Inside Archery December 2020

www.insidearchery.com

®

DECEMBER 2020







The never-ending line of hunters lives on in you.
It’s in your bones and it’s in your hands.

YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS.

WATCH THE CENTERPOINT BRAND VIDEO AT
CENTERPO I NTARCH ERY.CO M / BO RN-FO R-TH IS

INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020 | VOLUME 23 | NUMBER 10

36 People
34
34 Power of Participation
56 ■ Josh Honeycutt | Outdoor Writer
54 ■ Anders Gejer |
European Bowhunting Federation
64 ■ Sondra Bloomgren |
Trigger Addiction
■ Luke Guest | Hunter’s Hollow, Inc.
■ Dan Forster |
Archery Trade Association
■ Daniel Bychowski |
Pine Ridge Archery

36 Outdoor Product Innovations
On the Rise
By Daniel Allred

Market Trends

44 Bow Report
Mathews V3 31
By Patrick Meitin

46 Early Release 2021 Bows
A quick preview of some of the
great bow models arriving for 2021!
By Patrick Meitin

54 Gear Report
Musacchia Broadhead NBS100
By Patrick Meitin

56 New And Notables

Coming At You In 2021

Exciting products your customers

44 will be looking for in 2021

INSIDE ARCHERY (Volume 23, #10) ISSN #1940-3879, USPS #024-412 is published 10 times per year (Jan / Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep / Oct, Nov, Dec) by Apollo Creative Inc. PO Box 15827,
Colorado Springs, CO 80935. Periodical postage paid at Colorado Springs, CO 80935 and at additional offices. Postmaster please send address changes to INSIDE ARCHERY, P.O. Box 986, Levittown, PA 19055-9998.

6 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020



INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020 | VOLUME 23 | NUMBER 10

IInndsiudsetrtyhe

12 Inside Track
Holiday Cheer

16 Kinsey’s Business
Blueprint

End of the Year Business Review

56 34
56 18 Inside Retailing

Performance Archery

22 Your ATA Insights
Earning Opportunity
By Kurt Smith / ATA

24 Industry News
Information that keeps you up
to speed on news, events and

18 people in the archery industry
30 ATA Action

How to Help Customers
Buy Their First Bow
By Cassie Gasaway / ATA

66 Industry 5Q
Five Questions on Bohning
with Scott Hamlin
By Daniel Allred

46 30
8
INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020



INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020 | VOLUME 23 | NUMBER 10

insidearchery.com Online Exclusives

Whitetail Hunting Aging Whitetail On The Hoof
Whitetail Gear
Trophy quality is highly subjective, as not all
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scores. Here’s how to know what you’re looking
at when a deer appears below your stand.

Maximizing Trail Camera Intel

Trail cameras are undoubtedly remarkable scouting
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Use these pro tips to use trail cameras to improve
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Bowhunting Paddling To Bigger Bucks
Equipment
How to use kayaks and lightweight canoes to access
lightly hunted deer hunting spots or breach water
barriers that keep other hunters at bay. Paddling
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Buck Bikes

Hunting ebikes--mountain bikes equipped with
electric motors and rechargeable batteries--are the
latest tool for getting hunters into distant stand
sites or hunting ground, with less commotion,
man-made odors or sweaty effort.

WebXtras: In this issue: “Inside Retailing” takes a look at Performance

Archery; “Bow Report” tries out the new Mathews V3; and “Gear Report”
examines Musacchia Broadhead’s NBS100.

Inside Archery Digital Edition

Now Inside Archery can be delivered to your door, viewed on your computer,
AND on your smartphone or tablet. VISIT INSIDEARCHERY.COM/DIGITAL

Fresh content daily
on social media!

INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE TRACK

Holiday Cheer

T he holiday season is special on many levels—a time for thankful reflection
and spiritual inspiration, for highly anticipated family gatherings and cele-
bratory meals. It is also a time when many retail outlets get “back in black,” so
to speak, as the Black Friday label hints. Granted, the holiday season may look a little
different this year, with businesses of all varieties adapting to meet customer needs
during a pandemic, but one thing will certainly remain true: Families and friends will
need gifts to exchange, and retailers are still in a prime position to cash in on holiday
spending, if they play their cards correctly.
I recall the few holiday seasons from my short stint in
outdoor retailing as both thrilling and stressful. The holi-
day season, in general, was a time of high spirits, fun deco-
rating details, cookies and donuts, and steaming pots of hot
cocoa, tea and coffee. People were generally in good spirits,
much more welcoming of sales assistance than usual and
most arriving in the buying mood—a godsend for any sales
associate earning bonus commissions. Christmas loosens
the purse strings like no other time of year. It was also fun
to participate in helping loyal customers choose that perfect gift for a loved one.
I shutter only because some days could prove downright chaotic; we were over-
whelmed with such a wealth of customers it became impossible to give everyone the
attention they deserved. Many shoppers also arrived in a decidedly manic state of mind.
It was important to occasionally step back, take a deep breath, give yourself a pep talk,
and remind yourself that in another month you’d be lamenting the lack of business!
Those of us who had done our homework thrived because we were able to provide
quick but thorough answers to desperate shoppers looking for that perfect fit to a
sportsman’s wants and needs, or able to steer resolute customers straight to needed
items as efficiently as possible. The patient sales pitch normally presented to a waver-
ing or cautious customer any other time of year was replaced by pure efficiency—a
rundown of pertinent features with a quick product demonstration. If you hemmed
and hawed, and admitted you weren’t certain, that customer was lost. There was a
sense of urgency and no time for indecisive or uninformed approaches. It was your
time to shine, and customers with a pressing Christmas list appreciated that.
Smart merchandising saved all involved a lot of time, moving traditionally popular hol-
iday gifts front and center—knives, sports watches, splurge worthy optics, .22 LR ammo,
kids bows and first rifles—where they could be rooted through quickly, helping customers
move on to address other pressing matters on their gift list. Hiring a couple minimum-
wage teenagers with a solid work ethic to offer free gift wrapping also proved to be a huge
hit—another service to make a frazzled holiday shopper’s life that much easier.
Overall, it was a great time to be in retailing, and although this year has presented
new obstacles, I would wager that the holiday spirit won’t be dampened.

Patrick Meitin, Executive Editor

12 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020



Publisher

Apollo Creative Inc

Executive Editor

Patrick Meitin • [email protected]

Associate Editor

Daniel Allred • [email protected]

Copy Editor

Lauren Molenburg

Contributors

Kurt Smith | Cassie Gasaway

Sales & Marketing Director

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

Design & Production

ER Graphics / Ed Rother • [email protected]

Graphic Designer

Tara Bondar

Website & Social Media

Stephen Mack • [email protected]

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 © 2020 Apollo Crreative Inc. All rights re-
served. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permis-
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U.S. trademark of Apollo Creative Inc. Opinions expressed in by-lined
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Archery, hunting and bowhunting are inherently dangerous activi-
ties. Improper use of hunting or archery equipment may cause se-
rious injury or death. Always follow state and local hunting safety
rules, and get required permits or licenses before hunting. Apollo
Creative Inc uses reasonable efforts to include accurate and up-to-
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warranties or representations as to accuracy or completeness. All
information in this magazine is provided “as is” without warranty
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ability for any errors or omissions in the content of this magazine, or
arising from use by any person of the information in this magazine.

•—•ative inc Inside Archery®
is a publication of
p•—• ollo crea Apollo Creative Inc
Printed in the USA.

INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY BUSINESS BLUEPRINT Sponsored by

End of the Year Business Review
A s 2020 winds down and hunting ness profitability. To calculate your net
seasons begin to close in many profit margin, take net profit and divide it Kinsey’s is the leading distributor to the outdoors and
regions, it’s a good time to reflect by net sales and then multiply by 100. archery industry. Carrying items from your favorite
on the past year’s business. This certainly For example, say your archery cate- brands, in-stoc and ready-to-ship, the company o ers
domestic and international retailers a wide array of
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regardless of the times—is run reports, Your business’s overall net sales were
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make success and failure lists, and form 100,000. After running your net profit example of a SMART goal is to grow the
bow accessories category by 10 percent
business goals for the coming year. In do- margin calculations by category, you no- in 2021. In setting a SMART goal for your
business, you and your employees have a
ing an end-of-year business review, you tice you have a higher net profit margin of north star to help navigate the business
throughout the year.
can carry your insights into 2021 with a 30 percent on your archery category than
Ideally, you should create three to five
solid game plan for success. you do on your 25 percent net profit mar- goals for your business to focus on in the
new year. Once those goals are set, the
Category Sales Report gin for your fishing category. question is what sales tips, tactics and
It’s good to not only know those profit strategies are you going to implement in
order to achieve those goals throughout
A category sales report tells you how much margins by category but to compare those the year

revenue is being generated for each prod- to other categories. It’s beneficial to look Also, setting a goal is only as good as the
tracking you use to measure results. eep
uct category such as archery, firearms, at these reports quarterly and year to year these goals visible, discuss them with
your staff and set up reviews to check in
ammo, clothing or fishing. It’s a great to help track the long-term success of on your progress. Without that, it will be
challenging to achieve your goals in 2021.
way to look back at this past year’s sales your business.
The past year proved that you may need
and see which categories generated the to get creative and step outside of your
comfort zone in order to ensure your busi-
most revenue. You can also look at service Successes and Failures List ness succeeds. It’s good to analyze and re-
flect on the good, bad and the ugly of this
revenue categories such as e-commerce Aside from running and creating the ev- past year. Also remember, if you’re hav-
ing trouble running reports, making suc-
sales, in-store sales, archery classes and er-important reports, it’s also time to do cess and failure lists and creating SMART
goals, reach out to your employees for ad-
range time, as well as gunsmithing or some work reflecting on the successes and ditional input and insights into what they
think will help your business be more
bow tech services. In doing so, you can failures of this past year. Whether those successful in the coming year. In doing so
you will ensure you and your employees
help prioritize where you allocate your successes or failures came within those stay mindful of what to do to help your
business succeed. IA
time and attention to help ensure future category sales and margin reports, or they

sales and success. came as a result of dealing with COVID-19.

