Inside Archery December 2025

www.insidearchery.comDECEMBER 2025®

INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 202518INSIDE ARCHERY (Volume 28, #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,CÏ ƶ0ȳ3ǣ. ñeriodical postage paid at Colorado Springs, CÏ ƶ0ȳ3ǣ and at additional oǓces. ñostmaster please send address changes to IÂSI<F AõCŒFõł, ñ.Ï. *ox ȳƶ6, Levittown, ñA 1ȳ0ǣǣ-ȳȳȳƶ.INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025 | VOLUME 28 | NUMBER 1018PeopleMontana DecoyLightweight, Packable& PhotorealisticBy Michaelean PikeMarket TrendsGear Report Morrell Center Punch TargetsHeadhunter Bow StringsReinventing Bowstring TechnologyBy Patrick MeitinGear Report October Mountain ProductsPhoenix Fletching Jig2026 Early Releases& Winning HoldoversTop Current and Upcoming BowsBy Patrick MeitinBIGshot ArcheryDigital RangeProfessional-grade ArcherySimulators upgraded toadvanced digital rangesWhat Your CustomersWant for 2026Best sellers, major upgradesand new wares that will set thepace for the coming New Year.By Inside Archery ătaǏ384850302814 34285038

■ Bow / Crossbow / Gear Report WebXtras■ insidearchery.com online exclusives■ Weekly newsfeed of archery news from around the industryinsidearchery.comWe are a new and improved resource for archery news, new gear and more, launchingevery Friday online and as an E-newsletter. ■ Visit archerynewsfeed.com and [email protected] to have content included in Archery Newsfeed.■ Subscribe for FREE to recieve Archery Newsfeed at insidearchery.com/enews. INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025501481060INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025 | VOLUME 28 | NUMBER 10Inside the IndustryInside TrackInnovation Marches OnYour ATA InsightsPut Your Skills to the Test with ATA’s'ow ffiechnician \"ertification )rogramBy Kurt Smith, Archery Trade AssociationATA ActionA Celebration of the People and PassionBy Tristan Asbury, Archery Trade AssociationIndustry 5Q ive $uestions with ffiim Waldropfrom TWC OUTDOORS485014 50 3034

8 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025INSIDE THE INDUSTRY INSIDE TRACKInnovation Marches Onutside categories like electronics,  find the continuous innovation in the archery industry truly astounding. ffven during periods of economic downturn, archery manufacturers continue to develop products to solve common archery dilemmas, while also tweaking and pushing eisting products to the net level. All of this is good for archery, inspiring interest and newyproduct purchases that keep archery moving forward.\"ustomerst leisure time has become increasingly valuable, meaning theytre always open to any product offering a perceived edge in the field or on the target line.  see this in new compound bows, perhaps most of all. ffvery time  declare the industry has hit a plateau in compound technology, they prove me wrong, devising new ways to make bows easier to tune and shoot, uieter and useryfriendly. ffihis is often due to everymore clever engineering, ust as often cuttingyedge materials or engineering breakthroughs. ffihis yearts batch of compound bows offers real ecitement through all of the aspects outlined above. \"arbon arrow technology continues to wow, the industryts top manufacturers continually pushing the envelope in terms of consistency, durability and accuracy potential. fflaving begun my archery ourney in the age of aluminum, and having shot my fair share of cedar arrows,  am truly awed that arrow makers like %old ffiip, \"arbon ffpress, ffaston and +ictory Archery continue to find new ways to wring a little more out of what is essentially a carbon tube. ffihese are but eamples. ffihe energy and passion that drives our industry is still very much alive and well.  hear it from the archery dealers and manufacturers we talk to on a regular basis, and especially during the faceytoyface interactions enoyed while attending maor events such as the annual AffiA ffirade .how. &ealers and manufacturers are passionate about our sport because all are archers and bowhunters themselves. ,any products start as a personal uest to fi common problems, turning into successful businesses proudly offering their innovative wares to help fuel the passion of others. ffihis is as true of oneyman operations as it is of the largest names in archery.ffihis passion shows in the continued support of the AffiA ffirade .how, or the annual -inseyts &ealer .how. ffihese are venues where archery dealers and manufacturers come together every year to seek and show off the latest products, swap some hunting tales and share a common love of the sport we all spend nearly every waking moment obsessing about. t utis the season of not only holiday celebration, but the anticipation of the newest archery gear that will spark continued sales and dealer success, and make our target and hunting pursuits more productive and enoyable. We really are all lucky to be part of such an innovative, passionate and interesting community.ffveryone here at Inside Archery looks forward to seeing all of you at the upcoming AffiA ffirade .howÉas well as discovering the net big thing to inform our loyal readers of in the months to come€OInside Archery®is a publication ofApollo \"reative nc)rinted in the fi.A.Publisher Apollo \"reative ncExecutive Editor)atrick ,eitin … patrickminsidearchery.comAssociate Editor,ichaelean )ike … michaeleanminsidearchery.comContributorsffiristan Asbury | .tephen ,ack,ichaelean )ike | -urt .mithSales & Marketing Director.tephen ,ack … stephenminsidearchery.com(814) 341-9313Design & Productionff* %raphics { ffd *other … erothermmac.comGraphic Designerffiara 'ondarSocial Media Manager/ason AsheVideo Editor,arc 'alistreriAccount Manager )am fludlam … pamminsidearchery.comSubscription Services & Change of Address:nside Archeryň \"irculation &epartment nside Archery, )# 'o =:<, flevittown, )A 5=4;;y===: )hone@ B:99C :<8y=8:< … a@ B:::C =<;y==<5customerservicemd6data.netPublication Officenside Archeryň { Apollo \"reative nc).#. 'o 5;:87, \"olorado .prings, \"# :4=6;)hone@ B75=C 9=;y==== … www.nsideArchery.comInside Archery founded in 5==: by 'ill and .herry -renInside Archeryň \"opyright Ň 848; Apollo \"rreative nc. All rights reserved. *eproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Inside Archery® is a registered fi... trademark of Apollo \"reative nc. #pinions epressed in byylined articles or columns are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, the magaine or its staff..ubmission %uidelines@ Apollo \"reative nc and Inside Archeryň magaine assume no responsibility for unsolicited editorial, photography or art submissions. \"ontributors submitting articles, photos or art do so at their own risk. ,aterial will not be returned without a selfyaddressed envelope with sufficient postage. !o contract, agreement, term or condition provided by any contributor shall be binding on Apollo \"reative nc unless it is signed and returned by the ffditor.Archery, hunting and bowhunting are inherently dangerous activities. mproper use of hunting or archery euipment may cause serious inury or death. Always follow state and local hunting safety rules, and get reuired permits or licenses before hunting. Apollo \"reative nc uses reasonable efforts to include accurate and upytoydate information in our publicationsA however, we do not make any warranties or representations as to accuracy or completeness. All information in this magaine is provided was isv without warranty of any kind. Apollo \"reative nc is not responsible for researching and investigating the accuracy of the contents of stories or advertisements published in this magaine. *eaders use the information in this magaine at their own risk. Apollo \"reative nc assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this magaine, or arising from use by any person of the information in this magaine.

10 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025Put Your Skills to the Test with ATA’sBow Technician Certification Programrom its inception, the diǏerentiating factor between the ÄTÄ *ow Technician CertiǞcation Program and others has been the requirement of an inȊperson, handsȊon practiȊcal assessment to earn the certiǞcationƖWhile other programs exist, and information is plentiful across the internet, we believe there is no substitute for demonstrating one’s skills under the observation of an impartial instructor.The practical assessments for each certification Bcompound bow, crossbow and recurve) are designed to replicate real-world scenarios as closely as possible, but some aspiring technicians still experience a little “test anxiety.”In this article, we will take a deeper dive into each practical assessment so that future technicians can have confidence in their ability to work through the online course and ace the practical in the 4-hour time limit needed to earn their certification.INSIDE THE INDUSTRY YOUR ATA INSIGHTSFBY KURT SMITH, ARCHERY TRADE ASSOCIATIONCompound Bow ■ The majority of the workload when servicing compound bow archers entails getting a bow in proper specs, fitting it to the archer and installing accessories. In this practical, technicians will be given a bow Bchosen at random from several different manufacturers) and asked to complete a string and cable install, time cams and install all accessories including a drop-away arrow rest, peep sight, Dloop and properly leveled B8nd and 6rd axis) sight. While this isntt a coaching certification, technicians are required to set the draw length on the bow for their instructor by observing their form and making necessary adjustments. This critical step ensures the archer will be able to achieve proper holding position and a consistent shot sequence. Once the bow has been set up, the student will select a properlyspined arrow and head to the paper tuner. As the instructor shoots the bow, the technician will decide on what changes need to be made on the bow or if the archer may need to adjust their form to achieve a consistent result. Once a satisfactory paper tear is achieved, the last step of the assessment is removing all accessories from the bow while taking care not to damage the bow, string or cables.Crossbow ■ This equipment category poses some unique challenges, mainly because crossbow designs vary widely from one manufacturer to the next. The goal of this practical assessment is verifying the technician’s ability to help a customer choose a crossbow to fit their needs, operate that crossbow safely and efficiently and complete string and cable changes on it. With safety as an emphasis, technicians will first be asked to inspect a crossbow that may have some damage or service needs. The technician will use a supplied checklist to complete this inspection. Then, they will assist the instructor in selecting a crossbow, assembling it, installing the scope and Continued on page 12

INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025INSIDE THE INDUSTRY YOUR ATA INSIGHTSadjusting it properly for the archer, and getting it sighted in for 20 yards. The bulk of the assessment will then be spent changing string and cables and setting cam timing on four different crossbow styles. This ensures technicians will have confidence in using the bow press with each of these bow styles and understand how the string and cable system can be installed and stration on a fundamentally sound shot process. ffiechnicians will first be asked to help the archer select a bow to be used for recreational or learning purposes. This will consist of a low-poundage takedown model with only a nock point and stickon rest. The bow will be assembled, set up and then shot with an arrow selected by the technician. After observing the archer for a few shots, the technician will make any necessary adjustments to the bow and/or arrow in order to achieve satisfactory arrow flight. ffihis process will be repeated for a heavier draw weight hunting style bow, a barebow with elevated rest and plunger (shot with stringwalking techniueC, and finally, a target recurve with stabilizers, adjustable sight and clicker. Going through the setup and initial tuning process for all these bow types will ensure technicians have the skills and knowledge necessary to serve any recurve archer.fflaving an AffiA 'ow ffiechnician \"ertification tells your customers that you not only possess the knowledge to get them the right gear, but also that you possess the skills to set up that equipment for accuracy and consistency. Technicians with decades of experience who complete the program are able to pick up some different methods and may learn some ways they could do their job more efficiently. !ewer technicians get the opportunity to work in a real-life situation and gain confidence in their abilities to perform under pressure.nterested in becoming a certified bow technician? Our largest practical assessment opportunity of the year occurs during the ATA Trade Show & Archery & Bowhunting Supershow in Indianapolis. Practicals are held January 6 to 9, 2026. Go to archerytrade.org and click on “Educationv to learn more about the certification program or get enrolled today!Additional questions? Contact me at [email protected]. IAContinued from page 10adjusted for the most accurate and consistent performance.Recurve ■ This assessment requires the technician to assist the instructor (their “archer”) in selecting and setting up bows for various use scenarios. Archer input has a great deal of impact on the tune of a recurve bow, so the technician will also need to provide instruction and demon-

14 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025A Celebration of the People and PassionINSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTIONARCHERY TRADE ASSOCIATIONarcherytrade.orgE very January our industry packs up its passion, its innovations and its community spirit and heads to one place: the ATA Trade Show.For years, it’s been the must-attend event on our calendars—a reunion, a reset and a celebration of the work we do and the people who make it possible.In 2026, that tradition grows into something much bigger. or the first time the ATA Trade Show will be joined by the all-new Archery & Bowhunting Supershow and two major tournaments, creating what we’re calling ATA Show Week. And this year, January 6 to 11 in Indianapolis, that familiar feeling is stronger than ever.The energy building around ATA Show Week is unlike anything we have BY TRISTAN ASBURY, ARCHERY TRADE ASSOCIATIONexperienced before. While this is the first year the A**# fflot .how, !A'A Show, ATA Trade Show, Supershow and tournaments come together, the excitement is already undeniable. You can feel it in the anticipation from retailers and manufacturers and in the growing excitement from consumers eager to experience something they’ve been waiting decades for. It’s the one week when every corner of industry will come together under one roof with the same excitement and purpose.Where Business Meets Community ■For decades, the ATA Trade Show has been the premier place to do business. It’s where retailers discover the newest products that will be lining their shelves for the season ahead. It’s where manufacturers finally get to show off the innovations they’ve been quietly working on in the background for months, if not years. And it’s where deals and partnerships take shape—the kind you can only build face-to-face.But beyond the business, it’s personal. It’s seeing familiar faces from across the country and catching up as though no time has passed. It’s putting names to faces you’ve emailed for months. And it’s celebrating the people who make this industry what it is—so much more than just the products we sell.That personal connection matters now more than ever. You’ve all felt the shifting tides of retail. You’ve all navigated changing consumer expectations. But you’ve adapted, evolved and pushed forward. This year, ATA Show Week is where we remember that we’re not doing it alone. We’re part of a community that’s committed to supporting one another, sharing ideas and strengthening archery together.See What’s Next: The Hottest Products of 2026 ■ *etailers often say the AffiA Trade Show is the most important “research” trip of their year, and for good reason. This is where many of the newest products for 2026 are launched, long before they hit the retailers’ shelves. Walking the aisles isn’t just exciting; itts strategic. 3ou get a firsthand look and opportunity to try products that will drive interest, create demand and spark conversations in your shop throughout the year.Manufacturers, meanwhile, get a front row seat to reactions from retailers throughout the country. And this year, with the addition of the Archery & Bowhunting Supershow, from consumers as well. Months, if not years of work finally meet real feedback, ecitement, questions and new partnerships.The First-Ever Archery & Bowhunting Supershow ■ This year brings something brand new and something the industry has talked about for a long time. Following the members-only Trade Show, the all-new public Archery & Bowhunting Supershow will take place January 9 and 10. or the first time, everyday bowhunters, tournament archers, families and new archers will get a chance to Continued on page 16Jan. 6, 2026 ARRO Hot Show & NABA Show Jan. 7-8, 2026 ATA Trade Show Jan. 9, 2026 S3DA Indoor Open Jan. 9-10, 2026 Archery & BowhuntingSupershow Jan. 9-11, 2026 Rushmore RumbleUNITING THE INDUSTRY

experience the excitement that retailers and manufacturers have enjoyed for years. They’ll see the newest gear, meet their favorite brands, shoot on ranges, attend seminars and gain a deeper appreciation for the brands behind the equipment they trust.Retailers have a lot to gain from this public offering. The Supershow gives consumers a firsthand look at whatts coming in 2026, a perfect setup for building demand as they walk back into your store at home. Manufacturers have the rare opportunity to speak directly to the people who use their products. The entire week becomes a bridge between the business side of archery and the community that keeps it going.Where Archers Take Center Stage ■ Another highlight of AffiA .how Week is the competitive excitement occurring right next door. The NFAA Rushmore Rumble and the S3DA Indoor Open debut their relocation to Indianapolis in 2026, drawing hundreds of archers from across the country. These events bring a different kind of energyÉthe kind that comes from competition, friendship and the shared love of sending arrows downrange.Whether you walk over to watch for a few minutes or plan to take in the full weekend, itts a great reminder of why we do what we do. A Celebration of the People Who Make Archery Possible ■ One of the most exciting parts of AffiA .how Week is the Industry Celebration, a chance for ATA member retailers, manufacturers and industry professionals to come together for an evening of free food, drinks and entertainment. It’s a moment to pause, take a breath and appreciate the work Continued from page 14we’ve accomplished as a community over the past year.Our industry is built on relationships. It always has been. And this event honors that simple truthÉarchery thrives because of the people who dedicate their lives to it.This year, we’re especially excited to add country music star Chase Rice to the evening’s lineup of events.We Can’t Wait to See You There ■ Whether you’re coming to close deals, discover new products, meet with partners, compete, network or simply reconnect with friends you haven’t seen in a year, ATA .how Week is the place to be.We’re ready. We’re excited. And we’re looking forward to seeing you in ndianapolis for the biggest week in archery. To learn more and register, visit atashow.com. IAINSIDE THE INDUSTRY ATA ACTION

BY MICHAELEAN PIKEINSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025 18Earlier this year, Montana Decoy President C.J. Davis travelled to Montana to hunt elk with the company’s founder, Jerry McPherson. The hunt didn’t quite go as planned.“I supposedly went out there to elk hunt,” Davis said. “I had the tag. But Jerry took me where there weren’t any elk. We wound up going antelope hunting instead, which he had a tag for and I didn’t.”“He always has to rub that in,” McPherson said when I spoke to him later. His version, of course, was slightly different. “We were elk hunting and were in this one area at midday and happened to come across a herd of antelope with a pretty Lightweight, Packable & Photorealistic

