- important as they offer you a way to
concerns with their supply chain in pliers and distributors to determine secure some of the best pricing of the
the coming year. what other products they are offer- year. By focusing on networking with
ing and the prices they are offering new and existing partners during
If they do, ask if they have any sug- them for. If you can secure products trade show season, you’ll be continu-
gestions or ideas on how to avoid any at a competitive price point you’ll be ing to build the important relation-
potential delays or setbacks due to the helping your business, and your cus- ships needed in place for the coming
supply chain issues. One way to help tomers, in offering a broader product year, and years to come.
navigate any potential issues is to al- assortment. In focusing on pricing
and product assortment during trade Regardless of whether you look
show season, you’ll be setting your forward to trade show season or not,
business up with the tools for success there’s some real value that can come
in 2022. as a result of trade shows. If you have
a strategic game plan going into them,
Vendor Relationships there’s no doubt that positive things
will come as a result of your planning
What most of us think about when and preparation. If your focus during
it comes to trade show season is the this year’s trade show season is on
vendor relations and networking. This navigating supply chain, pricing con-
is a great opportunity to catch up with cerns and vendor relationships, you’ll
familiar faces in person and contin- be setting you and your business up
ue to build relationships for years to for success in 2022. IA
come. Not only is it a good time to fos-
ter good relationships, but to address
any issues or concerns you’ve had

16 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY YOUR ATA INSIGHTS

No Right Way

BY KURT SMITH, COURTESY OF THE ATA

W hat’s the right way to tune a bow? ing the strings. Archery instructors play your customers that you are throwing
Paper tune? Bare shaft? Walk a vital role in helping archers and hunt- things in their newsfeed without any real
ers overcome difficulties and achieve forethought. Bottom line: Set challenging

back? And then what? consistent results. In a remote Master- goals, but be realistic. Know what your
class recording, Guy Krueger of USA Ar- customers care about, and be authentic!

Do you move the rest? Twist a yoke? Try chery shared that although the goal of In the Aisle ■ Point of Impact Group’s Hank
another arrow? If you think about all the consistent and repeatable form is com-

ways you can get to a point where you mon among all archers, the Yacek spent a few days with

have an adequately tuned bow, it can be way in which they get there us to create video content ex-

downright overwhelming! And anyone in will likely be different for plaining how a retailer can

this industry worth their salt would likely everyone. He emphasized effectively set up their store

agree there is no single right answer to how it’s the job of the coach and display products. A recur-

how a bow should be tuned. I’ve got no to take cues from the archer ring theme throughout the

place writing an article about bow tun- so they can effectively build filming was “have a plan, and

ing… so what’s the point of all this? them up one step at a time don’t stray from it.” In other

Operating your business is no different in the unique path to their success. words, if you’re going to put bows on the

from setting up a bow. There are general rack sorted by manufacturer, don’t decide

guiding principles that influence your ac- On Social Media ■ The size of your orga- to mix brands on one part of the display.

tions, but there is no singular path to suc- nization has an impact on just how The same goes for designing the traf-

cess. In fact, those general principles have much time can be devoted to customer fic flow on your sales floor. There isn’t a

to be broken every now and then to give engagement on social media, so it could single correct method, but create a layout

a customer the best experience possible. be frustrating to think about not reach- that ensures customers are not zigzagging

What matters is not how we get there, but ing the goal of posting multiple times across the store to find products related to

whether or not there is a strategy behind per day or even multiple times per week. a single purchase. What’s more important

those efforts. As someone who isn’t particularly “so- than how you decide to organize products

As I worked with some of our Archery cial savvy,” it was refreshing to hear is that you choose methods based on mak-

Industry Masterclass presenters to create BulletProof Communications’ Michelle ing it easy for customers to navigate the

Scheuermann say store and find what they need.

that there is no A New Year is a great time to look at all

single right num- the areas of your business and take advan-

ber for postings tage of opportunities to learn and improve.

per week. But when doing so, don’t get caught in the

Her message trap of thinking there’s only one way to

for business own- get it right. Make an honest assessment of

ers and operators where you are now and where you’d like

is pretty simple: to be, and make a plan that will work with

Find what works your staff, business model and resources.

for you, and do it To help you move along in this process,

well. That might we’d love to have you be a part of our Ar-

mean creating chery Industry Masterclass to learn how

video content, I was reminded of a few three really great posts each week, or you can find your right way to grow and

areas of an archery business where lead- it could mean posting a photo once per succeed in 2022. Just log into your MyATA

ers must have a plan and stick to it while day followed by a live video each Satur- dashboard on archerytrade.org and click

remembering that there is no one “right day. What it doesn’t mean is telling your on the MyATA Learning Center to get reg-

way” that will lead to success. overworked staff they need to come up istered for the Masterclass so you can at-

with 10 posts each week just to reach tend live sessions at #ATA2022 or view all

At the Range ■ While bows themselves re- that magical number. What you’ll like- the sessions on demand after the show.

peat the same action over and over, the ly end up with is 10 terrible posts that If you have questions, contact me at
same can’t be said for the archers releas- don’t perform, and worse yet, you show [email protected]. IA

18 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY NEWS

Whitetails Unlimited Urges the Use in danger and need the hunter’s weight
of Treestand Safety Equipment to protect yourself. without breaking,

Whitetail seasons are still in full swing in Hunters need to use and the inclusion

some parts of the country. As hunters hit a Full Body Fall Ar- of a Prusik knot

the woods, Whitetails Unlimited reminds rest Harness System allows a hunter to

hunters to use the proper safety equip- (FBFAHS) that meets be connected dur-

ment. Hunting from elevated stands of all stringent industry ing ascent and de-

types creates an inherently dangerous situ- standards. Single- scent, as well as when

ation because of something that pulls on strap belts and chest sitting in the stand. The Prusik

us every day—gravity. While tripping over harnesses have prov- knot slides easily going up and

a root or rock and hitting the ground can en to be unsafe—in down, but if there is a sudden fall,

cause injury, most of these injuries are rel- fact, single strap belts the knot tightens immediately,

atively minor. However, a fall from a much often cause serious injuries or death. helping to prevent serious injury.

greater height, like a treestand, can result But just wearing a harness is not “Injuries from treestand falls are eas-

in a much more serious and life-changing enough. The second component in the ily preventable,” says Whitetails Unlim-

injury, or even death. safety system is a lifeline or safety line that ited Program Services Director Russ Austad.

The numbers are surprising: One out of attaches securely to the tree, and then con- “The tools are available and the cost is min-

three hunters who use an elevated stand nects to the hunter’s FBFAHS. This is not imal so there should be no excuse for not

will be injured. Those are not good odds. just a hunk of random rope, but an integral using the proper safety equipment.”

