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Evansville, IN 47711 | 800-694-9494

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REFUSING TO STOP. REFUSING TO REST.

We took what was proven to be the most ecient bow of 2010 and went further. We made it faster, smoother, quieter. And when we were done the denition of PERFECT KILLER was re-written. The Carnage has been born and its set to unleash its wrath in the hunting world. GET YOUR HANDS ON ONE.

BEARARCHERYPRODUCTS.COM

See back issues at arrowtrademag.com or arrowtrademagazine.com (for dial-up)

November 2010 Volume 14 Number 6

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Where Quality is More Than a Name

Business Editor John Kasun spent the day at Quality Archery Designs new factory in Madison Heights, Virginia. The result is a profile of a company that strives to have the best product in each of the categories it enters. Our cover portrait shows (left to right) Kevin Fry, Dan Summers and Kenny Green. Kenny is the technical director at this very technical company, Dan is the president and owner, and Kevin heads both sales and marketing. Thats another picture of Kevin at right, manning a high speed camera to capture a QAD Ultra-Rest dropaway in action.

6 8 22

From The Publisher

Getting your help to build the best show guide possible.

Product Showcase
New scents and broadheads are headed your way.

Traditional Focus: Primitive Archery

From wood self bows to flint-knapped points, there is a segment of traditional archers that enjoys shooting and hunting with truly primitive weapons.

26

ATA News & Views

Practical advice for retailers on how to get the biggest return on the time and money theyll spend attending the prime industry trade show.

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4

Hot Products Preview

More than three dozen advertisers took advantage of the opportunity to highlight a single product for readers.

Kustom King Trailmaker broadhead and Pure Scrape from Real Scent are new.

28

Industry News
New faces in the industry, new business ventures, and a product recall. Plus the passing of one of the icons in the sport, P&Y Club Founder Glenn St. Charles.

38

Why Bowhunters Have Embraced Pop-Up Blinds

Pat Meitin covers the wide field of pop-up blinds, from simple economy models to those that offer significant stealth and scent control features.

58

Business Profile: Apple Archery

Business Editor John Kasun toured this longtime supplier of bow presses and pro shop tools to find out how it is evolving right along with todays bows.

68

Selling Brutal Weather Clothing

The outerwear and boots available for bowhunters today are the subject of this extensive review by Pat Meitin.

82

Giant Barn Holds Colorado Pro Shop

Tim Dehn toured a unique Colorado pro shop a few days before a damaging fire. Now its ready to re-open bigger and better than ever.

Scent-Lok uses different fabrics and insulations in different parts of the Perfect Panel Jacket. Thats means it can be warm without restricting the motion you need for climbing to a treestand and shooting a bow.

90 99 101

Scientific Crossbow Tests By Jon Teater

PSEs Tac 15i and Barnetts Predator are put through the paces.

Product Directory Guide Coachs Corner: Recommending Easy-Draw Bows

Larry Wise helps you identify and sell bows that can help keep older hunters (like the author himself) in the game.

106

Product Focus: Ladder and Tripod Stands

Mike Raykovicz has dozens of choices on what to stock for customers who appreciate easy climbing and a secure perch.

118

ArrowTrade Bow Report: By Jon Silks

A look at the objective test results and subjective feel of the Darton Pro 3800 and Quest Primal.

128

Inside The Fletchers Corner

A former tug boat captain who understands good signage and great service is the head of this busy New Jersey pro shop. By Mike Raykovicz.

Editor & Publisher TIM DEHN Art Director VICKIE DEHN Circulation Manager WINNIE EICHER Testing JON E. SILKS, JON TEATER ANTHONY BARNUM Tuning & Coaching LARRY WISE Business Editor JOHN KASUN Equipment Focus PAT MEITIN MIKE RAYKOVICZ Advertising Sales Director MATT GRANGER Phone (888) 796-2084 or (406) 360-4484 FAX (208) 475-6001 Editorial & Production 3479 409th Ave NW Braham, MN 55006 Phone (320) 396-3473 FAX (320) 396-3206 arrowtrade@northlc.com Subscription Information
Subscriptions are available free of charge to qualified members of the archery industry, including retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and sales representatives. Use the card in this issue to start or renew a subscription or make an address change. For overseas airmail delivery, include $18 per year in U.S. funds. See our digital edition on line at arrowtrademag.com

Launching 2011 Sales

n between readying their products and fine-tuning their advertising campaigns for 2011, and getting in some hunting during the prime weeks of the rut, Ive got a project I hope every bowhunting gear and clothing manufacturer is willing to take on. It should take about 15 minutes and it will earn you significant editorial space in our next issue, up to the equivalent of $800 in paid advertising space. That project is to complete the simple form below, and to return it to ArrowTrade along with a couple digital photos of the products you want to feature in our 2011 Winter Show Guide. Last year that guide formed the 80 page heart of our record 188 page January issue, and were looking to do just as well this year. We still run into people who dont understand why were willing to give such great free exposure with two photos and up to 150 words of copy when the official show guides charge for everything beyond a bare-bones listing. We look at it this way: The better we can prepare the retailers for their trade show visits, the more faith they will put in this publication. When ArrowTrade carries more credibility with the volume purchasers in this industry, it naturally boosts the response for our advertisers. Frankly it doesnt hurt our future ad sales either when a retailer walks into a booth at the ATA Show, SHOT Show or any of the fine distributor or buying group shows and says I want to see this product that was covered in ArrowTrade. Well be mailing and emailing these forms to show exhibitors in the coming weeks, but theres no need to wait. Simply look over the form below and send the information and photos were requesting to me at this address: arrowtrade@northlc.com

ArrowTrade (ISSN 1939-3830) published bi-monthly by ArrowTrade Publishing Corporation, 3479 409th Ave Northwest Braham, MN 55006 Periodicals Postage paid at Braham, Minnesota and additional entry points. (USPS 024-437) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ArrowTrade, 3479 409TH AVE NW, BRAHAM, MN 55006-3340 PM# 4006371 Return Undeliverable Canada Addresses to Station A, PO Box 54 Windsor, ON N9A 6J5 Email: returnsIL@imex.pb.com Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. ArrowTrade is a registered trademark of ArrowTrade Publishing Corporation

ArrowTrade Magazine
Free Trade Show Section with Color Photos
ArrowTrade is again offering all trade show exhibitors extensive free publicity in the January Pre-Show Issue that mails and goes on-line December 17, 2010. Just complete the form below and fax back, with your copy on a second page if thats easier. Or email the same information including company details and booth number. Please try to include high resolution photos in jpeg, tiff or PDF format. Our deadline for receipt is NOVEMBER 10. Company Name ___________________________________ ATA Show Booth No.______ SHOT Show Booth No._____ KINSEYS Show Booth No.______ NABA No.____ ELLETT BROS. No.______ Henrys FL No. ____ Henrys NE No. _____ Big Rock W. No.____ Big Rock E. No.____ Other (specify show & booth #) _________________________ Address ________________________________________ City ____________________________________________ State ________ Zip_________-______

Website __________________________________ Contact Name ______________________(optional) Phone Number for Dealers ________________________ Fax Number ________________________ Describe two products or early-buy programs you dont want dealers to miss in 2010. There is a 150 word total limit, so do up to 75 words each or up to 150 words if you submit one product. Please print or type and also send product images if available in high resolution tiff, jpeg or PDF formats. 1.___________________________________________________________

________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________

2.___________________________________________________________

________________________________________________

Canadian Retailer Develops Sturdy Mount for Bow Service Work

Nas Marchese has been a retailer for almost three decades, plenty long enough to get frustrated with bow vises that dont hold the bow securely enough. No matter how good the hardware, Marchese found that any vise that depends on clamping a limb can let the bow move when the retailer goes to snug down a sight or an arrow rest mounting screw. In 2009, this co-owner of Tent City Outfitters in Concord, Ontario began working on his own design for a bow mount. Instead of clamping to the bow, it bolts into the front or rear stabilizer hole with a lock nut that will hold the bow as snug as you need. Marchese now squares up his bows left to right with that attachment, then squares them up front to back by turning the Mighty Bow Mounts metal shaft within the clamping rings. Snug those rings down with an allen wrench, and you can do all your accessory mounting with the bow solid and vertical. Loosen the clamps, and its easy to swing the bow sideways to repair a serving or add a loop or peep. The Mighty Bow Mount is designed to retail for between $100 and $130. You can order them direct from Marchese by calling Tent City Outfitters at (905) 660-6885 or by emailing the inventor at nas1@rogers.com

Brownell Has Bright New Florescent Colors

Target shooters and other recreational shooters who want to highlight their bows can now ask for strings made in four bright new florescent colors from Brownell. The Florescent Green, Yellow, Orange and Pink materials are available in three different compositions: Astro Flight, Excel, and Fast Flight Plus. You can order it in either 1/4 pound or 1 pound spools. After 166 years of making Americas best textile products, we continue to maintain the finest American tradition for quality and customer satisfaction by responding to your needs, a spokesman for the Moodus, Connecticut firm said. Reach Brownell by calling the manufacturer at (860) 873-8625.

BIGshot Adds Ballistic Discharge Box

BIGshot Archery is introducing an inexpensive, lightweight target for crossbow hunters who want to safely discharge their weapons before leaving their hunting sites. The manufacturer says the upright familiar target style makes it easy for crossbow users to hit the mark without the risk of hitting the ground. At 14 inches square and only 13 pounds, the Ballistic Discharge Box is perfect for transporting to the field, states Al Perelli, president of BIGshot Archery LLC. Rated at 375 fps, the Ballistic Discharge Box stops crossbow bolts with ease, yet unlike foam targets, provides easy arrow pull, Perelli said. Crossbow owners are looking for a better solution to arrow discharge in the field and the Ballistic Discharge Box fits the bill. In addition to discharging bolts, some archers see the Ballistic Discharge Target as a perfect target to take to camp or on a hunting trip. At just $29.99 suggested retail, this discharge and travel target has become the hottest product we have ever released! Reach the manufacturer at (888) 651-0029.

Real Scent Joins Mathews Team

Real Scent introduces new Mathews Pure Scrape. Pure Scrape is an officially licensed product available only to Mathews dealers. It is a special proprietary blend of several buck gland secretions including pre-orbital and forehead that have been combined and mixed to a sticky gel like consistency. The multiple gland combination allows the hunter to use Pure Scrape in various ways from pre-rut through the entire breeding season. It can be used in scrapes to freshen, activate or even on overhanging branches. After application any moisture will re-activate the scent keeping it fresh for days thus keeping human contact to the scrape area to a minimum. Pure Scrape is packaged in a protective plastic 3 ounce squeeze tube and the retail price is $16.95 Contact Todd Smith at 888.605.BUCK or by email at todd@realscentnews.com

Kustom King Adds Trailmaker Traditional Broadhead

The Kustom King Trailmaker is a tough 3-blade broadhead designed for die-hard traditional bowhunters. We set out to build a better broadhead, one that would blow through game, produce easy to follow blood trails, and put game down for good and the Trailmaker was born, a Kustom King spokesman said. Each Trailmaker sports a strong pyramid tip that prevents the curling so prevalent in other 3-bladed heads and the sleek narrow profile gives it a high mechanical advantage for better penetration. Combine that with the slick Teflon coating and exit wounds become commonplace. Machined from a single billet of steel to eliminate all weak points and heat treated to a rugged 50 Rockwell hardness these broadheads come sharp, stay sharp and resharpen easily, the spokesman continued. If youre looking for a deadly 3-blade broadhead thats accurate, strong and leaves amazing blood trails try the Trailmaker. Kustom King is expanding their world-wide dealer network so call today! For more information call 1-877-Longbow (566-4269) or email your request to info@KustomKingArchery.com. You can also find information on line at the company website, www.KustomKingArchery.com.

Victory VAP Promises Greater Penetration

Victory Archery designs and manufactures high quality, precision carbon shafts. This California company proudly announced its newest entry into the carbon arrow shaft market with the introduction of its VAP (Victory Armor Piercing Series). Marty Connolly, Victory president made the announcement: The VAP is an exciting updated version of the extremely popular NanoForce shaft, which the VAP is replacing in our line. The quality, durability and performance of the NanoForce live on in the new VAP Series available now. Connolly said the VAP Series is a special shaft that incorporates Victorys advanced carbon shaft technology and manufacturing techniques that ensure the highest degree of strength and straightness ideally suited for both the professional and amateur target archer and bowhunter. World renowned bowhunter Bob Fromme of Performance Archery, San Diego, conducted extensive testing on the new VAP Series and had this to say: There has always been, until the VAP , a trade off between speed, accuracy and penetration. The Victory Armour Piercing arrow with specially tapered Penetrator broad head / point insert blows material out of the way so the small diameter, thick walled shaft can drive penetration to an unheard of level. Now with the VAP hunters dont have to compromise, they can shoot a tougher, lighter, faster, more accurate arrow that will out penetrate heavier arrows by a huge margin, even with expandable broadheads. Reach Victory Archery by calling (760) 496-2121.

Hybrid Target Introduced

American Whitetail, Inc. announces a new approach to stopping arrows and bolts. The Cube Hybrid is designed around a patent pending design that incorporates the durability and easy arrow removal of a bag target with the freestanding and multiple shooting sides of a foam block style target. The inner foam core is easily accessible, so it can be rotated to bring new material to the shooting area when needed, the rotation also allows the inner core to be self repairing. In addition the outer foam shell has four shooting surfaces, each with its own custom graphics. For shooting with broadheads an optional laminated foam core is available in standard and heavy duty versions. When installed the Cube Hybrid is shot from the front keeping the broadheads in the hollow section of the foam shell, avoiding damage to the main target body. The Cube Hybrid works equally well with crossbow bolts. Each Cube Hybrid will come with its own instructional DVD. For more information call (888)-233-1976.

10

Presenting Rineharts award winning line-up!

Rinehart RhinoBlock targets wins Field & Stream Best of the Best Award Rinehart Targets wins Best Buy foam targets - Gold

Rinehart Targets wins Readers Choice award for 3-D Line - Gold

NASP

Woodland Buck

RhinoBlock XL

RhinoBrute

RhinoBlock 18-1 RFT

Weve been making The Best Archery Targets In The World for years. But, dont take our word for it!
Rineharts impressive 2010 line-up of awards and distinctions from industry pros, esteemed publications and consumers around the world speaks volumes about Rineharts commitment to staying on the forefront of innovation and excellence. And Rinehart isnt slowing down in 2011 with the introduction of exciting new products sure to thrill shooters of every stripe, including the all-new RhinoBlock XL the award-winning RhinoBlock design loaded with signature Rinehart features in a larger, 18x18 size. Also, check out our new Rinehart Woodland 3-D Buck target!

THE BEST ARCHERY TARGETS IN THE WORLD PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A.

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Archery Accessory Firm

here is an old saying that asks, Whats in a name? When it comes to Quality Archery Designs the answer is, A lot. The philosophy behind Quality Archery Designs (QAD) is truly encapsulated in its name. QAD manufactures a variety of quality archery products each of which was designed to be the best on the market. They are not a me-too manufacturer but rather have a passion to be the first to introduce the best in each category of products they offer. Dan Summers is president and founder of Quality Archery Designs, located in the sleepy southern town of Madison Heights, Virginia. Summers has been in the machining business all of his adult life and was part owner in a machine shop business with his brother and his dad in 1985. Being a life-long archer and bowhunter I became frustrated with bowstring servings that frayed or wore out and with constantly twisting peep sights, Summers said. I put my engineering mind and machining skills to work and developed a better solution with a product that would come to be known as the Ultra-Nok. This metal loop offered easy installation, provided increased accuracy shot after shot, eliminated nock point creep and maintained perfect peep alignment. When a local archery shop saw it on my bow they inquired where I got it and offered to sell it in their shop, but I was not interested at that time. In 1992 I struck out on my own by establishing Lasermarx Inc., a laser engraving business, explained Summers. As with any start-up operation I was looking for new business and ways to increase my cash flow. Remembering the interest in the metal nocking loop I had developed I made up some units and sent them to

Quality Archery Designs moved into its new home which is located on ten wooded acres earlier this year. The move tripled QADs available space to 18,000 square feet and will allow QAD to streamline its operation and improve its manufacturing processes for greater efficiency. When you step inside you are immediately greeted by this magnificent bull elk. The decor throughout the office area reflects the involvement of the staff with archery and the outdoors with hunting photos, mounts and bows present in just about every office. The folks at QAD are not simply involved in the archery industry they are committed to it. The antler door pull on the entry door to Quality Archery Designs office is an example of the companys attention to detail and dedication to the hunting industry.

several archery distributors. I received a positive response and soon I was getting inquiries from dealers and I even placed magazine ads and sold

direct to consumers via mail order. The Ultra-Nok was a smashing success and thus Quality Archery Designs, the first archery manufactur-

12

By Business Editor John Kasun

is Living Up to its Name

Machine Shop Supervisor Ryan Friess, left, helps Joshua Fish program Quality Archery Designs new high speed CNC machining center.

The original product that launched Quality Archery Designs was the Ultra-Nok. The Ultra-Nok is a metal nocking loop that increases accuracy and consistency by improving arrow flight. The Ultra-Nok eliminates arrow nock pinch, nocking point creep and maintains positive peep alignment. Ultra-Noks install quickly and easily and are designed with anti-vibration nylon packs on the mounting hardware to ensure the metal nocking loop remains tight under the harshest shooting conditions. The Ultra-Nok comes in two sizes, the Ultra-Nok II Micro and the Ultra-Nok XL.

Quality Archery Designs manufactures the Tune-A-Nok F/S. The Tune-A-Nok offers 360 degree rotation and a brass nock detent to eliminate un-nocking cause by steep bowstring angles. The low friction string groove increases arrow speed and accuracy. The Tune-A-Nok is specifically designed to place the string as close to the end of the arrow shaft as possible minimizing nock run out and increasing accuracy. Tune-A-Noks are designed for the archers that demand the ultimate in accuracy and performance.

ing business in the Madison Heights area, was born, Summers said. I soon found myself designing the second generation called the Ultra-Nok II Micro. The Micro is designed for the archer who seeks the ultimate in speed and accuracy and is my personal favorite. It is smaller and lighter. The Micro also required a shallow nock which led to the development of the

Tune-A-Nock F/S in 1996-1997. The Tune-A-Nock FS offers 360 degree rotation, a low friction string groove and a brass nock detent to prevent un-nocking commonly caused by the steep bowstring angles found on shorter bow designs. The nock was also designed to be ultra short so the bottom of the nock groove is as close to the arrow shaft as possible. This

compact design keeps the forces developed by the bowstring on the shot more precisely aligned with the arrow and the short length minimizes any manufactured run-out in the nock, to increase accuracy. Additionally, the lighter weight and low friction string groove offers substantially increased arrow speed. One of the next products QAD brought to market was Sneaky Leaf, Summers continued. With the variety of camo patterns on the market the one thing that was lacking was the true 3D effect. While camo color and pattern is important shape is equally if not more important. Sneaky Leaf was specifically designed to break up the hunters shape. While Sneaky Leaf can be used all over the hunters camo and equipment it is especially effective when used along the hunters shoulders and head. Sneaky Leaf breaks up the distinct outline which is easily identifiable as something not

13

natural and therefore is seen as a danger to game. Originally intended to be a supplement to our Lasermarx engraving business, archery products were quickly becoming a major portion of our business. QADs design teams approach to product design is actually very simple, stressed Summers. We imagine ourselves as the customer. We think of what features we want in a product and then change hats and think like a manufacturer. We need to consider how to pack as many features as possible into a small usable package and manufacture it at an affordable price with the highest quality possible. To do that we need to design manufacturing cost out and quality in. QADs approach to product development was never more evident than in its popular Ultra-Rest arrow rest which was designed in 2002 and introduced at the 2003 ATA Show. When drop-away rests and full containment rests first came on the market they were instant hits and soon many metoo manufacturers were bringing out their own versions, Summers said in deep thought. While full containment rests eliminated the problem of arrow drop-off they induced maximum fletching contact, drag and noise. Almost all of the early dropaway rests basically rose on the draw and dropped on the release or on letdown which sometimes induced arrow bounce off. At QAD we felt that

although each of these rests offered some advantages they also each presented some distinct disadvantages. Concentrating on the elements of what we felt was the ultimate arrow rest the Ultra-Rest evolved over time to its present form. QADs Ultra-Rest offers full arrow containment eliminating annoying arrow drop off especially at critical times such as when a hunter might be drawing down on a trophy buck. Prior to and during the draw the rest remains in an upright position eliminating the unnecessary up and down motion of conventional drop-away rests. The Ultra-Rest incorporates Velocity Drop-Away Technology (VDT) which senses a velocity change. When an arrow is let-down the rest remains in the upright position however when a bow is fired the rest senses the increase in velocity and engages the drop-away feature allowing the rest to drop out of the way of the fletching. However the drop-away is not instantaneous. The rest remains upright for 1/3 to 1/2 of the arrows travel providing sufficient guidance to ensure repetitive accuracy while dropping out of the way in time to provide complete fletching clearance. The Ultra-Rest comes to a full 90 degrees vertical when at full draw. This means any variances produce minimal Y axis changes in arrow position resulting in increased accuracy as opposed to an angled rest where slight variations result in much greater Y axis variances and a nega-

tive impact on accuracy. While all drop-away arrow rests fall out of the way of the arrow high speed photography has shown that

Quality Archery Designs developed SneakyLeaf which takes camo to the next level. These strong, durable and machine washable 3-D leaves come in fall and all seasons blends and can be added to clothing or equipment. The 3-D effect eliminates the hunters outline and allows the hunter to virtually disappear from the view of game. SneakyLeaf comes both in individual leaves and a SneakyVine which can be easily wrapped around tree stands, ladders, etc. Note how the hunters outline is broken up with the addition of SneakyLeaf in this un-retouched photo.

This diagram illustrates the three positions of the Ultra-Rest. The capture position (80 degrees) is the rest position prior to obtaining full draw. The full vertical position (90 degrees) is the position at full draw and the Fall Away position prior to the passing of the fletching is 0 degrees.

The Ultra-Rest comes in four models and depending upon the model chosen is available in either black, Realtree or Lost Camo options. The line-up also includes a popular Bone Collector model.

Quality Archery Designs utilizes the latest equipment and manufacturing techniques to ensure its efficient manufacture of quality products. Shown here is a small portion of its newly relocated machining area.

14

some of these rests can actually bounce back into the path of the arrow causing rest contact with the fletching, resulting in erratic arrow

flight. To eliminate bounce back QAD introduced patented LockDown Technology which brakes and locks down the rest, eliminating rest bounce-back and guaranteeing total

fletching clearance. To prevent rest damage in the event of improper setup the Ultra-Rest has a spring loaded Break-Away Safety feature designed to protect both the rest mechanism and the archer. ArrowTrades visit to QAD occurred during its recent move to its new home. QADs new building is

Quality Archery Designs has the ability to do injection molding in-house. These molded rest components are fresh from the manufacturing process and will next be sorted and inspected before they move on to assembly. PHOTO LEFT: Dan Summers, the president and owner, is the visionary behind Quality Archery Designs and his love of archery and obsession with quality and performance is built into every product.

Timothy McCraw is shown here polishing major components prior to finishing, ensuring a smooth and attractive surface.

GET AHEAD OF THE GAME

Introducing, new for 2010, the Apple Eliminator Pro-Line Press and the Apple Crossbow Cradle, two of the latest tools no pro shop should go without.

Synchronous arm movement Adjustable stirrup rest and stock yoke

#0999 Apple Crossbow Cradle #2001 Apple Eliminator Pro-Line Press

1 Full service bow press for every bow design available including crossbows 2 Rapid, easy and versatile setup 3 Utilizes limb tip and limb post compression 4 Superior functionality at a competitive price 1 Adaptable for all crossbows with a solid foot stirrup to allow hands-free maintenance 2 Facilitates all maintenance and shooting while in cradle 3 Provides clearance for bow-mounted quiver, string, cables and scope 4 Assists in sighting in the crossbow 5 Can be used as a display cradle

For this and other quality service and repair tools, call

800.745.8190

www.applearchery.com

15

strikingly beautiful and is perched on a small hilltop in a newly developed rural industrial park. The building is first class in every detail and reflects the planning and vision that QAD is known for. Design, construction and the move to our new home was done at a very stressful time as it was our busiest time of the year, commented Summers. But our move was so well Rest components are mixed with a mild abrasive and coordinated that I dont tumbled in this Econo Vibe vibrator to remove any think we lost a single day machining burrs and ensure a smooth finish on all metal of assembly and only two parts. days of machining production. It was a team effort and is looking down to make some quick evidence of how our team pulls notes Dan said excitedly, Wow, did together to get the job done. I like to you see that? I followed his gaze out think we had some extra help being the window where a hawk swooped able to make the move as God is a big down from a great height to glide part of my life and our desire is that gracefully a few feet off the ground His involvement is reflected in every before climbing back towards the sky. aspect of our business and the way we Just beautiful, Dan said more to treat our customers. I truly believe himself than to me. In those few secthat God has blessed this company. onds I saw a man who is not afraid to As I sat in Dan Summers office I reach for the stars while keeping his was very impressed with him as an feet firmly planted on the ground. individual. He listens intently as you Kevin Fry, director of marketing speak and then asks probing ques- and sales for Quality Archery Designs, tions. My guess is his mind never thinks he has the best job in the world. stops yet he is constantly aware of his I am truly living my dream, Fry said. surroundings. He had just finished I was born in Michigan and grew up telling me how much he enjoys sitting in Ohio. When it came time for college in his deer stand after work and enjoy- I selected Liberty University in nearby ing the wonders of nature. As I was Lynchburg, Virginia. I lived in the flat
Technical Director Kenny Greens duties include doing computer layouts of new designs and updating and modifying current designs with changes and improvements. Any changes that Green makes can be transferred from the computer in his office directly to the machining centers located in QADs production department, minimizing delays.

Todd Friess, operation manager, center, demonstrates to Karen Green (left) and Trey Smith the correct inspection procedure to ensure proper rest operation.

country in Ohio and instantly fell in love with the mountains of Virginia. I hunted and fished at every opportunity and I was familiar with both the Ultra-Nok and the Sneaky Leaf products. One day I saw a hunter wearing Sneaky Leaf and as we talked I was surprised to learn those products were made locally. After graduation I worked in various aspects of the publishing, marketing and design indus-

Kevin Fry is Director of Marketing and Sales for Quality Archery Designs.Quality Archery Designs works one-on-one with our distributors and dealers, Fry said.We best serve them by maintaining close contact and listening to their concerns. Our success is based on their success and we never lose sight of that fact.

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TAG YOUR SAVINGS

JANUARY 6-8, 2011 Indiana Convention Center Indianapolis, Indiana

DONT MISS OUT ON YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2011 BIG BUCK TAGS COUPON BOOK
Join the 83 companies who participated in 2010. Free to every shop and independent dealer at registration.
Contact Kurt Weber,ATA Director of Marketing, with questions or to place your order kurtweber@archerytrade.org | 717-858-2451

+ B oot h sig n a g + Table of con + Digital pre-p

IMPROVEMEN TS FOR 2011

e for p a r t i c i p a
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try. I met Dan Summers son Daniel socially and we became friends. Even as a kid I had dreamt of working in the hunting industry but meeting Daniel was my first contact with someone who actually had a connection to the industry. Over time Dan saw some of my written work as well as the drawings and advertisements I had generated. Although he never said anything to me directly Daniel mentioned me to his father Dan. One day out of the clear blue Dan called me to see if I might be interested in a job at QAD. Would I? You bet! In 2006 I started working in QADs Design and Marketing Department and then moved to Sales and Marketing, said Fry. When I started QAD had 15 employees and today there are approximately 50. QAD has chosen not to use sales representatives so we can maintain direct contact and a one-on-one relationship with our dealers and distributors who we feel are the keys to our success. No matter how large QAD becomes my goal is for us not to become automated or distant but rather maintain a personal relationship with our customers. Our sales team is also our technical team, explained Fry. Every person on our sales staff has spent hours assembling and adjusting our arrow rests and fully understands how all of our products are manufactured, assembled and operate. Our sales/technical team does not operate from a list of frequently asked questions but rather draws directly from their personal experience. They do not work on commission based on sales, they are here for only one purpose and that is to help the dealer and end user. I constantly stress that both understanding and believing in the products we sell spills over in the conversations with our customers in the form of confidence. That in turn makes the customer more comfortable and more confident with QAD and its products as well. Confidence in our arrow rest is not restricted to the dealer and hunter but extends to several bow manufacturers as well, Fry smiled. Elite Archery offers their customers a guarantee that says no matter where the

Sherri Thomlin is a long-time employee at Quality Archery Designs. Sherri is familiar with the entire operation and her smiling face and quick wit can be found anywhere there is a job that needs to be done.

Quality is more than a word at Quality Archery Designs, it is a way of life. Here Matt Boyer of the quality control department checks rest components to ensure they meet specifications and tolerances.

Dawn Massie of quality control gives a final check to packaged rests as she prepares to insert them into a shipping carton designated for an awaiting dealer.

user is on a hunt or what damage has been done to their bow Elite will send a loaner bow at no charge the very next day. The loaner bow will arrive at the draw weight and draw length requested complete with rest, sight and peep installed allowing the user to finish their hunt. Elite is using our Ultra-Rest for those replacement bows which indicates its confidence in the Ultra-Rest. Also we are entering into a partnership with Hoyt and Fuse to provide them Ultra-Rests that they will enter into the line of accessories they offer their customers. Mission Archery also offers QADs rests with its

John Hesson uses a laser engraver to engrave the name and indicator marks onto the Ultra-Rest components. Quality Archery Designs still owns and operates Lasermarx Inc. which does laser engraving for outside customers.

packaged bow kits. My personal goal is to not simply have dealers put our products on the shelf but to put them on their personal bow, Fry continued. Once the dealer knows and believes in our product he can easily sell it to his customer with total confidence. We love to meet our dealers face to face whenever possible and that is why QAD

18

attends all major dealer shows. Even though we are the designers and manufacturers of our equipment we never assume that we know everything, Fry stressed. The dealer in the field works with our products every day and we are always listening to the dealer as to how to make our products better. We maintain a database of feedback we receive from dealers and customers and periodically review these comments for possible improvements. Handling the sales/technical team as well as preparing all advertising can get hectic at times, Fry laughed. When you add marketing

and all the related graphic design for which I am responsible it can get downright overwhelming. But when that occurs, I simply remind myself that I could be stressed in a job I hate. I believe I am truly blessed to be able to use my skills and degree in an industry I love and to be doing it with great people at one of the archery industrys leading companies. I am truly living my dream here at QAD. Ryan Friess is the machine shop supervisor for QAD. I started in 1994 and basically it was just Dan and me

at that time, Friess said thoughtfully. Dan was the president, engineer and assembler. I was the secretary, engineer, assembler and at times we were both the janitor. In those early years laser engraving was our main business and archery was only a small part. Today that is reversed and while we still do laser engraving, archery is by far our main business. My days are filled with ensuring the quality of our parts and material acquisition as well as programming our CNC machines. We try to keep as much of our manu-

Justin Bryant, a sales and tech representative, prepares to take a shot on the Quality Archery Designs testing range while Kevin Fry, director of marketing and sales, readies a high speed camera to catch the action during the shot sequence.

7^MZ \PM TI[\  aMIZ[ _M^M J]QT\ UWZM \PIV R][\ ZQM[ IVL IUU]VQ\QWV NWZ P]V\MZ[ IVL [XWZ\[UMV IZW]VL \PM _WZTL ?M^M J]QT\ \Z][\ IVL ZM[XMK\ 1\[ \PM[M PIZLMIZVML JILOM[ WN PWVWZ \PI\ ILWZV W]Z VM_ KWUXW]VL JW_[ IVL KZW[[JW_[ IVL PMZITL I VM_ aM\ XZWNW]VLTa M`XMZQMVKML KWV\MVLMZ \W \PM IZKPMZa TIVL[KIXM ) TW\ PI[ KPIVOML W^MZ \PM TI[\  aMIZ[ *]\ \PMV IOIQV I TW\ PI[ [\IaML \PM [IUM -`XMZQMVKM \PM -`XMZQMVKM WN ?QVKPM[\MZ )ZKPMZa

As this arrow passes over the Ultra-Rest it clearly shows that the rest, which fully captures the arrow prior to the shot and supports the arrow for 1/3 to 1/2 of the arrow length for accuracy, drops away completely as the fletch passes for maximum fletching clearance.

A R C H E R Y

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facturing in house as possible. By doing that we not only have control over production but we ensure we have the best quality control. I am really excited about the move to our new location. Not only is it beautiful but we needed more room as well as room to expand. The fact that we can walk out the back door to hunt after work is a great plus as well. Kenneth Green is QADs technical director. I have an extensive background in industrial molding, said Green. I first met Dan Summers in 1996 when he contacted me about some molding problems he was experiencing. Our relationship continued until 2005 when I made the leap and joined QAD as an employee. I make 3D computerized models of our products and prototypes and tweak them right on the computer. These completed designs can then be transferred to our programmed machines for production. The process allows us to quickly develop new ideas and prototypes as well as make changes as required. At QAD we are very sensitive to dealer and customer feedback and we often use those suggestions and observations to make improvements or modifications to our products. Today many manufacturers are outsourcing production offshore but our philosophy is to keep our production in-house where we can best control production and ensure the highest possible quality. Our recent move to our new location was challenging but we only stopped machining for two days and did not stop our assembly at all, laughed Green. One day we were

Heather Brown, Office manager for Quality Archery Designs and her assistant Tim Moschera keep the office humming at QAD.

assembling at our old location and the next day we were back in business at our new location. I would like to say it was all great planning but a lot of credit goes to the great people who work here. Our old location had 6,000 square feet of space and our new location has approximately 18,000 square feet situated on ten wooded acres. We needed the room to expand and we are presently in the process of adding new production equipment. Our growth has been phenomenal due to customer loyalty and the fact that our products work, Green explained. We have an excellent dealer network, our dealers believe in our products and their customers keep buying them. It is a win-win situation for everyone involved. Although we have great products we are not resting on our laurels, we are continually looking at new ideas and new products.

Personally I have found working at QAD a real pleasure, Green said. We have a really neat group of folks and they are all really dedicated. It is a great group of people to make a living with and I feel we are a plus for our local community as well as the archery community. It doesnt get any better than that. Todd Friess is QADs operation manager and he oversees the entire operation. Our recent move was really hectic, especially because we did it during the busiest time of the year,

Some of the friendly voices and technical experts on the other end of the line when you call Quality Archery Designs are (upper left) Drew Arnesen, (upper center) Rob Shafer and (upper right) Ryan Minnie. These are all members of the sales and technical staff while Jessica Craig of the sales staff is shown at right.

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The staff at Quality Archery Designs all practice what they preach as is evidenced by these photos from their office in the outdoors . Thats Dan Summers at left, Kevin Fry below and Kenny Green at right.

but it was a necessary move, Friess explained. We needed more room for assembly to keep up with our increased demand. Now we have the room to do things even more efficiently and we can improve our processes which in turn will allow us to better serve our customers. I had worked here at QAD before but had left for another opportunity. However about a year ago my passion for hunting and archery drove me back. Now I have to make up for lost time but I am here to stay. While there is a lot in a name in the case of Quality Archery Designs

there is a lot behind the name as well. Quality Archery Designs company slogan is, Our Target is Your Success. By focusing on the customer Quality Archery Designs is not only providing the archery products the customer wants but is constantly searching for the next improvement to make those

products even better. Because every firms future is tied directly to the success of its customer Quality Archery Designs is ensuring its future by helping its customers, the archery dealer, succeed. Sounds like an excellent, long and happy partnership.

As part of an efficient assembly process individual components are assembled into small sub-assemblies. Groups of sub-assemblies will then make up a completed rest. Breaking down the rest assembly into small sub-assemblies allows individual people to work on one section of the final assembly. This allows them to become thoroughly familiar with the individual components which make up that specific sub-assembly, ensuring the highest quality. PHOTO BELOW: Reyna Govea is shown here building final rest assemblies from pre-assembled rest sub-assemblies.

21

The Primitive Side of Archery

hats that smell? Picture this: Youre walking through the airport, thinking about everything except where you are, when slowly your mind registers what your nose discovered some time ago. A tantalizing smell has been forming a picture in your mind of something soft and warm, oozing with gourmet cinnamon and melted cream cheese frosting. Yes, Im talking about Cinnabons. Theyre great arent they? Then, the instant youve identified the savory scent, there comes a point of decision, you either decide to enjoy the pleasant olfactory sensations from a distance, or, you walk over and grab one, diving in with both hands and losing yourself in the ooey-gooey, best thing youve ever had, Cinnabon experience. Primitive archery is a lot like that. We can, from a distance, appreciate the simplistic beauty of self bows, hand crafted primitive arrows, and the unique glimpse they offer into the ancient history of our sport. Or, we can take the path less traveled, following the seductive primitive archery trail, uncovering her hidden treasures along the way until, finally, we are satiated with satisfaction and an intimate appreciation of the wonderfully simple yet complex world of primitive archery. Warning! Primitive archery is highly addictive. If you decide to try it, be prepared for the possibility that you might end up hooked for life. Primitive archery is a journey. In this article, Im offering a small snapshot, a Primitive archery is the natural choice for some customers. brief overview; just enough for you to catch a whiff cant imagine life without it. of it on the wind and form a picture Most primitive archers are pasin your mind: then comes decision sionate about their sport. Their time. quest for quality raw materials To the casual observer looking becomes an endless obsession. from the outside in, primitive Theyll scrounge turkey and goose archery seems simple or even crude, feathers wherever they can get them, but for those totally immersed in it, theyre constantly looking at trees to its a fascinating world of discovery. see if theyre straight grained and Theres something that stirs deep bow worthy, and they have an apprewithin you when ciation and respect for true primitive you get your hands crafts and skills so theyre not dirty working on opposed to paying the asking price this kind of equip- of an exquisitely crafted primitive ment. It may even item. Theyll be into the skills of the feel familiar, it woodsman. Theyre likely to know always has for me. how to start a fire with a fire piston, I cant explain why, which mushrooms you can eat, how perhaps its a con- to build a solar still, and how to find nection to the North with nothing but the sun, memories of our time, and a straight stick. If you run ancestors. I cant into them while hunting, theyll be speak for anyone moving slowly, nose to the wind, else, but it has silently still hunting in leather gripped me tightly topped LL Bean boots and warm since my earliest when wet wool clothing in neutral days and wont let solid colors or form breaking plaids. go. Its ingrained Many will be wearing a neck knife Reinforced self knocks are the way to go in primitive archery so deeply that I and carrying a soft leather Plains and this jig from Thunder Valley Archery makes it easy.

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About The Author

Todd Smith has been a traditional bowhunter for over 40 years. After learning the art of handcrafting wood arrows in Alaska from his mentor John Dodge, he built arrows professionally for several years. In 2008, after a 19 year stint with 3Rivers Archery, he made the decision to help other businesses grow and currently offers marketing services through his website ToddSmithCo.com. Todd Smiths Traditional Focus column in ArrowTrade is being sponsored in part by Alaska Bowhunting Supply.
The author with a turkey he harvested with an Osage self bow he built.

Dean Torges is a bow making guru. His book and DVD are "best in class."

Indian quiver over their shoulder. Yes, its easy to spot the primitive bowhunter. Theyre self confident, self reliant, and self sufficient, but always willing to share what theyve learned with those who are sincerely interested. When thinking primitive archery we automatically think first of the bows. Most modern archers wonder if bows made entirely from wood, or even wood backed with sinew, can really work for bowhunting. Its a fair question, and one that my friend Mike Yancey, owner of Pine Hollow Longbows, can readily answer. Mike consistently harvests pronghorn antelope with his self bows. He has taken other big game animals as well. Mike knows firsthand how effective these primitive bows and arrows can be. Remember, what we call primitive archery today was once the most technologically advanced weaponry known to man. When discussing primitive bows, its generally accepted that any bow without carbon, fiberglass, or other synthetic man-made backings will qualify. We call bows made from one piece of wood, self bows.

Theyre normally made from staves split from trees, but some folks build board bows from kiln dried lumber as well. Some bow builders add natural fibers or sinew to the back or even glue a strip of hickory, bamboo, or other tough wood to the back. These are called backed bows. Taking that concept one step further, some bowyers glue many laminations of wood together and we call those laminated wood bows. It is interesting to note that by taking advantage of the exquisite materials offered by nature, we can build bows of amazing cast. I remember reading once that it wasnt until the use of fiberglass in modern bows that we were able to finally beat the old distance records set by the Mongols and their composite bows of sinew, horn and wood. Even today its possible to design and build bows with all natural materials that will rival the performance of many of the current fiberglass backed bows. These bows may be called primitive, but when good wood is expertly tillered the resulting bow is a marvel of engineering, lively in cast and impressive in performance. When building these kinds of

bows, they each come with their own set of challenges but as the wood gives up the bow within, theres also a transformation of the man to bowyer. Its a magical transformation and well worth the time and effort. Primitive bows deserve natural arrows. Yes, you can shoot aluminum or carbon arrows from them, but It aint right. Primitive arrows are made from many materials; river cane, bamboo, split hickory, various young shoots, and more. However, with good reason, the vast majority are made from storebought wood shafts. Straightness and consistency of spine is important to accurate shooting so its much more efficient to use prematched arrow shafts for the primitive archer making his first few sets of arrows. There are many kinds of wood that make good arrows; Port Orford cedar, pine, fir, ash, and hickory are a few of the more common and readily available choices. Well start at the nock end. For me theres no better nock on arrows for all wood bows than the reinforced self-nock. To make them you first slot your arrow shaft, then glue in a thin piece of hardwood, antler, horn, etc. Once the glue has cured, cut a slot in the middle of the slice, then round all your edges and clean up the slot with an appropriate file

23

make one at a time. Fortunately, theres a new jig on the market to help with the process that can do up to four arrows at a time. As a matter of fact, the designer of the jig told me you should be able to produce a dozen reinforced self-nocked arrows in less than an hour. For feathers, most arrow builders use commercially available pre-cut feathers glued on with commercial adhesives like Fletch-Tite or Ducco cement. For those who prefer to grind their own feathers the Great Northern feather grinding system is hard to beat. Of course you can still split feathers by hand and use natural hide glue and sinew for attaching them as well. When it comes to the points there are two main schools of thought. Most folks use modern tapering tools and taper the front of their wood arrows to accept regular glue-on filed points and broadheads. Later, many make the switch to hand knapped stone heads. Ive spoken with many bowhunters who have taken various big game animals with stone heads and they claim you cant tell the difference between shooting an animal with a stone head as opposed to a metal head. Stone points zip through as easily as metal points and many times are as sharp upon exiting as they were going in. (Always check your local game laws before attempting to hunt with stone points as they are not legal in all states.) While most primitive bowhunters purchase pre-knapped flint arrowheads, many also knap their own. Flint knapping is actually very popular and the shops that I know of who offer flintknapping kits sell them quite well. Theyre especially popular during the Christmas season. Quivers for the primitive archer are actually quite limited. Many traditional shops offer nice leather back quivers or over-the-shoulder Plains Indian style quivers, but thats about it. For that reason we often see self bows with strap-on or slide-on bow quivers in the field. The choice is up to the bowhunter and carrying extra arrows has always been a challenge,

Mike Yancey, of Pine Hollow Longbows took this antelope with one of his self bows.

especially those with razor sharp broadheads. Sometimes compromise is a wise choice. Perhaps by now youre thinking about learning more about this primitive archery thing? Where do you start? There are quite a few sources for primitive supplies. Well list several of them at the end of the article. You might stop by your local bookstore and pick up a copy of Primitive Archer Magazine, Traditional Bowhunter Magazine, or Trad Archers World Magazine. Theyre all about traditional archery and a good way to get more information before committing to something like building your own bow. If you do decide to build a bow check out the Traditional Bowyers Bible series of books by Bois dArc press. Theyre indispensible and belong in every bowyers library. The works of Dean Torges are another great resource. Dean is a bow build-

Primitive archers appreciate hand crafted items like this grizzly claw necklace strung with antique trade beads.

ing guru as well as a great communicator and instructor. His book Hunting the Osage Bow teaches self bow building and for those interested in building bows with bamboo backings his DVD, Hunting the Bamboo Backed Bow, is a must. As a side note, some folks are intimidated by the idea of building their own bow, so they never try. An excellent way to test the waters of bow building is to purchase either a roughedin bow stave or a pre-laminated and floor tillered bow blank from one of the primitive suppliers. There are many, many more books and DVDs, too many to list so be sure to check with the traditional suppliers mentioned at the end of the article for more.