DECEMBER 2025 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 19decent buck in it. I had a tag and I said, ‘It seems we have some time to kill. We should try to pursue that buck.’”Whichever version is correct, the hunt was successful, thanks to their decoy.“We were using the Eichler Antelope Decoy,” Davis said. “I was the one running the decoy because, again, I didn’t have a tag. The buck took his sweet time coming in, but he finally came around, and /erry ends up making a great shot. The buck only ran about 80 yards before piling up.”And while it certainly hadn’t gone as Davis planned, it was still a great hunt.w love teasing /erry that  went all the way to Montana to essentially guide him on an antelope hunt, but it was a great experience,” Davis said. “For us to be out there together with that decoy was really cool.”In many ways, that story gets at what Montana Decoy is all about. The company prides itself on producing decoys that are lightweight, packable and photorealistic. But beyond that, Montana Decoy is, at its heart, a company run by a couple of passionate hunters who never lose sight of how lucky they are to make a living doing something they love. And it’s that passion, dedication and know-how that allow the company to continue to produce—for three decades now—the kind of decoys hunters want in the field year after year.An Unmet NeedBack in the ’90s, McPherson worked for a power plant in Colstrip, Montana, hunting when he could. The area he hunted in was relatively open, and he and his hunting buddy kept encountering a problem.“It was a large area, so you had to walk in quite a ways before the hunting got good,” he explained. “We were calling elk, and we just couldn’t get them in close enough to shoot with a bow. We’d get them in to 80 or 100 yards, and they’d hang up. They were looking for whatever was doing the calling.”McPherson knew what he needed.“I wanted to come up with some sort of decoy that we could bring in with us, some-

20 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025thing that was easy to pack,” he said. “I thought we needed to have a printed fabric decoy, something two-dimensional, and we needed a way to hold it open.”Luckily, he had some ideas for how to make that happen.“When I was in high school, I worked in the local meat department on the weekends,” he said. “We used bandsaws for cutting some of the meat. At the end of the day, when it was time to clean up, we disassembled the bandsaw by twisting and folding the blade up in a three ring, kind of like what the decoys are today. I was always intrigued by how that worked because it’s a spring-steel band also, and so I got to thinking about using something like a bandsaw blade to hold the fabric open. I purchased a bandsaw blade, ground the teeth off, wrapped fabric around it and spray-painted it.”That original prototype was a far cry from the decoys the company produces today. But even as crude as it was, it worked.“We tested it and actually called in a couple of spike elk,” McPherson said. “We knew we were on to something.”One of the biggest challenges McPherson ran into was figuring out the printing process for his fabric decoys.“Back then, dye sublimation printing wasn’t established, so it was all done by screen-printing,” he said. “Screen-printing works okay, but you don’t get the details—the hairs, the details of the muscles, things like that. We used good photos from wildlife photographers, but our first few years, the printing was pretty crude. A few years later, dye sublimation printing got more popular, and so the detail of the decoys improved substantially. That’s how we still do it today.”The response to McPherson’s lightweight decoys was tremendous.“It took a little bit of time in the beginning as I was getting out to the dealers and attending the shows, but everybody thought it was a great idea,” McPherson said. “Customers loved the idea, especially for elk and antelope. When you’re just starting out, it takes a little while to be profitable. 'ut getting consumer feedback and hearing their ideas for other decoys they wanted really kept us going in the early days.”McPherson started producing the decoys in his garage.“We worked there for about six or seven

DECEMBER 2025 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 21years,” he said. “But we kept expanding, and the business was growing so much that we needed more space. There was an old gas station/restaurant about three blocks from my house that went out of business, and we purchased that and converted it into our facility.”As the company grew, McPherson got some help from his family.“My mother Judy came on pretty much at the beginning,” he said. “She saw I needed help with everything from bookkeeping to sewing to shipping. Eventually, she left her job and came on full-time. She actually still helps me out quite a bit today.“My daughter Ashley was in college, but we were growing so fast she ended up coming back to Colstrip to work with me. And Jackie, my wife, has always been supportive. She helped out with the shows.”A Change in OwnershipBy 2007, McPherson had left his job at the power plant and was running Montana Decoy full-time. He’d brought on Chevalier Advertising to help with marketing, and it was through that agency that he met Davis.An enthusiastic hunter, Davis had a long history in the outdoor industry. He’d worked as a copywriter at the National Wild Turkey Federation, did public relations for Mossy Oak, and did a stint with Quality Deer Management Association before joining Chevalier. McPherson was one of his clients, and the two became close enough that when McPherson began thinking about selling the company, he mentioned it to Davis.It wasn’t that McPherson was done with decoys. He remains very involved even today. But running the company wasn’t something he enjoyed.“Jerry is really good at a lot of things,” Davis said. “I don’t think he liked the business side of it—going to the buy group shows, figuring out pricing, that sort of thing. ffihe day-to-day operations weren’t his thing. He really just wanted to do the parts of the job he enjoyed. We joke that he does all the hunting and fieldytesting, and  pay all the bills.vDavis was excited about the opportunity to purchase the company.“I’d been wanting to do something on my own,” he said. “And Montana Decoy was an established business. Even if I didn’t change anything, it would still be successful. And Montana’s always been a special place for me. When I was in high school, my parents let me skip a few days of school—which was very unlike them—for

22 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025a late summer camping trip in Montana, which was pretty epic. This really felt right.”Davis, along with a partner, formed Flint Holdings to purchase Montana Decoy in 2012. They eventually moved the warehouse to Pennsylvania, although Davis remained where he lives in South Carolina and McPherson still works in Colstrip, Montana.Under the purchase agreement, McPherson agreed to stay on for three years.“I was contracted to help with the transition and new product development,” McPherson said. “After the three years were up, they wanted to keep me on. We’ve been working together ever since. I deal with new product development and help out with the manufacturing quite a bit. It’s been a really good working relationship.”Davis believes that, despite the change in ownership, the soul of Montana Decoy remains unchanged.“I think this whole journey would have been a lot harder if we didn’t have Jerry,” he said. “He’s the backbone of the company. fflets definitely the guy you want creating new products. I mean, he’s not the guy you want working the booth at trade shows because he’ll just end up giving everything away, but having him still involved is a gutcheck for me. Would the brand do this? Does this feel right to you? Are we going down a path we shouldn’t be going down? Hardly a day goes by that we don’t talk or text—although a lot of that is just talking about what happened in the woods that day as opposed to always being business-related.”The Three TenetsWhile much has changed since the transition, the important things haven’t. No matter what, the Montana Decoy team keeps its sights set on three critical qualities in all their decoys: lightweight, packable and photorealistic.Davis, along with a partner, formed Flint Holdings to purchase Montana Decoy in 2012. They eventually moved the warehouse to Pennsylvania, although Davis remained where he lives in South Carolina and McPherson still works in Colstrip, Montana.--sition and new product development,” McPherson said. “After the three years were up, they wanted to keep me on. We’ve been working together ever since. I deal with new product development and help out with the manufacturing quite a bit. It’s been a really Davis believes that, despite the change in -“I think this whole journey would have been a lot harder if we didn’t have Jerry,” --ing new products. I mean, he’s not the guy you want working the booth at trade shows because he’ll just end up giving everything away, but having him still involved is a gutcheck for me. Would the brand do this? Does this feel right to you? Are we going down a path we shouldn’t be going down? Hardly a -though a lot of that is just talking about what happened in the woods that day as --ter what, the Montana Decoy team keeps its sights set on three critical qualities in all their decoys: lightweight, packable and “We’ve made some mistakes,” Davis said. “Every successful business makes mistakes. Some of our products didn’t jump off the shelves. We learn from that and move on. But being true to our tenets—those three things—keeps us on the right path.”One of the changes Davis has implemented has been to incorporate a bit more technology.“Part of my job is to embrace technology a bit more than we had in the past,” he said. “By that I mean marketing through social media, adopting some different sales strategies, figuring pricing programs, etc. n addition, we were able to improve the printing quality and add different layers of material to give the decoy a more natural look whether the sun is behind it or on it. And we’ve been able to use Photoshop-type technology to manipulate our photos to work better with the leg poles and the head placement. We’re able to get exactly the right pose.“We’ve also branched into a lot of different animals. We started with elk and antelope, and then added deer and some turkeys. Turkeys weren’t a priority before, but now we have 3D turkeys. Jerry created our current turkey decoys, which work almost like a reverse slinky, the way they fold. We have posable heads and necks. We have multiple position options for the leg pole. You can buy one hen decoy from us, and you can put it in multiple poses and dial the head and neck in to really match that pose.”Montana Decoy has introduced other products as well.“We’ve added some accessories, like quick stands and tip-up stands that really impact the way you use the decoys,” Davis said. “It’s not just walking out and staking it in the ground. You can hide the decoy until you want to use it, or if you’re on an antelope hunt and it’s a very mobile situation, and you’re trying to run the decoy with one