Any time you are above ground, you are part of the safety system. It will support Since their beginning in 1982, Whitetails

Unlimited has remained true to its mis-

Kinsey’s Dealer Show is Back Live in 2022 sion and has made great strides in the field
of conservation. Thanks to more than 475

Kinsey’s Inc. announced their annual Dealer Show, KDS22, shows. Digital platforms provided benefits when there chapters, 114,000-plus members, chapter

will be held live and in person in 2022. The event will run were no other options due to government lockdowns, volunteers and corporate sponsors, White-
for three days, from February 25 to 27, 2022, and be held at but there is no replacement for a physical show. We look tails Unlimited has earned the reputation
the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania. forward to seeing everyone this year and all the new faces of being the nation’s premier organization
since our last show!” dedicating its resources to the betterment
The industry-renowned trade show will continue to of- of the white-tailed deer and their environ-
fer dealer exclusive deals, great savings and amazing give- The Kinsey’s Dealer Show 2022 is a margin-maximiz- ment. Their mission is to raise funds in
aways throughout the show. Last year’s show attendees ing event dealers can’t afford to miss. Dealer registra- support of educational programs, wildlife
saved up to 35 percent off everyday prices. tion for the show is open from now until Friday, Febru- habitat enhancement and acquisition, and
ary 18, 2022. preservation of the shooting sports and
KDS22 offers dealers the opportunity to save on prod-
ucts, which helps to maximize their margins and contrib- Registration is restricted to dealers who have a regis-
ute to their business’s bottom line from more than 250 tered Kinsey account. New dealers can attend the show,

leading brands. Dealers also have the ability to program but must first apply by downloading the application at hunting tradition for future generations.

their show orders with industry leading ship dates, start- kinseysinc.com. To date, Whitetails Unlimited has expend-

ing with ASAP shipments through August 1, depending on For more information on KDS22, or to register for ed more than $109.9 million on program
the item category. the show today, visit their website at kinseysinc.com/ services and activities that continue to en-
dealer-show/. hance, and ultimately foster, their mission.
Attendees of KDS22 will get to experience all of the | LEARN MORE AT WHITETAILSUNLIMITED.COM.
show staples, which include the Hot Shows, Vendor and Kinsey’s continues to evolve and add more busi-
Dealer interactions, giveaways and much more. Perhaps ness facets to strengthen the outdoor retailer. The

the most exciting and memorable part of each year’s dealer ability to distribute FFL items, alongside their vast BaslaPclkatRiinfluemCoLfefveeel JCooinrpsoProaptee P&aYrtonuenrg
show is the Dealer Appreciation Night Concert. This year’s archery assortment, will offer customers the capabil-
concert will feature rising country star Jameson Rodgers. ity to utilize Kinsey’s two-warehouse network to stock Pope & Young announced that Black Rifle
their shelves with an even more versatile selection.
Last year Kinsey’s made the difficult decision to hold Carrying items from more than 500 industry-leading Coffee Company has committed to preserv-
their show virtually due to COVID-19 travel restrictions,

and the restrictions on large, in-person group events brands, in-stock and ready-to-deliver, the company ing, promoting and protecting the sport of

and gatherings. However, this year they are excited to offers domestic and international retailers a wide array bowhunting by joining Pope and Young as a

return to the live, in person dealer show format attend- of products and services, including a 1,000-page cata- Platinum level Corporate Partner.
ees know and love. log, an online ordering system, a renowned custom- “We’re excited to be entering into an

Justin Gorman, Vice President of fletching program and more. The official, formal partnership with Pope &
Sales and Marketing, expressed his company also owns innovative Young,” said Baker Leavitt of Black Rifle
excitement about this year’s show, consumer brands including Alpine Coffee. “Conservation is very important
saying, “We could not be more ex- Archery, BlackHeart, Elevation,

cited to return to a live and in person Fin-Finder, and October Mountain Continued on Page 22

show for 2022. Throughout the year Products. | FOR MORE INFORMATION,

we heard from dealers loud and clear CONTACT KINSEY’S AT 800.366.4269 OR

they wanted to return to physical VISIT KINSEYSINC.COM.

20 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY NEWS

Continued from Page 20 Foundation, U.S. Sportsman’s Alliance, Na- NBCFoloaauwtsinsohdenuasanttltiooBenroBw&oOwfhCfruheonrusstnseDtbreiosErwcsdouUEucndnaiuttteciooadnntMiOoennmlinbeers
tional Archery in the Schools program, Scho-
to Black Rifle and hunting is a huge part of lastic 3-D Archery, Mule Deer Foundation, The National Bowhunter Education Founda-
most of our lives here at BRCC, so to work tion (NBEF) has partnered with Bowhunters
with Pope & Young was a no brainer for us.” Wyoming Male Mule Deer United to offer BU members a 20 percent dis-
Study and Winter Range count on online bowhunter and crossbow
The Corporate Part- Study, and many others. education classes. These online bowhunting
ner Program is designed classes help new and experienced hunters
to help P&Y preserve, “When you look at po- learn to hunt safely, increase success in the
promote and protect tential partners, and who you field and be better stewards of the sport.
the passion for bowhunting could partner with, not many sur-
and ensure bowhunting op- faces to the top like Black Rifle,” “NBEF is pleased to offer this substantial
portunities for all. Collectively, stated Dylan Ray of Pope & Young. discount exclusively to Bowhunters United
Pope & Young has contributed “We have the pleasure of working members,” said Marilyn Bentz, NBEF Execu-
more than 1 million dollars with several partners who are at the top of tive Director. “We support the Bowhunters
to conservation and education programs their respected fields, and Black Rifle is no United mission and are happy to work with
across North America. Programs that the exception to that rule.” the organization to give their members every
club supports include Wild Harvest Initiative, For more information about Black Rifle, or opportunity to be as successful as possible.
Isle Royal Moose Study, Farmers & Hunters to shop their full line of products visit their NBEF certification is a valuable tool in devel-
Feeding the Hungry, National Wildlife Fed- website at blackriflecoffee.com. oping lifelong bowhunters with the best in-
eration Howe Peak/Deadman Sheep Endow- Pope & Young is one of North America’s formation and techniques available.”
ment Fund, Jack Creek Preserve Foundation, leading bowhunting and conservation orga-
the Bitterroot Elk Project, Congressional nization. If you are a fair chase, ethical bow- “Bowhunters United values bowhunter
Sportsmen’s Foundation, American Wildlife hunter, and you care about preserving the education and ethics. We appreciate NBEF
Conservation Partners, Association of Fish culture and future of bowhunting, then you
& Wildlife Agencies, Orion—The Hunters belong to Pope & Young. | TAKE A STAND AND JOIN Continued on Page 24
Institute, National Conservation Leadership
Institute, National Bowhunter Education TODAY AT POPE-YOUNG.ORG.



