52 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2023 T he annual Kinsey’s Dealer Show (KDS) has emerged as one of the most productive archery trade shows in the industry. Manufacturers and dealers once again gathered at the Hershey Lodge for the 2023 event February 17 through 19, which included country music entertainment by former Hershey, Pennsylvania, resident Warren Zeiders. KDS provides dealers with price savings of up to 42 percent, fueling profit margins for the entire sales year. The three-day 2023 show witnessed record attendance by dealers from across the nation interested in not only archery, but newly-added firearms products. This was also the first year Kinsey’s added their Dealer Choice Awards, set to become an annual feature. Each year KDS provides dealers show-only specials representing the best savings of the year and locking in those prices through programmed orders, with more than 250 leading brands on hand. Other benefits included amazing giveaways throughout the event, the opportunity to network, learn, and grow your business, seminars created to spawn Kinsey’s Dealer Show 2023 Breaks Attendance Record
APRIL 2023 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 53 personal and business growth, Casino Night, Dealer Appreciation Night including free dinner, prizes and a Warren Zeiders concert, thousands of dollars in prize giveaways, and more. The first Kinsey’s Dealer’s Choice Awards recognized best-in-class vendors across six categories. Kinsey’s dealers voted for their top picks based on product quality, innovation, ease of doing business, and profit margins. This year’s winners included Savage Arms in the Firearms Category; Hornady in the Ammo Category; Leupold in the Optics Category; TenPoint Crossbow Technologies in the Archery Category; SpyPoint in the Hunting Accessory Category; and Easton Archery in the Accessory Category. Winners were announced during Dealer Appreciation Night, with each vendor receiving a trophy. Sponsors for this year’s show included FeraDyne, Easton, Vista Outdoor, TenPoint, and GSM Outdoors. To learn more about attending next year’s Kinsey’s Dealer Show visit kinseysinc.com. IA left to right: ■ Morrell Target’s Jeff Blankenship was on hand at the Kinsey’s Dealer Show to explain the merits of the company’s newest Yellow Jacket targets. ■ The guys from Bear Archery were kept busy at the 2023 Kinsey’s Dealer Show as shop owners dropped by to see their newest bows and accessories. ■ Tim Barber, President and CEO of Omega Sights, was eager to show dealers the newest features of the 2023 Omega Hawkeye night-vision sight. ■ The Kinsey’s Dealer Show included Dealer Appreciation Night, with a buffet dinner and entertainment by country western singer Warren Zeiders. ■ Brandon Stoker was on hand to run dealers through the newest technologies and show specials to be had from Victory Archery. ■ Left to right: Kinsey’s Vice President Sherri KinseyGorman, VP Operations & Administration Kelsey Heisey, and Sales Manager Independent Retail & International Lisa Royer greet dealers during Casino Night.
clockwise from top left : ■ Kinsey’s Dealer Show Casino Night, sponsored by Easton, proved a big hit for dealers again in 2023. ■ T.R.U. Ball/AXCEL’s Director of Opera - tions Ben Summers chats with dealers on the virtues of those company’s newest products. ■ The biggest excitement out of G5 Outdoors for 2023 is the refined MegaMeat broadhead and new lineup of Mark Series Arrows. ■ QAD manufactures arguably some of the most popular arrow rests in the business, which made them a must-stop destination at the Kinsey’s Dealer Show. ■ Jake Major, owner of Cobra Archery, was kept hopping by a steady stream of dealers anxious to see the company’s latest release models. ■ BCY represents a gold standard for bowstring and buss cable raw materials, including some of the most advanced fibers in the entire industry. ■ Pine Ridge Archery always has the most colorful booth at any show, and Jerry Tepps was there to talk to dealers about the company’s huge assortment of archery accessories. 54 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2023
APRIL 2023 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 55 clockwise from top left : ■ Hershey, Pennsylvania, native Warren Zeiders brought down the house during Dealer Appreciation Night! ■ Kelsey, Tyler, Nathaniel, Sherri and the rest of the Kinsey’s crew were on hand at every stage of the event, ensuring their guests were having a good time. ■ Brandon and Al Perelli, right, chat up visiting dealers, filling them in on the extreme stopping power of BIGshot Archery’s newest target technology. ■ Brad Lockwood, owner of Viper Ar - chery Products, KoolaBuck, and Spectre Broadheads, presented dealers his always-evolving and exciting products. ■ Nathaniel Dearolf, Kinsey’s Marketing & Creative Director, presented winning dealers with their prizes throughout the show. ■ Barnett, now under new ownership, had a lot to talk about at the 2023 Kinsey’s Dealer Show, including the new Hyper Raptor crossbow. ■ A big part of the Kinsey’s Dealer Show were individual manufacturer presentations. Pictured here are Sales Manager Independent Retail & International Lisa Royer and Mitch Day of G5 Outdoors.