The other benefit of running these re- Your business may have had to adapt by

ports is to locate categories and services doing more e-commerce sales, all while

where you see emerging trends and op- adding curbside pickup.

portunities. If you notice sales in a specific Did you implement either of these suc-

product or service category grew through- cessfully into your business in 2020 If so,

out the year, or compared to 2019 compari- what exactly made those new ways of do-

sons, it may be worthwhile to spend more ing business successful If not, what could

time and attention on those categories you do better next time your business is

and services in 2021. Likewise, if you no- presented with a challenge In making

tice sales declining in a particular catego- an honest assessment of the successes

ry, it may need more time and attention, and failures, you can be mindful of both

or potentially less inventory, retail space your business’s strengths and weaknesses

and attention moving forward. moving into the new year.

Margin Report SMART Goals For 2021

Working in tandem with the category After running your reports and reflecting
sales report, businesses can run margin on your successes and failures, it’s time
reports. In doing so it will help you locate to make some SMART goals for your busi-
not only which categories are driving your ness while moving into 2021. A SMART
business, but what categories drive busi- goal is a goal that is Specific, Measurable,

16 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE RETAILING

Careful Preplanning Streamlines Holiday Sales

Performance Archery

Store rofi e Archery. The previous owners were strug- Per or n e Ar er owner Bo ro e e
gling, so buying them out came with a has been in the business for 26 years. Phaen Pitt-
■ Headquarters: San Diego, CA good price tag, the elimination of a com- man, right, came on in 2012 and has helped Perfor-
petitor and provided immediate cash flow. mance Archery reach new heights.
■ Owner: Bob Fromme
In 2012, Phaen Pittman came on board ■ Staffing: 7 full-time, 4 part-time.
■ Manager: Phaen Pittman as general manager, allowing Fromme
and Pittman to align their skill sets and ■ Bow Lines: Mathews, Hoyt, PSE, Bear,
■ History: Performance Archery has been take Performance Archery to another Mission.
the premier archery shop in San Diego for level. By 2015 Performance Archery had
more than 26 years. Bob Fromme studied outgrown their original location, and ■ Arrow Lines: Victory, Easton, Gold
marketing at San Diego State University relocated to a facility that doubled their Tip, Carbon Express, Black Eagle.
before starting work in a San Diego-area square footage and added 35 parking
pro shop. After 1½ years, Fromme decided spots. With the extra square footage, ■ Crossbow Lines: Mission, TenPoint,
to open his own shop, moving to Orange Fromme and Pittman were able to design Raven.
County in 1983 so as not to compete with the ultimate pro shop experience. Now,
his former employer. He launched Accura- customers arrive from around the globe ■ Inside Numbers: Estimated annual
cy Archery with a small family loan, fill- to do business with Performance Archery. revenues: 7 figures. Percentage esti-
ing a void in a huge population center and mate) of the store’s revenue generated
quickly growing into a high volume store. ■ Years in Business: 26 by bowhunting: 85%; by target and rec-
reational archery: 15%.
After 10 years in Orange County, From- ■ Square footage: ,000 total), 4,000
me sold Accuracy Archery and moved store floor), 4,000 shooting lanes).
home to San Diego to purchase an exist-
ing pro shop, renaming it Performance

Retailing Q & A

Per or n e Ar er o er re eet o pro op p e o ing ge riet o r er Inside Archery: How important is the
holiday season to Performance Archery’s
products. Performance Archery prefers working with manufacturers that support the pro-shop model. annual wellbeing?

Phaen Pittman: Although store traffic in-
creases during December, we have pretty
even sales throughout the year. Decem-
ber is our biggest revenue month, but
we don’t see a massive spike. We use the

18 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020

Sponsored by

Plano Synergy

Participating retailers will receive $1,000 in
products generously donated by Plano Synergy.

holiday season to capture the excitement San Diego’s Performance Archery carries bow models from Mathews and Mission Archery, PSE,
of newly released gear, as well as to move Bear Archery and Hoyt. Complete setup and tuning comes with the every bow sale.
old inventory.
has been received very well over the years. team out for much needed fun together.
Inside Archery: What types of prepara- We want our staff happy to be here helping
tions are made in anticipation of the holi- Inside Archery: Do you hold special events customers, rather than burned out and an-
day season? in your store during the holiday season, i.e. noyed by them.
Black Friday sales, Christmas parties and
Phaen Pittman: We make sure inventory so forth? Inside Archery: What is the best approach
is fully stocked going into this season be- when selling to customers shopping for an
cause the increased store traffic includes Phaen Pittman: No, we are far too busy to archer/bowhunter on their gift list, who
customers looking for places with the host special events. Anyone who works re- might not be well versed in archery/bow-
most options. Although all of us have our tail understands the grind for staff during hunting gear?
favorite products that we recommend, we the busy seasons. Rather than dump even
want to have everything customers might more work onto a busy staff, we actually Phaen Pittman: First, make sure you cap-
be looking for. take time during this season to take our ture that person’s gift-buying excitement.

We also discuss selling strategies with
all of our staff, ensuring everyone is con-
sistent to our customers. In mid-December
we’ll send out an email to our customer
base highlighting new products, as well as
thanking them for an amazing year. This

Another 4,000 square feet of shooting range space is available at San Diego’s Performance Archery, allowing customers to try out all equipment 19
before making a purchase, or just show up to practice for hunting seasons.

DECEMBER 2020 INSIDEARCHERY.COM

INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE RETAILING

Performance Archery owner Bob Fromme is a world-renowned bowhunter who has taken a wide Performance Archery is very active in San Diego-area
variety of archery trophies, including the North American 27-species Super Slam. archery and bowhunting circles. Owner Bob Fromme
frequently hosts seminars to help customers
If that person is in your store they are obvi- get whatever they want if we don’t get it become better archers and hunters.
ously out of their element. But they’re ex- right. And if they are purchasing a bow,
cited to be buying this gift and they have make sure they understand the person re- remain successful for so long
put a lot of thought into it—even if they ceiving that bow can bring it in to get it fit
know nothing about what they’re buying. and tuned perfectly. Phaen Pittman: It starts with your staff.
Assure them that regardless of what they We hire good people that are passionate
purchase today, their special person can Inside Archery: Do you find you deal with about archery and hunting, train them
a lot of returns after Christmas Do you of- well and keep training them. We encour-
Performance Archery is a big draw for not only fer gift cards, and do you believe this is a age our staff to help each other and share
San Diego-area archers, but state and world wide. safer bet for shoppers buying Christmas information, so we operate as a team rath-
Here “Nock-On” TV host John Dudley and “The Joe gifts for loved ones er than individuals.
Rogan Experience” pod-cast superstar drop in to
visit owner Bob Fromme. Phaen Pittman: No, we just don’t get re- The purchasing side is where we put a
turns. I actually just ran a report out of major emphasis on who we do business
curiosity. Over the last three years, we with and why. Profit is created when you
haven’t processed a refund for the week af- buy, not when you sell. We get behind
ter Christmas, though we do get occasional manufactures who support the pro- shop
exchanges. Gift card sales are always popu- model. We’re constantly researching to
lar for us during the holiday seasons. find the best products, backed by compa-
nies with strong MAP policies and good
Inside Archery: Any other bit of advice you dealer margins. Consequently, we’re able to
can offer dealers or department managers pay our bills on time and take advantage
for making the most of the holiday season of discounts when they arise. This ensures
the business remains healthy. So many
Phaen Pittman: Appreciate your staff. The shops miss the mark by buying products
holidays should be fun and exciting. The unsupported by a MAP, and they find them-
last thing someone wants is to be helped selves in a discount battle with online re-
by someone who’s burned out and grumpy. tailers. Discounts cut into your margin, and
Also, make sure you’re making the right if the prices customers see in your store
purchasing decisions the two months lead- are higher than what they see online they
ing into December. Small, cool items are naturally believe everything in the store is
great stocking stuffers, like knives, flash- overpriced. This isn’t the look and feel you
lights, lighted nocks and the like. want customers to perceive. IA

Inside Archery: What are some key fac- WebXtra ■ To find out more
tors that have allowed your business to
about Performance Archery, please go to
insidearchery.com/performancearchery.

20 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY YOUR ATA INSIGHTS

Earning Opportunity
BY KURT SMITH, COURTESY OF THE ATA

C hances are you are wrapping than just part of the sales funnel. time he visited his local shop, he asked
up one of your best years of If you’re a manufacturer or an e- them to install a peep sight on his well-

the past decade. You’re not alone. commerce retailer with nationwide aged bow. Even though he bought the
reach, strive to actively contribute in peep sight from them that day, he en-

social-media groups, and create use- dured ridicule about his “inferior” equip-

As COVID-19 canceled regularly sched- ful content to build the ment. That exchange gave

uled events and activities in 2020, scads trust that generates sales him zero desire to return for

of new and lapsed hunters and shooters opportunities. If you’re a his larger purchase.

turned to the joys of archery. If you had brick-and-mortar retailer, Learn From the Boom
products on the shelf, you took advan- you can also reap those

tage of those opportunities and made benefits. Simply look for Learning from success is just

many sales. I can’t help but compare local groups relevant to as important as learning

this unplanned series of events to the your shop and devote time to answer- from failure. You can’t control national

phenomenal growth we witnessed after ing questions and offering sugges- or global events, but you can analyze

The Hunger Games opened in theaters in tions to the groups’ members. You’ll each success from the past six months

2012. The movie triggered a great boom, position your business or brand as to see how to carry the results into the

but it was followed by a bust just a few an information source, and you’ll see new year. Did you offer customers con-

years later. business trends emerge from ques- veniences you normally wouldn’t? Did

Why did that bust happen, and how tions and comments that often arise. you make exceptions to antiquated rules

can we keep it from happening again? You can then adapt your business to or policies to help your staff work more

Never be satisfied with opportunities meet those needs. efficiently Did you emphasize commu-

created by outside forces. Earn and cre- nication with customers and suppliers
more than ever?
ate more opportunities yourself, and Repeat Sales

then capitalize on them. Let’s review a It’s much easier to retain customers Whenever business slows a bit in

few ideas for shifting your focus in 2021. you already have than create new 2021, set aside time to meet with key

It’s time to turn from capitalizing on ones. That doesn’t just mean longtime staff to discuss what’s taking place

current sales opportunities to earning customers who buy a bow every year, with your business. Which policies and

more of them. or dealers who achieve gold status strategies should stay or go? Don’t go

Know Your Audience annually. First-time customers “back to normal.” Be proactive. Move
made a decision to visit your forward.