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY NEWS

Continued from Page 22

offering this discount to our Bowhunters United is
membership,” said Jennifer owned and operated by the
Mazur, ATA Senior Director of Archery Trade Association,
Outreach and Education. making BU’s relationship to
the industry uniquely capable
Josh Gold, ATA Senior Man- of offering exclusive benefits unavail-
ager of R3 and State Relations also able anywhere else and leveraging
commented: “This aligns with our existing relationships with like-
strategy to grow participation and minded organizations. BU empow-
increase educational opportunities ers bowhunters to contribute to the
for bowhunting.” work the industry does to invest in the
sport. They provide a voice to bowhunting
Bowhunters United members will advocacy efforts through partnerships, unit-
receive their BU member course discount ing millions of constituents, and have become
after logging into the members only area of a trusted resource for all things bowhunting.
the BU website. Visit BowhuntersUnited.com | LEARN MORE AT BOWHUNTERSUNITED.COM.
to join and receive this promotion and other
direct discount links. LHairnecsaNsteewr AGrrcahnetrCyoFoorudnindaattoiorn

Bowhunters United is a national organiza- The Lancaster Archery Foundation has hired
tion of bowhunters that makes a difference a grant coordinator to spread the word
for current and future bowhunters. They about the foundation’s offerings and to help
unite the community of bowhunters no mat- prospective applicants navigate the grant
ter why, where or how you participate. They process.
promote a positive image of bowhunters,
focus on conservation efforts, celebrate the The new coordinator, Dale Brubaker, has
lifestyle, and advocate on behalf of all bow- worked part-time in various departments at
hunters nationwide. Lancaster Archery Supply for 12 years, and
recently retired from a career in county gov-
Bowhunters United makes a difference in ernment where he wrote and administered
the bowhunting community by: grants for Lancaster County.
• Addressing hot-topic legislative issues that
Lancaster Archery Foundation is a non-
affect bowhunting, including hunting reg- profit that provides grants to archery clubs
ulations, wildlife-disease research, public- and organizations looking to improve their
access issues, federal excise-tax decisions public training and education programs.
and recruitment, retention and reactiva- The foundation also provides money to col-
tion efforts to ensure you can bowhunt leges with established archery programs that
safely nationwide. award scholarships to student archers.
• Educating nonhunters on how the sport of
bowhunting contributes to wildlife con- The foundation already has awarded
servation and management. thousands of dollars to schools, clubs and
• Providing verified and trusted information other organizations in its first year.
and education through their network and
uniting the community of bowhunters na- Moving forward, Brubaker
tionwide with like-minded individuals. will oversee the grant appli-
• Training community orga- cations and reach out to the
nizations, and providing archery community to gen-
equipment to mainstream erate interest in the founda-
bowhunting in local programming. tion’s funding programs.
• Bridging the gap between recreational Operating with the core values of car-
shooters and bowhunters through proven ing, integrity, perseverance and faith,
mentorship programs. the Lancaster Archery Foundation is
• Providing archery range and program dedicated to expanding opportunities for
grants to increase bowhunter participa- growth in all disciplines of competitive ar-
tion through more recreational shooting chery. FOR INFORMATION ON THE FOUNDATION, GO TO
opportunities, and places for bowhunters LANCASTERARCHERYFOUNDATION.ORG. IA
to practice.

INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTION

Masterclass Preview: What to Expect for #ATA2022

BY TAYLOR WALSTON

T he Archery Industry Masterclass series recordings of the live sessions after the
is back for the 2022 ATA Trade Show! Show and access prerecorded content
online before the Show.

The Masterclass courses are 75-minute Here’s a sneak peek at some of this

sessions that dive deep into important year’s Masterclass sessions:

industry topics. They are led by indus- Hank Yacek | CEO of Hank will return for another round of sessions for
try experts and are open for questions at Point of Impact Group #ATA2022. PHOTO CREDIT © ATA.
the end of each session. All of the Mas- • Buying the Best Deal for Your Store
terclass sessions will be held on Thurs- archery to include other activities, and
he’ll suggest other inventory items you
day, January 6, 2022. The sessions take Yacek’s course will discuss the concept of can carry.

place the day before the Show opens so “inventory carrying cost percentage” and “Expect actionable content: ideas and
actions that you can implement the day
that exhibitors, retailers and attendees why it’s important for stores to know you get back to the store that will help
you run a more successful and profit-
can enjoy the courses without having to theirs. He will cover what this term able business,” Yacek said. “My person-
al hope is that the value I bring to your
miss any action on the Show floor. The means, the components of the cost and business will more than pay for the cost
of attending.”
sessions will take place from 8 a.m. to how to calculate it.
Yacek is a returning presenter. He pre-
6:30 p.m. EST in rooms C101 and C104. sented Masterclass sessions during ATA
2021 Online. This year his prep work has
As with last year’s sessions, your Mas- diversification in the archery pro shop focused largely on getting back to funda-
mentals. “With the topsy-turvy year that
terclass registration fee grants you ac- ■ This course will cover different ways was 2020, and much of 2021, it is time to
get back to working ON our business, not
cess to every course in the series. The archery shops can expand their offer- just IN them,” he said.

series is $100 for ATA members and $500 ings and inventory. Yacek will cover e- He also offered some thoughts on how
attendees can prepare for his courses.
for nonmembers. You’ll be able to at- commerce and how to expand your ser- “Be ready to be honest with yourself
about your business,” he said. “Be ready
tend the live sessions at the Show, view vices and repurpose people’s interest in to think about it critically, admit where
we are lacking, and KNOW YOUR BUSI-
The Archery Industry Masterclass series returns for #ATA2022. Preview some of the offerings below. PHOTO CREDIT © ATA. NESS METRICS. Things like margins,
profits, inventory turn rates, labor costs,

