Inside Archery April 2026 Digital Edition

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4 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 202616INSIDE ARCHERY (Volume 29, #3) ISSN #1940-3879, USPS #024-412 is published 10 times per year (Jan / Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep / Oct, Nov, Dec) by Apollo Creative Inc. PO Box 15827, Colorado Springs,CO 80935. Periodical postage paid at Colorado Springs, CO 80935 and at additional offices. Postmaster please send address changes to INSIDE ARCHERY, P.O. Box 986, Levittown, PA 19055-9998.INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026 | VOLUME 29 | NUMBER 316PeopleNational Archery inthe Schools ProgramChanging Lives,One Arrow at a TimeWith interviews with TommyFloyd and Matt McPhersonBy Michaelean PikeMarket TrendsBow Report Bear ArcheryAlaskan Pro RTHGear Report Sword Sights5-Pin Jury Pro Mover SightA Broadhead forEvery BowhuntThe top 2026 broadheads broken down by hunting categoriesBy Patrick MeitinBow Report Martin ArcheryFirecat Ultra Mag 32Gear Report BCY Fibers452Xtra Bowstring Material2026 Crossbow InnovationThis year’s batch of flagshipand budget-priced crossbowsBy Patrick Meitin4854562650 403028283026

■ Bow / Crossbow / Gear Report WebXtras■ insidearchery.com online exclusives■ Weekly newsfeed of archery news from around the industryinsidearchery.comWe are a new and improved resource for archery news, new gear and more, launchingevery Friday online and as an E-newsletter. ■ Visit archerynewsfeed.com and [email protected] to have content included in Archery Newsfeed.■ Subscribe for FREE to recieve Archery Newsfeed at insidearchery.com/enews.6 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 202650128106650INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026 | VOLUME 29 | NUMBER 3Inside theIndustryInside TrackSpringtime MerchandisingYour ATA InsightsSmall Gains Make a Big DifferenceBy Kurt Smith, Archery Trade AssociationATA ActionBow Buying Guide:What You Should be Asking YourCustomers to Get Them in theRight EquipmentBy Kurt Smith, Archery Trade Association2026 Kinsey’sDealer Show ReviewIndustry 5QFive Questions with Phillipand Ashley Johnson fromTall Tine Bowstrings48105654

8 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE TRACKSpringtime Merchandisingack in the days when I worked in sporting goods retail, February and March could become pretty grim. Those slow times typically came with inevitable layoffs, the tedium of reshuffling product displays, annual inventorying and few customers to interact with. Springtime not only represented a return to sunny days and warm weather, but a reappearance of customers gearing up to get outside once more. Like the land itself, spring marked a reawakening.One obvious customer draw was the year’s newest batch of bows and accessories. If customers weren’t in the mood for upgrades, they were at least looking at possibilities, which often lead to other sales.Then, of course, there are tried-and-true spring activities that every die-hard archer and bowhunter looks forward to. Approaching turkey seasons, bowfishing prospects and the alure of spring and summer 3-D tournaments appear on the immediate horizon, prompting customers to stock up on necessary gear and shoot their bows in earnest again.Not all regions of our nation support a strong turkey-hunting tradition, though bowhunting turkeys has become more popular every year. A decent stock of turkey calls, decoys, pop-up blinds, blind stools and wide-cutting mechanical or head-lopper broadheads is sure to result in additional seasonal sales.Bowfishing’s popularity seems to peak and trough, but it is safe to say a certain cadre of archers will always gravitate to this fun and exciting pastime as local waters begin to warm and carp and other “trash fish” venture into shallow waters to spawn. Carp are found nearly anywhere. Heck, I grew up in the desert regions of Eastern New Mexico and West Texas, yet always found places to skewer the Asian invaders. A decent stock of heavy fishing arrows, barbed points, bowfishing reels and other such gear helps keep these passions alive. You might even encourage such activities—and accompanying gear sales—by hosting a bowfishing tournament of some sort, giving awards for the largest fish, most fish or a combination thereof.It is safe to say a larger portion of your customers will soon be participating in 3-D or field archery tournaments of some sort. Even for those who aren’t truly dedicated target-heads, getting outside with family and friends and shooting realistic animal targets is always wildly popular. Most of your customers will be happy participating in such activities with the equipment they also bowhunt with, but many will be interested in investing in at least target-centric arrows or fletchings, sights, stabilizers and hip quivers—if not a bow specifically designed to boost target scores. It’s truly amazing what some archers will spend on equipment to win a $10 trophy…Fewer states every year offer spring black bear hunts, but if you are lucky enough to operate in a state where spring bear hunts are hosted, a selection of bear-targeted scent products, deep-penetrating broadheads and bug-deterring products are well worth the investment.Spring has finally arrived and you are undoubtedly already seeing an untick in customer traffic. Are you ready?BInside Archery®is a publication ofApollo Creative IncPrinted in the USA.Publisher Apollo Creative IncExecutive EditorPatrick Meitin • [email protected] EditorMichaelean Pike • [email protected] Pike | Kurt SmithSales & Marketing DirectorStephen Mack • [email protected](814) 341-9313Design & ProductionER Graphics / Ed Rother • [email protected] DesignerTara BondarSocial Media ManagerJason AsheVideo EditorMarc BalistreriAccount Manager Pam Ludlam • [email protected] Services & Change of Address:Inside Archery® Circulation Department Inside Archery, PO Box 986, Levittown, PA 19055-9998 Phone: (844) 862-9286 • Fax: (888) [email protected] OfficeInside Archery® / Apollo Creative IncP.O. Box 15827, Colorado Springs, CO 80935Phone: (719) 495-9999 • www.InsideArchery.comInside Archery founded in 1998 by Bill and Sherry KrenzInside Archery® Copyright © 2026 Apollo Crreative Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Inside Archery® is a registered U.S. trademark of Apollo Creative Inc. Opinions expressed in by-lined articles or columns are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, the 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 APRIL 2026INSIDE THE INDUSTRY YOUR ATA INSIGHTShat’s the next BIG thing? Let’s be honest…most of us have no idea.If you told me 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 I was the dad whose 10-yearold daughter told me why her new Stanley cup is cool, but my thermos manufactured by the same company 30 years ago is not. The same things happen 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’s 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 modest, yet steadier boost to your customer base and your bottom line? If you can’t already tell, I vote for the latter. Here’s 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. WBY KURT SMITH, ARCHERY TRADE ASSOCIATIONThere is no doubt that moving your inventory selection to some 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 you’re just trying to make an extra buck. Try to maintain the identity of your 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 emerging trends. 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 large 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 means making big changes—like taking down the deer mounts, bringing in a bunch of blue and pink recurve bows and having 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 patrons. Big gains often come from many smaller ones. In 2026, 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 2026? We’d love to see how we can help. Visit us at archerytrade.org or email me at [email protected]. IASmall Gains Make a Big Difference

12 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026INSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTIONARCHERY TRADE ASSOCIATIONarcherytrade.orgContinued on page 14or an archer, there are few things as exhilarating as purchasing a new bow. Yet, depending on their circumstances, going to the pro shop to buy a new bow can also be stressful.What brand should they buy? What draw weight? How much do theyneed to spend to get the performance they want? All these uncertainties can be alleviated by a skilled salesperson at a local pro shop who knows the right questions to ask to help guide customers to the right bow to fit their needs, wants, and budget.Let’s look at some of the questions you should be asking your customers when they step up to the bow rack, ensuring your business will be viewed as the most skilled pro shop. BY KURT SMITH, ARCHERY TRADE ASSOCIATION“What are your archery goals?” ■ Not everyone wants to do the same thing with their new bow. While many shops specialize in compound hunting bows, they aren’t the holy grail for everyone. As the expert, you should take some time to understand what the customer hopes to do in this sport—shoot arrows in the backyard, go to some local 3-D shoots, compete in indoor or outdoor target archery, bowhunt, or maybe all of the above.Almost as important is the followup question, “Do you want to do anything else in the future?”Maybe they want to begin with 3-D shoots but also have hopes of bowhunting in the future. Or, they’re starting as a recreational backyard archer but really want to gain enough confidence to compete in a local indoor league next season. Getting answers to these questions will get their bow buying journey off to the right start.“Do you know what type of bow you’re looking for?” ■ Recurves, longbows, compounds and crossbows are all on the table at this point. So you should ask whether the customer has a preference of bow type, keeping their goals in mind. Here’s an example: They really like the simplicity of a traditional bow, but they also want to start with 3-D shoots and hope to bowhunt later. This scenario calls for a takedown or ILF (International Limb Fitting) recurve bow that would let them start with lighter draw weight limbs and go a little heavier in the future if they want to get to a legal hunting weight.Are they a backyard archer who also wants to compete indoors with a compound bow? Speed isn’t too much of a concern, but having a bow that is lighter draw weight and longer axleto-axle will serve them well. If they’re not sure what type of bow they want, you should be willing and able to explain the unique characteristics of each bow type and let them decide what appeals most.“Have you already done some research?”■ This question is much more important now than it was 5 or 10 years ago. With endless information at their fingertips, most consumers have done quite a bit of research by the time they set foot in a retail store. You should know this and understand the important role it plays in the buying process. If they’ve been cruising through YouBow Buying Guide • What You Should be AskingYour Customers to Get Them in the Right EquipmentFUNITING THE INDUSTRY

INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026Tube videos for the past three months trying to narrow down their search, a good archery salesperson should view that as an opportunity to ask about their findings.“What did you learn?” “Do you have a good idea of what you’re looking for?” “Are there any bows you think you want to stay away from?”These questions will easily start a conversation led by their thoughts and ideas. You should then fill in the blank spaces by adding your thoughts and sharing personal experiences. If they’ve spent three months researching, the two things you don’t want to happen are to tell them that everything they’ve seen and read is wrong or handing them the bow they think they want without offering any other guidance.“Do you have a budget in mind?” ■ The most important facet of this question is that Continued from page 12it comes later in the conversation…not first. In a perfect world, everyone would be able to purchase the exact product they want…but it’s simply not always realistic. You should be respectful of the amount they are willing to spend as well as offering options that come in under their budget and will still meet their needs. More follow-up questions here are always a good thing. For instance: “Is that your total budget for arrows and accessories, or just the bow?” “Are you going to need additional items like a target or bow case that we should include in the total purchase price?” “Is there any flexibility in your budget if we can get you in a better option for a little bit more?”This is where you should be earning their trust through honest and thoughtful conversation. If they don’t need to spend their full budget to get the perfect setup, you should encourage them to save the money or spend it on something else that will improve their game, like range time or coaching.While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it should provide a solid idea of what to ask the customer while assisting them in a bow purchase in 2026. Of course, after all these questions, you should be eager to have them try out a few options to see what fits and feels best. You should also take the time and effort to make sure whatever bow they’re purchasing fits properly and is tuned for consistent performance. Encourage them to do as much research as they like beforehand and go into the buying experience with an open mind. Having an open mind about brands and trying as many as possible allows them to make a buying decision about the product as well as the pro shop that offers them the best service.Want to make sure your shop is listed in search results when archers are searching for a store? Join the ATA and your shop will automatically be listed on archerytrade.org, archery360.com and bowhuntersunited.com via our store locator. IAINSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTION

INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026 16National Archeryin the Schools ProgramChanging Lives, One Arrow at a TimeWith interviewswith Tommy Floydand Matt McPhersonBY MICHAELEAN PIKE

APRIL 2026 17 INSIDE ARCHERYThe first thing Tommy Floyd, president of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®), wanted to make clear in our interview is that NASP® isn’t only about introducing kids to archery.Sure, the organization operates in more than 10,000 schools in every U.S. state, the 10 Canadian provinces, the British Virgin Islands and New Zealand. And, yes, NASP® now has 19,000-plus Basic Archery Instructors (BAIs) teaching 1.25 million students per year, for a total of 24.7 million students introduced to archery over the course of the organization’s history. So, on one level, it most definitely is an archery program.But at its heart, NASP® is about changing lives. This is a program that often gives kids their first taste of success, that increases school engagement, that improves academic performance and community involvement, that teaches kids how to overcome barriers and face challenges—not only on the range, but also in the classroom and in life in general.“NASP® belongs to everyone,” Floyd told us. He means it’s open to every kid who’s interested in seeing what archery is all about. But he also means that NASP® belongs to all of us in the industry. Every single one of us has the opportunity to support this program and be a part of changing the lives of millions of schoolchildren for the better.History of NASP®NASP® began in 2002 as a partnership between the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife, the Kentucky Department of Education and Mathews Archery.“It was first intended to be a way to get more kids involved in a shooting program,” Floyd said. Thanks to a collaboration between Gene Wilhoit, Kentucky Commissioner of Education with Tom Bennett and Roy Grimes of the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife—among others—NASP® debuted in 21 Kentucky middle schools as an in-school program.The organization got some critical help from Mathews Archery, which developed the now famous Genesis bow for students to use—a bow that could fit almost anyone.“One of the Mathews Archery shooters mentioned that Kentucky was looking to bring archery back into the schools,” Mathews Founder Matt McPherson recalled. “It was the perfect time to create a bow that could quickly and easily be passed from one person to the next. You wouldn’t have to worry about draw length being specific.“The goal was to create a bow with no let off. Twenty pounds was a great benchmark—it draws at 20 pounds immediately and holds 20 pounds all the way back. If there was a stop on the bow, it wouldn’t be suited for different draw lengths. I wanted to make it so that anybody could pick it up. A lot of times, the thing that makes it hard to get people to try something new is that it’s too complicated. We wanted to make it easy to get as many people involved in the sport as possible.”In addition to the Genesis bow, NASP®also relies on a specific arrow.“We use a 30-inch uncut Easton 1820 aluminum arrow, which is wonderful,” Floyd said. “It has an incredible track record of performance and durability.”The Impact of NASP®Floyd is a huge believer in the impact of NASP because he’s seen it himself.An avid archer since he was nine, Floyd went into education after college.“I think I did everything in the school district except media specialist and guidance counselor,” he said. “I started as a custodian, and I ended my career as Chief of Staff of the Kentucky Department of Education. It was a good run.”He first got involved with NASP® when he was a high school principal.“In 2003, I received an email from the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife inviting me to find someone in my school who might want to get involved in what was going to be called the National Archery in Schools Program,” he said. “The program was a year old then. I called a good friend, and we decided that we would both get trained. We took the BAI training, and we put it out there that we were going to offer archery. That good friend was Joel Zimmer, who is now a NASP® board member and one of the NASP® 3D Directors with his wife, Christie Zimmer. We ended up with about 19 students—elementary, middle, high school. Our Somerset NASP® team was underway.”

18 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026In the beginning, Floyd’s archers shot in the basement of a doctor’s office.“As much as I loved the fact that we were teaching kids how to shoot archery, I was not prepared for what the success did to some of the students that were in the new program,” Floyd said. “I was not prepared for the child who did not have a lot of self-confidence, who wouldn’t look you in the eye, who then came to archery, and we made it fun and exciting. They loved it! We went to the first Kentucky State Tournament that spring. We came away with a high school female champion and an elementary male champion. As cool as that is, what’s even cooler is the way that I saw archery affect those students.”A Success ProgramRepeatedly in our interview, Floyd came back to the fact that NASP® continues to give students the opportunity to achieve success.“NASP is 24 years along the path of being a success program for students that might never have learned anything about archery,” he said. “Some of those students take it to new heights. We’ve got Olympic archers who started in NASP®. We now have BAIs who are teachers in schools who used to be NASP® archers. One of our staff members, Stephanie Evans, was a NASP® archer.”As inspiring as it is to know that some Olympic archers got their start in NASP®, the aim of the program isn’t for all students to necessarily find that level of success.“One of the coolest things about NASP®is it belongs to everybody,” Floyd stressed. “The bow does not care what you look like or where you live. It’s going to help you get through some things, take your mind off some things and help you focus. Because if you don’t, you don’t get those arrows to go where you want.”Floyd has seen the story play out time and again.“The kids go to the gym one day for PE,” he said. “The teacher says they’re doing archery. It’s not an after-school program because maybe some kids can’t stay after school. If we teach during the day, NASP®introduces a whole generation of kids who might never have been exposed to archery.“So, the kids get a bow in their hand. They learn the 11 steps that NASP® has successfully taught for 24 years. They learn how to hold the bow, how to pre-draw and draw and anchor and aim. They learn how to shoot the bow. And the first time they try it, their arrows go all over the place. A couple of tries later, they can sort of get the arrows to go where they want. And each time, they do a little better. Some have just had their first taste of success.”“They found something they can do. Maybe they can’t play ball. Maybe they can’t sing. Maybe they’re not in the homecoming court or an academic superstar. But they can shoot that bow.”From there, many kids go on to join an after-school archery team and participate in tournaments.“That means they have to have good grades,” Floyd said. “It means they have to have good behavior. And in survey data from our archers, we know kids who do NASP® are more likely to try other activities. They are better able to deal with success and failure.”McPherson has seen that as well.“When we go to NASP® events, it’s wonderful to see the kids lined up,” he said. “They’re respectful. None of them have a phone in their hands. It’s pure passion. You should see the way their eyes light up when they shoot.”Part of what makes NASP® students so successful is that they get a chance to learn discipline.“Archery is one of those discipline sports,” McPherson added. “You’ve got to learn discipline. You’ve got to learn proper form. You don’t do it quickly. There’s a very specific, structured way of doing things, which so many of the kids out there haven’t learned. This structure and discipline are new to them. It’s very satisfying to watch kids who might normally be benchwarmers in other sports learn that they can do well in archery.”“On our website, we have a section called ‘Why NASP®?’” Floyd said. “There we have success story after success story, just unbelievable accounts from kids who say NASP®changed their lives. The program is great for kids. Every child needs to find success. NASP® is really a success program that uses archery to achieve that.”Boosting EngagementAs a former principal, Floyd knows teachers and school administrators are always looking for ways to reach unreachable students.“Every school has a percentage of the population that is not engaged,” Floyd said. “Those kids get on a bus. They go to school. They get off the bus at the end of the day. They don’t cause problems. They just don’t want to be bothered. What I have seen is that NASP®, as it’s conducted now, reaches students that other activities do not reach.

APRIL 2026 INSIDE ARCHERY 19Principals tell me all the time that because a set group of students got involved with NASP®, they became more involved in other school activities. So, the school culture benefits as well.”Student survey data also supports the idea that kids who participate in NASP® are more engaged with their school.“Sixty-eight percent said they were more connected to their school after NASP®,” Floyd said. “If you take 100 kids, and 68 are connected to their school while 32 are not, which group do you think is going to be easier to reach when you’re teaching spelling, geometry and world history?”Academic ArcherNASP®’s positive effect on students’ academic performance is well documented.“Thirty-four percent of our kids said that NASP® was an academic motivating factor,” Floyd said. “That’s huge. That means more than a third of the kids indicated they wanted to do better academically so they could participate in NASP®.”And the program has made a point of recognizing student archers for more than just their archery scores.“Coming from the academic world, one of the things I was big on was listening to student voices,” Floyd said. “I would often poll students in my school across demographic areas to learn what they’d like to see happen in the school, what was good, what was bad. In 2015, I became Vice President of NASP®. I got a group of Kentucky archers together, and they had some suggestions. One was to devise an academic program where kids could get recognized for doing well in the classroom.”The result was NASP®’s Academic Archer program, sponsored by Easton. Through this program, BAIs and NASP® coaches can nominate students using local criteria.

20 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026“A lot of schools have an academic recognition day in the spring,” Floyd said. “NASP®kids are recognized as Academic Archers at those academic banquets and school-wide assemblies. We produce a certificate every year that coaches can print out. Every time a kid is registered for a tournament, it says they’re an Academic Archer if their coach nominates them.”The number of Academic Archers has been growing and hit 30,000-plus last year. The program resets at the end of the year, so students must qualify each year.“Not long after we started the Academic Archer program, we began doing an Academic All-American team,” Floyd said. “This “That same group of kids told me they would also like to see a way to recognize things that go on behind the scenes,” Floyd said. “So, we came up with the On Target for Life Awards. Yes, we have a Coach of the Year Award. But the Coach of the Year isn’t selected because their students have the best archery scores. It’s because they make the biggest difference in the students’ lives. We have a Superhero Award—someone who volunteers behind the scenes to fletch arrows, to always be there to help the team. The Superhero Award recognizes those people in the community who usually remain nameless and faceless, but you couldn’t do without them. We’ve got the Bullseye Award, where a kid may have been off track for a while, but because they got involved in archery, they got themselves straightened up behaviorally and academically.“The stories are just remarkable. One of our kids lost a leg right before she finished her senior year. She lost her leg below the knee to cancer. And as traumatic as that was, she came and competed. She was so inspirational.”team is for students who are not only Academic Archers, but also the top shooters at the Western or Eastern National Tournaments. That goes back to our mission. If we want to support educators, we can use NASP® to motivate students to do better in the classroom. Now, we’re not saying we’re improving multiplication tables or reading comprehension. We’re giving students a reason to try to improve academically. Based on what teachers tell us and the feedback we get in our student surveys, we believe it’s working. So, the Academic Archer program is something we’re very proud of.”Listening to student feedback also led NASP® to implement other recognizable programs.❝We’re honored to be among NASP’s largest and most enduring supporters, proudly serving as their official target and Gold Medal sponsor for years. This partnership embodies Morrell Targets’ passion for youth development, with our major strategy centered on maximum involvement to help NASP thrive and inspire the next generation of archers.❞—Tanner Morrell, Morrell Targets