Survey data on consumer behavior store or call your sales rep. We all must keep looking for new

can be expensive and time consuming Their decisions present great ways of doing things. The ATA, for

to acquire. You might need that type opportunities to make them example, will hold our first virtual

of scientific methodology for large your next repeat customer, but it event—ATA 2021 Online—early next

scale initiatives, but most archery won’t happen accidentally. Your year. As an ATA member you’ll get ex-

businesses can benefit from simple second sale to that customer took clusive access to educational sessions

interactions with consumers. Social root during the first transaction. that will help push you and your busi-

media like Facebook, Instagram and An acquaintance recently told ness forward, and create opportunities

YouTube give your business free lines me about finding a place to buy for success and growth. An added ben-

of communication with con- a compound bow. efit of the online format is that you can

sumers. Those plat- The first watch pre-recorded videos and attend

forms are more live sessions to interact with each pre-

senter. To learn more about this event,

visit archerytrade.org or contact me at
[email protected]. IA

22 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY NEWS

SLFiecshrtaooDlfaysInnteidcuO3su-tDtrdyAoSrocprhosenPrsayorrtsoffoGrrowing the nation who will utilize archery events and earn
them in target archery, college scholarships from
Scholastic 3-D Archery (S3DA) announces recreation and conser- colleges and universities
FeraDyne Outdoors as their latest SILVER vation activities far and across the United States.
LEVEL sponsor. Superior, Wisconsin, based wide. FeraDyne Outdoors S3DA addresses the need
FeraDyne offers an extensive line of ar- has now gained a new for a program to bridge
chery and bowhunting products, such and very receptive market beginning target archery
as Rage and Muzzy broadheads, IQ bow base and I’m excited to see the opportuni- experience and more advanced activities
sights, Carbon Express arrows and Noctur- ties that are gleaned on both sides.” such as 3-D shooting and bowhunting.
nal lighted nocks, just as examples, with a The program currently operates across
track record of developing, manufacturing S3DA is a unique, family-oriented youth the United States with hundreds of certi-
and marketing cutting-edge products. archery program which has grown expo- fied coaches serving thousands of young
nentially across the United States as a archers in grades 3–12. | CONTACT THE SCHO-
“S3DA is greatly impacting the future next-step initiative to follow introductory LASTIC 3-D ARCHERY NATIONAL OFFICE AT S3DA.ORG, OR
of competition archery and bowhunting,” archery programs. The mission of the CALL 606.524.3685.
says Zach Godwin, FeraDyne Outdoors re- Scholastic 3-D Archery program is to fos-
gional sales manager. “This positively af- ter, educate and guide youth in the areas aDathnsre.dNSCettohexuvetenESncxhielLocetouoattitAinhvdgeSvSeaDplnierocecretctestHodurnotfing
fects our business, but more importantly, of 3-D, indoor and outdoor target archery,
gets young people excited about archery. as well as safe, ethical bowhunting prac- The Council to Advance Hunting and the
We are proud to sponsor this program tices. The goal of the S3DA program is to Shooting Sports is pleased to announce
and be a part of the great things it will do provide archery and bowhunting oppor- that Dr. Steven Leath will serve as the
for the future of archery.” tunities to youth in after school settings, next executive director for the organiza-
as well as with archery affiliated clubs tion, beginning January 1, 2021.
S3DA operations manager Holly Helton, and businesses in the community. S3DA
says, “The addition of FeraDyne Outdoors students participate in 3-D and target ar- Leath will serve as the third leader for
as an S3DA sponsor will allow for a unique chery using compound and traditional
opportunity to market their industry- archery equipment. Students can partici- Continued on Page 26
leading products to youth archers across pate at local, regional, state and national

ATA 2021 Moves Online SHOW SPECIALS: The Online Show will allow members to browse digital
ontent ro ong i t o e i itor e er n e pe t to fin e i i-
ATA 2021 Online will take place virtually January 11 through 15, 2021, so mark tors you planned to see in Indianapolis online. All participating exhibitors will
your calendars now! Please note, this date is a change from the in-person Show
that was recently canceled, with the Virtual Show now i on ine profi e t t in e pro t ow e
scheduled to take place a week later. videos, press releases and most importantly, exclu-
sive ATA 2021 Online show specials. Don’t miss your
The COVID-19 pandemic required ATA to change
course, but they are still committed to meeting the n e to t e nt ge o t e e pe i o er n
needs of organization members. Cultivating quality discounts.
business interactions is more critical than ever, which
i w A A i e i te to o ting n on ine e ent t t o er o er e in- VIRTUALARCHERY INDUSTRY MASTERCLASS: Your ATA will host online
novation and opportunities to connect.
Archery Industry Masterclass sessions on Monday, January 11 and Tuesday,
Although you won’t be able to handle new products and meet face to face,
A A n ine wi e o ering t e te t pro t in or tion n inno - n r e ter o er o r tr ine o ing r eting
tions. ATA 2021 Online will provide an online platform for exhibitors to show-
case their brands and retain that crucial opportunity to get product content in and archery tech. The attendance fee for the Masterclass series is now only
front of ATA-member retailers.
$79. Find more information at ATA’s website.
THE LOWDOWN: All current ATA members are invited to attend ATA 2021
Online (you don’t need to register). Everything related to the virtual Trade FREE EDUCATION SESSIONS: Your ATA will also host a variety of free online
Show can be accessed through your MyATA member dashboard closer to Janu-
ary 11. If you haven’t renewed your membership, please log in and renew now education sessions for current ATA members on Wednesday, Thursday and
to ensure you can access ATA 2021 Online. Step-by-step instructions regarding
ow to renew re o ere on ine Friday, January 13-15. The topics will be announced in the coming weeks. Each

educational session will be available through your MyATA Learning Center.

Your ATA is dedicated to making ATA 2021 Online a productive, enjoyable,

business-boosting event. Stay tuned for more information. | t o

b to t t b m mb p t o o-

b

24 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY NEWS

Continued from Page 24

the Council since its formation in 2009. During his tenure, he oversaw efforts to MLLaAonSvcAianrsgctheFerorrAywrCcalharedsrswyiciStTuhopuprlnyament

The organization’s mission is to facilitate substantially increase funding, expand “To serve the archery community as we al-
ways have, we have decided, after careful
the promotion and growth of hunting and the research enterprise and elevate the consideration, to forge ahead and do our
best to host a safe version of the LAS Clas-
the shooting sports and the education of profiles of all three institutions, all while sic this year,” the company announced in a
statement last week.
the public on the contributions that hunt- ensuring student success and educational
The tournament is scheduled for January
ers and shooters make towards wildlife excellence remained paramount at each. 21-24, 2021, at Spooky
Nook Sports Complex
conservation. Through the last decade, Leath is a plant pathologist, earning in Manheim, Pennsyl-
vania. ualification
the Council has maintained active par- multiple degrees in the field, including a rounds will be January
21 and 22, with elimina-
ticipation in hunting and target shooting Bachelor of Science from Penn State Uni- tion and finals match-
es January 23 and 24.
by focusing on the national initiative to versity, a Master of Science from the Uni-
Registration for the 2021 Lancaster Ar-
recruit, retain and reactivate (R3) hunt- versity of Delaware and a chery Classic opened on Monday, Novem-
ber 9. Announcements with links will be
ers and target shooters in America. Since Ph.D. from the University of posted on Lancaster Archery’s social media
channels. In the interest of health safety,
its founding, the Council has facilitated Illinois at Urbana. He lends Lancaster Archery has a number of special
measures planned for the Classic. These
many vital projects that have helped de- his extensive knowledge will include:
■ Leaving an empty lane between archers
velop and lead a growing community of and experience to numer- on the shooting line.
■ Adding a qualification line on January 21.
professionals to improve state, regional ous organizations, serving ■ Assigning only two archers per target
matt.
and national R3 efforts. on the Council of Advisors ■ All seating will be spaced 6 feet apart.
■ Entry to the LAS Classic/Fieldhouse side of
The Council has led landmark projects for the World Food Prize, Spooky Nook will be limited, with tempera-
ture checks and wrist bands issued.
such as the National Hunting and Shoot- their Foundation Board, and the Board of ■ A mask and hand sanitizer will be pro-
vided to every archer.
ing Sports Action Plan, the award-winning Directors for the Boone and Crockett Club. ■ Wearing a mask will be mandatory for
all officials, staff, spectators and archers
National R3 Community, the National R3 Leath is currently fulfilling a 6-year term when not on the line shooting or eating/
drinking.
Symposium, the award-winning National on the National Science Board, a position ■ Plexi-glass shields, barriers and social
distancing floor markings will be placed
R3 Implementation Workgroup, and most to which he was appointed by President throughout the competition area.
■ Practice ranges at Spooky Nook will be
recently, the National R3 Clearinghouse. Trump in 2018. eliminated to avoid congestion, but official
practice before qualification rounds will in-
From this foundation, Leath will lead the Leath is an experienced outdoorsman, crease from two to three ends.
■ The bow check area at Spooky Nook will
Council to continue advancing R3 efforts in avid hunter and committed conservation- be eliminated.
■ There will be no shuttle to the LAS Pro
2021 and beyond. ist. In addition to the Boone and Crockett Shop/Ranges.