Continued on Page 28

UNITING THE INDUSTRY ARCHERY TRADE ASSOCIATION
archerytrade.org

26 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTION

Continued from Page 26

Paige will discuss tuning, proper bow fitment and lower your tuning issues when the Guy Krueger | Training &
poundage bows. PHOTO CREDIT ©USA ARCHERY. common tactics aren’t working. Education Manager USA Archery
• The Evolution of Archery Coaching
operational costs, etc. The more you know fixing form flaws for better bow
your individual business the more value fitment ■ In this session, Pearce In Krueger’s Masterclass session, he will
the sessions will have.” He hopes that at- will go through the basic process discuss how archery coaching has evolved
tendees implement what they learn in his of setting your draw length, loop over the years and what it looks like today.
courses and use it to grow their business length, peep height and more. He’ll discuss how archery shops can adapt
and make it more profitable. She’ll also discuss how to rec- to this change and explain the recent shift
ognize flaws in your form and to evidence-based coaching, which is a
“The only thing certain about retail is make corrections, including ad- more scientific approach.
change—and those who do not embrace justing your bow to fit your im-
or, better yet relish change, will struggle proved form. In a recent Beyond the Bow podcast epi-
in the fast-moving pace of retail today,” he sode (https://beyondthebow.libsyn.com),
said. “My sessions will all expect a retailer going light: what you need to know about Kurt Smith, ATA’s director of industry re-
to have an open mind to change, and if lower poundage bows ■ In her prerecorded lations, talked with Krueger about this
not, some day you will have to change re- session, Pearce will examine what type of subject in a preview of his session. Smith
gardless of if you want to or not in order to poundage is really needed for hunting and brought up the fact that coaching hasn’t
survive in today’s landscape.” different target archery disciplines. She’ll always been popular in archery, and that
point out what differences you should a lot of archers felt as though they were
think about when you’re setting up a bow either good or they weren’t and didn’t pur-
with lighter poundage or a shorter draw sue it further.
length, including hunting bows, target
bows and arrow selection. To complete “We have kind of changed the para-
the discussion, she’ll discuss how to tune digm there and part of that is a big shift
bows with a lighter draw weight. in the perspective of the sport,” Krueger
said. “I think traditionally archery has
been viewed as a hobby and now it has

Continued on Page 30

Paige Pearce | Professional Archer Guy will discuss coaching techniques. PHOTO CREDIT © ATA.
• When Tuning Gets Tough

Pearce will take attendees through the
tuning process from start to finish, in-
cluding explaining how target and hunt-
ing setups differ. She’ll cover starting
points for center-shot, tiller, cam timing,
nock height and more. She’ll also discuss
the stabilizer setup process and how to
select arrows. It can be difficult for an ar-
cher to tell where the problem with their
bow is stemming from, whether it’s a flaw
in their form or a tuning issue. Pearce will
explain how to tell the difference between
the two and correctly diagnose your prob-
lem with commonly used tactics. She’ll
also cover alternative methods to address

28 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTION

Continued from Page 28

transitioned to being viewed as a sport by pushing those limits,” he said. “The level essentially obsolete.”
the participants, and in most sports the of what’s defined as elite in both of those Smith and Krueger both noted the im-
best competitors have coaches.” fields is constantly going higher and high-
er and higher. So, for us to close that gap portance of being willing to change your
Krueger will discuss how coaching can and be at that level, we’ve got to reevalu- tactics.
benefit both archers and bowhunters ate how we approach coaching and the
looking to progress their talents. methods that we use. If you’re using the “We have to update computers all the
same tactics you used 30 years ago, you’re time. It’s the same thing with what we
“Whether they’re hunters or target ar- teach and how we teach,” Krueger said. He
chers, the best archers in the world are suggested that coaches should find a bal-
ance between physical coaching, commu-
nicating the changes verbally and using
technology to coach people virtually.

Krueger confirms that more coaching
is taking place in archery shops, wheth-
er the shops are providing the coaching
themselves or bringing an archery club
into their shop. He notes that by holding
coaching sessions at your shop, the par-
ticipants will be more likely to buy prod-
uct from your shop, which makes coach-
ing an overall revenue booster. He also
suggests hosting beginner, intermediate
and advanced coaching. This will give the
archer room to grow beyond the begin-
ner level while staying with your shop for
the entire journey. Having an instructor
who is certified for USA Archery Level 2 or
higher in your shop, he notes, allows you
to host a USA Archery-certified club.

To sign up for the Archery Industry
Masterclass, log into the MyATA member
dashboard at www.archerytrade.org/log-
in and click “Education” to be redirected
to the MyATA Learning Center. Then, click
“2022 Archery Industry Masterclass” and
follow the prompts to register and check
out. After registering, you’ll receive a con-
firmation email.

The skills you’ll learn in these courses
will help you in your daily business ven-
tures and could make a big impact in your
shop. Having a platform to converse with
other industry professionals is an invalu-
able opportunity that could greatly benefit
your business. We hope to see you there!

Questions? Contact Kurt Smith, ATA’s
director of industry relations, at (507) 233-
8138 or [email protected]. IA

30 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022



PEOPLE

PowerTheofParticipation
Archery Industry Members Participating in the Sport

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO: Email [email protected], 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 PO 15827, Colorado Springs, CO 80935.

Trent Kleeberger • Minnesota Whitetail

Territory Manager, The Outdoor Group Josh Knoebel • Oregon BlackBear

Bow: Elite Archery Terrain Rest: Elite Archery QAD Archery Technician, Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s

Arrow: Easton FMJ Quiver: Elite Archery Bow: Bowtech Revolt Bow Sight: Spot-Hogg Fast Eddie 3-Pin

Broadhead: Slick Trick Assailant 6 Arrow Quiver Arrow: Gold Tip Hunter Pro Arrow Rest: Vapor Trail Limb Driver Gen7

Sight: CBE Engage Hybrid Release: Scott Sigma Release Broadhead: Muzzy Trocar Release: Blacktail Single Caliper

32 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022

Jon Seibt • Iowa Whitetail Jared Bloomgren • South Dakota Whitetail

Co-Owner, White Gold Deer Feed Legion, Kryptek

Bow: Mathews Rest: Ripcord

Arrow: Victory Archery VAP Other: White Gold Bow: PSE Mach 1 Sight: CBE Engage

Broadhead: Dirt Nap Gear Gold Fever Arrow: Easton Injexion Rest: QAD

Sight: HHA Sports Food Plot Broadhead: Slick Trick Magnum Release: Scott Archery Silverthorn

Brandon Reyes • Yukon Moose Jerry Tepps • Illinois Whitetail

Marketing/Staff Shooting Coordinator, T.R.U. Ball/AXCELArchery Purchasing/Sales, Pine Ridge Archery

Bow: Mathews V3X 33 Sight: AXCEL Landslyde Sight Bow: Elite Archery EnKore Broadhead: Rage

Arrow: Black Eagle Rampage Stabilizer: AXCEL Arrow: Black Eagle Zombie Slayer Hypodermic

Broadhead: Iron Will V-100 Release: T.R.U. Ball Abyss Flex Sight: IQ Rest: HHA Sports

JANUARY 2022 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 33

Brands You Know, Manufacturing You Trust & Service To Fit Your Schedule

BY DANIEL ALLRED

With a foundation of well-respected brands and high-quality
U.S. manufacturing, The Outdoor Group has positioned itself
as a premium one-stop shop for independent archery dealers.

