www.insidearchery.com MAY 2024 ®
4 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 22 50 56 INSIDE ARCHERY (Volume 27, #4) 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 MAY 2024 | VOLUME 27 | NUMBER 4 24 20 36 People Power of Participation ■ Taylor Woodruff | Media Direct Creative ■ Logan Eshleman | Lancaster Archery Supply ■ Theodore Hardmon | Mamba Archery ■ Micah Brown | Annihilator Broadheads ■ Jake Mancl | HHA Sports ■ Patrick Meitin | Inside Archery Mystery Ranch Improving the Hunting Experience By Michaelean Pike Market Trends New & Notable Archery products with strong sales potential Bow Report Bowtech Carbon One X 2024 Bow Sight & Arrow Rest Spectacular By Patrick Meitin Gear Report Pine Ridge Archery Kwik Stand Bow Support & Rail Mount Crossbow Add-On Sales Help Maximize Profits 2024’s Bull’s-Eye Recreational & Target Gear By Jack Borcherding 48 38 36 10 24 66 38
6 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 50 14 8 12 66 20 54 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 | VOLUME 27 | NUMBER 4 ■ Bow / Crossbow / Gear Report WebXtras ■ insidearchery.com online exclusives ■ Weekly newsfeed of archery news from around the industry We are a new and improved resource for archery news, new gear and more, launching every Friday online and as an E-newsletter. ■ Visit archerynewsfeed.com and contact [email protected] to have content included in Archery Newsfeed. ■ Subscribe for FREE to recieve Archery Newsfeed at insidearchery.com/enews. Three Early-Season Whitetail Stand Sites You Should Be Looking For Now 2024 NASP® Championship Tournament Coverage Three Things You Can Do Now to Ensure a More Enjoyable September Elk Season Shooting Practice To Help You Transition Into Hunt Mode 54 Inside the Industry Inside Track National Archery in the Schools Program Your ATA Insights Never Done Inside Retailing Hodge Outdoor Sports ATA Action The Benefits of Your ATA Membership: We Work for You Leading Archery Manufacturer Q2i Archery Industry 5Q Five Questions with Brink Bauers and Will Scott from FOB Archery insidearchery.com 56 50 22
8 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 National Archery in the Schools Program was born with an obsessive desire to shoot bows and arrows, though the impetus of this affliction truly escapes me, as I was raised by a decidedly nonhunting family with the absence of any early mentors. Shooting bows—and bowhunting—was just something I always wanted to do. I shot my first real bows and arrows in a YMCA basement at age 7—the organization used by my parents for cheap babysitting during summer breaks. I would get upset when the archery gear was stowed and counselors herded us to the swimming pool—which I loathed. How I wish there had been such a thing as the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) when I was young! NASP is geared to introduce students grades 4-12 to archery and archery competition, operating in 49 U.S. states (including Washington D.C.), nine Canadian provinces, New Zealand, and the British Virgin Islands. Each year NASP reaches more than 1 million students in nearly 9,000 schools, including a 50/50 split between male and female students and with all participants operating on equal footing with identical equipment. Archery insiders already understand the positive influences archery provides. It is worth reiterating that 58 percent of NASP participants say they feel more connected with their school, while 40 percent report that they are more engaged in the classroom, which directly correlates to better grades and brighter futures. These aspects alone make NASP vitally important, but this safe introduction to archery is something most students will also carry throughout their lives. As a youngster raised in the Southwest surrounded by a myriad of negative influences, including readily available drugs, I can say with utmost certainty that archery/bowhunting shaped my life and led me to heady goals and a dedication to something truly positive. Bows and arrows kept me focused and out of trouble. Archery is a path that can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. Archery fosters individual responsibility, discipline and patience, a healthy understanding of the work/reward dynamic, and ultimately, self-confidence. It can also introduce a sense of belonging, and working well with others. A large percentage of NASP participants become interested in other outdoor pursuits. It is that individual success that NASP ultimately nurtures, changing lives and arguably creating better citizens, as NASP says, “One Arrow at a Time!” The program continues to grow, with the number of participating schools growing significantly—with Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, Texas, and Oklahoma schools leading the way. This brings the total to 21 million students introduced to archery since the program’s inception—1.3 million students in 2022-2023 alone—and 8,967 participating schools (1,346 new schools) in 2022-2023. Much of this success hinges on NASP’s 17,713 trained instructors, as well as sponsorships within the outdoor community. Because I know how archery changed my life, I encourage you to volunteer to become a NASP archery instructor or corporate sponsor. NASP is good for our kids, and ultimately good for archery! Patrick Meitin, Executive Editor I INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE TRACK Inside Archery® is a publication of Apollo Creative Inc Printed in the USA. Publisher Apollo Creative Inc Executive Editor Patrick Meitin • [email protected] Associate Editor Michaelean Pike • [email protected] Contributors Jack Borcherding | Cassie Gasaway Michaelean Pike | Kurt Smith Sales & Marketing Director Stephen Mack • [email protected] (814) 341-9313 Design & Production ER Graphics / Ed Rother • [email protected] Graphic Designer Tara Bondar Social Media Manager Jason Ashe Video Editor Marc Balistreri Account Manager Pam Ludlam • [email protected] Subscription Services & Change of Address: Inside Archery® Circulation Department Inside Archery, PO Box 986, Levittown, PA 19055-9998 Phone: (844) 862-9286 • Fax: (888) 965-9961 [email protected] Publication Office Inside Archery® / Apollo Creative Inc P.O. Box 15827, Colorado Springs, CO 80935 Phone: (719) 495-9999 • www.InsideArchery.com Inside Archery founded in 1998 by Bill and Sherry Krenz Inside Archery® Copyright © 2024 Apollo Crreative Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Inside Archery® is a registered U.S. trademark of Apollo Creative Inc. Opinions expressed in by-lined articles or columns are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, the magazine or its staff. Submission Guidelines: Apollo Creative Inc and Inside Archery® magazine assume no responsibility for unsolicited editorial, photography or art submissions. Contributors submitting articles, photos or art do so at their own risk. Material will not be returned without a selfaddressed envelope with sufficient postage. No contract, agreement, term or condition provided by any contributor shall be binding on Apollo Creative Inc unless it is signed and returned by the Editor. Archery, hunting and bowhunting are inherently dangerous activities. Improper use of hunting or archery equipment may cause serious injury or death. Always follow state and local hunting safety rules, and get required permits or licenses before hunting. Apollo Creative Inc uses reasonable efforts to include accurate and up-todate information in our publications; however, we do not make any warranties or representations as to accuracy or completeness. All information in this magazine is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. Apollo Creative Inc is not responsible for researching and investigating the accuracy of the contents of stories or advertisements published in this magazine. Readers use the information in this magazine at their own risk. Apollo Creative Inc assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this magazine, or arising from use by any person of the information in this magazine.
10 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 MARKET TRENDS NEW & NOTABLE SKB iSeries Shaped Bow Case S KB’s iSeries Shaped Bow Case is the company’s first shaped injection molded model, making it more affordable and lighter (18 pounds empty). The case still gives travelers the uncompromising protection customers expect from SKB. The interior measures 17 inches wide and 41 inches long, and includes anchoring straps to prevent shifting. Arrows are easily stored in the incorporated floor recess to eliminate bowstring or bow-finish wear. The lid holds anchoring straps for a detachable bow quiver with arrows installed, and dual elastic-topped net storage pouches to stow optional SKB accessory boxes or other gear. They are offered in Black, OD Green, Desert Tan, or dealer-only Coyote Brown Pro Series. Learn more at skbcases.com. Rothco Advanced Tactical Bag Made in collaboration with Bear Archery and sporting Fred Bear camouflage, Rothco’s Concealed Carry Advanced Tactical Bag features 16 pockets, including a main drawstring-top compartment, large zippered pocket, water-bottle pouch, two smaller zippered pockets, two flat zippered compartments, and two open-top pockets. It is MOLLE compatible and includes a D-ring and PALS webbing for attaching additional gear. The padded/adjustable shoulder strap extends up to 54 inches with a quick-release buckle for easy on/off. There is padding in three areas and a hook-and-loop tie on the back to provide added comfort and a secure fit, plus a carabiner-style clip on the carry strap. An outside hook-and-loop area allows attaching name tags or morale patches. Tough 600D polyester makes it long-lasting. Learn more at rothco.com. Viper Dovetail Stabilizer V iper Archery’s new Dovetail Stabilizers were designed to be compatible with Mathews’ Bridge-Lock Technology risers, which provide more streamlined and balanced mounting through the center of the riser via a dovetail slot. Viper’s Dovetail Stabilizers include black-anodized 6061 aluminum extension bars and a 4-ounce black powder-coated steel end weight. The Coil Rubber dampener that is part of the end weight effectively soaks up residual bow shock and vibrations for quieter shooting. The Viper Archery Dovetail Stabilizer series is available in 8-, 10- and 12-inch lengths to provide the bow balance any customer is looking for and come with a handy set screw knob for easy installation and balancing adjustments. Learn more at viperarcheryproducts.com. Lumenok Lumen-Arrow Bolts L umenok’s Lumen-Arrow Bolts were designed specifically to pair with today’s high-performance crossbow models. Available in 20- and 22-inch options, they include finished weights of 321 and 341 grains, respectively. They are equipped with flat or Lumenok Crescent (halfmoon) nocks, and 2- or 3.5-inch Bohning vanes. F.O.C. is boosted via brass inserts, providing improved forgiveness and deeper penetration on game. The Lumenok Lighted Crossbow Bolt Ends they hold are compatible with past and current production-model crossbolts up to .300-inch in diameter. They are available in Lumenok’s standard colors, as well as newer red. Batteries are replaceable. Learn more at lumenok.com. GlenDel 3D Bear G lenDel continues the tradition of providing the industry’s only replaceable, four-sided core 3-D targets with the brand-new GlenDel Bear. GlenDel’s PolyFusion core technology is built into an anatomically correct target mimicking the size and shape of a 250-pound North American black bear. It includes ultra-durable, self-healing polyfoam with an exclusive 12-by-12-by-12-inch replaceable core system. It combines easy arrow removal with long target life in a portable 21-pound package providing five times the shooting surface and three different vital-angle views. The target is field point and broadhead compatible to provide quality target practice. Learn more at feradyne.com/glendel/. Last Chance Archery Pro Grain Scale 2.0 T he Pro Grain Scale 2.0 from Last Chance Archery is ideal for weighing completed arrows, or individual points, broadheads, stabilizer weights, and more. Like other LCA products, it is built to last and provides exceptional accuracy. The new design includes more features and is easier to use. The scale can be used to weigh items up to 3,086.47 grains/7.05 ounces/200 grams, and in eight different increment scales. The kit includes the scale body, rubber arrow holder, F.O.C. cradle, sticky pads to mount the arrow holder to the scale and two AAA batteries. It features a bright digital LED display that can be positioned for the best view, and a backlight mounted inside the lid. The arrow holder is locked in place when not in use. Learn more at lastchancearchery.com.