“Leath brings a wealth of experience Club, he is a member of several hunting Continued on Page 28

and a remarkable conservation ethic to and shooting organizations and holds a

the executive director position,” says J.D. life membership in the Rocky Mountain

Strong, chairman of the Council’s Board Elk Foundation. Leath has had a lifelong

of Directors and director of the Oklahoma interest in archery (he owned a retail ar-

Department of Wildlife Conservation. “The chery shop and still shoots weekly and

Council, our board and staff have worked lends his expertise to others in the in-

tirelessly to grow this orga- dustry as a consultant). “It

nization and are dedicated is a tremendous opportunity

to the unifying purpose to to lead the Council into the

increase participation and future. Working to advance

support for hunting, target hunting and shooting sports

shooting, and conservation. is a lifelong passion, one that

Through our search process, is deeply important to me,”

we determined that Dr. Leath says Leath. “These endeavors

is the best candidate to lead are the backbone of conserva-

this organization forward, tion in our country, and I am

and we are confident that Dr. Steven Leath looking forward to helping in-
with his skill set, and the es- still these values into the next

tablished team at the Council, we can ex- generation of outdoorsmen and women.”

pect great things from the organization in In the coming months, Leath will work

the years to come.” alongside current Council CEO and Presi-

Prior to joining the Council, Leath served dent John Frampton, and will officially as-

as president of both Auburn University and sume the executive director role on Janu-

Iowa State University and vice president of ary 1, 2021, upon Frampton’s retirement. | TO

the University of North Carolina System. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAHSS, GO TO CAHSS.ORG.

26 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INDUSTRY NEWS

Continued from Page 26

■ There will be no central area for picking dia via Facebook and YouTube on January announce Tracy Shaw as the Arkansas
up door prizes. Instead will all be shipped 23 and 24.
after the event. State Coordinator. Shaw will oversee the
■ The photo booth, Pro Meet & Greet and T- This is our current plan of action based
shirt/hat sales booth all will be eliminated. on current regulations set by the state development of the state, divide the state
■ The sponsor/vendor area will include of Pennsylvania,” Lancaster Archery
tables or Plexi-glass in front of booths to stated. “If state or local regulations into regions and re-
promote distancing. change, we could have to modify our
■ Registration fees will remain the same, plans to meet those requirements. cruit and hire regional
but cash payouts will be slightly reduced to With half the number of archers
account for a reduced field. competing at each shooting time, coordinators to over-
■ The 2021 Classic will not include the popu- the density of people will be greatly
lar Youth & Collegiate Tournament on Sat- reduced to provide the greatest safe- see and manage these
urday afternoon. ty possible for an indoor archery
event. We look forward to hosting individual regions. Her
“This move is being made to avoid this year’s LAS Classic safely, giving
crowding with spectators or families, and archers, sponsors and spectators the op- goal is to work with
to allow enough time for the LAS Classic portunity to enjoy the event, while keeping
elimination rounds,” Lancaster Archery everyone’s safety as our priority.” | FOR MORE the regional coordina-
announced. “Plans are to hold a separate, INFORMATION, GO TO WWW.LANCASTERARCHERY.COM/
virtual/remote youth event later in the LANCASTER-ARCHERY-CLASSIC. tors to build more S3DA
winter/indoor season. Stay tuned after the
Classic for information on that event.” SA3rkDaAnNsaasmSetsatTeraCcoyoSrhdainwator teams across the state.

The LAS Classic Shoot-Up Finals will be Scholastic 3-D Archery (S3DA) is proud to Once the regions and
broadcast live by Competition Archery Me-
Tracy Shaw teams are established,

S3DA participants will

not only shoot archery in their local venue

but will have the opportunity to compete

against other archers in local and regional

tournaments held across the state. As par-

ticipation increases, Shaw looks to get more

youth involved in shooting at the collegiate

level through scholarship opportunities.

Shaw has lived in Arkansas most of her

life and is an avid devotee of outdoor sports,

including angling and hunting. Shaw

works and volunteers with several organi-

zations that teach women and kids about

hunting and conservation. When Shaw’s

daughter, Abigail, showed interest in her

hunting bow, she took Abigail to an indoor

archery shoot where she fell in love with

it. At the shoot, Shaw learned about S3DA

and was encouraged to become a coach

and start her own archery club. In April,

Shaw went through the S3DA Basic Instruc-

tor Training course to start a youth archery

club called Nock-On NEA in Jonesboro, Ar-

kansas.

Shaw says, “My passion is in archery and

the outdoors. I want to make a difference in

a child’s life and through the various orga-

nizations that I work with. I have seen first-

hand how that youth in the outdoors may

very well be the key to maintaining our

outdoor heritage. I became involved with

S3DA because I thought it was an amazing

opportunity to bring archery back to my

area and the program delivers life skills to

youth. I am excited for the future of Arkan-

sas S3DA.” | TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SCHOLASTIC 3-D
ARCHERY, VISIT S3DA.ORG. IA

INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTION

How to Help Customers Buy Their First Bow

BY CASSIE GASAWAY

U se these tips to improve interac- bow. If they’ve taken the class or are set on customer’s needs also helps ensure they
tions ith first ti e o uyers buying, Reilly walks them to the bow sec- listen to your suggestions.
tion while asking questions.
PROVIDE OPTIONS & A TEST DRIVE ■ Once
What makes an archer an archer? Their Reilly understands a customer’s desires, he
suggests a few bows and allows the cus-
bow! Archery retailers have an important ASK QUESTIONS ■ Reilly says he wants tomer to shoot at a target 10 yards away to
get a better feel for the bow. He first adjusts
duty—helping customers become archers. customers to express their wants, needs, each test bow to the customer’s draw length
and draw weight, and sets it up with a D-
That process starts by introducing them to budget and concerns. He asks three kick- loop and Whisker Biscuit rest. If a customer
requests a specific bow, he honors that re-
a bow that fits their physical stature and starter questions: What do you plan to do quest, even if he knows it’s wrong for them.

budget. As retailers pair customers to bows with your bow? How much do you want “Give them what they want,” Reilly says,
“but explain why it might not be the best
they love shooting, they ensure those new- to spend? How long do you hope to keep option. When they try it, they’ll usually see
what you’re talking about and change their
comers return for lessons, practice and this bow? mind.”

equipment. The first question helps Reilly under- Reilly says if a customer wants a
50-pound recurve, he lets them try it,
We spoke to P.J. Reilly, an expert bow stand which type of bows to suggest. The but explains that recurves require more
strength and coordination. “They might
technician at Lancaster Archery Supply second question helps determine which be strong enough, but they need to shoot
something lighter to gain coordination
in Pennsylvania, to gain insight into his bows to recommend after accounting for and confidence,” he says. Don’t be obnox-
ious about proving them wrong, just pro-
proven strategies for working with new ar- accessories. And the third question allows vide a solution and move on.

chers. Reilly says each month 30 percent of him to understand if he must accommo- When customers don’t know what they
want, Reilly suggests starting with three
Lancaster’s customers are new, and most date someone’s growth in skill or strength.
Continued on Page 32
want to buy a bow on their first or follow- Questions also help customers feel heard

up visit. Those interactions help Reilly and acknowledged.

fine-tune his strategies and sales pitch. Reilly says communication is vital to

Let’s review his techniques. navigating these situations. He says Lan-

caster’s pro shop manager, Chris Scott,

GREET THEM ■ When a prospective buyer tells his team: “Archery is a want, not a

walks in, say hello, introduce yourself need. It’s part of your job to make them

and ask them what brings them into your want what they leave with because they’ll

store. If they want to buy a bow, Reilly rec- shoot more.”

ommends they take the shop’s “Intro to Reilly takes that to heart. He strives to

Archery” class, which helps them decide listen to customers to help him make more

if they like archery enough to invest in a informed product suggestions. Knowing a

Use these professional tips to help improve interactions with Allow prospective buyers to shoot the bows they are inter-
first-time bow buyers. photo © lancaster archery supply ested in, a er ma ing any necessary ad ustments. This helps
them get a better feel for di erent models. photo © ata

UNITING THE INDUSTRY ARCHERY TRADE ASSOCIATION
archerytrade.org

30 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020



INSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTION

Continued from Page 30

bows. It’s natural to recommend bows you your dedication to their success. Say some- time and attention they need and deserve.”
like, but don’t push your preferences on thing like: “We want you to be happy and sat- When you’re working with someone, ac-
them. “You should care what the customer isfied with your purchase. If you encounter knowledge new arrivals and let them know
gets, but you also shouldn’t care,” Reilly says. any difficulties, come back and we’ll take care how long you’ll be.
of it immediately. We’re here for you.”
In other words, don’t take offense when Demonstrate Your Value: Some custom-
customers don’t like your suggestions. It’s ENSURE AN ENJOYABLE ers will go through the entire process and
their bow and shooting experience, not BUYING EXPERIENCE ■ leave without buying a bow. When Reilly
yours. By reacting helpfully to what custom- Steer, Don’t Push: “Steer customers to- sees that happening, he worries they might
ers relate, you won’t force anything on them. ward what they want, rather than push- seek a lower price elsewhere, so he explains
ing them toward something you think they how Lancaster adds value to every purchase.
Test drives help customers learn what should have,” Reilly says. “You can usu- That includes setting up and tuning/sighting
they like and don’t like about each bow. Reil- ally get a customer to agree with you, but the bow for free. Lancaster also offers coach-
ly encourages customers to test a few bows, they should come to final conclusions on ing and two free hours of range time with
even if they “know” what they want. Experi- their own. Give them space to make their a bow purchase. “I drop all that in so they
encing how a bow feels differs from reading own decisions.” Also explain the pros and understand what they get with their bow,”
about it in reviews or catalogs. cons of what you recommend to help them Reilly says. “They usually come back.”
make informed decisions.
Reilly offers archers pointers during Be Excited for Them: Buying a bow is al-
setup but doesn’t obsess about their shoot- Be Polite & Respectful: Project confidence ways fun and exciting, no matter the cus-
ing form. Lancaster gives two hours of free but don’t be a know-it-all. “You’re likely deal- tomer. “They’re excited, and you should
range time to customers who buy a new bow ing with someone who knows nothing about project that excitement to help make their
onsite. Certified instructors provide instruc- archery, so you have to be patient, kind and interaction more enjoyable,” Reilly says. To
tion and coaching to work on shooting form respectful or they’ll leave and never come set the tone, try saying, “This is going to be
and other techniques. back,” Reilly says. fun!” or “Let’s do this!”