Handmade wool garments like this hooded pullover are perfect for the still hunting primitive bowhunter.

Kits like these are top sellers and the perfect way to introduce someone to flint knapping.

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you. We abo-types may dig all the sensory stimulation that working with natural products offer, but not everyone shares our enthusiasm. Wait until you have a weekend, and the house, to yourself before sinew backing your latest bow. If you dont, you might find that just about the time your hide glue has reached the optimum temperature and consistency, your wife will enter the room, hands on her hips, nose scrunched, and with a dazed and confused look on her face ask, Whats that really

disgusting SMELL? Authors Note. Here are web sites of the suppliers for items mentioned in this article: 3RiversArchery.com GFredAsbell.com KustomKingArchery.com LostNationArchery.com PineHollowLongbows.com RaptorArchery.com ShrewBows.com ThunderValleyArchery.com

Neck knives like these have been popular with primitive archers for years and they are starting to catch on in mainstream traditional archery.

MEET
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Bo Visit oth us Nu at A mb T er: A 21 3

Primitive archery is a fascinating adventure that connects us to days gone by. Its deeply satisfying and for many its a first step into a life of learning primitive crafts and woods lore. Why dont you give it a try? Get your hands on a stave and a draw knife. Make a bow from a chunk of a tree, then take a deer with it. Youll know then for a fact that it doesnt get any better than that. As a parting shot Ill share a well earned tip with those of you who are married. If you decide to sinew back a bow, be sensitive to those around

FAMILY
HIGH PERFORMANCE MODELS WITH SUPERIOR OPTICS

TSN-880/770 Series GENESIS 44 Series GENESIS 33 Series

www.kowa-usa.com

The fire piston is an amazing tool. If you're good you can have a fire going in under a minute.

19#26+/'&T 0%TFNNNET'4/1068'07'144#0%'XMNINFLNNTMJJTIJMF

25

Courtesy of the Archery Trade Association

ATA Dealers: Plan Your Hunt, Hunt Your Plan

veryone enjoys the camaraderie and reunion-like atmosphere of the annual ATA Trade Show, but veteran archery dealers view this popular, all-inclusive show as a cant-miss investment in their business. Without a doubt, the savings we get there are the number one reason we always attend, said Brian Brochu, owner of Brians Archery in Barrington, New Hampshire. I write about 75 percent of my orders at the show. I enjoy socializing as much as anyone, but it costs us about $3,000 to attend. I dont spend that kind of money just to go to Indy to talk and laugh. From the time many experienced dealers leave home until they return, they use every hour as an opportunity to build and strengthen their store. Just as they do when bowhunting, they plan their hunt, hunt their plan, and then analyze it afterward. This methodical approach makes them more efficient on the show floor as they hunt down deals, study new products, and glean business tips from the industrys top experts. Likewise, the ATA has negotiated better deals for parking, hotel rooms and meals to offset the cost to attend the show. These incentives have boosted early registration for the 2011 Trade Show, January 6-8. Many ATA member attendees have already booked the least expensive hotel accommodations in the shows history. With several new, first-class hotels offering rooms for less than $100 per night these hotels are also connected by skywalk to the Indianapolis Convention Center more dealers will step off their hotel elevators and simply walk across the street to the ATA Show. Before August was one week old, the ATA had already sold out the main show floor, with 400 quality exhibitors reserving space for their

display booths. If thats not enough reasons to attend, heres a preview of show features awaiting dealers: A lineup of downtown Indy dining establishments that signed on as official ATA Trade Show restaurants, which means significant discounts for attendees. Better rates and more options for parking at or near the hotels and convention center. The second year of the popular Big Buck Tags coupon book, which offers dealers thousands of dollars in savings for inventory ordered at the show. The new ATA Beer & Gear Exchange is a relaxing opportunity for everyone attending the show to unwind and network. Eight cash bars will be located in the hallways surrounding the Trade Show exhibit hall on Thursday and Friday evenings. The popular ATA Members Lounge, where archery dealers can relax and socialize, or find a quiet table to plan or review orders, or analyze deals and offers they discussed with exhibitors.

Defining Priorities
Kurt Weber, the ATAs marketing director, said member-dealers feedback helps define the associations priorities when planning each show. After the 2009 Trade Show in Indy, the ATA commissioned a comprehensive survey of show attendees. The survey identified several factors, pro and con, dealers deemed important. For instance, 84 percent said they liked the Convention Center and its surroundings. Most of them (64 percent) also liked the cost of local restaurants, but 22 percent said food was too expensive. Another dislike

was the cost of parking, which 22 percent found excessive. Weber said the show offers an increasingly focused, polished and professional business setting for dealers and manufacturers, but the ATA realizes those benefits will go unnoticed if dealers get bogged down in the costs and logistics of attending the show. We recognize the large investments of time and money dealers must commit to the show, Weber said. When the ATA sat down with Indys representatives, we shared our members concerns with them, and we had the data to back up their concerns. As a result, the 2011 ATA Show will have the absolutely lowest room prices weve ever had in our hotel block. We also negotiated deeply discounted parking prices, more free breakfasts, and discount coupons for downtown restaurants. John Larsen, owner of Bwana Archery in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a member of the ATA Dealers Council and ATA Board of Directors, and he also serves with ARRO. He said those things Weber referenced sound basic, but they can quickly become roadblocks to attendance. Food and parking are an issue at any show, Larsen said. If youre staying at a major hotel near the show to reduce the inconvenience of shuttles,

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youre not very happy if you lose your time savings to expensive food or parking. Thats why I was very happy to see the deals the ATA got for us this year with the hotel packages.

more than recover their Show expenses.

Strong Foundation
Year in year out, however, the shows foundation is built on fundamental strengths. Weber calls it the industrys number one business opportunity. Everyone is in one place at one time for the only time all year, Weber said. You not only see, but you can meet, the industrys key players, thinkers, designers, engineers and salesmen. You can compare their products head to head on shooting ranges, and get direct answers on any questions you have. The more you know about equipment and how it works, the stronger your credibility with your customers, and the more times you attend the show, the more youll build that credibility. Larsen said he learned long ago that he cant afford to miss the ATA Show. It behooves all ARRO members to be there, Larsen said. Some of those buys only happen once. If youre not there, youll miss out on lots of good specials. Weve gotten some really good show deals by walking in, cash in hand, ready to do business. Some deals youd never hear about if you werent there. Maybe a manufacturer discounted a quiver or release, and is selling them pennies on the dollar. Theyre unique situations that happen just once. A classic example was a deal a couple of years ago when a distributor got stuck with a bunch of custom, exclusive arrows after a program didnt go as planned. I basically bought a full seasons arrow supply of carbon arrows, and made a lot of money off of it. You dont get deals like that by staying home. Butch Herold, owner of Butchs Sports World in Palmyra, Missouri, said he hits the ARROs HOT Show and then follows a list of cant-miss manufacturers when the ATA Show opens. You learn to have a plan for the show, otherwise you get sidetracked because theres so much to check out, Herold said. One year we went unprepared, and by the third day we were just getting to the third aisle. You cant cover it all, but

Great Show Deals

Weber said the shows on-site business deals start before the show opens because of the ATAs long-term relationship with ARRO and NABA. By working with these organizations, the ATA helps ensure their members benefit from consistent discounts at ARROs HOT Show the day before the trade show opens, but still have plenty of unique deals to pursue from manufacturers that display only at the ATA Show. We also have NABA members attending our show who cant make it to their show out West, so its important that we help them network and pursue deals with their fellow members while in Indy, Weber said. The Trade Show must also offer programs that consistently benefit dealers and manufacturers of all sizes. You need solid programs with staying power, and that means flexibility to grow with the show and deliver long-term value, Weber said. More and more, as the ATA Board and staff propose and build the shows programs, they look for those that serve the industrys long-term strategies. The first thing we do is the same thing any smart business does: We study the programs costs to the association. If its a high number, it better have some compelling reasons to implement it. The ATA Board wont just throw things against a wall to see if they stick. For example, Weber thinks the Big Buck Tags program now in its second year will generate substantial new business for manufacturers while providing dealers significant savings. Big Buck Tags is our take on the timetested community coupon books youve see around the country the past 25 years, Weber said. The coupons in that book benefit both dealers and exhibitors. Every dealer will receive a Big Buck Tags coupon book at registration, and then its up to them to make it pay. Last year, the book delivered more than $5,000 in product savings, so dealers could

we always visit the Featured Products area, and we visit the treestand manufacturers, boot and clothing manufacturers, and new manufacturers we heard about. We check out new products. We need to make sure theyll fit well with our current inventory. They have to fill a gap, whether its a price point or a line we dont carry. Brochu said hes learned not to waste time his or the manufacturers when visiting their booths at the show. You want to be friendly, but get to the point of why youre there, Brochu said. I start with companies Ive been doing business with. If Ive already seen their new products from their reps in November and December, I might have some questions. Im kind of blunt. I ask what specials they have that wont be offered later. If they dont have anything, I keep moving, but maybe swing back later in the show. Im also looking for new companies that dont have reps yet, Brochu continued. If they make something I like, Ill try to stock it before the reps get their hands on it. That way I can have products my competition hasnt seen yet.

Experience Equals Efficiency

Working the show is never easy, but experienced dealers improve with time. Never forget the reason youre there in the first place, which is simple: to hunt down the savings. I take the savings any way I can get them, whether its free shipping, getting bakers dozens on something I cant get later; you name it, Ill listen, Brochu said. I have a game plan, a list and a map, and I mark the booths we need to visit, he said. The only reason to attend the show is to make your shop as profitable as possible. Thats your number one responsibility. Too many little shops are vanishing, and I dont want to be one of them. I work with many reps, but I dont trust them to run my business. They have their own business to worry about. Dealers must take charge of their own success. That means learning all you can at the show so you recognize savings that are good for you.

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BowTech Hires Marketing Director

Following an extensive nationwide search, BowTech announced September 1 that it was introducing a new director of marketing, Samuel Coalson. Most recently, Coalson was the Hunting, Outdoor, Marketing Manager for Rocky Brands. His accomplishments while at Rocky included but were not limited to: successful product launches, global brand management, and creative advertising. Coalson is also an active outdoorsman who is passionate about archery. I am very excited to have Sam Coalson join our senior management team, states BowTech President, Mark Pezzoni. He brings a solid knowledge of marketing, extensive relationships within the outdoor industry, and a passion for archery, that will undoubtedly be a powerhouse combination. We believe his skills and contributions will be a great match with our reputation for building industry leading, innovative, archery products. BowTech manufactures and distributes compound bows and archery equipment. Founded in 1999, BowTechs corporate offices and manufacturing facilities are located in Eugene, Oregon. BowTechs family of brands includes: BowTech and Diamond compound bows, Octane archery accessories, Stryker crossbows, and WaterDog Surface Technologies. BowTech is a subsidiary of Savage Sports Corporation, located in Westfield, Massachusetts.

F.A.S.T. Squares Fletched Arrows

The F.A.S.T. arrow squaring tool works on fletched or un-fletched shafts to square the ends before installing nocks and inserts. Drop the shaft in the notch and rotate against replaceable adhesive disk. Use F.A.S.T. in your pro shop and sell it to arrow-building customers. It improves accuracy and guarantees reliable Lumenok function. The Burt Coyote Company 309-358-1602 www.lumenok.net 104 N Union St, Yates City, IL 61572

NASP 80cm Face

Maple Leaf Press, working with NASP officials, created the NASP-80, an accurate and easy to score target. By adding screened scoring numbers to the FITA approved TA-80, both of these requirements were met without the numbers being distracting at the shooting line. The target is printed on cover stock with FITA approved colors rather than with a 4-color process to imitate these colors. For more information contact:
Maple Leaf Press, Inc., 1215 S. Beechtree St. Grand Haven, MI 49417 616-846-8844 mlpress1@aol.com www.mapleleafpress.com

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Rinehart Honored by Field & Stream

Rinehart Targets RhinoBlock has been awarded the Best of the Best by Field & Stream Magazine. The award is given annually to only the best and brightest new hunting products that are deemed critical to a hunters success in the field, and are then featured in the September issue of the magazine, which is on newsstands now. Forty-seven Field & Stream testers in 11 states and provinces evaluated more than 250 pieces of sporting gear in order to award the best hunting products introduced in 2010 with the Best of the Best distinction. Sharing the winners circle with Rinehart were top vehicle and hunting equipment manufacturers such as Ford, Yamaha and Brunton while the Rinehart RhinoBlock was one of only four winners in the archery category, and the one and only archery target to take home the title in at least the last five years. Were honored to receive recognition from such an esteemed publication as Field & Stream, says Rinehart Vice President James McGovern. The new Rinehart RhinoBlock is unlike any target on the market, and were extremely thrilled it has proven itself to be the ultimate choice for bowhunters. The new Rinehart RhinoBlock Target is the first cube-shaped target to feature Rineharts patented locking insert allowing shooters to simply replace just its core instead of purchasing a new target. Two sides of the cube display a textured, lifelike 3-D deer target zone, one displaying outlined vital areas of a deer, and the other detailing an anatomically correct display of a deers organs. The other four faces of the target are comprised of Rineharts signature, highly visible target zones.

Robert Klass Fourmaster

tas kills the competition

NEW!
Tactical Stabilizer

HallMark Cutlery is excited to introduce a vintage pattern from the Robert Klaas archives. The Fourmaster measures 3-1/2 closed, with a 2-3/4 clip blade. It also features a unique half hawk blade. Available in yellow delrin (msrp: $36.99) and tobacco bone (msrp: $39.99) Call for more information on becoming a dealer with us. Hallmark Cutlery Toll-Free 866-583-3912 Email info@hallmarkcutlery.com Web: www.hallmarkcutlery.com P.O. Box 220, Kodak, TN 37764

100 Pack Bags Full Length From Trueflight

TAS products are engineered for maximum profit keeping your customers on the cutting edge of bow hunting technology. TAS is committed to developing only the best and most innovative accessories on the market. Call for more information on the new Delta Rail, SABO Sight and other tactical products that will give you the edge over your competitors.
Trueflight Mfg. Co., world-wide supplier of high quality archery arrow feathers is now supplying their popular Full Length Commercial Grade feathers in 100 count display bags. The color printed bags are prepunched for pegboard display and feature a convenient re-useable zip lock top. Trueflight supplies full length and die cut feathers in bulk boxes or 100 pack bags in a total of 32 different colors and patterns, including 6 exclusive, super eye catching "Bright Stripes" patterns. All Trueflight Feathers are Made in the USA, under strict USDA, OSHA, EPA, and Department of Labor wage and hour laws.

tacticalarcherysystems.com 877-686-7226

For more information contact Trueflight Feathers P.O. Box 1000, Manitowish Waters, WI 54545 call 715-543-8451 or visit www.trueflightfeathers.com

29

Magnus Has New Executive

Magnus Broadheads is pleased to announce the hiring of John Betker to the position of executive vice president of sales and marketing. Betker will be responsible for all sales, sales reps, pro staffers, product pricing, and programs. Additionally, he will be responsible for all marketing and advertising opportunities including TV, print, and Internet. Betker comes to Magnus from Primos Hunting Calls, where he successfully executed the position of eastern regional sales manager. He headed sales for Double Bull Archery before its acquisition by Primos. Betker will report to Magnus CEO Mike Sohm. We are very excited to have John come on board here at Magnus, Sohm said. We feel that he brings the experience and knowledge that we have been looking for. Magnus Broadheads is an industry leader in cut-on-contact broadheads and also has the Rackpack

John Betker has joined Magnus Broadheads as executive vice president of sales and marketing. Hes shown with CEO Mike Sohm, right.

ground blind transportation system. It also maintains a full line of clothing from Pattern Masters in the new GroundSwatTactical pattern, avail-

able this fall. For more information, contact: Magnus Broadheads, (800) 720-5341, or go on-line to www.magnusbroadheads.com.

LIFETIME WARRANTY!

ARCHERS ALLEN WRENCH

Light & Compact,True Prominar Performance

The Genesis-33 Series utilizes Prominar technology, as well as many cutting edge features, all in a lightweight, weatherproof and ergonomic housing. The smooth focusing features make quick and accurate focusing simple. The 8x model lends an 8.0 real field of view (420ft at 1000yds.), with a minimum focusing distance of 5 ft. The 10x offers an impressive 6.8 real field of view (357ft at 1000yds). Visit kowa-usa.com for more information about these revolutionary binoculars
Kowa Optimed Inc. 20001 South Vermont Ave. Torrance, CA 90502 800.966.5692

The Archers Allen Wrench is guaranteed for life to not strip or round the corners. This is the best wrench set around for sights, limb bolts, rests and more. The convenient holster makes it easy to keep it handy and helps prevent losing it to customers or co-workers. Plus, the positive stop allows you to get leverage on the wrench so you can torque or break rusted bolts free.
WWW.PINERIDGEARCHERY.COM TOLL-FREE: 877-746-7434

Deer & Turkey Expos Help You Capture Sales

When you get your product into the customers hands, youve got them. The leader in hunting shows, Target Communications will deliver 1000s of hunters face-to-face at the following venues during 2011. Plus dealers attend free on Tradeshow Sunday, boosting your volume sales.
Michigan Deer & Turkey Spectacular, Feb. 18-20 in Lansing Ohio Deer & Turkey Expo March 18-20 in Columbus Illinois Deer & Turkey Classic March 25-27 in Peoria Wisconsin Deer & Turkey Expo April 1-3 in Madison

www.deerinfo.com 1-800-324-3337

30

HSS Issues Voluntary Recall

On September 28 Hunter Safety System announced an immediate voluntary recall of the carabineers that were included with the new HSS 300 Ultra Lite Harness. There have been no reported incidents involving these carabineers; however, based on the high standards that Hunter Safety System requires, the company feels it is necessary to issue a voluntary recall based on recent findings. Through rigorous testing, it became apparent that the carabineer gate retention pins can inadvertently detach, permitting the carabineer gate to open and creating the possibility of the treestrap or linemans climbing strap to release from the carabineer, thereby allowing the user to fall. We feel this product does not meet our safety standards, said John Wydner, HSS co-owner and president. For this reason we are replacing all carabineers that were included with the HSS 300 Ultra Lite Harnesses free of charge, including shipping. Although we have not had any reports of this happening outside our factory, we are issuing this voluntary recall to maintain the highest possible product-quality standards for all of our customers. Hunter Safety System representatives have been working around the clock to contact dealers and individuals who have purchased the HSS 300 Ultra Lite Harness regarding this recall and potential problem with the carabineer. The UPC Code for this item is: 8-59540-00083-0. All owners and users of the HSS 300 Ultra Lite Harness are directed to immediately discontinue use of the carabineers and the included Linemans Climbing Strap, and they should contact Hunter Safety System at (877) 296-3528 for a carabineer exchange. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our loyal customers, Wydner said. We are doing everything in our power to make this exchange as easy as possible; however, we want everyone to be safe. That is the most important thing in the world to everyone here at Hunter Safety System.

Parker Wins ASA Shoot With Tornado

Parkers Paul Vaicunas won the new ASA Crossbow Class at the London, Kentucky ASA event, the first such ASA event to welcome crossbow shooters. Vaicunas was using a stock Tornado crossbow equipped with a dial-adjust Pin Point scope. He was shooting Red Hot arrows from the same Mint Spring, Virginia bow and crossbow firm. ASA President Mike Tyrell has said crossbows will be welcomed into all 2011 ASA Pro Am events.

Now you can easily tune your arrow nocks for optimum performance.
This simple tool will allow you to adjust the gap on your arrow nock to better fit your bow string. The gauge checks your serving size and then the corresponding file readies the nock for a perfect fit. Use of Nock-Tune will increase the arrow speed by up to 4 fps. By tuning all your arrow nocks, you will have more consistency from shot to shot and quieter flight.
The American made GhostBlind Predator is a revolutionary ground blind with reflective mirror panels. Designed to eliminate sun reflection, the lightweight mirror panels only reflect the surrounding area directly in front of the blind. With GhostBlind, you can shoot from a seated position thereby minimizing your exposure, regardless if you hunt with a compound bow, traditional bow, crossbow or gun. Getting a GhostBlind is like getting thousands of camo patterns for the price of one. Blind weighs 12 lbs.
GhostBlind Industries Inc. 2347A St Rt 821, Marietta, Ohio 45750 877-751-4868 www.GhostBlind.com

866-471-3865 516-495-4236 sales@treeapron.com www.TreeApron.com

31

Field Logic Acquires Sure-Loc

Sure-Loc Archery Products has joined forces with Field Logic, Inc., according to a late August announcement from Dianne Hensley, President of the C.S. Gibbs Company. Steve Gibbs, her late husband, had founded the firm and helped develop some of the first modern target sights. I strongly feel that Field Logics acquisition of Sure-Loc creates the opportunity to achieve the long-term goals of its founder, Steve Gibbs, Hensley said. Merging the unfailing dependability and proven precision quality of Sure-Loc products with the creative team and innovative technology of Field Logic is a natural choice. Sure-Loc will carry on along its proven path of excellence in line with Steves impressive legacy, Hensley promised retailers and archers. It will operate as a division of Field Logic, Inc., whose trusted brands include Rage broadheads, Block Fusion targets, GlenDel 3-D targets and IQ Bowsights. I will be involved during this transition to new ownership to ensure that the process is seamless. Field Logic possesses the dynamic staff, boundless ingenuity and cutting-edge tools essential to assure the commitment to quality and innovation that Sure-Loc users rely on and treasure, Hensley continued. Inquiries about the Sure-Loc line can now be directed to Field Logic, Inc., 101 Main St., Superior, WI 54880 (877) 322-9988.

Horton Veteran Joins Kodabow

Kodabow, a Pennsylvania company producing crossbows, has named Mark Bower to head its Sales and Business Development initiatives. Bower is a knowledgeable executive in the archery products industry and includes past experience as the Chief Operating Officer at Horton Crossbows. Chuck Matasic, President of Kodabow, stated, "It is terrific timing for Kodabow to have a crossbow industry veteran join the team as we are building out our distribution network. After Mark visited our Kodabow facilities, he was very enthusiastic about the Kodabow vision, product quality and performance. He really liked our technology and fresh thinking --- and Mark knows crossbows quite well. I have known Mark for several years and we are all very excited about working together with him at Kodabow." Bower added, "The Kodabow product line is a shining example of a USA company engineering and producing a top quality product for the American sportsman without compromise at a competitive price.

GET THE BEST TRAIL CAMERA

New Mathews McPherson Series Monster Safari
With patent pending Honeycomb Core Technology designed throughout, the Safari delivers unprecedented strength and performance. Hexagonal honeycomb designs have been used in aerospace industries for years because of the high strength-to-weight ratios. Exotic African Wood Inlays, Integral Grip, and AVS cam system all help make the Safari a work of art as well as a powerhouse in the field. As with all Mathews bows, there is no compromise in quality or excellence. Each Monster Safari will be custom made. Limited quantities will be available. The MSRP is $2,100. Additional information regarding the 2011 McPherson Series Monster Safari will be released Fall of 2010.

12

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32

Mark Garcia Launches New Brand

Mark Garcia, a veteran of High Country, Trophy Ridge and Truglo, is launching his own archery accessory company this fall under the Archer Xtreme brand. Based in Montana, Garcia said Archer Xtreme LLC will produce performance gear and accessories for todays elite archer. Archery is an xtreme hunting sport and for the archer who is looking for dependable performance based gear Archer Xtreme has arrived, Garcia promised. Archer Xtreme was developed out of a true passion for the sport. I have more than 15 years experience in the archery industry launching and building other brands and spent many years as a professional elk guide. Archer Xtreme is introducing a new line of products this November with a strong marketing campaign and products that will impress any archer, Garcia said. Sights and quivers as well as other accessories will be on display during the December 6-8 Mathews Dealer Show and at booth 3018 of the 2011 ATA Show in Indianapolis. "The products are in production now and we look forward to bringing them to the market," said Garcia. We look forward to working with retailers in the industry. We will offer the best products in the archery accessory category and back them up with the best customer service. For more information go to www.Archerxtreme.com or contact Mark Garcia at (406)600-8430.

Alpine Picks Hawk Agency

Alpine Archery will now be using Rich Waltons Hawk Associates advertising and public relations agency based in Tucson, Arizona. Ive known Rich Walton for years and have worked with him in the past so Im excited to have him on our team again, said Alpine Owner Bob Proctor. Rich has the experience and dedication to all his clients that every company looks for in an agency. We are looking forward to 2011 with Hawk Associates on board. Alpine Archery is a manufacturer of bows and accessories based in Lewiston, Idaho.

October Mountain Products NEW Bows NEW Bowfishing Gear NEW Archery y Accessories ATA A TA Booth B t th h #321

TM

TM

Sixty years strong, Martin has a new Firecat 400 (right) for Pro Series retailers. Nitro 2.0 Hybrid Pro Cams cover 27-30 & launch arrows at 335345 fps. Just 32 inches long, it comes in your choice of 6 finishes.

Peep Eliminator
The Peep Eliminator will work with multiple pins, a single adjustable pin and pendulum sights. All Peep Eliminator sights are designed to obscure the front pin if you torque the bow or have your head in a different position from when you sighted in your bow. You will correct your mistake in seconds and make an accurate shot. The Peep Eliminator with a single pair of green dots is for shooting multiple pins or the pendulum sight. The multi dot sight is for shooting a single adjustable pin. Machined in the USA, light available. Comes with a Lifetime Warranty.
Compound Bow Rifle Sight, Inc. Phone # 618-526-4427 E-mail mel@peepeliminator.com www.peepeliminator.com

Fin-Finder Bowfishing Products

Fin-Finder

ManGear Mountain Man Gear

All Martin retailers can get the striking Onza 3 with our newest hybrid cam design, distinctive Vibration Escape Modules & torque reducing cable guard. 33.25 long and 330-340 fps.

Traditional Bows

www.OctoberMountainProducts.com

Martin Archery-Since 1951 509-529-2554 martinarchery.com

33

P&Y Founder St. Charles Dies at 98

Pope and Young Club founder Glenn St. Charles passed away September 19 at his home in Seattle, Washington, after a short illness. He was 98. The Pope & Young Club wishes to extend our deepest sympathy to the St. Charles family. This is also a tremendous loss for the entire bowhunting community. The Pope & Young Club lost a father figure. The bowhunting community, shaped by more than five decades of Glenns influence, lost a guiding force, said Pope & Young Club President Roger Atwood. A bowyer from the 1940s when modern-day hunting with the bow and arrow was still in its infancy, St. Charles became a staunch and driven advocate for the sport. His vision for bettering the image of bowhunting and proving the effectiveness of the bow and arrowthe very creation of the Pope and Young Clubwas integral in the establishment of bowhunting seasons and the acceptance and popularity that bowhunting has since garnered. His work as Hunting Activities Chairman of the National Field Archery Association in the 1950s led to the development of the bowhunting records program, the subsequent founding of the Pope and Young Club in 1961, and the creation of a bowhunting ethical code and Rules of Fair Chase. His efforts and devotion to the cause of bowhunting spanned over eight decades. A legitimate iconic figure, St. Charles was one of the last true bowhunting pioneers. M. R. James, President of the Archery Hall of Fame, and Past President of the Pope and Young Club, added Glenn St. Charles will be remembered by many as a talented bowyer and founder of the Pope and Young Club. Rightfully so. But for his

close friends and family, he will be fondly recalled as a man who accomplished much more during a long and active lifetime. Father and father figure; fierce advocate and tireless defender of the sport he loved; pioneer bowhunter and visionary leader; outspoken conservationist; promoter of fair chase hunting; loyal friend and wise mentor; without question, Glenn St. Charles left his indelible mark on archery and bowhunting. He will be missed, but his place in our sports rich history is secure.

Lightning Bowstrings Adds Round Housing for Square-Up

Lightning Bowstrings Ltd., manufacturers of the Square-Up, are very pleased to introduce the new Square Up torque indicator with a round housing. This new offering with a great new look together with its simple effectiveness makes this a must have on every bow. The functional and real time reference bracket provides the shooter complete control of the bow's torque axis without obscuring or confusing the sight picture, resulting in a dramatic increase in effective range. Torque reference on archery bows is an idea long overdue. We continue to shoot faster and faster bows, Square Up will make them more accurate. As the torque-control archery market segment continues to expand, well provide the most rugged, effective and affordable torque indicator on the market. Square-Up retails for $64.95. Lightning Bowstrings Ltd Phone: (860) 663-3949 www.lightningbowstrings.com

Investment Protector

Fear No Deer
Hardcore hunters look for gear that's as rough and tough as their pursuit for game. And,Buck Wear,Inc.,creators of quality sportswear for the avid outdoorsman,has just the piece for these serious hunters who make 'No Excuses - Just Trophies,' with its newest model 'Fear No Deer' Adult Camo 2-Fer (Model #1919).
Buck Wear,Inc. (800) 813-7708 www.buckwear.com 2900 Cowan Avenue, Baltimore,MD 21223

ACU Archerys dedication to making the industry safer for everyone, led to the creation of the ACU Lok! After having 3 bows dry fired in 3 months at our pro shop and customers coming in with their archery equipment in pieces, we decided it was high time to provide a solution to this growing problem. Whether it is a retailer protecting merchandise, customers protecting their investments, or parents protecting their children, ACU Lok gives that protection in molded or machined versions. 4890 W. Millcreek Pike Wabash, IN 46992 P(260)563-6097 F(260)563-6694 www.acuarchery.com E-Mail acuarchery@gmail.com

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Nation-Wide Rep Group Has New VP

Hudalla Associates, the nationwide rep group based in Perham, Minnesota, has hired Matt Gindorff as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing. The group has 17 professional sales representatives on the road and two experienced inside salespeople who work out of an office in Belgrade, Montana & Plymouth, Utah. Gindorff started August 1 and has been commuting from his home in West Fargo, North Dakota to the Hudalla Associates headquarters in Perham, Minnesota. He is planning to move to the Perham area with wife Jennifer and their two boys. Grady is 2-1/2 years old and Luke was born just this July. Gindorff is now responsible for overseeing sales activities at Hudalla Associates, which was founded by Bruce Hudalla in 1987. He will work with the groups current manufacturers and is the lead contact for Gander Mountain, the large chain that is headquartered in the Twin Cities. A passionate bowhunter that has been fortunate to hunt around the globe, Gindorffs outdoor activities extend beyond bowhunting. He also enjoys wingshooting and jigging for big walleyes. The new vice president comes from a strong background in the outdoor retail arena, with an emphasis on sales and marketing, according to President Bruce Hudalla. Gindorff spent five years with the Cabelas organization, working at both the Owatonna and East Grand Forks, Minnesota locations. Matt also brings a tremendous amount of outdoor knowledge to our team after owning his own adventure travel business, The Sporting Traveler, for the past 10 years, Hudalla said. We

are very fortunate to add a person with Matts background and experience to our team. Manufacturers, distributors and retailers can reach the Hudalla Associates headquarters in Minnesota by calling (218) 346-2734. The phone number for the inside sales office in Montana is (888) 2163730.

Eliminator Pro-Line Press

A full service bow press for every bow design available, including crossbows. Rapid, easy and versatile setup. Utilizes limb tip and limb post compression. Synchronous arm movement for equal compression. Mount to stand or bench. After 166 years of making Americas best textile products, we continue to maintain the finest tradition for quality and customer service satisfaction by responding to your needs. Brownell Archery is introducing Fluorescent colors green, orange, yellow and pink offered in our Astro Flight, Xcel and Fast Flight Plus.

RhinoBlock XL Target
The new 18x18 RhinoBlock XL target is brimming with the same industryleading features that recently made its popular, award-winning predecessor, the Rinehart RhinoBlock, the musthave practice target for archers of every stripe. The bigger, incredibly versatile and durable RhinoBlock XL is literally three targets in one! Whether youre at camp, in the yard or on the range, you can take aim at one of the targets highly visible target zones, or one of its two incredibly life-like 3D deer target zones. Rinehart Targets 608-757-8153 rinehart3d.com 1809 Beloit Ave. Janesville,WI 53546

Crossbow Cradle

Adaptable for all crossbows. Solid foot stirrup allows you to use both hands for maintenance. Cushioned to protect finish. Double as a rest for sighting-in.

Apple Archery 800-745-8190 www.applearchery.com 60 Leigh Drive, York, PA 17406

Brownell & Company, Inc. 860-873-8625 www.brownellarchery.com brownell@brownellco.com PO Box 362, Moodus, CT 06469

35

G5 to Launch Additional Bow Line

G5 Outdoors, maker of Quest bows as well as G5 broadheads, sights and rests is introducing a new bow line - Prime . With its proprietary and exclusive Parallel Cam Technology, this new line of premiums bows virtually eliminates cam lean, making the bows more forgiving and more accurate at greater distances, a spokesman said. The new Prime Bows will raise the bar in compound bow performance, stated President Matt Grace. We are thrilled with the ingenuity our engineers and designers have shown in developing a product that effectively addresses one of the nagging problems in current bow designs. The Parallel Cam Technology looks to make cam lean a problem of the past as the new design balances the load equally on each side of the cable resulting in practically no lean, reduced horizontal nock travel, and reduced limb fatigue. In addition to the Parallel Cam Design, G5 says the new Prime series offers a long list of unique features, including a forged 7000 Series T6 Aluminum Riser said to be twice as strong as traditional 6061 T6 aluminum risers. The C-1 Laminated Limbs utilize a cross weft design to significantly reduce torsional stresses in the limb resulting in improved consistency and accuracy. The limbs are strung with material that is a proprietary blend of Gore performance fibers and the proven BCY 452X string material. The initial two models, the Shift and Centroid, also have a flexible titanium cable guard system and a grip formed from a material that repels both water and odors. After assembly and tuning, G5 will be machine cycling each bow 100 times and then tuning it again, to help insure strings are properly stretched and limbs and limb pockets have settled in. Prime bows will be offered in the two Optifade concealment patterns from Gore, as well as in black or Realtree AP .
Prime bows will be offered this first year in draw lengths of 27 to 31 inches and in peak weights of 50, 60 and 70 pounds.Initial tuning and break-in are being done at the factory.

Stopper Enhancer
BowJax introduces a new Enhancer replacement stopper (bottom) for Hoyt String Suppressors. Provides an extra soft landing and simply fits over the original with no tape or glue needed to keep it in place. Its super soft shell makes your Hoyt suppressor as quiet as it can be. May need to shorten the rod slightly. Available through BowJax or soon through many fine Hoyt dealers. MSRP $6. Product #1064. 208-762-3692 208-762-4297 fax www.bowjax.com 18544 Rimrock Rd Hayden, ID, 83835

36

Big Green Targets Gain Representation

Big Green Targets, a premier manufacturer of archery targets constructed using 100 percent recycled materials announces that it has retained Hudalla Associates, Inc. to aid in the sales and distribution of its entire line. Hudalla Associates has over 20 years of experience specializing in sales representation for top manufacturers in the archery industry and will represent Big Green Targets across the entire country. The Hudalla team stands firmly behind the products we choose to represent. Stated Hudalla President Bruce Hudalla. We were immediately impressed with the Big Green Target product and their commitment to using recycled materials in the construction of their products we are honored to be working with a company with such a strong commitment to preserving and protecting our natural resources. We are very pleased to have Hudalla Associates on the Big Green Team. They have done great things for their clients and I am eager to see the many opportunities Hudalla will create for Big Green Targets stated Danny Little, CEO of Big Green Targets. Big Green Targets, is a division of Poly-Green Foam, LLC. The Green in Big Green Target refers to the companys commitment to the environment. For more information on Big Green Targets or the products they offer call (888) 390-5548 or visit the firms web site at www.biggreentargets.com. outdoor industry as the brand grows and expands. To be working with a company such as Big Green Targets that has our environment as their first priority, and can stand behind that with such a durable product, is a real honor, stated Jeff Bergmann, President of Providence Marketing Group. We are pleased to be building a quality product that meets the needs of avid archers, and reduces landfill waste, stated Danny Little, CEO of Big Green Targets. We are looking forward to working with Providence Marketing Group to increase the awareness of our entire line of Big Green Targets. Editors Note: For more information on Providence Marketing Group call (763) 232-5452 or visit www.providencemarketinggroup.net

New Marketing Direction

Big Green Targets has retained Providence Marketing Group to assist in strategic marketing efforts and media relations. Providence will handle print, television, and online media relations for Big Green Targets to ensure that the company is well represented throughout all facets of the

News continues on page 56

Pending SCI World Record

I am always skeptical about trying new things, but when I heard about HECS I just had to try it. I can not tell you how many times I have been in a stalk where the animal does the unexpected and I am left out in the open with no where to go. HECS gives me the extra advantage to get away with the unpredictable situations that may come my way in the field. Matthew Liljenquist

HECSLLC.COM OR 541-575-HECS
37

ust a decade ago pop-up blinds would have been considered a hard sell outside the turkeyobsessed set. Talking mainstream bowhunters into the notion of depending on ground blinds to successfully bowhunt whitetail deer, western mule deer or elk took more time. Keith Beam and Brooks Johnson, the original owners of Double Bull Archery and early popup blind pioneers, deserve much of the credit here. They worked hard assembling entertaining videos to deliver the ground-blind message; namely, that no matter your quarry a pop-up could provide a useful tool in the big game arena. Today its extremely rare to sit in an old-fashioned pit blind while enjoying a guided pronghorn adventure, as the pop-up blind is pretty much the standard mode of operation across the land. Hours of video footage shows trophy whitetail being taken by bowhunters, so much so it hardly seems novel today. Pop-ups have also been the undoing of many trophy mule deer, elk and even baited black bears (for those who truly thrive on adrenaline). This is easy enough to explain. Many bowhunters arent exactly comfortable occupying elevated positions, while others, like my wife, are downright terrified of heights. My wife gets vertigo climbing into a 12 foot ladder stand. Too, demographically, bowhunters are getting older. Creaking joints, a deteriorating sense of balance and poor circulation that turns cold rituals into agility-numbing torture all spell potential disaster for aging bowhunters clambering in and out

of elevated stands. Finally, so much trophy ground has remained out of reach to the bowhunter due to a lack of a perfect stand tree, or in places like Western Kansas or Colorados Eastern Plains, where there are often no trees at all. Scrubby swamp and farm-field edges, wide-open CRP pasture and brush-choked river bottoms can be literally alive with deer but without trees big enough to safely accommodate a standard-issue treestand. The pop-up has now made biggame species such as our backyard whitetail available to bowhunters like my wife, who needs to remain on solid ground to feel comfortable. The aging bowhunter can remain effectively in the game, without worrying family and friends with potentially

life-threatening falls from elevated stands. The pop-up also adds a new dimension to the bowhunters bag of tricks, smart treestand placement combined with carefully-chosen pop-up blind sites rendering more whitetail deer safely within reach today. Lets not forget either, pop-ups make it easy to share a hunt with a friend or loved one, especially with a youngster who might have a difficult time sitting still for long hours. One friend regularly takes his daughters along on whitetail hunts, a school pack filled with coloring books and toys keeping them occupied until deer arrive. It has gotten to the point where many bowhunters, treestand confident and fit as a fiddle, have switched to nearly exclusive pop-up use due to

38

simple convenience. Its certainly more comfortable sitting out a thunder shower, snow storm or brutallycold morning inside a wind-cutting blind. As a retailer the best part of this pop-up rage is there really is no selling involved. The promotion, due to people like Brooks and Keith, has already been accomplished. Bowhunters want pop-ups. Theyll walk through your doors looking for them. The only real trick is understanding the advantages of various brand designs, and balancing those features with what bowhunters are willing to pay and what animals and seasons they are most likely to employ them for and during. For some bowhunters nothing but the best will do, money is no object if

they believe a blind model will give them a competitive edge. Still others, understandably on a tighter budget, want the most bang that limited funds can provide. Features such as non-glare, weather resistant and UV resistant cotton-poly material blends naturally cost more than thinner, cheaper nylon models that can flap in the wind, shine in direct sunlight and fade after prolonged exposure to sun. Three-dimensional, leafy blind surfaces have become ever more popular, allowing blinds to better blend into forest and open areas alike without the need for brushing, but also come with a higher price tag. Hub-style, fiberglass-pole models set up easier, are more stable and allow more interior room than

flat-sided, spring-steel-backed models, but also cost much more. Instantly- and silently- deployable window models may be important to bowhunters set up in a place where game could approach from any direction, less important at a site where game movement is more predictable, such as at bait, where a cheaper, and noisier, zippered-window model will suffice. Another huge development is shoot-through window screens, eliminating those gaping black holes that sometimes spook wary deer. These are not for everyone, especially those shooting aggressive mechanical broadheads most often used for turkey. Of great importance to many whitetail hunters, scentcontainment ground skirts, interior coatings and special venting can help keep human scent away from the delicate noses of deer, but this technology, it goes without saying, adds to the final price. In still other instances, like when bowhunting pronghorn over water during blazing early seasons, all the air flow possible is highly welcomed. There are trade-offs to each design, of course. Increased scent containment sometimes means giving up 360-degree visibility; while conversely, a high degree of visibility often spells less scent-management capabilities. Too, a scent-control blind model can prove an utter sweat lodge during a hot early-season bowhunt, but be highly welcomed as temperatures drop, cutting wind and containing heat for a more comfortable late-season sit. The point is few pop-up blinds are ideal for every bowhunting application. To help sift through some of the confusion ArrowTrade pored over the myriad portable ground-blind models offered today, talked with their manufacturers and distilled models into various categories to help dealers better understand their options.