A powerhouse of highly admired names like Elite Archery,
Custom Bow Equipment (CBE), Scott and Slick Trick—The
Outdoor Group (TOG) has become a cornerstone of the ar-
chery industry in relatively short order. TOG’s origins can be
traced to Elite Archery, which started from humble begin-
nings in 2009.
While other bow manufacturers were chasing raw speed
above all else, Elite Archery stood out from the crowd by in-
stead focusing on “shootability,” using principles from physi-
cal therapy and anatomical science to create a smoother, more
forgiving and more comfortable draw cycle. This term was originally
coined by Elite Archery, with the company soon becoming known as
the maker of “The World’s Most Shootable Bow.”
It was no easy task to enter a market that was dominated
by a handful of older, well-established brands, but Elite’s shoot-
ability approach naturally clicked with archers—especially when they
got to try an Elite bow for themselves. Elite’s bows made archers more
comfortable and more confident, and this resulted in greater accuracy.
Elite’s effective approach elevated the company to the main stage fairly
quickly, and from there the company’s leaders set their sights on other
aspects of the archery industry.
This is where The Outdoor Group entered the picture. The leaders of
Elite Archery created The Outdoor Group to oversee other unique and
respected archery brands, and by the end of 2013, TOG had acquired Scott
Archery, Custom Bow Equipment (CBE), Duel Game Calls, Solid Broad-
heads and Winner’s Choice Bowstrings. Slick Trick joined the family

34 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022

in 2014, but since then TOG has not acquired any other
brands. Instead, TOG has invested in the extremely sol-
id foundation it already has, continually elevating these
core brands to new heights.

Now, less than a decade later, TOG is starting to really
hit its stride. TOG is positioned to make a big impact in
2022, and it has the resources and attitude needed to con-
tinue making big impacts further down the road.

Overcoming Growing Pains

The Outdoor Group had to be extremely adaptable to arrive
at its current position. After the acquisitions in 2013, TOG
had manufacturing facilities located in New York, Oregon
and Kentucky, spreading the company’s focus across the
entire country. TOG vertically integrated and consolidated
all its operations into one large building, so that the com-
pany could increase quality control and innovation, gain
efficiency and set the foundation for the future.

In 2014, TOG began construction of a 71,000-square-foot
manufacturing facility in West Henrietta, New York, and
all the company’s brands were consolidated there by 2017.
This state-of-the-art building facilitates the construction
of TOG’s entire assortment of products—starting with raw
material and bringing it all the way through machining,
assembly, decoration and distribution.

For the team at TOG, this facility represents an invest-
ment in the future, but it is also a testament to where the
team came from and what brought them here.

Paul Guillot, Director of Sales for TOG, has been with the
team for nearly a decade, and he’s proud to lead a team
of “like-minded” passionate archery enthusiasts who are

■ Watch how Elite 35
Archery’s proprietary
S.E.T. Technology
increases accuracy
through proper
arrow flight.

JANUARY 2022 INSIDEARCHERY.COM

■ top left: Fully accessorized with TOG’s deeply dedicated to the retail partners some growing pains that inherently
portfolio of products, this Elite EnKore features they serve. come along with the fast-paced growth
a CBE Engage Bow Sight and TorX Stabilizer Kit, the company was experiencing, but TOG
“We wake up each day and ask our- was well on its way to achieving the ef-
and it has a Slick Trick Assailant that’s ready selves: How we can make our retail part- ficiencies it has today.
to get to work on a Midwestern giant. ners’ lives better?” Guillot said. “We are
constantly thinking about what products “There have been a lot of small but
■ bottom: For more than 40 years, Scott Archery we can bring to market that serve their important adjustments made behind
has been identifying the little things that make needs, and how we can make doing busi- the scenes in the last few years,” Side-
a big difference to the bowhunter and archer. ness with TOG as easy as possible. That bottom said. “We have continued build-
Proudly made in America, you can “Release is our driving force here, and we are all ing processes and infrastructure to bet-
with Confidence” with Scott. marching in unison with this shared fo- ter support our consumers, dealers and
cus in mind.” growth plans. We have gotten more ef-
ficient at things like inventory manage-
Leading the team is Josh Sidebottom. ment, forecasting and planning around
As COO, Sidebottom’s background is in manufacturing and product develop-
mechanical engineering. He started his ment, and all of this put us into a great
career in the automotive field, but his position for the boom that occurred in
love for archery eventually drew him to the last 24 months. It’s been a real bless-
this industry, which he has now called ing that we have been able to continue
home for more than a decade. adding to our capacity to keep up with
the demand as best as we can. We have
“I actually shot one of Elite’s first bows added more than 20 new CNC machines
back in 2009 and have been a fan of the in the last 18 months alone, and we have
company since near the beginning,” Side- a clear plan for how we need to keep de-
bottom said. “I’m an archery fanatic, just veloping in the future. It’s been a con-
consumed with it, and I really connected stant effort of reorganizing and replan-
with TOG’s approach. In 2016, I had the ning, but we feel like we are where we
opportunity to come over as the Director need to be with the systems and infra-
of Engineering. It wasn’t an easy decision structure we have in place.”
at the time, but I’m very glad I accepted
it and became a part of this team. This Adaptability has always been a key fac-
company really has something special, tor for TOG’s success, and it will continue
and I’ve been aware of that ever since I to play an important role in the future.
shot that Elite bow back in 2009.”
“There are new structures and process-
With its operations consolidated, there es in place, but our desire is to always
was still much work to be done for the remain extremely nimble,” Guillot said.
team. Namely, TOG had to overcome

36 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022

“We always want to be able to pivot and us close to the heartbeat of archery and ■ TOG’s leadership team includes, counterclock-
address a new need in the marketplace. ensures that we aren’t numb to the prob- wise from the top right, Tommy Gomez, Stephen
We have pivoted quickly in the past, lems archers and our retail partners are Altizer, Jordan Coffta, Dieter Kaboth, Blake Kidder,
and it has really strategically benefited experiencing.” John Mysogland, Peter DiBona, Anthony Steil,
us. That’s an aspect we always want to Josh Sidebottom, Trent Kleeberger, Paul Guillot,
maintain. When a consumer or dealer Shootability = Sellability Nathan Brooks, Corrine Yohann Bundy and
identifies a need, we want to be the com- Chris Escarcega (not pictured).
pany that can address it well, and hope- Shootability originally put Elite on the
fully address it first. That will always be map, and now the team at TOG is coining a once tedious job into something re-
crucial, regardless of how big the com- a new term: “sellability.” Simply put, the markably simple.
pany grows. We also have a pretty small pleasant shooting and easy adjustments
team, and that allows us to communi- on Elite’s latest bows translate into eas- “To me, shootability simply is sellabil-
cate more effectively without all these ier sales. Those easy adjustments are ity,” Guillot said. “Our S.E.T. Technology
layers between us. We wear a lot of dif- largely thanks to Elite’s proprietary S.E.T. is a key component at the core of shoot-
ferent hats as a small team, but it keeps Technology (Simplified Exact Tuning), ability, and it was really built for our re-
which promotes “sellability” by turning tail partners. It allows a bow technician