56 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2023 MARKET TRENDS GEAR REPORT I BY PATRICK MEITIN Q2i Archery ZEON Vanes WebXtra ■ For a closer look at this product and many others, check them out at insidearchery.com. dle to Q2i Archery’s ZEON Fusion vanes. ZEON vanes are not only dyed in bright neon green, orange, pink, red, and yellow hues, but include fiber-optic like edges that glow brightly in all lighting conditions. Like the fiber optic strands that back most sight pins today, the clearish surfaces of ZEON vanes absorb ambient light and transfer it to the edges. When viewed from behind on a departing arrow, they glow brightly. The effect is particularly conspicuous in low-light conditions when tracking arrows is most challenging. Due to this unique quality, ZEON vanes have become one of my favorites, gracing any hunting arrow not demanding strict camouflage protocols. The durable Fusion design also offers one of the most reliable adhesion bases in the business, meaning once in place they stay that way despite weather or hard impacts. ZEON vanes come in three styles and four total options. ZEON Fusion II vanes I use most often include a 2.1-inch length, 0.55-inch height, and weigh 7.5 grains each. They include a distinctive “boattail”/shield cut trailing edge. They work well, three-fletched for mechanical and low-profile fixed-blade broadheads, or four-fletched for larger fixedblade heads. prefer bright-hued fletchings on my arrows, whether stump shooting or hunting. While stump shooting in natural settings, shooting through brush and around obstacles, I contended that the brightest fletchings possible help better imprint trajectory and condition you to avoid deflections during realworld hunting scenarios. While hunting—save hunting sharp-eyed turkeys without a blind—I want to absolutely know where I’ve hit an animal, helping to formulate savvy follow-up plans. Bright fletchings help better pinpoint impacts in poor light or in the blink that passes during a lethal shot. Many archers feel the same and fletching manufacturers have responded with extra-bright options made to maximize visibility. None hold a canZEON Fusion X-11 vanes include a slightly lower profile, offered in 2.1-by-0.44- inch (6.7 grains) and 3.5-by-0.49-inch (11.8 grains) options. They also include a boattail/shield cut trailing edge, which creates more silent flight, and reduces drag on longer shots. The shorter version is a four-fletch favorite, which has become more popular with the advent of drop-away arrow rests. I use the 3.5- inch option as three-fletched while running-and-gunning bugling elk and employing reliable cut-on-contact broadheads for deeper penetration. Finally, there are ZEON RAPT-X vanes, including 2-by-0.55-inch (7.5 grains) dimensions and a rounded back that provides more surface area. This is a super-popular profile with so many archers, ideal three-fletched for mechanicals or streamlined fixed-blade broadheads, or for newly-popular four-fletch arrangements for the ultimate control of any broadhead type. Not only does giving hunting arrows the four-fletch treatment ensure absolute broadhead control in any condition, it provides even more fiber-optic effect and arrow visibility. That is why in preparing my latest batch of hunting shafts in anticipation of spring bear hunting over bait, those arrows wear four ZEON Fusion II vanes—maximum steerage, and maximum visibility in low light. Check them out at q2iarchery.com. IA
58 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2023 Technology is constantly advancing, and that means continual improvements in the archery industry. Crossbows have evolved tremendously since they first made their appearance in 400 BC, but they’ve also changed for the better in recent years. Embracing that change and those technological advances is vital to your success as a business owner. Whether you are selling to a seasoned bowhunter or a newcomer to the world of archery, it is important to offer them the best possible gear for their needs. That means keeping up with what is new, especially when you are dealing with a neophyte who’s visiting your store after having seen an ad for whatever the latest crossbow hotness may be. To help you stay in the know, we’ve gathered details on the crossbows you should have your eye on this year. RAVIN CROSSBOWS ■ The Ravin R500 XK7 is a revolutionary crossbow designed for silence and speed. Features include the company’s proprietary HexCoil Cam System that offers 360 degree rotation, VersaDrive cocking system, and built-in sling mounts. The R500 XK7 is finished in XK7 camo utilizing seven abstract shapes and textures to enhance concealment (it’s also offered in Stealth Black). It measures 3.6 inches axle-toaxle cocked and 7.75 inches uncocked. The crossbow has an overall length of 28.5 inches and a weight of 8.4 pounds. Power stroke is 15.0 inches, draw force is 17 pounds, and it has an anti-dry fire mechanism. And it is blazing fast;