Scent-Containment Models
Blinds specifically designed to manage human scent make up a rapidly expanding segment of pop-

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up blind technology, understandable since more bowhunters pursue whitetail than any other big-game animal. Such models also happen to be most comfortable during the coldest weather, or at least relative to sitting in an exposed treestand. They contain scent by adding ground skirts (buried or covered with loose soil to prevent scent escape), sometimes zip-in containment floors and impervious wall coatings. Gorilla Gears (800-241-4833; www.gorillablinds.com) Undercover Smart Air Blind provides the perfect illustration of such designs. Key among this feature-packed blinds scent-management system is an 8 inch ground skirt around all edges and zip-in removable floor for scent containment, and 360 degree viewing without opening a window (which can release scent) via four Spy Windows; domed, clear-plastic disks that allow you see out, but prevent game from seeing in. It also includes adjustable Shadow-Blocker window panels to block out backlighting and an outline-shattering 3-D LeafCover to help the blind disappear. Windows include zipper primary closures, but also silent hooks and loops that allow

customers to change shooting ports without alarming game once windows are zippered open. A 600-denier polyester wall fabric (900-denier in floor) makes this blind reasonably quiet, but also long lasting. It also includes gear storage cargo net and pocket, backpack carrying bag and all necessary stakes and tie-down ropes. The 64x64x72(h) inch Undercover Smart Air weighs 24 pounds and is offered in Mossy Oak Break-Up or Treestand camouflage patterns. I was able to test drive a Smart Air Blind during the past spring turkey season and found it easy to set up and highly accommodating to a wide variety of shots, even with my unwieldy recurve bow. The Undercover Pro 360 RS Blind is essentially a more compact version of the Smart Air model, including features such as an 8 inch ground skirt, 3D LeafCover exterior and 360-degree viewing. The major difference is the absence of a zip-in floor, cargo net and gear pocket. The 54x54x60(h) inch dimensions might not be the best for shooters with the longest bows, but it offers plenty of room for the average compound. The weight is 20 pounds.

The new Crossbones Blinds from Ameristep was specifically designed for the crossbow hunter, including a multiposition window rest to steady a horizontal bow and a separate crossbow holder.

Ameristeps (810-686-4035; www.ameristep.com) Bone Collector Blind is also designed to keep cold outside and human odors inside. Key to this feature is a laminated NS3 (noscent, no shine, no sound) carbonenhanced material, Shadow Guard Carbon Enhanced interior and generous 8 inch base skirts allowing

When it comes to hunting whitetail under demanding conditions, its tough to beat Gorillas Undercover Smart Air Blind with Smart Air Technology. It is named for features that work to contain scent during cooler whitetail seasons. PHOTO RIGHT: In most big-game bowhunting situations it pays to brush a blind over with natural materials to help it blend and set animals at ease. Brush loops found on the sides, like those on this Gorilla Smart Air Blind, make this important step easy.

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customers to bury edges to seal scent in. It includes a heat-release roof vent system and handy vertical window technology for unobstructed shots close or far. These windows carry shoot-through screens (secured with Velcro and replaceable) for further scent control and to eliminate deerspooking black holes. This Realtree AP HD-cloaked blind weighs 20 pounds, includes Spider Hub Technology for long life and 75x75x69(h) inch dimensions. While testing a Bone Collector Blind this past fall I leveled a site beside a saddle-cutting trail, backfilling over the ground skirts and brushed the blind lightly with available materials. It was quite common to have whitetail deer pass within 5 yards, even downwind, without spooking, testament of its scent-containment qualities. For the crossbow hunter, the new Crossbones Blind includes the same scent-containment features of the Bone Collector, but with smaller 71x71x62(h) inch dimensions. It also comes with a crossbow holder and windows designed specifically to accommodate horizontal bows. Completely new for 2010, Primos

Double Bull Blinds (800-5232395; www.primos.com) introduces The Crusher. It features a completely new approach to ground-blind fabric technology with threeply, sonic-welded construction. The first layer of fabric includes a Ground blinds can be used effectively while cotton and poly bowhunting whitetail, as this trail-camera blend that is photo clearly illustrates does feeding within crushed and 10 yards of an Ameristep Bone Collector blind. Set up well ahead of then sonic weld- season, or set up and brushed well to blend into the terrain, whiteed to a PVC layer, tail will wander within range of pop-ups. Special vents on the roof a black poly fab- of Ameristeps Bone Collector blind allow customers to keep the air inside their pop-up fresh, even while hunting in cold weather and ric back added to sealed tight to help contain human scent. this sandwich. The result is a blind with no shine. open, allowing seven-second set-up. The PVC layer makes the blind These hubs are also over-molded extremely weather resistant and scent with rubber to eliminate hand and tight, the black poly backing layer finger pinch. The Crusher comes with eliminating customers profiles inside the new Double Bull Frame Pak, a the blind. A new Double Bull magne- hassle-free design allowing packing sium hub design produces a high- and unpacking of the blind in sectension, rock-solid framework but onds, converting into a high-back requires 50 percent ground chair or ground blind shelf. less pull force to The Crushers exclusive Ground

The Crusher is the newest blind sensation from Double Bull/Primos, featuring a new fabric technology including a three-layer, sonic-welded process that bonds a black inner layer to the outer Ground Swat Camouflage to make it weather resistant and better able to contain scent.

The Double Bull/Primos Dark Horse includes 180-degrees of Silent Slides windows that adjust vertically from one to 20 inches, covered with shootthrough netting. The back half includes four shooting ports.

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Swat Camo Pattern is designed and scaled specifically for use on ground blinds and covers the 76x76x72(h) inch, 24 pound pop-up. It includes 360-degree viewing, shooting made easy via front Silent Slide Window Adjustment System along two walls, plus four 8x17 inch Just-In-Case ports in the rear; all with shootthrough screens. Five inch ground skirts form a tight base seal for scent containment, while patented adjustable framework (rotating/locking hubs) eliminates wind flap. The Dark Horse also includes Double Bulls Silent Slide window system along 180 degrees of its walls, adjusting from 1 to 20 inches wide vertically, and including shootthrough screens that can be added or removed. The opposite half of the Dark Horse has a black interior to eliminate silhouetting and maximize concealment, plus four shooting ports and two viewing windows to provide 360-degree shooting and viewing without compromising concealment. Double Bulls Adjustable framework and no-shine, quiet cotton/poly material are also part of the appeal. The Dark Horse is also offered in a Recurve model, offering 78x78x74(h) inch dimensions, as opposed to a standard 67 inch height. This feature only adds a pound to the standard models 20 pound mass.

The Evolution XP-1 from Rhino Ground Blinds (888-689-6099; www.rhinoblinds.com) was designed to provide years of dependable and quick setup use. Rhino promises 10second erection using a proven fivehub design. Its constructed of 600denier polyester treated at the factory with an effective UV blocker to eliminate game-alerting blue-white glow visible to animals. All stress points are reinforced with ballistic material to reduce failures. It includes a fullyadjustable 180-degree window in front and multiple windows in the rear all with replaceable shootthrough netting to assure 360degree viewing when needed. The XP-1 also features magnetic, silentwindow adjustment. A generous ground skirt seals in scent. The Predator Evolution camouflage blind weighs about 20 pounds and includes a 5x5 foot floor space, 80 inch shooting width and 69 inch center height. Ambush Hunting Products (309676-7930; www.ambush.candsglobal.us.com) has a huge variety of

ground-blind options, the best scent containment options represented by Hunters Den 180 and 360, and Booner Buster five-hub models. All include a 600-denier Twill Peach polyester material that is soft to the touch and super quiet. All include black PVC interior coatings to help customers melt into the blind core, but also to better manage scent, and generous ground skirts. All weigh only 16 pounds, feathery for a blind in this class, all sharing the same quality steel hub system and Ambushs Sniper Camo exteriors. Of these the Hunters Den 360 is the most economical, including a 5x5 foot floor area and 5 foot 7 inch height. It includes all around, moveable mesh window screens with magnetic closures and 360-degree viewing. A roof vent flap, brush-in strips, reflective blaze orange safety markers on four sides, reinforced corner stitching, backpack carrying case with pockets and all required ground stakes and tie-down cords complete the package. The Hunters Den 180

The Booner Buster is one of Ambush Hunting Products best pop-up blind models, including 600-denier twill peach material, roof vents and vertical windows in each corner.

differs only in that its offered in a choice of lighter 300-denier, or heavier 600-denier fabric, includes two walls with shoot-through-screened windows, some moveable mesh, and includes 180-degree view. This design allows better scent control by turning the blank side to the wind. The Booner Buster is the companys flagship model, including all the features found on the aforementioned blinds, but also vertical windows covered in shoot-through mesh on each corner for unrestricted shooting opportunity.

All-Season Models
Some blinds are versatile enough to serve equally well as cold- or warm-weather cover. While they might not prove ideal in extreme situations set at the far corners of the
The versatile window system found on all Summit Treestands Run-N-Gun ground blinds makes it easy to get off an unobstructed shot. They are offered in a 28-pound Deluxe, 23pound Standard and 19-pound Lite.

spectrum, they get the job done in most situations. For instance, Summit Treestands (256-353-0634; www.summitstands.com) Run-NGun models can be vented or closed up according to temperature or scent-containment desires. They offer a unique and quick-deploying, high-tension framework, likened to an inside-out, upside-down umbrella, which allows 10-second setup and 5-second takedown. It also makes them more dependable under the weight of, say, accumulated snow. Large, removable shoot-through mesh windows and silent-slide adjustable window flaps allow adjusting for increased air flow, or more scent containment and cold-weather protection. The Run-N-Gun Deluxe (28 pounds) also includes a vented roof to release excess heat during

early seasons, while the Standard (23 pounds) is constructed from a lighter 300-denier material (compared to 600-denier in the Deluxe) that automatically makes it a cooler choice when its warm. Both include brush loops, tiedown straps and 6x6 foot footprint with 69 inch center-ceiling height. The Deluxe also includes weatherproof, water-resistant and UV-protected material in FLX digital camo with matte black interior lining. The Standard is covered in Next G1 Camo, with the same interior black lining. Gorillas Undercover LX5 includes mid-weight, whisper quiet, 300denier material, ShadowBlockerlined interior to keep sunlight and weather out, shoot-through mesh windows and two built-in camera ports. The interior temperature is

Summit Treestands Run-N-Gun series of ground blinds include an inverted umbrella frame design that allows 10 second setup and five second takedown. This design also helps make it impervious to weather, wind and snow. In the photo at upper right, Keith Jones of Summit demonstrates how you pop these blinds open by bracing your feet against the top hub and pulling a cord. To collapse them, turn them on their side and give the hub a sharp kick, as show below right.

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managed by adjusting its 11 windows situated around its circumference, or they can be sealed to hold more scent in. The 64x64x72(h) inch blind weighs 20 pounds and is covered in Mossy Oak Break-Up camouflage. Barronett Blinds, (800-345-6007; www.BarronettBlinds.com) a sister company to Rivers Edge Treestands, also makes a variety of catch-all, hubstyle blind models suited to nearly any season. The Snake Eyes Series, for instance, includes a zippered roof and highly-adjustable and unique window design that allows increased air circulation during hot early seasons. They can be closed when it turns cooler and scent containment is more important. Snake Eyes sixpanel window design allows opening a variety of panels to create a horizontal slit, center port, small corner viewing window or wide-open configuration. Windows also include shoot-through mesh. The interior is covered in Shadow Stopper technology to dim the interior and block out light that could give a bowhunter away, and the entire bottom edge is equipped with a scent- and light-containment skirt. It also includes brush loops to add more terrain-blending material. Customers can choose between 70x70x80(h) inch or 59x59x75(h) inch versions, weighing 17 and 14 pounds, respectively, and Backland Adrenaline woodlands (the

ASATs Reaper blind includes shoot-through mesh windows and the distinctive geometric pattern that blends with a variety of backgrounds.

perfect whitetail option) or West grasslands (for pronghorn or elk) camouflage options. The Rut & Strut, from Rhino Ground Blinds, is modeled after the Evolution XP-1, including the same weight and dimensions, and many of the same great features mentioned above. It is made lighter through a unique window system using hookand-loop attachments instead of magnets, and has no ground skirt, to save 2 pounds. It retains ballistic
The new Choice Hybrid Blind includes two walls of open cargo-netting material covered in ghillie-style hanks of material for an outline-shattering 3-D effect, the opposing two walls constructed of flat camo material.

material reinforced stress points and shoot-through netting windows. Its covered in classic Advantage Timber camo. ASAT Camouflage (406-563-9336; www.asatcamo.com) offers a super all-season blind in its wildly-effective pattern. The Reaper Blind utilizes a cutting-edge hub system that allows the unit to be set up or taken down in less than 30 seconds. Shoot-through windows allow shooting in any direction without the hassle of opening a window when game is approaching. It includes a 58x58 inch footprint and generous 66 inch height and weighs only 16 pounds. The water-resistant fabric keeps you out of the wind and rain. Brush loops, tie-down ropes and stakes are also included.

Hot Weather Options

Spring turkey hunting can come with warm weather, and anyone who
Internal gear shelves found on most Ameristep ground blinds make it easy to keep gear organized and within easy reach. Here author Patrick Meitin keeps his turkey box call within easy grasp while bowhunting during the spring.

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has spent a day under a pounding August sun anticipating the arrival of pronghorn at water knows how quickly a pop-up blind can turn into a sweat lodge. Something designed to allow a cooling breeze through is highly welcomed in these scenarios, as well as any early-season hunt dates when temperatures soar. Ameristeps Choice Hybrid Blind is an improvement over last years model by the same name. Last years model included 360 degrees of 3-D, ghillie material secured to widegap cargo netting to allow free air flow. The new Hybrid includes that airy 3-D netting construction on two walls, solid 2-D walls on the other half. The 3-D walls allow unrestricted wind flow to keep customers cool during the warmest weather, the solid-material walls can be turned to the wind to cut down on dispersed scent, though those walls do include 3-D material windows for 360degree visibility. It includes silent, sliding window design with endless adjustment variations, and a weatherproof internal rain fly. The 3D/Realtree AP HD blind weighs 25 pounds and has 74x74x76(h) inch dimensions. While on a recent August Montana pronghorn bowhunt with friends, when temperatures soared into the upper 90s and not a breeze stirred, my Choice blind became the site we argued over each morning. Not that the site was seeing the most action or being visited by the biggest bucks, but because it proved most comfortable in the pounding heat. The Ameristep Intimidator 2 and Dominator 2 blinds also make great warm-weather options, since the 360-degree wrap around, shootthrough screens allowing cooling breezes to circulate freely while also keeping biting insects at bay. The only difference between the two models is the Dominator includes a taller 82 inch height (great for longbows or recurves) and 27 pound mass, opposed to the Intimidators 74x74x67(h) inch footprint and 22 pound weight. Noise-free split curtain windows allow 360-degree shooting and viewing and can be adjusted up and down or completely

pulled down from the shooting screens to expose their full span and allow more air in. The Realtree AP HD-camouflaged blind does include NS3 carbon-enhanced material and Carbon Guard interior, with zip in/out floor, so adjusting windows more tightly and covering the included ground skirts also makes this an all-season blind option. Spider Hub deployment makes setup and tear-down quick and easy. (This stamped steel hub is also stronger than the earlier cast

metal type.) Other features include ceiling-mounted bow hook, interior gear shelf and reflective orange safety tabs. A backpack with dual-side bungee weapons attachment is included. The Vision from Primos Ground Max Hunting Blinds (800-523-2395; www.primos.com) is a relatively economical hub-style blind (MSRP $250) perfect for warmer weather. It includes a 600-denier, polyurethanebacked polyester material and 360degree wrap-around windows to let

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air flow through as needed, while also allowing unlimited window and shoot-through mesh placement. The 77x77x70(h) inch blind offers plenty of room but weighs only 17 pounds. Phantom Pro black lining provides a shadow-free interior and windows include silent clips and powerful magnets for quick, stealthy deployment. It also includes Brush Deception brush holders along the roof line and it has two interior gear pockets. Ambush Hunting Products Hunters Den makes a welcome addition to warm early seasons due to a lighter 150-denier Twill Peach polyester fabric (some of the quietest blind material in the business), zippered windows on all four sides that can be adjusted to allow cooling air to flow through and a triangular roof vent. This is also a price-point model, yet includes many of the features of other Ambush models, including dependable steel hubs, shootthrough screens, brush-in strips, ground skirt and reinforced corner stitching. Its 5x5 foot base and 5 foot 7 inch height and proprietary Sniper Camo exterior mirror other Ambush designs.

Light Weight & Portable

So many bowhunting situations call for something ultra-lightweight and highly portable. Running and

gunning spring turkeys comes to mind, when a blind that wont slow you down, that assembles and takes down in seconds, are more important than fancy features and durable construction. These models can also prove popular with western bowhunters, used to trek into a distant waterhole or elk wallow in thin, high-altitude air. What I have in mind is something like Gorilla Gears new Undercover FX2 Blind. Most importantly to our discussion here, it includes a 12pound payload contained in an easy-carry Ambush Hunting Products Hunters Den is a price-point backpack carrying bag, blind well suited to warmer weather due to lighter 150which is just about as denier material and airy shoot-through windows around light as pop-ups get. its entire circumference. What a customer loses is interior space, as although it has a 72 ShadowBlocker lining to disguise inch height and 62x76 inch base, its inside movement. sides peak into a tent-like structure, Gorillas AX5 five-hub blind isnt meaning shooting ports are available the lightest option at 14 pounds, but only on each vertical wall. Each slant is still markedly lighter than most wall includes hub-style deployment, blinds of this class and dimension. At opening interior space a tad to 55 54x54x60(h) inches, this might not be inches, but this allows it to set up in the ideal blind for the longest bows, seconds. The whisper quiet 300- but is plenty roomy for the average denier fabric accounts for the lighter compound today. It includes 300weight, and the blind includes denier whisper quiet fabric con-

Gorilla Gears new Undercover FX 2 blind weighs only 12 pounds but provides plenty of room for the bowhunter on the go. It includes whisper quiet fabric and ShadowBlocker lined interior.

The entire line of Ground Max Blinds, from Primos Hunting Calls, is made to provide a quality pop-up option for a reasonable amount of money. They include super features such as brush loops, shoot-through windows and silent, quick-release interior windows.

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struction, seven windows without shoot-through screens, two camera ports and a carrying bag that comes standard with all Gorilla blinds. Ameristeps new Mountaineer Blind was designed for rugged applications found in the West, is designed to be quickly packable and highly portable, and is covered in Realtree Max-1 HD camouflage to blend in open environments. It includes vertical window technology for unrestricted shooting, and replaceable shootthrough screens to offer ultimate concealment. The Spider Hub design blind comes with Durashell Plus exterior to be quiet, weatherproof and wear resistant. The Shadow Guard Carbon Enhanced black interior helps eliminate shadows and contain scent. Including generous 75x75x67(h) inch dimensions the blind weighs only 18 pounds. The Brickhouse Blind is much the same, but covered in Realtree AP HD camouflage. Primos Ground Max Hunting Blinds are considered the companys budget models, the Escape the lightest and most portable of the lot at 60x60x61(h) inches and weighing only 12 pounds. This makes a perfect combination for todays shortest compound bows, but might prove a tad tight for traditional bows or longer finger compounds. It is made from 600-denier polyurethanebacked polyester and includes the Phantom Pro black interior liner and has a Matrix camo pattern. Shooting ports are an open window design without shoot-through mesh, and a bottom concealment skirt is included. Brush Deception Brush Holders line the roof, making it easy to add pieces of vegetation to help it blend. The windows include silent, quick release features, plus there are two interior gear pockets keeping calls and binoculars within easy grasp. Hub-style deployment makes setup a snap. Summits extraordinary Run-NGun series blinds also come in a Lite model, built for hunters on the go and weighing 19 pounds. It includes the same inverted high-tension framework of other models, but with a more compact 5x5 foot footprint and

65 inch ceiling height that is more than enough to accommodate average compound bows. It also includes lighter 300-denier fabric. The large 15x48 inch fore-window features shoot-through mesh and the side window flaps adjust silently. Its offered in Next G1 Camo, with matte black interior backing. Rhino Ground Blinds Cut & Run just might be the lightest hub-style pop-up in the business, at 6 pounds, including 108x108 inch opened circumference and 54 inch roof height. The blind sets up in seconds, includes a silent hook window operation that wont spook game, and windows that allow users multiple window configurations. Customers can open windows in any direction for assured shooting opportunities. Its covered with Advantage Timber camo. Ambush Hunting Products Assassins Den is a feathery 8.5 pounds, but includes 5x6 foot 8 inch of usable floor space and a 5 foot 4 inch roof height. The peaked-roof design includes two walls deployed with Ambushs highly-reliable steel hub system for more shooting room. Since the entry door includes a zipper reaching to the ground the blind is wheelchair accessible. The foursided, Sniper Camo-cloaked blind includes eight triangle windows, a ground skirt for scent and light containment, brush strips and more. It comes with a backpack carrying case that has pockets and all anchoring stakes and ropes.

Budget-Priced Models
Price point is always a huge selling point. There are simply those who purchase hunting equipment based on price alone, and the lower the better. These functional, no-frills blinds often lack the convenient features of more expensive models, but get the job done in all but the most demanding circumstances, such as opencountry whitetail. The Quick Strike is Gorillas economy answer, though it offers a sturdy, quick-deployment option for serious bowhunting. It utilizes fiberglass rods instead of spring steel to be lighter, and sets up and takes down in 15 seconds. Take-down involves pushing

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the sides together like the pages of a book, folding and twisting to create a neat package. It also offers more room than hub-style pop-ups 74x74x62(h) inches, with a feathery mass of 6 pounds. It includes whisper quiet fabric construction backed by ShadowBlocker interior lining to block out sunlight. The Mossy Oak Break-Up blind includes a backpack carrying bag and all tie-down stakes and ropes. Ameristeps budget priced options are represented by nylonwalled, spring-steel frame models found in Doghouse and Penthouse TSC blinds. Durashell technology makes them relatively weather proof, while a Shadow Guard Carbon Enhanced interior helps keep customers invisible and scent-free. Windows include shoot-through mesh. Nylon shells are where the price reduction comes in and are these models only drawbacks, since the material can flap in wind and shine in direct sunlight. The springsteel-framed models Ive dealt with in the past have also proven somewhat confusing and difficult to deal with in moments of impatience, like when trying to tear down and reposition on a reluctant gobbler.

This has become a common scene on the pronghorn prairies of the West, where the convenience of a pop-up blind has replaced the hard-earned pit blinds and sketchy brush blinds bowhunters once employed for such forays.

The Doghouse weighs only 14 pounds, a big selling point for those who must carry their blind over rough or vast country, but allows 60x60x66(h) inch dimensions sufficient for todays shorter compound bows. The Penthouse is big enough to conceal an ATV, measuring 78x78x90 inches and weighing 28 pounds. Both include Edge ReLeaf 3-D fringe to help them blend into their surroundings. Primos Ground Max Blinds were designed to give customers a lot of bang for their buck. A couple of these models Ive already addressed in other categories, The Eclipse and The Escape Deluxe also offered at MSRP prices from $150 to

$200, impressive for a solid, hub-style blind with plenty of bowhuntingready features. Construction and materials mirrors those Ground Max models already discussed, The Eclipse weighing 14 pounds and offering 77x77x70(h) inch dimensions, The Escape Deluxe 77x77x75(h) inch interior and weighing 17 pounds. Either could rightly be included under the Light Weight & Portable subhead. The Eclipse includes 12 large-view windows and one set of shoot-through screens, a roof opening for venting in hot weather, and full-circumference ground skirt. The Escape Deluxe is much the same, but with larger window openings and added headroom. Big Dog Treestands (309-2636800; www.BigDogTreestands.com)

The 3-Axis Pinion Ground Blind from Big Dog Treestands makes an affordable, all-season choice for bowhunters who pursue a variety of game. It weighs 21 pounds and includes shoot-through mesh windows all around.

The Vision from Primos/Ground Max Blinds allows customers to open the side windows wide to allow more air in during hot earlyseason bowhunts, such as when waiting for watering pronghorn.

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Doug Smith labels the companys 3-Axis Pinion Ground Blind an affordable hub-style option that works in nearly any hunting situation. The 21pound, 60x60x64(h) inch blind can be adjusted to hold scent in, or allow cooling air to flow through. It includes large zip-out windows covered with removable, Velcro-secured shoot-through mesh that can be placed or removed as a customer sees fit. It includes brush strips on the upper and lower portions of the blind, sewn-in interior gear pockets, a complete set of ground stakes and securing ropes and a camo carrying case. The Grounder Series from Barronett Blinds comes in three size options, the 150, 250 and 350. These are reliable, quick-deploying models that offer a lot of quality for under $100. They offer many of the same features of other Barronett blinds, including new BloodTrail Camo with Depth Deceit technology. The 150 includes 52x52x60(h) inch measurements and weighs only 12 pounds (making it well suited to the Light Weight & Portable category); the 250 is 59x59x67(h) inches and weighs 14 pounds; while the 350 measures 70x70x80(h) inches allowing enough room to stand up while shooting with only a 17-pound payload. The Barronett Prowler is the companys most affordable model, retailing for about $70, but offering the convenience of five-hub easy setup, large windows on all sides with a simple elastic anchor system for quiet

Kaboss Hunting Blinds is the worlds first bovine-shaped pop-up blind, including 5x5 feet of interior space with a 58 inch ceiling height. The blind weighs only 15 pounds, but includes a convincing outline of a black cow to be used in pastures where cattle are common.

The Bale Blind provides a snug and convincing hideout for hunters where game animals are used to the big round bales.

operation, replaceable mesh windows, Shadow Stopper black backing and 56x56x64(h) inch interior dimensions with 13-pound mass. Its covered in a generic Fall Camo. Rhino Ground Blinds Rhino Stalker is a lightweight, easilydeployed model that wont break the budget. It includes many of the very features of the deluxe Evolution XP-1 and Rut & Strut, but with a silent hook-and-loop window system. The 300-denier polyester shell is water resistant to protect from the elements and cloaked in popular Advantage

Timber camouflage. It weighs 16 pounds, includes a 5x5 foot footprint and 78 inch shooting width with a 66 inch roof peak. Ambush Hunting Products most affordable blind models are found within its series of spring-steelframed designs that allow nearly instant setup in a light payload. They include shoot-through windows with magnetic closures, Sniper Camo exterior, interior black PVC coating to block light and contain scent, brushin strips and reflective hunter-orange safety tabs. The 12.5-pound, 5x5x5.5(h) foot Wigwam is the companys best seller, including four sides with zippered windows. The 15pound, 6x8 foot Panoramic with 5 foot, 9 inch roof includes three sides with zippered windows (one face includes no windows) and enough room to accommodate two to

These are front, rear and side views of the GhostBlind Predator in use. The panels have a reflective layer under a protective coating, and can be hosed off and dried with a soft cloth if they become muddy.

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four people. At 20 pounds and 6x7x6.5(h) feet, the Outfitters Lodge includes six sides with zippered windows and enough room for the longest finger or traditional bows. Finally, the Archers Den was designed to give customers more elbow room, literally. While weighing only 20 pounds, this blind includes 7x7 foot of floor space (enough to conceal an ATV) and a 5.5 foot ceiling height.

Specialty Models
Clever minds thrive in the archery industry, seeking solutions to reoccurring problems faced during the most demanding bowhunts. This ingenuity is included in at least three unique ground-blind options as well. One of these dilemmas is how to approach wide-open pastures or agricultural fields where blinds simply cant blend. Other models address the issue of space, namely, giving archers more elbow or standing room. Blind Ambitions (888-317-7355; www.blindambitionsbaleblinds.com) novel Bale Blind, one of the most realistic round hay-bale blinds available and made for bowhunting, allows customers to effectively hunt right in the middle of a hay or food-plot field. The blind is roomy (74 inch diameter with 73 inch roof) and easily accessible through its 34 inch door (making it wheelchair compatible). The company calls it portable, but it does include a 120-pound shipping weight (and includes 2 hour initial set-up). In short, this appears to be something to

be left through the season on private land. Construction includes a longlasting steel frame, wire caging including pre-cut window openings, black-fabric interior and customized natural camo coverings designed from wheat-straw blankets and burlap with round-bale camo ends. It provides an effective windbreak with insulating properties for colder weather, and also allows customers to hunt comfortably during wet weather.

Perhaps even more unique is Kaboss Hunting Blinds (reach them at 814-229-6156 or 724-283-5860; www.Kabosshuntingblinds.com) bovine-shaped blind; just the ticket for hunting ranch land or dairy farms where cattle are common. The hubstyle, quick-deploy blind includes the outline of a black cow, bottom wall areas filled with grassland camouflage material. It features an interior with 5x5-square foot floor space and 58 inch roof height, and weighs only

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15 pounds making it highly portable. Its six shooting ports include magnetic flaps for quiet opening, 360-degree vision made possible through four mesh-covered viewing ports. It includes a zipper opening in the roof for venting (or wing shooting) and the material is a fire- and water-resistant, no-shine cotton/poly blend. While other blinds use camouflage cloth surfaces designed to minimize shine and reflection, the unique GhostBlind Predator (877-751-4868; www.ghostblind.com) uses mirrorcoated panels that actively reflect its surroundings. The GhostBlind's mirror surfaces are angled outward from the middle to avoid obvious sunlight reflection, at the same time creating mirror images of brush, dried leaves or food-plot growth surrounding the blind. Its folding panels are hinged together into a package weighing 15.5 pounds, set up to create a curve around hunters inside. The blind is supported by its own rigidity and provided tent stakes and cords. Hunters sit inside this ring of mirrored camouflage, shooting a gun or bow easily accommodated through the slots between its sculptured tops. I havent used this product yet but the photos and video clips on the companys website are almost spooky in their effectiveness, making it difficult to spot anything but the hunters hooded head, which seems to be floating above the ground. The back of the panels are camouflaged, providing some concealment from ani-

Barronett Blinds Big Mike includes a smaller footprint than the average pop-up blind, but permits customers to shoot while standing. This allows it to fit into tighter spots without compromising shooting opportunities.

mals arriving from behind the panels. Whitetail guru Larry Weishuhn is only one of the well-known hunters to have endorsed the product. The GhostBlind Predator has a suggested retail price of $299. You can sell a protective carry bag for it at $60, or a more elaborate carry bag that accommodates the hunters own backpack and folding chair for $98.

When Biggers Better

Summits new Run-N-Gun Mega Blind is all about space. The huge 6x9 foot blind with 74 inch ceiling easily allows something as absurd as dri-

ving an ATV right in. The large door zips right to the ground to allow easy wheelchair access, and the blind also includes two camera ports for filming or videoing the hunt. Despite its size it sets up and takes down with the same ease and speed of smaller Run-N-Gun models, and weighs only 24 pounds due to lighter 300denier material. It includes vented roof, shoot-through adjustable sidemesh window flaps, brush loops and sturdy tie-down straps. This is a great blind for the hunting couple who may want to have their children along on the adventure.

The 24-pound Summit Run-N-Gun Mega Blind is one of the biggest ground blinds in the business, at 6x9 feet. There is plenty of head room, thanks to the 74 inch ceiling. It makes the perfect

blind for a family hunting outing with children. The zippered entry door allows easy access by those in a wheelchair, or even with an ATV.

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The new Big Mike from Barronett Blinds is designed with many of the same features as the companys Snake Eyes model, but built taller to

allow customers to stand while shooting. This is made possible through a 59x59x80(h) inch interior room, but the blind still includes a light 16pound carrying weight. The smaller profile allows it to be tucked into tighter spaces while also allowing unrestricted shooting with any bow. Large windows on all sides allow for multiple shooting configurations and 360-degree viewing. Shadow Stopper darkening lining and ground skirt help contain scent. Its covered in

new, proprietary BloodTrail Camouflage, a mixture of hardwood and pine elements mixed with leaves that creates a convincing 3-D effect. The pop-up market has changed considerably from the days of a single Double Bull model and a handful of nylon sided spring steel designs. Today pop-up blind choices abound, allowing you to sell blinds that accommodate every likely hunting condition and eventuality.

TM

The GhostBlind reflects its surroundings so well its hard to tell where the blind ends and nature starts. In the photo above the crossbow hunter in the cornfield has the advantage of showing just a narrow view of head, barrel and scope. The wheel-chair bound archery hunter below is easy to spot from the side, but from the front it would be hard to say which are the real wildflowers and which are the reflections.

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News continued from page 37

Gore Courts, Supports Military Hunters

In early September W.L. Gore & Associates, a leading manufacturer of advanced technology products including the Gore-Tex brand, announced new initiatives to support United States military personnel who are dedicated hunters, including a partnership with the non-profit organization Freedom Hunters, a nationwide Hunt with Heroes contest and the Optifade Basic Training event at Fort Campbell Kentucky. We are pleased to honor the thousands of active duty military members and veterans who are avid athlete-hunters, commented David Dillon, hunting category leader at Gore. The men and women of our military benefit from the comfort and protection of Gore technologies while in the line of duty. We also want to encourage and support their personal endeavors, and give those who hunt the best chance of success in the field. As part of its initiatives to honor U.S. troops, W.L. Gore & Associates will provide financial support to Freedom Hunters, a program of the non-profit American Military Family, Inc. that takes active duty and wounded combat veterans on hunting excursions to relax and recuperate. Every purchase of gear featuring Gore Optifade Concealment between now and December 31, 2010, will help to sponsor hunts for U.S. troops. Gore Optifade Concealment and its partners Sitka, Cabelas and Freedom Hunters invite active duty military, combat veterans and civilian hunters to enter the Hunt with Heroes contest ending October 31. Two winners - one service member and one civilian - will win an allexpenses paid big game hunt, on which they will be joined by one of Gores accomplished Optifade Athletes. In addition, Optifade retailer Cabelas will provide each winner with a $500 gift certificate to prepare for the hunt. Hunters can enter to win the Hunt with Heroes contest at www.optifade.com/freedomhunters.

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Apple is Growing its Product

pple Archery is a well known name in the archery industry as the manufacturer of quality bow presses and a wide variety of archery maintenance tools designed to make the pro shop owners job easier. Apple Archery equipment is easily identified by it bright yellow color but under the direction of Gregg Jenkins, Apples new owner, yellow is the only thing about Apple that has remained the same. One of the machining sub-contractors that did work for Flinchbaugh, of which I was owner and president, was Gerry Kurtz, owner of Kurtz industries and Apple Archery, Jenkins said. I am a business man and am always looking for an opportunity to expand my business interests. One day in a casual conversation with Kurtz I mentioned that if he ever considered an exit plan for his business I might be interested. Some time after that conversation Kurtz approached me indicating his interest in retiring which eventually lead to my acquiring Kurtz Industries including Apple

Gregg Jenkins is the driving force behind Flinchbaugh-Kurtz and Apple Archery. Under his direction Apple Archery has developed a line of bow presses and related archery maintenance tools designed to meet the dealers needs.

Archery in 2006. The purchase resulted in the formation of Flinchbaugh-Kurtz Company which today is also home to Apple Archery. Although I was not an archer or

bowhunter at the time and actually knew nothing of the archery industry I saw the Apple Archery bow press as an excellent product line for my machine shop, Jenkins contin-

Apples crossbow cradle serves both the professional archery technician and the crossbow owner. Adaptable for all crossbows having a solid foot stirrup it allows for handsfree maintenance as well as a rest for sighting-in.

The vision statement of FlinchbaughKurtz is displayed in its conference room and is a constant reminder of its desire to be number one in quality products and customer service. Flinchbaugh-Kurtz is also ISO 9001 certified, proof of its devotion to quality.

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By John Kasun, Business Editor

Line for the Archery Pro Shops

Apples Eliminator bow press has a specially designed jack screw that allows conventional use with a crank but also has a built in ratchet bolt at the top of the cylinder. This ratchet bolt can be used to operate the jack screw when pressing reverse draw crossbows where the stock prevents the use of a crank. In this photo the operator is using a ratchet wrench to operate the jack screw. PHOTO BELOW: This close-up shows Apples Eliminator bow press doing a limb tip compression on a beyond parallel bow.

Skip King, Apples product manager is shown here assembling Apples new Eliminator bow press.

ued. At that time I had a partner, Kurt Weber, who had a strong background in marketing and while Kurt was not a bowhunter either he was excited about the marketing possibilities for Apple Archery. In the first year or two I owned Apple Archery it was obvious that Apple was losing market share. We focused on marketing our product to

the industry as we felt that was the problem, Jenkins said seriously. However by listening closely to our customers we realized that the design of our bow press had not kept up with the rapid changes in bow design and therefore was not compatible with the current product

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lines. The first thing we did was make modifications and updates to our existing press line so our customers did not have to buy a new press to work on the current bow designs being offered. But it was quickly apparent that we also needed to completely redesign our press. At the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008 we pulled out all the stops and did a total redesign. Our goal was not to simply design a press to handle the bow configurations presently on the market but to offer a press with enough built-in versatility to handle bows not yet on the market. By this time I was quite familiar with the archery industry and the people in it and I was in awe of their dedication and passion for the sport. I felt right at home and like a new member of the archery family. During 2009 Kurt Weber, Jenkins partner, left Flinchbaugh-Kurtz to open his own consulting and marketing firm and has since done consulting work with the ATA. By this time Jenkins had been bitten with the archery bug, had his own bow and spent some of his spare time flinging arrows at a downrange target. Taking an ever increasing role in the archery industry Jenkins was elected to a three year term on the ATA Board in April of 2009 where he today serves on the technical and finance committee. At the 2009 ATA Show Apple introduced the Evolution bow press, Jenkins explained. The Evolution was an instant success as dealers were very excited about what they saw. The Evolution can completely compress and break down all existing bows and crossbows including those needing limb tip compression. The Evolution was designed for

Apple Archerys Product Development Team is constantly working on potential new products for the Apple line. Shown here from left to right are Mike Manning, Chris Jordan, Skip King and Greg Mummert. Absent when the photo was taken was Mark Beck.

maximum flexibility as well as quick adjustment and rapid set-up utilizing twin screw adjustments and a hand crank. For those seeking the ultimate in speed and change-over the Evolution can also be outfitted with an optional add-on drive motor. At the 2010 ATA Show Apple introduced its new flagship press called the Eliminator. Like the Evolution the Eliminator handles every compound bow and crossbow design available offering the dealer
The first voice you hear when calling Apple Archery is that of Amber Roth. Amber is truly a Jill of all trades as she handles invoicing, accounts receivable as well as many customer service calls.I like being busy and doing a variety of things, said Amber.The greatest part of my job is dealing with the customers who call in. They are all very friendly and really great guys.

superior functionality at an affordable price. Without personal intimate knowledge of the archery industry you might wonder how Jenkins made the leap from losing market share to developing a unique bow press that not only handles the extreme variety of bow designs available today but appears to be

Apple offers several models of cut-off saws designed to provide accurate and square cuts on any arrow material.

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Flinchbaugh-Kurtz industries and Apple Archery are located within one mile of each other in Amish country near the city of York, Pennsylvania.

ready for the next generation of bows not yet on the market. The answer to that question reveals a lot not only about Jenkins but about the philosophy behind Apple Archery products. To a dealer, service time is money, explained Jenkins. Apple is in the maintenance service business and our customer is the archery pro shop owner. It is our job at Apple to develop equipment that makes it easy for the dealer to do his service work in the least amount of time and in the safest manner possible. The dealers do service work every day and they know best what they need. Here at Apple I see our job as listening to the dealer so we can best fill those needs. Apple stays dialed into the industry through our direct dealer contact, interfacing and meeting dealers at the major trade shows and through Outtech, our sales represen-

tative group, whose staff is constantly in the field communicating with dealers. Being in the service maintenance business is interesting, laughed Jenkins. While the industry works with us and I feel we are a leader in maintenance service tools we actually must follow the industry. The changes in archery equipment and especially bow designs happen quickly. While we work hard to ensure our tools and presses meet the needs of the dealer today we feel we must constantly plan ahead for anticipated changes by making our bow presses versatile so they can adapt to future bow designs. Apple Archery is not content to rest on its laurels and plans continued growth through continuous product development. At the time of ArrowTrades visit Apple had several

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Saw operator, Barry Crone, delivers a skid of Apple Archery bow press components to a machining center for processing.

Lanny Toot, shop supervisor, checks the set-up for machining of an Apple component.

new products under consideration including a crossbow only press, a portable bow press and a redesign of their popular arrow cut-off saw. As proof of its innovation, within its present product line Apple has five products that were conceived and designed from scratch. Lacking a full time professional engineering staff Apple Archery has partnered with Pennsylvania State University located in nearby State College, Pennsylvania. The university established a program for its senior engineering students called the Learning Factory. The Learning Factory consists of a program where participating companies bring real work design problems to teams of engineering students. After a review of the available projects

each student team selects a project from those offered for their senior class project. As you might guess many of the students at a university located in central Pennsylvania are hunters with the majority also being bowhunters, Jenkins explained. There is always a lot of interest in the projects Apple Archery offers and the students have come up with some really interesting design concepts. We then take pieces of their designs and reengineer them to allow their concepts to be manufactured at acceptable cost. The Flinchbaugh-Kurtz Company is a machine shop operation capable of high quality machining operations working to close tolerances and military specifications. The

machining of components required for Apple Archery make up approximately five to seven percent of the machining capacity of the shop. However by having total in-house control over the machining process it means a quick turn around on any parts required. With the exception of hardware and paint all Apple bow press components are manufactured in-house with the assembly done at the Apple Archery facility located a few blocks away. Our goal at Apple is to develop quality products for the archery industry, said Chris Jordan, General Manager of Apple Archery. We are capable of designing and machining anything but it is equally as important to produce products that are affordable, efficient and safe. Safety

Bow vises are an essential tool in any shop. They provide a hands-free way of holding a bow for a variety of maintenance, set-up and adjustments. Apple offers both an economy vise (above) with 360 degree left-to-right and front-to-back adjustment and a pro-line vise at right that allows both X and Y axis micro-adjustment as well as 360 degree rotation and 90 degree tilt.

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testing on both the design of and the material used in its presses. During final testing the Eliminator easily withstood stresses over twice that required to do the job of the most demanding bow on the market without failure or damage ensuring the Flinchbaugh-Kurtz is home to a variety of CNC machinery that mechanical allows for high quality, cost efficient machining. Scott Toomey, integrity of the CNC machinist, is shown here monitoring the machining process. press and the is a main consideration of all of our safety of the operator. Press misuse is one of our designs, safety for the operator as problems, cautioned well as for the bow press and the bow biggest Jordan. There is a real danger in trybeing pressed. When pressing todays highly ing to use old technology on many of stressed compound bow limbs and the latest bow designs. Most of the powerful crossbows there are high calls we receive are from dealers with stresses produced in the press itself. an old press and a customer with a To ensure safe press operation Apple new bow. Although many older Archery has performed extensive
PHOTO BELOW: Gary Jenkins is Gregg Jenkins father. Gary fills in some of his spare time doing light machining as required on Apple components to keep production flowing smoothly. Gary is always ready with his trademark quick smile and good humor.

presses can be upgraded to handle the newer bow designs the dealer must consider the cost to upgrade versus the cost of a new press that will work safely and efficiently with all bows now and into the foreseeable future. Our newly designed presses like the Evolution and the Eliminator are a one press at one price approach with no additional upgrades or extra parts required, explained Jordan. These presses work with all com-

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Inspector Jose Nieves checks a part from the shop floor to ensure it is within the proper specifications. Flinchbaugh-Kurtz is capable of working to extremely close tolerances and within military specifications.