12 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 Never Done s I write this, we are just a few months past the 2024 ATA Show. For most readers of this publication, the 2025 Show hasn’t yet crossed your mind. But for ATA staff, now is the time to evaluate feedback from the 2024 Show and put plans in place that will serve the archery industry in the year ahead and culminate with another gathering in Indianapolis for the 2025 ATA Show. The common theme I see when reading through survey responses from our members is that the work to keep the ATA Show and the industry as a whole thriving is never done. But it is not just one organization or business type that has this burden to bear. Manufacturers, retailers, and the ATA all have plenty of work to do to keep this train rolling down the tracks. Manufacturers ■ You have been a driver moving the industry forward ever since its inception. Continuing to innovate each year is no easy task, but your role in archery and bowhunting doesn’t stop there. In many cases, your dealer network relies on you heavily to help support end users. But what can you do beyond delivering a great product and service? Based on the feedback we hear from retailers the biggest need is more information. Nothing helps a retailer be more effective than having information sooner than their customers and getting more detailed insights to help them set up, tune, and troubleshoot equipment. So, keep working on building the lines of communication with your dealer network, and don’t be afraid to ask some trusted business partners about what could help them solidify their role as the trusted resource for customers. INSIDE THE INDUSTRY YOUR ATA INSIGHTS A BY KURT SMITH, COURTESY OF THE ATA Retailers ■ Customers are strange. Just when you think you’ve got them figured out, a new trend takes hold and it is back to square one. For that reason, it’s no surprise that we hear a lot of retailers are looking for sales and marketing help. Understanding how to reach new and existing customers is a never-ending job. If you believe that you’ve got it all figured out, you probably just don’t realize how far behind you really are. As someone who is not naturally talented at selling or marketing, I know getting caught up on social media trends or doing sales training role-plays with staff just doesn’t sound fun. But the upside is that there is never a bad time to get started and anything you do to give these soft skills a boost will pay dividends in the future. If you are looking for somewhere to get started, check out our marketing and business operations Masterclass sessions from previous years at the ATA Learning Center, where you can get some actionable takeaways. The ATA ■ Where do we come in? First and foremost, we exist to help our members do better business together. We continually evaluate feedback from members to look for opportunities where we can help. Naturally, after the ATA Show, we hear a lot about what went well and what could improve. Our team takes all of this into consideration when planning for the year ahead. We’re already looking at how we can keep exhibitors and attendees coming back, making the Show floor effective and easy to navigate, and giving more opportunities to access excellent educational sessions. But before we get to Indy in 2025, we have a year of work ahead to positively impact archery. While the Trade Show team hits the ground running, the rest of the ATA crew has plenty of work to do in other areas. In Government Relations, we will be continuing to work with states and other organizations to protect bowhunting access across the country. Our Outreach & Education team heard loud and clear that members want more access to the Bow Technician Certification program, so that will be a focus, along with launching our Crossbow Technician Certification program. Keeping in touch with members and finding the best ways to inform them about important industry happenings is continually evolving for the MarCom team. Those in Membership are busy building a new and improved database that will make it easier for ATA members to navigate and continue to improve value in being part of this organization. Maintaining consistent business operations can be a good thing when it builds confidence for customers and a repeatable, positive experience. But don’t mistake consistency for complacency. Everyone who makes a living in archery and bowhunting plays a role in continuing to grow our sports, and by the same token, we all have work to do to get better. No matter how successful your business might be, you’re never done. Spring is a great time to analyze your business. Take a few hours this week to identify some areas where you can improve and then make a plan to work toward that goal. If you need help getting started, let us be your resource. After all, our work helping members is never done either. Just visit us at archerytrade.org or email me at [email protected]. IA
Kinsey’s is the leading distributor to the archery and outdoors industry. Carrying items from your favorite brands, in-stock and ready-to-ship, the well-established company offers domestic and international retailers a wide array of products and services. Kinsey’s also owns innovative consumer brands including Alpine Archery, BlackHeart, Fin-Finder, Elevation, and October Mountain Products. For more information, please visit KinseysInc.com Presented by INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE RETAILING 14 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 Small-Town Kentucky Outdoor Shop Celebrates 50 Years in Business Inside Archery: How does operating in a small-town setting differ from big-city stores catering to a larger customer base? Hodge's: Our customers quickly become friends. We create a rapport and are able to fulfill the needs and wants of our customers by learning and knowing what they need and want. Our customers are the backbone of our business, we know them and appreciate them. First-name basis is the norm. Customer service is our No. 1 priority, always! Inside Archery: In addition to archery gear, what other products does Hodge Outdoors sell, how do regional influences factor in these stocking decisions, and how have these product categories helped your shop remain profitable? Hodge's: Hodge’s (as we are known locally) offers much more than just great archery equipment. We are a full-scaled ladies’ boutique, shoe store offering Hey Dude’s and Sketchers for the family, Lacrosse footwear for the outdoorsman, and much more. We also have a full-scale sporting goods department featuring one of the best selections of firearms for all walks of life, a wide variety of ammunition by target and recreational archery: 10 percent ■ Store History: Hodge Outdoor Sports was founded on May 1, 1974, by the father-and-son team of Charley and Leroy Hodge when they purchased York Sporting Goods. After the sale, the name was changed to Hodge Outdoor Sports. As business grew and customer needs changed, the existing building was expanded and the business model adjusted to evolve into what the store has become today. Hodge Outdoor Sports offers something for everyone, including an apparel boutique for the ladies, footwear for the entire family, men’s clothing featuring Levi, Drake, and other major brands, plus full-scale hunting and fishing departments. Hodge Outdoor Sports offers a large selection of Mathews and Mission bows along with an extensive firearms selection. Leroy and Barbara Hodge say the Lord has blessed them and continues to bless their family and business. ■ Headquarters: Marion, KY ■ Owner: Leroy & Barbara Hodge ■ Years in Business: 50 years ■ Square footage, store floor: 6,500 ■ Total business square footage: 8,500 ■ Staffing: Full-time: 5; Part-time: 5 ■ Bow Lines: Mathews, Genesis, Bear Archery, Cajun Bowfishing, Fin-Finder Bowfishing and Muzzy Bowfishing. ■ Arrow Lines: Victory Archery, Carbon Express, Easton Archery and Gold Tip. ■ Crossbow Lines: Mission Archery, Bear-X, Ravin, TenPoint, Killer Instinct and CenterPoint. ■ Revenue percentage generated by bowhunting: 20 percent ■ Revenue percentage generated Store Profile Retailing Q & A Hodge Outdoor Sports Continued on Page 16 Marion, Kentucky's Hodge Outdoor Sports has been in business for 50 years by offering a huge variety of products.
INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE RETAILING 16 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 for many cartridges both common and uncommon, a huge selection of fishing supplies for most kinds of freshwater fish, hunting accessories and supplies, shooting accessories from range supplies to firearms care and storage, and a wide selection of optics, whether it be traditional glass, thermal, night vision, pistol, and tactical optics. Over the past 50 years, our selection of products has changed. We always try to see what’s needed or missing by our customers and communities, doing our best to fill those needs. Being flexible has kept us going for over 50 years. Inside Archery: How do you find and cultivate quality employees while operating in a small-town atmosphere? Hodge's: We have been blessed with great employees over the years! Our assistant manager, Karen, has been with us for 35 years, and Tyler, our sporting goods manager, came to work with us in 2019. Both are huge assets to our business. The daughter of the owners, Britt, has been a full-time employee since 1993. Many employees have come and gone over the years but remain good friends. We always look for people who are passionate about this industry. People who are hardworking, loyal, genuine, honest, and treat every cusLeft to right: Leroy Hodge, owner; Britt Wright, store manager; Tyler Mosley, sporting goods manager and archery tech. Hodge Outdoor Sports says they have been blessed with quality employees, including Karen Gatten, right, a 35-year employee and assistant manager. Unsurpassed customer service is priority No. 1 at Hodge Outdoor Sports. Bill Patterson (left) is one of the store's quality archery tech support gurus. tomer the same way. This is what gave us such quality employees and has kept us going for a long time. Inside Archery: What percentage of your customers would you say are made up of repeat/local customers, and what percentage are sportsmen who are just visiting or passing through? Does your approach to these customers differ? Hodge's: Seventy-five percent are probably loyal repeat customers. Many are yearly visiting hunting-season repeat customers. Surrounding counties also contribute many loyal customers. To our non-resident customers, whether they are repeat customers or fresh new faces, we give them the same treatment as our loyal customers. We foster a fun and approachable atmosphere, with customer service being at the forefront of it all. We want our customers to enjoy the sport they are involved in and embrace any new members of that community. Inside Archery: How much crossover sales between various sportsman’s groups—archers, bowhunters, fishermen, and gun hunters—do you see? Are such groups fairly segregated, or is there considerable seasonal crossover? Hodge's: Crossover sales with our customers are solid all year round. We have a lot of customers who are pretty much involved in all forms of outdoor Continued on Page 18 Continued from Page 14
INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE RETAILING 18 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 sports, so segregation between all of them is nearly non-existent. All of our departments are busy all year, no matter what the season is. We have active hunting seasons that span across almost the whole year, our anglers are normally out on the water from spring through fall, and our shooters, whether they are archers or riflemen, are always outside shooting no matter the weather. Inside Archery: How does Hodge Outdoors remain profitable during the archery off-season between the end of deer season and the archery opener in September? Hodge's: Offering a large assortment of merchandise that isn’t sport-related is a huge benefit. Our ladies’ boutique department is a big part of our success. Having a large variety to offer our customers is what keeps them coming back. Strategic purchasing and knowing your customers are crucial. Inside Archery: What approaches does Hodge Outdoors Sports use to attract new customers, or bring existing customers into your store more often? Hodge's: Word of mouth is huge, but social media has also been a game changer. Those two additions equal a lot of Continued from Page 16 free advertising. We have a new large LED sign that is also bringing in new customers as well. We also adapt and bring in new and trending brands to keep our market and inventory fresh. Inside Archery: How do distributors such as Kinsey’s help a small-town shop such as yours better manage seasonal stocking and product-buying decisions? Hodge's: All of our distributor reps are amazing. They are always one phone call away and quick to answer any questions and provide insight on new products. Kinsey’s, for example, provides a wide product diversity and is constantly phasing in new brands and products throughout the year. Our rep, Zachary Muster, is always quick on the draw and provides amazing product offers no matter what season is coming around. These people keep us up-to-date and well-prepared. We couldn’t ask for a better group of reps to do business with. Inside Archery: Are there any bits of advice you can offer dealers or store owners for enjoying the longevity Hodge Outdoors has experienced? Hodge's: Get to know your customers, and engage with them. Be willing to adapt to the ever-changing times. It’s an ever-changing climate in the retail world. IA Hodge Outdoors Sports is more than just about outdoor gear. A shoe department and women's boutique help keep business brisk year-round. Hodge's offers a wide variety of outdoor products, with archery and bowhunting fueling about 30 percent of the store's traffic and revenue.