ACCESSORIES AND ADD-ONS ■ Once cus- Approach each situation as a coach, not The more customers you work with, the
tomers find a bow they like, Reilly discusses a parent. A parent might be blunt and say, better you’ll learn to read them and navigate
accessories while also considering their “You’re doing that wrong.” A coach should be the situation. Never forget that it’s not about
budget. He said finding accessories that more subtle, and patiently say, “Please allow what you want to sell. It’s all about what the
customers like is similar to the bow-buying me to make a suggestion.” customer likes and wants.
process. He asks what they want, provides
options and lets them test each item. Don’t Rush: “We don’t try to rush any- For more sales tips read these articles on
thing,” Reilly says. “Getting a new customer ArcheryTrade.org: Get More Sales: Master
Reilly says Lancaster allows customers to set up takes time. That might cause frustra- the Art of Selling. | How to Read Your Cus-
test anything they stock—including sights, tions on a busy day, but all our customers tomer’s Facial Expressions to Generate More
releases and stabilizers—to ensure they know when their turn is up, they’ll get the Sales (with Emojis). | Don’t Just Stock Prod-
find a just-right fit. He then sets up the bow ucts, Sell Them! IA
and helps customers with initial sight-in to
boost confidence.

As he walks customers to the check-out
counter, he asks if they need a target or
bow case. He discusses the price and value
of those items, but explains that they aren’t
immediately necessary.

“For the amount of time it takes to buy
a bow, and the money they spend on that
bow, few customers want to stay longer
to spend more time and money on extra
items,” Reilly says. “The whole process can
be long and tiring.” When customers start
burning out, tell them to come back when
they’re ready to spend another hour or two
on lower-priority gear.

CHECK OUT AND COME ON BACK ■ As custom- Ensure your customers leave on a positive note by thanking them for their business, re-
ers check out, offer a business card and show minding them of value-added services and encouraging them to come back. photo © ata

32 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020



PEOPLE

PowerTheofParticipation
Archery Industry Members Participating in the Sport

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO: Email [email protected], Visit insidearchery.com/pop or mail a color
image with your name, address, where the animal was taken, and archery gear used—both manufacturer
and model—to Inside Archery Power of Participation, P.O. Box PO 15827, Colorado Springs, CO 80935.

Daniel Bychowski • Wisconsin Whitetail Dan Forster • Georgia Whitetail

Warehouse/Assembly, Pine Ridge Archery P ie on er tion er Ar er r e A o i tion

Crossbow: Ravin Crossbow Bow: PSE Stealth Carbon Air Sight: CBE TL3
Bolt: Ravin Bolt
Broadhead: Rage Arrow: Easton Carbon Injexion Rest: Quality Archery Designs
Other: Pine Ridge Archery Nitro Split Limb Dampeners
Broadhead: Quality Archery UltraRest HDX PSE

Designs Exodus Stabilizer: Bowfinger XL

34 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020

Anders Gejer • Denmark Roe Buck Luke Guest • Montana Elk

President, European Bowhunting Federation Vice President, Hunter’s Hollow, Inc.

Bow: Hoyt Triax Rest: Quality Archery

Arrow: Gold Tip GT Pierce 300 Designs MX Bow: Mathews VXR Sight: Black Gold

Broadhead: NAP Spitfire XXX Quiver/Stabilizer: Quiverlizer Arrow: Gold Tip Team Primos Rest: Quality Archery Designs Integrate

Sight: Option Archery Release: Scott Rhino Broadhead: Magnus Stinger 4-Blade 125 Release: Scott

Sondra Bloomgren • South Dakota Whitetail Josh Honeycutt • Whitetail, Kentucky

Owner, Trigger Addiction Outdoor Writer, Editor, Photographer and Videographer

Bow: Hoyt Sight: Trophy Ridge

Bow: PSE Evolve 31 Broadhead: Wac’em Rest: PSE Phantom Arrow: Gold Tip Rest: QAD

Arrow: Easton Carbon Injexion Sight: PSE Rlease: Scott Broadhead: G5 Dead Meat Quiver: G5

DECEMBER 2020 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 35

36 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020

BY Seniority tends to carry a lot of weight
DANIEL in the archery industry. The natural
ALLRED assumption is that if a company has
been around for a long time, then surely
DECEMBER 2020 INSIDEARCHERY.COM that company is doing things correctly.
This assumption is generally true, but
it’s also true that new companies always
come along with a fresh perspective to
shake up the status quo.

Outdoor Product Innovations is one
such company. Established in 2015, OPI is
a relative newcomer to the industry, but it
has grown rapidly and emerged as a lead-
er in multiple product categories. The se-
cret behind OPI’s quick success is no mys-
tery. Yes, the company is relatively new in
the scene, but the company’s owners and
operators have deep roots in bowhunting
and business management.

Outdoor Product Innovations is perhaps
best known as the parent company of Rhi-
no Blinds, but OPI also oversees a handful
of other high-quality brands, including
Capsule Game Feeders, LiDCAM, LegCuff,
Big Dog Hunting and Wicked Tree Gear.
Each of these brands fit their own niche
market, but all of them are managed with
the same recipe for success.

Following the Family Tradition

The father-and-son duo of Dan and Dan-
ny Reaser are at the heart of OPI’s opera-
tions. With influence from his father, Dan
Reaser was introduced to archery and
bowhunting in the mid 70s. In turn, he
introduced his son, Danny, to the family
tradition.

“Archery is a big part of our family’s
core,” Dan Reaser said. “My dad started

37

bowhunting in the early 50s, and he when I introduced my son, Danny, to generations, and within a day or two,
took at least 60 or 70 deer with a re- the sport. He took his first deer at age Danny had gone out and shot a 7-by-
curve. He was an incredibly accurate 5 with a crossbow. He was always like 6 bull with his compound. They really
instinctive shooter, and he would even my sidekick, and I took him hunting liked the chemistry we had, and they
pheasant hunt with his recurve. He and fishing everywhere we went.” were very insistent that we should do
bought me my first recurve when I a TV show of our own.
was about 15 years old, and I started Although hunting was his passion,
bowhunting with him and my broth- Dan Reaser spent much of his career “At first, I just blew off the idea,
ers after that. That all came full circle in another industry. That eventu- but they kept calling me for almost
ally changed, though, when Dan and a year,” Reaser continued. “They re-
Danny Reaser had a chance encounter ally wanted to produce a show for
with some television producers. us, and I finally told them we would
do it, but I told them that it had to
“After Danny graduated from high be real, nothing staged. It had to be
school, I told him I would take him exactly how we really do things—
on a hunt wherever he wanted to go,” nothing fancy, just pure hunting and
Dan Reaser said. “He mentioned the fishing. They agreed, and that’s how
first elk he took when he was 12, and we started our show, The Outdoor Op-
he said he wanted to go elk hunting tion, in 2012. My daughter, Shannon,
again. We went out to a lodge in Colo- also joined the team. The producers
rado, and my dad and uncle also came hadn’t met her, but she’s a beast of
along with us. There was a TV show a hunter as well. It was primarily a
shooting there at the time, and they show about hunting and fishing with
had already finished getting their elk, your kids and making memories that
so they were just hanging out around last a lifetime. My dad and my wife
the lodge with the four of us. They saw played roles as well, so it was some-
the relationship we had across three

For the Reaser family, bowhunting is an honored family tradition that goes back generations.
Passion for archery and bowhunting is ultimately what led to the creation of OPI, and it remains
a constant source of inspiration for the Reaser family and OPI team today.

38 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020

thing we did as a whole family.” old, sitting in a treestand with my Much like the rest of her family, Shan-
The Reaser family’s experience dad, watching deer interact, and non Reaser is a diehard bowhunter and
learning to stay quiet. When we a vital ingredient in OPI’s recipe for suc-
with The Outdoor Option served as started the TV show, we called it The cess. Shannon joined her brother and
a gateway to the inner operations Outdoor Option because we felt like father on The Outdoor Option when the
of the outdoor industry. Every show we chose the outdoors as our option
needs sponsors, and through spon- in life. It’s our number one hobby 2012
sorship the Reaser family developed and passion. I have two sons of my then she has played a similarly integral
relationships with a handful of out- own now, a three year old and a one role in the growth of OPI. As a passion-
door brands. year old, and I am anxiously count- ate bowhunter and outdoorswoman,
ing down the years until my three S
“We ended up finding some spon- year old can join me out in the field. for OPI’s many products and brands, and
sors that were a perfect fit for us,” It’s definitely going to be something she also oversees the company’s ship-
Dan Reaser said. “We were very ada- that’s passed on to the next genera- ping and logistics department.
mant about only accepting sponsor- tion as well.”
ships from companies with products 39
that we already used and believed Quality Brands with
in. After developing a relationship Quality Products
with a few of those companies over
the years, we became the first to With almost four decades of experi-
know when the owners were think- ence in manufacturing and business
ing about selling their business. We management, Dan Reaser knew
had Rhino Blinds as a sponsor, and more than a thing or two about run-
we acquired them first in 2015. Cap- ning a successful company. In fact,
sule Game Feeders and LiDCAM were Dan Reaser seems to have a real
our sponsors as well, and we ac- knack for it.
quired them shortly after. In midst
of all this, I had decided to sell my “My grandfather likes to say that
other business, which I had ran for every business my dad touches
37 years. That put us in a great po- turns to gold,” Danny Reaser said. “I
sition to accelerate these acquisi- think that’s very true. I watched him
tions, and I could also focus all my in other industries for most of my
attention on the product lines. These life, and it’s something he’s always
days, we don’t really do the TV show had a very good eye for. It feels like
anymore because we’re just too busy we have a hall-of-fame business-
with OPI.” man on our team, and we can all
look to him as an example of what
After those initial acquisitions in it takes to succeed.”
2015, Outdoor Product Innovations
was officially established. Today, For Dan Reaser, hunting experi-
Dan Reaser serves as OPI’s president ence is just as important as business
and CEO, and Danny Reaser is the knowhow.
company’s vice president.
“One of the most important things
Looking back, Danny Reaser is about OPI is our background as hunt-
proud to see what the family tradi- ers, fishermen and outdoorsmen,”
tion has transformed into. Dan Reaser said. “It’s easy for us to
relate to the products and expand on
“Archery has been a huge part of their designs, and we have only ac-
my life and a huge part of my fam- quired brands that we truly believe
ily’s life for generations,” Danny in. We’re always thinking about
Reaser said. “I have fond memories ways we can make our customers
of when I was just four or five years