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All Apple Archerys bow press components are powder coated for a high quality bright yellow finish. The painting is done locally and this load of parts is being delivered from the painter and are being transported to the assembly department.

Josh Edlebute is Apples oldest employee, not from an age standpoint but due to the fact that he also worked for Apple Archery under the previous owner. Josh works in all phases of Apples assembly department as well as pulling orders for shipment.

pounds and crossbows on the market. Not only can they do both limb post compression and limb tip compression but they do so while equally distributing stress over both limbs. This is extremely important and the press arms and their compressive action are designed to work with the geometry of the bow limbs. This optimization ensures not only equal but minimal limb stress during the compression process resulting in quick, easy and safe compression. The only thing that matches the quality of our equipment is our customer service, Jordan laughed. Apple has an open door policy for questions. We encourage our customers to call us with any and all

question but especially if they have any doubt at all about how to set up and press any bow. We have a great team at Apple and we get good customer feedback on our service. Skip King is Product Manager for Apple Archery and he oversees the manufacturing and assembly of Apple Archery products. Skip was employed by Kurtz Industries for 16 years as shop manager prior to the buy-out by Flinchbaugh. After the buy-out Skip remained in the machine shop but also consulted as required on Apple products. Approximately two years ago Skip went full time for Apple Archery. In addition to his manufacturing and assembly duties
PHOTO LEFT: Apples redesigned pro string sever is well suited for the pro shop owner who chooses to make his own strings and cables. PHOTO RIGHT: While Apples Eliminator bow press can be easily mounted on any workbench without modifications to the bench it can also be mounted on a stand and accessorized as a complete work station.

Skip also serves on Apples Product Development Team. While we are too small to have a full time R & D department we were smart enough to know we needed one, Skip said with a smile. Each member of the team brings something special to the group. Chris Jordan brings the business element while I offer manufacturing knowledge along with a lifelong experience as a bowhunter and archer. Greg Mummert is a pro shooter who also works as a bowtech at a local archery shop and Mike Manning is a bowhunter and engi-

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Chris Jordan is the general manager of Apple Archery. Chris oversees the manufacturer and assembly of Apple products as well as interacting first hand with dealers in the field.

Gregg Jenkins is a hands-on owner and is often found on the shop floor staying current with production flow.

neer. Mark Beck is a design engineer and crossbow champion who also works with Outtech, our manufacturing representative. Mark acted as a consultant to the team and played a lead role in developing Apples crossbow cradle. Our team meets biweekly and is always thinking outside the box on new ideas and improvements. We are always working on several new ideas at once, Skip said. Right now we are working on the concept of a horizontal crossbow press that could be used as a cross-

bow press, a vise or as a crossbow cradle. We envision it as a complete crossbow tool. The dealer could use it to hold a crossbow while he mounts a scope, as a shooting vise to sight it in or as a press to repair or service the bow. Crossbows are gaining in popuThe ability of Flinchbaugh-Kurtz to integrate Apple Archery components into its production schedule as required ensures a smooth flow of parts as needed and a quick turnaround of any special needs.

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PHOTO ABOVE: Finished components for Apple presses are marshaled and ready for assembly. PHOTO RIGHT: Apple Archery is proud that each Apple bow press carries the made in USA label.

larity and our Eliminator press will press any crossbow on the market including recurve, parallel, past parallel and reverse draw. However we are looking ahead to the development of a specific crossbow press that can do more than just press the bow. Innovation is the key to both staying ahead of the competition and servicing the customer and that is what Apple does best. As part of the Apple Archery team one of the most important parts of my job is helping the customer, explained Skip. I need to stay ahead of the dealer and anticipate his questions and needs before they come up. I am constantly obtaining new bows from the manufacturer so I can be familiar with exactly how to adjust the press to properly press any model. When I get a question from a dealer that might be too difficult to answer over the phone I simply put the bow in a press and take a couple of pictures. In a few minutes I can have those photographs e-mailed to the dealer and now our conversation makes a lot more sense. As they say a picture

is worth 1,000 words. In the case of a dealer with a problem it means more than that; it means a job well done; time saved and a satisfied customer to boot. I often see utility trucks that have a phone number on the side and the message, CALL before you dig. What they are doing is encouraging people to call the utility company before they do any excavation work to make sure there are no utility lines underground in the area they intend to dig. Better safe than sorry. I guess I have the same message for our dealers, If you are in doubt CALL before you press. In just a few minutes we can get you on the right track and just maybe save you a lot of unnecessary trouble. Apples flagship Eliminator bow press design is truly outside the box thinking. At its heart is a specially designed jack screw that allows the press to be used on any workbench table top without modification of the table to allow for jack motion, a really nice feature. While the jack screw is normally operated with a crank handle it has a built in ratchet bolt

on the top of the unit that can be used for the compression of reverse draw crossbows where the crossbow stock would normally prevent the crank handle from being used. This is but one example of Apples forward thinking but by no means the only one. With a series of quick finger adjustments the press can be set to accept any style compound bow or crossbow on the market. Once the adjustments are complete and the bow placed in the press turning the jack screw compresses the bow limbs in an arc that simulates the actual drawing motion, thereby minimizing and equally distributing limb stress. This arc compression method is far superior to the horizontal compression found on many bow presses that can actually induce excessive stress in the bow limb increasing the changes of damage or limb failure.

For dealer convenience Apple offers a complete line of hardware kits and an assortment of tools.

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affordable maintenance items for the archery pro shop owner. Under the direction and vision of Gregg Jenkins, Apple Archery is also a glimpse into the future. Combining high tech in-house manufacturing capabilities with vision and innovation Apple Archery is not content to just keep up with the industry but is determined to anticipate future changes and be ready to help the dealer rise to the next level as it develops. For complete information on Apple Archery products visit www.applearchery.com or call this Pennsylvania firm at (800) 745-8190. Editors Note: In addition to his editorial planning and writing duties with ArrowTrade, John Kasun is an outdoor seminar speaker and a business consultant with experience in corporations large and small. He can be reached at 126 Acorn Lane, Duncansville, PA 16635, by phone at (814) 695-5784 or by email at kasun@atlanticbb.net.

Skip King, product manager for Apple Archery, keeps some of his bowhunting trophies close at hand in his office and his beloved motorcycle parked just outside. Skip splits his day between working in the shop and spending time on the phone assisting dealers.

The Eliminator offers both limb tip and limb post compression, rapid and easy setup and maximum versatility. The design of the Eliminators synchronous arm movement results in minimum limb stress during compression and offers superior functionality at a moderate price. Another high tech product in Apples line-up is the Pro String Server. The Apple Pro String Server was completely redesigned in 2009 with features including double channel frame construction for increased strength and stability. The infinitelyadjustable string tension can be adjusted up to 450 pounds. The Pro String Server is designed for easy spring tension adjustment and simple string removal. The unit incorporates an indirect belt drive to increase motor life and a single locking tail stop knob for extremely quick setup. Designed for the pro shop owner that demands the finest automated string making and serving machine the Pro String Server gets the job done easily and quickly, turning time into money. In addition to its line of bow presses, string making jigs and automated string servers, Apple Archery offers a complete line of accessories designed to make the job of bow

maintenance easier including bow vises and complete work stations. Apple also offers a complete line of hand tools and organized hardware kits to keep what the dealer needs at his fingertips so he can get the job done without the frustration of searching for that special wrench or that missing screw or clip. Apples line of arrow cut-off saws are powerful and designed for a quick and square cut on any arrow material and include a professional model complete with dust collector. Today Apple Archery is more than a one stop shopping center for top quality,

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Selling Brutal Weather Clothing

emories of my early days of bowhunting whitetail still have the ability to induce involuntary shivers. Strange as it may seem, these teeth-chattering experiences began in West Texas, not exactly a geographic location inspiring visions of frosty climates. The trouble was, weaned on dodging Septembers bugling bulls across Southwest mesas, spot-and-stalking desert mule deer and Coues whitetail, my closet was chock-full of standard-issue cotton goods when I arrived in Texas to attend college. I knew cold well enough, late-winter fur trapping in frigid surroundings along the Continental Divide 10,000 feet above sea level, chasing New Mexicos rutting bucks during Januarys snow-patched late seasons, even hunkering down to yelp to high-country Merriams gobblers on cold spring mornings. It was just that Id never approached bowhunting from such an inert mode of operation. Getting cold while spot-andstalk hunting meant starting a small fire while glassing distant hills or simply moving on to get some blood pumping. My first sit for whitetail was indicative of what I faced, dressed in cotton fatigue pants, antiquated waffle-weave cotton long-handles, and on top a single wool sweater beneath still more cotton. First light arrived with a slow drizzle that wouldve been highly welcomed on a typical morning elk hunting New Mexicos Gila Wilderness, but after a couple hours this innocent precipitation and the slightest breeze left me shivering uncontrollably in the balmy 45-degree temperatures. A few years later I would learn what real cold was about, bowhunting Nebraskas late archery season during snowy December dates. Deer were on the prod, simply trying to

stay alive and all-day visuals were the logical approach, but try as I might I could never manage more than a few hours. Hypothermia was taking such a firm grip that climbing from a tree-stand often proved life threatening. I even remember wearing neoprene duck waders on stand beneath layers of fleece in my desperation to seal out biting cold. Fast forward more than two decades. Ive since bowhunted subzero weeks in Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada, survived all-day rut sits in blowing snow and darting sleet and stand-rocking wind in places as far flung as Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Eastern Colorado and Washington, Montana, North

Dakota, New York and even a handful of record-setting days in Mississippi. More recently, living and bowhunting whitetail in the northern reaches of Idahos Panhandle where fall weather can involve anything from freezing rain to blowing snow to temperatures below zero, Global Warming be damned coldweather sitting has become a way of life. Yet, I can say with all honesty, I really cant remember the last time I was truly cold in a teeth-chattering, health-risking sense. This has everything to do with smart layering and modern bowhunting attire designed to keep the bowhunter comfortable in the most brutal weather imaginable.

Scent-Lok employs different fabrics and insulations throughout Perfect Panel outerwear. For instance, extra insulation is used in the body of the jacket and the seat of the pants. Shoulders and elbows and knees are all articulated meaning they are sewn in a way that promotes easy movement for climbing and drawing a bow. There is plenty of carrying capacity too, with a total of 15 pockets in the pair of garments shown.

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By Patrick Meitin

and Boots for Bowhunting

Rules Of Engagement
Dressing for success in cold weather is all about maintaining core temperature and minimizing heat loss. When core body temperature drops just a degree or so below 98.6 degrees the body shuts down circulation to extremities to protect internal organs, resulting in numb fingers and toes, and shivering. The simple vest worn beneath outerwear provides effective insulation without restricting range of motion as layers of sleeved clothing might. High-loft synthetics, or wool, trap warm air against the body and keep customers feeling warmer. Better yet, temperature-adjustable, battery-operated heat vests (like Gerbings Heated Clothing or Brownings AddHeat) provide heat on demand through three temperature settings, allowing tree-stand comfort in frigid temperatures. When it comes to reducing heat loss in cold weather your customers head, face and neck are pivotal. Up to 75 percent of heat loss occurs in this area, as heat naturally rises. Warm stocking, fleece or insulated, ear-flap-equipped hats are big sellers when the mercury begins to plummet. When weather truly turns brutal I pull on a full-coverage micro-fleece balaclava (Sitka Traverse Balaclava, for instance), covering head, face and neck, snuggling an insulated hat over this. Other obvious cold-weather focal points are feet and hands, which any whitetail hunter will tell you quickly turn numb without proper protection. As a general rule, when choosing suitable pack-boots for cold-weather customers, consider comfort ratings well below actual temperatures, as inactive sitting means cold will seep in even during warm mornings. As an example, remaining completely comfortable on a 20 degree morning might mean donning boots rated to minus 20. For sub-zero comfort look to numbers at or exceeding minus 60 degrees. For customers who regularly invest in long hikes to access stands, wearing a standard insulated hiking boot (something with a minimum of, say, 800 gram Thinsulate or equivalent insulation) while walking in, and slipping on heavily-insulated boot blankets (like Ice Breakers or Arctic Shield Boot Insulator) after installing themselves on stand, can make a more viable option. This keeps feet from sweating while walking and eliminates the handicap of clumsy pack boots altogether. When it comes to whitetail hunting, keeping hands warm but shooting ready has always been a dilemma. Ive tried flip-back mitt-gloves (dont fit into wrist slings), finger-less fleece and wool (finger tips left numb), insulated gloves (not enough sensitivity), you name it. More recently I discovered the simple but effective hand muffler (like the Muff Pack from Hunter Safety Systems,

When temperatures dip below zero there really is no competition in regards to coldweather clothing for the hunter who wants to be able to remain motionless on stand. The Heater Body Suit allows comfort in the nastiest weather, while also permitting unrestricted shooting with archery gear. In milder weather it can allow you to hunt with (and walk in with) very lightweight clothing, reducing perspiration issues and eliminating any concerns about bulky garments throwing off your aim.

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256-773-7732; www.huntersafetysystem.com). Strapped around the waist, with a chemical heater pouch (Heat Factory, for example) tossed in before the hunt, it allows me to wear thin camouflage gloves, tucked inside while waiting. When a buck arrives my hands are ready to perform, no matter how cold it is out or how Im releasing my string. The Muff also keeps items such as grunt calls, scents and flashlights handy. The catch phrase of the ages is LAYERING. The idea is to trap warm air pockets against the body like insulation in a house wall. Part of this program includes another recent chase phrase; MOISTURE MANAGEMENT. Even when cold your body perspires, and when its cold moisture kills. This makes cotton the worst possible cold-weather choice. Merino wool and synthetic base layers that move moisture away from the skin are the foundation of an efficient layering system. Wind as in wind chill makes even moderate breezes seem like knife edges in freezing weather. Gores WindStopper was the first to address this issue, turning away wind and helping customers remain warmer in a cold breeze. Many imitations followed. Wind-barrier garments make excellent outer or middle layers, effectively doubling insulating qualities of any outerwear. Atmospheric moisture is another heat thief on the coldest days, even when temperatures are above freezing. Remaining dry and bowhunting

silent in wet weather used to prove nearly impossible. For the most part this has changed, but before committing to a particular line of waterproof bowhunting wear assure a manufacturers idea of quiet matches your whitetail customers expectations. Tug at and rustle the garment, put it on and move your arms around. Will it pass muster from a whitetail buck at 20 yards on a still morning? When conditions turn extreme, complete with killing cold and blowing snow, customers will appreciate the insulating benefits of The Heater Body Suit (888 565-2652; www.heaterbodysuit.com). The Heater Body Suit is in essence a sleeping bag complete with individual legs and booties spacious enough to accommodate insulated pack boots. A zippered front allows customers to close themselves inside, silently unzipping and shrugging the suit off when shooting opportunities arise. They include interior shoulder straps, and roll tightly to be toted to stand with included backpack straps. Its so effective its guaranteed: If your customer gets cold their moneys refunded.

SITKA-MG; www.sitkagear.com) rewrote the book. The Sitka lineup is a complete system, working from the skin out to keep customers comfortable in any weather. That critical next-to-skin base is represented by the Core Zip-T and Bottoms, featuring Silver Scent Elimination technology and Super Dry with odor technology to wick moisture away from the skin to dry faster. Customers might also choose the Traverse ZipT, an expedition weight base layer

Essential ColdWeather Gear

When it comes to high-tech insulation in an integrated layering system Sitka Gear (877-

While Sitka Gear made its mark with bowhunting garments made for high exertion mountain hunting, they have more recently made their mark in cold-weather treestand gear. They offer a complete system from base layers to rugged, heavily insulated outerwear (without bulk) for the cold-weather bowhunter. From left to right were showing the Traverse Shirt, Incinerator Jacket, Bacalava and Celsius Bib pants.

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that is wind resistant and breathable, also with Silver Scent Elimination technology. When temperatures dip an insulation layer, such as Sitkas Kelvin Jacket, Vest and Pants, brings instant comfort. Kelvin garments include extreme heat-to-weight ratios via Primaloft synthetic insulation. Also have a look at Celsius or Jetstream Vests, the former including polyester face, high-loft inner and DWR finish to ward off the elements, the latter with breathable Gore WindStopper membrane under a soft-shell exterior. To finish off the system an outer layer of something like Sitkas Stratus Jacket and Bibs makes perfect sense. Including a Gore WindStopper membrane, these garments keep wind chill from ruining a customers day. A brushed fabric eliminates noise, with the garments being cut to allow full range of motion while drawing a bow. When rain and snow blows the Coldfront Jacket and Pants offer the answer, including Gore-Tex Softshell

technology and microfleece lining to keep weather out and warmth in. Celsius Jacket and Bib were Sitkas original contribution to the coldweather whitetail scene. These garments are designed to keep customers warm without bulk, while the Jetstream Jacket, like the vest by the same name, includes wind-turning WindStopper laminate. Newer still, the Incinerator Jacket and Bibs were designed to keep whitetail hunters warm, mobile and comfortable during the most extreme weather theyre ever likely to encounter. Employing a combination of natural down and a 2.5 layer of waterproof/breathable Gore-Tex fabric, Incinerator clothing assures ultimate insulating and weatherproof qualities made for all-day visuals in the nastiest weather; without restricting movement or range of motion. Sitka accomplishes this by designing the line to fit an individuals body and to be articulated at every flex point. Incinerator Jacket

features includes RIRI waterproof zipper, drop-away hood design, chest and hand pockets and grunttube slot. Bib includes hand, chest and thigh pockets, and tall center front zipper. All Sitka hunting attire includes Gore Optifade Concealment patterns, some of the most scientifically advanced camouflage on the market. The new Big Game/Forest pattern considers the distance and extreme angles encountered while tree-stand hunting and the science of animal vision, incorporating micro and macro element configurations to confuse animals perception of color and visual space and break up the symmetry of the human outline. Even if detected Optifade makes it more difficult for deer to identify bowhunters as a potential threat. Similarly, Russell Outdoors/ Mossy Oak Apparel (256-500-5889; www.r usselloutdoorsgear.com) APXg2 wear is designed as a skin-toouter-shell system allowing

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bowhunters to remain effective in any weather. These are high-tech designs with the latest in fabrics technologies; such as Dri-Power moisture wicking, Scent-Stop antimicrobial treatment, PrimaLoft Infinity insulations, as well as ZeroLoft Aspen Aerogels, thin, compression-resistant and waterproof material thats a highly effective insulator. All garments are coded with L1 through L5 designations, indicating Layer 1 (base) through 5 (extreme outer). All are offered in Mossy Oak Treestand camouflage. Base layers are the start, customers choosing from APXg2 L1 Scent-Stop Lightweight or Heavyweight Base Layer tops and bottoms. They include flat seam construction for added comfort, DriPower and Scent-Stop technologies, and body mapping for minimal binding while climbing or drawing a bow.

The L2 layers are represented by the L2 Wind Control top and bottom, including Dri-Power and Scent-Stop technologies, but also double-layer construction for enhanced wind resistance with wind-control panels covering core body areas to retain heat. Internal grid-pattern fleece traps additional body heat, while underarm panels provide ventilation when perspiring. The 6.5 ounce material is mostly polyester with 16 percent spandex for stretch. The L3 series includes a L3 Scent-Stop Fleece Jacket and Pant, and L3 Single Layer Soft Shell Jacket and Pant. These might best be reserved for warmer weather, skipping on to the L4 layer including Two Layer Soft Shell Jacket and Pant or even the L5 Chill Blocker Pant and Jacket or L5 Insulated Jacket and Pant. L4 Two Layer Soft Shell gar-

ments provide extreme wind protection and moisture resistance, fashioned to provide an outer layer in chilly weather, or a mid layer during brutal days afield. Four-way stretch fabric offers free range of motion while also breathing, without sacrificing weather resistance. Pants include wide, adjustable suspenders. The L5 Insulated series is made for those days when blowing rain, sleet or snow conspire to keep your customers off stand. L5 Insulated Chill Blocker attire includes ScentStop treatment and both PrimaLoft Infinity and Zero Loft Aspen Aerogels insulation. Zero Loft nan-

Mossy Oaks Russell Outdoors newlydesigned APXg2 wear is specially designed for layering up and down according to weather conditions. With L1 through L5 layers, L1 being base layers, L5 extreme outerwear, the bowhunters can mix and match according to conditions at hand. From left to right were showing the L5 Chill Blocker Jacket and the matching L5 Chill Blocker Pants. To their right is the L4 Reflector Long Sleeve Shirt with Mock Turtleneck collar and the L4 Mens Two Layer Soft Shell Vest.

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inc.com) is now your source for ARC Outdoors/Arctic Shield cold weather technology gear utilizing a thin, multilayered heat resistant thermal barrier to capture and return more than 90 percent of a customers body heat. For the coldest weather, bowhunters can remain warm without bulk or restricting layers. Options include an Arctic Shield High-Performance Jacket, Bib, Bomber Jacket and Pant. The highperformance jacket includes two chest, two handwarmer and two inner pockets, QuietSuede outer shell and warm polyester lining, removable and adjustable hood, underarm ventilation zippers and neoprene adjustable cuffs. The High Performance Jacket is wind- and waterproof, plus breathable; the Bomber windproof, water resistant and breathable (with fewer pockets) and waist length with elastic hem. The Arctic Shield Bib also includes a QuietSuede outer shell for bowhunting stealth with nylon lining to slide on smoothly, plus six outer pockets, low-front/high-back design, long leg zippers with storm flaps and built-in suspenders. The Pant includes similar construction but in a standard pant cut, with two large, front handwarmer pockets, storm-flap-protected leg zippers and polyester lining. Bibs are wind- and waterproof; Pants windproof and water resistant, both allowing moisture to escape through highly-breathable fabric. The High Performance Jacket and Bib (and accessories) are offered in Mossy Oak Treestand or Realtree AP HD; the Bomber and Pants in AP HD only. Also check out Arctic Shields naturallyArctic Shield clothing, now distributed by Absolute Outdoors, antimicrobial, Nanocontains a special, high-tech insulating layer that is extremely silver-equipped base thin and made to return up to 90 percent of the wears body layers. heat. otechnology insulation blocks cold and heat with a panel so thin and lightweight its difficult to believe its there at all. ZeroLoft panels are placed strategically in core (chest and kidneys) and high-compression zones (shoulders, elbows, knees, rear), with PrimaLoft Infinity insulation providing loft, added warmth and comfort throughout the garment. Pants include knee-length zippers and attached suspenders, while the jacket has an attached hood. PrimaLoft Insulation is comparable to down, but breathes more freely, is water resistant and dries quickly when wet. The jackets stand-up collar includes a stowaway hood, taped seams and body-mapped insulation for unrestricted motion, just for starters. Pants include full-length leg zippers and extended back waist. In all, layering up and down to remain comfortable, most of all, staying warm in the nastiest weather, is made easy with APXg2 garments. Absolute Outdoors (877-2522056 x103; www.absoluteoutdoor-

Browning (801-876-2711; www.browning.com) has long been a favorite with serious bowhunters looking for cutting-edge bowhunting wear. For the coming year this includes New Full Curl Wool Line apparel. Browning has taken this natural fiber to new heights with a unique wool blend thats more comfortable and effective against the elements. Full Curl combines a 7-ounce wool blend outer fabric with high-tech technologies such as Brownings

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Windcutter windproof and water resistant lamination and soft tricot liner for interior comfort. Fleece side panels increase breathability and free range of motion. The garments are machine washable. A Full Curl Wool 3-in-1 Parka, Jacket and Pant are offered in Browning AllTerrain camouflage pattern. The 3-in-1 Parka features a down insulated vest liner, detachable hood, zippered stash pockets, and lower bellows pockets with snap closures, backed by two handwarmer pockets. Adjustable cuffs and zip-through collar with external storm flap are also part of the package. The Jacket includes two upper zippered stash pockets, two handwarmer pockets, a zip-through collar and adjustable cuffs. The Full Curl Pant includes the same construction in a classic six-pocket design for ample storage. Full Curl Base Layers shirt and pant offer the perfect compliment, since they are woven of soft, no-itch Merino wool blended with breathable polyester side panels. Merino wool offers natural anti-microbial properties for odor control. Rib knit neck and cuffs are featured on the shirt and rib knit waist and cuffs on the pant, with fly opening, in Loden Green. Made as outer wear, the new

Hells Canyon Full Throttle line serves as value-added mid-layer insulation on the very coldest days or as an outer layer during more moderate weather. This performance wear is lighter in weight than standard Hells Canyon wear due to a new fabric featuring a two-layer bonded construction with a waterand wind-resistant woven outer shell bonded to a moisture-wicking OdorSmart featherweight fleece on the interior. This construction increases breathability, with the OdorSmart technology inhibiting growth of odor-causing bacteria. The Jacket includes two oversized chest and two hand-warmer pockets and stand-up, zip-through collar with double-pull closure. A bottom drawcord and internal Lycra cuff keep drafts at bay. Pants have an elasticized waist with draw-cord and belt loops, zippered fly, two front pockets, one zippered rear security pocket and articulated knees. All are offered in Mossy Oak New Break-Up and Treestand camouflage. First Lite (208-721-0101; www.firstlite.com) is a relative newcomer making a big splash with affordable, high-quality Merino wool camouflage wear thats as soft and quiet as it is warm in cold weather. Merino wool fibers are much finer than the softest synthetics, naturally

antimicrobial, UV absorbent (doesnt shine) and absolutely quiet. It wicks moisture away from the skin faster than most synthetics, stays fresher longer after prolonged use and can be machine washed. Besides super Merino wool spotand-stalk outerwear, the coldweather bowhunter will find the companys base layers made to order for a cold-weather layering system. First Lites Llano (170 gram) and Chama (230 gram) superfine, interlock fabric Merino wool shirts are difficult to beat, included in original ASAT and newer Realtree Max-1 and Mossy Oak Infinity patterns (and black). The 230 gram Allegheny bottom makes a perfect complement to either of these base shirts The Springer Vest and Labrador Full Zip Sweater make exceptional mid layers on cold mornings, the Vest made of superfine Merino wool comprised of a heavyweight 400 gram interlock fabric that is soft and quiet. The Sweater is constructed of the same material but includes long sleeves for added insulation. Rounding off the lineup are a twolayer, 400 gram Brimmed Beanie and 230 gram Wind River balaclava. Some of Game Hides (www.gamehide.com) warmest foulweather garments are represented by the new Mathews Collection; state-of-the-art hunting wear designed in the spirit of Mathews innovation, cutting edge technology, high performance features and high

Brownings Add Heat vest is one of a handful of new products including temperature-control heating elements built right into the garment, allowing customers to stay warm in the nastiest weather.

Brownings new Full Curl garments use old-fashioned wool, combined with modern synthetics, for a base-to-shell system made to take on the roughest elements.

Brownings newly-improved Hells Canyon clothing uses modern synthetics to keep hunters dry and comfortable, used alone in moderate weather, or as a mid-layer in the most brutal conditions.

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quality. One of these is the Monster Jacket and Bib, allowing customers to stay warm and dry without sacrificing bowhunting silence. They include HyperHide H2O, a waterproof bonded fleece combining absolute silence with waterproof breathable comfort and a HydroCore laminate for absolute weatherproof qualities. They are also backed with high-tech HeatTech insulation for those cold days on stand. Gamehides exclusive Freedom Sleeve allows unmatched mobility, and the back includes a zippered slot to accommodate a safety harness. Jackets feature chest pockets with waterproof zippers, handwarmer pockets and drawstring waist to keep out drafts. The Bib includes identical construction, but with adjustable shoulder straps, two-way front zipper, chest pocket, fleece-lined hand-

warmer pockets, fully waterproof leg zippers and cuff straps. They are offered in Mathews Lost Camo. Switchback Reversible Jacket and Bib give customers two garments in one, one side woodland Lost Camo, the other Lost Snow

Camo to adjust to changing weather conditions. Both include the same insulation and waterproof qualities of Monster garments, fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, elastic waist and attached hood in jacket, adjustable elastic shoulder straps, full-length, two-way waterproof front and leg zippers and dual slash pockets on bib. For your female customers,

PHOTO LEFT AND ABOVE: Gamehide teamed with Mathews, Inc. to produce some of the warmest, most bowhunterfriendly tree-stand wear on the market, incorporating high-tech materials and smart designs to keep bowhunters not only warm but functioning flawlessly.

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First Lite has become the go-to company for high quality, camouflage-patterned Merino-wool goods. Their line includes soft, wicking and warm base layers and lofty mid-layers like this one in the ASAT camo pattern.

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Prois Hunting Apparel (970-6413355; www.proishunting.com) is made just for the ladies, extra-highquality, high-tech duds made for real bowhunting. Prois offers a full spectrum of garments, from base layers to rugged and warm outerwear. New for 2010, the Ultra Hoodie is lightweight and comfortable, an athletic design allowing ease of movement. Used as a base layer beneath insulating duds, its 100 percent polyester, birds-eye wicking fabric pulls moisture away from the skin to keep hunters dry and warm. It includes thumbhole cuffs, a convenient hood for added warmth when needed and front zippered pockets. The Prois Xtreme Vest makes the perfect mid layer to maximize thermal regulation and retain essential core heat. This beautifully engineered vest includes 150 gram Thinsulate Ultra Insulation inside a waterproof yet breathable, soft and silent shell. Its also lined with Prois signature nylon tricot for extra warmth and wicking action, designed for maximum warmth without bulk. The Xtreme Vest also

includes a roomy hood and the companys famous ducktail rear, unsnapping at the base to instantly create a dry, warm place to sit. It was tailored to provide a perfect fit beneath Prois Xtreme Jacket. Also look into Prois Sherpa Vest and Jacket, constructed of deep Sherpa fleece to create a warm and silent outer or mid layer. Prois Xtreme Jacket and Pants are constructed of 100 percent polyester 8000/5000 waterproof, breathable fabric thats soft and bowhunting silent. Insulated with 200 gram Thinsulate Insulation and lined with nylon tricot, the Xtreme series promises warmth and comfort combined. The Jacket comes with deep chest and handwarmer pockets, while inner Lycra-blend sleeves ensure lady hunters remain dry. Thumbhole cuffs, drawstring hem, Ducktail 12 inch tail extension for sitting and magnetic-closure safetyharness slot at the base of the neck round out the package. All Prois garments are offered in Realtree AP HD and Max-1 HD camouflage patterns. Robinson Outdoor Products/ ScentBlocker (507-263-2885; www.robinsonoutdoors.com), a leader in activated charcoal, scentmanagement bowhunting clothing, introduces the all-new Mack Daddy suit, part of the Bone Collector

series. Utilizing ScentBlockers Cold Fusion technology, perhaps the companys most advanced carbon technologies to date, this SPF 60 (Scent Protection Factor, the companys highest rating) outfit also includes interior S3 antimicrobial treatment that kills odor-causing bacteria at its source. Cold Fusion bonds activated carbon onto the fabric to provide uniform, total coverage that impedes odor penetration and adds durability. The suit is shelled in Micro Pro Fleece thats soft and bowhunting quiet plus warm. ScentBlockers Quick-Cinch system allows custom fitting around the chest area and includes six strategically-placed pockets to keep necessary gear organized and handy, plus DWR (Durable Water Repellency) treatment to ensure comfort when weather turns nasty. The Mack Daddy is an outer System Layer 3 garment made to accompany the companys wide assortment of S3equipped base and insulating layers. Other Bone Collector Mack Daddy Jacket features include BodyLock collar, cuffs and waist, innovative safety harness slit in the back, scent-proof zipper, contoured elbows, adjustable/removable armguard and two zippered kidneywarmer pockets that accept chemi-

Kirstie Pikes Prois performance wear has all the latest high-tech materials, hunterfriendly features and attention to detail found in the very best mens bowhunting wear, but these garments are styled and cut just for women.

PHOTO RIGHT AND ABOVE: The Mack Daddy outfit from Robinson Outdoors/ScentBlocker includes a Scent Protection Factor (SPF) of 60 the companys highest rating and interior SF antimicrobial treatment for added odor protection. Its made for hard-core bowhunting in the roughest environments.

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cal heat packs. The new Bone Collector Mack Daddy Pant includes BodyLock waist and ankle cuffs, contoured knees, high-back waist, belt loops and diamond crotch gusset. Both are offered in Realtree AP HD. Rocky Brands (740-753-1951; www.rockybrands.com) MtnStalker high-performance apparel helps your customers beat the cold without restricting movement. A lot of cold-weather gear is heavy and cumbersome, often restricting while climbing into a stand or drawing a bow, while MtnStalker apparel promises mobility and free range of motion combined with warmth. Jacket and Bibs are constructed of soft, quiet SilentHunter microsuede and treated with a waterproof but breathable laminate. These garments also include Rockys SIQ scent control technology and 150 gram Thinsulate Insulation in Jacket, 100 gram in Bibs. All pieces sport plenty of easily-accessible pockets for storage and smart designs such as molded cuff closures and a front zipper that curves away from the neck for added comfort on the jacket, and adjustable suspenders, zippered leg vents and chest on bibs. Look for them in Mossy Oak Infinity or Realtree AP HD.

RutWear Non-Typical Gear (866521-5012; www.rutwear.com) is smartly engineered hunting clothing designed to foresee nearly any eventuality faced by the deer hunter. They incorporate high-tech technologies to assure comfort in brutal weather and long service in the field. When it comes to cold-weather bowhunting, the companys LST (Late Season Technology) is the goto wear from this extensive lineup. These garments include a LST 3-In-1 Parka with Wool Liner/Jacket and LST Wind/Waterproof Bibs. The Parka includes two vertical chest call pockets, one with magnet closure another zippered and with removable call extender, grunt tube sleeve on chest, removable vinyl scent pouch, spring-open pocket, side freedom zippers for climbing into stands, fleece-lined collar, neoprene cuffs, zip-off hood and more. Bibs include more of the same, plus reinforced knees and seat areas and built-in ankle gaiters. Both are constructed of whisper-quiet Silencer

Micro-Fleece with wind- and waterproof, breathable Hypershield Technology, lined with 180 gram Poly Insulation and taped seams; all cloaked in Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity or Realtree AP HD camouflage patterns (Mossy Oak Treestand or Brush and Realtree Max-1 HD can be special ordered). The Lodengreen Wool Liner/Jacket is designed to zip into the 3-In-1 Parka or wear alone. It includes two fleece-lined slash pockets, fleece-lined neck, elastic cuffs and waist and 100 percent Duration Wool shell. Scent-Lok Technologies (800315-5799; www.scentlok.com) believes high performance starts with a great design concept. ScentLok designers took a look at conventional cold-weather attire and then isolated flaws such as unwanted bulk, binding and noise, engineering the Perfect Panel System to address these issues. The Perfect Panel outerwear and base layer concept strategically places various fabrics from fleece, windproof softshell and waterproof layers to create

Rocky Brands new MntStalker line, including exceptional jacket and bibs, assures customers remain comfortable in nasty weather, without the bulk and restricting nature of some insulated duds. Using 100 to 150 gram of Thinsulate Insulation and Rockys SIQ scent-control treatment, theyre ideal for demanding bowhunts.

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bowhunting clothing that optimizes weather protection while also reducing bulk and weight. In other words, insulation is added only to areas of the body that receive the brunt of wind and chilling affects. This also maximizes flexibility and ease of movement. The Perfect Panel Jacket features a brushed tricot chest and back to keep moisture out, premium softshell outer arms and shoulders to keep wind and rain at bay while also reducing noise when scraped against tree bark. Articulated elbows and shoulder design improves free range of motion while climbing into a stand or drawing a bow. Primaloft Insulation (133 gram ) is used in vulnerable areas to maximize insulating qualities, a material that is lighter and more effective than traditional insulations due to its ability to eliminate moisture buildup. Gear is easily organized via the Jackets nine secure pockets. Matching Perfect Panel Pants include identical Primaloft

Insulation, six zippered pockets, added warmth in the seat area, articulated knees, zippered leg openings and a gripper waist. The perfect companion beneath this revolutionary outerwear is offered by the Perfect Panel BaseSlayer Top and Pant. These High-Loft garments follow the engineered design strategy incorporating a high-loft, thermal fabric in areas where cold and wind impact the body most, while lighter fabric is placed in areas that move and flex more dramatically. The result is a base layer that is highly comfortable and warm without binding or chaffing. In addition, new Perfect Panel BaseSlayers also contain a bacteria fighting antimicrobial treatment to stop odors at the source. Tops include long, set-in sleeves, high-loft fleece in arms and shoulders for added weather protection and activated carbon technology to compliment the antimicrobial treatment. Pants include similar features with flat-lock seams for added comfort. Made in Canada, SportChief (800-567-1729; www.sportchief.com) attire promises the highest degree of quality and functionality in wet and

cold environments. The Wabush 3in-1 Parka and Impact Pant both include a uniquely-constructed shell fabric called Silentex. This incorporates a surface water repellent of Duponts Teflon to keep the outer fabric from saturating during wet weather, that when combined with its breathable and 100-percent waterproof Aquatex membrane leaves customers absolutely dry and bowhunting silent. The interior lining is treated with ScentZro antimicrobial treatment to eliminate odorcausing bacteria on contact. The Wabush 3-in-1 Parka includes two layers of insulation for the coldest weather, 100 gram in the shell of the parka itself, another 100 gram in the zip-in liner, the sleeves including a combined insulation of 150 gram with the liner in place for assured mobility. The parka also has two chest pockets, and adjustable hood and waist. The Impact Pant features three zip and two cargo pockets, 18 inch side leg zippers and a 6 inch kidney panel. These garments YKK zippers assure smooth operation for the life of the garment. All of the companys products are offered in Sportchief Camo, designed to represent the natural surroundings of deep woods and northern forest environment.
SportChief is also a source for warm hunting gloves. This 3 in 1 version can be worn with or without the liner, or the liner itself can be used as a form-fitting glove.

Made in Canada, where they know all too well what serious cold is about, Sportchiefs new Wabush parka and Impact pant include space-age technologies that made them waterproof yet breathable, and help control human odors while on stand.

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Boots that Were Made for Sitting

Bogs (800-201-2070; www.bogsfootwear.com) finally found a way to make a rubber boot breathe, leaving feet drier and warmer. These tall, Mossy Oak-covered boots wont let water in but allow perspiration to escape. MT stands for Bogs patented Moisture Transfer technology, transporting moisture out of the arch area where heat is most intense. A fourway stretch neoprene leg allows give for a more comfortable fit, the boot contour and footbed designed to reduce impact shock and assure allday support. The rugged Blaze MT is also comfort rated for temperatures encountered in subzero conditions to minus 40 degrees Farenheit. Danner (www.danner.com) has long been known to hunters for nailtough designs made to go the extra mile. One of the companys best-selling models, the comfortable and sure-footed Pronghorn, is now offered in a new, 1,200 gram Thinsulate insulated, 8 inch version (Pronghorn GTX Realtree AP HD Insulated 1200G Hunting Boots). They include new Tech-Tuff toe and heel to protect the leather and your customers feet, an improved lacing system and more aggressive Mountain Goat TF outsole. They feature 100 percent waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex lining, Terra Force platform and Fatigue Fighter footbeds for quick drying and unsurpassed arch support. They are constructed of full-grain leather and rugged Cordura nylon panels in Realtree AP HD. Kenetrek Boots (800-232-6064, www.kenetrek.com) is well known for rough and tumble mountain hikers, but they are also a source for dependable cold-weather boots as well. The Kenetrek 10 inch Northern is the companys warmest, a classic Bean boot design with leather uppers and rubber lowers. They provide a snug fit for comfortable walking, with all-day support and warmth. They are rated to minus 20 degrees thanks to a quilted, threelayer removable liner including 400 gram Thinsulate Ultra Insulation and 3mm wool felt. An additional 600 gram Thinsulate Ultra and 9mm wool felt are sealed inside the rubber bottom for maximum warmth. KTalon outsoles provide sure grip in icy conditions. When it comes to cold-weather boots LaCrosse (www.lacrossefootwear.com) is nearly a household name. The Alpha SST 1200G Insulated Hunting Boot is the newest development in cold-weather footwear from the company. SST stands for Scent Suppressing Technology, consisting of rubberclad, naturally-insulating and waterproof neoprene with a scent-proof gator on the top that snugs around the calf with a barrel-lock elastic cord to seal human scent in while hiking into a stand or sitting. The neoprene also stretches to allow a snug but personalized fit. A nylon fabric lining provides comfort and snag-proof durability. Its 1,200 gram Thinsulate Ultra Insulation assures

The all-new LaCrosse Alpha SST 1200G Insulated Hunting Boot combines classic high-top rubber lines with comfort materials such as neoprene, including a Scent Suppression Technology (SST) top gaiter that seals in human odors, and 1,200 gram Thinsulate Ultra for toasty feet without added weight.

The Pronghorn, from Danner, has proven one of the companys most popular boots to date, the new GTX 1200G version including 1,200 gram Thinsulate insulation to keep feet warm in frigid conditions.

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cold-weather comfort. A shallow, self-cleaning lug outsole gives a positive grip in mud or snow. They include an 18 inch height and Mossy Oak Infinity or Realtree AP HD camo patterns. The Original Muck Boot Company (www.muckbootcompany.com) has built a reputation on unsurpassed comfort. The Arctic Pro is labeled a Professional ExtremeConditions Sport Boot and is the companys warmest. They feature fleece lining, stretch-fit topline binding to keep warmth in and cold out and an 8mm CR flex-foam bootie with four-way-stretch nylon. Theyre 100 percent waterproof, lightweight and flexible. The Bob-Tracker molded outsole is rugged, aggressive and durable, while double reinforcements on the instep, heel and Achilles areas boost durability. The 2mm thermal foam underlay added to the instep provides additional warmth. They are comfort rated from minus 60 to 40 degrees. Robinson Outdoor Products ScentBlocker boots have proven comfortable, lightweight and tops for controlling human odors since their inception. New this year, Dream Season Wooly Mammoth is an extreme boot designed for those late season bowhunts when temper-

atures are well below freezing. A 13mm thick removable wool liner provides fantastic insulation but also includes heat-reflecting film to turn heat back into your customers feet. This wool liner is combined with advanced ScentBlocker scent-control materials. The boot is constructed from a rubberized camo fabric upper frame with a S3 antimicrobial lining and carbon-fabric filter that work in harmony to limit human odors. A quiet nylon lace system locks your customers foot to limit heel lift. A removable cork-infused EVA comfort insole reduces shock and provides an additional insulation layer under the foot. The Dream Season Wooly Mammoth Extreme Pac Boot 14 includes removable SPF 60 activated carbon fabric filter with BodyLock technology gaiter, 100 percent waterproof membrane construction, camo rubber outsole with dual-density Rock Shock Stabilizer Lugs for traction and reinforced toe and heel in addition to features already discussed. They are offered in Mossy Oak Treestand camouflage. Rocky Brands MtnStalker GoreTex Insulated Hunting Boots have the classic styling of a lace-up hiker for added mobility, but include 1,000

gram Thinsulate Insulation for warmth. Its 3/4 welt construction TechnoStability frame cradles and protects the foot from injury. These boots have a five layer MountainStalker outsole designed for added traction in snowy or icy conditions. An AirFlow chamber breathes to move moisture away from the foot, the AirFlow footbed and BoneCage Technology webbed sides providing additional support and cushioning. They are 100 percent waterproof and breathable via proven Gore-Tex technology within. Schnees Boots & Shoes (800-9221562; www.schnees.com) makes their hunting boots in Bozeman, Montana, using top-quality materials and attention to detail, including solid brass eyelets, triple stitching and hand-

Hunter Safety Systems MuffPak is only one of many options in a waist-mounted hand muffler, but also one of the best around, allowing organization of essential gear while keeping hands ready for instant action in cold weather.