20 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 The Benefits of Your ATA Membership We Work for You INSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTION ARCHERY TRADE ASSOCIATION archerytrade.org D iscover how the ATA can help your business and join or renew your membership today. The ATA is constantly working to grow the industry, increase participation, and develop new markets while supporting members through advocacy, education, and business support. Review these top ATA-member benefits and renew your ATA membership or join today to gain access to everything the ATA offers. ATA Show Access The ATA Show is a members-only event that attracts archery professionals from across the world to connect, build relationships, see the newest products and the latest innovations, get Showspecial pricing, and gain a pulse on the market and industry trends. The Show is a can’t-miss industry event. Grow your network and your business by attending the annual event that brings everyone in the industry together. Business Insights Stay up to date on industry sales and trending data with free-to-members downloadable reports and resources, like the ATA’s Retail Trend Tracker Survey and state-by-state bowhunter participation data. The ATA also provides its members with access to information on federal excise tax regulations and issues, including a comprehensive FET Guide and quarterly updates on key earnings and tax rate information. ATA members can find other BY CASSIE GASAWAY, COURTESY OF THE ATA The ATA works year-round on behalf of its members. PHOTO © ATA. educational documents, industry data, research reports, and more through the member dashboard by logging in to the member portal at membership. archerytrade.org and visiting the ATA’s Resource Library. Advocacy Efforts The ATA works year-round at the state and federal levels on your behalf to ensure the protection and growth of the archery and bowhunting industry. The ATA’s government relations team advocates for you on issues like public land access, hunting regulations, and the use of federal excise tax dollars. Members receive bi-monthly video advocacy updates and timely Action Alert emails from the ATA, making it easy to stay informed and easily voice your support or opposition to proposed laws. Learn & Grow Access on-demand educational content, certification courses, and timely videos to help your business thrive. Members can visit the ATA Learning Center through their member portal to enroll in the ATA’s Bow and Crossbow Technician Certification courses and buy discounted informative presentations on marketing, business, coaching, and archery tech from the ATA’s Archery Industry Masterclass at the 2024 ATA Show. Staff Support & More ATA members can also work one-onone with ATA staff to find ways to UNITING THE INDUSTRY
MAY 2024 21 INSIDEARCHERY.COM Your membership allows you to attend our annual ATA Show where you can network, see new products and write orders. PHOTO © ATA. Scan the QR code to learn more about ATA’s Bow and Crossbow Technician Certification courses and enroll today. PHOTO © ATA. strengthen their business. Whether you seek information about the Trade Show, industry trends, legislative policies, or business best practices, the ATA can help. The ATA is your personal support team. Nothing makes staff happier than helping you succeed. Check out the ATA’s membership page (www.archerytrade.org/membership) for more information on ATA’s member benefits. Capitalize on these member benefits and act now to renew your membership or join the ATA. Renew & Update Your Member Account It is renewal time, and we appreciate your ongoing support. Please note: We have a new and improved member portal, so if you haven’t already, follow the prompts below to update your account: ■ Register: Visit www.membership.archerytrade.org and select “Register” at the bottom of the new member login screen. ■ Create: Create your new account login credentials. In the first field, please use the email address on file for validation. ■ Activate: Click on the link in the email you receive. If you don’t receive an email, check your spam folder. You will be redirected to a page with a prefilled code, unique to your ATA membership account. Click the “Activate” button. ■ Login: Once you click “Activate,” you’ll be redirected to the login page to enter your email and password. You will also receive a welcome email with the login link. You may click the “Remember Me” box to save your information for future login access to your ATA member dashboard. Join the ATA as a New Member ATA opened its 2024-2025 new membership year on April 1. If the benefits above interest you, visit the ATA’s “Become a Member” page at www.membership.archerytrade.org/member-types and click the appropriate category to apply for membership in your business category. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed and approved by ATA staff within five to seven business days. ATA reserves the right to change your membership category based on the verification documents provided. We’re Here for You If you have questions about ATA’s member benefits, need to renew or would like to join today, please contact Kim Watson, ATA’s membership director, at [email protected]. IA
22 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 PEOPLE Power Participation Theof Archery Industry Members Participating in the Sport SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO: Visit insidearchery.com/pop or mail a color image with your name, address, where the animal was taken, and archery gear used—both manufacturer and model— to Inside Archery Power of Participation, P.O. Box 15827, Colorado Springs, CO 80935. Theodore Hardmon • Georgia Wild Hog Sales Representative, Mamba Archery Bow ■ Mathews Lift 33 Arrow ■ Mamba NGiLuBe/ Broadhead ■ Trifecta 187 Flex-Fletch 2.5 Pro vanes Rest ■ QAD MX2 Sight ■ UltraView Slider Release ■ STAN OnneX Other ■ Wicked Twisted Bowstrings Micah Brown • California Columbia Blacktail Co-Owner, Annihilator Broadheads Bow ■ Apexx Predator Broadhead ■ Annihilator 125 XL Sight ■ Option Archery Arrow ■ Victory Archery RIP TKO Canyon Pounder Release ■ Scott Archery Rest ■ Hamskea Epsilon Little Bitty Goose Stabilizer ■ Spider Quiver ■ Tight Spot
MAY 2024 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 23 Taylor Woodruff • Florida Wild Hog Taylor Woodruff, Account Executive, Media Direct Creative Bow ■ Hoyt Eclipse Arrow ■ Easton Archery Broadhead ■ SEVR 4mm FMJ Match Grade Broadheads Titanium 1.5” Sight ■ Fuse Archery Rest ■ QAD Release ■ Spot-Hogg Other ■ Burris Optics Tuff Guy BOA Logan Eshleman • Illinois Whitetail Assistant Pro Shop Operations Mngr., Lancaster Archery Supply Bow ■ Elite Archery ERA Arrow ■ Altra Premier .166 Broadhead ■ Rocket Sidewinder Rest ■ QAD IMX Sight ■ HHA Sports Tetra RYZ Release ■ STAN OnneX Clicker Patrick Meitin • Texas Wild Hog Executive Editor, Inside Archery Bow ■ Elite Archery ERA Arrow ■ Altra Centrum Limited Broadhead ■ SWAT Sight ■ CBE Tactic Micro Hybrid 4-Blade Release ■ Scott Archery Talon Rest ■ Vapor Trail Archery GI8X Other ■ Odin’s Innovations Stabilizer ■ CBE TorX Liquid Pear Scent Jake Mancl • Wisconsin Whitetail Marketing & Sales Manager, HHA Sports Bow ■ Hoyt Ventum Pro Arrow ■ Victory Archery RIP TKO Sight ■ HHA Tetra Max RYZ Broadhead ■ SEVR 2.0 Rest ■ HHA Sports Virtus Quiver ■ Hoyt
24 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 It’s no secret that Mystery Ranch makes exceptional packs. Since 2000, the company has designed and built packs for the kinds of people who depend on their gear—military, wildland firefighters, hunters, and other hardcore outdoorsmen. There is a lot that goes into designing a great pack—the quality of the materials, the workmanship, the functionality, the load carriage— and Mystery Ranch excels in all of those areas. But at the end of the day, the team at Mystery Ranch knows they’re not really selling packs. What they’re really selling is a better hunting experience. BY MICHAELEAN PIKE It’s no secret that Mystery Ranch makes exceptional packs. Since 2000, the company has designed and built packs for the kinds of people who depend on their gear—military, wildland firefighters, hunters, and other hardcore outdoorsmen. There is a lot that goes into designing a great pack—the quality of the materials, the workmanship, the functionality, the load carriage— and Mystery Ranch excels in all of those areas. But at the end of the day, the team at Mystery Ranch knows they’re not really selling packs. What they’re really selling is a better hunting experience. BY MICHAELEAN PIKE
MAY 2024 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 25 A New Company from an Experienced Designer Mystery Ranch was not the first pack company founded by Dana Gleason. In fact, Gleason was already a renowned pack designer when he, along with longtime business associate Renee Sippel-Baker, launched Mystery Ranch in Bozeman, Montana. “Dana Gleason has been backpacking the world, building and constructing and designing backpacks for roughly 40 years,” said Tim Hoffer, Mystery Ranch hunting sales manager. “He’s very well known in the industry. After he sold his previous company, Dana Design, he took a little hiatus and then couldn’t twiddle his thumbs any longer. That’s when he started Mystery Ranch.” The company got an early vote of confidence from military customers who approached Gleason because they couldn’t find packs that fit their needs on the market. “There was interest from special operations groups,” Hoffer said. “So, there was a pretty strong start on the military side of things.” And while the Mystery Ranch product line has expanded to include backpacking gear, ski packs, and even laptop bags, the team is still proud to supply packs to firefighters and special forces groups. “We have a very robust business on the wildland firefighting side, and we work exclusively with top-tier military groups,” Hoffer explained. “Special forces teams across all branches of the military carry our packs. It’s a unique position to be in. I think if you look across the industry, there is no other premium pack brand that has the breadth and depth of our experience level. Under one roof, depending on the day, you might have a polar explorer come in to talk about a product or a Canadian sniper team, a climber or a hunter.” Expanding into Hunting With all the hunting opportunities available in Montana, it’s no surprise that many Mystery Ranch team members are hunters. And given the high quality of the packs the company was producing for the military, it is also no surprise that those employees began using Mystery Ranch packs for hunting. One of the features that made those packs particularly appealing was the Overload System. “Dana saw a photo of a Marine carrying a base plate for a mortar system,” said Alex Rich, product designer for Mystery Ranch. “I believe those plates are around 60 pounds, and the poor guy had the plate hung off the back of his pack. Judging from the photograph, that plate was 12 to 16 inches away from his torso, and the guy was practically doubled over under the weight. Dana knew
26 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 he could do something to better that experience. So, he created the Overload System, which adds a sling between the frame and the pack so that anyone carrying a heavy load can move those heavy objects closer to the torso.” Although the Overload System was developed for military applications, Mystery Ranch employees quickly saw its potential for other uses. “People internally at Mystery Ranch saw that system and said, ‘You know what that’d be great for? Packing out elk quarters,’” Rich said. “Being able to place an elk quarter or boned-out antelope right next to the frame, in between the frame and the pack, made it the perfect system. People were just using old military packs to hunt with. That was what made us think we could take this system and create our own hunting pack.” “You see the Overload System now on a lot of packs,” Hoffer said. “It’s actually patented by Mystery Ranch. I can name three or four pack man-