clockwise from top left: ■ NASP® Vice President Jeff Rawlinson assists a young archer.■ NASP® President Tommy Floyd celebrates a fruitful outcome on a recent turkey hunt. ■ The NASP® staff is always on hand to help at every show. ■ NASP® Board Member KevinStay presenting to coordinators. ■ NASP® Board Member Tim Beck (front left) sits withthe team of range officials who are on hand to assist at all events. ■ The NASP® team ofcoordinators, sponsors, board and staff pose during a recent meeting in Tennessee.APRIL 2026 21 INSIDE ARCHERYOvercoming ChallengesFloyd could tell countless stories like that one. He’s seen for himself how archery helps students learn to deal with the challenges life throws at them.“We have students who are handicapped physically,” he explained. “We have students who are emotionally challenged, mentally challenged. We have students in wheelchairs. We have students without arms. We have blind students. We have deaf and hard-of-hearing students. I’m very proud when I hear about a kid in Texas who needed this or a kid in Ohio who needed that, and their school was able to make accommodations so the child could participate at a NASP® event. That’s happens every year. I never will forget this one student. Her mother told me she was mostly nonverbal, but she was able to participate in archery. One night at supper, she said, ‘Shoot bow.’ She likes teal arrows, by the way. She let me know that. She loves to shoot arrows.”McPherson has also seen kids overcome challenges to enjoy archery.“I was at the Kentucky shoot-off one year, and there was a kid in a wheelchair competing,” he recalled. “It was so rewarding to see the look on his face and the look on his parents’ faces. Obviously, there were things that kid couldn’t do, but he could do archery with no problem. I’ve seen blind kids shooting with a spotter. The kids are so excited to be there.”Introduction to ArcheryFor many students, NASP® is their first introduction to archery.“Fifty percent of our students told us in surveys this was the first time they’d ever shot a bow,” Floyd said. “We’re not preaching to the choir here.”Because NASP® is an in-school program, it has the ability to reach children who might never have seen a bow otherwise. What’s more, NASP provides an incredibly positive introduction to the sport.“Ninety-one percent of our students said they had a positive experience shooting a bow,” Floyd said. “Fifty-one percent said they were likely to encourage others to try archery. Forty percent said they wanted to continue archery beyond high school. If you’re into archery, the outdoors and shooting sports and that doesn’t get you excited, there’s something wrong.”As someone who’s very much into archery, McPherson is excited about how

Continued on page 2422 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026many students are introduced to the sport through NASP®.“They get into the camaraderie of shooting with other people and enjoying the sport,” he said. “Many of them end up going to a local retail store and buying their own bow. Many of them eventually start hunting.”NASP® 3DNASP® continues to find ways to introduce kids to different ways of enjoying archery.“Another program I’m really excited about is our 3D portion,” Floyd said. “We’re getting ready to launch NASP® 3D this year. We’re probably going to have some of the larger events we’ve ever had in 3D archery. We have a whole new group of schools that are excited to learn more about 3D. Our state agencies love it because if the kids will take the step to learn how to shoot 3D animals, they may then take a secondary step and learn how to bowhunt. Or maybe they can continue to shoot 3D as adults in various 3D organizations across the country. Regardless, it’s another way to get kids excited about the bow and arrow.”An Unblemished Safety RecordOne of the things Floyd is most proud of—besides the impact NASP® has on kids, of course—is the program’s safety record. The program has a perfect record over its 24 years. “Our training protocols coupled with our proven equipment means that NASP® is safe. It’s safe, it’s tested, it’s proven.“What I think is critical is the training that we provide to teachers. We provide a curriculum, which becomes part of the school’s curriculum, like math, reading and science.“We have some incredibly supportive NASP® sponsors. These people have been with us since the beginning. They give us equipment grant money and many of them support our scholarship program. We’ve awarded $5.4 million dollars in scholarships to kids for post-secondary education. Our wonderful sponsors help support that.“And when you think about the fact that we’ve had almost 25 million participants, you realize how good the training is. Safety is the No. 1 priority with our training.”Getting InvolvedAs pleased as Floyd is with the difference NASP® has made, he feels there’s still much to do.“It’s been a wonderful run thus far, but we’ve got a long way to go,” he said. “I think about all the gyms out there where kids have not yet shot archery. I think about the kids who might have a different self-concept if they had the opportunity to do NASP®.”And that’s where you, the reader, come in.Want to bring NASP® to your school? Floyd walked us through the process.“First, visit our website at naspschools.org,” he said. “You’ll see a nifty graphic about how to get started. You’ll want to talk to your school’s principal or some teachers to try to find someone interested.“What happens then is the teacher that’s selected by the school takes the course and passes. Once they pass the training, they’re eligible to order the equipment. The equipment kit is 10 bows, 5 targets, the background curtain, bow racks, repair kit—everything they need to teach archery in a school. That costs about $3,300. NASP®works with state coordinators every year in July. We offer up to $1,500 for new schools and then $300 to $500 for existing schools for rejuvenation of equipment.”This is where outside organizations can help.“When I was principal and wanted to start NASP®, I got a grant that took care of half my cost,” Floyd said. “Then I went to Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, the local Sportsman Club—everybody that cared about young people or the shooting sports. I had my money in a week. Everybody wants to see kids in their community be successful. If you get the word out that you’re going to offer an instructional program in archery, you’ll be amazed at the number of people that will come out of the woodwork to help.”Once things get underway, training is done by representatives of the state wildlife agency through the state NASP® coordinator. “Here’s what’s really exciting—the person reading this article, whether they’re in a bow shop or just love archery, they can get involved with the school district,” Floyd said. “They can ask to be a volunteer. They can become active in helping these kids find success with that bow and arrow. There’s a way to get plugged in at each local school that wants to start NASP®.“I encourage everyone who reads Inside Archery and cares about archery, that cares about the future, that wants to see kids find success—get plugged in.“Look, everybody who reads this article is older and has less time than they think

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Continued from page 2224 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026they do. None of us are guaranteed extra time. We just get one shot. I want there to be young people somewhere out there when I’m gone that turn on a headlamp in the dark and walk out to a spot where something really great can happen outdoors—that takes partnerships.”With the help of the ATA, NASP® has now developed a “Friends of NASP®” class to help dealers become more aware of the opportunities NASP® offers.“Almost every shop has NASP® schools not far away,” Floyd said. “And those kids are looking for a next step on their archery journey. What better way than to find a shop near you? With the Friends of NASP course that we’ve developed with the ATA, I think more shops could find a NASP® school near them.”No matter how you do it, Floyd encourages everyone to get involved.“Now is the time,” he said. “If you care about archery and you care about kids, find a way to get involved. Get involved with some of the other shooting sports. Get involved with some of the organizations that you might have. But if you draw a blank and you don’t have any place to get involved, we want to help you. We want to help you find a NASP® school that could use your support and your passion for the outdoors and your passion for archery. We want to help you connect with a group of kids that you haven’t met yet. We want to connect you to NASP®.”Looking Toward the FutureSince the pandemic, NASP® has been adding about 1,300 schools a year. That’s in large part due to the tireless efforts of the organization’s staff, sponsors, schools and supporters. “I have to brag about our staff,” Floyd said. “They’re fantastic. Working together, they offer three major national tournaments. We offer an annual coordinator conference, and every so many years we offer a successful NASP® educator and coaches conference. We have the best staff in the United States. Jeff Rawlinson is our vice president. He is extremely well respected in the R3 and state agency world. He comes to us as the former hunting and shooting sports director (R3) in Nebraska. I would truthfully say that if you don’t like Jeff Rawlinson, it’s because you haven’t yet met Jeff Rawlinson.“We have a rock-solid board of directors group that has been with the program mostly since the beginning. Our directors are very selfless and very dedicated to the preservation and growth of NASP®. They are absolutely committed to our organizational mission and growth!”We have an excellent relationship with our partnering Fish & Wildlife agencies. We have relationships with our dedicated archery industry representatives. All these people are committed to the long-term expansion of in-school archery. And I’m very, very grateful.”McPherson is excited about NASP®’s potential.“If we show millions of kids archery, there’s going to be a percentage that are going to want to make it a life skill and that is something we continue to work on,” he said. “We market the Genesis bow in a way that makes it easy for kids who shoot it in school to be able to go get one after. Ultimately, the goal would be that they would then go out and buy a modern-day compound bow with all the accessories. But even if you put all that on the back burner, we’ve gotten so many letters from teachers and from parents and from principals over the years that said, ‘NASP® changed the life of this child.’ Many, many, many children. Some were going down a very dark path, and all of a sudden, they feel like somebody.“It is so beautiful to be a part of changing a kid’s life, even if that kid doesn’t shoot archery later. Giving kids hope is so important. We’ve put literally millions of dollars into this because it’s one way I know I’m making a real impact. So, we’re all in. We love working with everybody at NASP®—Tommy Floyd and Roy Grimes and everyone who’s made it what it is today. It’s amazing to see the leaps and bounds that NASP®is making. Every tournament they run has more and more kids. They continue to break records over and over. When you go to a NASP® tournament, you hear the sound of hundreds of arrows hitting the target at the same time. It’s amazing. Every one of those little ticks you hear is somebody releasing, hoping to hit that mark. Honestly, isn’t that what life’s about—taking aim and hoping to hit the mark?”“We’re proud of what we’ve done,” Floyd added. “Every year, we see more and more kids posing with their Genesis bows in their senior photos because the bow is so important to them. I love what NASP® does for millions of kids. I love that I’ve been able to play a small part in its growth.“We just tell everybody we’re an archery program.” IA