DECEMBER 2025 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 23

24 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025hand and hold your bow with the other, the quick stand lets you do that. It makes you a more effective hunter.“But we always stick to those three things: lightweight, packable and photorealistic. Those are always part of our decoys. If it doesn’t look good, it’s not going to work. If it’s not lightweight, you’re not going to want to carry it. And it can’t be bulky, either. t has to be packable. deally, it should fit in your pack, or your vest if you’re turkey hunting. You shouldn’t have to carry a whole different backpack just for your decoys.”Working with Fred EichlerOne of Montana Decoy’s key partners is Fred Eichler, who began using the decoys himself after he heard how well they work.“It actually wasn’t me that found them first,v ffichler said. wt was one of my guides, Jake. He was guiding one of our bowhunters, and they spooked a bull across this big meadow. Jake had a Montana Decoy with him and out of curiosity, he whipped it out and stepped to the edge of the meadow to show it. The elk was running, looked back and stopped. It was like he thought, ‘Oh, I thought that was people, but it must have been another elk.’ And he came right back to the decoy. Jake and his client were blown away. When I heard that story, I knew it was time to take these decoys seriously. Not only have I harvested a lot of elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope and turkeys over them, but I’ve used them a lot for my clients that have had great success.”Eichler loved the decoys but had some suggestions to make them even more effective in the terrain he hunted.“I called the company up and told them I loved the products and they worked great, but I live in the Rocky Mountains,” he said. “Trying to get those poles into the rocks was very difficult.  asked if they could come up with maybe a quick sling method, where we’re tying them into brush, or using alligator clips so I could set them up faster. They thought that was a great idea. I started working with them, and together we have come up with some really cool things.“It’s been fun for me. Everybody at Montana Decoy hunts. They’re bowhunters, they’re outdoorsmen. They enjoy it, and they take it really seriously.”Part of taking decoys seriously is putting in a lot of fieldytesting.“People don’t realize the amount of testing that goes into not only the decoys, but the decoy shape, the photo, the silhouette,” Eichler explained. “Once C.J. sent me a whitetail decoy before it hit the market to see what we thought. I set it up in a field where  could glass it from my lodge. I drove back to the lodge and lifted up my binoculars, and the decoy was laying down. I drove down and set it back up. After I left and looked back, the decoy was laying down again.”Eichler was getting frustrated by this point, certain that something wasn’t working properly. He set it up a third time, but this time he only went a short distance before looking back. “This buck came running out of the treeline, tried to mount the decoy and knocked it over,” he said. “I called C.J. and said, ‘I think this is a winner.’ At one point I had three bucks around the decoy. It was so cool.“Don’t get me wrong. We’ve had some that we tested that didn’t work. But the testing’s been fun. I like being part of helping hunters get close to game.”Eichler stressed that decoys are just one tool in a hunter’s bag.“When I talk to people about decoys,” he said, “I tell them it’s like rattling. It’s like grunting. When it works, it’s amazing. But sometimes it doesn’t work. It takes the right situation. I would never say you can pop up

DECEMBER 2025 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 25a decoy and take an animal every time. That’s not true. But when it does work, it adds so much to the hunt because you can place an animal exactly where you want to get the shot.”Eichler appreciates the three qualities Montana Decoy is known for.“The decoys are super lightweight, which makes them handy because I don’t use decoys every day, and if they’re heavy or ungainly, I wouldn’t take them with me,” he said, “The fact that they’re light and easily packable gives hunters an advantage because it’s easy to have one with you and it can make the difference between getting an animal or not. I’ve harvested animals that I would not have taken if I didn’t have a Montana Decoy—and so have some of my clients. We’ve also got some neat setups where you can raise the decoy up from the bottom of your tree. If you see a buck and you’ve tried grunting at him, bleating at him, rattling at him, and nothing’s working, you can raise the decoy up. A lot of times, he’ll look over and think, ‘Oh, there’s a deer,’ and come in to it. We also have the quick stand, where you literally step on it with one foot to get the decoy up fast.“They’re just constantly trying to introduce more decoys, more positions and improve the product, so it works even better. And the decoys are super reasonably priced.”“Fred Eichler is a big part of our success,” Davis said. “He sees so many hunters through his outfitting business and he started using the decoys before there was ever any relationship. He’s been great at coming up with ideas and ways to use the decoys.”

26 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025Delivering onQuality ServiceMontana Decoy is committed to providing exceptional customer service and supporting its many retailers. The company attends a number of shows to get out there and meet its dealer base.“We try to support them at the buy group shows, the dealer shows, ATA and ARRO,” Davis explained. “We try to give them an incentive to buy at those shows where they can bundle for the year and save on shipping. We also give them the photography and accessory materials they might need to display the products or talk about them. We have a website, and people can buy direct from us, but that’s not what our business is based on. If we’re going to do a close-out or a sale, we always try to make sure the dealers are aware of it and give them an opportunity to participate.“I want people to feel like they’ve had an excellent experience with us, whether they’re a dealer or an end user. I think we’re still repairing decoys that were sold in the late ’90s just because people are attached to them and want to keep using them. If youtve had a problem with a decoy, we fi it. f we messed up on a shipment, we fi it. We’ve had people go on hunts where a decoy broke and we’ll overnight one to them. We always try to put ourselves in their shoes. What would I want a company to do if I was in this situation?”Using Social MediaPart of Montana Decoy’s current marketing strategy is effective social media use. The company uses its blogs and social media platforms to deliver the kind of content they want to see themselves.“We show the products being used in the field, and we try to avoid everything being a sales pitch because that irritates me as much as anybody,” Davis said. “We want to put out content that Jerry and I would enjoy reading about, while also keeping an educational component so somebody who’s not familiar with our decoys can learn something. Maybe they can pick up a tip on how to use it or see somebody else having success with a style of decoy they haven’t considered. We’re trying to grow our brand and grow our business through all of that, but we’re trying to do it in a way that feels true to the consumer.”The Future of Montana DecoyAs much success as the company has had in the past 30 years, Davis and McPherson are excited about what the future holds.That, in the immediate future, includes the 2026 Spikeler Combo.“Working with Fred Eichler, we developed the Eicher Elk Decoy and the Eicher Antelope,” Davis said. “For 2026, we’re putting together what we call the Spikeler Combo. Fred’s known for embracing a shoot-whatmakes-you-happy mentality, so we came up with the name Spikeler. It’s a combo of a spike buck and a doe. It works with older deer but if you like fresh backstraps it will work on young bucks and does as well. We’re still dialing everything in, but it should be ready for store shelves by early summer.”McPherson stays busy working on new products, as well as handling requests for custom decoys.“We probably get one or two requests a week for specialty decoys,” he said. “Right now, we’re doing a grizzly bear and a caribou. We do a lot of different African animals and things like that.” Montana Decoy has several dedicated team members who help things run smoothly. Sarah Weaver is the company’s operations manager. Kirsten Currie handles much of the bill paying, while Brian Ladzinski handles shipping and warehousing.Davis said we can expect to see continued growth from the company.“I hope we continue to grow in a way that improves our product, as well as improves our customer experience,” Davis said. “I want to grow with our dealers. I think that market’s just changing and evolving so much lately. There’s so many direct-to-consumer businesses nowadays, but the dealers are really, really important for the industry.”As Montana Decoy grows, you can bet that it will continue to focus on producing decoys that are lightweight, packable and photorealistic.“We’re always striving to make the best decoys possible,” McPherson said. “We’re always working on different poses and testing that work the best on animals to make sure our hunters are as successful as possible.”And Davis and McPherson won’t lose sight of what really matters.“I want people to know there are legitimate bowhunters running this company,” Davis said. “We’re not going to get everything right, but we always approach every product as bowhunters and not as people trying to sell a product. We’re just a couple of hunters who love what we do.” IA

28 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025MARKET TRENDS GEAR REPORTU.BY PATRICK MEITINMorrell TargetsCenter Punch Targetsdice providing multiple white aiming spots.For 2026 Morrell took the High Roller concept further, especially for archers who enjoy challenging themselves with long-range practice. New Center Punch Targets combine the toughness of the High Roller series with an expanded safety margin that allows going long with complete confidence.Center Punch Targets provide S.-made Morrell Targets represent one of the most respected and trusted brands in archery.They’re not only affordable, but stand up to hard use and stop the hardest-hitting arrows and bolts you can throw at them. Long known for game-changing bag targets, Morrell has also changed the target game with their rugged High Roller block targets mimicking a large red an enlarged surface area created by six-layers of thick closed-cell foam providing a steady 13-inch base, the center holding an arrowstopping, replaceable High Roller core. The black base foam stops arrows and bolts sent at up to 365 fps, while the High Roller insert provides enough stopping power for arrows/bolts traveling at up to 450 fps. This Center Punch fusion provides added margin for error for novices, or experts stretching yardage to 100 yards, absolute stability when hit with the most powerful projectiles and assured stopping power, while also allowing manageable portability.dice providing mul