MAY 2024 27 INSIDEARCHERY.COM ufacturers that copied that technology, which is obviously a nod to the ingenuity of Dana and our team. It’s great for carrying anything that’s heavy, bulky, or cumbersome—elk quarters, a bear hide, or even photography equipment. The further weight gets from your center of gravity, the more it’s going to become uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Moving it right next to the frame solved that problem.” “I think one of the reasons the hunt line is really important to our business is that a lot of people in-house are hunters,” Rich said. “There’s a certain level of authenticity that brings to the brand. When we’re talking to our reps, retailers, or brand partners, we’re not just trying to sell a product. What they’re getting is the story of why we’re driven to make really good hunting products, why we care, why we think it’s worth our while. In my case, I really love hunting, and I want to make the best hunting packs possible.” “The idea of a hunting line grew out of being here at Mystery Ranch,” Hoffer said. “It was a natural extension of the core group of people and their passion for the sport. It just made sense. At the time, there were a lot of really subpar packs on the market and we felt we could develop something better.” Built for Hunters, By Hunters Having passionate, experienced hunters on staff has played a large part in the success of Mystery Ranch’s hunt line, especially as the company has developed new products. “There are three different ways new products are developed,” Rich said. “The simplest is by making incremental changes to an existing product. The second is identifying holes in our line, opportunities to satisfy the needs of our customers. One really good example of that is our entry into the whitetail space. It’s not something that is necessarily in our wheelhouse in terms of our specific hunting experience. But we identified a lack of quality products out there that effectively dealt with heavy loads or access, and we saw an opportunity there. “The third way new products are developed is through innovation. That might mean addressing a specific need the customer has but doesn’t recognize, or by finding a new way to solve a problem people are experiencing. “Take our pop-up system, which we won an award for at the 2023 ATA Show. That
28 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 system actually has a collapsible frame inside of it, which we have a patent on. It was something that no one had ever asked for or conceived of, but it was born out of my own personal hunting experience. I was using one of our big, backcountry-style hunting packs to hunt antelope down on the prairie with a bow. I spent a lot of time on all fours, crawling around on this pancakeflat piece of earth. The top of the frame kept hitting me in the back of the head, and I found that immensely frustrating. So, the idea was to create a frame that’s small and compact when you don’t need it, but that can extend up when you have a successful hunt and need to carry something heavy. It wasn’t something people were specifically asking for, but once they saw it, they realized it solved a problem.” Mystery Ranch also seeks input from hardcore hunters through the company’s ambassador program. “We work with everybody from Randy Newberg and Rachel Ahtila to Sam Soholt and Adam Foss and his wife, Frankie,” said Hoffer. “Many of them are either professional hunting guides or they spend a 100-plus days a year in the field hunting all over the place. We can get prototypes into their hands so they can pressure-test the system and we can figure out ways to tweak things. That’s a great way to make sure we’re going down the right path.” “They’ve also helped us in the past with new product generation,” added Rich. “Randy told us he needed a way to carry a spotting scope. Every time he saw me, he’d ask about it. Finally, I caved, and now we have a robust spotting scope sling that also connects to a backpack as an external carrier. So those ambassadors are super helpful to our process.” “Forgettable” Gear The team at Mystery Ranch spends a great deal of time thinking about packs specifically so their customers don’t have to think about their packs at all. “What I think is really important when it comes to product development and product use is being able to ignore your gear,” said Rich. “If you think about hiking boots, the only pair of boots you really notice are the ones that give you blisters. Otherwise, you just put your boots on and go hiking. From the hunter’s standpoint, what they want is a backpack that suits their needs, offers good access,
MAY 2024 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 29 and can carry an animal. Otherwise, they don’t want to have to think about the backpack. We look at that from the design standpoint of how to create a system that works well enough and is comfortable enough that people don’t have to worry about their system working.” Throughout our interview, Rich brought up one element over and over again: load carriage. “If your backpack is giving you hotspots or slipping down or you’re doubled over because it’s not transferring weight to your hips properly, you’re going to hate that pack,” he explained. “So, what we try to do, first and foremost, is make sure that the pack not only fulfills the needs of the customer, but also makes them extraordinarily comfortable. For me, the most important aspect of product development and design is that it gives the customer a better experience. Ultimately, what the hunting customer really wants is a good hunting experience. If we do our job properly, the backpack is not going to detract from that experience—it’s going to enhance it. That’s why, for us, load carriage is the most important part of any pack.” The Mystery Ranch team has a deep understanding of load carriage and how it is impacted by pack design. And while that knowledge is important in building great packs, they know their customers don’t care about the specifications as
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MAY 2024 31 INSIDEARCHERY.COM much as how the pack performs. “A lot of people don’t need a deep dive into the technology of how the packs are built,” said Hoffer. “At the end of the day, we’re trying to remove something from the equation. We want to make sure it’s a comfortable fit and it’s going to last a long time. Nobody says, ‘I want a moderately comfortable backpack.’ Nobody wants to pay money for that experience.” Hoffer also acknowledged that Mystery Ranch packs are not the cheapest packs on the market. “We don’t shy away from the fact that our packs are not inexpensive,” he said. “If we’re going to charge $500 or more for a pack, we want that to be incredibly durable and comfortable. It’s going to last for season after season. We want to make sure our customers are getting what they’re paying for. It’s going to be part of their system they can rely on all the time. It’s no different than your boots, your rifle, your bow—those key pieces of gear that, if any one of them creates problems or has a failure point, can end a hunt. “If it’s uncomfortable, it’s not carrying well, if the zippers aren’t good enough quality, that’s going to cause problems. And when you’re at the moment of truth and you have a deer or an elk or a bear on the ground and you’re three miles away from your truck, that is not the time to have something fail on you. We put a lot of effort into making sure our packs add to your experience by almost not being there. You’re not noticing them until you need them.” The Design Difference Hoffer believes Mystery Ranch’s experience and design process set the company apart from the competition. “We’re built on Dana Gleason’s experience,” he said. “That’s 40-plus years of backpack design and construction. In addition, working with the military and firefighters, we know those individuals live out of their packs. They rely on them for work. What that did is underscore the emphasis on quality and construction. We view ourselves as being the industry standard for quality, construction, and load carriage.” “I cut my teeth with Mystery Ranch on the production floor,” said Rich. “I actually built packs. Sewing, designing, and constructing prototypes is something I do on a daily basis. That’s not typical in our industry. Generally speaking, companies will do 2D drawings or maybe a 3D rendering and then send that off to a factory. The actual construction is shipped out to contract manufacturers. At Mystery Ranch, we have the knowledge base of exactly how to construct something in the strongest possible manner, or what types of materials and foams are best to use. We do work with contract manufacturers, but we give them a complete product versus a drawing that needs to be built by the contract manufacturer. That gives us a lot more control over the quality,
32 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 “Our warranty repair center is another competitive advantage we have,” Hoffer said. “Our products are guaranteed for life against manufacturing defects. Once you get a pack dialed in, you don’t want it to be a throwaway product. You get it fit, the sizing is perfect, and you have used it season after season. Our warranty repair department does everything from wildland firefighting gear to everyday use, and people send in packs to get a zipper repair or something patched. We don’t treat these bags as fashion accessories that you just use for a little while and then get rid of it because they wore out. There are a lot of Mystery Ranch backpacks in service, on both the military and the outdoor side, which are from day one. They do not wear out easily. That’s important to us. Because if you’re five miles deep and you’re trying to pack out an elk, you don’t care if a company has a great warranty. It doesn’t matter out there. We want to make sure those things work in all different environments.” New for 2024 This year saw an exciting expansion to the hunt line with new options in the popular Metcalf pack. “The Metcalf is arguably the most successful hunting pack we’ve developed,” Hoffer said. “It’s in that sweet spot of a three-to-fiveday backcountry bag, and you can pare it down and use it as a dayhunting pack. The big story for 2024 is building off that successful platform, we were able to lighten the overall pack frame system, update a few things, refine the design, and the material usage. We know every stitch that goes into every pack. And when it comes to the hunting line, all the packs that you see, I’ve built it myself. I’ve tested them, so I know they work. I know where the strengths lie, and where the shortcomings are. And it’s all done with an eye toward load carriage, quality, and construction. “We want to make sure the customer experience is positive throughout the use of the product, not just off the shelf. There are a lot of products that look really great, but the performance in the field is substandard. For us, we need to be sure our quality and construction is something that the customer can rely on. It goes back to our roots building packs for wildland firefighters and the military. Those guys rely on their packs. If they fail, they’re up a creek. We extend that same mentality to our other lines as well.” To that end, Mystery Ranch stands behind its products.