26MARKET TRENDS BOW REPORTINSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026The 2026 Bear Alaskan Pro includes the latest accessory mounting systems--including Picatinny sight mounting and Integrate/IMS-style rest mounting.The Alaskan Pro from Bear Archery for 2026 is driven by compression-molded, past-parallel quad limbs that are stable and forgiving.The Bear Archery Alaskan Pro is hunt-quiet rightout of the box. Vibration-reduction modules inthe riser are just one reason why.ear Archery’s founder, Fred Bear, launched his namesake company with the mission of making quality archery products affordable to all Americans, regardless of income—which is still a large part of what drives Bear Archery business strategy today.Bear Archery certainly offers their flagship bows (also at competitive prices), but the company remains the leader of offering rock-solid hunting bows at workingman prices.The 2026 Bear Archery Alaskan Pro RTH is just such a bow. The Alaskan Pro RTH is a hunting outfit that delivers a solid bowhunting package complete with high-end features and providing IBO arrow speeds within 10 fps of most top-tier bows, at a price essentially half of many competitors’ flagship models. The RTH (Ready To Hunt) package adds even more value. Many who started bowhunting in the 1970s fondly remember the Alaskan name, the new Alaskan Pro providing hugely upgraded performance combined with remarkable value. Despite its affordability, this is a serious bowhunting bow. Just ask worldrenowned bowhunter Chuck Adams, who has used his own Bear Alaskan Pro to bag some very serious big-game trophies.The Alaskan Pro provides efficient power and precision through a next-generation cam system that draws clean and even, and holds steady through the shot, combined with IBO arrows speeds of up to 339 fps (350-grain arrow, 70 pounds, 30 inches). At 33-inch axle-to-axle and with a 6.25-inch brace height, the Alaskan Pro is forgiving, stable in the hand and easy to shoot. Powered by the EKO² Cam ■ The newlyrefined EKO² Cam includes let-off options of 80 or 85 percent and smooth, efficient power. The original EKO Cam provided 75-, 80-, 85- 90-percent let-off options, but in all honesty, of all the EKO-fueled bows I’ve shot I can’t recall setting one up at either of those let-off extremes. The new EKO² Cam is also easier to set up. Draw lengths from 25.5 to 30.5 inches are possible in a single bow, these adjustments more intuitive than ever. Bear added plainlyvisible laser-etched, white-highlighted draw-length numbers and lines tracing out let-off preferences. Loosen one screw, remove another, rotate the module until the desired draw-length is circled, return the loose screw to the corelating tap and tighten both. The draw stop is then moved to the appropriate mark and locked down. No more convoluted charts to get the right draw-length/let-off combination.If anything, the EKO² Cam is slightly smoother than the original. The large profile makes breaking through start-up inertia at the start of the draw cycle easier, shaving a few pounds off of perceived draw weight. This is the cam system I want after sitting in a frozen whitetail stand for several hours. It also produced remarkably even kinetic energy through the entire test-arrow range, BBY PATRICK MEITINeven the lightest examples, which I rarely observe.Built-In Stability ■ The Alaskan Pro’s generous dual-axis cutouts—cutting from the riser flats and edges—helps minimize carry weight without sacrificing riser stiffness or increasing post-shot vibrations. In fact, the Alaskan Pro remains dead in the hand and jump free following release, allowing more thorough followthrough important to consistent shooting.The Alaskan Pro includes notable inhand balance, though provisions are supplied for additional stabilizer/balancing assets, including a standard stabilizer tap running all the way through the riser from front to rear and a lower-rear tap ideal for V- or side-bars. The provided rubberized Bear Paw grip—held in place by opposing Allen screws—proved comfortable, especially in cold conditions.The Alaskan Pro holds a carbon cableguard rod in an off-set bracket that allows easy adjustment for attitude through a single oversized bolt, plus length adjustment via dual set screws. The slide is a refined roller design—dual rollers riding on the outside of the slide rod, bearing-equipped rollers holding each buss cable. The system is smooth and chatter free to eliminate cable wear or catches in the draw cycle in any weather or temperature.The compression-molded quad limbs are held in aluminum limb pockets lined with polymer material to absorb shock and vibrations, and eliminate any slop to ensure shot-to-shot consistency. Limb pivot points are just slightly ahead of the grip valley for stability, and limbs Bear Archery Alaskan Pro RTH

APRIL 2026 27 INSIDE ARCHERYArrow SpeedBear Archery Alaskan Pro RTH set at 70.0 pounds at 30 inches. 29-inch Arrows/ Shaft Finished Kinetic Arrow 100-Grain Tips gpi Arrow Wt. Energy Speed––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CX Triad 300 10.9 564 grains 88.4 ft. lbs. 265.7 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Easton 5mm FMJ 300 12.0 550 grains 88.0 ft. lbs. 268.4 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Bloodsport Evidence 300 11.7 518 grains 87.4 ft. lbs. 275.6 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Victory VAP-SS 300 9.9 473 grains 87.4 ft. lbs. 288.4 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Altra Centrum 166 300 10.5 468 grains 87.4 ft. lbs. 290.0 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Easton 4mm Axis LR 300 9.4 457 grains 85.7 ft. lbs. 290.6 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GT Pierce Platinum 300 9.1 451 grains 85.9 ft. lbs. 292.8 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CX Photon SD 300 8.9 433 grains 85.6 ft. lbs. 298.4 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Victory VAP 300 8.7 424 grains 85.3 ft. lbs. 300.9 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GT Black Label Quantum 8.3 404 grains 86.1 ft lbs. 309.8 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Black Eagle Carnivore 350 7.5 363 grains 84.4 ft. lbs. 323.6 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Victory RIP XV 300 7.0 355 grains 86.7 ft. lbs. 329.7 fps–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (800) 694-9494 OR VISIT BEARARCHERY.COMSpecifications––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Axle-to-Axle Length33 inches––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Brace Height6.25 inches––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Mass Weight4.4 pounds––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Let-Off80 or 85 percent, adjustable––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Available Draw Lengths25.5 to 30.5 inches––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Available Draw Weights45-60 or 55-70 pounds––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Available FinishesMossy Oak Bottomland,Emerge 2.0, Olive and Stone––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––DexterityLeft- and right-hand––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––MSRP$759.99point to attach a treestand pull-up rope or hang from a bow hanger.The RTH in the title represents Bear’s Ready To Hunt package (non-package bows can also be ordered). The RTH kit on the Alaskan Pro sports Trophy Ridge accessories, including an IMS/Integrate-style Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, Picatinny-mount fourpin fixed sight, Integrated-adjustable wrist sling, five-arrow, dual-gripper detachable quiver, 5 ½-inch stabilizer and factory-installed ¼-inch peep. Combined, these accessories provide a $160 value.These are solid basic accessories suited to beginning bowhunters. As I plan to use the Alaskan Pro for hard-core bowhunting, I utilized the Picatinny rail to add a precision multi-pin mover sight, the IMS dovetail to install a limb-driven drop-away rest, and I opted for a 10-inch Bee-Stinger MicroHex stabilizer. I was soon assembling fist-sized groups to 60 yards, showing that this midpriced bow is capable of flagship accuracy. By the time you read this report, I will be hunting free-range axis deer, blackbuck antelope and wild hogs in Texas with the Alaskan Pro. That’s how much confidence I have in this stable, quick and quiet Bear Archery model. IAinclude past-parallel geometry to cancel the jump and vibrations of the opposing set. The past-parallel design also keeps buss cables under high tension to quicken postshot recovery and reduce shot noise. Quiet & Hunt Ready ■ A complete vibration/silencing system is incorporated. What is most noticeable is the new string-stop system. It includes a larger rubber stringcapture bumper, but also an oscillating, rubber-mounted base to further enhanced vibration absorption. Also included are Bear-logoed limb-dampening blocks and riser-mounted vibration-control modules. The latter are located below each limb pocket, the upper pure rubber, the lower including an oscillating metal ring to each side of the riser. The rubber string silencers also act as speed nocks; an approach I’ve The new EKO2 (small/raised) Cam is now even easier to set up, while offering 80 and 85 percent let-off options; dispensing with the 75 and 90 percent let-offs of before.Bear Archery’s top hunting-bow models now include an integrated loop to offer streamlined tie-off of treestand pull-up ropes.WebXtra ■ To take a closer look at the Bear Archery Alaskan Pro RTH in action, go to insidearchery.com.always found clever. The overall effect is quite effective.The Alaskan Pro holds Bear’s integrated pull-up rope loop. This is added inside the top limb pocket to provide a convenient

28MARKET TRENDS GEAR REPORTINSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026OBY PATRICK MEITINSword Sights5-Pin Jury Pro Mover Sightable in matte black anodizing, or tough Cerakote in Shey Grey or Brown Bear.As tested, the Jury Pro was left-handed with five .010-inch horizontal pins, 2-inch aperture, Picatinny mount and anodized matte black finish. The aperture includes a white peep alignment ring and integrated bubble level.The sight includes Sword’s m i c r o - a d j u s t , rack-and-pinion Fast Track elevation technology controlled by a side wheel and long, thin and repositionable locking lever. Yardage is displayed on a 45-degree face sporting a red, vertically adjustable aluminum pointer. Initial rough elevation positioning is made through 10 tap positions and two bolts found between the extension bracket and main head, and then a bolt-clamp dovetail arrangement adjusted and locked via a bolt found inside the windage micro-adjust knob. Rough windage also includes a dovetail arrangement secured by a bolt found on atop the main bar. Windage can then be micro adjusted without tools through a sliding/threaded extension running inside the macro windage bar, controlled by a thin, repositionable finger lever. All adhio-made Sword Sights has a decade’s long history of producing cutting-edge and rock-solid hunting and target sights.The five-pin Jury Pro mover sight under discussion here is the company’s latest, and an ideal complement to any Western bowhunting rig.The Jury Pro is milled from 100 percent T6061 billet aluminum and sandblasted before finishing. Precision tolerances and anti-vibration features quiet shots and provide flawless function. Options include 1.5- or 2-inch apertures and three or five .010- or .019-inch steel pins. The 1.5-inch aperture accepts a lens and retainer ring. Right- and left-hand, plus direct-, dovetail- and Picatinny-mounting options are availjustments include etched white scales. Adjustments for 2nd and 3rd axis are found in the extension bar. Second axis is controlled through a dual-bolt system, the top bolt providing a pivot point, the lower in a slot allowing left/right movements. Third axis includes a similar approach, with a stainless steel set screw added to further lock adjustments in place.The mover head rides on a vertical bar surrounded by brass bushings at the front, and opposing Teflon tabs running inside milled grooves at the rear. Pins are fiber-optic backed, extended fiber housed inside a clear plastic capsule beside the aperture, then routed through three clear plastic tubes outside the pin housing. The system provides maximum exposure to ambient light, ensuring bright aiming points. The aperture ring is double fluted to minimize weight and includes two generous windows to shave weight while also allowing additional light to reach the pins. The aperture is double bolted on brass pillars.All adjustments are intuitive and uncomplicated, while also allowing positive movements and solid lockdowns. The Jury Pro comes with a new pushbutton Power Tower plug-in rechargeable light that directs illumination onto the fibers and not the pins to avoid blinding the shooter.The Sword Jury Pro isn’t a budget sight, but is priced quite competitively with models in this class. Visit swordsights.com to learn more. IAWebXtra ■ For a closer look at this product and many others, check them out at insidearchery.com.

30 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026B Y P A T R I C K M E I T I N I’m old enough to remember when new and innovative didn’t necessarily translate into effective, or even ethical. Those days are largely past, as few of today’s newest broadheads are truly questionable. That said, I still live by the rule of choosing the right broadhead for the job. There are turkey-targeted broadheads, for instance, that would prove disastrous on big game. There are mechanicals I wouldn’t shoot anything larger than a deer with (not that they wouldn’t work, but that they might not work in a worst-case scenario). There are also mini fixed-blade heads I would pass on for turkeys or lighter big game…The industry provides choices, allowing customers to match the broadhead to the game. That’s how I approached this piece—categorizing broadhead designs I believe are best suited for particular bowhunting endeavors while shooting average equipment, based on long field experience and 23 years of professionally guiding bowhunters.