DECEMBER 2020 INSIDEARCHERY.COM

more successful because we’re in the everything from a small single-person
field, using these products. Our prod- blind to an extra large four-person
ucts just make sense to outdoor enthu- blind. We also expanded the camo pat-
siasts. They see all the little nuances, terns to include Mossy Oak, Realtree
and they understand that our products and TREEZYN. All of those new options
are made by hunters for hunters.” basically opened us up to every little
archery shop out there. If they want-
OPI’s expansive changes to Rhino ed to carry blinds, they didn’t have a
Blinds are a great example of this reason to go anywhere else. We offer
mentality in action. multiple blinds with multiple patterns
that can fit any circumstance across
“I bought my first Rhino Blind back the country.”
in 2011, and I was always impressed by
the quality of the brand,” Dan Reaser The company took a similar ap-
said. “I had used other ground blinds, proach with Capsule Game Feeders.
and I thought that Rhino Blinds had a
higher quality product at a better price “Capsule Game Feeders was an-
point. When we acquired the brand, it other company that we truly believed
only had one model, and it was only in before we created OPI,” Dan Reaser
available in the Predator Camo pat- said. “It was a pretty small company
tern. We immediately launched about based in Texas, and I just thought the
12 new models in different sizes, with concept was a great alternative to

ot o om top: Jon Platten serves as the company’s warehouse manager, and

he also helps manage the Wicked Tree Gear and Big Dog Hunting divisions. ■ Sarah Schmitz is a

key member of OPI’s customer service and order processing departments, which are both highly

regarded by the company’s dealers. ■ Cathy Nadolski plays a key role behind the scenes as the

company’s controller and the head of OPI’s accounting department. ■ Kody Bender serves as

the product manager of Capsule Game Feeders, and he also oversees all customer service. As an

avid bowhunter, Kody has a deep personal connection to the company’s products. ■ Jon Platten

(center) goes over instructions for the day with members of the OPI shipping team. Together,

they ensure that dealers get the products they need all year.

40 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020

F F /E Mick Maynard, OPI’s VP of
sales and product develop-
W TG - ment, has a long history with
the Reaser family. In fact, he
.. worked at Dan Reaser’s previ-
ous company for 25 years, and
gravity feeders and tripod feeders. They have a super-wide fisheye lens like a Go- Dan Reaser urged Mick to join
are easier to set up, safer and easier Pro, so it represents the hunter’s vision the OPI team once the com-
to refill, and they’re extremely rug- better. It’s just a really cool product, and pany was established. Mick’s
ged. I bought 12 of them about six years we still love using it on our hunts.” expertise has played a major
ago, and we still use them to this day. role in the rapid success and
When we acquired the company, it was One of the most recent additions to growth of OPI. He serves a
mostly selling feeders locally in Texas. OPI is Big Dog Hunting, which joined the key role in the development
Much like Rhino Blinds, we expanded team earlier this year. of the company’s many new
the product line by adding about seven and innovative products, and
new models. We have our small Outpost “With as big as we have become in he also manages all outside
Feeder with a 20-pound capacity, and the ground blind industry, it was sort of sales. According to Dan Reas-
they go all the way up to our 1000-pound inevitable for us to eventually get into er, “Mick has been working
feeder. Today, we distribute Capsule the treestand industry,” Danny Reaser with me for about 30 years,
Game Feeders nationwide. They’re an said. “Just like every other brand we and at this point he feels like
extremely high-quality and popular acquired, we had already used Big Dog part of the family. He’s a cru-
product line. Our dealers tell us they are products and recognized it as a qual- cial part of the hand-picked
very easy to sell, and customers come ity brand. We thought we could bring team I put together for OPI.”
back for more year after year.” it into our OPI family and help it grow
tremendously, and we could not have 41
OPI also developed a personal rela- asked for a better kickoff to an acquisi-
tionship with LiDCAM. tion than what we’ve had this year with
Big Dog. The company already had a
“We actually filmed episodes of our strong dealer base, and we’ve been able
TV show strictly using the LiDCAM,” Dan to combine that with our retailer base.
Reaser said. “It’s a high-definition 10 0p We have been extremely happy with the
camera with sound and everything else, sales and growth that Big Dog has ex-
and it mounts to the bill of your hat. The perienced this year, and we have some
LiDCAM is perfect for hunting because it things in store that will make next year
sees exactly what your eyes see. Some even better.”
hunters use a 399 GoPro, but you can get
the LiDCAM for about 169. It also doesn’t OPI also added Wicked Tree Gear to its
family of brands this year.

DECEMBER 2020 INSIDEARCHERY.COM

“We ended up acquiring Wicked Tree top to bottom -
Gear about two weeks after the Big Dog
deal,” Dan Reaser said. “The company warehouses in Ohio, along with another one in Texas. ■ F
has a full line of pole saws, hand saws,
pruners, axes, machetes and more, Vanderwyst and Cathy Nadolski comprise the accounting department for OPI, and they work to-
which all work in conjunction with
treestands and ground blinds. Once gether diligently and enthusiastically to keep things running smoothly. ■
again, these were already products
that we used and believed in. That’s are assembled and shipped from the company’s facilities in Ohio. Here you can see the assembly
always what we will sell. They have to
be solid products that are made to last, of several Capsule Game Feeders.
and they also have to be at a price-
point that everyone can afford. We are
very excited about Wicked Tree Gear,
and we will also be launching a Wick-
ed Fishing Gear line this January. We
know a lot of our retailers carry some
amount of fishing equipment, and this
was something they requested from
us. It’s also a good example of how
we’re going to keep evolving to become
more of a one-stop shop for hunters
and outdoorsmen.”

A Personal Touch

Each of OPI’s brands and product lines
clearly has its own special qualities.
After all, these companies were es-
sentially handpicked by a family of
archery and hunting enthusiasts. But
there is another important secret be-
hind the company’s success. OPI is de-
termined to carry the highest quality
products, and it’s also determined to
back those products up with the high-
est quality customer service.

“You can’t sell apples if you don’t
have any apples in your basket,” Dan-
ny Reaser said. “That’s sort of my dad’s
signature expression, and it’s also been
one of the keys to this company’s suc-
cess. Basically, we always have inven-
tory in stock, and we are able to sell
our inventory all year round. We saw
that a lack of inventory was a major
weakness for some of our competitors.
Their dealers would sell everything
they bought at the beginning of the

42 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020

year, but then they wouldn’t be able inventory all year round,” Dan Reaser
to resupply and make more sales near said. “Our competitors generally bring
the middle or end of the year. One of inventory in at the beginning of the
the main reasons we have picked up year, and when it’s gone, it’s gone.
so much new business and grown so We have inventory all 12 months of
quickly is because we can always fill the year. When dealers have an op-
those gaps. We always have apples in portunity to replenish their inventory
our basket, ready to sell. for more sales, they can always pick
up the phone to call us. It helps them
“The other crucial thing we do is be more successful, but they don’t
just backing our products up with have to carry a ton of extra invento-
great customer service,” Danny Reaser ry. This year, specifically, showed us
continued. “We’re still a fairly small, how helpful this approach is for inde-
family-owned company—not some pendent pro-shops. Our dealers were
big conglomerate with third-party restocking two, three or even four
customer service. We’re always here times. There was a big surge of people
for our customers, and we go the extra wanting to participate in outdoor ac-
mile for them. At the end of the day, tivities, and anyone without inven-
the main things we pride ourselves on tory missed out on a lot of sales.”
are our high-quality products, top-of-
the-line quality control and customer Conclusion
service that’s second to none.”
OPI has certainly left a noticeable
More evidence of OPI’s personal mark on the industry after just five
touch can be seen in the company’s years of operation. The company
approach to replacement parts for emerged as a newcomer, but it quick-
Rhino Blinds. ly proved that it has the right mental-
ity for the long haul.
“We also have an inventory of spare
parts all year, so if someone has a tree “Our long-term goal is to just con-
fall on their blind and break a rod or tinue growing through exceptional
a hub, then they don’t need to go out customer service, year round inven-
and buy a brand new blind,” Dan Reas- tory and high-quality products,” Dan
er said. “We know accidents happen, Reaser said. “It’s also important that
so we keep all of our parts consistent, we make whatever we can here in
and we always have them available. the United States because that helps
In the past, our competitors never us ensure that those goals are accom-
really bothered to sell spare parts. If plished. I think we will also always be
something broke, they expected cus- on the lookout for new acquisitions.
tomers to just go out and buy a new Again, they will always have to be
blind. We have some very loyal fans companies with quality products that
of Rhino Blinds because of our differ- we believe in—not just profit centers.
ent approach. We want to build rela- As hunters, we ultimately just want
tionships that last a lifetime, and we to help other hunters be more suc-
never want to take advantage of our cessful, and we want to support the
customers for the sake of profit.” dealers and the industry as a whole.
We’re very proud of what we’ve ac-
OPI’s philosophy about “having ap- complished in the last five years, but
ples in the basket” ended up paying there’s no slowing down for us—that’s
off tremendously this year. for sure.” IA