MAY 2024 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 33 some of the features, and offer it in three different volume sizes. We have a 50-liter, a 75-liter, and a 100-liter option. That allows the hunters to pick the style of hunting they prefer and have a pack that checks the box for them. “Those are offered in both men’s and women’s harnessing, fit, and sizing. Those three new packs were launched January 1 of this year, along with some really well-thought-out accessories that fit well with that system. We have everything from load slings that have hydration-compatible pockets to a hitchhikerstyle backpack known as the Gravelly, which can be used as a standalone spotand-stalk pack or as a load sling. “For fall, we have some new stuff coming out that is going to add to the Whitetail line. That will be launching in July. We also recognized that hunters, like everybody else, travel, whether for work, vacation or hunting itself. So, we have a pretty robust travel line that has everything from wheeled luggage to duffels to organizational pockets and pouches. You can get your kit dialed completely, whether it’s the pack you need to hunt with or the travel kit you need to get to the hunt. So, some pretty exciting stuff for 2024.” Partnering with Retailers Although Mystery Ranch was originally direct to consumers, the company began selling through retailers several years ago. “We saw the opportunity in 2016,” Hoffer said. “As we looked at growth and the chance to spread the word, we knew we needed to add wholesale. We now have a fully omnichannel sales process in place.” “Our move into wholesale was spurred by some of our international partners,” Rich said. “We have really good partners in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, all over Asia. We’re growing in Europe. Around 2016, our Japanese partners specifically said, ‘Hey, you guys are making really good products. Can we work on getting a wholesale model together for you guys to really pour gas on the fire?’ We were able to work with them and with some of our partners here domestically to make a wholesale market a feasible option for us. It’s just grown from there.” The company prides itself on being a good partner to its retailers. “We have really well-vetted supply chains,” Hoffer said. “We’ve established a level of efficiencies when it comes to delivering on time and having very appealing margins compared to a lot of competitors. We don’t work with just anybody—it’s a technical product. We want a partnership with like-minded
34 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 individuals where we have our product and our story to tell and we want the retailers to be successful with that. It always helps if they’re passionate about hunting and the product and they understand what the consumer needs. “We also have a really robust team of independent sales reps that understand the brand and can help retailers with in-store training. Our marketing department is always cranking out great imagery and videos, so all the collateral that marketing provides gives us a great path for retail support.” Knowledgeable Customer Service Because the company sells highly technical products, Mystery Ranch feels it is important to have knowledgeable people on staff to answer questions from consumers and retailers. “We have a really great customer service team,” Hoffer said. “It’s right here in Bozeman, so if you call up, you will get a real-life human in Montana who has used or is very familiar with any pack you call about. They’re very dialed in as far as knowing what the packs are, the fit and sizing, and they understand all the different systems.” “If a customer has a question that our staff doesn’t know the answer to, they’ll come back and harass me until they get an answer,” Rich added. “Not only are they in Bozeman, but they’re employees, they’re in-house, and if they don’t know the answer, they’re going to find out. You’re not calling a call center in a different country.” What the Future Holds for Mystery Ranch Twenty-four years after its inception, Mystery Ranch is still designing packs with an emphasis on quality, construction, and load carriage. That’s thanks in large part to the employees of Mystery Ranch. Team members like Mountain Product Manager Tim Sakai, Mountain Director of Sales Dan Dahl, and Johnny Contreras in marketing bring passion and enthusiasm to the brand. “Everyone here has a hand in the success of the line in one way, shape or form,” Hoffer said. “Everybody here works hard to make Mystery Ranch successful. It takes a talented team to make this whole thing work.” What can we expect in the future? Rich was tight-lipped about future developments, but he did offer us a small glimpse into what retailers and consumers will be seeing from the company. “Just as a little teaser—in the next six months to a year, you’re going to see some really cool textile technology
MAY 2024 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 35 from Mystery Ranch,” he said. “We’re working on leveraging our supply chain to present the best and coolest material usage out there. We’re exploring textile technologies and foam technologies. Additionally, we’ve been listening to our customers, our reps, and our retailers on directions we should go in regarding colors and things like that. So, keep an eye out for products that are going start popping off the shelf.” And, he promised, there will be more to come. “We’re constantly trying to improve our products,” Rich said. “We’re constantly trying to innovate. Part of our philosophy is continuous improvement. We’re always identifying ways to improve not just our product but also marketing, sales and operations. We’re always looking at how we can continue to improve our processes and procedures in order to not only create the best product but also have the best product experience and give our retailers the tools they need to sell. Yes, we’re trying to make cool backpacks, but it’s so much more than that. What we’re always trying to do is make the customer experience better.” “Our goal is always to make things better,” agreed Hoffer. “But we want to do it in our own way. We joke that we try to keep things ‘Ranchy.’ When it comes to design, we definitely take things very seriously. But we’re building products for people who love hunting. It’s what they do for fun. So, we have to keep that in mind too. Not everybody gets to do this kind of stuff, so we have some fun with it. And I think that attitude helps us be more open to new ideas.” As we wrapped up our interview, Rich came back to the idea of authenticity. “We’re authentic, we’re hunters ourselves, we know what we’re doing and we’re really passionate about the product and the pursuit,” he said. And it’s that passion and knowledge that allows the company to build not just packs, but a better experience for their many happy customers. IA
36 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 MARKET TRENDS BOW REPORT Bowtech’s FlipDisc Technology allows users to quickly and easily choose a silky Comfort mode or faster Performance mode. Orbit Vibration Dampeners can be positioned inside the quiver studs of the Carbon One X, or on one of the top/bottom tap bars for custom balance. The 7/8-inch individual limbs of the Carbon One X are spaced 3 inches apart to lend this bow greater stability and anchored in Dual Lock Pockets. owtech has become synonymous with impressive innovation, creating bows that are packed with useful features and ultrapleasant to shoot. Now under the Pure Archery Group umbrella, they are also easily paired with Black Gold sights, Ripcord arrow rests, and Bowtech-branded accessories manufactured by the same company, making ordering easier for dealers looking to assemble a comprehensive setup. I have shot Bowtech bows as far back as my days as a finger shooter—when 40-plus-inch axle-to-axle specs were still common—and they have never failed to impress with their readily tunable performance and extremely sweet-shotting qualities combined with impressive arrow speeds. This also means I have used Bowtech bows to bag some of my most treasured trophies. I have been bowhunting with Bowtech’s 2024 Carbon One X since February, and in this model I have found another season favorite. The Carbon One X tuned up nearly instantly and has proven easy to shoot well. Advanced Carbon Riser ■ The Carbon One X builds upon Bowtech’s all-carbon Carbon One riser, though it includes a longer, more forgiving 33-inch axle-to-axle span, a 3-inch gain over the original, and a higher, more forgiving 6.125-inch brace height. Admittedly, the Carbon One X is a touch heavier than some other carbonriser compounds on the market today, hitting the scales at 4.5 pounds out of the box. But for that slight gain in mass, shooters receive a conspicuously more rigid and stabile platform equipped with several key stealth features. Drawing the Carbon One X is pure silk, and the shot is completely free of hand shock, jump, or vibrations. For this, shooters sacrifice the smallest degree of velocity (while on FlipDisc Comfort mode)—not that 339 fps IBO arrow speeds are anything to get snooty about (a touch slower with string silencers and peep installed). The Carbon One X’s advanced carbon riser construction, in addition to the inherent rigidity touched on, makes it more comfortable to handle in hot and especially frigid weather conditions compared to milled-aluminum risers. Carbon construction also contributes significantly to this bow’s vibration-free nature, lending the Carbon One X a remarkable balance in the hand. Refined Cam System ■ The Carbon One X’s DeadLock Cam system provides built-in accuracy enhancements, easier tuning, buttery-smooth draw cycles, and an easyshooting demeanor. The cams include rotating modules that allow setup for draw lengths from 25.5 to 30.5 inches, without the need to stock an array of mods to meet every customer’s need. It also includes Bowtech’s new TimeLock technology, which requires no bow press to conduct precise and quick Allen wrench microB BY PATRICK MEITIN adjustments to let-offs between 85 and 87 percent. Bowtech’s FlipDisc Technology is still part of the equation, allowing a choice of super-smooth Comfort, or faster Performance modes to a shooter’s desires. The DeadLock Cam system itself allows lateral axle adjustments that make it fast and easy to create clean arrow flight. No more pressing bows to tediously twist tension on yolk systems to create perfect alignment. Simply use an Allen wrench to loosen the lock screws, and then move each cam left or right on the axles to create perfect arrow flight, and then lock the setting securely. The 7/8-inch-wide split limbs include a wide 3-inch-wide stance for improved stability and torque elimination and are held in Dual Lock Pockets. Dual Lock limb pockets anchor every component in this critical area to enhance rigidity and ultimate accuracy. The limbs lock into the pockets, and the pockets into the riser, producing dead-nuts consistency. The generous limb bolts allow reducing draw weight by up to 10 pounds, providing 40-50-, 50-60- and 60-70-pound draw-weight spans. The Carbon One X comes with two Orbit Vibration Dampeners. These can be used with the provided threaded studs to position on the three-tap horizontal accessory attachment bars located at each riser terminus for customized balance, or mounted on the center of each arBowtech Carbon One X
MAY 2024 37 INSIDEARCHERY.COM Arrow Speed Bowtech Carbon One X set at 70.0 pounds at 30.0 inches. 29-inch Arrows/ Shaft Finished Kinetic Arrow 100-Grain Tips gpi Arrow Wt. Energy Speed ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CX Triad 300 10.9 564 grains 92.6 ft. lbs. 271.9 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Easton T64 DF 7.9 tapered 528 grains 89.4 ft. lbs. 276.1 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Bloodsport Evidence 300 11.7 518 grains 90.7 ft. lbs. 280.8 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Arrow Tech MT 12.2 508 grains 93.1 ft. lbs. 287.3 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Victory VAP-SS 300 9.9 473 grains 89.3 ft. lbs. 291.6 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CX Max RED SD 350 9.4 465 grains 88.1 ft. lbs. 292.1 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Black Eagle Spartan 340 9.9 453 grains 91.4 ft. lbs. 301.4 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Victory VAP 300 8.7 424 grains 87.4 ft. lbs. 304.6 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Easton Hexx 330 7.9 386 grains 87.0 ft. lbs. 318.6 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Black Eagle Carnivore 350 7.5 363 grains 86.0 ft. lbs. 326.6 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Victory RIP XV 300 7.0 355 grains 85.8 ft. lbs. 329.8 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Liberty Archery 320 5.9 292 grains 83.7 ft. lbs. 359.2 fps ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Arrows shot from a Spot-Hogg Hooter Shooter and velocity established using a Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (888) 689-1289 OR VISIT BOWTECHARCHERY.COM Specifications ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Axle-to-Axle Length 33 inches ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Brace Height 6.125 inches ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Mass Weight 4.5 pounds ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Let-Off 85-87 percent ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Available Draw Lengths 25.5 to 30.5, rotating module ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Peak Draw Weights 50, 60 70 pounds ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Available Finishes Black, Flat Dark Earth, OD Green, Smoke Grey, and Mossy Oak Country DNA (mix and match riser/limbs) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Dexterity Left- and right-hand ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– MSRP Starting at $1,799 justable Clutch Control Grip available as a sold-separately option. Grips can be ordered in black, brown, green, and red—color options that are also available in the Orbit Vibration Dampeners. The FLX Guard Cable Containment extension holds a radiated rubber dampener with suspended weights, and the carbonmounted, rubber-bumper string stop holds a “bee-hive” dampener. The past parallel quad limbs cancel the jump and vibrations of opposing sets for further reduction of shot noise. Believing there is no such thing as a bow that is too quiet, I added string whiskers to the bowstring and buss cables, which resulted in the quietest-shooting bow I now own. Accessorized with a Black Gold Pro Sight 3-pin equipped with a larger Dial of Death yardage wheel, Ripcord Ratchet Integrate limb-activated drop-away arrow rest, and new 12-inch Bowtech CenterMass stabilizer, this bow practically shoots itself. I had owned it but a week when I traveled to Texas, putting an arrow through a jittery wild boar at 30 yards after a tense stalk. This 2024 Bowtech Carbon One X will see a lot more action this season with the arrival of the fall season! IA row quiver mounting stud to create floating dampeners to the rear edge of the riser about 5.25 inches below/above each limbpivot point and in line with string travel. Those horizontal accessory bars also create convenient attachment points for V-bars, additional standard-threaded dampeners or stubby stabilizers, again to create a preferred bow balance. A stainless steel stabilizer tap insert is located in the standard forward position. Torque & Vibration Elimination ■ The Carbon One X holds Bowtech’s now-standard FLX Guard Cable Containment System, which is effective at reducing lateral riser torque while including bearing-equipped rollers to reduce friction and wear on buss cables. An embedded aluminum accessory plate extending from just above the grip and into the back side of the sight window holds the FLX system base, in addition to an Integrate Mounting System dovetail, two standard arrow rest taps, and two offset (high/low, front/rear) sets of standard sight taps. The Carbon One X riser does not accept Bowtech’s through-the-riser CenterMass Black Gold-made sights. The Carbon One X is equipped with Bowtech’s torque-reducing, low-profile Clutch Performance Grip, with the company’s adAn aluminum mounting plate runs from the top of the grip and up the back of the sight window to hold all necessarily accessories, including Integrate rest models. Bowtech’s Carbon One X is driven by the buttery-smooth, easily-tuned and ultra- accurate DeadLock Cam system. WebXtra ■ To take a closer look at the new Bowtech Carbon One X in action, go to insidearchery.com.