APRIL 2023 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 59 lumination levels, fully coated lenses, and an easy to adjust turret. As its name promises, this crossbow delivers at 500 fps, an impressive speed. The R500 Sniper XK7 has a weight of 9.9 pounds, length of 28.5 inches, and power stroke of 15.0 inches. Axle-to-axle width is 3.6 inches cocked and 7.75 inches at rest. Features include an electric cocking motor, anti-dry fire mechanism, and patented Frictionless Flight System. It ships with the aforementioned scope, six Ravin R500 Series Premium Arrows with +/- .001-inch straightness tolerances, quiver, and removable it sends 400 grain bolts at 500 fps. The R500 XK7 ships with six R500 Series bolts and field points, a quiver/mounting bracket, and an illuminated scope with speed lock to ensure it holds zero. Also sporting XK7 camo is the Ravin R500 Sniper XK7. This crossbow is made for speed, focus, and precision, all from a trusted platform backed by the Ravin name. That laser focus is facilitated with a 1-8x24 Ravin Adjustable Turret Scope with ten ildraw handle. Visit ravincrossbows.com to learn more. BEAR ARCHERY ■ The BearX Catalyst 420 is designed to deliver superior overall performance at a budget-friendly price. This crossbow is made for comfort and reliability, all while delivering speeds up to 420 fps. The Catalyst 420 is described by the manufacturer as a compact, high-performance, tack-driving crossbow. And because it comes fully equipped, it’s ready for use right out of the box. Multiple accessories are included, such as a 4x32mm scope, four-bolt
60 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2023 quiver, three TrueX Max bolts, sling, cocking sled, and arrow lube/string wax. The Catalyst 420 measures 13.5 inches wide when cocked and 16.85 inches uncocked and has a 185 pound draw weight. This crossbow includes an anti-dry fire mechanism. Also worth a closer look is the BearX Constrictor Pro, a crossbow based on an incredibly compact frame. The Constrictor Pro measures a scant 8.125 inches wide when cocked and around 12 inches wide uncocked, meaning it’s ideal for hunts operating in close quarters. Among its useful features is an ambidextrous top mount quiver with a 360-degree pivot, so it can be positioned in whatever orientation is needed in the moment. Accessories include an illuminated reticle and speed adjustable scope, three BearX TrueX bolts, fourbolt quiver, sling, manual cocking sled, and arrow lube/ string wax. This crossbow is available in Stone/Veil Whitetail or Stone/TrueTimber Strata. It has a draw weight of 200 pounds and fires bolts at 400 fps. Like the Catalyst 420, the Constrictor Pro also features an anti-dry fire mechanism. Visit beararchery.com to learn more. MISSION CROSSBOWS ■ When it comes to stealth and phenomenal accuracy, there’s no need to look any further than the Mission Crossbows Sub-1 XR. This is a crossbow made specifically to be hard-hitting, compact, and innovative. Features like the Benchmark Fire Control allow it to be decocked safely simply by pushing a button, and its Easy Load Retention Arm makes loading smooth, effortless, and secure. The stock is ergonomically designed for comfort and stability and the patented CNC machined rail works to eliminate vertical nock travel for unparalleled accuracy on target. Other features include a fully synced cam system, contoured pistol grip, and RSD (Removable Silent Draw) System which is a truly quiet mechanical cocking device. Dimensions include a length of 30.5 inches, axle-to-axle width of 9.1 inches cocked and 12.5 inches uncocked. It weighs 7.6 pounds. Power stroke is 14.625 inches and let-off is 80 perRavin R500 XK7 Ravin R500 Sniper XK7 BearX Constrictor Pro BearX Catalyst 420 Ballista BAT Reverse CenterPoint Wrath 430X Mission Sub-1 XR