“2020 was a record year for us, and a
big part of that was because we carry

DECEMBER 2020 INSIDEARCHERY.COM

MARKET TRENDS BOW REPORT

Mathews V3 31
BY PATRICK MEITIN

S ome time ago, plying the hours away There are certainly bow companies that
on a cold treestand in low density introduce their own novel technologies,

or hold important patents, but Mathews
whitetail habitat, I compiled a list of things that is a company that unfailingly raises the

reach so deeply and successfully into first prin- performance bar each year. A big part is

ciples that my trust in them is absolute. the genius of owner/CEO Matt McPher-
son, though the Mathews mystic has at-

Among them are Rancho Safari Catquiv- tracted a bevy of talented engineers.

ers, E.W. Bateman Cordovan finger For 2021 that envelope-pushing design

tabs, Mount Tam Pale Ale, Zeiss optics, is Mathews’ flagship V3 Series 27 and When viewing the 2021 V3 Series for the first time the
angled Centerguard Cable Containment system really stic s
cutthroat trout, natural feathers, Tom 31—the trailing numbers correlating to out. This moves the buss cable rollers and contact points
into the exact center of the riser for improved tuning.
Petty, Thermos Work Series bottles, inches between the axles. The V3 Series
nology is precisely calibrated and tuned
and compound bows manufactured by is a further refinement of the 2020 VR to the specific harmonics of each V3 Se-
ries model. The new system includes a
Mathews, Inc. Series, including longer riser, improved webbed extension to improve balance at
full draw, with standard front and rear
Not a year goes by that the company limbs and limb cup, more effective stabilizer taps available for further bal-
ancing needs.
fails to dazzle with its latest innovations. three-axis dampener and a literal new
More New Technologies ■ Just glance
angle on the company’s roller-equipped
at a V3 Series bow, and what first
cable guard. catches the eye is the new Centerguard
Cable Containment system. This roller-
Refined ano 740 technology three-axis dampening Longer Riser ■ The V3 31 riser is con- equipped cable guard angles conspicu-
includes web extensions to set the armonic Damper ously downward from above the arrow
farther from the riser to provide more stabilization and spicuously longer than last year’s VR shelf, positioning the buss-cable contact
pull more vibration from 2021 V3 Series bows. in fact it is the longest riser to axle-to- point to the exact center of the riser. This
axle ratio Mathews has designed to date. improves cam timing and the bow’s tun-
The 2021 Mathews V3 Series 31 (and 27) Extended Bridge The effect of spreading limb pockets and ability with the fringe benefit of provid-
Riser includes the company s longest riser to axle-to-axle limb mass over a wider plane produces ing additional vane clearance.
ratio to date, and hold more heavily preloaded limbs. These increased stability akin to a tight-rope
new design features improve balance and performance. walker’s balance pole. This allows a bow The completely revamped limb design
with 31-inch axle-to-axle specs to pro- produces additional preload deflection,
vide the same in-hand stability of a bow with the tips terminating well past par-
several inches longer, resulting in surer allel for improved efficiency and shot
aiming. The longer, heavily skeletonized silence. The quad-limb design is also
platform includes an all-new Extended paired with a redesigned limb cup that
Bridged Riser, which effectively mini- removes weight without sacrificing reli-
mizes weight but maximizes stability ability, limb efficiency or stealth.
and increases rigidity in critical areas for
improved accuracy and less vibration.

The V3 31 shares the same 6-inch brace
height as the more compact V3 27. The
new riser is extremely well balanced, ac-
centuated by an all-new Nano 740 Har-
monic Damper. This is a refinement of
the 3D Harmonic Damper found on previ-
ous Mathews bows. The system is inte-
grated into the longer riser platform and
engineered to work with the new limb
geometry to increase cam efficiency and
enhance 3D dampening effects for less
vibration and shot noise. Nano 740 tech-

44 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020

Specifications Arrow Speed

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Mathews V3 31 set at 70.0 pounds at 30 inches.

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

31 inches 100-Grain Tips gpi Arrow Wt. Energy Speed

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

Brace Height Victory Xtorsion 300 12.9 532 grains 96.4 ft. lbs. 285.6 fps

6 inches –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Bloodsport Evidence 300 11.7 518 grains 99.8 ft. lbs. 294.5 fps

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

4.5 pounds Easton 4mm FMJ 330 11.0 *502 grains 100.8 ft. lbs. 300.7 fps

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

Let-Off CX Max RED SD 350 9.4 *465 grains 95.8 ft. lbs. 304.6 fps

80 or 85 percent –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GT Kinetic Kaos 340 9.9 453 grains 95.6 ft. lbs. 308.4 fps

Available Draw Length –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

26 to 30.5 inches Bloodsport Justice 300 9.8 443 grains 96.0 ft. lbs. 312.4 fps

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

Available Draw Weights Black Eagle Spartan 300 9.0 *439 grains 96.3 ft. lbs. 314.2 fps

60, 65, 70 and 75 pounds –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The 2021 V3 Series uses Mathews award-winning and field- –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Beman White Out 340 8.8 416 grains 93.0 ft. lbs. 317.3 fps
proven Crosscentric Cam System. The cam provides smooth
draw cycles and maximized efficiencies, with V3 design Available Colors –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
refinements only improving performance.
Green Ambush, Black, Stone, First GT Velocity Pro 340 8.2 387 grains 92.4 ft. lbs. 328.0 fps
Proven Technologies ■ The V3 31 is fu- lite Spector, Optifade Elevated II
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
eled by the industry renowned Crosscen- and Subalpine, Under Armour
tric Cam System, including proven Switch- Ridge Reaper Forest, Barren and Black Eagle Carnivore 350 7.5 363 grains 90.2 ft. lbs. 334.5 fps
Weight Technology. The Crosscentric Cam
allows remarkable energy output from All-Season and Realtree Edge –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
an incredibly smooth drawing, torque-
eliminating and low maintenance system. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Victory RIP XV 300 7.0 355 grains 92.1 ft. lbs. 341.8 fps
SwitchWeight Technology allows chang-
ing draw length, and peak draw weight in MSRP –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
5-pound increments, via the cam’s built-in
module (without the need to swap limbs). $1,199 Liberty Archery 320 5.9 292 grains 91.0 ft. lbs. 374.6 fps
The SwitchWeight system can be ordered
with peak draw weights of 60, 65, 70 and 75 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
pounds. Modules are programmed to relin-
quish an incredibly smooth draw cycle and Arrow speeds established using a Caldwell Shooting Supplies Chronograph G2. *Denotes steel inserts
maximum efficiency no matter the draw
length. Modules can also be chosen to pro- FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (608) 269-2728, OR VISIT MATHEWSINC.COM.
vide 80 or 85 percent let-off ratings.
own at full draw. The new Extended Bridge
Mathews’ Silent Connect System (SCS) Riser, Nano 740 Harmonic Damper system
is offered in an optional kit of lightweight and Centerguard configuration really pro-
studs that bolt into the riser butts between
the split limbs. This allows fast and silent vide exceptional balance.
attachment of Mathews’ Genuine Bow Rope Like many compound bows I’ve tested
or woven Bow Sling. Incorporated into my
2020 VRX, the system offered a surer con- lately, the V3 31 showed a remarkable de-
nection than an overhand knot while der- gree of efficiency, producing not only im-
ricking bows into dark treestands. pressive arrow speeds, but retaining ener-
gy output in the 90-plus foot-pound range
The V3 Experience ■ The 2020 VRX 31.5 all the way through the lightest arrows in
our test group. A bow that can do this is
suited my shooting and hunting style well entering the realm of maximum mechani-
and accounted for a number of bowhunting cal efficiency, a bow engineered so well it
trophies, so I was anxious to see if the V3 is transferring a huge percentage of gener-
31 would provide improved compatibil- ated energy directly into the arrow shaft,
ity. My first impression was that the with very little wasted energy to produce
V3 offered excellent balance—more so vibrations and ultimately shot noise.
than any Mathews I’ve shot previously.
I’m an absolute stickler about this. I can’t Taken as a whole, the V3 was remarkably
abide a bow that won’t sit up straight on its shootable, starting with a pleasant draw
cycle free of surprises, sitting steadily in the
hand at full draw, and finishing with a vi-
bration-free and hushed release. Mathews
rubberized Centerline Grip is really difficult
to beat, allowing repeatable hand place-
ment and remaining comfortable during
the cold weather this bow was tested in.
Mathews has produced another winner,
and dare I say, again taken compound bow
technology as far as it can be pushed. IA

WebXtra ■ Take a closer look at

the Mathews V3 in action! Please go to
insidearchery.com/mathewsV3

DECEMBER 2020 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 45

A quick preview INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020
of some of
the great
bow models
arriving for 2021!