38 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 Bow Sight & Arrow Rest 2024 Spectacular by Patrick Meitin
MAY 2024 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 39 Helping customers choose the ideal bow sight and arrow rest for their individual bow setup should involve a great deal of thought. Initially, some arrows rests, in particular, are simply not compatible with certain bow models or brands—a unique cable guard system not allowing enough clearance and proper positioning, or a new bow model requiring one of today’s special mounting systems. What type of sight your customer chooses should also hinge on which game they hunt most and the conditions most likely to be encountered. A whitetail treestand or pop-up blind sight, for instance, might differ drastically from one used for prairie pronghorn, or Rocky Mountain elk, or mule deer. Budget also factors in the choices customers make, or what product can realistically be recommended. Luckily for customers and dealers alike, today’s bow accessory market offers a plethora of choices, and an option ideal for any big game or hunting habitat likely to be encountered by the modern bowhunter. There will always be a market for basic dovetail-adjustable, fixed-pin sights for budget-conscious customers or those who just want to keep things as simple as possible. Fixed pins are still popular with many serious bowhunters, though more precise micro adjustments and advanced features may be favored. Mover sights have become increasingly popular in the age of laser rangefinders with the precision crowd who demand spot-on dialing. The newest development, and perhaps the most popular with hard-core bowhunters, are multi-pin movers including three to five static pins that keep bowhunters covered at most common ranges but provide a mover option should shooters wish to go to extremes. These have become big sellers with bowhunters who want to be prepared for any contingency. The industry delivers on all counts, whether regarding price, function or versatility. The problem—if it can be viewed as such—is the utter embarrassment of riches offered can become somewhat overwhelming. Inside Archery sifted through the myriad options to bring you the latest and most practical sights and rests from the best makers to meet every customer’s needs. Sharp Sights Fixed-Pin Simple ■ .30-06 OUTDOORS The Aluma 5-Pin Sight by .30-06 Outdoors is a rugged and stylish sight, including all-aluminum construction, a bright green head for automatic peep alignment, yet also a highly affordable price. It holds four .019-inch diameter fiber-optic-backed pins with an additional .010- inch diameter drop pin. The sight can be set up for right- or left-handed use and sports a bubble level and pin light. This tough and highly functional sight is ideal for cash-strapped customers who still demand the utmost quality and dependability. Go to 30-06outdoors.com for more details. ■ DEAD RINGER The Black Series Tackdriver Picatinny Bow Sight from Dead Ringer is precision machined from high-quality aluminum alloy and includes sleek direct Picatinny rail mounting for improved balance and minimum parts for bows set up for this system. The design offers maximum windage and elevation adjustments, while holding an integrated sight level, five .010-inch diameter pins, a protective fiber optic housing, and a rechargePouring over the latest sights and rests that will serve your customers’ needs for the coming hunting year.
Bow Sights & Arrow Rests 40 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 able sight light. The highly visible peep alignment ring and lighting system allow confident aiming at the very edges of legal shooting light (where legal). The sleek design and lightweight elements pair well with today’s lightweight bows. Go to deadringerhunting.com for more details. ■ AXION ARCHERY Axion Archery’s Soul Hunter 5-Pin is a fixed-pin hunting sight providing the features of the company’s high-end models but at a more affordable price point, and while offering a more compact design. In fact, this is Axion’s lightest, most compact sight, weighing just 6 ounces. The Soul Hunter is great for beginners, or veteran shooters who are looking for a topquality sight with minimal weight. The sight is CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and includes laser-etched hashmarks for windage and elevation movements. The pin aperture includes a 2-inch diameter with glow ring peep alignment. The five fiberoptic-backed pins are .019-inch in diameter and a rheostat light is included. The sight can be used on right- or left-hand bows. Go to axionarchery.com for more information. ■ AXCEL SIGHTS Added to the company’s dizzying array of advanced bow sights for 2024, AXCEL’s Tactical ArmorTech Lite is a rugged 7.8-ounce fixed-pin model with a lighter direct-mount bracket. This design includes fiber optic pin backing wrapped around the 41mm Accustat II scope and protected inside clear tubing. The lighter mounting bracket provides greater elevation movements and holds true 1st, 2nd, and 3rd axis adjustments, the windage bracket also allows greater overall travel. The aperture features a bubble level and manual rheostat cover that allows adjusting the amount of natural light reaching the fiber pin backing to eliminate starbursts in bright light. They are sold in Non-Dampened and Carbon Pro versions with three, four, or five .010- or .019-inch diameter pins, and finished in black or new Tactical Green. In fact, several AXCEL sights are now offered in new Tactical Green in the Tactical Bowhunting Series, including select Landslyde Slider Sights and Landslyde Picatinny Mount options. Go to axcelsights.com for more information. ■ MATHEWS, INC. Mathews’ Bridge-Lock Sight Technology allows mounting a dovetail sight directly through riser center, secured by a small set screw, eliminating bulky mounting brackets for a more streamlined fit and improved balance and vibration control. While most popular brands, such as AXCEL, Spot-Hogg and HHA, manufacture compatible systems, Mathews partnered with AXCEL to create the BL Fixed 5-pin Sight, allowing archers to micro-adjust elevation, windage and each individual .019-inch pin with utmost precision. The sight provides simple 1st, 2nd and 3rd axis adjustments and features an ultra-high modulus carbon bar designed for a precision fit while minimizing weight and vibration. The BL Fixed 5-Pin Sight is compatible with Mathews’ LIFT, Phase4, V3X, Image, and TITLE models. Go to mathewsinc.com for more information. versatile mover sights ■ TROPHY RIDGE Trophy Ridge’s SWFT series sight comes in three configurations—the SWFT Single Pin, Duo two-pin, and Trio three-pin. These are side-dial, direct-mount mover sights made to exacting tolerances and offer shooting precision from 20 to 100 yards. They include toolless micro click adjustments and an adaptable click-adjust rheostat light. A mix of magnesium and aluminum construction makes these sights lightweight yet strong and gives them an agile overall character. Movement is smooth and a yardage scale with an adjustable pointer faces the shooter for quicker dialing for any reasonable range. Each pin is backed by extended fiber optic mate- .30-06 Outdoors aluma 5-pin dead ringer black series tackdriver picatinny axion soul hunter 5-pin axcel Tactical armortech lite Mathews’ axcel BL fixed 5-pin Continued on page 42
Bow Sights & Arrow Rests 42 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 rial for bright pin points and are encased in a clear housing for protection from hard knocks. Go to trophyridge.com for more details. ■ ULTRAVIEW ARCHERY The ULTRAVIEW UV Slider is one of the most advanced hunting sights in the industry, a four-pin mover featuring UV3XL SETM 140-yard sight tapes and a plethora of useful features. The sight is feathery light and streamlined while offering smooth and precise movements through its DualDial design with zero backlash and optimized gear ratio. TripleMark unified pin/indicator pairing makes the three main pins floaters, and a fourth “bonus” pin is located just above the large bubble level. QuickBreak technology allows effortless breakdown and the UV3XLTM Slider Edition scope includes an integrated/removable light cartridge allowing quick pin-count/size modifications. The advanced lighting system is controlled by three top buttons and is 100 percent waterproof, and a bright peep-alignment ring is included. Its 1st, 2nd, and 3rd axis settings are pre-aligned and include tactile/ spring-assisted feedback. Side-mount, Bridge-Lock, and Picatinny options are offered. Go to ultraviewarchery.com for more information. ■ HHA SPORTS HHA’s new RYZ X3 mover sight is built on the company’s best-selling Tetra RYZ base, offering their most advanced multi-pin technology to date. It includes fully adjustable indicators to promote versatility in setting all three pins and indicators exactly where they are needed. RYZ X3 sights come with a 1 5/8-inch scope, giving shooters the ability to maximize yardage capabilities. Tetra RYZ X3 dovetails are compatible with Mathews’ Bridge-Lock risers, and each includes HHA’s Infinite Adjust Plate, allowing for independent elevation and 2nd axis adjustments, as well as additional windage on all inline sight mounting options. RYZ X3 sights are available with 4-5-inch or 4-7-inch dovetails, and in Tetra or Tetra Max versions. Other features include a mechanical rheostat for fiber optic brightness control, 2nd and 3rd axis adjustments, independent elevation and 2nd axis adjustments, and a two-stage windage adjustment with both macro and micro windage. Go to hhasports.com for more details. ■ HORIZON BY ROCKY MOUNTAIN Horizon is a premium sight series by Rocky Mountain made for serious bowhunting. The three-product lineup includes a five-pin fixed, one- or three-pin driver, and a four-pin including three static and one floating bottom pin. All include dovetail mounts that are compatible with Mathews’ Bridge-Lock mounting system and high-quality aluminum construction built to precise specs. The rugged, 50 percent thinner pins ride in a dual-track system to allow tighter pin gaps and obscure less target. Other features include an interchangeable sight ring, sight light compatibility, and extended/wrapped fiber optic backing of the .019-inch diameter pins. Windage and elevation adjustments are tool-free and micro-precise, conducted through ergonomic finger knobs and referenced against laser-etched hash marks. Each sight is assembled by hand and inspected to ensure shot silence and zero slop and is equipped with a precision bubble level, orange or green peep alignment ring, and 2nd and 3rd axis adjustments. Go to feradyne.com/ rockymountain/ for more information. ■ VIPER ARCHERY The Pit Viper Dovetail Microtune Driver runs on an aluminum gear and Delrin rack drive with adjustable tension to deliver a silky yet slop-free drive system that will not slip or strip. It also includes 2 inches of vertical travel. Windage and elevation adjustments are tool-free, and the 2 inches of micro-tune elevation adjustment allows precision zeroing of the 20-yard pin. The 6-inch dovetail provides 3.5 inches of travel and is compatible with Mathews’ Bridge-Lock system. Second and 3rd axis adjustments are part of the equation, and single-pin and double up-pin housing options are threaded for a lens, sight light, and optional sun shade. The enclosed sight light trophy ridge swft trio three-pin Ultraview UV slider HHA tetra ryz x3 horizon by rocky mountain three-pin PIT VIPER DOVETAIL MICROTUNE DRIVER Continued from page 40