APRIL 2023 61 INSIDEARCHERY.COM cent. Speed is listed as up to 410 fps. The trigger pull weight of 3 pounds is factory set. The Sub-1 XR is made in the USA with an unwavering commitment to quality. Visit missioncrossbows.com to learn more. CENTERPOINT ARCHERY ■ Stellar velocity from a compact frame is what the CenterPoint Wrath 430X Compound Crossbow is all about. This is a crossbow the company describes as their most revolutionary design yet. It offers myriad features, including an inverted cam design, a ball bearing retention spring to keep bolts where they should be, and a folding stock and folding stirrup that can also be used as a bipod for greater stability. It has a length of 32 inches, overall weight of 9 pounds, and draw weight of 200 pounds. It measures 9 inches between the axles when cocked and 13 inches uncocked. Durability is increased with CNC machined aluminum rails and the full bearing cam system makes for smoother operation. Velocity is, of course, 430 fps with energy at 164 foot-pounds. The Wrath 430X ships with a 4x32mm illuminated scope, a parallel quiver, a silent cranking device, rail lube, and three 20.0 inch .003 bolts. Compression fiberglass quad limbs and a black finish complete the picture. Visit centerpointarchery.com to learn more. BALLISTA ■ If your customers have ever wanted a wildly compact reverse-draw crossbow, the Ballista BAT Reverse is just what they’ve been looking for (it might also be the piece of gear they never knew they needed until now). The BAT Reverse is an ultra-compact model the manufacturer bills as the world’s lightest crossbow. It includes a pistol crossbow design and is made to reduce friction. The crossbow features a reverse limb system made to increase the power stroke and shift the weight toward the archer for the purpose of fatigue reduction and greater accuracy overall. It has a 3 pound weight, 16 inch length, and is 5 inches axle-to-axle when cocked. Powerstroke is 8.25 inches, pull rod draw weight 50 pounds, and bow limb draw weight 150 pounds. Velocity is listed as up to 420 fps. A Picatinny rail makes Make target retention better for target shooting! •Adheres paper-based targets to cardboard, haybales, foam blocks, poly-wrapped bags, and more! •Durable, reusable, holds on impact •Perfect for firearm, air-gun, and archery targets 833-822-5748 • targettackllc.com Patent Pending adding an optic easy and a bottom rail can be purchased separately for the addition of aftermarket accessories. Three 12.8 inch practice bolts are included. Visit ballista.co to learn more. BARNETT CROSSBOWS ■ The new rage from Barnett comes in the form of
62 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2023 the Hyper Raptor with CCD, a sleek, streamlined crossbow promising unparalleled lethality. This is a compact crossbow made for versatile performance in a variety of hunting scenarios. It measures 32.5 inches by 15.6 inches and is 7.3 inches axle-to-axle when cocked. Draw weight is 205 pounds, power stroke is 14.0 inches, and speed is 410 fps. Features include a stock that is adjustable for length of pull, continuous fiber-molded limbs, and a lightweight composite riser. It has a TriggerTech trigger, Barnett’s SoftLok Bristle Retainer System, and a side-mount quiver. The Hyper Raptor with CCD ships with a 4x36mm multi-reticle scope, three 20.0-inch HyperFlite bolts, and lubrication wax. In addition, it has pre-installed string dampeners and a CNC machined aluminum flight track. A black finish and red highlights serve to reduce glare and give it a visually appealing appearance. Visit barnettcrossbows.com to learn more. TENPOINT CROSSBOW TECHNOLOGIES ■ For the truly discerning bowhunter, TenPoint’s Stealth 450 Oracle X is a good way to reach out and touch targets at greater distances. This crossbow has scope struts to increase strength by as much as 80 percent, a patented AcuSlide cocking and de-cocking system, and a Micro-Trac barrel to reduce string-to-barrel contact for longer string life. It measures 11 inches axle-toaxle uncocked and 6.5 inches cocked and has a length of 33 inches without a foot stirrup. Weight without accessories is 7.5 pounds, draw weight is 300 pounds, and power stroke is 13.0 inches. The 415 grain Pro Elite 400 Carbon Arrow generates speeds of 450 fps and 191 foot-pounds of energy. The crossbow ships with a