DECEMBER 2025 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 29They are offered in bargain-priced 24-by-24-by-13-inch CP 24; super-generous 35-by-35-by-13-inch CP 35; or vertically-oriented 24-by-36-by-13-inch V36 options. The CP 24 makes an ideal hunting camp practice target, the CP 35 a great backyard target that prevents arrow holes in the picket fence or pumphouse wall, the V36 including a vertical format perfect for extreme long-range sight-in and practice.The CP 35 reviewed proved exactly what I needed for sighting in and testing bows, as well as getting those long-range mover sights dialed in. Morrell makes some generous bagstyle targets ideal for long-range practice, but I mostly shoot ultrathin diameter arrows like Victory Archery’s VAP TKO with outsert systems that catch on bag-target shells during extraction. The Center Punch’s molded-foam construction and High Roller self-healing foam eliminates that, offering easy arrow extraction without sacrificing stopping power or long life.I shoot heavy poundage and shoot often, so tend to wear targets out fast. This makes the replaceable nature of the proprietary High Roller insert a real plus. The outer layered base is unlikely to receive the same pounding as the center core, so after finding the core becoming shot out following thousands of shots, I can simply replace it with any 13-inch Higher Roller target and keep on shooting in complete confidence.The CP 35 is light enough that it proved remarkably easy to handle and move, especially given its sheer stability. Additionally, the 13-inch square High Roller center core could easily be knocked out to carry to hunting camp if  were to find space limited.Center Punch Targets are just beginning to ship, so get your orders in now. To learn more about the Center Punch lineup, or any of Morrell’s other revolutionary targets, visit morrelltargets.com. IAWebXtra ■ For a closer look at this product and many others, check them out at insidearchery.com.what I needed for sighting in and without sacrificing stopping power or long life.I shoot heavy poundage and shoot often, so tend to wear targets out fast. This makes the replaceable nature of the proprietary High Roller insert a real plus. The outer layered base is unlikely to receive the same out following thousands of shots, I can simply replace it with any 13-inch Higher Roller target and keep

30 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025Despite being the largest bowstring producer in the industry, until late 2024 Headhunter Bow Strings was known only to the group of OEM manufacturers they serve. This includes some of the largest names in bow manufacturing. It was in 2024 when Headhunter Bow Strings owners and brothers Jeff, Brad and Brian Adee made up their minds to help independent archery dealers solve many of the problems they faced with securing quality replacement bowstrings. It was then Headhunter began offering their top-quality bowstrings to dealers, in addition to their OEM manufacturers.Headhunter operates on a scale of economics, which also makes their wares affordable. In essence, if Headhunter is making 30,000 string sets for an OEM customer, it is easy enough for them to produce a few hundred extra of each set to make them available to archery dealers. This also means that the replacement strings dealers order are exactly like those that came from the factory on a given bow. Headhunter is now there to serve dealers and ensure shorter lead times.The Adee brothers, avid outdoorsmen and hunters from an early age, purchased Headhunter Bow Strings with the aim of improving efficiency, building superior products and better serving their existing customers. Their various skillsets earned from previous vocations melded into a perfect combination of mindsets and a “get’er done” mentality that turned a relatively small bowstring business into the mega supplier they have become today. Yet, they strive for more, better and better yet, with unsurpassed customer service at the center of it all.After purchasing the company Headhunter quadrupled and then uintupled the companyts sie in the first five years based on word of mouth alone. ReinventingBowstring Technology

DECEMBER 2025 31 INSIDEARCHERY.COMHeadhunter’s current locations in Meeker, Colorado, and Milton, Wisconsin, now produce millions of bowstrings annually.The Adee brothers are quick to credit their employees, advanced equipment and processes for the unsurpassed quality of their bowstrings. As can be imagined, building the perfect bowstring requires a good deal of skill, with years typically required to learn those skills. Some of Headhunter’s top string makers have been at the job for 30 years. It is this skill that allows Headhunter to produce, say, 30,000 top-quality OEM strings that are exactly alike.Beyond that the Adees are problem solvers at heart. Good enough is never good enough. Headhunter is continually seeking a better way, be that a more efficient process, but especially when it comes to the raw materials their strings are crafted from.This is how Alien Fibers came to be.The Adee’s began seeing that existing raw materials were struggling to keep up with compound bow and especially crossbow technologies, as essentially nothing new has appeared in bowstring materials in at least 10 years. This was particularly pointed as bows and crossbows became shorter, and the components that held them all together were forced to absorb additional

32 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025stress. ffihey knew they needed to find a better performing material to maintain the high standards ffleadhunter was built on. ffihis need led them to look outside the archery industry, to materials being used by the military and government agencies.ffleadhunter is currently still improving on base Alien ibers materials, conducting ehaustive testing to ensure they will live up to not only their epectations, but the continued trust of their #ff, base. Alien promises an ample amount of elasticity to help absorb the tremendous amount of shock bowstrings are subected to each time an archer drops a bowstring or sueees the trigger on a modern crossbow. Alien ibers also promises higher breaking strength and more resistance to fraying or fuing, translated to mean more abrasion resistance. ffihey do this while maintaining the same finished diameters bowstring makers are accustomed to. .ome Alien ibers are also essentially selfylubing, which will lead to a 544 percentÉpossibly moreÉincrease in overall string life.Alien base bowstring material is epected to drop by the end of the first uarter 848<, after testing is complete and ffleadhunter can ensure 544 percent confidence in #ff, satisfaction. f all goes according to plan, this will be the biggest improvement in bowstring technology seen in 84 years.n the meantime, Alien technology is already available in two new serving materialsA ,aic center serving and ,ystic end serving.,aic serving material also offers longer life, including less separation or abrasion wear. t is offered in standard .459y, .457y, .464y and .46<yinch diameters, which covers =4 percent of eisting available materials. What is gained is a more consistent and accurate material Reinventing Bowstring Technology

DECEMBER 2025 INSIDEARCHERY.COMthat produces less friction and less wear. Its slightly more “slippery” makeup allows it to remain properly shaped longer, meaning it wontt flatten or turn oval after hard use.,ystic end serving is offered in .456yinch diameter only and uses a type of ceramic coated material to eliminate friction and wear in cam tracks. ffihe .459yinch diameter ,aic material can also be used as end serving, but ,ystic was engineered specifically for this purpose. After Mystic is applied, this leads to a more uniform and tight fit less prone to internal friction, slippage or separation. The applied ceramic coating also makes Mystic less prone to the impacts of UV rays.The Adees didn’t set out to get into the fibers industry, and they especially didntt wish to step on any toes. ffihey ust needed something to stand up to the increasing demands of modern compound bow and crossbow technology. As such, Headhunter is making the technology available to the industry by handing this new technology off to bowstring material powerhouse BCY.Headhunter still remains dedicated to making things easy for dealers. They keep ordering simple, offering the same OEM strings already found on popular bow brands. Dealers simply plug in what bow they are dealing with and in si clicks have a new set on the way. Headhunter will also continue to treat their customers like family, providing customer service second to none, including noyuestionsyasked returns and echanges.Check out Headhunter Bow Strings revolutionary Alien ibers lineup, or the company’s other bowstring needs, by visiting headhunterbowstrings.com and bcyinc.com. IAdiameter only and uses a type of ceramic coated material to eliminate friction and wear in cam tracks. ffihe .459yinch diameter ,aic material can also be used as end serving, but ,ystic was engineered specifically for this purpose. After Mystic is applied, this leads to a more making things easy for dealers. They keep ordering simple, offering the same OEM strings already found on popular bow brands. Dealers simply plug in what bow they are dealing with and in si clicks have a new set on the way. Headhunter will also continue to treat their