MAY 2024 INSIDEARCHERY.COM port concentrates light directly onto the extended pin fibers, and Viper’s removable pin track system allows easily swapping fibers and pins, which are machined from aluminum with fibers encased in protective plastic tubing. Snap-on peep alignment rings are offered in lime green, yellow, and white for the multipin versions (not Single Pin and Double Up Pin housing). Fiber optic diameters of .010-, .015- and .019-inch are available. Go to viperarcheryproducts.com for more information. ■ BLACK GOLD SIGHTS Pro Hunter HD Quick Link (Hoyt In-Line System/Picatinny), Pro Hunter HD Dovetail (Mathews Bridge-Lock) and Pro Hunter HD sights (standard side mount) keep customers covered no matter what bow brand they shoot. These side-dial mover sights provide maximum pin visibility and yardage versatility, holding a choice of three or five horizontal .019-inch diameter, fiber optic-backed Pro Pins with a narrower pin throat and round pinhead that blocks less target area. Extended fiber backing is contained in a PhotoChromatic shell that adjusts for available light to automatically provide perfect pin clarity. These sights include a micro-adjustable 3rd axis and non-micro-adjustable 1st and 2nd axis to keep shots on the level in any terrain. The Dial of Death feature allows shooters to instantly dial to pre-determined yardages, coupled with dual indicator needles for short and long yardage reference. The sights come with 54 sight tapes and the 1.75-inch diameter scope accepts optional 2x or 4x lenses. For all its features, the sight weighs from 8.5 (Quick Link) to 10.1 ounces (Side Mount). Go to blackgoldsights.com for more information. ■ SPOT-HOGG Spot-Hogg’s new Boonie mover sights come in Picatinny Mount, 4-inch Dovetail Mount, and Direct Mount options and hold the company’s vertical Triple Stack Pin. They were designed to provide a compact but feature-packed option for hard-core bowhunting that is 10 percent lighter than the company’s Fast Eddie. The Boonie is customizable via several Spot-Hogg options. They include silent, click-free micro adjustments plus coarse horizontal and vertical movements without tools, and micro adjustable 2nd and 3rd axis features. Spot-Hogg’s HRD Technology includes no bushings, slop, or buzzing and helps spread yardage marks out for more precise aiming at “tweaner” ranges. The user-friendly design allows easy switching of sight heads, and the micro-adjustable and removable elevation knob can be locked tight. Slotted lockdown screw holes enable micro-adjustments and perfect alignment without hassle. The Boonie is compatible with all Spot-Hogg heads. The 6061 aluminum sight is available in right- or left-hand options and with .010- or .019-inch diameter pins. Go to spot-hogg.com for more information. ■ BUCK RUB GEAR The Carbon Fixation Sight by Buck Rub Gear provides a solid option for any bow-
Bow Sights & Arrow Rests 44 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 hunting situation, combining the reliability of a fixed pin sight for those quick close shots, paired with the precision of a variable-range slider sight. Carbon construction and a soft-touch finish combine for a lightweight, quiet, and glare-free sight weighing just 6.4 ounces. The “Quick Shot” fiber optic yardage indicators make confident slider adjustments easy, even in low-light conditions. The sight is compatible with right- and left-hand bows, and includes pre-calibrated tapes, 3 feet of fiber optic backing each pin, and a built-in quiver spacer. This sight provides exceptional versatility at a price that won’t empty your customers’ wallets. Go to buckrubgear.com for more information. ■ APEX GEAR AEGIS Fiber-Optic Series mover sights from Apex Gear are offered in singleand four-pin options. The 1.8-inch aperture holds a choice of a single .019-inch diameter pin or four .019- inch diameter horizontal pins. The helical elevation gear provides super-smooth adjustments, now with an extended elevation range. Dual yardage pointers and dual travel stops add to its intuitive manipulation, and there are micro-adjustments for windage movements. This sight is compatible with left- or right-hand use. Extended fiber optic strands back each pin, stored in a protective clear aperture ring, while the luminescent peep alignment ring also helps highlight the fixed bubble level. The fixed mounting bracket includes three attachment positions, as well as 2nd and 3rd axis adjustments. Go to apex-gear.com for more information. rangefinding sights ■ BURRIS The Oracle 2 Rangefinding Bow Sight by Burris received upgrades to improve function and performance based on customer feedback. These include improved Auto-Brightness Detection, Manual Brightness Control (lower levels), set-up (microadjustments on LRF), more effective waterproofing, and more precise arrow drop calculations. The Oracle 2 eliminates guessing yardage, fumbling with rangefinders, dialing sights, or aiming between pins. An integrated inclinometer keeps shots on the level in steep terrain, the enhanced setup procedure making getting started faster and easier. Shooters are able to store multiple arrow profiles. The sight is right- or left-hand compatible, movements are made through locking micro adjustment knobs, and 2nd and 3rd-axis adjustments are provided. The 20-ounce sight includes a 20-yard failsafe fixed pin, no glass to scratch, fog, create glare, or break, and the single CR123 battery provides up to 2,000 laser pops. Burris’ Forever Warranty provides no-questions-asked assurance. Go to burrisoptics.com for more information. ready rests cable-driven rest options ■ .30-06 OUTDOORS The REV Arrow Rest by .30-06 Outdoors is quick and easy to install while providing rugged and accurate performance. The drop-away design provides complete arrow control before and during the shot and comes with a down-cable attachment clamp that allows installation without pressing the bow. The REV includes precision windage and elevation adjustments and promotes smooth and quiet shooting. The REV is offered in right-hand only and includes snazzy orange accents. Go to 30-06outdoors.com for more information. ■ QUALITY ARCHERY DESIGNS (QAD) QAD released the UltraRest Integrate MX2 for 2024, labeling it an MX Series rest on steroids. The drop-away MX2 includes a beefier launcher equipped with built-in silencing pads to promote quieter draw cycles and shooting, eliminating the need to apply tedious and wear-prone adhesive-backed felt. All adjustment points include oversized bolt heads and Black gold pro hunter hd spot-hogg boonie buck rub gear carbon fixation apex aegis fiber-optic series burris oracle 2
MAY 2024 INSIDEARCHERY.COM micro-adjust knobs for surer, more precise tuning adjustments. White laseretched hash marks promote faster tuning or a return to a previous setting. The Integrate MX2 is sleeker, stronger, and includes faster reaction/drop time following cut-away. QAD’s UltarRest Tri Target Rest is all about forgiveness and accuracy. It includes “switchit” technology, which allows sliding the rest housing off and switching it for multiple pre-tuned housings. Reaptix technology ensures that when replacing the lizard tongue launcher or sliding on a new housing, everything will return to its original position within one-thousandth of an inch. Independent .0019-inch micro-click adjustments allow precision tuning, while stainless steel and high-grade aircraft aluminum construction make it sleek but stout. Unmovable dovetail clamping systems make it ultra-reliable. Integrate Mounting System versions are included, and a patent-pending protective Lizard Tongue Cover prevents snags, bends, and damage during transport, practice, or competition. The rest can also be removed and placed in the included hard case while traveling. A solid friction feel makes setting the launcher pitch simple. Nine lizard tongue launcher options are available. All QAD products are made in the USA and include a lifetime warranty. Go to qadinc.com for more information. ■ MATHEWS, INC. Mathews teamed with QAD to offer an UltraRest Integrate MX2 option tailored especially for the geometry of their latest Integrate-equipped bow models. Like the QAD version, the Mathews UltraRest Integrate MX2 is a compact, micro-adjust drop-away rest, but also includes a dovetail mounting system for quick and easy setup while providing a secure hold. The streamlined housing allows for precision tuning with .0019 thousandths of an inch movements per click, both horizontally and vertically. Equipped with a redesigned launcher and arrow containment arm, the UltraRest Integrate MX2 is the best arrow rest for Mathews bows. Go to mathewsinc.com for more information. .30-06 outdoors rev QAD ultrarest integrate mx2 QAD ultrarest tri target rest Mathews’ QAD ultrarest integrate mx2