By Patrick Meitin

46

Nothing generates quite as much how efficient today’s bows have be-
excitement in the archery and come. Developments such as string
stops, preloaded/past-parallel limb
bowhunting world as new year geometry, long-riser/short limb con-
figurations, dual-point limb anchor-
model bows. It could easily be argued ing, larger cam profiles equipped with
sealed bearings, and more rigid riser
that new bows drive the industry, designs have resulted in a remarkable
degree of efficiency. I obviously do not
encouraging customers to upgrade have the equipment to measure effi-
ciency percentages, but what I do see
existing equipment, or at least visit a are bows that are cranking out high
kinetic energy numbers all the way
local shop to see what improvements through our lightest test arrows. Not
so long ago, bows would begin to hem-
have been made to last year’s models. orrhage energy as I moved into our
lighter/faster test arrows. Now, high
While performance increases typi- energy retention indicates more avail-
cally come in small but perpetual able energy is being transferred into
increments, in the past decade, sales the arrow, and less wasted on what
appeal has also revolved around im- I call escape energies or vibrations
proved shooting characteristics, easy (which also translates into shot noise).
tunability and quieter demeanors. So
while stated IBO velocities can remain Additionally, not so long ago, high
relatively static for several years run- velocity equaled more challenging
ning, the fastest bows in any com- draw cycles and a touchier nature.
pany’s lineup have also become more Fast bows required finer-tuned shoot-
forgiving, quieter, and have added ing skills to enjoy consistent accu-
special features which allow dealers racy. Today, I’m seeing fast bows that
and hunters to tune out the smallest are highly forgiving—including high-
bobbles for ultra-clean arrow flight er brace heights that keep the arrow
and better broadhead control. on the bowstring for less time—and
very pleasant to shoot, including no
While conducting Bow Reports for
this magazine, it has struck me just

DECEMBER 2020 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 47

bumpy draw cycles, super-shallow pounds and includes a speed rating limbs to make a 60-inch tip-to-tip
rear walls or sub-70-percent let-off of 315 fps (70 pounds at 30 inches). bow. The all-new Mag Riser features
ratings. The latest compound bow The RTH bow comes equipped with a comfortable molded wrist style grip
technology truly does allow the mod- necessary Trophy Ridge accessories, and is available finished in classic
ern archer/bowhunter to have their including a Joker 4-pin sight, 5-Spot Fred Bear camo. Learn more by visit-
cake and eat it too. To follow is a quiver, Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, ing beararchery.com.
sneak peek into some of the models no-tie peep sight and D-loop. The
dealers, and customers, can look for- newly refined dual cam system pro- Mathews, Inc.
ward to seeing in 2021. vides a smooth draw cycle.
Mathews’ new flagship series for 2021
Bear Archery Traditional archery fans will be will be the V3, including an even lon-
thrilled to hear about the newest Mag ger riser to axle-to-axle ratio than the
Bear Archery’s 2021 Legit RTH is a Riser for Bear Take Down recurves proven VXR series, completely rede-
bow designed to provide great value (MSRP $399.99). The cast aluminum signed limbs and limb cup, all-new
through maximum versatility and riser offers a stiffer platform for im- patent-pending Centerguard Cable Con-
RTH (Ready To Hunt) accessories— proved accuracy and employ’s Fred tainment system and new Nano 740
priced at only $399.99. It is designed Bear’s ingenious quick, toolless Take Damper. The V3 series includes 27- and
to be enjoyed by all ages and skill Down system for easier packing. The 31-inch axle-to-axle models to offer
levels, with a draw-length adjust- riser holds a bushing for stabilizer a choice of maximum agility in tight
ability from 14 to 30 inches and peak and quiver accessories and an ad- spaces, or maximum stability. Both
draw weights from 10 to 70 pounds. justable center shot side plate to help share 6-inch brace heights and deliver
All adjustments are conducted with archers find that just-right tune. The speeds of up to 342 fps (V3 31). The new
an Allen wrench, and no bow press “A” style riser can be paired with #1 geometry allows improved stability
is required. The Legit weighs only 3.6 limbs to make a 56-inch bow or #3 while keeping these packages compact.
They also include a new harmonic
Bear Mathews damper for even quieter shooting.
Take V3
Bear Down The new Centerguard Cable Con-
Legit Mag tainment system places the cables in
RTH Riser the true center of the bow, resulting
in optimized cam timing to maximize
tunability while also introducing
more vane clearance. Also included
is a new Extended Bridged Riser that
helps cut weight while maximizing
length, and rigidity in critical areas
for added accuracy. It is the longest
riser to axle-to-axle ratio Mathews
has created to date. All-new deflected
limbs and past-parallel geometry are
paired with a redesigned limb cup
that cuts weight while increasing
performance and efficiency. Nano
740 is also new, incorporated into the
new riser platform and working with
the limb geometry to increase cam
efficiencies and enhance 3D damp-
ing effects for less shot noise and vi-
bration than ever before. Nano 740 is
calibrated and tuned to the specific
harmonics of each V3 model and the

48 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020

extended positioning provides added IBO speed rating of 340 fps (measured for those with longer draw lengths (24
balance at full draw. with 0-percent let-off) via a 6-inch to 31 inches, in ¼-inch increments) or
brace height. The EnKore utilizes simply seeking additional stability.
Proven systems remain, including the smooth drawing, surprise-free Like all other Elite bows, the Remedy
SwitchWeight Technology to allow ASYM Tri-Track Cam System (draw delivers an exceptionally comfortable
changing peak draw length and draw lengths 23-30 inches, in ¼-inch in- shooting experience. Dual-riser cages
weight in 5-pound increments via crements) and S.E.T. Technology for and a thoughtfully engineered riser
the cam’s module system. Changing easier, frustration-free bow tuning. provide excellent in-hand balance and
limbs is no longer required. The sys- The VersaMod System was updated stability. The Remedy includes a more
tem is available in 60-, 65-, 70- and in this version to provide 90-percent forgiving 6 3/ -inch brace height and
75-pound peak weights—each set of let-off and better velocity, without weighs 4.6 pounds out of the box. Learn
mods programmed for an incred- compromising the great shootability more by visiting elitearchery.com.
ibly smooth draw and maximum ef- Elite made its name on. The EnKore
ficiency—and available with 0- or weighs 4.55 pounds and is available Gearhead Archery
5-percent let-off. The Silent Con- in peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65
nect System (SCS) is still available and 70 pounds. Let-off is adjustable Gearhead Archery’s Disrupter Series
as an optional kit for quick, silent from 70 to 90 percent through adjust- has been expanded to include the Dis-
attachment of a Mathews Genuine able draw stops. rupter 24 Pro. This new option gives
bow rope or bow sling. Mathews is archers additional draw length adjust-
also offering two new finish options, The 2021 Elite Remedy also includes ment abilities through a pinned, rota-
First Lite Specter and Under Armour the company’s ASYM Tri-Track Cam tional module cam, allowing settings
All Season, in addition to six other System, VersaMod rotating module form 26 to 30 inches in ½-inch incre-
solid and camo options. The V3 27 and S.E.T. Technology, but measures ments. Adjusting the draw length takes
weighs 4.29 pounds, accommodates a longer 34 inches between the axles only minutes and does not require a
draw lengths from 25-29.5 inches
and pushes arrows up to 336 fps. The Elite Elite Gearhead
V3 31 weighs 4.5 pounds, accommo- EnKore Remedy Disrupter
dates draw lengths from 26 to 30.5 24 Pro
inches and generates arrow speeds of
up to 342 fps. Learn more by visiting
mathewsinc.com.

Elite Archery

Elite Archery continued its mission
to improve shootability with the in-
troduction of their 2021 models, in-
cluding the EnKore and Remedy.
Elite’s super-simple S.E.T. technology
debuted last year, allowing users to
change limb pitch without leaving the
shooting line. That S.E.T. Technology,
combined with Elite’s ASYM Tri-Track
Cam with VersaMod rotating module,
created a combination with huge ad-
justability that produces improved ef-
ficiency, speed and shooting comfort.
The 2021 Elite EnKore is a follow-up
to Elite’s big hit of 2020, the Kure. The
new EnKore includes just-right 33-
inch axle-to-axle specs and a listed

DECEMBER 2020 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 49

bow press. The cams include an adjust- weighs 4.4 pounds and provides an IBO rows to IBO speeds of up to 370 fps.
able limb stop and let-off can be micro speed rating of 330 fps. They are offered This bow includes 33 3/8 inches axle-
tuned up to 85 percent. Various “Pick in draw weights of 45-55, 55-65 and 65- to-axle specs, weights only 4 pounds
A Grip” options can be added to suit a 75 pounds. Also new for 2021, look for and provides an 80-percent let-off. It
shooter’s preferences, including an op- the Disrupter 20 Pro and the Disrupter is offered in draw lengths from 24 to
tional Slider Grip which allows draw Carbon Fiber line. Learn more by visit- 30 inches and peak draw weights of
lengths to be increased or decreased ing gearheadarchery.com. 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 pounds.
in ¼-inch increments, ½-inch forward
or 1¼ inches back. The Slider Grip can APA Archery The Black Mamba 31 is an all-new
also be positioned left or right to cor- design based on the high perfor-
rect grip torque and keep center shot APA Archery’s King Cobra MT is the mance Black Mamba riser. The per-
aligned. The bow allows 10 pounds smoothest shooting and most easily fectly balanced bow accommodates
of draw weight adjustment with the tuned Cobra model to date. The Rotat- APA’s weight distribution system and
new Zero Gap limb pockets, which are ing Draw Stop and Micro Tune buss- proves to be a rigid but compact and
designed to secure the limb tips and cable system allow precise tuning to lightweight design. The draw cycle is
precisely cradle the limbs. The limb get the results any customer desires. super smooth and the cam system
pocket pivots on a precise, square pil- The King Cobra MT delivers the com- includes a Rotating Draw Stop with
lar that guarantees alignment to the pany’s highest level of performance 80-percent let-off and the buss cables
cams. The bridge-style, shoot through while also remaining deadly quiet. are carried by a Micro Tune system.
riser is stress-free, with built-in accu- APA labels this model ideal for archers The 31.25-inch BK 31 pushes arrows to
racy through unparalleled compres- with short draw lengths looking for IBO speeds of up to 350 fps through
sion strength. The Disrupter 24 Pro additional performance, or seasoned a 6.75-inch brace height. The bow
measures 24 inches between the axles, archers looking for maximum arrow weighs only 3.8 pounds out of the box
speeds. The King Cobra MT pushes ar- and is offered in peak draw weights
APA APA of 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 pounds (each
King Black Prime with 10 pounds of adjustability).
Cobra Mamba Nexus Draw lengths from 25 to 31 inches
MT 31 (in ½-inch increments) are covered.
Both bows include APA’s distinctive
Reverse Carry Handle and Tool Cen-
tre, including riser-integrated broad-
head wrench, nock indexer, carbide
knife sharpener and cam pin to make
changing bowstrings/cable in the
field possible. Learn more by visiting
apaarchery.com.

G5 Outdoors/Prime Archery

Prime’s 2021 Nexus by G5 Outdoors is
being touted as the company’s fast-
est, most accurate and comfortable
bow to date. The Prime Nexus was
created through the connection be-
tween hunters and engineers. The
Nexus’ new Nanogrip includes Aero-
gel technology developed by NASA
to protect astronauts from extreme
temperatures, while this composite
grip protects bowhunters from cold
aluminum risers while sitting in cold

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50 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2020