The ScentBlocker Dream Season Wooly Mammoth boot is made for surviving the coldest outings; including 13mm wool liner with heat-reflecting film, 60 SPF and SF (antibmicrobial) scent protection and complete waterproof and breathable qualities.

Rockys new MtnStalker boots include technologies such as waterproof/breathable Gore-Tex and 1,000 gram Thinsulate Insulation, plus AirFlow technology that moves moisture away from the foot, to keep feet warm and dry.

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midsole and 13mm ThermoPlus felt innerboot, vulcanized rubber shell and polyurethanebacked synthetic upper thats water and wind resistant. A top gaiter with barrel lock keeps snow out and warmth in. Sorel AeroTrak outsoles assure sure traction in slippery environments.
These Boot Insulators from Arctic Shield are light and roll up small enough to fit most pockets, but add a lot of warmth for the hunter perched in a tree or ground blind. They are most effective on boots that are not heavily insulated.

eyelets, triple stitching and handmade 100 percent rubber bottoms. They are 100 percent waterproof and re-buildable after years of wear. The classic-look Extreme pack boot is unbeatable for snowy and extreme cold conditions where mobility is desired. They build 9mm of wool felt right into the midsole from heel to toe, with 600 gram Thinsulate Ultra Insulation added to the bottom and around your customers foot. Finally, the boot is made for use with the companys removable 400 gram Thinsulate liner, for 1,000 gram of insulating warmth. The Advantage sole assures a sure grip in any terrain. They are comfort rated to minus 40 degrees F while active, minus 20 while inactive and can be ordered in 10 or 13 inch models. Sorel (www.sorel.com) has been in the business of keeping feet warm in cold weather a long time. As a kid living in Colorados high country Sorels were what we lived in through winter months whether playing football or walking to school. They still make a wide variety of pack boots for all winter activities. The companys warmest is the Glacier, a no-holdsbarred boot made to tackle temperatures down to minus 100 degrees below zero and at a price well below anything in its class. They include a 13mm Sorel Meltdown

Sportchief products are made in Canada, where cold and icy winter conditions are par for the course. The companys LT-Trail boots are designed for the brutal conditions of the average Canada winter, and the worst Mother Nature can dish out farther south. At the heart of their insulating qualities is a radiant felt liner that offers a comfort rating of minus 50 degrees F. They are waterproof due to EVA construction and include Sportchief Camo to match the companys clothing. They weigh only 3 pounds per pair, and include an aggressive rubber outsole to assure a firm grip on winter terrain, complete stability and support.

The Stegar Mukluk Company Cumuks (phone 800-685-5827; www.camuks.com) are made in Ely, Minnesota, where they know what cold is about. Theyve developed a new hunting boot they claim is warmer, lighter and more comfortable than any other cold-weather hunting boot around. The Cumuks insulated, rubberized moosehide foot is waterproof and flexible. The waterproof Mossy Oak Break-Up gaiter upper includes Stegars proprietary Pull-Tight Ankle System closures for the perfect fit and support. The total package creates a coldweather boot that keeps customers warm in extreme cold while also allowing them to hike into a distant stand in complete comfort. Wolverine (866-699-7369; www.wolverine.com) is better known for rugged hikers, but their Mammoth Wolverine Gore-Tex Insulated Waterproof 9 Sport Boot includes 1,200 gram Thinsulate Ultra Insulation for exceptional warmth in cold conditions. They include full-grain leather and tough 1,000-denier Cordura nylon construction, breathable Gore-Tex waterproof membrane lining, removable full-cushion footbed and rubber/polyurethane lug outsole. The classic Goodyear welt construction is sturdy and flexible.

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f I told you that one of Colorado's newest archery retailers was located in a barn, you probably wouldnt be too impressed. But this is no ordinary cattle barn. Its a purposebuilt steel structure shaped like a traditional barn with a gambrel roof, only much larger. The low, rumbling sounds you might hear while shooting the TechnoHunt video range or the seven station indoor target range are not coming from cattle, but from the ranch trucks and tractors that are housed, serviced and repaired on the

ground floor. The only beef I saw were the thick steaks being grilled on a high, steel-grated balcony by Pro Shop Manager Brian Pingel, a balcony that overlooks an outdoor 3-D range. Full Rut Archery and Hunt Club is owned by Rick Hunt. Hunt is an avid bowhunter and the head of a contracting company, as well as being a former co-owner of Archery Interactive, the Denver-based company that builds and services TechnoHunt ranges. His successful business has given him the means to

hunt extensively, and the trophy room in his large home attests to his skill and success with a bow. The beef on the grill that evening came from cattle being raised on a portion of the 15,000 acres encompassed by the Hunt Ranch. The same land supports numerous mule deer and antelope and is a popular hunting destination. Rick Hunt met Brian Pingel while Pingel was working at a pro shop in Aurora, Colorado. The two became friends and when Pingel and his family moved out closer to Hunts home,

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Full Rut Archery and Hunt Club was housed in the upper two levels of this steel frame building on The Hunt Ranch, about 15 miles east of Parker, Colorado. The lower level is where Hunt Ranch equipment is stored and serviced. A fire a few days after my visit destroyed the upper levels but this fall a new Full Rut Archery is opening in an even larger barnshaped structure on the Hunt Ranch. See page 88 and 89 for those details.

Hunt asked him to manage a new pro shop he wanted to build on the property about 15 miles east of Parker. By then Pingel had already spent many years working in pro shops, and he also had many years of experience in shooting competitively. His own roots in archery go back to his boyhood. Like a lot of us, Pingels first arrows were launched from a homemade bow that was little more than a limber branch strung with some baling twine. Archery might have been a passing interest, but for the interven-

tion of a kind stranger. He drove by my house and saw me shooting this bow Id built, and turned around. He took time out for me and handed me a real kids bow. And then he picked me up every Wednesday and took me shooting at Colorado Archery. And from then on I was hooked on archery. His name was Chip Haven, Pingel said as I interviewed him across the counter of the Full Rut pro shop that opened last September. He comes up here once in a while and every time he does I have to tell that story. I really

appreciate what he did for me. In turn, Pingel went on to share his archery skills with others by working in bow shops. I started working for my first bow shop when I was first out of high school. It was called Archers Spot. I worked there for quite a few years but then I got out of it: I got married and had kids. I got back into retail when Louis Hard, the owner of TechnoHunt, bought that archery shop which had been renamed Archery Adventures. I managed Archery Adventures for him. Louis

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had a really nice operation there in Aurora, but in that town the lease rates on buildings are outrageous, theyre just eating up all your profit. Thats one of the reasons we set this up here, Pingel said of the Full Rut Archery pro shop on Hunts ranch. We own the land. We own the building. We have almost no overhead: We heat this entire building with a woodfired boiler. The pro shop interior is so nicely finished in a cabin style that I was surprised to learn most of the materials had been salvaged from demolition jobs Rick Hunts company had handled. The main floor of the pro shop, which as I noted is the second floor of this large building, has the showroom and service area, the target range and one of the sophisticated T300 video archery ranges from TechnoHunt that can track multiple users and can factor in the effects of wind and longer yardages. We have so much fun on that machine, Pingel said of the unit they purchased from the firm now headed by his former boss. When you get a good group of guys shooting it all you hear is the razzing and the laughing, but it teaches you patience and how to wait for an ethical shot. Some guys are aiming at the whole animal and thats obvious by where they hit. TechnoHunt does improve hunting skills because it helps you learn to pick a spot. The entrance to the Technohunt range is at the left side of the pro shop, next to the target range and just past

Brian Pingel chats with Tim Herget across the service counter. Herget works for TechnoHunt and the entrance to the TechnoHunt range is the doorway visible behind the pro shop manager. Pro shop owner Rick Hunt has a private TechnoHunt range as well.

the counters that surround the service area. At the right side of the shop is a set of wide steps which lead upstairs to a lounge with a commercial kitchen and non-alcoholic bar. The lounge overlooks the target range. A hallway along one side of this top story is flanked by a display area for bulky items like bow cases. At the other end of that hallway was a yet unfinished space thats planned as a meeting room where hunting seminars or Scout meetings could be conducted. Hunt and Pingel saved money where it

didnt compromise the results. For instance, most of the kitchen equipment was purchased used. They also added touches that clearly took a lot of man hours. One example is the bar, made from a giant slab of wood that was hewn from a log. Sections of the top were chiseled out to hold a broadhead display protected by clear acrylic. Another example is the care they took with the rest room, the exterior of which was finished to look like a log cabin. Poles were split to provide

The flooring used in the range (above) and throughout the showroom was salvaged from buildings that were slated for demolition. Wood fence posts were split to provide the rustic siding for the rest room, which is shown at left. Animal skins, antlers and an antique muzzleloader add to the charm.

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The lounge above the pro shop showroom is attractive and boasts a full commercial kitchen. Note the rustic table the Pingels are sitting at. At right, these broadheads are protected by clear acrylic in an accent piece for the non-alcoholic bar.

the siding and the exterior was hung with vintage traps and an antique muzzleloader. More improvements were on the way when I visited in late winter. About 30 big game mounts will be on display. Large, blue panels on the wall were awaiting hand-painted murals, Pingel told me. Outside, twin shelters were being built on a 40-target static 3-D range. The shelters would give shooters a place to get out of the wind or sun, and would have bow racks, water coolers, benches and even work stations where customers could

adjust equipment if needed. Meanwhile a row of storage trailers, lined up to help block the frequent winds, would get their own background paint and murals. This range is situated just across the driveway from the pro shop. On it shooters rotate through eight stations, shooting an arrow at each of five different targets. They then head out as a group to pull their arrows. I had seen that type of arrangement on indoor 3-D ranges, but this one offered targets set out to 60 yards and the protective back fence was a full 100 yards from the shooting line. In a state where it might snow in the morning and be shirt-sleeve warm in the afternoon,

the plan is to keep the outdoor ranges open year-round. Customers can watch the action on this 3-D range from the shelters or from the wide, steel-grated balcony outside the pro shop entrance. From that vantage point you can also see the start of a second 40-target range, this one a walk-through 3-D course that follows a creek bottom. The antelope I saw walking through the range wasnt made of foam, however. In fact Pingel told me when Derek Phillips of Mathews came to check out the pro

Full Rut Archery added this AMS Bowfishing display after staff saw it at the 2010 ATA Show. Pingel is an avid bowfishing enthusiast.

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shop before allowing it to carry the Mathews and Mission brands, there were three live mule deer bucks among the targets. The scope of the facility and Brian Pingels reputation as a bow mechanic and instructor had already won it several of the major brands by the time of my visit. Weve got Hoyt, Mathews, PSE and Mission and were waiting for a call back from BowTech, he told me. Pingel has also developed a following for the custom strings he builds for all those brands, aided by an impressive investment in automated string building equipment from HTM Precision Machining. Pingel said he has shot and recommended Winners Choice strings for years. He still thinks they are a good option for someone wanting a

premium set of strings and cables. The strings that Full Rut Archery is now building are competitive in both quality and price with Winners Choice strings, Pingel said. The pro shop manager showed me how strings were first laid out on a jig. Then they are transferred to a motorized server that puts the required number of twists in them. From there they are transferred to a second motorized unit that stretches them. For instance, a replacement set of three for a Hoyt Cam & 1/2 bow would be stretched to 1,100 pounds. After that they go back onto the serving machine where Pingel installs the final protective wraps. The serving material feeds off a tool that also has the wireless controls on it, so this step goes very fast. Now that he has figured the formulas out for popular replacement strings, from the precise dimensions to set the jig at to the number of twists and the stretching pressure, Pingel said he can produce strings that are dead-on with

the manufacturers specifications. Customers have learned these strings dont have stretching or peep rotation issues. Despite all the automation, building a set of strings and cables is not a quick process. Start to finish, including the stretching period where Pingel can be servicing bows or waiting on customers, it takes three hours. Full Rut Archery customers seem to appreciate this approach to string building, where all the steps are carried out by the same person. For the short time weve been open, weve developed a huge following for our strings, Pingel said as he stood by the HTM machinery that set this new business back about $15,000. Revenue naturally comes from both sales and range fees: It costs $15 for an individual to shoot a 45-minute TechnoHunt session. For the same $15 you can shoot either of the 40-target 3-D ranges. Or if you want to work to tighten your groups on paper, you can pay $7 for the target range and stay as long as you can, all day if you want. There is also an outdoor practice range for sighting in bows at up to

This 40 target static 3-D range is a full 100 yards from the shooting line to the back fence. Five targets are shot from each of the eight stations. A tree spade was used to plant saplings (left) that will branch out and provide definition between the shooting lane. Container trucks parked along the right side help block the prevailing winds. Shelters were under construction the week I visited, to provide protection from the elements as well as a place to rest and work on equipment. At lower right you can see some of the care taken to situate the foam animals. No doubt a few arrows have been buried in the logs that provide a backstop for this whitetail and a perch for the raccoon.

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A photo of Amber and Ashley Pingel with their 2009 bucks (lower right) is on the pro shop bulletin board. Full Rut Archery invested heavily into motorized string building equipment from HTM Precision Machinery. Counting the time it takes to stretch strings and cables on the unit behind Pingel, it takes about three hours to complete one set.

100 yards. The ranges and shop are open from 1 to 9 pm weekdays, from 10 to 6 Saturdays and from noon to 5 Sundays. Customers are also members in that you pay a $20 annual membership fee. Members get steeply reduced rates on trespass fees to hunt antelope, mule deer and predators on the property, where permanent blinds have been built at every water hole. Each member is also put into a drawing for free hunts and equipment: For instance, the company took the spe-

cial edition bow Mathews awarded it for attending the 2010 dealer show and put that in the drawing. Weve got over 300 members in the five months since we opened, Pingel told me. Midway through my interview with Pingel, his wife of 22 years came in for her afternoon and evening shift at the business. Sandy Pingels friendliness and success with a bow are a couple reasons why this new archery shop is attracting a strong following with women and kids. Another is Pingels own attitude toward those

shooters. I love to help women and kids, because they listen, Pingel said. With men, they either know it all already or have shot this way for so long they dont want to know any way else. Im a firm believer that in most families, the women can outshoot their husbands. And yes, that holds true in the Pingel family. Sandy Pingel has her own collection of RobinHooded arrows shot on the Full Rut Archery range to prove it. I shoot the Hoyt Avenger, Sandy told me about the bow she got after she started working at the pro shop. I got it because I like the color, she said with no reservations. Mine is set at 40 pounds. Most women dont think

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Game bags share an island with a wide selection of hard-sided bow cases. The blue wall visible in the background was slated to receive a mural.

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theyre strong enough to shoot a bow. I used to think that before Brian got me into it. Ive shot TechnoHunt a few times, but I like the targets better. I like destroying arrows, she said about the collection her husband has above his work bench. Its probably fitting that Sandy also is the chief arrow builder at Full Rut Archery, in addition to ringing up sales, working in the kitchen, and lending a hand with the cleaning and ordering. Sandy Pingel hasnt gotten into hunting, but both daughters are avid bowhunters who took mule deer last season. Their father showed me a photo of Amber and Ashley with their bucks on the pro shop bulletin board, noting he himself didnt tag a deer last season. Both young women were heavily involved in competitive archery during their school years and both were Colorado State champions. Now theyre out of school and working, they dont have as much time to compete. They still dabble in the target part of it, but theyd rather go hunting. Ive been seeing more women shooting now than at any time over the past 30 years, Pingel told me, then shared an approach thats been working to support that at this business. A guy will come in and bring his wife while he shoots or shops and shell sit there and read a magazine. Sandy will come over to the wife and ask her if shed like to shoot. Typically they say no, but Sandy will say Lets try it and 90 percent of the time it works out. The Pingels keep a selection of womens bows on hand, including the PSE Chaos, the Hoyt Vicxen, the Mathews Passion and the easy to adjust Mission Menace and Mission UX2. However, the bow Sandy or Brian will typically first hand the lady is the Mathews Genesis, a lightweight fits anyone model that has no specific draw length and typically is shot without sights, with the arrow carried on a simple Flipper rest from New Archery Products. Usually the husband says Lets get her a sight and a release, Pingel related. I say, No, lets start them with something easy, lets not overwhelm them. So we lend them a Genesis and

Sandy and Brian Pingel set a friendly tone for the business thats welcoming to both beginning and experience shooters.

Ill bring the portable target up so they dont have to worry about hitting the wood above our backstop, Brian Pingel said. If they can get a woman that far, a woman whose husband is already involved with archery, just about every time the next step is for them to want their own bow. This business also has a group of high school students who shoot regularly on the target range. As I noted above you dont have to have archery equipment to enjoy shooting here, as a display rack of Genesis bows is ready at hand. Archery is a much better past-time than the drinking parties some young people get mixed up with, the Pingels noted, and often a life-long interest can result when someone lends you a hand so you can try out archery. After all, thats what first set Brian Pingel on his lifelong involvement with bow and arrow.

A Pro Shop Reborn

Ive written this article as if the pro shop I visited was still in operation just as I described, but some of you reading this know thats not the case. A few days after my visit, on Saturday, March 20, an evening fire destroyed the pro shop facility that had opened the previous September. Pingel told me while the cause of the fire was undetermined, it apparently started near the rest room in the pro shop. Three different fire departments responded with a total of five engines and six tenders. While the blaze was put out in about 90 minutes, the wood flooring and other fuel burned so hot the metal siding melted. The day after

the fire, you could see through the upper levels. Also by the day after the fire, Pingel said Hunt was already planning how Full Rut Archery could reopen. In about two weeks, Pingel, his wife and chief string builder Chris Taylor were back in business serving customers from a temporary location. It was just 1-1/2 miles to the east on the same ranch. Pingel said that facility, though temporary, was the equal of many other pro shops hes seen. We moved everything right here where the temporary pro shop is. Weve got all the 3D targets, a big shelter area with picnic tables, and a big BBQ grill. As nice as the interim location sounds, it was only a stepping stone. Within weeks of the fire, plans were being laid to build a new, much larger Full Rut Archery. The building I visited was rebuilt with the help of insurance proceeds, but to serve the Hunt contracting business solely, not archers. As I finish this article in late August, Pingel said the steel beams that will support the new structure are being placed over the foundation 300 yards to the east of the original pro shop. The new structure is barn-shaped again, but with a lean-to all along one side and partway down the other, as well as with an extension out the front. When you consider this entire new structure is for archery, the dimensions are very impressive. The two-store building will be 130 feet long and 88 feet wide. Both floors will be concrete, Pingel said, in part to reduce fire danger but also to improve the facility for shooters. With the

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A customer built this attractive display rack for arrows. The pro shop orders machinefletched arrows and also sells custom arrows built by Sandy Pingel.

Signs like the one above help customers find the pro shops rural location. Below, the company pickup serves as another marketing tool.

wood floor we had, if you were aiming on the line you could actually feel somebody walk behind you. With the ability to start from scratch, Hunt was able to incorporate features few other facilities in the country will be able to match. The lower level will have room for 30 archery lanes where people will be able to shoot at up to 35 yards. The upper level will be used for an indoor 3-D course that includes pop-up targets, but as needed they can be moved to accommodate another 30 shooter lanes for holding major tournaments. We plan on holding state tournaments, sectional, anything we can get here, the pro shop manager said. The lighting they are putting in for the ranges is top notch, Pingel said, and natural light will also pour into the pro shop area through a large octagon window at one end of the building. Shooters will find a full kitchen, just like the original building, and a service area that at 20 by 40 feet is even larger. A new TechnoHunt facility will be installed. Outdoors youll find the 3-D ranges like I saw, with the addition of an aerial target range featuring the LaPorte launcher. One other change from the original pro shop is the addition of storage lockers where customers will be able to keep their bows. The lockers will rent for $10 per month and the proceeds will help pay for expanded insurance coverage. Full Rut Archery found out after the fire that while inventory and tools like the HTM Precision Machinery string building gear was all covered, privately owned equipment was not. Pingel lost his

own bow and many regular customers did as well. They were advised to see if their homeowners policy would cover all or part of the loss. Then with the help of its customers, Full Rut Archery put a fundraiser together, to cover the lost gear that private insurance wasnt going to replace. Many manufacturers came forward with donated prizes, and the more than $6,000 raised all went back to customers to reimburse them for equipment destroyed by the fire. We ended up taking care of everybody, so everybody was happy. Pingel told me the pro shops customers were very loyal and were back shopping and shooting as soon as the business reopened in the temporary location. By late summer, they were also back to hunting on the ranch. Weve got people hunting antelope over water holes right now, he said when I called him for an update on August 18. Whats nice about this place is you can come in an shoot, have lunch and then be in an antelope blind in 10 minutes. Customers of the Full Rut Archery and Hunt Club are excited about the new facility that should open around when this publication reaches readers, and so is Pingel. It should be right up there with the largest bow shops in the country. I cant wait. As this issue was going to press in early October Pingel told me the new Full Rut Archery had been selected to host the Colorado State Archery Associations winter indoor tournament. The major event will take place January 22 and 23, 2011. The NFAA affiliate's decision to hold the tournament there is a great endorsement of

what Rick Hunt and the Pingels have done in building up the original Full Rut Archery, and in bringing it back from the ashes better than ever.

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SE has been in the crossbow market for years, and throughout that period, it has been producing various compound style crossbows. The most recent designs are far advanced from the older models. The PSE models of today are even superior to many of the competitors products available this year. After quickly reviewing the performance information online for the 2010 PSE TAC 15i, I was somewhat in awe. The TAC 15i is producing speeds I have yet to see from a crossbow. With that in mind, I was very interested in performing a product evaluation. The TAC 15i went through a standard and regimented performance test. The focus of these types of tests is to determine, for a specified product, the performance characteristics. Additionally, the goal is to provide those archers that enjoy shooting and/or hunting with appropriate objective information, as well as some subjective commentary, for aiding in the purchase process. With that said, this evaluation is by no means conclusive. Each archer should assess what is important to him or her and interpret the results within the context of this article. As always, I recommend that anyone who is considering a crossbow, shoot as many different makes and models as possible to determine what best suits their individual needs and desires. Due to the lack of testing methods and procedures available publically for crossbows, testing guidelines were developed and published in 2009. These testing guidelines remain unchanged since 2009, and I continue to use these methods to evaluate crossbows.

The TAC 15i crossbow from PSE is a complete integrated unit. It is based on the Tac 15 which preceded it by an year and which was designed to mate to the receiver and stock of any rifle based on the popular AR 15 platform. PSE also sells more compact Tac 10 and Tac 10i models. Note the absence of a foot stirrup. This powerful crossbow has to be cocked by a crank.

Production Information and Testing

Introduction: PSE is an Arizona based company that has been designing archery products for many years. The company is recognized in the industry as being very innovative and extremely knowledgeable when it comes to developing new technologies. With that understood, it is no surprise that the TAC 15 crossbow was developed. The most recent version of the TAC 15, known as the TAC 15i, maintains that high level of performance as compared to its brother. The TAC 15 and TAC 15i stand together as products that are unique from D im e n s io n s others because of Model A xle to A xle to A xle their tactical look. A xle (fu ll d r a w ) During the 2010 Archery Trade Show, I
T A C 15i 17.0625" 12"

was fortunate to get some time with the PSE engineering team that developed the TAC 15i. The distinctive look and matchless speeds of the TAC 15i suggest that this group of engineers is keen on thinking outside of the box. The PSE staff revealed many details of the trials and tribulations that went into this product. Their efforts and research have created a product that is more technologically advanced than some of the previous products that have gone through my tests. The TAC 15i is slightly different from its brother the TAC 15 as the product has an integrated stock, while the original TAC 15 required the customer to use his own lower from an AR 15 rifle. The stock is fully adjustable,comes as a complete package and has the following components: TAC crank, Telescopic sight (Accushot 3-9X44 30MM tube) with mounting hardware, PSE TAC arrows, safety glasses, instructional DVD and manual. Background on Testing: The TAC 15i is designed without a traditional stirrup and has an integrated drawing mechanism. These two unique features are something that I am not used to when testing crossbows. With that said, I was skeptical that my drawing/shooting fixture would even allow me to test the TAC 15i. Fortunately, with some slight modifications to my fixture I was able to control, draw and test the product. One other thing to mention, when I was testing the product in my fixture I was very impressed with the ease of drawing the crossbow with the crank mechanism (TAC crank). I will discuss the crank and other features later in this article. So without further delay, here are the test results. The crossbow dimensions/weights measured out of the box:

P o w e r str o ke

O ve r a ll Le n g th

M a ss W e ig h t (in clu d in g sco p e ) 10 lb s

M a ss W e ig h t (w ith o u t sco p e ) 8.2 lb s

17.5"

41.25"

90

154.0
Peak Fo r ce

lbs
154.0 lbs lb-ft

sho t
sho t

W eight (gr ains)

W eight

Chr o no 1 Chr o no 2 Teater By Jon

2

r gy

154.0 Sto r ed Ener gy Dimensions

191.3

lbs

lb-ft
191.3

1 Chr o no W ains) eightChr o no 1 (gr 425 402.8

400 399

sho t
Rail*
per cent

21
2

(gr ains) 425

Chr o no 400 1 Chr o no 2 402.8

402.4
402.4

Mo del Tip to Tip Tip to Tip ficiency 425 gr ains 79.9

D ynamic Efficiency 425 gr dr ains (full aw)

191.3

lb-ft 79.9

Po wer str o ke per cent

Force (lbs)

by Jon Teater

Next, the crossbow went through a thorough inspection. The review 79.9 focused on string and cables, eccentrics, 425 gr ains per cent limb and limb pockets, rail, stock, butt plate, trigger Force-Draw Curve housing, trigger Curve and trigger guard. After a thorough Force-Draw review of the TAC 15i, I was unable to find any blemishes. As you can guess, I was very impressed with PSE. I believe that PSEs focus on workmanship and all of their in-house capabilities results in products leaving their Force-Draw Curve facility with a clean bill of health. STORED ENERGY Thereafter, I put the product through a 100-150 shot 191.3 lb-ft cycling to verify functionality. Some minor testing is performed, but the focus is ENERGY to detect any issues or concerns STORED with the product before the actual performance Force = 154.0 lbs 191.3starting lb-ft Peak testing. No different from the physical inspection, the product did not have any issues noted. The crossbow is next evaluated on the five criteria outlined below:

Over all 1 Mass 425 Length 33 W eight (including 2 44 sco p e)

Mass 402.8 402.3 W eight 399 402.3 (witho ut 402.4 402.2 402.2 sco p e) 399
402.6 402.6 399 402.5 402.3 399

399

399 399

400 399

avg (fp s)

55 3 avg (fp s)

402.5

399 399 399

4 5 avg (fp s)
W eight 425 gr ains

402.2 402.6
Sp eed Per Inch o f PS 402.5 23.0

399 399 399

Per Inch 17.5 o f PS Speed per 425 gr ains 23.0 inch of Power str o ke Power str o ke (inches) 17.5

Sp eed p er inch o f eight Speed Power str o ke W Po wer str o ke (inches)

Speed and Measurements: Speed WPerformance eight Sp eed Per Inch o f PS measurements were taken with one projectile. A 2009 Distance (inches) Sp eed p er 425 gr ains 23.0 Peak Force = 154.0 lbs Pact Chronograph XP and inch o f STORED ENERGY a Competition Electronics Te st Ca te gor y Asse ssment Power str o ke Po wer str o ke (inches) IR are set in 17.5 191.3 lb-ft Pro-Chrono Provides an indication of the amount of energy output by a crossbow relative to the energy D ynamic Ef ficien cy expended through drawing the crossbow back. An assessment is made with multiple tandem to record results. projectile weights. Distance (inches) The average speed meaSound Provides an indication of the amount of speed output by the crossbow Measurements over the distance Sp eed p er in ch o f from the full-draw position to the static brace height position. An assessment is made with surement is divided by the Po wer str o ke W eight multiple projectile weights. Peak Force = 154.0 lbs powerstroke to determine 425 (gr ains) Provides an indication of the noise output characteristics of a bow at the "point blank" speed per inch of No ise Ou tp u t Par ameter Peak A -W eightedthe Noise range utilizing a series of shots with multiple projectile weights. powerstroke. See the twin (d BA) charts above. 1 94.2 Tr ig ger Fo r ce Provides an indication of the amount of force required to discharge a given crossbow.

W eight 4 94.7 measurements for the 94.4 425 TAC 15i were recorded (gr ains) 5 6 94.8 one projectile. measurements Peak A The -W eighted No isewere averaged Parwith ameter 7 94.5 and the sound meter was set to A-weighted filter (a setDetailed Test Results (d BA) 8 94.7 ting which mimics the human ear). A CEL-430 sound Dynamic Efficiency: The dynamic efficiency por94.5 94.2 1 9 level meter is used for this test. tion of the test utilizes a Revere Load-Cell controlled by 94.9 94.3 2 10 a winch device; the load-cell con95.0 3 age Aver 94.6 nects to the crossbow with a cockW eight Force-Draw Curve 94.7 4 ing aid. The crossbow is mounted 425 (gr ains) in a shooting platform that controls Contact Info PSE 94.4 5 any movement that might be expePar ameter Peak A -W eighted No ise 94.8 6 www.pse-archery.com rienced as Force-Draw curves are (d BA) 94.5 7 $1,599.99 Finish Hard anodized alum inum Peak Fo r ce 185.7 lb s MSRP taken. The stored energy obtained 94.7 8 1 94.2 from the Force-Draw curve is used String Material BCY 452X withBCY Stock AR-15com patible Sto r ed Ener gy 112.1 lb -ft 94.5 9 94.3 X Tech 2 in conjunction with speed meaHalo Serving Limbs 94.9 10 surements dynamic D ynamic Efficiency to 350calculate gr ains 67.0 p er cent 95.0 3 Performance at a Glance efficiency shown in the chart at the 94.7 Arrow 4 Speed K.E. M om entum D ynamic Efficiency 425 gr ains 72.0 p er cent top of this column. 94.6 Aver age 425Grains5 402.5 152.9 24.4 94.4
Pr ecisio n T est rest or other supportive device.

Distance (inches) 95.0 3 Provides an indication of how close groups are shot together by shooting from a bench

94.3 2 Sound Measurements

Noise Output: Sound

Sound Measurements

PSE TAC 15i

Force (lbs)

6 7

Distance (inches)

94.8 94.5

91

Sound Measurements
W eight (gr ains) Par ameter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Aver age

1 2 3 4 5 6 4257 8 Peak A -W eighted No ise 9 (d BA) 10 94.2 11 12 94.3 13 95.0 Avg Tr igger Pull 94.7 D istance Tr aveled

94.4 94.8 94.5 94.7 94.5 94.9 94.6

9 Mo d9.52 el/ Ar r o w 10 9.62 Br and W eight (yar d s) (inches) (inches) 11 9.71 the string, the crossbow can be drawn with the crank Trigger Force: The Trigger Force measurements were 12 9.67 Sho o ting b y hand PSE TAC 425 gr ains 40 0.561 0.599 mechanism. recorded in pounds and averaged. An Imada Digital 13 9.62The crank takes approximately 11 full turns to reach the full draw position. The crank is a big relief Force Gauge is used in determining the Trigger Force. Avg Tr igger Pull 9.69 D istance Tr aveled .3175" when shooting. The device takes the pressure off the

Trigger Pull (lbs) 1 9.55 2 9.75 3 10.21 4 10.10 5 9.72 6 9.64 7 9.67 Tri 8 er Anal sis 9.52 9 9.52 1 9.55 10 9.62 2 9.75 9.71 3 11 10.21 4 12 10.10 9.67 5 9.72 9.62 6 13 9.64 7 9.67 Avg Tr igger Pull 9.69 Projectile Precision 8 D istance Tr aveled 9.52 .3175"

9.55 9.75 10.21 10.10 9.72 9.64 9.67 9.52 9.52 9.62 9.71 9.67 9.62 9.69 .3175"

Trigger Analysis

This was the figure recorded on two of the trigger pull cycles. Sp r ead 1 D istance Sp r ead 2

Aver

0.

r Anal sis

ed

Precision Measurements: Provides an indication of how close groups were shot together when shooting by hand from a bench rest or other supportive device. Extreme spread is the method used to calculate group size. 9.55 9.75 The Initial Review 10.21 I was very eager to start testing after the PSE package 10.10 arrived. The crossbow was well contained inside the package. Upon opening the package, I quickly looked at 9.72 all the componentry and took note of the numerous 9.64 accessories. 9.67 The product required some minor assembly and mounting of the telescopic sight, which is detailed in 9.52 the instructional manual. The total assembly took less 9.52 than ten minutes. 9.62 Right 9.71 after I completed the assembly, I read the remainder of the instructional manual and watched the 9.67 DVD. The information provided in both documents ade9.62 quately details the steps required to draw and fire the 9.69 crossbow. .3175" While shooting at the range it was not hard to notice the benefits of the cocking mechanism of the TAC 15i. A ratchet release mechanism needs to be pushed down to free the release assembly. Once released, the assembly can be pulled toward the string. The string has a special heavy duty D loop pre-installed, the loop connects to a hook on the release assembly. With an arrow placed on

archers muscles and ligaments while drawing. The crank should be a great advantage for archers that want to draw their crossbow in a treestand or ground blind. An archer can draw the TAC 15i without the need to stand up, which could reduce any risky maneuvers up Model/while Ar r oin w D a treestand. In addition, after the hunt is over the crossBr and W eight ( Projectile Precision bow has the ability to be let down. The crank, in combiMo d el/ Ar r o w D istance Sp r ead 1 nation with the ratchet mechanism, allows the(inches) Shoo ting release b yand hand PSE TAC ains Br W eight (yar d s)425 gr crossbow to be un-cocked. Sho o tingI b y hand PSEshooting TAC 425 with gr ainsthis product 40 0.561 Precision: did a lot of during the testing. While shooting, I was very pleased with the group size I was able to achieve at 40 yards. Moreover, my group size when shooting off sandbags is the smallest I have achieved thus far. It is always a great accomplishment to be shooting tight groups at any dis-

Projectile Precision

Digital calipers were used to measure the group size for the precision shooting test, using the extreme spread.

Projectile Precision
Mo d el/ Br and Sho o ting b y hand PSE TAC Ar r o w W eight 425 gr ains D istance (yar d s) 40 Sp r ead 1 (inches) 0.561 Sp r ead 2 (inches) Aver age 0.599 0.580

92

tance over 30 yards. After thinking about how the TAC 15i functions, it 200.0 seems that there are three distinct elements that contributed to my group 175.0 size. PSE designs this crossbow to be 150.0 rail-less, which means that the arrow will make no contact against a rail. The 125.0 rail-less design is beneficial because it 100.0 creates less disruption and allows the arrow to flex freely as the crossbow is 75.0 fired. The second element is the nock, 50.0 which plays a vital role in keeping the arrow in the same place each time the 25.0 crossbow is shot. The third feature is 0.0 the arrow rest, which allows for a mul0 titude of adjustments and permits the archer to tune the crossbow. Being able to tweak the arrow rest ever so slightly to achieve optimal flight is a feature that most products do not offer. All these features combined to provide an excellent crossbow that supports accurate shooting. PSEs Advertising: Marketing campaigns related to products typically include key performance specifications. These specifications are used to draw in consumers. Many feel that this information can be less that totally accurate, and thats why some of us are skeptical and unlikely to use this information when comparing products. The testing that I performed on the TAC 15i proved to me that PSE is focused on a very important element that I think sometimes is lacking in this industry truth-in-advertising. The peak force and speed numSp r ead 2 bers that my equipment measured were almost identical (inches) Aver age to the information on PSEs website. PSE is undoubtedly 0.599 paying 0.580 attention to the information they are making available to consumers, which really makes a big impact on consumer confidence.
Force (lbs)

Force-Draw Curve

av

STORED ENERGY 191.3 lb-ft

Sp in Pow

Peak Force = 154.0 lbs

10

13

15

18

Distance (inches)

ison, the TAC 15i is approximately 2 to 3 inches longer than most other products. For that reason, users may feel the crossbow to be somewhat bulky because of this size. Still, I did see the benefits of the weight and length of this product while shooting. The product stabilized and balanced very well when I was shooting off the W eigh bench rest. Nevertheless, the archer needs to evaluate (gr ains this aspect of the crossbow and decide on what weight Par am and length is comfortable for them. Another minor point, yet one that I think needs to be 1 mentioned, concerns the trigger pull. The trigger has 2 very little slack and hits peak weight rapidly. The peak 3 weight recorded is just over 9. 5 pounds, which is higher 4 than most of the products that have been tested in the 5 past. I personally found that the trigger weight did not 6 affect my group size. Nevertheless, archers should be 7 aware of the difference as it may be noticeable to his or 8 her shooting style. 9 The team of engineers at PSE has put a lot of time 1

Sou

The Off-Shoot
The TAC 15i has some opportunity for improvement, as do most products I test. The crossbow weighs in at exactly 10 pounds with the telescopic sight. The crossbow by itself is a lot lighter than it looks, but the weight of the scope at just under 2 pounds seems a little heavy. The benefits of this scope with weight aside are the range of variable power adjustment and fine-tuning capabilities. However, those additional facets for some consumers may not offset the weight concern that I had. The overall axle-to-axle length of the crossbow was very small and shorter than many products I have tested. However, the overall length of the TAC 15i compared to some of the recent products is longer. In compar-

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into designing the arrows for this product. The TAC 15i only permits use of TAC arrows while shooting. The negative for the consumer is that we are not permitted to use other arrows. With that known, archers should have backup TAC arrows available should something happen in the field or at the range.

Overview
The first thing to take note of is the speed of this crossbow. I have yet to test a crossbow with speeds over 400 fps. I have stated this before, but I am certainly not a speed freak. Nevertheless, people will be attracted to the speed numbers of the TAC 15i. The reason for such incredible speeds boils down to the crossbows energy storage capabilities. The force-draw curve illustrates an immense amount of stored energy and also validates that the energy is stored over a rather long distance. The total distance that the crossbow stores energy is over 17 inches, and is 3 or more inches longer than most competitors. Because of these factors, more energy is available to be imparted on the arrow, and because the bow is designed efficiently, it produces very high speeds. The crossbow has several key attributes that I felt to be important to the archer. The timing marks indicated on the cam provide a good reference point, and keeps the archer aware that the cams remain aligned with one another. Without such a feature, it is hard to know if something was bumped or changed over time. Another feature that stood out was the dual string stops. The string stops are critical to reducing vibration. The crossbow releases a significant amount of energy into the arrow, but some of the energy that does not escape remains within the crossbow. The string stop is a major contributor in reducing the forward recoil and works to dissipate the vibration from the propulsion of the arrow. In fact, while I was shooting the product I noticed that

I had much less trigger flinching, which was attributed to the vibration levels or lack thereof after the shot. The final element that was enjoyable and benefited my shooting was the nylon stock. I am a fan of stocks that allow some adjustment for various shooting styles and situations. This product, which is no different from the AR 15 in regards to stock design, provides approximately 4 inches of length adjustment. By and large, the TAC 15i is designed first and foremost for precision shootingno pun intended. PSEs focus on being extremely accurate is tied directly to the design features of the crossbow. The attributes of this bow are numerous and are intended to be functional and supportive to productive shooting. Some of the additional attributes, like the picatinny rail, are accommodating and permit a multitude of additional components, which may create even better results when it comes to shooting. The most impressive features are the performance numbers, especially when it comes to speed. This type of performance seemed almost unachievable a few years ago. PSE has reached this feat with a crossbow that only reaches a peak weight of 155 lbs. In my opinion, this bow is very impressive in many areas and overall provides a good platform for accurate shooting. Special Thanks: I would like to thank the manufacturer and sponsor who supported this event; without them and their support, this evaluation would never have been possible. Scorpion Venom Archery Lubricants provided wax, lubricants and crossbow rail lube. The rail lube is stated to have the ability to increase speeds upward to 1-2 fps. About the Author: Jon Teater began archery product testing in 2005. His technical experience, hunting skills, and test equipment allow Jon to perform some of the most in-depth technical reviews of products in the industry. Jon has designed and built sophisticated test equipment, which enables compound bows and crossbows to be shot automatically, providing a top-notch test environment to base his conclusions. Jon provides readers with accurate product assessments that have been published in Bow and Arrow, ArcheryTalk. com and ArrowTrade Magazine. Jon and his wife Lisa live in Upstate New York. He can be reached at jon@archeryconsumer. com.