APRIL 2026 31 INSIDE ARCHERYTurkey BroadheadsAny broadhead that produces a 1 ½-plus inch wound channel through center mass is suited to turkeys (forget “shocking” them, you want to cut them). Yet these specialized broadheads were designed specifically for anchoring turkeys.G5 OUTDOORS ■ The new Dirty Bird Turkey Decapitation broadhead from G5 is such a broadhead. It is not intended for body shots, and certainly not big game. It’s yet another twist on the turkey-decap approach, but with a practical touch. The 125-grain Dirty Bird includes three forwardfolding blades easily stored in the hood of standard-issue bow quivers. Before shooting, the blades are folded open to create a 3-inch reach that increases the odds of making fatal head/neck hits. The Dirty Bird includes a Magnetic Retention system and blunt tip to deliver maximum impact energy following direct hits. G5 promises field-point accuracy and instant kills. Go to g5outdoors.com to learn more.SLICK TRICK ■ The D-CAP from Slick Trick is another turkey-specific broadhead intended for head/neck shots. The D-CAP includes three .060-inch-thick, hardened 420 stainless steel blades reaching 4 inches wide. Edges are single beveled. Properly hit gobblers won’t walk away from this broadhead, meaning no tracking or wounding. These blades are held in a Zero-Tapered Ferrule. The downside is the design’s 200-grain weight, which will require a stiffer spined arrow and specialized setup. Go to slicktrick.net to learn more. MAGNUS BROADHEADS ■ The Magnus Bullhead is a classic turkey head-lopper, including three blades set 90 degrees to the ferrule. They are offered in 100-grain with a 2 ¾-inch cutting diameter and 125-grain with 3 ¾-inch cutting diameter. They are designed for head and neck shots only. The advantage of this design is their standard weights, which don’t require assembling a specialized arrow. Go to magnusbroadheads.com to learn more. RAGE BROADHEADS ■ The Rage X-treme Turkey broadhead isn’t a head-lopper, but was designed specifically for quick kills on gobblers. This 100-grain mechanical includes a “meat-hook” equipped cut-on-contact leading blade backed by two aggressive 2.125-inch-wide rear-deploying mechanical blades. The leading and mechanical blades are .035-inch thick stainless steel and held in an anodized aluminum ferrule. Blades are secured by an X-treme Series Shock Collar. The hooked frontal blade is designed to slow penetration to ideally leave the arrow in the bird and prevent flight or escape through brush, while the mechanical blades open a fatal wound channel, even on marginal hits. Go to feradyne.com/rage-broadheads to learn more. Whitetail BroadheadsThe ideal whitetail broadhead, to my mind, should include a balance of wide cutting diameter and adequate penetration. I want maximum vital-tissue devastation, but also an exit wound when shooting from elevated positions. Some of these models could undoubtedly take on larger animals like elk when shooting high energy or following ideal shot placement, but aren’t what I would consider optimal. My opinions are admittedly old-school biased, but I live by a better-safe-than-sorry approach. SIK BROADHEADS ■ SIK Broadhead’s SK2 100 percent stainless steel, two-blade mechanical produces a unique Z-shaped wound channel that ensures wound channels won’t close.

32 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026The 100-grain design includes a 2-inch deployed cutting diameter. The SK2 provides field-point accuracy at any speed and uses patented FliteLoc Technology to ensure the offset blade design remains closed in flight but deploys instantly to create 2-inch entrance and exit wounds.Customers looking for additional cutting action can also choose the 100-grain, three-blade Meat Seeker mechanical. This 2-inch cutting three-blade includes a reardeploy Piston-Action system and provides field-point accuracy. On impact, the three super-sharp and stout blades unleash 3.09 inches of total cutting edges to create wide blood trails. Go to beararchery.com to learn more. RAGE BROADHEADS ■ The new Rage Tyrant 3-Blade mechanical broadhead was designed to inflict the most devastating three-blade wound channel possible, including massive entry wounds and uncompromising durability. The Tyrant 3-Blade provides a 2-plus-inch cutting diameter, while the offset blade design produces an aggressive helical wound channel. Up front, a titanium chisel tip leads the aluminum ferrule to punch through bone and maintain straight-line penetration. The .035-inch-thick, 420 stainless steel blades are durable and super sharp. A compression-fit retention system ensures controlled, reliable blade deployment. With this much cutting power, high-energy compounds are recommended. Go to feradyne.com/rage-broadheadsto learn more.DEAD RINGER ■ Dead Ringer’s Great White mechanical broadhead lives up to its namesake with a hybrid 1-inch entrance wound and 2.5-inch deployed cutting diameter that opens up wide wound channels and makes trailing easier. The thick stainless steel blades are tough and reliable, even around bone. The leading edges of the deployable blades include serrations to saw through tough hide and ensure it opens, and swept-back blades to maximize penetration. The design provides reliable performance with compounds and crossbows at up to 600 fps. The Great White can be shot as a 100-grain head or 125 grains with the included weight collars added. Go to deadringerhunting.com to learn more. WASP ARCHERY ■ The Jak Knife twoblade mechanical broadhead from Wasp produces a 2-inch cut and is offered in 100- and 125-grain models. The design offers field-point accuracy and is extremely reliable. The blades are secured in flight using dependable neoprene O-rings that roll rearward during deployment to minimize energy loss. The .036-inch-thich, shaving-sharp blades are stainless steel and the streamlined ferrule is made from high-grade aluminum. Wasp’s proven SST (Stainless Steel Trocar) tip promotes deep penetration and splits bone. Go to wasparchery.com to learn more. SLATRA ARCHERY ■ The new Draugr by Slatra Archery is a fixed-/replaceableblade broadhead producing a mechanicalbroadhead cutting diameter. The 100 percent stainless steel broadhead includes a 1.6-inch cutting diameter created by three generously-vented blades that allow it to group with field points, while also providing silent flight. All-steel construction, including a ferrule with 40-45 Rockwell hardness to blow through bone, makes it tough and reliable. The Draugr is rated for high-performance compound and crossbow velocities. It can be ordered in 100- and 125-grain options and comes in three-packs inside a compact plastic hard case for convenient storage. Also new, the Draugr Styrkr includes heavier blades and a beefier ferrule intended for larger game. Go to slatraarchery.com to learn more. ZEUS BROADHEADS ■ Zeus Broadhead’s Zeus Titanium is tough enough that it could be slipped into the elk category, but it promises assured devastation on deer-sized animals. The Zeus Titanium is highly unique, starting penetration with a patented, highly aerodynamic steel 8-Channel Ballistic Tip and what appears a 1 ½-inch-wide front fixed blade and trailing cross-cut 7/8-inchwide bleeder blades secured by steel set screws. Yet the front blades aren’t entirely fixed, including a patented, spring-loaded Bone Reactive Blade System allowing each blade to independently collapse into the G5 Dirty Bird Turkey DecapitationSlick Trick D-CAPMagnus BullheadRage X-treme TurkeySIK SK2SIK Meat SeekerContinued on page 34

34 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026tough titanium ferrule after contacting heavy bone—preventing deflection or blade failure—but then popping into full cutting diameter after passing the barrier to ensure deep penetration. The design produces nasty entry and exit wounds while also providing field-point accuracy. They are available in 100- and 125-grain options, each pack containing a matched-flight practice head. Go to killzhunt.com to learn more.SLICK TRICK ■ Slick Trick’s Torch two-blade, rear-deploy mechanical offers the aerodynamics of a field point combined with wide cutting entrance and exit wounds. The slim ferrule and titanium Silver Tip make it tough and deep driving, with surgicalgrade blades opening to 2 inches. The blades are single-beveled to produce spiral wound channels. The reliable stainless-steel blade retention system and double-faceted internal Deadbolt Deployment mechanism provide complete reliability and improved efficiency. The Torch doesn’t require Orings, bands or retention collars. Its overall efficiency allows low-energy bowhunters to unleash a wide cutting diameter without fear of sacrificing penetration. Go toslicktrick.net to learn more. VIPER ARCHERY ■ Viper Archery’s Spectre two-blade mechanical broadhead includes revolutionary Magnetic Blade Technology, which holds blades closed until impact without O-rings, bands, clips or retainer collars. This technology also allows the blades to act independently of one another. The .047-inch-thick, sweep-back blade design creates massive entry and exit wounds and helps maximize penetration. They also include one of the thickest mechanical blades on the market, which includes a protective Cerekote finish. They are sold in 2-inch cutting 100- and 2 ¼-inch cutting 125-grain versions. Each pack includes a practice head with a spare set of blades. The design flies like a field point and is guaranteed to open every time. Go to viperarcheryproducts.com to learn more. .30-06 OUTDOORS ■ The Bloodbath hybrid mechanical broadhead is a design that could easily be sneaked into the elk category, but is a shoe-in for whitetail hunters—especially those at the low end of the energy spectrum. This is .30-06’s best-selling broadhead, providing nearly 3 inches of total cutting edges. The 100-grain broadhead includes a fixed, true cut-on-contact main blade backed by two deployable blades, allowing it to start penetration off like a spear and open like a machete. The sturdy, serrated blades are made from stainless steel and held in an aircraft-grade aluminum ferrule by steel set screws. The fixed blade is 13/16-inch wide and the mechanical blades open to 2 inches wide to create a devastating crosscut wound channel. The Bloodbath is rated for both compound and crossbows and delivered in a blister pack holding three heads. Go to30-06outdoors.com to learn more. REK BROADHEADS ■ The HXP-2 mechanical broadhead from REK is a reardeploying, two-blade design ideal for whitetails and similarly-sized game. The two heavy-duty, stainless steel .039-inchthick blades open to 2.25 inches to produce gaping wound channels that put game down fast. The blades are held in a highquality aluminum ferrule and the faceted tip crushes bone and penetrates deeply. The entire head is rebuildable. The updated blade-locking mechanism includes no bands, collars or springs for complete reliability. The U.S.-made HXP-2 is available in 100- and 125-grain options. Go torekbroadheads.com to learn more. NEW ARCHERY PRODUCTS (NAP) ■ NAP offers two new Killzone RX mechanical broadhead options to serve average- or high-energy shooters. The Killzone RX 2.0 is ideal for bowhunters shooting lower to average energy (say, 65 pounds at 29 inches). Both include a choice of NAP’s proven faceted Trophy Tip or Cut-On-Contact tip. The Killzone RX 2.0’s two rear-deploying blades open to 2 inches and include a high-grade aluminum ferrule. The twin curved blades provide a lower in-flight profile for enhanced accuracy. They weigh 100 grains and feature NAP’s exclusive spring-clip blade-retention system that eliminates O-rings, bands and collars. For those shooting more energy and looking for a slightly wider cut, the Killzone RX 2.3 Rage Tyrant 3-BladeDead Ringer Great WhiteWasp Jak KnifeSlatraDraugrZeus TitaniumSlick Trick TorchContinued on page 36Continued from page 32

offers a 2.3-inch cutting diameter. Otherwise, they mirror the 2.0 design. Go to newarchery.com to learn more.AFTERMATH BROADHEADS BY VAPOR TRAIL SCENTS ■ If you have a customer shooting high energy and looking for maximum destruction, Aftermath Broadheads deliver the goods. The Aftermath produces huge wound channels while allowing pinpoint accuracy. The 100-grain design requires no O-rings, bands or retainer clips. The two .035-inch-thick stainless steel blades produce a 2 1/8-inch cut, and are engineered to open inside the animal. The blades are sharpened front and back, and include support arms that work with the blades to add five times the structural strength. Once deployed, the blades lock open to rip and cut with forward or reverse movement to inflict maximum damage. The patent-pending ball-joint locking mechanism adds strength and reliability. Go to ghilliemonsteroutdoors.com to learn more. INNERLOC BROADHEADS ■ The Innerloc Devastation mechanical broadhead is a three-blade design available in 100-, 125- and 150-grain (crossbows) options. All produce wicked 2-inch cutting diameters using rugged .040-inch-thick blades to put game down fast. Innerloc’s patented Clip Loc design secures blades in flight and is tuned for reliable performance from today’s fastest bows and crossbows. Patented “Dynamic Blade Control” technology includes crushable DBC inserts to dampen blade opening and independently adjust each blade’s attitude should they encounter bone to help prevent blade damage and maintain straight-line penetration. Replaceable DBC inserts and 25- or 50-grain weight adaptors are also offered. Go toinnerloc.com to learn more. SWAT BROADHEADS ■ For 2026, SWAT focused on making crossbows more deadly with a new four-blade, 150-grain mechanical option. The new NOS SS XMAG 150 includes a robust stainless steel ferrule with a fluted chisel tip that holds four blades. The first set of rear-deploy blades produces a 2-inch two-blade entry wound, the trailViper Archery Spectre.30-06 OutdoorsBloodbathREK HXP-2Continued on page 38Continued from page 34