Burris Oracle X Rangefinding scope, quiver, Sentry Bowhanger, and a three pack of Pro Elite 400 Carbon Crossbow Arrows. Visit tenpointcrossbows.com to learn more. EXCALIBUR CROSSBOW ■ The 40th anniversary edition of the Excalibur Wolverine serves as a fantastic testimony to the importance of both tradition and staying abreast of technology. This crossbow maintains enough of its original features to pay homage to the first crossbow ever made by Excalibur while offering a host of excellent enhancements. The Wolverine 40th Anniversary features what the company states is a best-in-class trigger system, Micro High Output Express Limbs for durability, and CeaseFire safety mechanism. It has an overall length of 31.5 inches for optimal balance, an overall weight of 6.4 pounds without accessories, and requires a draw effort of just 15 pounds. Velocity is listed at 360 fps. This crossbow has a rope aid draw, meaning it uses attachable cranks, integrated cranks, and rope cockBarnett Hyper Raptor with CCD TenPoint Stealth 450 Oracle X Excalibur Wolverine Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Tactical Xpedition RutHunter 400X SA Sports Empire Punisher 420
APRIL 2023 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 63 ers. A Mossy Oak Bottomland finish helps the hunter blend in. It ships with an Overwatch Illuminated Scope, 30mm scope rings, four Proflight 16.5 inch bolts, and four 100 grain field points. The Wolverine 40th Anniversary delivers a beautiful classic aesthetic with modern precision performance. Visit excaliburcrossbow.com to learn more. STEAMBOW ■ The Steambow AR-6 Stinger II Tactical brings users the best of both worlds: tactical and hunting. This is a crossbow with many applications, and it is designed to be fast, incredibly lightweight, and impressively powerful. It boasts a high rate of fire, new five-bolt capacity speedloaders making reloads simple and lightning quick, and excellent customization possibilities. The AR-6 Stinger II Tactical features an AR-15 style stock for enhanced ergonomics and an integrated fiber optic front sight for rapid target acquisition. The adjustable stock creates overall lengths between 21.9 and 24.8 inches. Overall weight is 2.56 pounds. Width is listed as 17.5 inches. Bolt speed is 190 fps and energy is 13.5 foot-pounds. The AR-6 Stinger II Tactical ships with six bolts with field tips, two strings, and a vertical forend grip. Visit steambow.com to learn more. SA SPORTS ■ If a crossbow touted to be on the cutting edge of modern technology sounds like the perfect addition to your archery shop, check out the SA Sports Empire Punisher 420. This crossbow has a patented narrow design and inverted cam system with CNC cams and string stops. When a customer buys this crossbow, they get a bow that is ready to run right out of the box. The Empire Punisher 420 measures 7.75 inches axleto-axle when cocked and 12.0 inches at rest. It weighs 8 pounds and has a 185 pound draw weight. Promised velocity is 420 fps with energy at 156 foot-pounds. This crossbow ships with an illuminated multi-reticle scope, quiver, three carbon bolts, sling, and a special U-Sled rope cocker. An Empire Crank Device is available separately. Visit sa-sports.com to learn more. XPEDITION ARCHERY ■ The Xpedition RutHunter 400X is made to produce results. From sizzling speeds of up to 400 OMEGA SIGHTS ■ Bowhunting success relies on a quality sighting system, and that’s something Omega Sights understands. The Omega III Sight is a cutting-edge sighting option offering a bevy of features to help bowhunters succeed in the field. When what and how you sight your target matters, there is the Omega III. Features include a 5-dot independently adjustable MIL-DOT reticle, precision rangefinder with integrated True Distance calculator, power zoom from 2x to 6x, and instant video recording playback—all in one unit. This sight also offers an LCD screen dimmer and HD video. Thanks to a 32GB microSD card, 12 hour rechargeable power bank, and two 3 volt batteries, this sight is ready to capture every moment in vivid clarity. A remote control is also included. Dimensions of the Omega III are 5.5-by-1.75-by-2.75 inches and weighs 13 ounces. If you have a customer who wants to take their field of vision and target identification to the next level, they will love the Omega III Sight. Visit omegasights.com to learn more.