JANUARY 2022 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 37

to make extremely quick and effective experience for the customer, and that
adjustments for a consumer to create a directly translates into sellability.”
custom tune in a very short amount of
time. It literally turns what could be an S.E.T. Technology is a key feature
hour-long process into a solution within on Elite’s 2022 flagship bow, the En-
just minutes—all without a bow press. Vision, which also features the ASYM
Bow technicians can then spend all that Tri-Track Cam System to further boost
extra time with the consumer, getting adjustability.
to understand what they’re trying to
accomplish with that bow and helping “The ASYM Tri-Track Cam System
them rig it out to create the perfect tool. has a huge draw length range, and you
That creates a great experience for the don’t need to swap out cams or mods to
customer, the kind of experience he’s adjust it,” said Corrine Yohann Bundy,
going to tell his buddies about. Those Vice President of Marketing. “Retail-
quick and easy adjustments also fur- ers can fine tune draw lengths down
ther contribute to how good it feels to to a quarter-inch increment within a
shoot an Elite bow. In other words, the few seconds, and that allows them to
shootability creates an all-around great spend less time behind the bow press
and more time with their customer,
■ left: A bow technician at Coyote Creek, making sure they are as accurate and
an Elite Authorized Partner, sets up an confident as possible. If the customer
Elite with a CBE bow sight for his customer. is hitting where they are aiming, then
they are going to have a great time and
■ below: High fives all around for TOG’s shoot their bow more often. That will
internal content team and hosts of Respect lead to them upgrading faster, so it’s a
The Game TV ( from left to right, Ryan nice cycle that begins with that initial
Heuser, Larry McCoy and Paul Biggs). positive experience. We want to make
the shooting experience as favorable as

38 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022

■ Spend less time at the
bow press and more time
with your customers.
Watch and see why
Shootability = Sellability.

possible for our retail partner and the they have a line out their door and they
end user, and that’s what shootability need to get through customers quickly.”
and sellability are all about. Everything
we do is to help our retail partners Elite also launched the new Terrain
thrive and sell more product, and those and Basin for 2022, which are two bud-
quick, easy adjustments are especially get-friendly bows that were inspired by
valuable come July and August, when consumer and dealer feedback.

“In a year where inflation has touched

JANUARY 2022 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 39

practically everything, we knew we had to de- are also well positioned for the year ahead. ■ Members of TOG’s
liver products that address what’s happening in “There’s always a little pressure when we are team gather outside
the real world,” Guillot said. “The development of the company’s
the Terrain and Basin was also very personal for developing new products that have to live up to 71,000-square-foot
me—I grew up poor and understand what it’s like the reputation of brands like Scott and CBE,” Side- manufacturing facility
to deeply want something you can’t afford. This bottom said. “They are both known as brands in West Henrietta,
company is dedicated to addressing the needs of you can rely on, so there is some pres- New York.
archers, and we saw a real need to put something sure, but we welcome that pressure. It
out there that is high-quality but also attainable. drives us to go out and put new prod-
You don’t need to be white collar to buy one of ucts through their paces to make sure
these bows, and they will still provide a great ex- they live up to that good reputation.
perience. They want a bow that looks good, a bow CBE in particular has been a very ex-
they can be proud of, and that is also something citing brand to watch grow in the last
we focused on. They can afford to have a great ex- couple years. It was previously known
perience and be proud of their equipment at the for target sights, but we reenergized
same time, and I’m very happy that we were able it and added more variety in the
to deliver that to the consumer.” line across different price points to
meet the needs of our retail partners
TOG’s other key brands, like Scott and CBE,
Continued on Page 42

40 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022



Continued from Page 40

and their customers. We also added TorX
Stabilizers to the CBE lineup, which have
done incredibly well. Scott has been such
a staple in the archery industry, so we
might feel a little more pressure there.
It’s such a well-respected and recognized
name in the industry, so we have been
careful to maintain what people love
about those releases while still innovat-
ing and solving new problems.”

Listening, Learning &
Being Easy to Work With

It’s been said that we have two ears and
one mouth because we’re supposed to lis-
ten twice as much as we talk, and this is

a notion that TOG has taken to heart.
“I am always reinforcing to my team

that they need to be excellent listen-

ers,” Guillot said. “We care deeply about
our retail partners, and we don’t want
to avoid the problems and complaints

that they have. I want to seek those is-
sues out and create solutions for them.
We also don’t try to approach our retail

partners with some tired sales pitch. We
close our mouths and listen. We learn
what is working and what isn’t working

for them, and we look for an opportunity
to solve a problem they are having. We
want to help them grow their business,

and that begins with listening.
“S.E.T. Technology is a great example of

how we do this,” Guillot continued. “Our

retail partners told us that they loved our
bows, but they were difficult to work on.
S.E.T. Technology completely addressed

that need. So the better we listen, the bet-
ter we are as a company. That is how we
will continue to grow and strengthen our

relationships with our dealers.”
Another testament to TOG’s focus on

improving the lives of its dealers is the

company’s Partner Portal, which is an
online platform that was purpose-built
to provide dealers with service that fits

their schedule. Continued on Page 44

■ middle: Engineer Ian Steighner
reviews the 2022 Elite EnVision.

■ bottom: COO Josh Sidebottom
takes aim with the CBE Engage.

42 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022



■ top right: With one of the industry’s best fit and finish,
vertical Integration is a key component to the company’s
strict quality control and attention to detail.

■ middle: Archery’s finest battled it out at the 2021 World
Archery Festival held in Las Vegas. Podium toppers included
Elite Archery’s Alexis Ruiz and Richard Bowen.

■ bottom: The CBE TorX Stabilizer Kit has been a huge area
of growth for CBE, which has been diversifying its product
offerings to meet its retail partners’ needs.

Continued from Page 42

“Our Partner Portal is sort of like a drive-through
window on the side of The Outdoor Group that’s open
24/7,” Guillot said. “Our retail partners can just log in
and order anything they need from our large array of
products whenever they need to. It’s something we
created to honor their time, knowing they don’t have
much free time to spare. In the past, it might be 11:00
at night when they remember that they needed to call
their sales guy. They make a note to call tomorrow,
but then they walk into their shop the next morning
and there’s a line of customers waiting, so they over-
look the note and forget. With the Partner Portal, they
could have just logged in on their phone and placed
the order. Simplicity and convenience—that’s what
our customers are looking for today, and that’s why
we are building tools like the Partner Portal that make
their lives easier. If we are easy to do business with,
and we are a good partner for them, then they will
continue to do business with us. It’s that simple.”