94

By Jon Teater
arnett is not new to the archery game, as you know from last Contact Info Barnett www.barnettcrossbows.com issues Cover Story. They MSRP (Pr edator package) $699.99 F inish Realtree APG have been designing prodStr ing Mater ial BCY DynaFlight 97 S to ck GAM Composite ucts in both the internationLimb s Gordon/Barnsdale Laminate al and domestic arena for years. In the United States Barnett is known for pro- Per for mance at a Glance ducing some of the most Arrow Speed K.E. Momentum popular crossbows. The ear425 Grains 371.3 130.1 22.5 lier products that were pro475 Grains 354.5 132.6 24.0 duced were inherently less 525 Grains 341.6 136.0 25.6 sophisticated as compared to today, yet still capable of taking game with ease. Todays line is appealing, and has believe that getting old is fraught with negative implicasome major innovations as compared to the products of tions. From my standpoint, this company defeats that the past. inference and is just getting better with age. I was able to shoot the Predator at the Archery Trade Barnett is located in Tarpon Springs, Florida. At the Show this year. After talking with Barnetts engineering Florida facility, the company has brought many techstaff, they were quite pleased that ArrowTrade was inter- nologies in-house, which provides a tremendous opporested in doing a technical review on their product. tunity for the company to quickly design and produce Barnetts staff was equipped to answer any technical components. Barnett has been able to maintain a proquestions I had during the show, which gave me more duction facility that is able to deal with the seasonal time to evaluate the "testability" of the product. In the demand of its products. The company also remains end, I was able to determine that my test equipment focused on developing new products each year. could handle the Predator, which is sometimes my Recently, the company publicized that they have sold largest concern when doing these tests. over one million crossbows. That is an astonishing numThe Predator went through a standard and regi- ber, and certainly, something the company is proud mented performance test. The focus of these types of aboutas they should be. tests is to determine, for a specified product, the perforBarnett offers products in both the low and mid mance characteristics. Additionally, the goal is to provide price range. The products they design have a somewhat those archers that enjoy shooting and/or hunting with similar look, but their higher end crossbows have a few appropriate objective information, as well as some sub- key differences. The high end products have many of the jective commentary, for aiding in the purchase process. bells and whistles that archers prefer. These features are With that said, this evaluation is by no means conclusive. employed in the Predator, Barnetts flagship crossbow. Each archer should assess what is important to him or The Predator is one of the top of the line offerings her and interpret the results within the context of this from Barnett. With that said, the product is sold as a article. As always, I recommend that anyone who is con- complete package at an affordable price. The package sidering a crossbow, shoot as many different makes and includes a quiver and attachment bracket, rope cocking models as possible to determine what best suits their device, telescopic sight (4X32) that includes individual needs and desires. rings/mounts and associated hardware including a lens Due to the lack of testing methods and procedures cleaning cloth. The purchaser also receives Barnett available publically for crossbows, testing guidelines crossbow bolts including field tips and crossbow lube were developed and published in 2009. These testing wax. These components are all essential and key for a guidelines remain unchanged since 2009, and I continue productive shooting experience. to use these methods to evaluate crossbows. The crossbow measured out of the box: Barnett Outdoors has been in business for half a Dimensions century. Being an older Mass Mo d el Axle to Axle to Axle Po wer str o ke Rail* Over all Mass W eight Axle (full d r aw) Length W eight company is something that (includ ing (witho ut makes this company stand sco p e) sco p e) out from the rest. Some

Predator

Predator

21.8125"

17.75"

15.125"

19.4375"

37.75"

10.1 lbs

9.4 lbs

No te: The "Rail" measurements were taken fro m the fro nt o f the rail to the fro nt o f the string at the full-draw po sitio n

95

sho t

W eight (gr ains)

sho t

425

W eight (gr ains)

Chr o no 1 371.6

Chr o no 2 367

sho t

W eight (gr ains) 1

Chr o no 1 Chr o no 2

Chr o no 1

Chr o no 2 367 367 367 367 avg (fp s) 368 367

sho t

475

W eight (gr ains)

354.9

sho t 1

W eight (gr ains) 525

Chr o no 1 341.9

Chr o no 1 Chr o no 2
351 351 354.9 2 351

sho t

W eight (gr ains) 525

Chr o no 2

Chr o no 1
338 338 341.9

Chr o no 2 338 338 337 338 338 338

2 3 4 5 avg (fp s)

1 2 3 4 5

425371.2
371.1 371.3 371.4 371.3

367 371.6

2 3 4 5

1 354.7 475 2 354.4 3

354.7

341.6 1

371.2 367 371.1

367

354.7 351
351

351 3 351 351 avg (fp s) 350 351

4 5

2 341.6
341.3

341.6 337
338

354.4

341.6

368 371.3 367

353.9 4 354.5

350 354.7 351

341.4 4 341.6

338 341.3 338

avg (fp s)

371.4 371.3

5 avg (fp s)

353.9 354.5

5 avg (fp s)

341.4 341.6

Sp eed p er inch o f Po wer str o ke

Sp eed Per Inch o f PS W eight 24.5 425 gr ains 23.4 475 gr ains W Sp eed Per Inch o f eight PS W eight 22.6 525 gr ains

Sound Measurements

Sp eed p er inch o f Po wer Po wer str o kestr o ke

425 gr ains 475 gr ains 15.13 inches 525 gr ains

Sound Measurements

24.5 23.4 22.6

Next, the crossbow went through a thorough inspecW eight wer strfocused o ke 15.13 (gr inches tion. ThePo review on string/cables, eccentrics, ains) limb and limb pockets, rail, stock, buttPar plate, trigger ameter housing, trigger and trigger guard. After a thorough 1 review of the Predator, I found a few blemishes. 2 I noted a few minor nicks on the limb pockets and eccentric. 3 Overall, I would rate the product slightly above4average in the workmanship section. 5 Thereafter, I put the product through a 100-150 shot 6 cycling to verify functionality. Some minor testing 7 is performed, but the focus is to detect any issues or concerns 8 with the product before starting the actual performance 9 testing. The product performed flawlessly, I10 had no noticeable issues and was quite impressed each time I pulled the trigger. Aver age
To tal Avg Max

(gr ains) 425 475 525 Par ameter Peak A - W eighted No ise (dBA) 1 95.0 93.8 92.2 2 95.0 93.8 92.2 3 95.1 93.8 92.1 425 475 525 4 95.3 93.9 92.3 Peak A - W eighted No ise (dBA) 5 95.1 93.7 92.2 95.0 93.8 92.2 6 95.0 93.8 92.3 95.0 93.8 92.2 7 95.0 93.8 92.3 95.1 93.8 92.1 8 95.1 93.9 92.2 95.3 93.9 92.3 9 95.3 94.2 92.5 95.1 93.7 92.2 92.7 10 95.0 93.7 95.0 93.8 92.3
95.0 Aver age 95.1 To tal Avg 95.3 Max 95.0 93.8 95.1 93.9 94.2 93.7 92.3 93.8 92.2 92.5 93.7 92.7

92.3

The test crossbow is next evaluated on the five 95.1 93.8 92.3 criteria outlined in the chart on the right hand page.
93.7

Trigger Analysis surements

Trigger Pull (lbs) 3.15 3.49 3.21 3.47 3.56 3.19 3.27 3.24 3.48 3.51 3.16 3.51 3.28 3.35 0.4325

Detailed Test Results

1 475 525 2 eighted No ise (dBA) 3 93.8 92.2 4 93.8 92.2 5 93.8 92.1 6 93.9 92.3 7 93.7 92.2 8 93.8 92.3 9 93.8 92.3 10 93.9 92.2 11 94.2 92.5 12 93.7 92.7 13 Aver age 93.8 age Tr igger 92.3 Pull (lbs) D istance Tr aveled 910 93.7 (inches) 026

Dynamic Efficiency: The dynamic efficiency portion of the test utilizes a Revere Load-Cell controlled by a winch device; the load-cell connects to the crossbow with a cocking aid. The crossbow is mounted in a shooting platform that controls any movement that might be experienced as ForceDraw curves are taken. The stored energy obtained from the Force-Draw curve, is used in conjunction Projectile Precision with speed measurements to calculate dynamic efficiency. Model/ Arrow Distance Spread 1 Spread 2
Shooting by Hand Projectile Precision
Model/ Arrow Shooting By Hand Brand Weight Easton Pwr Bolt 446 459

Tri

Brand Weight Easton Pwr Bolt 446

Distance Barnett (yards) 40 40

(yards) 40

(inches) 1.752

(inches) 2.069

Spread 1 459 (inches) 1.752 1.458

Spread 2 40 1.458 (inches) Average 2.069 0.594 1.910 1.026

Shooting by Hand Shooting By Hand

0.594 Aver ag Pull (lb D istanc (inches

Tri

Barnett er Anal sis

96

3.15

Dimensions
Mo d el Axle to Axle xle to Axle Po wer str o ke (fu ll d r aw) Rail* Mass W eight (includ ing sco p e) Peak Fo r ce
Sto r ed Ener gy D ynamic Efficiency D ynamic Efficiency D ynamic Efficiency 425 gr ains 475 gr ains 525 gr ains

Over all Length

Mass W eight (witho ut sco p e) 174.8

171.1 76.1 77.5 79.5

lbs lb-ft p er cent p er cent p er cent

Trigger Force and we photographed the display after the eighth test shot. Precision Measurements: This provides an indication of how close groups were shot together when shooting by hand from a bench rest or other supportive device. Extreme spread is the method used to calculate group size.
sho t W eight (gr ains) 1 425 Chr o no 1 371.6 Chr o no 2 sho t W eight (gr ains)

Barnett Predator

Ch

Te st Ca te gor y
D ynamic Ef ficien cy

Asse ssment
Provides an indication of the amount of energy output by a crossbow relative to the energy expended through drawing the crossbow back. An assessment is made 2 with multiple 371.2 projectile weights. Provides an indication of the amount of speed output by the crossbow over the distance 3 371.1 from the full-draw position to the static brace height position. An assessment is made with multiple projectile weights.

The 367 Initial Review 1 475

The Barnett Pred367 2 ator arrived during the Sp eed p er in ch o f same time I was testing 367 3 Po wer str o ke a couple other products. 4 371.3 367 4 I was able to set those Provides an indication of the noise output characteristics of a bow at the "point blank" No ise Ou tp u t 5 371.4 368 5 range utilizing a series of shots with multiple projectile weights. aside for a few days to avg (fp s) 371.3 367 avg (fp s) look over this product. I Tr ig ger Fo r ce Provides an indication of the amount of force required to discharge a given crossbow. was quite pleased to open the box and see a Provides an indication of how close groups are shot together by shooting from a bench Pr ecisio n T est quality inspection stickrest or other supportive device. er right off the bat. Sp eed W eight Those little stickers let Per In that the product through Speed/ Performance Measurements: Speed mea- us know Sp eed p er inch o fwent 425 gr ains a standard 24.5 it left facility. I was 23.4 surements were taken with three projectiles. A 2009 Pact inspection before Po wer str othe ke manufacturers 475 gr ains information Chronograph XP and a Competition Electronics Pro- also provided with some speeds 525 gr ains and other 22.6 Chrono IR are set in tandem to record results. The aver- data that the manufacturer felt would support my testdid. age speed measurement is divided by the powerstroke to ing, which it certainly Po wer str o ke 15.13 inches determine the speed per inch of powerstroke. Speed and speed per inch are on page 96. Noise Output: Sound measurements were recorded with three projectiles. The measurements were averaged and the sound meter was set to take measurements with the A-weighted filter (which mimics the human ear). A CEL-430 sound level meter is used for this test. You can see the results at left. Trigger Force: The Trigger Force measurements were recorded in pounds and averaged, with the results shown at far left. An Imada Digital Force Gauge is used to determine the

97

The Predator was shipped in a small package and required little assembly upon arrival. The package included all necessary hardware to assemble the product. The scope had the rings pre-installed and only required mounting to the crossbow. After I completed the assembly, I read the owners manual. The manual identifies that the Predator should never be used with arrows that weigh less than 425 grains. In addition, the care and maintenance section of the manual requests that the archer should apply lube wax to the flight track every 5-10 shots. These two points are critical to the safety and longevity of the crossbow and associated components. Barnett designs products that are Built for the Hunt. All archers that hunt want products that work well in the field, this quote relates well to the companys intent for their products. The Predator is produced on a platform with numerous patented technologies. Barnett technologies include a Magnesium STR Riser, AVi-Anti Vibration Technology, AVi Bolt Retainer, AVi Foot Stirrup and AVi Limbs. These components combine to form a unique product with a ton of performance.

Digital calipers were used to measure the group size for the precision shooting test, using the extreme spread.

Unique Features
The stock has two features I have yet to see with any crossbow that I have tested thus far an adjustment dial for fine-tuning the length of the rear stock and adjustable cheek piece. The adjustable dial allows for a multitude of length adjustment with just a turn of a dial and loosening/tightening of setscrews. The rear stock adjustment provides an opportunity for the archer to make minor or major adjustments to his/her length of pull (distance between the trigger and the butt of the stock). The adjustable cheek piece is a facet I really liked when I was shooting in the woods. It reminds me of what most expect to see on a trap gun. The cheek piece body can be adjusted by loosening retaining screws, and can be positioned in various angles and/or heights. This feature has two main purposes 1) to create better eye-scope alignment for the archer and 2) comfort. In the field, you cannot beat a feature like this. With that said, consistent shooting remains tied to features that promote consistency, which I think Barnett has accomplished with the Predator.

In The Field
I spent numerous days shooting the Predator. The key technologies mentioned, including some other features, allowed me to enjoy each shooting session. I tested the product outside my lab for several weeks on end. During that period, I was able to do some extensive field-testing. When stalking through the woods I focused on the products maneuverability and the comfort I perceived when aiming at game. Maneuverability is a hard thing to quantify; however, I felt unhampered carrying the loaded crossbow through the woods as I looked for game. My feelings on the mobility relate to the overall size of the crossbow. The crossbows dimensions seem to align well in comparison to some of the other products I tested. The axle-to-axle length seems somewhat compact and manageable in the field. The crossbow sports a healthy weight, and most of the mass feels located toward the front of the crossbow; this remains an important item for archers that want good stabilization. The weight-forward design seems to be connected to the robust prod and stout limbs. Next, I dealt with comfort and stability. When aiming at game I was able to move fluidly and aim precisely on my target without wobbling. Excellent shooting comes from good form, but to be proficient you still need features that will work with your shooting style. The forearm is one of those features on the Predator that just plain works. The crossbow makes the shooter grip the forearm at the center balance point. The forearm has channels for fingers and thumb, and underneath the forearm are grooves that aid in gripping the crossbow. The other feature that was enjoyable is the thumb-hole stock. The stock is designed with a cutout around the trigger that helps the archer have more control over the crossbow when aiming at game.

The Off-Shoot
Like with most products I review, I will comment on a few items that I felt could be improved upon. The weight of a crossbow is an important aspect for an archer. A 1/2 pound or 1 pound may not seem like much, but after lugging a crossbow around all day in the woods, one pound can make a big difference. I did not feel that the Predator was heavy during my field test, but the crossbow is somewhat heavier than a few of the competitors products. The prod is designed from magnesium alloy, which does not weigh as much as some grades of aluminum. However, there is a good deal of beefiness to the prod, which I assume is for safety, and that may offset the lighter material that is used. The limbs may also factor into the weight. Archers should try out the Predator and see if the weight hinders or helps their shooting. The trigger housing coloration is rather conspicuous. I

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.30-06 Outdoors-See ad page 56, 117. Acu Archery-See ad page 34, 85. Alaska Bowhunting Supply-See ad page 32, 47. Alpine-See page 33. Ambush Hunting Products-See page 48, 49, 52,116, 117. See ad page 49. American Whitetail-See page 10. Ameristep-See page 40, 46,47, 49, 50,109-111. Apple Archery-See page 58-67. See ad page 15, 35. Archery Talk-See ad page 61. Arctic Shield-See page 73, 81. ASAT-See page 46. ATA-See ad page 17, 51. Bale Blind-See page 52, 53. Barnett Crossbows-See page 95-100. See ad page 9. Barronett Blinds-See page 46, 52, 55. BCY-See ad page 56, 87. Bear Archery-See ad page 2, 3,37. Big Dog-See page 108-110. Big Game Treestands-See page 114, 115. Big Green Targets-See page 37. BIGShot Archery-See page 8. BowJax-See ad page 36, 65. BowTech-See page 28. Brownell-See page 8. See ad page 21, 35. Browning-See page 73, 74. Buck Wear-See ad page 5, 34. Burt Coyote-See ad page 28, 111. Campbell Outdoor Challenge-See ad page 28, 133. Compound Bow Rifle Sight-See ad page 33, 135. Danner-See page 79. Darton-See page 105, 118-123. Family Traditions-See page 113-114. Feather Vision-See ad page 94, 121. Field Logic-See page 32. First Lite-See page 74. Flex-Tone-See ad page 121. g5-See page 36. Game Hide-See page 74-75. Ghost Blind-See page 43, 52-55. See ad page 31, 43. Gorilla-See page 40, 44, 49,107, 108. Hallmark Cutlery-See ad page 29, 131.

Heater Body Suit-See page 69. HECS-See ad page 37. Horton Crossbows-See pages 32. Hoyt-See page 105. Hunter Safety Systems-See page 31. HunterX-See ad page 36, 109. Hunting Revolution-See ad page 31, 80. Kaboss Blind-See page 52, 53. Kenetrek-See page 79. Kinseys-See ad page 41. Kowa-See ad page 25, 30. Kustom King-See page 4, 10. See ad page 31, 112. LaCrosse-See page 79, 80. Lightning Bowstrings-See ad page 34, 113. Magnus-See page 30. Maple Leaf Press-See ad page 28, 115. Martin Archery-See ad page 33, back cover. Mathews-See page 105. See ad page 32, 57, 139. Mighty Bow Mount-See page 8. Mossy Oak-See page 71-73. Muck Boot-See page 80. October Mountain Products-See ad page 33. Ol Man-See page 115, 116. Outdoor Business Network-See ad page 29, 89. Parker-See page 31, 104. Pine Ridge Archery-See ad page 30, 75. Primos See page 42-44, 47, 49, 50. Prois-See page 76. PSE-See page 90-94,103-105. Quality Archery Designs-See page 1, 4, 12-21. See ad page 7, 121. Quest-See page 124-127. Rancho Safari-See ad page 114. Real Scent-See page 4, 8. Rhino Blinds-See page 49, 52. Rinehart Targets-See page 29. See ad page 11, 35. Rivers Edge-See page 111-113. Rocket Broadheads-See ad page 37. Rocky Brands-See page 77, 80. Rutwear-See page 77. SaberMaxx from Outdoor Sports Products-See ad page 77. ScentBlocker-See page 76-77,80.

Scent-Lok-See page 5, 68, 77, 78. Schnees-See page 80, 81. Sitka Gear-See page 70,. Scorpion Venom-See ad page 37, 73. Sorel-See page 81. Specialty-See ad page 36, 67. Sportchief-See page 78, 81. Spypoint-See ad page 32, 71. Summit Treestands-See page 44, 49, 54, 107. Tactical Archery Systems-See ad page 29, 63. TailorMaid-See ad page 110, 137. TechnoHunt-See page 84. See ad page 45. Target Communications-See ad page 30, 93. Thunder Valley Archery-See page 22. Trueflight Feathers-See ad page 29, 99. True Quiet Treestands-See page 117. VaporTrail Archery-See ad page 56, 108. Victory Archery-See page 10. Wildgame Innovations-See ad page 53, 55, 121. Winchester Archery-See ad page 19. Winners Choice-See ad page 37, 79. W.L. Gore-See page 56. Wolverine-See page 81.

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am not one to nitpick, but I do not feel that this components glossy coating works well with the products aesthetics. I do like the fact that the housing is made from metal, as I have seen other products with a less rigid design. The crossbow exhibits some impressive speed numbers. Although, I was slightly surprised that the potential energy and corresponding kinetic energy measurements revealed an average efficiency rating of approximately less than 80 percent. This number is not low by any means, but I felt the percentage could be higher. I would suspect that the engineering staff at Barnett has something in the works and will be focused on reducing hysteresis.

Overview
The Barnett Predator has some awesome attributes. AVi stands for Anti-Vibration Isolation. The AVi components play an integral part into the likability factor of the Predator. The AVi technology is located in strategic locations on the crossbow, but most importantly incorporated into the limbs. The engineering staff made the crucial decision to go through the design process of trying to encapsulate limbs with this material with a net outcome of reducing vibration. As you shoot the Predator, you will notice that the vibration lasts for a short time, which is attributable to the mentioned damping technology. In comparison to other products, the Predator seems to have less vibration and maintains a high level of performance. The limb pocket is another feature that is important to this design. The purpose of the limb pockets is to control and align the split limbs. The magnesium prod also accommodates the limbs. The prod has precisely machined cutouts that work in cooperation with the limb pocket to support the limb throughout the drawing and shooting sequence. The deep cutouts in the prod create a pocket with ridges on both sides that the limbs are sandwiched between. The ridges provide additional lateral support. Both the limb pocket and prod work in conjunction to create almost perfect alignment, which will ensure better accuracy.

The Predator has several elements that are critically important to long shooting sessions. I put quite a few shots on this crossbow through my tests and adhered strictly to the Barnetts recommended instructions. Most strings, especially servings, will have significant wear after a few hundred shots. The serving on the Predator looks almost brand new after shooting more than a few hundred shots. In fact, the serving on the cables remained in excellent shape and showed no wear or separation throughout my shooting. The Predator has a few other items that contributed to the minimal wear on the strings and cables. The rail has a special coating applied that promotes frictionless travel. The coating creates little resistance on the string and subsequent projectile as they travel down the rail after the crossbow is shot. The results of the coating and use of lube wax, provides an extremely fast and unobstructed projectile. As mentioned, the lube wax is provided in the package and Barnett caps off the frictionless concept with Teflon tape underneath the rail to isolate the cables from the stock. The engineering staff at Barnett has made some updates to the trigger for 2010. The trigger is unquestionably a highlight of the test. The trigger has reasonable amount of travel or take-up as it reaches the fire position. I have found many crossbow shooters, including myself, admire a trigger with some travel. After shooting the crossbow, it was very easy to understand what aspect of trigger has been the focal point for Barnetts engineering staff. The triggers breaking point is critical to accurate shooting. The design team has worked on the breaking point and established a very sharp, crisp break. The outcome of a crisp trigger break is an instant release with a very clean feel. The other item to mention is the peak trigger weight. Many crossbow companies are trying to construct a reasonably light trigger at around 3-4 pounds. The Predator is right in the ballpark, and reaches a peak weight below 3.5 pounds. As mentioned, the crossbow has some nice features that will aid the archer in the field and at the range. The shootability of the crossbow was proven with my tight groups at distances over 30 yards. The precision aspect of shooting is not just related to shooting style, but to the product itself. The Predator has excellent ergonomics, a comfortable feel and balance. Each element provides the archer with an added boost to stay on target. When looking at the offerings of the Barnett line it is hard not to notice their products are less expensive. After evaluating the innovation and design features of the Predator, I consider the crossbow to have an abundant amount of value when considering the price. Therefore, I believe many consumers will be interested and eager to buy the Predator. Special Thanks: I would like to thank the manufacturer and sponsor who supported this event; without them and their support, this evaluation would never have been possible. Scorpion Venom Archery Lubricants provided wax, lubricants and crossbow rail lube. The rail lube is stated to have the ability to increase speeds upward to 1-2 fps.

AVi models like the Predator tested here have limbs of Gordon Glass that are over-molded with the vibration killing polymer.

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By Larry Wise

Recommending Easy Draw Bows

any of you reading this have already faced the stark and cold fact that we aint as young as we used to be! Some of you have already thought about reducing the peak weight on your bow because last year it was a little tougher to draw back on those cold November mornings. Or, you have actually turned out those weight bolts to reduce your hunting bow peak weight so your shoulders dont bark so much after you shoot a few shots. I started reducing my hunting peak weight five years ago Im down to 53 pounds now and thinking about going a little lower. As a dealer you know lots of guys who need to face or who have already faced this reduced capacity reality. You may also deal with the lowstrength issue among the women and youth who frequent your shop and a few of your customers may have physical challenges that limit their ability to draw the higher peak weights that they used to draw. The challenge you face is fitting them

with a bow that produces enough arrow speed to do the job but yet is easy for them to draw. Since not everyone can draw those big-camhigh-speed bows you have to sell them on the fact that they can still be effective in the woods with lower peak weight. Its a tough job but somebody has to do it...and youre that somebody! Since I have been using reduced draw weight for awhile I have some ideas about what it takes to be effective in the woods, some minimum standards that should be met and some knowledge about the easy draw bows that meet or exceed those standards. Choosing an easy-draw high-efficiency bow is where the actions at for those of us who just cant or choose not to buy one of those big-cam high-speed creations we see in all of the advertising these days.

HUNTING OBJECTIVE
So what are we trying to do when we go to the woods hunting deer? Are we trying to shoot at them from 40, 50 or 60-yards? Are we trying to break through shoulder bone? The simple answer to these questions is an emphatic NO! And we dont NEED 330 feet-per-second arrow speed either although lots of guys THINK they do. Dont get me wrong, wed like to have all that speed but, then again, wed all like to have a Corvette, too. But the simple truth is that we dont need that Corvette to go to the grocery store - and we dont NEED that super fast bow to shoot whitetail deer either. What we need is a simple bow that fits us properly, draws easy and allows us to shoot an arrow into a 9 inch paper plate at 20 yards. Anything more than that is not necessary desirable, maybe, but not necessary. It would also be nice if the arrow had at least 45 foot-pounds of energy. That would be enough energy to drive an 85 grain broadhead through the rib cage of a deer in one side and out the other. With a sufficient amount of energy, paper-plate accuracy and a bow matched to the archers abilities the job will get done with high grades. When hunting, being effective is far better than being flashy!

This Barnsdale d-flex target bow is typical of an easy-draw bow. Its designed to have a soft draw feel to it so that the user can shoot lots of arrows in tournament situations its a great shooting bow but most people want lots of speed and a little shorter bow for in the woods and that creates problems for those who physically cant handle the harderto-draw fast cams.

I did this force-draw curve of the Bear Truth when it first came out a few years ago. It is a good example of a fast hunting bow. The curve shows how the draw weight increases quickly to peak weight and stays there for 7 inches. This is how more energy is stored (shown by the area under the curve) so more energy can be transferred to the arrow. Speed is great but its not free because you have to be able to draw the bow across those 7 inches of peak and for some thats not easy.

WHAT MAKES AN EASY-DRAW BOW?

Contrary to what you might first think it is not 80 percent let off. NO, its not how much the draw-force lets off but where in the draw stroke that let off occurs. A compound bow is easy to draw when the draw force stays at peak weight for only 2 or 3 inches and then begins letting off

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toward a lower holding weight. This makes the graph of the force-draw curve rounded looking on the top instead of flat across the top for 6, 7 or 8 inches like the super fast hardcam bows. The weight doesnt have to let off a lot; it only has to get off of peak weight sooner. When I raise my bow, target or hunting, I typically rotate my body a few degrees toward the target. When I draw my bow from this position I use my torso muscles to assist my arm and shoulders. As my torso rotates and returns to my desired stance position my arms must take over the remainder of the draw stroke and if that draw stroke remains at peak weight beyond the 23 inch distance then my triceps and deltoid can get over-stressed. If you dont have a high degree of arm strength this is a problem and can, over time, cause soreness and injury. Reducing the peak weight may not solve the problem. Changing the distance the draw stroke remains at peak weight, however, will solve it. Reduce the dwell at peak weight (keep it to only 2 or 3 inches) by using a softer-draw cam and you may find that you can still draw a relatively high weight but avoid the shoulder stress. Dont forget that todays bows are highly efficient and make plenty of arrow speed. Choosing a 65 to 70

percent let off design will help in this regard as the lower let off not only shoots better (your human errors dont affect the string so much) it stores more energy and that propels the arrow faster.

DRAW TEST
I saw a neat shooting tip on one of the bowhunting TV shows last week. It was done by my good friend Rob Kaufold at Lancaster Archery. He showed a seated bow hunter how to adjust the draw weight downward until he could draw the bow with relative ease from a sitting position. From a seated position you should be able to raise the bow to the intended target and draw it straight back to full draw. It was a great demo of what you might have to do from a tree stand and helped the hunter arrive at a peak weight he could handle. Pass it along to your customers.

STORED ENERGY AND KINETIC ENERGY

Drawing the bow will bend the limbs and that, in turn, will store energy. During the power stroke the limbs unbend and transfer most of that energy to the arrow. The amount of energy that gets stored is important because higher stored energy levels drive arrows faster and faster arrows, in most cases, improve arrow penetration. But (I must add this here) even if a bow propels an arrow at 400 fps the bow and arrow is still a primitive weapon! Looking at some examples of compound bow force-draw curves you can learn about stored energy and easy-draw versus hard-draw cams. The force-draw graph plots shown here give you visual images that instantly show how an easydraw or soft-cam is different from the harder-draw cams. The harder cams take advantage of holding the draw force at peak weight for a much longer distance, 4 inches to 8 inches, as compared to the softer draw cams that hold the draw force at peak weight for only 2 or 3 inches. Although dropping off of peak weight sooner reduces stored energy it also reduces the strain on the smaller upper-arm and bow-drawing mus-

cles of the shoulder making the bow easier to draw. Remember, all the stored energy in the world is no good to you if you cant draw the bow! We want arrow speed and penetration but how much is enough? My experience with my son, Todd, over the past 15 years points us in the right direction. At 12 he had his first hunting experience with a 40 pound compound Xi Prodigy. That was a great little draw-adjustable youth bow that he used to harvest his first buck; a nice eight-pointer. He worked for two months to build the strength needed to draw 40 pounds and to hit the foam deer target at 15 yards. I felt he needed that much draw-force to give the arrow enough energy to kill a deer. As I recall, that little bow stored about 56 foot pounds of energy and transferred about 75 percent of it or 42 foot pounds to the arrow. Thats enough to do the job as the deer he shot only went about 35 yards. So, at close range, 40 foot pounds of arrow kinetic energy is enough to be our minimum bowhunting standard. Three years ago Todd hunted with me in Kansas. Just six weeks before our hunt trip he broke his

A few years ago I had a Mathews Conquest 4 on which I installed the factory-designed Super Soft Cam. The curve shows a more gentle increase to peak weight and a rather short 3 inch dwell at peak. At the 20 inch distance the weight on the bowstring begins to decrease making this a very easy bow to draw. Yep, you give up some stored energy and some arrow speed but for those with shoulder problems it makes drawing the bow possible and pain-free.

My friend Kyle stopped by recently for a little help setting up his new hunting bow. To set the draw weight at a manageable level I had him sit in a chair, raise the bow and then draw. After reducing the peak weight to 52 pounds he was able to do that with ease so thats where he needs it set for hunting this year. Next year he can start practicing in the spring and be able to raise the weight to 60 pounds.

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right collar bone in a little bike mishap. As a result we didnt know if he would be able to draw a bow at all so when he met me in Kansas in November we lowered his bows draw weight to 42 pounds. He could then draw across his stomach and raise up to full-draw-position. But that was enough draw weight to take a giant ten-pointer that gross-scored 184 inches. The shot distance was under 20 yards and the deer ran only 60 yards. Forty-two pounds is enough but we sure would like to be drawing 50 pounds if we can. We want to be sure that our arrow shoots fast enough to have enough energy to pass between ribs on the near-side of the deer and continue through ribs on the opposite side as well. That should always be our objective in one side and out the other! And 40 to 45 foot-pounds of energy will do that but if we can do more then all the better.

draw the bow easily on cold mornings and sacrifice very little speed. The force-draw curve is shown.

Number 1 arrow shown with my bow passed completely through two different bucks last hunting season and gets the starting job again this fall! This system works well and I can draw it with ease on cold mornings.

ACCURACY AND THE SIGHT SETUP

As mentioned earlier, the minimum accuracy standard for bow hunting should be a 9 inch paper plate at 25 yards. Your customer should be able to hit the paper plate with his/her first shot with a broadhead from a distance of 25 yards. Missing the first shot means there is still work that has to be done, either on the shooter or on the equipment... or both! Beyond that little test a good bowhunter needs to practice at longer distances to improve his/her shooting skill. I use three sight pins on my TRU Ball Armor Tech sight, 22 yards, 33 yards and 44 yards. The top pin is the one I use for hunting and at 22 yards it covers ranges from 10 yards out to 30 yards. When the deer is within my limit of 30 yards I hold the top pin on the middle of the rib cage and shoot. I dont get cute about it at all after all Im using a peep with a really big hole in it so my true pin-point accuracy is not there. Good back tension shooting form gets me the rib cage results I need without fail. The other pins, 33 and 44 yards are mostly for practice. I like to know for sure that my broadheads are flying and grouping well from long distance; I dont plan to use them for a shot at a deer. Its like I tell everyone that attends my hunting seminars, if all three pins are on the side of the deer then shoot cause hes close! My three pins, in other words, are my range finder. Wait until the deer gets close enough to fit all three pins on his side and youll have the best chance of making a vital hit. Getting a deer to stand still at 44 yards while you range his distance, raise, draw, aim and shoot is a very rare occurrence so I prepare for the most probable situation a deer within 30. When the deer is close he has less chance to jump the string

My current bow is a PSE Shark-X single cam. My old worn-out shoulder is able to handle this force-draw curve on cold mornings in November and the bow provides superb accuracy and 260 fps at 53 pounds. I really like the accuracy part!

SAMPLE FORCE-DRAW CURVES

My current hunting bow is the PSE Shark-X single cam. It has the same NI single-cam on it as my PSE Money Maker target bow. It draws smooth and doesnt over stress my draw-side deltoid and rotator-cuff muscle groups. That means I can practice a few shots every day and

At 53 pounds pushing a 370 grain arrow this bow provides a speed of 258 feet per second. That translates to an arrow kinetic energy of 54.7 foot pounds (370x258x258/450240 = 54.7). The force-draw curve shows a stored energy of 71 foot pounds making the bow 77 percent efficient (54.7/71 = .77). Thats a really good machine and more than enough kinetic energy to kill whitetail deer, elk, bear, caribou and moose. My

My son Todd had little trouble dispensing this big Kansas ten-pointer with his bow set at 42 pounds. Thats all he could draw due to a broken collar bone but it was enough to do the job at 18 yards.

A 9 inch paper plate is a great model target size for shooting deer. I can set my top sight pin at 22 yards and cover the plate from 10 yards out to 30 yards. At 15 yards my arrow hits a pinch high, at 20 its near the X and at 30 its a few inches low. In 50 years of bow hunting I have yet to kill a deer over 28 yards.

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and dodge the arrow and you have a good chance to hit where you are aiming. Beginners should use only one pin so they arent tempted to do something they are not capable of doing. Giving them more is like giving a 16 year old that Corvette I mentioned earlier theyll try to use it and exceed their ability to drive it. Keep it simple because simplicity performs under pressure!

BOW SURVEY
Several bow manufacturers make top-quality soft-draw or easydraw hunting bows. Its simple to pick them out of a manufacturers product catalog theyre a little slower than the hard-cam highspeed bows that get most of the advertising. So when you see the bows that are IBO Speed rated at 320 to 350 fps just flip a few more pages through the catalog and look for those bows rated at 280 to 300 fps because theyre the ones that have softer cams and are easier to draw and getting to full draw is the first step to getting usable speed. PARKER COMPOUND BOWS, Mint Spring, VA (parkerbows.com or 540-337-5426) Its easy to spot the easy-draw bow in the Parker catalog, its called

the Blackhawk EZ Draw. It may be easy to draw, the smoothest in the industry, but it still packs lots of performance with a 290 fps IBO speed rating and all of the high tech design features you find on any top-of-theline bow. The Blackhawk comes in two axle-to-axle lengths, 31.75 inches and 32.25 inches, with two cam bases. Each base can be fitted with one of three modules to accommodate draw lengths in the 25 to 30 inch range. The Brace height is either 6.8 inches or 7.125 inches depending on the cam size but both cams let off to

80 percent and are available in 60 pound maximum or 70 pound maximum weight. Parker spokesman, Paul Vaicunas, is quick to point out that the low mass weight, 3.86 pounds, is a result of Parkers engineering of the Quad Vent Riser that is available on the Blackhawk, a feature no other company has. He continues by pointing out that most companies reserve their high tech risers for their super fast bows but Parker likes to put those features into a bow that the average mature hunter wants, can handle and still provides solid performance. Many Parker customers call us to say that the EZ Draw has extended their bowhunting by 5 to 10 years. Thats why this bow has

I use three pins on my hunting sight. Theyre set at 22 yards, 33 yards and 44 yards. When all three fit on the side of the deer I know the deer is within 30 yards and in my effective range. I practice from long distance to be sure my broadheads are shooting well but have yet to shoot a deer at long range.

Parker Bows makes the EZ DRAW Blackhawk. They expressed great pride in designing this bow with all the high-tech features they can provide while still making it useable by those more mature hunters who want and need the softerdraw.

Dont let the name, Brute, chase you away from this brand new bow from PSE. It features the HP cam that replaces the Ni cam in the 2011 line and draws smooth at 50 pounds. The Ni cam remains on the popular Chaos One bow and offers the same easy draw curve as my Shark-X. Both offer ample speed although my favorite is still the Ni version.

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been in the Parker line for at least seven years and remains popular. I like the grip section, the balance and, of course, the smooth draw stroke. PRECISION SHOOTING EQUIPMENT, Tucson, AZ (pse-archery.com or 520-884-9065) The PSE Chaos One is a 30-1/2 inch bow that features the Ni cam that I like so much on my Shark-X. It weighs in at a low 3.2 pounds and comes in 40 pound and 50 pound maximum draw weights. It offers draw lengths from 24 to 28 inches so it might not fit the taller bow hunter. The new 32 inch long 2011 Brute has the redesigned Ni cam called the HP and fits draw lengths from 25 to 30 inches and draw weights of 60 and 70 pound max. The model I tested drew very smooth at 50 pounds so I can mention it without any reservations. HOYT BOWS, Salt Lake City, UT (hoyt.com or 801-363-2990) The design staff at Hoyt installs their Cam & 1/2 Plus system on several bows and that makes them eligible for mention here as soft-cam bows. The Contender at 38 inches axle-to-axle with a 7-1/8 inch brace offers a smooth draw and 301 fps arrow speed. The really nice thing about this cam system is that it is also draw length adjustable. The Vantage Pro has the same cam system but is 41 inches long so it, too, can be called an easy-draw bow. The easiest Hoyt bow to draw, however, is the Vantage LTD model which is equipped with the almost round AccuWheel. At 45 inches axleto-axle its a bit long but if you need that length to draw and release with your fingers then this is the bow for you. The round wheel design will make it the easiest to draw of any bow in production today. DARTON ARCHERY, Hale, MI (dartonarchery.com or 989-7284231) The Darton PRO5000T is a relatively easy bow to draw at 39 inches long. It can be ordered in friendly 40, 50, 60 and 70 pound draw weights with an 8-5/8 inch brace height and 75 percent let off. It is nice to get a

bow like this to full draw and still have 292 fps arrow speed at 60 pounds. But if you dont like the 60 pounds you can turn it down and still have plenty of effective arrow speed. BEAR ARCHERY, Evansville, IN (beararcheryproducts.com or 800-694-9494) The Bear Charge makes my list of easy-draw bows at 30 inches long and draw lengths ranging from 26 to 30 inches. It comes in 50, 60 and 70 pound maximum weight limbs and features 80 percent let off. I like the adjustable inner cam so you can set the draw length without a bow press, the compression molded limbs and the simplicity of the entire bow system its really all you need in a hunting bow. MATHEWS, Sparta, WI (mathewsinc.com or 608-2692728) The one bow from the Mathews line that stands out to me is the 35.5 inch long Prestige. It features draw lengths in the range of 22 to 29 inches and draw weights of 40 to 70 pounds so that you can get that feel good weight that doesnt overstress your shoulder. Several years ago I tried to fit the Mathews Super Soft cam onto a Prestige but just couldnt get the draw length I needed (31 inches) because I thought it would make a really good hunting bow for a guy like me with worn-out shoulder and neck parts. The standard package, however, draws fine at 50 to 55 pounds draw weight and makes a very manageable system for hunting.

foot pounds of kinetic energy. For sure, its better to have 50 to 60 foot pounds of arrow energy so we try to draw over 50 pounds if we can. But we dont have to destroy what remains of our tired shoulders to do it. The soft-cams available on top-ofthe-line bows are out there but you have to sell them a little to help those customers that really need them. Yeah, I know that its a tough sell and you wont be able to reason with some customers but ya gotta try anyway to get them outfitted with a weapon that they will manage more effectively. A good line I find reaches a lot of guys is A fast miss is still a miss! I prefer to manage my bow well so that I can hit EVERY shot including that one and only shot you may get at that big or not-so-big whitetail buck this fall. Meat on the table is always worth more than two fast arrows in the bush! Good luck making your customers more effective hunters. Keep well, shoot straight. Larry Wise EDITORS NOTE: Larrys books are available from Larry Wise Archery, 402 Locust Grove Road, Mifflintown, PA 17059 for $14 + $3 postage. Titles available are Tuning Your Compound Bow, Tuning and Silencing Your Bowhunting System, Bow and Arrow: A Complete Guide. The phone number for Larry Wise Archery is (717) 436-9168. Larry Wise is also available to conduct one and two day CoreArchery Academies on shooting form. Personalized coaching is now available on-line via Skype, and video clips of Larry offering bowhunting tips can be seen on the bowhunting.net website. To contact by email, use larry@larrywise.com and see that website for more information. For past articles by Larry Wise, see ArrowTrade Magazines twin websites: Dial-up internet users can go to arrowtrademagazine.com while the user-friendly arrowtrademag.com requires a high speed connection.

CONCLUSION:
What I hope you take from this article is that there is a way for most kids, guys and gals to get to the woods with a hand-held compound bow. You dont have to have a huge amount of speed (we didnt 20 years ago) to make a killing shot on a whitetail deer or any other North American game animal. What you do have to have is a bow that fits you, a bow that you can draw properly and a bow that gives the arrow at least 40

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Tri pod stands are popular in areas where trees might be scarce or when a hunter wants to see above thick brush. The Big Dog Tripod comes in 10, 12, 14 and 16 foot models and is designed for a single hunter. The padded 18 x 14-1/2 inch seat swivels.

f someone were to ask, Id have to say my passion for bowhunting exceeds my passion for spring turkey hunting but not by much. Short of torrential downpours, I hardly miss a day hunting turkeys during the spring gobbler season. I consider myself to be extremely fortunate because I have permission to hunt them on over 1,000 acres of private ground in both New York and Pennsylvania and have easy access to nearly 6,000 acres of state land as well. Some turkey hunters like to put up a blind, set up some decoys and wait for a tom to walk by, but not me. Im always on the go and as a result, I cover a lot of ground when hunting. This year in my woodland strolls I was amazed at the number of ladder treestands I discovered still in place more than five months after the final day of deer season. I found a total of nine ladder stands scattered over several miles of hill tops, in marshy areas and in the hardwoods and, it was clear to me their use by hunters was on the increase. This past season I never saw a newly constructed wooden treestand and it soon became obvious many hunters were turning to the safety and convenience these ladder stands provide. As I looked up at one I couldnt help thinking, no nails to rust through, no boards to crack, no repairs to make every year and more mobility. No wonder they seem to be appearing like mushrooms. When it comes to my hunting gear, Ive always felt less is better. I dont have an ATV to cart my equipment around the woods which means I have to pack in my treestand and climbing devices whenever I find a place I want to hunt. As a result, all my treestands up to this point are lightweight hang-on or climbing models. Personally, Ive never had a use for a ladder stand but it quickly became clear to me this was not the case as far as other hunters are concerned. On the negative side, ladder stands are bulky, heavy, cumbersome, and once in place, their owners are likely to leave them there even when storing them in the off season would extend their life-span. In addition, they are harder to conceal than a portable treestand. On the positive side they are safe, sturdy, easy to climb, comfortable and roomy. Some even have room for another hunter, an important consideration for someone who wants to hunt with a youngster or companion. In addition, most ladder stands feature a large platform, comfortable shooting and side rails, and more overall comfort than a climbing treestand. With all their positive features, its no wonder I ran into so many of them this past spring. Along with the increased use of ladder stands, hunters are increasing their use of another type of hunting platform, the tripod stand. In many parts of the country, vast areas of flatland are the norm and there are no trees to support other types of stands. Its here tripod stands excel. Ive often encountered areas Id love to hunt only to be deterred by vegetation or the lack of a suitable ambush tree.