64 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2023 comes with a three bolt quiver so the hunter can take extra bolts into the field. The RutHunter 400X has an axle-to-axle measurement of 14 inches cocked and 18 inches uncocked. Its overall length is 34 inches and it weighs 7.4 pounds, so it’s reasonably portable. Since it comes with three Xit-20 carbon bolts with clip on nocks, a rope cocking device, and assembly tools, your customer will be able to start using it right away. Customers are rewarded by a kit that allows a bowhunter to send bolts down-range the day they purchase the crossbow, and that’s where the RutHunter 400X shines. Visit xpeditionarchery.com to learn more. DARTON ARCHERY ■ The Toxin RD100 XT from Darton might not be brand new, but it’s a model that has stood the test of time. Features include a trackless composite barrel, patented bullpup forward trigger, and a well-balanced overall platform. The RD100 XT also has high-energy reverse draw cams, auto-engaged safety mechanisms, a patented antidry fire design, and incorporated Sims Limb Saver technology. The 3 pound trigger pull is set at the factory and made for solid control when it counts most. The oversize foot stirrup is coated for sound deadening and sling studs come standard. This crossbow has an overall length of 32.5 inches, including the foot stirrup, axle-to-axle dimensions 13.125 inches at brace and 9.125 inches at full draw. Draw weight is 165 pounds, power stroke 16.0 inches, and speed is reported at 380 fps. It also includes a bowstring length of 34.25 inches and power cable length of 18.375 inches. The RD100 XT Pro Package includes a 2.5-10x50mm Black Eagle scope, scope rings, X-Tra rope cocker, Toxin crossbow case, four arrow Darton quiver, four bolts, four 100 grain field fps and 128 foot-pounds of energy, it is a crossbow designed to help hunters fill their freezers. It ships with a 4x32mm dual illuminated scope so it can be used straight out of the box and Killer Instinct Vital X Darton Toxin RD100 XT Wicked Ridge Rampage XS Gearhead X16 Tactical
APRIL 2023 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 65 points, and lube. To learn more visit dartonarchery.com. KILLER INSTINCT ■ The Vital X from Killer Instinct Crossbows is ultranarrow and designed to be both userfriendly and quiet. It features the company’s patented, fully synchronized X Cam System, making it easier to draw than the vast majority of crossbows—in fact, it has 50 percent let-off. Vibration is also minimized in this platform. For simplicity’s sake it is compatible with the Compact DSC Narrow Sled Crank, which is sold separately, for quick, easy cocking. The Vital X has an axle-to-axle width of 6.75 inches cocked and 10.375 inches uncocked. Its overall length is 31.5 inches and it weighs 6.4 pounds. Power stroke is 14.25 inches, draw weight is 185 pounds, and promised speed is 405 fps. The Vital X Pro Package includes a Lumix 4x32mm scope, a rope cocker, a quiver, three 20.0-inch HYPR bolts with field tips, and rail lube. Customers are sure to want a closer look at this smooth-operating, accurate crossbow. To learn more visit shop.killerinstinctcrossbows.com. WICKED RIDGE ■ It’s always a good idea to keep an affordable, well-made hunting crossbow in stock. The Wicked Ridge Rampage XS is all about exceeding expectations and filling tags, and it does it all in style. The Rampage XS has an optional AR-style adjustable stock, AcuDraw crank cocking device, and a lightweight, easy to maneuver design. Its length without a foot stirrup is 34.5 inches, and its weight sans accessories is 5.8 pounds (with Tactical Stock). Axle-to-axle width is 15 inches cocked and 19 inches uncocked. Draw weight for this crossbow is 175 pounds and the power stroke is 13.5 inches. Using a Pro Lite Carbon Arrow, speed is recorded at 390 fps with energy at 128 foot-pounds. The crossbow ships with a TenPoint Lighted Pro View Scope, quiver, and three Match 400 Carbon Alpha-Nock Arrows. This is an American built and affordable crossbow with top-drawer features. Visit wickedridgecrossbows.com to learn more. GEARHEAD ARCHERY ■ For bowhunters interested in a portable, packable crossbow, there’s the Gearhead Archery X16 Tactical Bow. This crossbow’s unique takedown design makes it easy to fit it into a pack, case, or smaller space for transportation, storage, or carrying. Gearhead makes this possible with a precision dovetail joint that includes a rugged, robust clamp for secure assembly. If the bowhunter is in the field, all they have to do is slide the two halves of the crossbow to the alignment stop, tighten the cam clamp, and