TOG’s centralized operations and American man-
ufacturing also greatly contribute to peace of mind

Continued on Page 46

44 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022



■ top: Scott Archery’s wide product offerings include wrist
slings, thumb button and hinge/back tension releases.

■ middle: TOG manufactures, assembles and ships its
wide selection of premium archery gear from its vertically
integrated facility in West Henrietta, New York.

Continued from Page 44

for the company’s dealers.
“One of the other key reasons we consoli-

dated everything in one facility was to give
our dealers more convenience and the best
pricing,” Sidebottom said. “They don’t need
to buy 200 packs of something to get the best
price, and they don’t need to go to multiple
manufacturers to get a few different kinds of
items. They can order a few releases, a few
broadheads, a couple bows, and all of that
can ship together in the same box, so they can
save on freight. All our programs are set up to
make the best price very attainable, and that’s
really just another example of how we try to
be easy to do business with.”

Foundation for the Future

The Outdoor Group is a prime example of a
company poised for the future. All of the com-
pany’s respected brands are top performers in
their respective categories, constantly bring-
ing out new innovations that shape the entire
market. TOG also enjoys the many benefits of
high-quality American manufacturing, and
the company has been streamlined to ease the
hectic life of independent shop owners.

“Most of us are archers here, and we spend
every single day focusing on how we can make
our retail partners’ and archers’ lives easier
and better,” Sidebottom said. “We have had to
overcome some preconceived notions that we
are some big heartless corporate entity. People
might assume that we’re not really thinking
about our customers, not really thinking about
how our choices will affect dealers or consum-
ers, but it’s the exact opposite. We are a lean,
nimble and extremely passionate team, and
our top priority is to be here for our retail part-
ners and make them more successful. We care
deeply about them and their success, and we
want to turn their customers into better ar-
chers with equipment that makes them more
comfortable, confident and accurate. That is
our ultimate commitment and something we
will never lose sight of.” IA

46 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022



MARKET TRENDS BOW REPORT

APA Archery King Cobra DG
BY PATRICK MEITIN
dexer, broadhead wrench, carbide knife
A PAArcheryuses the slogan: “WeAre NOT sharpener and Cam Lock pin (locked in
The Same.” This is obvious at a glance.

place by a thumb bolt) with them at all

A quick look tells you APA bows are times. The latter, in conjunction with The King Cobra DG is powered by a true dual-cam
system holding APA's EZ Tune Mods. It is perhaps the
unique, designed by bowhunters for holes milled through the cam system, fastest bow tested by Inside Archery.

bowhunters and include several bow- allows shooters to replace strings and insets to prevent spinning are provided.
Keeping with the theme of making life
hunter-friendly features that promote cables, tweaking cable length or in-
easier for average archers and bowhunt-
archer independence. This is evident in stalling accessories like peeps or string ers, APA provided tuning marks for arrow
height through the riser and across the
APA’s distinctive Carrying Handle. The silencers in the field or at home—with- carry handle, so the nocking point can be
set without a bow square. The Tool Cen-
reverse riser bridge stiffens the riser out a bow press. APA’s trademark Ris- ter’s Cam Lock Pin now includes a hash
mark, so when it is plugged into the pre-
substantially, allowing a slimmer over- er Fang allows hanging bows on any cision drilled hole above the rear arrow
rest tap it precisely marks center shot.
all profile and reducing post-shot vibra- branch or limb, whether glassing or
A stainless-steel stabilizer tap is locat-
tions, adding full-draw balance by set- sitting in a treestand. Finally, APA bows ed in the standard front position, with
taps threaded directly into the milled-
ting this mass outside the grip and, yes, are equipped with an integrated Cam- aluminum riser located on the rear edge
of the riser just behind the bottom limb
offering a convenient handle while hik- era Mount tap, allowing streamlined pocket and on the rear edge just below
the grip. A Mass Transfer Module (MTM)
ing. The integrated Tool Center means mounting of popular POV cameras. socket with side lock-screw threads is
located just above the sight window.
APA shooters always have a nock in- APA Archery bows are also fast—tra-
The minimalist milled-aluminum
ditionally some of the fastest in the in- limb pockets hold APA’s hugely efficient
Twin Flex Limbs. These are a solid de-
dustry. A lot of this credit goes to APA’s sign measuring just 1-2/8 inches wide at
the base and through the middle, flar-
high-performance dual-cam systems, ing to 1-3/8 inches at the split tips. They
reduce mass, noise, and help promote a
and this includes the King Cobra DG smoother draw cycle. They terminate in
a parallel geometry to further squelch
(Dangerous Game) under discussion in shot noise.

this issue. DeadlyTuning ■ The King Cobra DG dual-

top: APA Archery's exclusive Micro-Tune Cable Guide al- Deadly Classics ■ The 2022 King Cobra cam system includes the EZ Tune Mods
lows making adjustments to buss-cable tension that tunes seen on APA models for the past couple
out small imbalances in cam timing as needed. DG includes the riser features already
discussed that make it distinctively APA.
bottom: The King Cobra DG includes APA Archery's This also includes the company’s ultra
distinctive riser, with reverse Carry Handle, Tool Center, slim and compact riser design that cre-
Riser Fang and honeycombed appearance. ates the characteristic APA look and al-
lows a feathery 3.95-pound weight out
of the box. The King Cobra DG includes
hints of the proven Mamba riser design
with its “honeycomb-style” cutouts and
irregular edges. All flat edges hold flutes
for improved structural integrity and
all inside/outside edge corners are radi-
used for weight savings.

The grip is super slim and gently
rounded for comfort, and it holds small
side plates that largely serve aesthetic
purposes. Twin sight taps are vertically
staggered for some degree of elevation
latitude, one pair set on the forward ris-
er edge and higher, a second on the back
and lower edge. Twin arrow-rest taps al-
low double anchoring for added security.
Quiver mounting orifices with pentagon

48 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022

Specifications Arrow Speed

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– APA Archery King Cobra DG set at 71.9 pounds at 30 inches.