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Sometimes the area I want to hunt is in a hedgerow near a large cornfield where I suspect deer cross on their way to feed or its along a trail snaking through thick clumps of multiflora rose canes. In these situations a tripod stand is the perfect solution. Tripod stands give hunters the elevated view they need where they want it and when they want it because they stand alone, making them versatile as well as practical. Regardless of the problem in getting above the spot you want, todays treestand manufacturers are likely to have a solution that will allow hunters to hunt areas they once thought impossible. Lets take a look at the latest in ladder and tripod stands and see why some of them may be just the ticket for customers in your area.

Summit
Summit has always been known for their high quality climbing and hang-on stands and its ladder and tripods stands are no exception. Summit ladder stands are designed to eliminate the wobble factor associated with some stands of this type. This means they wont shake or wobble when the wind blows or when a hunter is climbing up or down the ladder. Summit ladder stands dont require a stabilizer bar to make them sturdy and wobble free because they are constructed of extra heavy thick gauge steel with wide, welded ladder rungs and sturdy hand rails. The Single Shot Ladder Stand features an extra thick camouflage padded seat, comfortable arm rests and spacious 23x42 inch platform which means a hunter can wait all day for that buck of a lifetime. It comes with a full backrest that attaches directly to the frame. The platform is 18 feet off the ground and the all steel stand weighs 90 pounds. The Single Shot Magnum comes with all the quality features of the Single Shot but offers 50 percent more room for bigger hunters or for those who just appreciate some extra room for themselves and their gear. The frame is the same as the Single

Shot but the platform and camouflage padded seat are larger. Hunters will also like the armrests that make this stand a one-man sitting suite. At 110 pounds, the Magnum weighs slightly more than the Single Shot. Summits Double Barrel Ladder Stand allows two hunters to share a stand without worry. The Double Barrel is built with the same quality materials and to the same standards as other Summit stands which means it is a secure, comfortable platform for two. The super-wide, bench style seat features thick, 2 inch padding and is designed to comfortably support two hunters for an extended period of time. At 18 feet, this stand assures hunters they will be above the scent line of just about any passing deer. Heavy brush poses no problem for Summits Deluxe Tripod stand because it stands an impressive ten feet over thick brush or sparse vegetation. This stand is constructed from heavy steel and is powder coated to resist rust and to stand up to the elements. It offers a spacious steel mesh platform, integral ladder, comfortable swivel seat that allows a 60 degree view of the hunting area and camouflage railing pads. Hunters will appreciate how easy this stand is to assemble in the field. For more information on these or any Summit products contact the firm at: (256) 353-0634.

Gorilla
Gorilla is continually searching for and implementing new features on their products and have come up with innovations such as XPE Zero-G seats, thermoplastic polymer bushings and washers on contact points, and the new innovative Traxion slipresistant coating on stand platforms. All the ladder stands in their product line are designed for extreme comfort and performance regardless of the environment. In 2010 Gorilla introduced its Expedition HX line of treestands that feature a sturdy allwelded lightweight design and the new Black Traxion anti-slip coating. For those customers looking for strength, comfort and space, the all steel King Expedition HX Ladder is

Summits Single Shot Ladder Stand features extra-heavy thick gauge steel and does not require a stabilizer bar to prevent movement. All Summit ladder stands are offered in Realtree AP camouflage.

the one to show them. The King Expedition features a contour designed comfort mesh seat that flips up and out of the way when more shooting room is needed and it has padded high density foam armrests. This stand will support a total weight of 300 pounds and measures 16 feet from the ground to the shooting rail. The King Kong Expedition HX 2Person Ladder Stand is designed for extreme comfort and performance in any environment. Two extra large cushioned seats provide excellent

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comfort while a mesh backrest provides additional comfort. A UBracket system offers secure support at each ladder connection point with four ratchet straps to ensure a rock solid hookup to the tree. The generous 44x14 inch platform floor provides plenty of room to move around to get that perfect shot. Hunters needing to sneak into their hunting area will appreciate how both the seat and platform on Gorillas 20 foot High-N-Tight Ladder stand fold up and lock in place. This makes it extremely quiet when moving it through the woods and they will appreciate how the stands slim profile parallels the tree trunk for increased cover. Three stabilizer bars and U-Brackets at each ladder connection provide outstanding support while the six ratchet straps ensure an uncompromising hookup to just about any tree. The large, 16x10 inch XPE Dual Density foam seat flips up and out of the way when a hunter needs a little extra room while grabhandle armrests provide extra sup-

port and safety when entering or leaving the platform. The High-NTight weighs just 60 pounds and supports a 300 pound weight. Larger framed hunters will love the extra wide top section of Gorillas Big Fella Ladder Stand because it is designed to provide all day comfort and plenty of room for big guys to maneuver for a shot. The all welded steel construction, U-Bracket system and five ratchet straps ensure the stand will not move or weave while a hunter is in it. Padded high density foam armrests add comfort while the water resistant XPE Zero G seat with its closed cell structure is engineered to deliver incredible comfort on all day hunts. At 20 feet, this stand is plenty high enough to get above the radar of just about any passing deer. The extra large 20x16-1/2 inch Comfort Mesh contoured seat of Gorillas King Expedition stand means a hunter can spend all day on watch in comfort. The seat even flips up and out of the way to optimize shooting opportunities. The stabilizer bar has a sound dampening tension system that eliminates noise while four ratchet straps provide exceptional stability. A folding foot rest and removable padded high density foam shooting rail add addition-

al comfort. The King Expedition weighs only 65 pounds and supports a weight of 300 pounds. For further information on these or any of the other Gorilla products contact the firm at: (810) 733-6360.

Big Dog
Big Dog Treestands is a relative newcomer to the treestand industry but it has quickly grown to be one of the largest treestand manufacturers in the business. Big Dog currently offers sixteen models of ladder stands and five different tripod models. With its unique S shaped climbing steps, the 16 foot Boxer Ladder treestand offers hunters a padded seat and generous 173/4x22-3/4 inch foot platform while padded arm rests allow them to remain on watch for extended periods. At 22 feet, the Lancer Extreme provides hunters with a 25x23 inch non-skid raised steel mesh foot plat-

The King Expedition HX Ladder Stand by Gorilla is fitted with a stabilizer bar and sound dampening tension system to eliminate noise. Four ratchet straps provide excellent stability and the 20 x 16-1/2 inch Comfort Mesh seat flips up when extra room is needed. A folding foot rest and padded armrests complete the package.

The 20 foot High-N-Tight from Gorilla is trimmed in Mossy Oak Treestand camo and is designed for stealth. Hunters will appreciate the stands slim profile that parallels the tree and provides increased cover. Convenient and safe Step Outs and grab handle armrests provide extra support and allow a hunter to enter the platform safely.

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form while the padded backrest, arm rests, shooting rail and seat cushion ensure all day comfort. The Lancer Extreme is TMA approved and has a 300 pound load rating. The Big Bud Two Man Ladder Stand is available in 15 foot and 17 foot models. Both offer hunters identical features such as a large 40x123/4 inch foot and seat platform, padded seat cushion, padded flip-up shooting rail and two Fall Arrest Systems. The 15 foot Big Bud weighs 73 pounds while the 17 foot model is 5 pounds heavier. Both have a weight capacity of 500 pounds making them ideal for larger hunters or for hunting with a companion. The Red Tick II and Red Tick III Two Man Ladder Stands feature a generous 40x30-1/4 inch full access foot platform and a wide, 38-3/4x111/2 inch flip-up padded seat with padded backrest cushion. They attach to the tree with two looped ratchet straps and have an adjustable ladder support bar. The Red Tick III differs from the Red Tick II in that it offers hunters a dual rail ladder construction. Both have a 500 pound weight capacity. For those hunters wanting the ultimate in room, safety and comfort,

the Big Dog Stadium Series XL and Deluxe XL 17-1/2 Foot Ladder Stands might be just what they are looking for. The XL Two Man model offers a curved 53-1/2x19-1/2 inch foot platform and a curved 36x15 inch padded seat with padded back cushion. The pinned ladder sections are secured to the tree with four ratchet straps and an adjustable ladder support bar. The XL weighs 106-1/2 pounds and will support a weight of 500 pounds. Two Fall Arrest Systems are included. The Stadium Deluxe XL model has a larger 65x32 inch platform than the XL model and like the XL it features a 26-1/2x13 inch padded seat and backrest. Padded armrests and shooting rails ensure comfort as well as stealth. It too secures to the tree with four ratchet straps and an adjustable ladder support bar. A single Fall Arrest System is included. For those hunters needing or

wanting a free-standing ladder stand to hunt open areas, the Big Dog 16 foot Tripod or 12 foot Quad Pod may be the answer. The Tripod is designed for a single hunter and offers a generous 37x37 inch steel mesh platform and a comfortable 18x14-1/2 padded swivel seat. Available options include 10, 12 and 14 foot models making this stand adaptable to almost any hunting conditions. The 12 foot Quad Pod comes in only one height but is designed for two man hunting. It has a roomy 571/2 inch square non-skid raised steel mesh platform, wide 38x13 inch padded seat and two padded, flip-up backrests. The ladder sections are pinned together for additional security and safety. Contact Big Dog at (309) 263-6800 for additional information.

Ameristep
The portable folding design and lightweight aluminum frame of the Z Lounge Ladder Stand gives hunters the ability to set up quickly in any location. The Advanced Truss

Big Dogs Big Bud Two-Man Ladder Stand comes in a 15 foot or 17 foot model. Both feature pinned and sleeved ladder sections and an adjustable ladder support bar. Both have a 500 pound weight capacity and come with two fall arrest systems. They weigh just 73 and 78 pounds respectively.

The newly designed Summit Deluxe Tripod is solid and stable. This ten foot stand has a 350 pound weight limit and features over 1,700 square inches of platform space. The seat swivels completely around making it easy to survey the entire hunting area. The wide base and extra cross bracing makes for a solid platform.

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Technology System ensures safe use on most trees with various diameters and even those leaning at odd angles. The Z Lounge offers a comfortable sling seat and padded adjustable shooting rail. The platform measures 13-1/4x20-3/4 inches while the seat is a comfortable 12-1/2x20 inches. This stand weighs only 50 pounds which means one man can carry it on his back. Despite its light weight, the Z Lounge has a maximum weight rating of 300 pounds. Ameristep teamed up with Michael Waddell and together they developed the Bone Collector ladder stand. This innovative stand incorporates a patent pending Truss Technology System replacing the traditional stabilizer bar system found on most other ladder stands. The Truss Technology System eliminates stand shifting and game spooking noise while allowing hunters to place

the stand in locations that previously might have been impossible to hunt. The Bone Collector Ladder Stand offers shooters a generous 381/2x28-1/2 inch locking platform that deters theft. The seat, backrest, armrests and shooting rest are covered in Realtree AP HD NS3 MicroTech fabric which eliminates scent, shine and sound. The Bone Collector features all steel construction and is tested to TMA standards. A full-body safety harness with Suspension Relief System (SRS) is included. At 22 feet, the Sky Scraper offers hunters the best possible view of their surroundings. The Truss Technology System makes the Sky Scraper both safe and stable because the patent-pending system replaces the traditional stabilizer bar found on other stands. Truss Technology is a compression-lock system that holds the ladder to the tree while holding the sections PHOTO LEFT: Big Dogs Lancer tightly together by Extreme puts hunters 22 feet downward above the ground with pinned using pressure on the and sleeved ladder sections. The support bar is adjustable setup. A trap door and a non-skid raised steel providing access to mesh platform provides secure the roomy platform footing. A padded flip-up adds convenience shooting rail and flip-up foot and safety while a
rest are standard. This stand is TMA approved and comes with a fall arrest system.

detachable seat frame eliminates top-heavy weight for easy, safe installation. The stand is tested to TMA standards and is gray powdercoated to provide corrosion resistance. For additional safety, the Sky Scraper includes a full-body safety harness and a Suspension Relief System. Ameristeps Buck Buster Ladder Stand weighs only 88 pounds and reaches 18 feet from the ground to the shooting rail. The Buck Buster includes adjustable arm rests, and a hoist rope for hauling equipment up the tree. It comes complete with a camo package that includes six Edge
The Z-Lounge by Ameristep features a portable folding design that promises quick set up and take down in the field. An adjustable shooting rail with accessory knobs, Ultra-Comfort Sling Seat and the added stability of the new Truss Tech System provides comfort as well as stability. This lightweight all aluminum stand weighs only 50 pounds yet has a 300 pound load rating.

PHOTO RIGHT: The Stadium Deluxe XL has a 300 pound weight capacity and comes with a single fall arrest system. Padded arm rests and a padded shooting rail are standard. It features dual rail ladder construction and weighs 117 pounds.

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ReLeaf strips for additional concealment. The Buck Buster is safe, goes up fast, and fits virtually any tree. The heavy-duty steel construction supports up to 300 pounds on a 28x27 inch platform while the double foot rest provides additional comfort. A 15x12-1/2x18 inch sling seat with a Team Realtree logo comes standard as well. There are adjustable armrests for bow or gun hunting and pockets for stowing gear. The three fit-together sections are 5 feet in length and gray powder coated to resist rust and glare. Weighing just 70 pounds, the Kodiak is as solid and stable as they come. It provides a generous 25x24 inch platform that allows maximum comfort so hunters can remain on watch all day if they wish. The allsteel construction includes a flip-up camo shooting rail and padded armMade from aircraft-grade aluminum, the Ameristep Raptor provides solid support and a rock stable shooting platform. The push button adjustable legs readily adapt to uneven ground making setup easy even under demanding circumstances. Hunters will appreciate the fact no tools are required for assembly. The Raptor weighs only 42 pounds and has a load limit of 300 pounds.

rests. The spacious high-back seat is well padded and features advanced NS3 fabric which has no scent, shine or sound. A flip-up footrest adds to a hunters comfort. The stand measures 15 feet to the platform and 161/2 feet to the seat and has a load rating of 300 pounds. For those hunters looking to share time in the woods with a son, grandson or other hunting companion, Ameristeps new Two Man Ladder Stand may be just what theyre looking for. The Two Man offers a removable seat cushion with Realtree AP camo, flip up shooting rail and generous 40x13 inch shooting platform. The all steel construction will support a weight of 300 pounds and at 74 pounds its easy to put up. Those hunters who look to hunt the trail and not the tree will be interested in Ameristeps Raptor Tri Pod stand. The Raptor weighs only 42 pounds which means it can be backpacked into just about any hunting area. This portable and packable all aluminum stand offers hunters a padded shooting rest, a padded swivel seat with removable back and seat cushions. Push button adjustable legs level the stand on uneven ground making it suitable for use on any terrain. The NS3 fabric on the seat and back cushions promises no noise, no smell and no shine. This stand has a 24x24 inch shooting platform and is rated to 300 pounds. For additional information on these or other Ameristep products contact the firm at: (810) 686-4035.

Rivers Edge
According to Scott Waldal at Rivers Edge Treestands, the company incorporated many innovations into the 2010 product line. Our products are developed by hunters for hunters, so we understand the importance of functionality, quality and performance. Were always looking for ways to improve our products, said Waldal. The end result is a consistently superior product, engineered and manufactured to ensure hunters have everything they need to bag that trophy animal. In 2010, the company intro-

duced the 17 Foot Spin Shot Ladder Stand which features a comfortable 360-degree swivel seat mounted on a unique, wrap-around platform allowing hunters unrestricted viewing and shooting opportunities. Another new offering is the Universal Concealment Curtain, a shooting rail/concealment combination that fits most hang-on and one-man ladder stands. The 22 Foot Timber Shot Extreme puts hunters well above the nose of a deer which means they can hunt anywhere they wish regardless of which way the wind blows. This stand features what Rivers Edge calls Radically Advanced Construction (RAC) and provides extremely solid support. A flip up fully padded seat and backrest permits the use of the full 23x17-1/2 inch platform allowing a hunter to conceal himself against the tree. Bowhunters will appreciate the angled side rails that give additional bow limb clearance and the two camo gear shelves that keep small items like calls and

binoculars handy and out of the way. Dual ratchet straps with safety tie offs keep the Timber Shot Extreme locked to the tree while the wide, 20 inch ladder stance adds stability. Hunters who spend a lot of time on public land will be interested in

the lightweight and portable PackN-Stack. This compact stand is designed to be carried deep into the woods because it weighs only 33 pounds and sets up in minutes. The 38 inch ladder sections stack into a convenient profile and come with back straps for easy carrying. A sling seat comes standard and the platform measures 17-1/2x10 inches. Despite its light weight, the Pack-NStack supports a weight of 300 pounds. Game can approach from any direction but hunters can be ready for that eventuality and enjoy 360 degree viewing and shooting with the new Spin Shot wrap-around shooting platform. The thick padded seat with backrest rotates 360 degrees for a full view around any hunting area. The extra-large 46x40 inch platform design provides enough room to move and maneuver for any shot that presents itself. The Spin Shot includes a camopadded shooting rail and camo curtain for added concealment. The curtain has a zippered door for easy

PHOTO ABOVE: The new Spin Shot Ladder Stand by Rivers Edge provides hunters complete access to game because the Spinshots 360-degree swivel seat and unique wrap-around, extra-large platform gives hunters unrestricted viewing and shooting opportunities. The new Edge 2 camouflage, which is ideally suited for use in an elevated tree stand, is a perfect accessory and allows the stand to blend with its surroundings. PHOTO RIGHT: The Timbershot Extreme has many useful features such as gear shelves on both sides for holding hunting gear and a slope back top design for added bow limb clearance. Made from welded tubular steel and finished in a Hunter Brown color, this Rivers Edge stand weighs only 64 pounds.

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entry or exit. The telescoping stabilizer bar adjusts to the tree for added stability and security while the triple-ratchet strap tree-mounting system with safety tie-off ropes ensures the stand remains rock solid. The Spin Shot features all welded tubular steel construction and comes in a Hunter Brown finish. For those hunters who like sharing a stand with a youngster or hunting with a companion, Rivers Edge offers them two choices: the Double Buck Extreme and the Double Action Extreme. The 17 Foot Double Buck Extreme features a large 40x26 inch steel mesh platform and a flip up seat with removable padded cushion and backrest. The camo padded shooting rail flips up for archery use. The 15 Foot Double Action Extreme

offers shooters many of the same features as the Double Buck Extreme only with a slightly smaller 38x12 inch platform. Like the Double Buck, the Double Action features a padded flip up shooting rail and a removable padded seat and seat back. Both stands will support a 500 pound weight limit. The Perimeter Pod is a standalone hunting platform providing hunters with a high vantage point while giving them a full, unhindered view which is great for hunting wideopen or tree-less areas. The seat pivots a full 360 degrees so nothing is likely to slip by. A padded seat and backrest ensures all day comfort while the padded armrest flips down for gun hunters, and swings completely out of the way for bowhunters. The extra large 36x36 inch platform provides enough room to maneuver for a shot. The padded shooting rail pivots with the seat and can flip up or lie flat. The Perimeter Pod features cross braced beams and ground pads to provide stability and support up to 300 pounds. Hunters will appreciate the included Blind Kit that permits complete concealment. Contact Rivers Edge at: (800) 450-3343 for additional information.

powder coating to ensure years of service. The large 42x42 inch platform of the rock solid LD 360 ladder stand features a swivel seat that will not squeak when a hunter turns to survey his hunting area. The ultra rigid double rail ladder means no horizontal brace is needed when placing the stand against the tree. Gun hunters will like the padded rifle rest while bowhunters will appreciate the fact hunter eye level is 16 feet off the ground. The TRI-18 is an extremely comfortable tripod stand that puts hunters 14 feet in the air greatly increasing their chances for spotting deer. This stand features a premium quality nylon webbed swivel seat that measures 20x15x23 inches and a standing platform that is 4 feet in diameter. The galvanized steel stand is coated with a durable heat powder coating and has a weight limit of 400 pounds. Hunters will like the optional heavy gauge plastic Roof Dome that allows them to stay outdoors all

Family Traditions
Family Traditions pioneered many innovative treestand designs and was the first to offer double rail ladder sections with drain holes to prevent ice damage. Family Traditions uses a special engineered system in all their stands they call Radius Flow Technology that provides extreme rigidity with low weight and high strength. The seat of each model is webbed by hand from heavy duty nylon to ensure comfortable seating. According to company President, Jack Turner, the LD14 is the companys best selling treestand. The seat of the stand is approximately 12 feet off the ground and measures 20 inches wide and 15 inches deep while the platform measures 21-1/2x20 inches. It only weighs 49 pounds but supports a weight of 300 pounds. The galvanized steel is coated with a high heat

The LD 14 by Family Traditions is the companys best selling tree stand. It uses an extra rigid double rail ladder construction and no horizontal bracing bar is needed against the tree. Family Traditions uses a durable high-heat powder coating on top of the galvanized steel to make sure their stands hold up for years of use. A fall restraint system is provided with each stand.

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day regardless of the weather. Family Traditions says the Two Man DBL-TRI tripod stand is the ultimate tripod stand. As with the other Family Traditions ladder and tripod stands, the DBL-TRI features a premium quality nylon webbed swivel seat for each hunter. The seats measure 20x15x23 inches while the standing platform is 48 inches. At 190 pounds its not a lightweight by any means but it supports a 600 pound weight limit. A heavy gauge plastic dome roof is optional. For additional information on these or any other of the companys stands call them at: (517) 543-3926.

Big Game
Big Game Treestands offers hunters no fewer than 14 ladder stand models and three different tripod models. The two man Big Buddy is just the thing to share with a young hunter or other hunting partner. Three single rail sections raise the
The Ultra-View by Big Game opens up a full range of shooting options that some other stands dont provide. With the UltraView, a hunter can even shoot around the back of the tree. Three single ladder sections reach a height of 15 feet to the seat while an adjustable support bar ensures a solid hook up to trees 9 inches in diameter or larger. A blind kit is available as an optional accessory. The steel frame of the blind kit bolts to the stand platform and fastens using bungee cords and snaps.

The DBL-TRI puts two hunters 12 feet off the ground and promises all day comfort with two premium quality nylon webbed swivel seats. This Family Traditions stand will support two of the largest hunters with its 600 pound weight limit. Accessories include an anchor securing system, heavy gauge plastic dome roof and 20 inch extended roof supports for archery hunting in addition to a camouflage skirt for added concealment.

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seat 15 feet off the ground while the wide 39x13 inch bench style seat ensures all day comfort. The seat comes with two individual cushions that measure 17x14 inches and it has an attached backrest for added comfort. The cushions are easily removable to prolong their life. A padded, stationary shooting rail permits steady aiming and adds security. The Big Buddy attaches to the tree with two, 1 inch ratchet straps and two, 1 inch stabilizer straps. It weighs only 65 pounds and has a 500 pound weight limit. The support bar is adjustable. Big Games Titan Ladder Stand is loaded with features that should appeal to both bow and gun hunters. This stand provides all steel construction and a comfortable 23x14 inch Flex-Core seat that flips up to allow full use of the platform. The Titan has three single rail sections that measure 16 feet to the padded, removable shooting rail and an adjustable support bar. The platform is 23 inches wide and 30 inches deep to allow hunters to stand and shoot if they wish. This stand weighs 79 pounds and supports a 300 pound load. Hunters looking to have a birds eye view of their hunting area will appreciate the padded seat and backrest on the Apex tripod stand. This stand measures 13 feet to the seat while the adjustable legs allow it to be set up on the most uneven terrain. The included anchoring stakes guarantee a solid shooting platform while the sling style seat swivels in a complete circle to ensure game wont be able to sneak by. The seat measures 19x14 inches and comes with a padded backrest. The seat cushions are 2 inches thick and the armrests are padded as well. The Apex weighs 115 pounds and supports a 300 pound weight. Big Game made it easy to hunt with a buddy by creating the Partner Plus, a 16-1/2 foot ladder stand that is as comfortable as it is sturdy. The Partner Plus provides two hunters with a secure and stable 45x36 inch shooting platform and a 42x14 inch bench seat. The two 18x8 inch backrests are covered in a 2 inch thick

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cushioned pad for added comfort. The seat and back cushions are easily removed for longevity while the bench and padded shooting rail flip up to provide a large standing platform. The sleeve fit ladder breaks down into three double rail sections for easy transport. The Partner Plus has a weight rating of 500 pounds and is designed to fit trees 9 inches or larger in diameter. Hunters can cover all directions when using the Ultra View ladder stand because the large V-shaped platform provides unlimited shooting opportunities even in back of the tree. The huge shooting platform measures 56x41 inches and has a footrest for all day comfort. The footrest tilts up silently to provide full use of the platform. Three single rail ladder sections reach a height of 15 feet to the seat. This stand is rated to 300 pounds and is tested to TMA standards. A full body harness with a suspension relief system is included. The aptly named Pursuit is a 12 foot tripod stand that weighs just 60 pounds and can be folded and carWeighing only 60 pounds, the Pursuit by Big Game gives hunters an easy to transport tripod stand that can be set up in just about any location. Scrapes, runways and bedding areas are now huntable locations. The Pursuit features a strong, durable all steel construction and comes with stakes to provide additional stability.

ried to just about any location. Hot scrapes, runways, and thickets are perfect places to set this stand. The legs fold down for easy transport and storage while the durable steel construction combined with stakes provide a solid shooting platform. A padded stationary shooting rail provides a stable shooting rest while the 22x13 inch seat with Flex-Core Technology assures all day comfort. The seat and rail rotate a full 360 degrees to give hunters a complete view of their surroundings. For additional information contact Big Game at: (800) 268-5077.

Ol Man
The Ol Timer Deluxe Ladder Stand is easy to assemble and very compact for transporting to any hunting location. The Ol Timer attaches to the tree with 1 inch ratchet straps, and comes with a 21/2 inch adjustment handle. This all steel ladder stand also features a new height of 20 feet vs. the previous 16 foot model. The five double rail ladder sections are bolted together with Teflon locking nuts giving this stand added stability while providing a quieter, safer climb. The Ol Man Deluxe comes loaded with standard features including a patented ComforTech net seat, folding platform, padded armrests, gun rest, an extended footrest, and a shooting rail that swings out of the way for a safe and easy entrance. It has a generous 20x18 inch shooting platform and a comfortable 22x22 inch seat. The Big Buddy Deluxe Ladder Stand is packed with features including room for two and rock-solid stability. This stand is perfect for sharing a hunt with a son or daughter or with a favorite hunting partner. The super thick seat and backrest cushions are removable and provide all day comfort while the padded shooting rail and footrest flip up for easy and safe access to the stand. The Big Buddy Deluxe also features double railed ladder sections secured with Teflon locking nuts for added stability and security. This stand offers a 45x36 inch shooting platform and weighs about 160 pounds. For those hunters who like hunt-

ing from the patented Ol Man ComforTech seat, the new 15 Foot BowLite Ladder Stand may be just what they are looking for. It weighs only 45 pounds and is packable so that it can be carried to just about any hunting location. This spacious, comfortable and easy to install ladder stand is not only portable, its durable as well. The ladder sections simply slide together and are bolted with Teflon locking nuts to ensure stability and quietness during the climb. The extended footrest swings out of the way for easy entry. The shooting platform measures 171/2x24 inches and the all steel stand has a working weight of 300 pounds. Ol Man makes two models of tripod stands for hunting where thick or tree-less cover is the norm. The company took the expertise of their climbing and fixed-position treestands and designed a tripod stand that lives up to the quality and comfort hunters have come to expect from Ol Man. The OlTimer Tripod allows hunters to turn full circle while the large 40x40 inch steel platform provides the safety and room required to make the perfect shot. It also comes standard with an easily removed shooting rail that allows comfortable aiming in any direction. This stand weighs 94 pounds and has a 300 pound load limit.

Waterproof ! and Extremely Tear Resistant

NFAA Field & Hunter and FITA Field Faces
The ONLY U.S. Official Manufacturer
For Information Contact, mlpress1@aol.com www.mapleleafpress.com Phone 616-846-8844 Fax 616-846-6408
1215 S. Beechtree Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417

NEW

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Ol Man says its new Ol Timer 10 and 13 Foot Deluxe Tripod stands are two of the most comfortable and safe stands available. They offer hunters a 360 degree swivel seat that the company says is the quietest swivel seat on the market today. The 13 Foot Ol Timer Deluxe comes standard with shooting rail and a large 40x40 inch steel platform that gives hunters the safety and room they need to make the perfect shot. The easily removed gun rest permits comfortable and steady aiming in any direction. The three ladder sections measure 38 inches each and the complete stand

weighs 117 pounds. For complete information on these or any Ol Man products contact the company at: (888) 656-2606.

Ambush Hunting Products

The 15 Foot Coyote Ladder Stand by Ambush Hunting Products is an all steel product with a 12x17 inch shooting platform and steel mesh seat. This stand weighs only 48 pounds making it ideal for those who hunt different areas during the season. It supports a weight of 300 pounds and comes with a full body harness. The Buddy is perfect for those wishing to share a PHOTO LEFT: hunt with a companThe Ol Timer Ladder Stand by ion. It boasts a large 13x40 inch steel mesh Ol Man is easy platform and a comto assemble, very compact fortable 13x40 padded and weighs seat which can be slightly over 91 removed. A flip up pounds which shooting rail is stanmakes transdard. porting it easy. The Whitetail In addition, it Ladder Stand puts comes complete hunters 16 feet above with ratchets the ground and comes and straps, full
body safety harness and an instructional DVD. PHOTO RIGHT: The aptly named 15 foot Bow Lite Ladder Stand from Ol Man weighs slightly more than 45 pounds making it one of the lighter and more portable ladder stands on the market. It has three 20x54 inch ladder sections and a 14x12 inch shooting platform which is complimented by a ComforTech fishnet seating system. A wide base and stabilizer bar makes this stand extremely stable.

with a removable dual foam suspended seat cushion. Padded arm and footrests add to a hunters comfort while its weight of 51 pounds allows for easy transporting. The 12x17 inch steel mesh platform gives hunters plenty of room to maneuver for a shot. Its not likely game will sneak by a hunter when hes sitting in the Executioner because the seat of this stand swivels a full 360 degrees allowing for full observation of the hunting area. A 20x29 perimeter foot rail surrounds the stand while a padded flipup shooting rail provides steady aiming. The Executioner weighs only 55 pounds and supports a weight of 300 pounds. The Trophy Tower comes in a 20 or 24 foot model and is perfect for those hunters who want to be sure they wont be detected by a whitetails nose. A large 21x28 inch platform provides plenty of room to get ready for a shot while the 14x21 inch bungee flex seat with attached backrest promise all day comfort. Ambush Hunting Products offer hunters a tripod stand choice in 12, 14, or 16 foot models. Regardless of stand height, each model features a 37x37 inch platform and a dual foam padded seat with attached backrest. A padded shooting rail and armrest is standard. The Quadpod offers hunters a 43-1/2x43-1/2 inch steel mesh shooting platform and a multiposition padded bench seat with backrest. The Quadpod weighs 130 pounds and supports a weight of 500 pounds. For more information on these stands contact the company at: (309) 690-0000

Conclusion
Ladder stands embody the latest trend in treestands and their use by hunters continues to increase. Ladder stands may not be right for everyone but they are great for people who are unable to climb trees or for those who may feel uncomfortable doing so. As the average age of our hunting population continues to increase, more hunters are turning to ladder stands because once in place, they are easy to climb, safe and sturdy.

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These stands usually incorporate a larger seat and platform than climbing or hang on stands and they are far more comfortable with their padded seats, seat backs, armrests and safety rails. Some stands also accommodate a skirt or blind to help make hunters more inconspicuous while hunting. Because of their stability and safety, they are also suited to a two-person set up, so a parent can share the hunt with a child or other companion. Many ladder stands are equipped with a shooting rail which provides an additional level of security when a hunter stands or repositions himself in the stand. On the downside, ladder stands are heavy with most having to be carted to the hunting area on an ATV or four wheel drive vehicle. In addition, many require more than one person
The True Quiet Ladder System is not a ladder stand but offers hunters features such as a non-metal resin construction and a high weight to load ratio. Each of the six 36 inch sections is held together by two cam buckles and pins. The ladder is only 6 inches high when stacked and weighs just 15 pounds. Despite its light weight, this ladder system is rated for a 350 pound load capacity and comes with a climbing belt for safety. For additional information contact the company at (315) 335-5341.

to put it in place and, they are less likely to be moved if the chosen hunting location doesnt pay off. Despite their drawbacks, ladder stands have distinct advantages and its obvious they are appealing to a growing number of hunters. Its clear they have established a niche in the hunting industry and as the hunting population grows older their popularity is likely to continue to grow.

The Quadpod by Ambush Hunting Products offers hunters room, comfort and stability with a 12x43-1/2 inch bench seat and large 43-1/2x43-1/2 inch steel mesh shooting platform. This stand has a 38 inch shooting rail height and supports a weight of 500 pounds.

The Whitetail Ladder Stand by Ambush Hunting Products puts hunters 16 feet above the ground and comes with a full body fall arrest system and two camouflage saddle bags for storing lunch or gear. It has a comfortable 3 inch foam suspended seat that folds out of the way for bowhunting. A single ratchet strap and ladder support bar along with three stabilizing straps, securely fasten it to a tree.

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arton Archery unleashes another speedster with their 2011 flagship bow the new Pro 3800. Rocketing arrows down range at IBO speeds ranging from 345 to 350 fps the 3800 will certainly turn some heads. The Pro 3800 is loaded with features including the DualSync cam system, laminated split limbs, new curved cable rod, pivoting limb pockets, custom VibraGrip, Dartons low-mount Bowstring Noise Suppression System and Realtrees APG camo pattern.

Loaded for Bear

Dartons new Pro 3800 cam system packs a punch with advertised (and tested) IBO speeds reaching 345 to 350 fps. In addition to delivering great speed the DualSync synchronized dual cam system is designed to be versatile, efficient and low maintenance. Each cable is anchored at one end to a single post on one cam and a yharness at the opposite end. A second, much smaller, cable is threaded through the harness fixture with each leg wrapping around a groove on either side of the cam and terminating at a post. Why split one end of the cable and run it to posts on opposite sides of the cam rather than anchor it to the outside of the axle like some systems do? First, it distributes the tension equally on either side of the cam to reduce torque and limb twist (cam lean). Second, it ties the functionality of both cams to one another. They are essentially locked together and operate as a single unit automatically compensating for variances in the system. This is not to say that these cam types cannot stray from optimal tune it just means that if they do the effects are evenly distributed and basically neutralized. You will not get that tell-tale double bump at the end of your draw cycle that is common to traditional two cam systems that are not rolling over at the same time and the nock travel does not jump up or down, according to Darton. The machined aluminum DualSync cam system is easily adjustable through its range of draw lengths, 25 to

31 inches, with a series of modules including those for half inch increments. All it takes to make the change is the removal of three small screws: No bow press is needed. Standard letoff for the 3800 is 80 percent, however, there is an attachment available that connects to the draw stop, which reduces letoff between 5 and 10 percent. Darton outfits the cam system with heat treated steel axles and stainless steel ball bearings for a smoother rotation and increased efficiency. Darton outfits the Pro 3800 with a patented Tuning Mark System that consists of two engraved lines on each cam within which the cables should be positioned while the bow is

The Pro 3800 is driven by Dartons DualSync High Efficiency Synchronized Dual Cam System. Working with other technologies on the bow this cam system cranks out IBO speeds between 345 and 350 fps. Draw lengths are easily adjusted through a set of modules that do not require a bow press to change out. This view also shows the cable straddling the cam to equal out the tension and reduce limb twisting torque.

About The Author

Jon E. Silks has a degree in Quality Engineering and much of his career has centered around the testing and evaluation of products. Now 41, hes been bowhunting since age 12. Silks started writing for magazines and websites 10 years ago and since then has done more than 500 product reviews. Manufacturers who appreciate his thoroughness and frankness have often asked him to conduct third-party testing of their prototypes. Silks work has appeared on the web on Bowhunting.net and Bowsite.com and has been published in Petersens Bowhunting, Bowhunter, Arrow Adventure and Whitetail Fanatic, along with ArrowTrade. Jon and Jennifer Silks have six children and live in Pennsylvania. Silks can be reached at jon@silksoutdoors.com.

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at rest. A quick glance lets the shooter know if their cables either need to be lengthened or shortened to achieve top performance. Talking Points Cam System (These Talking Points are notable bow features and characteristics you may choose to bring up during the selling process) You dont have to be a speed freak to appreciate the flat shooting capabilities that an arrow flying at 345 to 350 fps offers. You can point out that Darton actually hits their advertised speeds that is something I appreciate about any manufacturer and customers will as well. Low maintenance is always a bonus. Some folks like to tinker with their setup all year long, however, many bowhunters just want to set up their rig one time and be done with it. Dartons patented system makes that a distinct possibility. An 80 percent letoff is a welcome addition when you are at full draw for an extended period of time waiting for the trophy of a lifetime to take that allimportant last step. The tuning mark feature on the Darton cam systems is evidence the company has the shooter in mind while designing their rigs.

Laminated Quad Limbs

Pro 3800 Quad limbs are manufactured with a two part configuration including a Gordon E-Glass core and laminated E-Glass skins. The Gordon core is machined to a precise thickness, length and width and the skins are added to the tension and compression sides providing further resilience, flexibility and strength. To create consistency within the limb sets Darton tests each limb, marks it with a deflection number and then pairs it with three other limbs of the same number. Each limb measures approximately 12-3/4 inches in length and is made with a pre-load to uniformly distribute stress and store energy across the entire limb when the bow is at full draw. Another very important point to make concerning the Pro3800 Mach I limbs is their past parallel position at full draw. The benefits of parallel and past parallel limbs have been demonstrated time and time again. Limbs that reach beyond parallel at full draw act in opposition to one another distributing the force from release in equal and opposite directions. This greatly reduces any excess energy in the system once the arrow is released. A bow with parallel limbs will generally demonstrate notably reduced shock, vibration and noise as compared to a bow with upright limbs. Limb sets are available in 40, 50, 60 and 70 pound peak draw weight options. The limbs are either film dipped in Realtrees APG camo pattern or finished in black to match the Shadow Black option. Each of the Quad limbs is decorated with the Darton logo and Mach I. Limb pockets are CNC machined from 6061 aluminum and finished to match the limbs and riser. Pockets pivot on a machined boss at each end of the riser during the draw weight adjustment process meaning the pocket is mobile while the limb and
Darton minimizes the shock, vibration and noise levels in the Pro 3800 by equipping it with a set of radical past parallel limbs.

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pocket interface remains constant. A system that utilizes a pivoting pocket rather than a moving limb is generally considered to be more consistent and precise and therefore superior. The pockets also include a locking tab to secure the adjustment once made. Pockets are fully machined at all mounting surfaces including the portion that actually cradles the limb to preserve precision and consistency at this critical connection point. The overall pocket has two individual slots/receptacles that cradle each of the four quad limb pieces for a tightly controlled fit.

Parallel limbs mean less shock, vibration and noise. Darton limbs and Gordon materials have gained a rep

Talking Points Limbs and Limb Pockets

utation in the industry for reliable and consistent performance. Quad limbs eliminate some of the stress points inherent to a more traditional limb like those found in the eccentric Bow Specifications cutout and limb bolt cutout. Manufacturer: Darton Archery I would expect nothing less than a Model: Pro 3800 pivoting pocket on a bow of this Website: www.dartonarchery.com caliber

6061-T6 aluminum and is reflexed in its geometry. A risers configuration is determined by the position of the grips deepest point as it relates to an imaginary line drawn through both limb pocket pivot points. If the deepest part of the grip is in front of this line then the riser is considered to be deflexed. However, if the throat of the grip is behind the line (closer to the archer) the bow is considered to be reflexed. Reflex versions increase what is known as the power stroke. Power stroke is the actual distance that the archer moves the string from its resting position to full draw. When a manufacturer chooses between deflex and reflex they have to consider trade-offs in terms of stability versus speed. All else being equal, the longer the power stroke the faster the bow, however in comparison deflex risers have long been considered more stable and forgiving. Darton aligns the grip, limbs and bowstring to create

Home Base
Serving as the center of operations the Pro 3800 CNC machined riser is made from a single block of

Draw Weights Draw Lengths Axle-to-axle length Brace Height Mass Weight Let-off Advertised IBO Eccentrics Strings/Cables

40, 50, 60 and 70 lb peak 25-31" in .5" inc- modular 33-13/16" 6" 4.0 lbs 80 percent 345 - 350 fps DualSync Scorpion Premium

Finish Grip Riser Limb Pockets Limbs Cable Guard Warranty MSRP

Realtree APG/Shadow Blk VibraGrip molded rubber Reflex, CNC Machined Pivoting, aluminum Gordon Core + Skins Curved Rod with Slide Limited Lifetime $829.99

Test Parameters N Bow weight: 70 pounds +/- 0.1 pounds N Draw Length will be set to 30 (+ 0.25 -0.00) N Properly spined arrows will be selected according to the formula set out in the I.B.O. rules for minimum grains per pound (350 grains) N All arrow velocity ratings must be measured using a shooting machine with mechanical release N A minimum of five shots must be chronographed using an arrow as defined above. The five shots will then be averaged to obtain the final result. All velocity values for a given arrow must fall within a range of 2 ft/sec N A chronograph with a minimum of two gates set no more than 48 apart will be used. The initial gate will be set at 36 from the front of the bows handle.

Mach I Quad Limbs consist of a machined Gordon material core and EGlass skins laminated on the compression and tension surfaces. Limbs are pre loaded to allocate the energy storage and stress evenly across the entire limb resulting in durability & dependability.

Test Method N Just to make sure the bow is at least in the right ballpark the draw weight and draw length are roughly verified with Eastons Hand Held Bow Weight Scale and a simple draw length arrow correlated to a mark on the shelf adjacent to the deepest part of the grip. This saves me a lot of time if the bow is not close to the right draw length or draw weight. N Brace height is tested using calibrated dial calipers N Install New Archery Products Quik Tune 3000 Arrow Rest N Set nock point N Verify draw weight using a calibrated digital force gauge backed up with the Easton Bow Force Mapper (BFM) System handheld unit N Verify draw length using the Silks Outdoors Bow Analysis Program, which is a combination of a custom software package, modified Apple Bow Drawing Machine, Chatillon digital force gauge, calibrated 36 steel rule and trammel point N Mark cams at full draw N Tune by hand N Set bow on Spot Hoggs Hooter Shooter portable shooting machine draw to cam marks and fire through two chronographs Oehler and Easton. Both chronographs are equipped with indoor lighting kits. N Speed is recorded from the average of 5 shots.