38 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026ing set opening inside the animal to add a 1.75 cut and a game-draining 1.76-by2-inch exit wound. The front blades are .036-inch thick, the rear .040-inch. New refinements include new rear-blade clearance technology for greater efficiency. All parts are anchored by top-quality steel screws and it is speed-rated to 530 fps, or unlimited speed with a retention strap in place. They come with a practice point. Go to swatbroadheads.com to learn more. THORN BROADHEADS ■ The “Crown of Thorns” from Thorn is a one-of-a-kind fixed-blade broadhead made to reap destruction but fly laser straight. The highgrade aluminum ferrule holds six helixstacked blades arranged in ascending diameters—the first set cutting 5/8-inch wide, the second ¾-inch, the third 7/8-inch and the bottom 1-inch wide. The design allows true field-tip arrow flight and produces wide blood trails. Each .040-inch-thick stainless steel blade set rides on a steel bearing that locks them securely in place. The packaging box provides handy storage between hunts. Go to thornbroadheads.com to learn more. GRIM REAPER BROADHEADS ■ Grim Reaper Pro Series Mechanicals feature the company’s steel, cutting Pro Tip and newer Snap Cup design holding all components in place for easy installation. They sport super strong, razor-sharp .035-inch-thick stainless blades that require no O-rings, bands, or clips to keep them secure from the fastest bows but open instantly. They are offered in 100- and 125-grain threeblade with 1 3/8-inch cutting diameter; Carni-Four 100- and 125-grain four-blade with 1 ½-by-1 ¼-inch cutting diameter; Whitetail Special 100- and 125-grain three-blade with 2-inch cutting diameter; Mini-Mag 100- and 125-grain four-blade with 1 ¼-inch cutting diameter; 100- and 125-grain fourblade with 1 3/8-inch cutting diameter and Whitetail Extreme 125-grain with 2-by-1 ½-inch cutting diameter. This provides an ideal fit for any delivered energy range. Go togrimreaperbroadheads.com to learn more. SPEED BROADHEADS ■ All-new Speed Broadheads are a rear-deploying, twoblade mechanical that includes a unique locking mechanism that causes blades to lock tighter as speed increases, so they cannot open in flight. The same design deploys with 80 percent less force and blades open completely on impact. They include an easy locking system requiring no collars or bands. The Titanium 100 is the flagship, including a Grade 5 titanium ferrule and PVD-coated chisel tip to ensure maximum impact stability. It holds two .039-inchthick stainless steel blades that open to produce a 2-inch cut while maintaining structural reliability. Other Speed models include the 100-grain Crosscut 100 with cut-on-contact tip, 100-grain Crossbow Titanium and 125-grain Crossbow Steel. The company guarantees 100 percent customer satisfaction or their money back. Go to speedbroadheads.com to learn more.Elk & Dangerous-Game BroadheadsWhen I label a broadhead elk ready, I would also include moose, big bears and bison. This is all about penetration, breaching heavy ribs and thick hide and pushing through vitals to the opposite ribcage. This is especially pointed when faced with quartering shots requiring more meat and organs to be breached. Dangerous game usually indicates heavy grain weights to boost F.O.C. and offer the deepest penetration. This also makes them ideal for traditional bows. ANNIHILATOR BROADHEADS ■ The new Blood Reign from Annihilator is a rare mechanical I’d confidently hunt elk with. The Blood Reign is a hybrid of fixed and mechanical approaches that drives deep while also cutting wide. This starts with the heat-treated, three-edged stainless steel tip design that put Annihilator on the map. This version is ¾-inch wide and includes 8mm scoops—creating a 1-inch fixed-blade entry wound for the arrow to follow. The following are three .060-inchthick, single-bevel/serrated mechanical blades that expand to 1 ¾ inches and adapt to 1 1/16 inches should they encounter bone. This prevents failure and allows the broadhead to stay the course for deeper penetration, while the single-bevel edges NAP Killzone RXAftermathBroadheadsInnerloc DevastationSWAT NOS SS XMAG 150Thorn “Crown of Thorns”Grim ReaperPro SeriesContinued on page 40Continued from page 36

40 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026create nasty spiral wound channels. Force-Indexed Geometry maintains blade position sans typical O-rings, bands, clips or retention collars. This also allows each mechanical blade to work independently. The ferrule is Grade 5 titanium, and the mechanical blades can be locked to follow the cutting-tip edges for deeper penetration or set between them to create a six-edge cut. The design also allows assembling a heavier broadhead by installing any fixed-blade head up front. Look for them in 100- and 125-grain options. Go to annihilatorbroadheads.com to learn more. SIK BROADHEADS ■ SIK’s 100-grain SIK F3 is a three-blade fixed design holding ultra-sharp .035-inch-thick stainless steel blades, and includes a unique offset blade design that produces a gaping 1-3/16-inch cutting diameter that won’t close up. It includes a knurled/threaded rear locking collar and the ferrule is 100 percent stainless steel with a bone-crushing hybrid tip. Offset Core Cutting Technology blades not only open wicked wound channels but also promote field-point flight characteristics.When faced with customers at the low end of the energy scale, or a practiced bowhunter qualified to make longer shots where arrow energy begins to bleed away, you can’t go wrong recommending the SIK F4. This 100-grain head is a true cuton-contact design with bleeder blades for maximum penetration on tough game. It includes laser-welded stainless steel construction with 27-degree razor-honed edges producing a 1.350-inch wound channel. This is a true cut-on-contact offering exceptional accuracy from the fastest bows. Go to beararchery.com to learn more. DEAD RINGER ■ The Triple Acuti fixedblade broadhead by Dead Ringer brings to bear bone-breaking reliability combined with field tip accuracy. The replaceableblade broadhead includes a 1 ¼-inch cutting diameter that would also serve as a great whitetail broadhead for those shooting lower energy, or a devastating elk head for those wielding greater energy. It is aerodynamic enough for high-performance compounds or crossbows, the onepiece carbon steel ferrule including a short profile and bone-splitting trocar tip. The stainless steel blades are scary-sharp and arranged at a helix attitude to work with arrow fletchings. Included brass alignment collars allow users to set up a 100- or 125-grain broadhead to their preferences.For customers looking for even deeper penetration on larger and tougher game—or for those at the lower end of the energy spectrum—the Dead Ringer Butcher four-blade cut-on-contact broadhead delivers the deepest possible penetration. This broadhead is built for the toughest assignments, holding a razor-sharp stainless-steel, .925-inch-wide main blade plus trailing bleeders to produce blood-letting crosscuts. The head weighs 100-grains. Blades are held in a high-grade aluminum ferrule for durability and can be resharpened. Go to deadringerhunting.com to learn more. QUALITY ARCHERY PRODUCTS (QAD) ■Exodus fixed-blade broadheads from QAD leave no room for improvement. While its 1 ¼-inch cutting diameter makes it well-suited for whitetails, it is also tough enough to be trusted on larger animals like elk. The 100-percent-steel design holds three replaceable, .040-inch-thick blades anchored by a steel retaining ring, the .70-inch rear spurs then screwing inside the arrow insert. Despite its impressive cutting diameter, this short and stout head offers field-point accuracy via Blade Over Shaft Technology that shortens its profile. The SST steel ferrule with threeedged cutting tip stands up to the most punishing impacts and drives deep into game. Exodus broadheads are available with Standard, Crossbow or Deep Six ferrules, in 85-, 100-, and 125-grain weights and with full or swept blades. Go toqadinc.com to learn more.MUZZY BROADHEADS ■ Muzzy’s Trocar Ti fixed-blade broadhead features offsetblade technology to help maximize accuracy. Adjustable-blade technology allows setting up the three .039-inch-thick blades for right or left offset to match a preferred fletching attitude so broadhead and arrow fletchings work together for improved long-range accuracy. The titanium ferrule Speed Titanium 100AnnihilatorBlood Reign100- and 125-grainSIK F3SIK F4Dead Ringer Triple AcutiDead Ringer ButcherContinued from page 38

includes an integral cut-on-contact trocar tip, while also offering a high strengthto-weight ratio. The true-center blade-retention system ensures secure anchoring before the broadhead is screwed into an arrow. This includes three points of contact for reliability around bone. Look for them in 100-grain compound and 100- and 125-grain crossbow options. All provide a generous 1 ¼-inch cutting diameter. The Muzzy ONE Series is a one-piece broadhead milled from quality stainless steel. I would call them dangerous-game ready in heavier versions, but they are available in 85-, 100- and 125-grain options with 1-, 1 1/8- and 1 ¼-inch cutting diameters, respectively. The three blades are a beefy .046-inch thick, making them nearly indestructible. The milled design creates a hybrid chisel/cut-on-contact tip for deep penetration and bone-crushing dependability. The ONE arrives shaving sharp, but the design allows easy resharpening on a flat stone. The milled construction provides precision tolerances for straight flight. Go to feradyne.com/muzzy-broadheads.com to learn more. HELIX BROADHEADS ■ The nail-tough FJ4 from Helix is a true cut-on-contact design with a bleeder blade. Whether your customer chooses a 100- to 125-grain version for elk, or 150- to 225-grain models for dangerous game, the FJ4 ensures pass-through penetration. The main blade holds single-bevel cutting edges, backed by a 15/16-inch-wide bleeder blade inserted directly into the ferrule to ensure reliability. The stepped-contour main blade enhances flight and penetration on the largest game. One hundred- and 175-grain models provide 2 1/16 inches of total cutting edges, 125- and 200-grain versions 2 1/8 inches of cutting edges, and 150- and 225-grain models 2 ¼ inches. One hundred-, 125- and 150-grain versions include aircraft-grade aluminum ferrules, while 175- to 225-grain models include stainless QAD ExodusMuzzyTrocar TiMuzzyONE Series