Axle-to-Axle Length 29-inch Arrows/ Shaft Finished Kinetic Arrow

32-3/4 inches 100-Grain Tips gpi Arrow Wt. Energy Speed

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

Brace Height CX Triad 300 10.9 564 grains 110.3 ft. lbs. 296.7 fps

5-7/16 inches –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Easton T64 DF 7.9 tapered 528 grains 108.9 ft. lbs. 304.7 fps

Mass Weight –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

3.95 pounds Bloodsport Evidence 300 11.7 518 grains 107.4 ft. lbs. 305.5 fps

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

Let-Off Arrow Tech MT 12.2 508 grains 108.8 ft. lbs. 310.6 fps

80 percent –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Victory VAP-SS 300 9.9 473 grains 108.6 ft. lbs. 321.5 fps

Available Draw Lengths –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

24 to 30 inches CX Max RED SD 350 9.4 465 grains 107.9 ft. lbs. 323.3 fps

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

Available Draw Weights Black Eagle Spartan 340 9.9 453 grains 109.5 ft. lbs. 329.9 fps

50, 60 and 70 pounds –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

(80, 90 and 100 pounds on special order) Victory VAP 300 8.7 424 grains 107.3 ft. lbs. 337.5 fps
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Available Finishes
Easton Hexx 330 7.9 386 grains 106.0 ft. lbs. 351.7 fps
Desolve Wing, Matte Black
top: New APA Twin Flex Limbs include Torque-Free Limb and Sandstone standard, Kuiu –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Anchors allowing a more streamlined and centered tie-off Verde 2.0, Kuiu Vias 2.0, Slate Gray,
point for limb-activated drop-away rest cords. Lava, OD Green, Covert Black and Black Eagle Carnivore 350 7.5 363 grains 105.3 ft. lbs. 361.4 fps

bottom: A LambSaver Broadband Limb dampener is Midnight Purple optional. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
sandwiched between each King Cobra DG limb pocket
and riser end for sound and vibration dampening. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Victory RIP XV 300 7.0 355 grains 105.0 ft. lbs. 364.9 fps

years. These draw-length modules al- MSRP –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
low precision tuning for optimum arrow
flight and maximized arrow speeds. They $1,349 Liberty Archery 320 5.9 292 grains 100.2 ft. lbs. 393.0 fps
also hold polymer-covered limb stops for
a positive rear wall at full draw. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The newest Twin Flex Limbs now in- FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (866) 353-7378, OR VISIT APAARCHERY.COM.
clude Torque-Free Limb Anchors top and
bottom, small studs that provide a sleek string stop-mounted Mass Transfer
tie-off point for the activation cords used Module (MTM). This not only helps
on limb-driven drop away rests. The studs offset the side weight of added accesso-
are perfectly centered to eliminate the pos- ries—especially loaded arrow quivers—
sibility of side torque on the limb forks. APA but includes a rubber-suspended-weight
also added Variable Yoke Technology (VYT) system to soak up residual vibrations
to the anchoring ends of the cam take-up on release. APA also offers a balancing
cables. Yoke cables are threaded through Weight Distribution Disk (WDS), which
an end loop that allows them to self-ad- can be bolted on just above the lower limb
just, automatically settling exactly where pocket. The string stop is set on carbon
they need to be to eliminate cam lean and and includes a proven LimbSaver bum-
limb torque. When paired with APA’s pat- per. There is a LimbSaver Broadband Limb
ented adjustable Micro Tune Cable Guide, Dampener adhered to each limb butt and
this ensures the finest tuning available embedded between each limb pocket and
in any APA bow yet. The Micro Tune sys- riser end.
tem includes a roller-equipped buss cable Past King Cobra models have proven a
management system, including red lock- little demanding for my shooting tastes.
ing and black adjustment knobs. Turning This isn’t the case with the 2022 King Co-
the adjustment knob increases/decreases bra Dangerous Game. This bow contin-
buss cable tension that directly effects cam ues to deliver that renowned King Cobra
timing, allowing dialing out tiny inconsis- performance, but has been made a little
tencies. The rollers also keep buss cables lighter, and noticeably more quiet, stable
under constant tension for quieter and and forgiving. The new platform is sim-
more efficient shooting. ply more pleasant to shoot, and easier to
shoot well. This is the trend APA has been
Deadly Quiet & Hunt Ready ■ The King following the past few years, which is
sure to make the King Cobra DG more pal-
Cobra DG can be optioned with APA’s atable to a greater cross-section of today’s
most demanding shooters. IA

WebXtra ■ Takeacloserlookatthe

APA King Cobra DG in action! Please go to
insidearchery.com/APAKingCobraDG

JANUARY 2022 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 49

MARKET TRENDS GEAR REPORT

PThriemDaelsTcreenedstearnEdms:ergency Descent Device

BY PATRICK MEITIN
A sk most hunters and they will insist
they will never fall from a treestand. absolute absence of fall-restraint de- to prevent
vices—and we climbed into some pretty shock trau-
ma to the spine
In reality, industry statistics show the odds sketchy perches! Today a larger percent- caused by abrupt
age of modern bowhunters employ at stops at the end of a
are stacked against us, annually resulting in least a four-point safety harness. Yet, safety-harness tether.
The Descender is compatible with el-
debilitating injury or death. treestand hunters continue to be injured evated perches up to 25 feet high and
includes a 120- to 300-pound capacity
and killed each season due to treestand (including gear). There are some stipula-
tions here, as descent rate is slowed by
I’m among those who believed it would accidents. Despite foolproof fall-restraint temperatures of less than 20° F and with
hunters weighing less than 135 pounds,
never happen to me—until it did. My mo- harnesses, even “life-line” rope systems, and The Descender should not be used by
anyone in temperatures below 0° F.
ment of carelessness resulted in $17,000 suspension trauma still remains all too Installation is easy. Thread the pro-
vided nylon webbing tree strap through
of out-of-pocket medical expenses and an common. This is a condition that oc- the Descender’s built-in webbing loop,

excruciating recovery. I suffered through curs after a hunter falls from a stand wrapping around the tree at or above eye
level according to instructions, and use
a six-month period after shoulder sur- platform and is unable to regain their the strap’s self-locking buckle to snug
the strap tight. After installation, The De-
gery wondering if I would ever shoot a footing, causing the hunter to remain scender’s protection is always ready and
waiting in the event of a fall. This is a
bow again. suspended in their harness. Hanging self-contained unit, so it requires no ad-
justments (in fact it should not be tam-
My treestand initiation included an interrupts blood flow, which can lead pered with). The unit is meant for one-
time emergency use.
to unconsciousness and eventual death.
Primal’s The Descender includes a
The very harness that is supposed to save street price of around $59, but the 2-pound
device is cheap insurance against an in-
us can actually become a death trap. jury that could sideline you for a sea-
son—or worse. Check it out by visiting
This is where Primal Treestands’ com- primaltreestands.com, and while there
have a gander at their awesome trees-
pact and easy to deploy The Descender tand lineup. IA

Emergency Descent Device comes into

play. The Descender is attached securely

to the tree after climbing aboard a stand.

The full-body safety harness tether is

clipped in with the provided carabiner.

Note, a full-body harness designed to en-

sure that the hunter remains upright and

feet down is imperative to safety. Should

the hunter fall from the stand, The De-

scender provides an automatic, hands-

free and controlled descent safely back

to the ground. The Descender also serves

WebXtra ■ For a closer look at the

Primal Descender, check them out at

insidearchery.com/PrimalDescender.

50 INSIDE ARCHERY JANUARY 2022