Bow Sights & Arrow Rests 46 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 ■ BUCK RUB GEAR Buck Rub Gear’s Magne’ Drop Raven Claw arrow rest is designed and manufactured to provide fast and easy setup and tuning to produce clean arrow flight. The design was conceived and refined by serious bowhunters to perform in the most challenging conditions. The Magne’ Drop Raven Claw features spring-loaded arrowcapture claws to hold the shaft securely while stalking or sitting but releases the arrow and provides ample clearance during the draw cycle, the launcher then falling away after release to provide sure arrow and fletching clearance. The containment claws automatically reactivate after letdown to hold the arrow in place. The rest’s integrated and powerful magnets ensure the rest functions flawlessly and reliably, without the need for springs that might wear out. It can be set up for right- or left-handed shooters. Go to buckrubgear.com for more information. ■ CUSTOM BOW EQUIPMENT (CBE) The cable-driven, drop-away Defy Micro Rest by CBE offers quick and easy setup and automatic accuracy in a straightforward, sleek, and innovative design. A Gravity Lock internal mechanism ensures arrows remain fully contained and the launcher drops only after cutting the shot. A BounceBack Prevention System guarantees 100 percent arrow clearance while also reducing vibration. Rightand left-handed options are available, and laser-engraved windage and elevation hash marks are provided for precise adjustments. Construction is high-grade aluminum and the rest fits tight to the riser. Included accessories include a 9/64-inch Allen wrench, cable clamp, shelf pad, two mounting screws, launcher arm felt and arrow-retaining arm felt. Go to custombowequipment.com for more information. ■ TRUGLO TRUGLO’s patented technology HyperStrike Rest offers a reliable yet highly affordable cable-driven drop-away option. The Hyper-Strike is a deadly quiet, fullcontainment design with a launcher engaged by a thumb lever or during the draw cycle. The launcher also comes equipped with an adjustable, wear-resistant launcher insert, with a spare provided. The activation cord attaches to the downward buss cable, and a cable clamp is supplied to make instillation easier and more secure. Independent windage and elevation adjustments offer precise tuning. Go to truglo.com for more information. limb-driven rest options ■ TROPHY RIDGE Trophy Ridge’s new Propel limb-driven arrow rest offers true stealth and fully captures the arrow before and after the shot for draw-cycle and shooting confidence in any conditions. It offers fast and easy installation without a bow press, using either the top or bottom limb to preferences. It includes a sidemount bracket to fit all bow brands, and allows precise movement for windage and elevation to achieve that perfect tune and clean arrow flight. Its tough all-aluminum construction provides peace of mind in the field during the most challenging hunts. Go to trophyridge.com for more information. ■ VAPOR TRAIL ARCHERY Vapor Trail Archey’s Gen Integr8X (GI8X) is a limb-driven arrow rest including a reconfigured windage knob and a quarter less material to create a lower profile that better accommodates today’s more compact bows, as well as Mathews’ LowPro Detachable Quiver. The GI8X arrow rest features streamlined Integrate dovetail mounting popular with more of today’s modern compound bows. This makes it more compact, lighter, and sleeker than previous Vapor Trail rests. The GI8X weighs just 4.1 ounces, yet includes welcomed features like microadjustable windage and elevation, the choice of top or bottom limb activation and a full capture rubber over-molded carbon cage, which contains the arrow and dampens vibrations. Look for them in 14 interchangeable colors. Each rest includes a SHAG pad, limb pad, and activation cord. Go to vaportrailarchery.com for more information. buck rub gear magne’ drop raven Claw CBE defy MIcro rest truglo hyper-strike trophy ridge propel
MAY 2024 INSIDEARCHERY.COM ■ RIPCORD The Ratchet Limb-Driven arrow rest from Ripcord is available with microand standard adjustments. A high degree of engineering makes the Ratchet simple to set up, Speed Set Technology allows fast and easy fine-tuning of the activation cord tension with the click of the adjustment dial. The entire system allows limb-driven setup in less than 5 minutes without the need for a bow press. After installation, the rest provides extreme reliability and flawless performance under all conditions. The anti-bounce-back launcher eliminates arrow contact for reliable accuracy while providing secure and quiet arrow retention before and during the shot via the padded launcher and over-molded containment cage. The wide whale-tail-style launcher picks up the arrow automatically during the draw cycle for no-look shooting. Direct mount and Integrate (IMS) models are offered. Go to ripcordarrowrest.com for more information. ■ PULSE ARCHERY The patented Auto Rest from Pulse Archery is a drop-away design that can be set up for up-buss cable or limbdriven activation. Either option allows the launcher to remain up longer to better guide arrows. The power retract mechanism engages and then pulls the launcher from beneath the arrow up to five times faster than conventional spring-loaded arrow rests, providing ensured fletching clearance and more accurate arrow flight. At the end of the shot cycle an internal rotary damper continues to apply launcher pressure, holding it on the bow shelf until the arrow passes completely, but then returning to the ready position automatically, making it the industry’s only fully automatic arrow rest. It includes no thumb wheel to “cock” the launcher and provides full arrow containment following a smooth bow let-down. It has been tested to 400 fps and provides easy arrow loading. Go to axionarchery.com for more information. IA ripcord ratchet limb-driven vapor trail GI8X pulse auto rest in green, red & blue
48 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 MARKET TRENDS GEAR REPORT A BY PATRICK MEITIN Pine Ridge Archery Kwik Stand Bow Support & Rail Mount WebXtra ■ For a closer look at this product and many others, check them out at insidearchery.com. portable blind while hunting, pulling arrows from targets, or waiting their turn to shoot during 3D tournaments. This helps keep expensive equipment out of dirt and debris. The 2019 version took that design further, updating it to accommodate a larger number of bow models through vertically adjustable jaws offering a more customized fit to any limb width, the adjustable legs then allowing archers to find the best balance for their particular bow setup. Pine Ridge has now taken the refined and highly popular Kwik Stand and adapted it to the crossbow market. The new Pine Ridge Kwik Stand Rail Mount allows attaching the Kwik Stand customers may already own to the bottom Picatinny rail of most modern crossbows. In the most basic sense a Kwik Stand/Rail Mount combination, like a compound-bow-mounted Kwik Stand, can be used to keep crossbow limbs, cams, and trigger mechanisms out of dirt and grass while hunting or target shooting. The Kwik Stand Rail Mount also als crossbows have become wildly popular across the nation the selection of targeted accessories has become increasingly impressive. One area that has received lots of attention, especially as crossbows have grown more compact, adaptable to tighter quarters, and easier to go on the prod with, are cleaver products designed to steady the shot for greater shooting confidence and more precise shot placement on targets and especially game. Pine Ridge Archery introduced the Kwik Stand in 2017 to provide a reliable way for archers to stand their compound bows upright while sitting in a lows the Kwik Stand to act as a bipod, such as those found on precision rifles. This allows for more precision sight-in off a bench or pickup hood, as well as a welcomed rest when set on a hard-side blind edge, log, or stump to introduce added steadiness to every shot. For the two-season hunter, the Kwik Stand Rail Mount also allows adding a reliable yet lightweight Kwik Stand bipod to any Pic-rail equipped AR- or chassis-style rifle, or rifle-stock forends including an added section of Picatinny rail. The Kwik Stand Rail Mount is molded from high-density nylon for rugged reliability, and when left attached to the crossbow will not result in any added vibration while shooting. The high-grade mounting bolt ensures the Rail Mount remains solidly anchored while hunting and shooting. This makes the Kwik Stand with Rail Mount a highly adaptable product—supporting compound bows during fall hunts and summer target shoots, and then seamlessly adapting to crossbows and hunting or target rifles as needed. The $9.95 Rail Mount is all that is needed for customers who already own a Kwik Stand Bow Support for blind hunting or 3D shooting with their compound, though Pine Ridge offers a package deal including a black Kwik Stand and Rail Mount at a discounted $35. Learn more about this product and Pine Ridge Archery’s extensive lineup of archery accessories by visiting pineridgearchery.com. IA
50 INSIDE ARCHERY MAY 2024 As more states loosen restrictions on crossbow use during established archery seasons, they have begun to outpace the sale of compound bows in many regions. Many dealers we speak to reveal that crossbow sales have actually helped keep them afloat during financially challenging times. This is understandable, as if we were being completely honest, established archers/bowhunters constitute a small percentage of those purchasing crossbows, sales made up of more firearms hunters wishing to take advantage of the additional hunt dates and/or better opportunities afforded by archeryonly seasons. This is all well and good (particularly in Eastern whitetail strongholds), but one of the dilemmas presented to dealers by casual crossbow buyers is that they do not come with the year-round engagement and all-around passion exhibited by the average traditional or compound archer. No 3-D or indoor league shooting, no bowfishing or off-season bowhunting, out the advantages of better bolt tracking during shots at game, or easier retrieval following a miss. And let’s face it, lighted nocks simply make shooting more fun. All that is normally required to guarantee a lighted-nock sale is allowing a customer to shoot one into a target. Most will be immediately hooked. I’m thinking of something like .30-06 Outdoors’ UFO Lighted Nocks, which come in bargain four packs and include an ultra-bright LED and economical 20-plus hour battery life. The waterproof design requires no assembly and they activate automatiand no day-to-day practice sessions that wear out equipment and inevitably result in lost or broken arrows. A crossbow sale is often a one-off transaction including one-time encounters with customers who aren’t exactly regulars. Today’s allinclusive crossbow kits, including everything needed to get started, pretty much ensures this is the case. Increasing profit within these infrequent encounters depends on up-sale or add-on sales. In particular, up-selling can prove challenging with crossbow customers intent on entering the archery arena as cheaply as possible. They are not passionate about archery; they only want to take advantage of the added opportunities of archery seasons. Add-on sales, then, present your best opportunity to garner additional profits during these brief interactions. This means introducing products that promise to add more enjoyment and potential success to any crossbow sale. One obvious up-sale is crossbolt-adaptable lighted nocks, as it is easy to point .30-06 Outdoors UFO Lighted Nocks