go. Features include a TriggerTech trigger and an arrow rest the user can paper tune. It is offered with a 75-, 90-, or 125-pound draw weights. Color choices include anodized black, Predator Brown Camo hydro dip, or Dura Coat in Bright White, Zombie Green, Crimson Red, Pretty Pink, Hugger Orange, or Soda Can Blue. It has a 14.75 inch axle-to-axle width when cocked (18.5 inches uncocked). Overall weight is 6.25 pounds, power stroke is 16 inches, and velocity is stated as up to 350 fps (at 125 pounds with a 325 grain bolt). The X16 Tactical is made to be highly portable without sacrificing an ounce of quality or performance. To learn more visit gearheadarchery.com. IA LUMENOK ■ Lumenok, a leader in lighted nock technology, also understands crossbows. They understand that not all crossbows are alike regarding nock engagement, power stroke, and performance. Lumenok addressed this reality by offering Custom Crossbow Bolts to help address the various needs of a diverse number of crossbow brands and models that might require specific bolt features. Lumenok’s Custom Build A Bolt Selector provides dealers the ability to create the ideal crossbow bolt for individual customers, or the crossbow models carried in your shop. This online service allows choosing the options that fit specific needs and brands. These crossbolts are sold in three packs and allows choosing bolt length from 16 (144 grains) to 22 (198 grains) inches, 20-grain/2-inch Bohning Blazer or 36-grain/3-inch Bohning X-Vanes, 28-grain aluminum or 92-grain brass inserts, and 27-grain crescent moon, 25-grain flat or 28-grain capture nocks in HD orange, green, pink, or all-new red. Visit lumenok.com to learn more.
66 INSIDE ARCHERY APRIL 2023 Five Questions with Power-Stop Archery Targets INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY 5Q Power-Stop Archery Targets was originally Hips Targets, started by archery pioneer Stanley Hips in the late 1960s. Hips Targets was renowned for their quality and innovation and were commonly found in backyards and competitions around the world. American Excelsior Company, founded in 1888, has a rich history with Excelsior bale targets and is an industry leader in foam fabrication. American Excelsior Company acquired Hips Archery Targets in 2017. The archery division was relaunched as Power-Stop Archery Targets, with a focus to provide the highest performing archery targets in the industry, coupled with more than a century of experience. We sat down with Darrin Brown, National Sales Manager for Power-Stop Archery Targets, to find out more. nies’ focus is primarily on archery and outdoors. Power-Stop Archery Targets benefits from the expertise of American Excelsior Company’s years of experience and knowledge in foam fabrication. We source the highest quality high density foam to provide long lasting performance, whether you are shooting at home, range, or in competition. Does Power-Stop produce a target for youth archers? ■ Yes! Our My First Target is a 24-by-20-by-2-inch foam target that comes with a printed paper target face and legs to stand in the field. It is a great target to get kids started on their archery journey! We offer a convenient and eye-catching eight-pack POP display for dealers. What is new from Power-Stop for 2023? ■ Our new 24-inch Range Target debuted at ATA 2023 in Indianapolis. It boasts front-and-back printed target faces and provides 25 unique shooting points. While it isn’t new, our large 4x4 Range Target has gained tremendous popularity this past year as archers gear up for the 2023 season. To find out more about Power-Stop Archery Targets and their products, go to powerstoptargets.com. IA mark for our Excelsior bales, which are engineered from manufactured Excelsior aspen wood fiber material. These proven bale targets have set the standard for more than 30 years. Are Curlex Excelsior Bale Targets for indoor and outdoor use? ■ Curlex Excelsior targets can be used indoors or outdoors. Fiber expansion is the key to the longevity of our targets. These fibers can be dampened with water, which causes the fibers to expand and bring the target back to its original strength or density. With proper maintenance, customers have reported 20-plus years of use with their Curlex bale targets! What separates Power-Stop foam targets from the competition? ■ Other archery compaWhat kind of targets does Power-Stop Archery Targets make? ■ Power-Stop Archery Targets manufactures foam targets to meet the needs of every archer— from beginners to professionals, for indoor and outdoor ranges, as well as broadhead targets for hunters. Curlex® is the registered tradeW