34 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025MARKET TRENDS GEAR REPORTIBY PATRICK MEITINOctober Mountain ProductsPhoenix Fletching Jignum parts, but is easy to use and offers a mega range of adjustments.Natural feathers or synthetic vanes can be applied with up to 5 degrees of offset—in precise 1-degree increments—and with straight, right- or left-wing orientation. Center-line ad-ustment screws and a fletchingyspacing adjustment knob are found on the channeled clamp tower for total control, and shafts are held at a 20-degree angle, ensuring nocks remain seated while fletching to ensure consistency. Fletching options include standard 584ydegree threeyfletch, =4ydegree fouryfletch or 7;54;ydegree fouryfletch as needed.ffihe )hoeni comes with <.;yinch clamps for straight or offset fletching, with right- and left-wing helical clamps sold separately. Every clamp can be purchased individually, or as part of the jig set. Fletching clamps are held in place while adhesive cures using powerful N30 magnets, laser etched for precision indeing and beveled for easy cleaning.The quick-load nock receiver allows viewing your work, while clamps are notched to accommodate nock collars. The keyed slot and nock receiver truly enǖoy ǡetching my own arrows, as it allows me to choose the e˾act ǡetchings “ want for a speciǞc purpose, in the colors “ want, as well as adding colorful wraps or cresting if “ chooseƖI also believe I’ll generally do a better ob than factory fletched arrows, placing vanes or feathers where they should be and applying the amount of helical I want to better steer hunting broadheads. could name a long list of fletching jigs available on the market today, but I can say without hesitation that October Mountain Product’s (OMP) makes one of the very best. #,)ts )hoeni Fletching Jig is not only ruggedly built from die-cast and machined-alumiincludes detent holes for locking rotation settings, and the oversized base plate holds four padded rubber feet for stability. The base also features four accessory cutouts to hold fletchings, nocks, inserts or bushings while working. ffiy<4<5 aluminum makes the )hoeni ruggedly dependable. ffihe tipyproof base plate makes it portable, but it can be anchored to a work bench via the provided screw holes.The standard 5-degree offset option works well for field points while target shooting, or streamlined mechanical broadheads while bowhunting. or fiedyblade hunting broadheads, or when applying natural feathers to traditional longbows and recurves, I generally prefer the optional helical clamps and the additional stabilizing arrow rotation they provide.If you or your customers are the kind of archer who uses their equipment hard and often, the )hoeni /igts stout and dependable all-metal construction is a real selling point. If you or your customers demand superior consistency and accuracy, the )hoenits precision engineering and clear, laser-etched adjustment marks make this jig more appealing yet. ffihe )hoeni applies each and every fletching eactly the same, translating into tighter downrange groups and better broadhead control. Any arrow diameter made can be fletched with the )hoeniÉ.5<;yinch microydiameter to 87yseries lineycutter shafts. Learn more by visitingoctobermountainproducts.com. IAangle, ensuring nocks remain seated while fletching to ensure consistency. Fletching provided screw holes.The standard 5-degree offset option works well for WebXtra ■ For a closer look at this product and many others, check them out at insidearchery.com.October Mountain Productsnum parts, but is easy to use and offers

38 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025By Patrick Meitin

DECEMBER 2025 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 39fresh wave of bow launches always fuels big excitement, and 2026 is already shaping up to deliver some standout innovations. That said, some designs are so far out front that they continue garnering serious attention and selling briskly despite the appearance of the newest models. So, whether released this fall, or late last year, these are the electrifying flagship models that are raking up steady sales as we speak. All represent cutting-edge designs packed with exciting features that set them apart from models that came before. Not so long ago, we had to wait for the annual ATA Trade Show to see what the future held, but today’s staggered release schedules mean some brands and models drop as early as October, while others continue to spotlight their reigning flagships. No matter when companies choose to unveil their next big thing, the excitement remains high. With innovations hitting shelves now and more coming in 2026, there’s plenty to explore. Let’s dig in.Hunting CompoundsBEAR ARCHERY ■ Bear Archery’s Legend Series Redeem is the companyts flagship for 848<. ffihis bow measures 30 inches between the axles and generates IBO arrow speeds of up to 340 fps. This makes the Redeem a serious bowhunting tool, while also providing top-tier features that lend bowhunters convenience and a higher degree of shootability. It includes a forgiving 6.25-inch brace height creating an ideal blend of speed and stability, while also proving lighter than previous models with similar specs. The EKO2 Cam includes a smooth draw cycle combined with a rock-solid rear wall. Draw length and let-off rates are fully customizable. It is offered

2026 Early Releases & Winning Holdovers40 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025in draw-weight ranges from 45 to 60 pounds and 55 to 70 pounds, both including a draw length range from 25 to 30 inches and let-off options of 80 or 85 percent. The riser allows integrating components such as rest, sight and wrist sling to provide streamlined attachment and lower carry weight. New QPC-Quad )ocket \"ontrol allows fineytuning cam timing and nock travel through microadjustable rockers for smoother shooting, tighter groups and added confidence. Hunting silence is maintained through a vibration-dampening string stop and the bow comes with an integrated pull-up rope attachment loop. Draw lengths from 25 to 30 inches are possible in a single bow, and finish options include Emerge 2.0, Mossy Oak Bottomland, Olive and Stone. Left- and right-hand models are available.Customers seeking a longer axle-toaxle bow will love the Bear Archery Alaskan Pro RTH. This compound includes a 33-inch axle-to-axle span and propels 350-grain arrows at 70 pounds (IBO) to 339 fps, while also providing a smooth draw cycle. The Alaskan Pro builds on the trusted series, the RTH (Ready To Hunt) added to the equation, with a Trophy Ridge rest, sight, quiver and stabilizer. That’s $160 of value added. This makes the Alaskan Pro RTH a serious performer that includes an affordable price. A forgiving 6.25-inch brace height and the 33-inch length ensure a forgiving and stable platform. Draw weight spans of 45 to 60 pounds or 55 to 70 pounds are offered, with draw lengths of 25.5 to 30.5 inches and let-off options of 80 or 85 percent possible from a single bow thanks to the EKO² Cam System. A complete Bear Archery vibration dampening system (limb, riser, arrow shelf and string stop) and smooth tracking roller cable system ensures smooth operation and quiet shots. An integrated pull-up rope loop is included. The same Redeem dexterity and finish options are available. flearn more at bearachery.com. BOWTECH ■ While Bowtech will be releasing its newest 2026 lineup at the ATA Trade Show in Indianapolis in January, the standout Virtue is still turning heads and moving well. This 32-inch bow is precision-engineered and ready for serious bowhunting assignments. The Virtue is based on a cutting-edge AeroMag magnesium riser, a material that is lighter than aluminum but just as strong and stable. AeroMag construction results in a feathery 3.7-pound mass. In addition to the AeroMag riser the Virtue also includes nail-tough titanium fasteners throughout—a material that is lighter than steel yet stronger and more durable. The riser is finished with durable \"erakote to resist scratches. Bowtech’s DeadLock Technology and TimeLock cam systems allow fast and simple tuning adjustments without involving a bow press. The riser also holds BearLegendRedeemBowtechVirtueBearAlaskanPro RTHEliteVaros

DECEMBER 2025 41 INSIDEARCHERY.COMa fully-adjustable Grip-Lock grip that allows setting grip angle to create a desired feel. The 2nd Generation CenterMass Sight System by Bowtech shifts the bow’s balance point closer to center to optimize stability and shot follow-through. Arrow speeds of up to 341 fps are possible using a 6.19-inch brace height. Order the Virtue in peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds, the cam system allowing draw lengths between 25 to 30 inches. Learn more at bowtecharchery.com.ELITE ARCHERY ■ Elite Archery’s Varos and Carbon Axys are the bows serious bowhunters will be considering from the company in 2026. Each maintains Elite’s focus on complete shootability, ensuring easy accuracy and shooting comfort. The Varos blends speed, adaptability and shooting comfort in a compact 31 15/16-inch axle-to-axle hunting platform. It is driven by SP2 Cams with VX Mods and Micro Splitters, and includes the company’s revolutionary S.E.T. Technology and Delta VRT technology. The Micro Splitters allow fast, tool-free cam-timing adjustments in ¼-inch draw length increments between 25.5 and 31 inches. Elite promises IBO arrow speeds of up to 338 fps via a forgiving 6 5/8-inch brace height. Delta VRT and a lower stabilizer bushing virtually eliminate post-shot vibrations. ffihe 9.;;ypound bow is offered in 84 finish options, including new Black Cherry and Raspberry target hues. Both rightand left-hand models are available. The real plus here is the +aros offers a flagship bow priced $300 to $400 below bow models with comparable features—Elite maintaining 2025 prices while offering top-grade technologies through vertical integration of their entire operation.For fans of carbon-riser bows, the 2026 Elite Carbon Axys offers next-generation technology. The Carbon Axys moves carbon technology to the next level, offering a lightweight yet highly shootable bow promoting uncompromising accuracy. The Carbon Axys also includes Elite’s new Micro Splitter system, which allows pressfree cam timing adustments in the field. ffihis is combined with fflitets efficient .)8 Cam System with VX Performance Mods, which allows customizable let-off and draw lengths from 25.5 to 31 inches in a single bow, and in ¼-inch increments. Proven S.E.T. Technology allows further fineytuning through limb tensioning, and Delta VRT is also part of the equation. Combined, the Carbon Axys allows precision tuning and perfect arrow flight. ffihe Carbon Axys weighs just 4.3 pounds, while also featuring Elite’s R.A.C. System, allowing Picatinny sight mounting. The Carbon Axys measures 32 ½ inches between the axles, includes a 6 ¾-inch brace height and generates IBO speeds of up to 338 fps. Learn more at elitearchery.com. PRIME ARCHERY ■ Prime’s 2026 lineup includes the all-new Divide series. There EliteCarbonAxysHoytCarbonRX-10PrimeDivideMathewsARC