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what they call a True Center Riser. Basically Objective Test Categories this keeps everything in line and makes the Kinetic Energy: 92.53 foot-pounds bow easier to set up and tune. This is the energy that actually goes into propelling the arrow. Basically, it is the The CNC machining process produces energy that is left over from the stored energy after all of the bow system friction is accounted for. smooth transitions, detailed features and flowing lines that span the length of the riser. Stored Energy: 109.55 foot-pounds Almost a dozen cutouts are positioned along When a bow is drawn energy is supplied to the limbs. The amount of energy that the risers structure with several of them septhe limbs can hold is the stored energy arated by only a small strut. This minimizing of metal reduces overall mass weight and has Efficiency Rating: 84.46 percent an aesthetic value as well. This is the amount of stored energy (in %) that can be successfully tranferred into propelling the arrow upon release. The bow design, including limbs, limb pockets, Darton decks out their new flagship with cam systems, and axle types play into the bow's efficiency. every bowhunters favorite color camo. In this case it is Realtrees APG pattern. The finSE/PF Ratio: 1.57 ish is applied through a film dipping process, This is the ratio of stored energy to peak force. In other words, what returns are which produces a seamless and durable proyou getting for the power you supply? tective coating. Darton also offers a Shadow Black and Target Blue Anodized finish. Darton grips have become known as some of the tant) benefit of allowing the shooters hand to consismost comfortable the industry has to offer. Back when I tently find its proper position for a more accurate shot. first started shooting Darton bows in the late 90s and The grip is completed with rounded edges and smooth early 2000s they had a soft rubber grip that quickly contours that blend it with the riser. gained popularity with bowhunters especially those in Another Pro 3800 feature that takes this rig to the northern hunting regions. The Pro 3800 is outfitted with next level is Dartons new patent pending Curved Cable a Custom Molded VibraGrip, which is a two-piece con- Rod. At rest (brace height) the tension on the cables is at toured rubber model. While this version is not as soft as its lowest point in the cycle. It is here that the new rod the older versions it is still comfortable and provides an positions the cables for maximum clearance. Remember, insulating value. Also, it has the added (and more impor- this is where the cable slide will be as the shot moves the

UltraRest HD Bone Collector

The arrow will never fall off the rest! The launcher drops away giving total fletching clearance. It knows to drop away only when the bow is fired not during a slow let-down. It also has LDT. This allows higher spring tension, no bounce back, and total fletching clearance even on bows over 400 fps. Easy to setup and tune. the AVT featyre minimizes vibration and noise. Laser cut felt for a deadly silent draw. Made in the U.S.A. with a Limited Life Time Warranty.
From Page 37

Battle Bag From Flextone

The Battle Bag is the most innovative, volume carrying antler rattle package to enter the woods! The flexible bag that holds the Battle Sticks keeps them quiet while traveling, the attached lanyard allows the hunter to hang it where you need it, and when you want to get after it and make the loudest fight in the woods, the open air rubber flex design allows you to turn up the volume over any cloth rattle bags hand over fist. From early season sparring to epic, height of rut battles, the Battle Bag is the call for you. Number FG-DEER-00006

NEW LENS AVAILABILITY

Feather Vision is proud to announce that they carry lenses for the newest sights and scopes on the market. Now any of our ten lens types are available for the: Apex Axim sight, Axcel Armortech sight, Axcel X-31 and X-41 scopes, and the PSE Micro Eclipse sight Contact Feather Vision for information on lenses for these or any other scope or sight. 866-384-5367 www.feathervisions.com support@feathervisions.com 226 Cecil A. Malone Dr. #2, Ithaca, NY 14850

Quality Archery Designs P.O. Box 940 Madison Heights, VA 24572 Phone: (434) 846-5839 FAX: (434) 528-1696

877-993-4868 www.flextonegamecalls.com

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string forward to propel the arrow so it stands to reason that you want them as far away from the arrows passing fletching. The cable slide moves into the curved section of the rod and closer to the centerline of the bow as the bow is drawn to full draw. This reduces the pressure on the cables and torque on the system in general always a good thing. Also found on the Pro 3800s riser is a threaded metal stabilizer insert and adjustable low-mount string suppression system featuring a pliable rubber stop on the end of a machined aluminum rod.

bring a bracketed picture of the bows speed performance to the reader. Test arrows include a lightweight 350 grain arrow, a mid-weight 425 grain arrow and a relatively heavy 540 grain arrow. Before recording speeds with these arrows the bow was first tuned for each one. Most every bowhunter/archer will be able to extrapolate

As mentioned above, the Darton grips do a terrific job of combining comfort with functionality. The riser looks good with its intricate machining and seamless finish. One of my personal favorites is Dartons True Center
Riser feature. Anytime a manufacturer does something to make life simpler for the users of their products it shows that they have the right things in mind during the design process. The curved cable rod is a bonus less torque at full draw means a solid lock on the target.
Bowhunters demand a quiet shooting rig and to that end Darton has outfitted their 2011 flagship with a low-mount string silencing fixture. A machined aluminum rod that attaches to the back of the riser has a pliable rubber stopper on the end facing the string, which deadens string vibration at the shot.

Talking Points Riser and Grip

Testing
A single brass nock and a NAP QuikTune 300 Arrow Rest were attached to the bow nothing more. With the exception of these two items every bow is tested as it would be shipped to the dealer or customer. In other words, if it has string silencers or other components preinstalled it is tested with them installed. While the official velocity rating for our calculations will be taken with an arrow as defined below, we will also use two other test arrows as reference points. This will be done to

Dartons new patent pending Curved Cable Rod reduces torque at full draw while allowing for maximum clearance when the arrows fletching passes by.

Spot Hoggs Hooter Shooter portable shooting machine is an important component in ArrowTrade bow testing. The use of a machine creates consistency and eliminates any possible human shooting form error.

Test Equipment Last Chance Archery Power Press Spot-Hogg Hooter Shooter portable shooting machine Silks Outdoors Test Fixture and Program Calibrated Mitutoyo Dial Calipers 8 Calibrated Chatillon DFIS 200 Digital Force Gauge NAP QuikTune 3000 Arrow Rest American Whitetail Large Bag Target

Pro Chrono Digital Chronograph Easton Professional Chronograph with an infrared lighting system Easton Digital Bow Scale Calibrated steel rule 36 Easton Archery Arrows Tru Ball Chappy Boss Mechanical Release Elite Archery Draw Board

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their approximate arrow speed in relation to similar setup parameters and results presented from the three test arrows. The speed result from the 350 grain arrow is entered into the Silks Outdoors Bow Analysis Program, which then automatically calculates Kinetic Energy, Stored Energy, and Efficiency. Potential customers will generally make their bow purchase choice based on several factors including the cost, speed, shot noise, shock and
Shot Noise:

vibration level, grip and the draw cycle. In our testing for ArrowTrade Magazine we try to give you a feel for how a bow performs in the subjective areas mentioned above. You can then focus on the bows notable subjective points when interacting with your customer. The term subjective can basically be translated into opinion. Here is my opinion of this bows performance in the following subjective categories:
Subjective Test Results

Shot noise was better than I expected. Suspecting some string noise I added a couple of silencers and the noise level got even better. Grip Comfort and Function: As you would expect from Darton - comfortable and warm for those cold days afield plus functional with consistent hand seating. Draw Cycle "Feel": The Pro 3800s machined aluminum pocket is finished to match the riser and limbs. In the case of the test bow that finish is black. More importantly is the functionality of the pocket in that it pivots during the draw weight adjustment process and has a locking tab to secure the changes you have made. As you will see in the draw cycle graph this bow is built for speed with an aggressive climb to peak followed by a long and level stay at the top. The transitions to and from peak are rounded to smooth things out. Shock and Vibration Levels: This bow has a notable bump in the handle at the shot, however, vibration is nearly non existent and short lived. lived

TestID: Darton Pro 3800 Tested By: JES Min Load: 17.4 lbs Min Pos: 30.25" Distance (in)
7.765 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 30.25

Draw Length: Brace Height: Max Load: Max Pos:

30.25" 6.015" 70.1 lbs 17.00"

Load (lbs)
0.10 2.90 17.40 31.50 46.40 57.70 65.00 69.00 69.90 70.00 70.10 70.10 70.10 70.00 69.80 70.00 69.70 69.90 69.70 69.40 66.10 59.70 45.10 22.50 17.40 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
0 0 0.0 5 0 5.0 10 0 10.0

Speed: Power Stroke: Kinetic Energy: Stored Energy: Dynamic Eff.: Brace Height: Peak Draw Weight: Full Draw Condition:

345 ft/sec 1.87' 92.53 ft-lbs 109.55 ft-lbs 84.46%

Load (lbs)

15 0 15.0

20 0 20.0

25 0 25.0

30 0 30.0

35 0 35.0

Distance (in)

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By Jon E. Silks
believe Quest Bowhunting is a company that can back up their claim to be focused on the customer bowhunters. Besides the big performance goals the company has they also pay attention to detail. Let me give you a couple of examples to help make my point you will not find one shiny component on their bows and their designs like the I-Glide cable containment system are built specifically for worry-free performance in the field (the I-Glide has no moving parts). When you handle and shoot a Quest you get the distinct feeling somebody that takes their bowhunting seriously designed the rig in your hands. Quest's Primal bow is home to the unique G-FADE Durafuse finish, SYNC Two-Track Cam System, I-Glide cable containment fixture, laminated two-piece wood grip, pivoting/locking limb pockets, MIM Broadhead Guard, Bowjax limb dampers and a riser mounted String Stop. Sometimes the best way to success is simple execution. That is why you will hear sports coaches yelling out, "Let's get back to the basics here!" Keeping things simple without sacrificing performance, and in fact, enhancing it, is what Quest Bowhunting is all about. Their SYNC Cam system is a perfect example. The two track cam employs just that, only two tracks. One track is used for the string while the other is used for both cables. During the draw cycle one cable is being let out while the other is being taken in, all on the same plane. This eliminates the need for an additional track and in turn, additional width. Space is saved on the cam (side to side) that allows the cables to be positioned near the center of the axle. Why is this important? During the draw cycle much of the applied load is focused on the cables. If they are far off to one side or the other the limb ends will want to dip toward the side where the cable is anchored creating cam lean. A cam that is canted to one side (leaning) is not as efficient as one that is in line and on track resulting in decreased performance. Many times a simpler design is also equal to less problems and that is the case with the SYNC Cam system. Because the cams are tied to one another it makes it impossible for them to rotate independently. This means that the cams will stay in sync regardless of issues such as string seating/stretching. They can still be out of perfect tune, however, the effects of that condition are greatly reduced or eliminated. Shootability remains intact as nock travel continues to be consistent and cams will not double bump at the end of the draw cycle like a two cam system does when the cams are not rolling over at the same time. Of course we all want our bows to be in perfect synchronization and tune, however, if some small issue slips by you while shooting the Primal you will not lose shootability. Basically this cam system is low maintenance. The Primal SYNC Cam system not only has a nice Quest outfits the Primal with their SYNC Two-Track Cam system. personality - it also has the goods to back it up. IBO The cables share a track on each cam and are forced to work speeds are advertised at 330 to 332 fps and our tests together as they are both anchored on both ends to the came in only a few feet per second off of that mark - that eccentrics. The result is a self adjusting cam system that requires is a good thing in case you were wondering. I tend to little maintenance. make a big deal out of manufacturers who either hit their advertised speeds or come very Bow Specifications close to them. It is my way of encouraging all Manufacturer: Quest Bowhunting companies to strive for this mark. Good job Model: Primal Website: www.questbowhunting.com Quest. Draw lengths are adjustable between 26.5 Draw Weights 50, 60 and 70 lb peak Finish G-FADE Draw Lengths 26.5-30" - modular Grip 2-Piece laminated wood and 30 inches in half inch increments through Axle-to-axle length 32" Riser Reflex, 100% Machined a series of modules. Since the modules actualBrace Height 7.125" Limb Pockets Pivoting, locking Mass Weight 3.9 lbs Limbs Machined carbon/glass ly contain the track for the two cables it does Let-off 80 percent, adjustable Cable Guard I-Glide require a bow press to change out. Quest also Advertised IBO 330 - 332 fps Warranty Limited Lifetime Eccentrics SYNC Two Track MSRP 729.99 G-FADE outfits their SYNC Cam system with dual draw Strings/Cables Matrao Custom, In house stops, which can be adjusted to change the

Execution

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letoff and feel of the valley at the end of the draw cycle. Letoff is adjustable up to 80 percent. The machined aluminum cams ride on stainless steel axles and precision ball bearings. Quest anodizes their eccentric system in black. Talking Points - Cam System (Notable bow features/characteristics to bring up during the selling process) You have got to like the benefits that this kind of speed brings your way. Anytime you are in the woods you want maximum penetration and the flattest arrow trajectory possible - speed will get you there. An 80 percent letoff option allows you to hold on target for that extra few seconds needed in a critical hunting situation. A system that is low maintenance is a big bonus most of us want to dial our bows in for the season and not have to mess with them again until we are shooting indoor winter league. This cam system has the aggression and long lasting peak characteristics needed to generate good speed, however, it also has well rounded transitions to and from peak for an overall smooth draw cycle

Functional Riser - Cool Finish

While there are many functional components and features on the Primal riser I want to start with one that is not only functional but looks great as well - the GFADE finish. Starting at the handle in solid black this finish fades to camo toward the end of the riser and into the pockets and limbs. It is beyond a single pattern, it is a unique use of two distinct finishes that blend into one overall stealthy cloak. Quest points out the advantages of this pattern for the ground blind hunter (black center) as well as those perched high above (camo). The G-FADE finish is applied through the company's proprietary Durafuse process, which is advertised to be more durable and exceed the life of dipped or painted surfaces. Also featured on the Primal riser is Quest's one-of-aPHOTO RIGHT: Quest has introduced a unique blended camo pattern in their G-FADE finish. The center of the riser is solid black and fades into camo toward the ends of the riser, pockets and limbs. Quest employs their proprietary Durafuse process to apply the finish. PHOTO BELOW: Quests I-Glide cable containment system is a back country bowhunters dream. A set of stationary, premium grade ceramic eyelets gets the job done with no moving parts and nothing to go wrong. Hunt worry-free.

kind I-Glide cable containment system. This is just another component that highlights their focus on the bowhunter because it gets the job done, gets it done well, and does it with no moving parts and nothing to go wrong. With the I-Glide the cables move freely through the two holes, which are lined with glazed technical ceramic. One of my youngsters recently had a cable slide break out of the blue. Now, it happened at home and we simply changed it out, however, if we had been on a big hunt with no resources close by it could have been a big deal. That type of thing is not going to happen with the IGlide System, because it is bowhunter friendly. Other riser features found on the riser include a twopiece laminated wood grip that produces a neutral hand position, broadhead guard, metal stabilizer mounting insert and String Stop. The grip consists of two contoured side plates that are seated into shallow pockets and attached with a single screw (each). The riser adjacent to the grip is also contoured to round out the grip. Safety should always be our goal and to that end Quest outfits the Primal with a Metal Injection Molded (MIM) broadhead guard that is attached to the outside edge of the shelf with two screws. The Quest name is embedded on the outside of the guard. One of my "must haves" on any top rig is a metal stabilizer insert. There is no reason to thread a stabilizer directly into the aluminum material of the riser on a top-end rig. What I especially like about the Quest insert is that they finish it in black rather than attach a shiny metal piece on the front of the bow - again, bowhunter friendly. The String Stop consists of a machined aluminum

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Velocity Test Results

rod tipped with a soft and pliable rubber stopper and mounts on the shooter facing side of the riser just below the level of the stabilizer insert.

350 Grain Arrow Shot # 1 Shot # 2 327 327

425 Grain Arrow 301 300

540 Grain Arrow 268 268

Shot # 3 328 300 269 Arrow Trade Talking Points - Riser The finish is definitely an eye catcher ` Shot # 4 327 300 269 and it should blend well in just about Shot # 5 327 301 269 any situation. The I-Glide is a slick design that 5 Shot Total 1636 1502 1343 should become a conversation piece when discussing this bow. As menAverage tioned before it is also a good indicaVelocity 327.2 300.4 268.6 tor of Quest's bowhunter friendly focus. been sent on its way. The limbs move in equal and You already know how I feel about metal stabiliz- opposite directions at the shot eliminating much of er inserts - and this one is black. Even better. this unwanted energy. Limbs are precisely matched using deflection values for consistent performance. Work Horse Draw weights are offered in 40-50, 50-60 and 60-70 Quest doesn't concern itself with naming every lit- pound ranges. Limbs are outfitted with Bowjax Limb tle component, feature or function on their bows. This Dampers. Primal limb pockets are a simple cup design that is a no-nonsense, get the job done kind of company. Their limbs and limb pockets while not dressed up cradles approximately three inches of the limb end. with special names do what they are intended to do. The limb bolt passes through the limb and pocket and Primal limbs are made of a solid carbon/glass materi- is anchored to a threaded barrel nut seated in the riser. al, which is precision machined into the individual The limb pockets pivot during the weight adjustment limb components. Each limb measures 13 inches in process. This method of operation is considered by length, is straight (not recurve) in form and solid (not many to be superior to pockets that remain stationary split) in construction. Quest understands that bows while the limbs move. Why is any of this important? with parallel limbs have significantly reduced hand The limb-to-riser interface is critical in maintaining shock, vibration and noise over those with upright the efficiency, precision and accuracy of a bow. limb angles. They also understand that those three Imagine if a limb was allowed to shift an entire inch characteristics are on most every bowhunters wish list. from side to side - limbs would twist and bend incorNaturally, they positioned the Primal limbs to reach a rectly, eccentrics would be tilted, etc. This exaggerated parallel position at full draw. The reason this limb con- example highlights the importance of tight tolerances. figuration has seen so much success is found in how it A locking bolt on the pockets allows you to secure a distributes the energy that remains after the arrow has setting once you have it adjusted.

Objective Test Categories Kinetic Energy: 83.22 foot-pounds This is the energy that actually goes into propelling the arrow. Basically, it is the energy that is left over from the stored energy after all of the bow system friction is accounted for. Stored Energy: 99.12 foot-pounds When a bow is drawn energy is supplied to the limbs. The amount of energy that the limbs can hold is the stored energy Efficiency Rating: 83.96 percent This is the amount of stored energy (in %) that can be successfully tranferred into propelling the arrow upon release. The bow design, including limbs, limb pockets, cam systems, and axle types play into the bow's efficiency. SE/PF Ratio: 1.42 This is the ratio of stored energy to peak force. In other words, what returns are you getting for the power you supply?

Talking Points Limbs and Limb Pockets Pivoting limb pockets bring stability and consistency to the critical limb-to-riser interface resulting in the opportunity for accuracy Parallel limbs are almost a given these days - I would expect nothing less from Quest knowing that they are focused like a laser on their customers, the bowhunters.

Testing
A single brass nock and QuikTune 300 Arrow Rest were attached to the bow nothing more. With the

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Subjective Test Results Shot Noise: The shot was fairly quiet with hunting weight arrows. A little louder with speed weight arrows. Additional string silencers had an impact on noise. Grip Comfort and Function: The wood grip is comfortable/functional in that it repeatedly seats my hand and will provide a measure of insulation from the metal stabilizer on cold days afield. Draw Cycle "Feel": Aggressive enough on the front end and plateau to get the job done. Easy transitions to peak and rolling over into the valley give this rig an overall smooth draw. Shock and Vibration Levels: A notable kick with short lived vibration was experienced at the shot. Additional silencing accessories had an impact on these levels levels.

grain arrow. Before recording speeds with these arrows the bow was first tuned for each one. Most every bowhunter/archer will be able to extrapolate their approximate arrow speed in relation to similar set-up parameters and results presented from the three test arrows. The speed result from the 350 grain arrow is entered into the Silks Outdoors Bow Analysis Program, which then automatically calculates Kinetic Energy, Stored Energy, and Efficiency. Potential customers will generally make their bow purchase choice based on several factors including the cost, speed, shot noise, shock/vibration level, grip

exception of these two items every bow is tested, as it would be shipped to the dealer or customer. In other words, if it has string silencers or other components preinstalled it is tested with them installed. While the 'official' velocity rating for our calculations will be taken with an arrow as defined below, we will also use two other test arrows as reference points. This will be done to bring a bracketed picture of the bow's speed performance to the reader. Test arrows include a lightweight 350 grain arrow, a mid-weight 425 grain arrow and a relatively heavy 540
TestID: Tested By: Min Load: Min Pos: Distance (in)
8.925 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Quest Primal

and the draw cycle. In our testing for ArrowTrade Magazine we try to give you a feel for how a bow performs in the "subjective" areas mentioned above. You can then focus on the bow's notable subjective points when interacting with your customer. The term "subjective" can basically be translated into "opinion." Here is my opinion of this bow's performance in the following subjective categories:

JES 19.1 lbs 30" Load (lbs)

0.00 1.70 12.10 24.20 38.90 50.60 61.70 65.30 67.90 69.20 69.50 70.00 69.60 69.40 69.10 69.20 69.10 68.90 68.70 65.70 58.40 41.50 19.10

Draw Length: Brace Height: Max Load: Max Pos:

30" 7.175" 70 lbs 19.00"

Speed: Power Stroke: Kinetic Energy: Stored Energy: Dynamic Eff.: Brace Height: Peak Draw Weight: Full Draw Condition:

327.2 ft/sec 1.76' 83.22 ft-lbs 99.12 ft-lbs 83.96%

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
0 0 0.0 5 0 5.0 10 0 10.0 15 0 15.0 20 0 20.0 25 0 25.0 30 0 30.0 35 0 35.0

Load (lbs)

Distance (in)

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Tug Boat Captain Finds New

ape May County is New Jerseys southern-most county and is considered a tourist destination by many people. The area is bordered by the Delaware Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east making it ideal for those looking to spend their summer vacation either crabbing, clamming, fishing, or simply enjoying the ocean at one of the areas many fine beaches. Most of the county lies on a peninsula jutting into the Delaware Bay and as expected, the land is flat and costal in nature. Cape May Court House, with a population of approximately 4,700 people, is one of New Jerseys smaller cities and the Cape May County seat.

Those who think New Jersey is nothing more than airports, oil refineries and warehouses would most certainly reformulate their opinion of this countrys most densely populated state by a visit to this area. While this description may be appropriate for some sections of northern New Jersey, the southern part of the state is quite different. Roadside stands selling renowned Jersey tomatoes, corn, beans, blueberries and other fruits and vegetable abound. A short distance away the Belleplain State Forest, a 21,320 acre tract of land, boasts many young pine, oak and Atlantic white cedar trees and better soil than the famous

Pine Barrens located a little farther to the north. The forest includes recreational facilities for picnicking, boating, camping, hunting, fishing, swimming, and hiking on more than 40 miles of walking trails. In short, Cape May County has just about anything an outdoor enthusiast is looking for, including an archery pro shop. The Fletchers Corner is a quintessential mom and pop archery business run by Guy and Sally Kanas and it is the only archery shop in the county. Guy Kanas, a retired tug boat captain, says hes lived all over the United States because his father was a piping design engineer who worked on nuclear submarines. We were liv-

The Fletchers Corner archery pro shop is easy to find and grabs the attention of those driving by, thanks to creative signage and some extra effort by the owners. Sally and Guy hang a colorful open flag by the street during their store hours. They are standing in front of a professional, nicely painted sign with a dramatic broadhead projecting from the upper right, a broadhead that one of their customers built for them. This sign is lighted at night. At right below you can see one of two giant arrows built from PVC pipe and plastic lattice. This arrow was originally on the front of the building as you can see in this early shop photo on the following page. Now it is planted along busy Highway 47 where it cant be missed by travelers.

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By Mike Raykovicz

Career as NJ Pro Shop Owner

ing in New London, Connecticut and I was going to high school thinking I would become an oceanographer as it was a passion for me at the time, Kanas said. After high school I entered the Florida Institute of Technology and got my Associate degree in Marine Science Technology. I was recruited by Tidewater Marine, a tug boat company located in Morgan City, Louisiana starting at $29 a day. I worked on a tug boat and through self study and hard work, I rose through the ranks learning a lot along the way. Eventually, I was assigned as captain of my own tug boat in 1977 and was a tug captain for seventeen years until I retired in 1994, Kanas explained. At that time I was in the middle of a divorce and decided to head up north from Baton Rouge where I was living. My parents ran an Army/Navy store in Villas, New Jersey which is a short distance from here and I moved here to be closer to them. I helped them with the store and worked on the ferry running from Cape May, New Jersey to Lewes, Delaware as well, he added. While working on the ferry and helping his parents run their business, Kanas became involved with a local archery range and noted people were asking for archery tackle but there was nowhere to get it locally. He told ArrowTrade his father sold some archery equipment in his store, but not very much. Kanas saw a need and decided to fill it and as a result, began selling archery equipment and tackle in a small area at the back of his fathers store. Needing a name for his new business, Kanas held a customer contest and eventually came up with the name The Fletchers Corner. He spent five years working and selling archery equipment in the back of the store and eventually decided to buy a piece of land and build his own archery pro shop. Today, Kanas is an authorized Hoyt, BowTech, Horton and TenPoint dealer and is factory certified for

At lower left is a deer silhouette that admittedly looks pretty tame by day, when most attention is drawn to the giant arrows slanting down at the end of the pro shop. However, at night a spotlight mounted on the yellow post casts a giant shadow of the deer on the light colored building. At right is how the indoor range looked this past January during Customer Appreciation Day. Between 100 and 150 people attend each year. Many bring wild game dishes for others to sample and a contest is held to select the best venison jerky. Free range time is one of the attractions. Note the neat signs over the range that spell out rules to keep the shooting area clean and safe.

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BowTech and Diamond bows. Today, the 5,000 square foot shop boasts a 14 lane indoor range as well as an outdoor 3-D shooting range. Kanas said he doesnt have a retail background and by his own admission is a terrible salesman. Because I dont have a business background, theres no hard sell here. I give the customers what they want and as a result, Ive built up a great rapport with them, he told us. Cape May Court House is located at the end of a peninsula and I guess you can say it wasnt very smart of me to open a store here. All of my customers have to come from the north but, Im the only pro shop within 50 miles, he noted. Located on busy Highway 47, theres little doubt the building houses an archery shop. Attached to the side of the building is a twenty foot long arrow Kanas crafted out of six inch diameter PVC pipe. To make it look like an arrow, he fashioned fletching from some plastic lattice material and attached it to the pipe and then painted it. The result is an attention getter that lets passing traffic know where hes located. Another similar green, white and yellow arrow juts out of the ground at an angle near the roadway catching the peoples attention as well. A small deer silhouette stands at the side of the building facing the highway and is illuminated at night with a single spot light bulb. This thing is really effective at night, Kanas told us. The light projects a huge shadow of a deer on the building and it really looks cool when you drive by, he explained. Kanas said he hired a commercial sign painter to paint a sign on the side of his building but the painter couldnt do it due to the buildings corrugated construction. Kanas said the sign painter didnt return his deposit and he didnt want to risk more money by attempting to hire someone else so he came up with the idea of making the oversized arrows that vividly call attention to his shop. In addition to the arrows and deer silhouette, Kanas has a large flag positioned along the roadway telling customers hes open. Approaching the shop from the

The outside of the shop is neat, clean and handicapped accessible. It is an official deer and wild turkey check station for the state of New Jersey and the weighing scale is attached to the tall pole at the left in the above picture and in the close-up at left. Although weighing deer is not an official requirement, Kanas said he put the scale there as a service to his customers. Everyone likes to know how much their deer weighed, he told us. Tables allow customers to enjoy their lunch outside. Some may have driven a long way and will spend hours shooting and shopping. This refrigerator in the shooting range (photo below) encourages long visits because it holds an assortment of snacks, water, soda and candy, paid for on the honor system. The pro shop also began serving free coffee once Kanas figured out it was simpler to do that than charge.

parking area gives customers an impression of professionalism. A handicapped parking spot is reserved in front of the store entrance and it is marked with the appropriate sign. The shop is an official New Jersey deer and turkey check station and there is a sturdy pole with a pulley

hoist and scale for weighing deer right next to the sidewalk. As an official check station, Im not required to weigh any deer brought in, I just put it there because my customers like to know what their deer weighed, Kanas told us. Tables and chairs are available for those who bring their

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Customer Jeremiah Tagle (right), drove about 30 miles to ask Guy Kanas for advice about a purchase.I didnt know his shop was here, Tagle said.I found his website on the internet and decided to come, he added. Kanas said the website set up by one of his customers has been a big help in attracting customers and increasing sales. Once hes got a customer through the door and rings up a sale, Kanas often gives them a free lighter so theyve got something to remember the business by.

lunch or who just want to relax after a shooting session. Inside, the shop is neat, clean and well stocked. Displays of clothing, bows, crossbows and related archery equipment are conveniently displayed so that customers can take a close-up look at the gear on display. We asked Kanas about theft and he said he only had one problem with merchandise disappearing. After nine uneventful years, one day he noted some of his releases, sights and other items began to disappear. As a result he had a security camera and monitor installed with a sign warning that surveillance equipment was in use. Since it was installed, he said the theft of his merchandise has stopped. He also noted all the doors of the shop are fitted with motion detectors so that he knows when someone enters or leaves the premises. Guy and Sally were married in 1997 and said they just celebrated their thirteenth wedding anniversary. Both have adult children from a previous marriage and Guy proudly noted their mom and pop archery business recently became the ultimate grandma and grandpa archery shop following the birth of their grandchildren.

Like many other pro shops across the country, Guy and Sally work together to make the business suc-

cessful. Sally does the books, pays the taxes and bills, fletches and crests arrows and makes sure the shop is neat and clean. Guy does the ordering and the necessary shop improvements while repairing bows and dealing with customers. I dont have a business background and if it wasnt for her, these things would be difficult for me. I couldnt remain in business if it wasnt for my wife, he said. Sally said among her chores was making arrows and doing all the inventory. Guy buys it and I put it away, she said. Kanas invested in an expensive Point Of Sale system but admits if it wasnt for Sally it would have been a waste of money for him since by his own admission he says he dislikes using computers. Its been a big help to us, but Im the only one who uses it, Sally said. We asked Kanas about advertising and how he promotes his shop. He said up until a short time ago, he advertised seven days a week, 365 days a year on a local radio station but stopped doing so when the station changed from a country western

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format to playing pop music. He told us Tony Mazzarella, a biologist with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and Blake Loper are his shop shooters and represent the shop at local and state competitions. They keep the name of my shop in front of a lot of shooters, Kanas said. As it is with many other pro shops, Mazzerella and Loper are not paid but receive discounts on their purchases and get free range time. I could never afford to pay someone and still make ends meet, Kanas told us. Kanas said he doesnt take tradeins on bows or sell them on consignment. Instead, he allows his customers to post notes about their used equipment on a bulletin board in the shop but doesnt take any commission on the sale. With every new bow purchase, he said he gives customers a custom made hat embroidered with the shop logo. Kanas told us he also gives his customers a butane cigarette lighter with the shop name, logo and telephone number printed on the side. Im not trying to promote smoking, but I figure every archer needs a lighter to finish off the ends of string loops or servings and these lighters come in handy. I buy them five hundred at a time and they only cost me 35 cents each. Its a cheap but effective form of advertising, he explained. Kanas also said he once considered giving away inexpensive scales for weighing nocks, broadheads, and inserts but with the prevalent use of drugs in todays society, he

thought better of the idea since he didnt want the scales being diverted to a bad use. Kanas noted he had an excellent web site developed by Bill Bader owner of Cape Graphics and one of his customers. Bill took the pictures, and created the whole thing and this

has helped business a lot, Kanas said. While we were there Jeremiah Tagle, a customer from Mays Landing, a town about 30 miles north, came in for some help. We asked Tagle how he heard of the shop and he told us he looked it up on the internet. This is my first time here. I

Sally Kanas does all the arrow building and repair. She is comfortable doing custom fletches, crests or wraps for a set of arrows to make them look just about anyway a customer wants them to. The work area is next to the doorway and separated by a small partition. This way customers can interact with her as their arrows are completed. Some samples of her work are at right.

Sally Kanas (left) makes good use of the Point of Sale System the firm now uses to track inventory. Guy Kanas does major ordering at the ATA Show and then uses the Kinseys catalog (above) for many fill-in orders.Kinseys is a great resource. I can usually get the items I order the next day and this makes my customers happy.

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never knew about this place until I looked it up on the computer, Tagle said. Bow repair is done right in front of the customer and Kanas said he tries to do it while a customer waits. Many of my customers drive a long way to get here and so, I try to com-

plete the bow maintenance or repair while they are here. They appreciate that because that means they dont have to make a 50 or 100 mile round trip to get their bow back. During my busy season that begins in late July and August, they may have to leave it because I just cant get to it while

theyre here, he stated. Kanas said he has a $50 an hour labor rate and charges $30 for a half hour. There is no setup charge for a new bow purchase. A bow tune-up where he pulls and polishes the axles, removes the limbs and lubricates the limb pockets is a standard $40. He said he tells customers up front what

After years without any problems, Kanas said one day he noticed things began to disappear so he installed a security system. Since its been in place, along with signs notifying people of the monitoring, he said the theft has stopped. Kanas said he often adapts commercially available archery tools to meet his personal needs. Here hes shown checking the draw weight on a customers bow with a scale he devised himself. The digital readout allows his customers to see the actual draw weight of their bow. PHOTO RIGHT: Kanas moves items that have been sitting in his shop for a while to a discount table. Every customer coming into the shop must pass by the table and most take a look. PHOTO BELOW: Despite limited floor space, the shop didnt seem cluttered. Here a display of Rinehart targets sits where his customers can easily see them and the replacement cores he also sells.

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a service or repair will cost and gives them a written receipt before work begins. He said he does require a 20 percent deposit before he begins work. Kanas said he modifies much of the equipment he uses for bow repair to make it more suitable for his needs. For example, he showed us the E-Z Bow Press he modified to make working on bows easier for him. He moved the stud at the top of the bow press so that it protrudes from the back of the post rather than the front. He then bent the cross arms slightly and attached them to the stud at the back of the post. This gives me more room to work on a bow string and more than enough room to install a string loop or peep sight when the bow is in the press, he explained. Another one of Kanas' ideas involved putting a pigment in fletching cement to make it easier to see when it is applied to a vane. I approached several manufacturers of adhesives about the idea and finally, Steel Force began making its Beyond Bond with a pink coloration. This makes it much easier to see where and how much adhesive youre applying to the vane, he said. Cathy Giannetti at Steel Force said, Guy called us a few years ago and said, Hey, Im not going to buy any more of your glue unless you put a color in it. We thought it was a great idea and began making Beyond Bond in black and pink. The black didnt sell well for some reason so now we only offer it in pink. The shooting range at The Fletchers Corner has 14 lanes and Kanas said the range is a work in

Kanas is shown here demonstrating the Horton Vision to Ed Tapper, a member of the Handicapped Bowhunters of America. Tapper lost his right arm in a motorcycle accident when he was a young man. By using a diaphragm from an automobile carburetor, a golf club and some rubber tubing, Tapper was able to design a mechanism that allows him to release an arrow from a conventional compound bow with considerable accuracy. Hes shown below loading his bow by standing on the foot rest hes attached to the back of the bow and pulling the string with his left arm. He then attaches the hook from a dog leash hes modified and wears around his neck to the string and stands up straight. This allows him to connect the string to the release. Inhaling on the rubber tubing allows the diaphragm to retract and the release to let go.

progress because he keeps modifying it for his customers. He said he uses Magic Stop Targets almost exclusively because the company is willing to

work with him to modify and customize their targets to meet his needs. Kanas said he does much of his

Kanas is bilingual (he speaks Spanish) and has mementos of his world travels on display around his shop. This blanket came from the Ivory Coast of Africa. At center are some of the passport stamps he collected. At left is a copy of his captains license.

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PHOTO ABOVE: Guy and Sally run a youth archery camp where youngsters learn the basics of archery from professional archer, Ray Caba. Caba teaches the youngsters all they need to know to learn to shoot. The camp runs from Monday through Friday for a week every August. In the photo above, participants gather with Ray Caba (right) after a week of instruction at summer camp. The gentleman on the left in the photo was a parent volunteer who had a son attending the camp. PHOTO RIGHT: Professional archer Ray Caba is shown here instructing young archers on how to properly hold a bow. The students also learn how to make arrows and to understand the parts of a bow.

Edger Holmes, a retired Judge (left) and Bob Kulina, a website designer, are shown here having lunch at a nearby restaurant. The two shooters come in every Tuesday to shoot their bows and the bull.Our Tuesday group of shooters comes for the socialization as well as the shooting, Kulina stated.

ordering at the ATA show but relies on Kinseys to supply items customers want or need on short notice. Kinseys is my primary distributor and theyre my fill-in when I dont have something a customer wants. I generally work with Bill Hoke, Sr. at Kinseys and hes my go-to guy. Hes really a great help, Kanas stated. Like several other states, New Jersey has adopted legislation legalizing the use of crossbows for hunting. In anticipation of an influx of first time bow hunters Kanas began selling Ten Point and Horton cross bows. I sold seventy five crossbows last year and I thought Id be checking in a lot more deer this year, but I found that didnt happen, Kanas told us. Some of my customers who had traditional compound bows bought a crossbow and my inventory depleted nicely, he explained. Kanas said his profit margin on crossbows is smaller than it is with traditional compounds and, even though he sold a lot of them, they ate into the sales of traditional bows. I would have sold fewer traditional compound bows if cross-

bows werent legalized, but my profits would have been higher, he added. Kanas said he wasnt negative on crossbows and he does promote them to customers who are interested in buying one. When it comes to using them on his range Kanas said he allows crossbow owners to use his range only under his supervision and only enough times to sight in the unit. He says once the crossbow is sighted in, he asks the owners not to bring it back unless they need a tune up. Im concerned about the damage a crossbow would do to my targets, he said. As fall approaches, Kanas said he expects the sale of crossbows to pick up. While we were there, it was clear

Kanas had a special relationship with many of his customers. He knew them by their first name and said many come in at least once a week to shoot in his 3-D league or just to shoot, have lunch, and hang out. Kanas said his place is more than just a shooting venue. This is a community hub and the shooters here are like family, he said. Edgar Holmes, a retired judge agreed with Guys assessment. I had to retire from the bench when I turned 70 so I got a dog and got into hunting. Eventually I wanted to learn to shoot a bow and arrow and decided to take up archery and I was steered to The Fletchers Corner. As a beginner I was nervous about going

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to a place where the guys were experienced shooters but, I neednt have worried. The guys here were so welcoming and helpful that Ive become a regular here. Guy has been a tremendous help and the others have been super as well, Holmes explained. Holmes friend and fellow shooter Bob Kulina is a website designer and does custom programming applications. Im a competitive target shooter but not a bowhunter and after a 25 year hiatus from shooting, I got back into it. Ive been shooting here for the past two years and I regard Guy and Sally as family that not only know their customers but appreciate their business as well. Everyone here is extremely cordial and willing to help other shooters. Guy is just a great person to deal with, he added. Kanas said he used to sell hunting licenses but stopped doing so because of the time it took and the bureaucratic red tape involved. I found I got more work done after I stopped selling them than I did when I had to issue them. Besides, I was risking losing a $1,000 dollar bow sale because I was tied up making two bucks issuing a license. To show customers how they feel about them, Guy and Sally hold a Customer Appreciation Day every January. Kanas explained he offers a 20 percent discount on merchandise that isnt sold with a minimum adver-

In addition to the summer archery camp, the pro shop hosts a winter youth league. In the photo above, Kanas gives a thumbs up to all the participants in last years Kids League. Each shooter received a trophy for their participation. Sally Kanas said,The kids absolutely love Guy, who is shown clowning with a couple teenage league participants in the photo at right.

tised price and holds an annual deer jerky contest where customers can enter their best deer jerky for judging. We only allow one entry per person and each submission is judged by judges picked by me. The judges cant have any jerky entered in the contest, he explained. I give out prizes

for first, second and third place finishers, he added. Kanas told us about 100-150 people attend this annual event and said many of them bring in wild game dishes made with game theyve taken over the season. He said the wild game dinner is so popular, it has become an annual tradition. Goose Teriyaki, Buffalo Stromboli, Grilled Woodland caribou ribs and more than a dozen different chilies are some of the dishes customers bring to the shop he told us. Some of his customers are coastal fishermen and
Joe Wagner gets some technical bow advice from Pro Shop Shooter Tony Mazzarella (right). Mazzarella is a wildlife biologist for the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife and shop shooter. Kanas said Mazzarella generates a lot of Hoyt sales by representing his shop in various tournaments. Mazzarella also has several of his game animals recorded in the Pope and Young record books.

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bring in fresh clams and scallops harvested that day, he added. One of the most unusual chilies was one made with a variety of organ meats. Kanas noted it wasnt a dish they ran short of.

Kanas said he and Sally supply the hot dogs, soft drinks, and eating supplies. I never have to hunt or fish, Kanas said with a grin. My customers bring me everything.

Kanas uses Magic Stop targets on his range because the company is willing to provide exactly what he needs. He writes when it is time to renew a shooters range fees on a large calendar next to the range, and has them sign in every time they come in to shoot.

In addition to Customer Appreciation Day, every year during the Christmas holiday season, Sally makes up to a 100 dozen cookies for anyone coming into the shop. The guys really like them and they look forward to them. Ive been baking them since we opened thirteen years ago and our customers tell us they appreciate what we do and some even ask me to bake specific ones, she said. We asked Kanas about growing his business and he said he didnt see how anyone could generate additional interest in archery without involving youngsters. We run a kids league during the winter months that is open to youngsters from 7 to 14 years old. As they get older, many of them join our adult league, he said. We also run an adult winter league, he added. In addition to the youth winter league and a kids summer camp, Sally oversees shooting sessions for Boy Scouts, church organizations, Girl Scouts and the occasional birthday party. We even had a bachelor party here one time and it was a lot of fun,

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she noted. We try to get as many kids in here as we can, she added. We asked Kanas about the unique problems hes encountered by doing business near the sea shore where there are more bikinis than bows and he said drawing customers is his biggest issue. Were on a busy highway so theres no foot traffic and with the ocean a few miles away, I can only draw customers from the north. Fortunately, the next nearest pro shop is about 50 miles away so customers seek me out, he noted. With the other shop so far away we try to cooperate with each other. We buy products together to get the best price and use each other as an additional warehouse and trade goods back and forth. If I have something he needs we trade and vice versa. Im a

member of ARRO and its helped a lot, he explained about his involvement with that national buying group headquartered in Wisconsin. Reflecting on his accomplishments, Guy told ArrowTrade he was lucky enough to get into the archery business at the right time. He said an established customer core is essential or a business like his wouldnt make it. In addition, he noted he couldnt imagine a better partner than his wife. I can do a lot, but she can do more, he said. Sally added, From being a tug boat Captain to owning and running an archery shop, hes amazing. He picks things up quickly and the kids that come in here love him. Our customers are our friends and hes here every day. He really does enjoy what

hes doing and he enjoys the people as well. He only takes one weeks vacation a year and thats to go hunting with his friends in West Virginia. We noted the shop hours he has posted near the entrance to the building and asked about his long hours and his seven day work schedule. Hey, I was a tug boat Captain and I spent up to 90 days aboard my tug. I never got off that boat for months at a time so despite what seems to you like long hours, this is a walk in the park for me. I get to go home every night, he said smiling.

The 3-D league runs Tuesday evenings and Kanas participates with his customers. He holds a drawing after the shoot and the winner gets a $20 gift certificate. His customers love shooting the outdoor range, which he estimates cost $40,000 to develop because of having to comply with local ordinances to make sure there was no water runoff onto neighboring properties. At left, 17 year old Tim Purdy shoots the Stegosaurous target on the 3-D range. Shown next to it is a jackalope Kanas but together. Purdy now competes as an adult after shooting in many kids leagues at this New Jersey pro shop.

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Choose Your Hunting Partner Wisely.

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