42 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026steel ferrules. Go to helixbroadheads.comto learn more.G5 OUTDOORS ■ The refined G5 Montec M3 fixed-blade broadhead offers peace of mind when tackling something large and tenacious. The 100 percent stainless steel one-piece M3 is stronger, sharper and quieter than the original. The unique nonvented, single-piece blades are engineered for maximum strength and to eliminate flight noise. Each is spin tested to ensure field-tip accuracy and includes a higher Rockwell hardness than previous Montec designs to hold a better edge and allow easy resharpening on a flat diamond stone. The Montec M3 is also available in a crossbow version, and B.M.P. (Ballistically Matched Point) practice heads are offered. They are offered in 100- and 125-grain versions, both with deep-driving 1 1/8-inch cutting diameters. Go to g5outdoors.comto learn more. NEW ARCHERY PRODUCTS (NAP) ■ NAP’s new Deep-Cuts Fixed-Blade broadhead edges into the dangerous-game realm, a true cut-on-contact, single-bevel design with indestructible stainless steel construction and nail-tough .040-inch-thick blades. They include a right bevel (which should be matched to fletching offset/helical) and provide a 1 1/16-inch cutting diameter. The stout main blade is backed by a ¾-inch bleeder to produce a crosscut. In 100- and 125-grain, plus vented and non-vented options, they are ideal for bowhunters shooting lower poundage or limited by a shorter draw length, the 150-grain version ideal for those tackling the largest, toughest game or looking to boost F.O.C. All parts are locked together with steel set screws for reliability. Go to newarchery.comto learn more. SLICK TRICK ■ The Slick Trick Standard has long served as a benchmark for what an elk broadhead should be. Its 100 percent steel construction, conservative cutting diameter and Alcatraz interlocking blade design make it virtually bulletproof. They fly straight and penetrate like crazy. The 1-by-1-inch four-blade design produces 1 1/8-by-1 1/8 inches of vital devastation, the Super Steel ferrule with four-edged bone-splitting tip shrugging off punishing impacts. They are delivered in four packs in 85-, 100- and 125-grain options. The 85-grain version holds .030-inch-thick blades, while the others include .035-inchthick blades.The Slick Trick Revival is another option for large animals, especially for those at the lower end of the energy scale. This is a true cut-on-contact design that is uncompromisingly stout and recently refined for improved efficiency. The Revival provides a 1 1/8-inch cutting diameter backed by a ½-inch-wide bleeder blade. The blades are razor sharp out of the package, but can also be resharpened. The double-bevel edges maximize aerodynamics, while the reinforced 17-4 stainless steel ferrule increases strength. The Penetrator Bleeder Blades create a blood-letting cross-cut without unduly hindering penetration. The 420 stainless steel main blade is .044-inch thick, the head weighs 100 grains and includes a 1 1/8-inch cutting diameter. For customers tackling dangerous game, Slick Trick offers the single-bevel Slick Trick SB in weights up to 175 grains. Go to slicktrick.net to learn more.WASP ARCHERY ■ The HAVALON HV replaceable-blade broadhead from Wasp includes a compact and aerodynamic high-grade aluminum ferrule led by the company’s trademark Stainless Smart Tip (SST). This broadhead provides excellent flight and is ready for punishing bone hits. The three blades are Havalon stainless steel and .035-inch thick to produce a deadly 1-3/16-inch cutting diameter. Wasp provides six replacement blades with each three-pack, and they are offered in 100- and 125-grain options.Depending on the weight chosen, the Sharp Shooter CBW (Cuts Both Ways) fixed-blade broadhead makes an ideal elk head or dangerous-game option. This Fred Eichler-inspired cut-on-contact broadhead can be had in 100- or 150-grain options and was engineered to drive deep and hold together after the most punishing hits. Both weights feature a dual-angle cut-oncontact tip with a 1-inch cutting diameter. The main blade measures .040-inch Helix FJ4G5Montec M3NAP Deep-Cuts Fixed-Blade[Solid & Vented]Slick Trick StandardSlick Trick RevivalWasp HAVALON HVContinued on page 44

44 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026thick and a .027-inch-thick cross-cutting bleeder blade is included. The CBW edges are sharpened front and rear to cut coming and going. The broadhead can also be shot without the bleeders, which subtracts 5 grains of weight. They are super sharp out of the package. Go to wasparchery.comto learn more.SWHACKER BROADHEADS ■ The #311 Single Bevel Broadhead, new for 2026 from Swhacker, is a 100-grain fixed-blade broadhead holding three .031-inch-thick single-bevel stainless steel blades. They were engineered to offer uncompromising performance on large game like elk, creating 1.2-inch-wide spiral wound channels while driving deep into large game. The single-bevel blades combine aerodynamic stability and bone-splitting performance for compound or crossbow shooters. They are American-made, including an aircraft-grade aluminum ferrule and hollow-ground steel chisel tip. Go tofloutdoors.com to learn more.NORTHERN BROADHEADS ■ When your customer needs a broadhead capable of standing up to the largest and most demanding game on the planet, Northern Broadheads’ new EVO HYBRID steps confidently into that role. Designed in Australia and suitable for crossbow, compound and traditional setups, this two-piece cut-oncontact broadhead is engineered for serious work—including 2,000-pound Australian water buffalo. The EVO HYBRID starts as a two-blade head, with the option of adding a two-blade bleeder to create a fourblade configuration. The current model weighs 145 grains (125-grain main blade, 20-grain bleeder), with 100- and 125-grain versions slated for release later in 2026. Each head is built from a custom-blended 38 HRC stainless steel and produced using advanced injection molding technology. A distinctive dimpled surface reduces friction, contributing to stable flight and efficient penetration. The 145-grain EVO HYBRID features a 1.06inch cutting diameter, 1.46inch cutting length, and .050-inch thick blades. The optional 20-grain bleeder, machined from .040inch-thick 540 stainless steel, adds a .53inch secondary cutting diameter for enhanced wound channels. Every broadhead arrives sharpened, assembled, and ready for the field. Go to northernbroadheads.comto learn more. MAGNUS BROADHEADS ■ Magnus specializes in modern cut-on-contact broadheads designed for deep penetration. One of the company’s most popular and straight flying is the compact four-blade Black Hornet Ser-Razor. A compact 1 5/16- to 1 7/16-inch long overall design allows perfect flight from the fastest bows. Look for them in 1 5/16-by-1 ¼-inch 100-grain, 1 7/16-by-1 ¼-inch 125-grain and 1 7/16-by-1 ¼-inch 150-grain. They include .059-inch-thick main blades and .040-inch-thick bleeders, the lighter heads including aluminum ferrules, the 150-grain a steel ferrule suitable for dangerous game. If your customer breaks one, Magnus will replace it for free. Blades can be resharpened or easily replaced. Go to magnusbroadheads.com to learn more. VANTAGE POINT ARCHERY (VPA) ■ VPA’s U.S.-made 3-Blade Broadheads are CNC machined from high-carbon tool steel hardened to 50-52 Rockwell and given a black oxide coating to offer utter dependability and deep-driving performance. WaspSharp Shooter CBWSwhacker #311NorthernEVO HYBRIDMagnus Black Hornet Ser-RazorContinued on page 46Continued from page 42

46 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026They are ideal for elk in lighter 100- to 125-grain versions, or dangerous game in heavier options up to 300 grains. The pyramid-style chisel tip was made to split bone and the three-blade design produces impressive blood trails. They are offered in solid- and vented-blade options and are easy to resharpen. Cutting diameters are dependent on weight and venting options.The VPA Omega Single Bevel broadhead is a true dangerous-game design, including a one-piece, single-bevel design that promotes rotation for deeper penetration and bone-splitting assurance. They are CNC machined from S7 tool steel, hardened to 56-58 Rockwell to withstand extreme abuse. The Tanto-style tip maximizes structural integrity around heavy bone and optimizes penetration on large and dangerous game. LAYFLAT technology makes them easy to resharpen, and they are available in weights from 100 to 300 grains. Omega heads holding bleeders are also available. Go to vparchery.com to learn more. GRIM REAPER BROADHEADS ■ The Pro Series Hades replaceable-blade broadhead gives bowhunters pursuing larger big-game more penetration assurance around bone, heavy muscle and thicker hide. There are six configurations offered, all providing a 1 3/16-inch cutting diameter. They include stout .035-inch-thick blades, which are also sharpened on the rear edges to cut going in or coming out, and Grim Reaper’s steel Pro Tip cuts on impact. They are ultratough, super quiet in flight and promise deep penetration. They are offered in 100-,125- and 150-grain three-blade, and the same weights in a four-blade option. Go togrimreaperbroadheads.com to learn more.KUDUPOINT ■ KuduPoint’s hunt-proven, nail-tough Contour cut-on-contact broadhead is now being offered in a 200-grain version for dangerous-game or traditional-gear hunters. The rugged, U.S.-made 200-grain Contour is 1.60 inches long and 1.38 inches wide, including KuduPoint’s contoured blade that promotes straight flight and deep penetration. The 100 percent stainless steel broadhead includes a beefy .078-inch-thick blade made from 420 stainless steel and hardened to Rockwell 50. The ferrule is 416 stainless steel and permanently swagged to the blade for dependability following bone hits. The blade and ferrule receive a dark, non-glare finish to make them stealthier, and a replaceable bleeder blade is available. The main blade holds variable-pitch singlebevel cutting edges, including a 40-degree baseline—offered in left- or right-bevel options. They carry KuduPoint’s Lifetime Materials & Workmanship Guarantee when purchased from KuduPoint or an authorized dealer. All materials are sourced in the USA. A hard plastic carry case is provided with each three-pack. Go to kudupoint.com to learn more. IAVPA 3-BladeVPA OmegaGrim ReaperPro SeriesHadesKuduPoint ContourContinued from page 44