2026 Early Releases & Winning Holdovers42 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025are eight configurations in all, including &ivide 65, 66, 6; and 67 aleytoyale models, all of these offered with a choice of <y or 7yinch brace height. ffihis allows building a bow to fit specific shooting goals. flike last yearts #*,, the )rime &ivide utilies Advanced .tructures ffiechnology BA.ffiC to create an ultraystiff, superyconsistent riser that minimies carry weight. A.ffi places the perfect materialsÉAmericanymade carbon rods and milled aluminumÉin all the right places to create a halfypound lighter, 97.; percent stiffer and more precise bow. )rimets \"enter %rip riser allows faster target acuisition, steadier holds, better inyhand balance and more consistent accuracy. ffihe proven \"ore \"am .ystem includes drawylengthyspecific mods to promote optimal efficiency at every draw length, while also providing a silkyysmooth draw cycle. ffihe \"ore \"amts adustable draw stop allows setting letyoff from <; to :6 percent. #ptional performance mods are also available to boost arrow speeds. ffihe riser holds )icatinny sight, ntegrate rest mounting and )rimets integrated .herpaflite $uiver system. !ew for 848<, the &ivide series also includes a ffirilite 'ow .tand mount, with two or three leg options. ffihe two front legs slide on the front of the integrated riser mount, while the third leg screws into the riserts bottom.ffihe &ivide 65 produces '# arrow speeds of 66; fps with the <yinch brace height, and 665 fps with a 7yinch brace. t weighs 9 pounds and draw length spans of 8;.; to 8=.; are possible with the <yinch brace height, and 8<.; to 64.; inches with the 7yinch brace. ffihe &ivide 66 produces '# arrow speeds of 66= or 665 fpsÉ<y and 7yinch brace heights, respectivelyÉallows draw length spans of 8< to 64 or 87 to 65 inches, respectively, and it weighs 9.5 pounds. ffihe &ivide 6; produces '# arrow speeds of 66: or 664 fps and allows drawylength spans of 8<.; to 64.; or 87.; to 65.; inches. t weighs 9.8 pounds. inally, the &ivide 67 produces 667 or 68= fps '# arrow speeds, and can be set up for 87 to 65 or 8: to 68 inches of draw lengths. t weighs 9.6 pounds. All &ivide bows can be ordered in nine limb colors and 55 riser colors, including new ffierra. flearn more at g;prime.com. HOYT ■ ffloytts \"arbon *ff&W*2 carbon lineup received a maor upgrade for 848< with the patentypending 2ffi. ffiuning .ystem. ffihe new system allows easier, more precise tuning. ffihe new system is found on the 848< *2y54, which includes the *2y54, *2y54 filtra, *2y54 filtra fl& Bflong &rawC and *2y54 .& B.hort &rawC models. ffach bow holds the new ffl'2 %en 9 \"am, which is smoother and easier to shoot than ever. ffihe flagship \"arbon *2y54 includes 64 ʉyinch aleytoyale specs, weighs 9.5 pounds and will send arrows to '# speeds of 698 fps using a < 5{:yinch brace height. ffihey can be ordered with PSESicarioCarbonAPAMambaPro 6PSEDecreeFDSXpeditionNexLite

DECEMBER 2025 INSIDEARCHERY.COM 43peak draw weights of 40 to 80 pounds, and a single cam handles draw lengths from 25 to 30 inches. Returning to the patent-pending XTS Tuning System, that technology allows fast, simple and precise tuning, without the need for a bow press. While many tuning systems remedy left and right tears, the XTS can also be used to correct high and low tears, making it more versatile and efficient during paper, bare shaft or broadhead tuning, and even following small draw-weight adjustments. Hoyt put in the engineering tedium to make it easy for anyone to precisely tune their bow. Hoyt says that the HBX Gen 4 cam is so smooth it makes 70 pounds feel closer to 60. The HBX Gen 4 is also hugely customizable, allowing for adjusting draw length in ¼-inch increments, as well as let-off and rear-wall feel. Hoyt Carbon Technology is warmer to the touch in cold weather than aluminum and includes a strength-to-weight ratio like no other bow. Learn more at hoyt.com.MATHEWS, INC. ■ Leave it to Mathews to move compound bow technology forward yet again. That is exactly what they have done for 2026 with the new Mathews A*\"Éenhancing stability, efficiency and versatility. The ARC is available in 30- and 34-inch versions. The ARC 30 includes a 6-inch brace height and generates IBO arrow speeds of 348 fps. The redesigned SWX-2 Cam with Parameter Weight Technology can be set up for 80 or 85 percent let-off and draw lengths from 25 to 30.5 inches. It was engineered to reduce felt recoil while also retaining speed to flatten traectories and add inyfield forgiveness. An optional SWX-Z Mod—which is also compatible with 2024 and later models—offers a smoother draw in exchange for a modest sacrifice of raw speed.The ARC 34 includes a 6.5-inch brace height and pushes arrows to IBO speeds of 343 fps. It includes the same let-off capabilities and handles draw lengths from 26.5 to 32 inches. Both feature a redesigned limb assembly that optimizes the equilibrium point and enhances parallel limb path for greater efficiency and less postyshot vibration. The new reinforced riser design maximizes strength and rigidity without adding weight, while the new limb cup design reduces overall mass. Improved integration of a Bridge-Lock VBar and Bridge-Lock 7-degree Angled Stabilizers are a part of this bow’s new features. Mathews SCS connection points are now integrated into the riser, instead of an optional add-on. These bows include micro-adjust Limb Shift Technology (LST) tuning, more durable and efficient A*\"7 Limb Technology and BOND Grip System of last year’s Lift X, with slightly less mass weight. The ARC series is available in 13 finishes, including new -odiak 'rown and -odiak 'rown fadeytoy'lack. flearn more at mathewsinc.com. PSE ARCHERY ■ The biggest news from PSE for 2026 is the all-new Sicario Carbon—BearKodiakHunterEliteEmerseBearDeerMomRTHHoytGen-3AlphaAX-3 SD

2026 Early Releases & Winning Holdovers44 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025which the company is touting as the fastest carbon bow ever built. This translates to 357 fps using a 5 ¼-inch effective brace height. The Sicario was built for bowhunters seeking maximum arrow velocities, but who dontt want to sacrifice control, stealth or a smooth shooting experience. The Sicario measures 33 inches between the axles to add a touch of forgiveness. PSE’s proven and silent Dead Frequency Carbon monocoque riser results in an ultra-stout riser that creates a 3.9-pound finished weight and vibrationyfree shooting experience. This bow uses an all-new FDS Cam System designed to provide a crisp, silky draw and solid back wall. Despite its raw performance, the Sicario provides a dead-in-the-hand feel, forgiving nature and easy tuning. The cams ride on oversized 5/8-inch bearings, the overall precision geometry and PSE’s time-tested Full Draw Stability system steadying every shot. The cam system allows let-off adjustments of 70, 75, 80 or 85 percent so shooters can fineytune for the feel they prefer. ffihey are available in 50-, 60-, 70- and 80-pound peak draw weights, with draw lengths of 24 ½ to 30 inches accommodated.For customers who prefer an aluminum-riser bow, the Decree FDS is a great choice for 2026. The Decree FDS was engineered for the American bowhunter, taking everything that made the original so popular and giving it the refined &. \"am System. This is a streamlined 31½-inch axle-to-axle compound weighing 4.65 pounds, blending compact maneuverability with shooting forgiveness. Decree FDS riser ridge geometry promotes steady aiming and forgiving shooting characteristics, while the new FDS Cam System gives the bow a 10 fps performance boost of 347 fps IBO, while also including a smoother draw cycle and solid rear wall. The newly-enhanced geometry provides up to 7/8-inch more effective brace height (6 ¼ brace, 7 ½ effective brace height) to make it more forgiving and easier to shoot. Let-off can be set at 70, 75, 80 or 85 percent. Choose from 60-, 70 or 80-pound peak draw weights, the FDS Cam adjustable for draw length from 25 to 30 ½ inches. Learn more at pse-archery.com. APA ARCHERY ■ The APA Mamba Pro 6 was engineered to provide a high-performance hunting package delivering the stability and precision of a target bow. The Mamba Pro 6 is ultra lightweight for easier toting, while also proving stronger than ever, uieter and more efficient. The new advanced Exoskeleton Grip increases rigidity, reduces weight and optimizes balance while including integrated fingeryreference grooves for enhanced comfort, stability and consistency. APA’s toolless Cam Lock Technology, Micro Tune cam timing and Shift Tune Technology for cam lean allow quick and simple adustments in the field, making tuning effortless and convenient. The Black Mamba Pro 6 measures 31 3/8 between the axles and sports a 6 1/16-inch brace height at rest and a dynamic brace height of 7 3/8 inches at full draw—adding forgiveness to every shot. This bow weighs just 3.9 pounds. Order them with 40-, 50-, 60-, 70- or 80-pound peak draw weights (adjustable in 10-pound increments). Draw length range is 24 to 30 inches. The Black Mamba Pro 6 is capable of achieving IBO arrow speeds of 357 fps with an 80 percent let-off. APA’s patented Integrated Carry Handle, Riser Fang, Tool Center, Torque-Free Limb Anchor and optional Integrated Bow Winch are still in play. The riser shelf includes a milled-in Nock Point Alignment Zone and micro-adjustable Center Shot Indicator for faster set-up. Pro Connect Technology offers faster, more streamlined shoulder strap, sight and stabilizer mounting to create improved bow balance for long-range accuracy. APA options such as Disc Weight Direct Mount and Stability Control System (SCS) are also available to enhance in-hand balance. Learn more at apaarchery.com. XPEDITION ARCHERY ■ The Xpedition NexLite series includes the NexLite 30 and 33, allowing bowhunters to choose a compact bow for stand/blind hunting, or a more forgiving bow for mountain hunting. NexLite bows include ultra-stout Magnite risers, which are 30 percent lighter than aluminum, while including 20 times more vibration dampening than commercial-grade carbon and three times more than 6061 aluminum. Both hold an integrated Xlok Grip ensuring a repeatable and torque-free geometry to promote accuracy. The integrated Xlok system of parts and accessories, plus a new limb pocket design, keeps tolerances tight and true. The riser includes M-Lok Accessory attachment slots, and the patent-pending Xlok tuning system provides spacers that can be moved without a bow press to provide three customized cam locations. An optimized roller guard better aligns buss cables to eliminate friction and wear. They are powered by the new NXB Cam system, which includes a smoother draw cycle, three module options, ¼-inch draw length adjustments, a 10 percent let-off adjustment span up to 85 percent, and a draw-stop dampener. Other key features include a machined Picatinny rail for sight mounting, Integrate-style rest mounting, quad mini dampeners, three stabilizer mounting locations and a new hex quiver mount. The riser is protected by a durable \"erakote finish.The NexLite 30 measures 30 inches between the axles and weighs 3.6 pounds. It delivers IBO arrow speeds of 336 fps via a 6.375-inch brace height. Peak draw weights of 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds are available and draw lengths from 24 to 30 inches are accommodated. The NexLite 33 spans 33 inches between the axles and weighs 3.75 pounds out of the box. It pushes arrows to IBO speeds of 330 fps with the same brace height. It provides 24.5- to 31-inch draw-length options, while all other options remain the same. Look for them in Armor Black, Sniper Gray, Flat Dark Earth, OD Green and Mossy Oak Bottomland. Learn more at xpeditionarchery.com.Traditional BowsBEAR ARCHERY ■ The 2026 Kodiak Hunter is a further refinement of the legendary recurve bow Fred Bear introduced in 1967. The bow still includes a smooth draw and fast arrow speeds, but has received upContinued on page 46

2026 Early Releases & Winning Holdovers46 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025grades to further enhance performance through modern string materials. This 60-inch recurve was designed for bowhunters who want a longer AMO than the compact Kodiak Mag. The Kodiak Hunter is handcrafted to include a shedua riser, black stripe and grey glass limbs—a new green glass option also available. The limb cores are made from hard-rock maple and overlaid with high-strength arctic grey or green fiberglass. ffihe arrow shelf is crowned, cut on center and holds a leather side plate and bear hair arrow rest. It is compatible with the included &ynaflight =7 lemish ffiwist string due to the handcrafted tips of layered fiberglass. *ighty and leftyhand models are available, in 35-, 40-, 45-, 50-, 55- and 60-pound draw weights (at 28 inches) options. Learn more at beararchery.com.Women & Youth ModelsBEAR ARCHERY ■ The new DeerMom compound from Bear Archery is a 2026 flagship model made ust for women archers and bowhunters. This model was developed in collaboration with DeerMom, a premium compound combining lightweight mass, a short 30-inch axleto-axle span and reliable energy delivery via its 80 or 85 percent let-off EKO2 SD cam system. It was engineered for draw lengths from 23.5 to 28 inches and draw weights from 30 to 50 pounds, while delivering arrow speeds of up to 320 fps (50 pounds at 28 inches). It includes a forgiving <.8;yinch brace height. t is outfitted with a *ffiffl package including a fourypin sight, Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, stabilier, fiveyarrow uiver and peep sight. Hunt-ready features include the built-in string stop to maximize vibration dampening, silent shelf design, integrated riser mounts for rest, sight and wrist sling, plus an integrated pull-up rope attachment point. ffihe &eer,om is uiet, compact and powerful, giving female bowhunters an real edge in the field. t includes an #live riser and Mossy Oak Bottomland limbs, and can be ordered in right- or left-hand versions. Learn more at beararchery.com. ELITE ARCHERY ■ The 2026 Emerse from Elite Archery is the company’s next-generation youth bow and was engineered to grow with archers and redefine the youth-bow category. It includes a wide draw-length and draw-weight range while also delivering the pure shootability Elite is known for. The 30 1/8-inch axle-to-axle Emerse is driven by a superysmooth and highlyyadustable four-track cam capable of pushing arrows to IBO speeds of up to 325 fps via a forgiving < ={5<yinch brace height. ffihe lightweight aluminum riser is well-balanced, durable and creates a 6.=ypound out-of-the-box weight. Elite’s Split Cable System further accentuates stability and consistency. Draw lengths between 20 and 28.5 inches and draw weights between 20 and 60 pounds are accommodated. ffihe cam allows adusting letyoff from 74 to =4 percent. ,ultiple finishes are available, including new Black Cherry and *aspberry target colors. ffihe ffmerse is available as a stand-alone bow or as a *ffi. -it holding uality \"ustom 'ow ffuipment B\"'ffC accessories. flearn more at elitearchery.com. HOYT ■ The Gen-3 Alpha AX-3 SD by Hoyt includes the same patent-pending XTS ffiuning .ystem as ffloytts other flagship bows, but is designed to handle shorter draw lengths from 86 and 87 inches. ffihe Alpha AX-3 SD is a hugely forgiving compound that allows archers to hold steady on target and follow through smoothly. The HBX SD (Short Draw) cam provides a silky-smooth draw cycle. This bow is euipped with ffloytts nyfline accessory system attachment points and balances perfectly in hand. The Alpha AX-3 SD includes compact 8= ʉyinch aleytoyale specs and weighs only 4.25 pounds. It propels arrows to up to 654 fps B87 inches at 74 poundsC with a <yinch brace height. Choose from peak draw weights of 30 to 74 pounds. flearn more at hoyt.com. IAContinued from page 44

48 INSIDE ARCHERY DECEMBER 2025Old proprietary systems like Dart, Techno Hunt and others are closed proprietary systems. This means only Techno Hunt or Dart can create content that will run on their systems. This is akin to old 1980’s computer systems that only used applications created by the developer of the system. ffihis provides limited fleibility and created a slow development timeline for new and useful applications.The result is that proprietary platforms remained epensive and offered limited usefulness. Think in terms of Wang, DEC and Commodore Computer—who are no longer around. BIGshot ArcheryDigital RangeThe BIGshot Open Platform VR Simulator allows the company’s developers to create shooting video sets, games and images for the simulator that make it the most dynamic and versatile digital range yet developed. That is why the BIGshot Targets VR player platform can utilize video created by a trail cam, your pro shop, your favorite hunting show team or any instructor—plus it is the only system featuring 2026 ASA sanctioned targets for indoor practice or leagues. This, in essence, allows users to shoot their target buck before they even climb into BIGshot Archery has become the No. 1 provider of professional-gradearchery simulators, and is now offering an advanced digital range. a treestand or blind, using trail-camera video downloaded onto the BIGshot Archery Digital range system. ffioday the system has epanded to become a true digital range, including spot target images and cameras for comprehensive instructor and shooter feedback. The VideoTargets.com Open VR Simulator provides access to more dynamic and fun content verses traditional or proprietary systems currently on the market, adding value to your investment over time. BIGshot’s goal is to provide a system that offers significantly more value than just a simulator or analog target range.The BIGshot Digital Range also offers many advantages over eisting interactive systems. Most uniquely, the multiuse target wall can be used as a standard archery backstop holding paper targets, or projected video. This means shooting arrows used for hunting—including broadheads—without the need for special tips. The open platform VR player also allows dealers and range owners to create their own custom content, including advertising spots—in addition to the ability to load personal trail camera videos or photos. The modular system allows starting small and slowly epanding a wall as finances or space allows. ffihe reactive screen shows real-life vitals, not