Airguns have come a long way since the pump-up models many of us shot as kids, or even the break-action springers that came after. Modern PCP airguns are easier to shoot well, easier to load, and offer superior performance and especially accuracy. Better yet, from a retail perspective, they do not fall under ATF regulations, meaning no annoying paperwork or background checks to take you away from more important business.Now airguns and bows aren’t exactly in the same realm, but it is safe to say many of your customers will find them interesting, and even practical. This is to say one does not take away from tageous. They assist with supply-side needs so you can focus on the benefits of the arrangement. Various popular products are made available to you under highly flexible, accommodating terms that minimize initial barriers to entry. Additionally, they provide certain structural market considerations to help support and establish your position in your respective area.Air Venturi drives online traffic to your store through their website (AirVenturi.com), a company banner then directing them to your location. Your bow techs are already 90 percent trained for airgun service via their knowledge of pressing bows, serving bowstrings and setting up sights, making them qualified to mount a scope, adjust a trigger or fill a PCP airgun tank. Air Venturi fills the remaining 10 percent gap through a comprehensive one-day certification for your team or shop. If you operatea 20-yard archery range, you are already equipped for testing PCP the other, rather they complement one another for outdoors- or target-minded customers who simply enjoy sending any type of projectile downrange. Put in the simplest terms possible, airguns are sure to appeal to a large percentage of your existing customer base, leading to additional sales aside from the archery gear you already sell. If this sounds like something that will fit into your business model, Air Venturi offers a partnership program for independent archery pro shops that helps easily integrate airguns into your inventory, and flatten your revenue curve by brightening your off-season. Selling Air Venturi airguns can help your shop generate year-round profits. Quality airguns come with essentially the same price-point parameters as compound bows, i.e. the $500 to $1,000 price range of entry-level compounds for an entry-level PCP rifle; $1,000 to $2,000 prices of a flagship compound for a mid-range PCP rifle; and the $2,000 to $3,500 price tags of an elite crossbow for a premium PCP. Same customer. Same price point. Same precision obsession while targeting backyard pests, bull’s-eyes or small game. Air Venturi research tells us that your bow customers are likely already airgun customers—they just don’t buy from you yet. In other words, the same customers who are willing to invest in a premium bow or crossbow value the precision that defines high-performance airguns—including an obsession with accuracy and technology that results in better accuracy, silence and year-round engagement. Entering into a relationship with Air Venturi is designed to be highly advanairguns, with the simple addition of an appropriate backstop.Air Venturi is the company’s house brand, but they also distribute many other highly sought-after airgun brands. This gives dealers the world’s largest B2B selection of airguns, ammo and accessories, making you a one-stop shop for everything airgun related. Air Venturi utilizes nationwide sales data to better stock your shop with products that sell, maximizing inventory turnaround and profits. They also have the parts and technical knowledge to support you and your customers long after the sale. They are currently seeking expert partners to provide hands-on service not available through online outlets.Air Venturi’s risk-free pilot program helps dealers set up a “Precision Airgun Center” in any store, fills it with a curated, data-backed selection of products on 100 percent consignment and zero upfront investment, and then monitors sales and rotates inventory to ensure dealers always have the hottest products available to their customers. This provides an easy gateway to becoming the ultimate multi-season outdoor hub in your area, and keeps registers ringing all year round. Zero risk, big gains makes great business sense. If you are interested in getting started, visit airventuri.com, or scan the QT code accompanying the ad in this issue.How Air VenturiCan Help You BoostOff-Season Sales

48MARKET TRENDS BOW REPORTINSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026Licensed Perfect Tuning technology allows adjusting tension to individual limb butts to produce straighter arrow flight with minimal effort.Martin’s new Firecat Ultra Mag 32 includes a long 27.5-inch riser and short 10-inch limbs. This geometry offers the stability of a much longer bow.The Firecat Cam powering the 2026 Martin Archery Firecat Ultra Mag 32 is now smoother and more efficient than ever.artin Archery has been dazzling us with spanking-new bow models offering serious eye appeal, light carry weight, impressive arrow velocities and easy DIY tuning.Martin spent some time reorganizing in recent years, but they’re back in a big way with the most feature-packed compound bows the company has offered to date. The legendary brand has a lot to offer dealers and customers with the latest 2026 lineup.The newest example is on display with the 2026 Firecat Ultra Mag 32 under discussion here. This bow is lightweight, well balanced, fast and offers a pair of tuning technologies making it easy to keep this bow shooting its best.Upgraded Firecat Cam ■ Martin’s Firecat Cam was already smooth drawing and fast, but received additional refinements for 2026. Most noticeable, the Firecat Ultra Mag 32 draws even smoother than previous Firecat models. This and the large cam profile translate into less strain at the start of the draw cycle and a bow that feels several pounds lighter than actual draw weight.The new Firecat Cam sits on wide, bearing-equipped bases for improved efficiency, longer life and superior stability. The system includes rotating modules making setting draw lengths from 26.5 to 30 inches straight forward and fast. A long-draw mod is offered to extend draw length to 30.5 inches. The draw stop is adjustable, allowing some latitude for the rear-wall feel to tastes. The cam offers a base 85 percent let-off for comfortable full-draw holds. Long & Short of It ■ The Firecat Ultra Mag 32 takes long-riser/short-limb geometry to extremes. The essentially straight riser measures about 27 ½ inches between the rear limb-pocketattachment bolts—the quad limbs around 10 inches long. Only half of that length flexes during pre-shot loading. Limbs are set on a 2 ¾-inch width to provide additional torsional stability, equating to improved accuracy. The riser ends provide a wide 2 ¾-inch base (rear limb-pocket mounting bolt to limb-bolt barrel center) and the minimalist limb pocket, as hinted, consumes half of each limb pair’s length. The cam axles are set in outboard aluminum blocks secured by twin screws coming from underneath the limb tips to create a reliable mating and optimized cam positioning. Limb contact points are lined with polymer material to absorb vibrations and limb tips terminate in past-parallel geometry to effectively cancel the recoil and vibrations of opposing limb sets on release for quiet shooting. Licensed Perfect Tuning is part of the limb-bolt block, the Cam Timing System located in the buss-cable yokes.Perfect Tuning and Timing System make tuning this bow easy. A beefy MBY PATRICK MEITINhex-head bolt is located to each side of the limb bolt, threading through the limb-pocket base and pushing on the right-side limb butts. This allows adjusting individual limb tension to tune away cam lean or timing issues nearly instantly. During paper tuning adjustments to the system showed instant results. It makes it fast and easy to create perfect arrow flight and would undoubtedly become increasingly intuitive with experience, eliminating the initial trial-and-error approach. Cam Timing System adjustments are provided through the yoke-mounted tensioning system, which include etched pointer and tuning hash marks.The lightweight and stout Ultra Mag 32 riser includes aggressive dual-axis milling—cutouts applied from the riser’s sides and edges. This results in a well-balanced bow weighing just 3.6 pounds bare. This aggressive milling allows just one set of conventional sight taps on the forward edge of the sight window, the included Picatinny mounting rail creating a more appealing option. Likewise, only a single rest-mounting tap is provided, though the integral Integrate-style dovetail makes for a more streamlined rest mounting system.The grip includes handsome wood side plates, with enough relief to promote repeatable hand placement. Martin Archery Firecat Ultra Mag 32

APRIL 2026 INSIDE ARCHERY 49Arrow SpeedMartin Archery Firecat Ultra Mag 32 set at 69.98 pounds at 30 inches. 29-inch Arrows/ Shaft Finished Kinetic Arrow 100-Grain Tips gpi Arrow Wt. Energy Speed––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CX Triad 300 10.9 564 grains 98.8 ft. lbs. 280.8 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Easton 5mm FMJ 300 12.0 550 grains 98.2 ft. lbs. 283.5 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Bloodsport Evidence 300 11.7 518 grains 99.3 ft. lbs. 293.8 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Victory VAP-SS 300 9.9 473 grains 99.6 ft. lbs. 307.9 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Altra Centrum 166 300 10.5 468 grains 99.7 ft. lbs. 309.7 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GT Pierce Platinum 300 9.1 465 grains 99.3 ft. lbs. 310.0 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Easton 4mm Axis LR 300 9.4 457 grains 98.2 ft. lbs. 311.0 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CX Photon SD 300 8.9 433 grains 95.9 ft. lbs. 315.7 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Victory VAP 300 8.7 424 grains 95.8 ft. lbs. 319.0 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GT Black Label Quantum 8.3 404 grains 96.5 ft lbs. 327.9 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Black Eagle Carnivore 350 7.5 363 grains 92.8 ft. lbs. 339.2 fps––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Victory RIP XV 300 7.0 355 grains 92.3 ft. lbs. 342.2 fps–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (478) 945- 3423 OR VISIT MARTINARCHERY.COMSpecifications––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Axle-to-Axle Length32 inches, +/- ¼-inch ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Brace Height6 inches, +/- 1/8-inch ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Mass Weight3.6 pounds––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Let-Off85 percent––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Available Draw Lengths26.5 to 30 inches(30.5 with long-draw mod)––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Available Draw Weights40, 50, 60, 65 and 70 pounds––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Available FinishesMossy Oak, Realtree, Last Leaf, Kryptek, Veil, ASAT and many other camouflage and solid options.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––DexterityLeft- and right-hand––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––MSRP$ 1,495.00lowing tuning for string pressure, and holding a soft rubber string bumper with curved contact surface.Hunting the jumpiest, cougar-hunted whitetails in North America, I usually feel inclined to add string silencers to even modern compound bows. No need with the Ultra Mag 32. The overall design and minimal dampening products effectively render the Ultra Mag 32 hunt ready on delivery.I would confidently hunt with this bow tomorrow. It set up and tuned effortlessly. But alas, it is a right-hand model and I am a lefty, so hopefully I can get a left-hand version soon and put it to real-world use. This is a bow that inspires confidence and promises comfortable shooting—and comfort translates to shootable and accurate.It is also an obviously efficient design. From heaviest to lightest test arrows I didn’t witness a precipitous drop in delivered kinetic energy at any point, even the two lightest shafts producing numbers in the 90-foot-pound realm. In fact, the highest energy was produced by the mid-weight arrows, which also generated trajectory-flattening velocity. IAOverall, the grip design is quite comfortable. Stainless steel stabilizer tap inserts are located in the standard forward position, just above and in front of the lower limb pocket, and behind the lower limb pocket. Triangular sockets are provided for two-piece arrow quivers. The overall effect is pure eye-grabbing appeal, as well as excellent in-hand balance at rest and at full draw. Hunt Stealth ■ The Firecat Ultra Mag 32 is a quiet bow out of the box. The quad limbs hold substantial clamp-on BowJax limb dampeners, which include solid rubber bases and a six-pronged BowJax “star” beneath each limb set. A milledaluminum arm anchored by two steel screws anchors a bearing-equipped, dual-roller buss cable management sysMartin’s yoke-mounted Cam Timing System allows adjusting cam timing to further aid in quick and easy tuning of the Firecat Ultra Mag 32.Martin’s outboard axle mounting system optimizes cam positioning to maximize speed and efficiently in the new Martin Firecat Ultra Mag 32.WebXtra ■ To take a closer look at the Martin Archery Firecat Ultra Mag 32 in action, go to insidearchery.com.tem. The system keeps cables under constant tension to minimize post-shot vibrations and promote faster settling. Two stainless steel set screws hold the dogleg aluminum string stop rod, al-

50 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2026The annual Kinsey’s Dealer Show has become a must-attend event where the nation’s largest archery and firearms dealers come together to enjoy three days of face-to-face camaraderie and productive business engagement. The energizing event has continued to grow each year, making it an invaluable experience for any dealer interested in meeting with the industry’s largest manufacturers, delving into the newest products and gaining the opportunity to get a head start on the ordering season.Dealers are extended select show pricing and other promotional opportunities enhanced by one-on-one, pro-active product demonstrations from many of the outdoor industry’s top brands. Dealers also experience smarter ways to manage inventory, KINSEY’S 2026 DEALER SHOW REVIEW