Inside Archery September 2010

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September 2010 Inside Archery • Volume 13 Number 8

P e o p l e

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30 Power of Participation

Mike Sangrey, Bow Doctor’s Office

John Dudley, Mathews Inc.

Ryan Humpert, Bad River Outdoors

Brady Bruning, Central IA Archery

Jason Arnold, BowTech

Dan Carl, Gander Mountain

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38 Cover Story: Wildgame Innovations

Bill and Sherry Krenz

Businessmen and their companies are constantly striving for

distinction. They all want to stand out for being better. But

only some reach that goal.

M a r k e t

36

T r e n d s

32 New and Notable

Archery products with strong sales potential.

36 Bow Report: Wicked Ridge Invader 52 Bow Report: Parker Enforcer 160 54 Special Section

2010 Inside Archery Best Buy Awards

These are the finest products offered, as voted on by archery

retailers nationwide.

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54

62 Field Test: Tactical Archery Systems SABO Sight 64 Boosting Profits With Crossbows

Michaelean Pike

With more and more states increasing opportunities for crossbow use, curious

gun hunters and bowhunters alike are looking to try out horizontal bows.

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September 2010 Inside Archery • Volume 13 Number 8

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10 Inside Track

Put Your Shop Name on It!

14 Industry News

Information that will keep you up to speed on the latest news,

events and people in the archery industry.

18 Inside Archery Dealer School

Six Steps to Coaching Your Salespeople

32

22 ATA Action

Online Retailers Create Challenge, Opportunity

72 Marketplace 74 Retail in Detail

Darron McDougal

The Reset Button

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Inside Archery ( Vol.13, No. 8) USPS #024-412 is published ten times per year

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Periodicals postage paid at Colorado Springs, CO 80917 and at additional offices.

Postmaster please send address changes to: Inside Archery, P.O. Box 9010, Maple Shade, NJ 08052.

Inside Archery 6 September 2010

September 2010 Inside Archery • Volume 13 Number 8

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Exclusive Web Content

BowhuntAmerica.com B l o g z o n e

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WIN a New

Mathews

Z7!!!

The Archeress Kirstie Pike discusses her frustration with and ultimate acceptance of man’s need to tinker with bow equipment.

The Newbie After a summer of scouting, Dan Smith heads out on his first official elk bowhunt.

The Veteran Bill Krenz shares skills garnered from nearly 50 years of bowhunting.

Watch our videos with unique bowhunting tips: • Shoot all bow styles to enhance accuracy • How to aim a signal mirror • What to look for in a release • Keep your sleeping bag ultra warm And much more! Go online now.

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What kind of arrow rest do you use?

E at i n g

W i l d

A collection of wild game recipes including: • Geronimo’s Last Stand Chili • Moose Steaks Supreme • Venison Meatballs • Buffalo Bill Hayman’s Grilled Buffalo Steaks More Recipes Online!

A r t i c l e s

What is the most difficult part of bowhunting turkey?

Check out bowhunting stories and exclusive online content

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Inside Track

Put Your Shop Name on It! Product manufacturers get it. They put their company name and often their contact information on everything they offer. It’s good branding and great for return business.

Savvy archery retailers are now picking up on that same basic concept and capitalizing on it. For example, a small, attractive label with shop name, city and state and the shop’s phone number gets carefully affixed to every bow some archery retailers sell. That’s a good way to do things. That little label subtly reminds the bow owner where the bow came from. It provides him or her with contact information should a question arise. And it points friends in the right direction when it comes time for a new-bow purchase of their own. That little label goes a long way.

Small bow labels aren’t the only way to go. Plenty of other “Your-Shop-NameGoes-Here” opportunities are available.

Many hard-good items can become ready receivers for shop labels. Examples include treestands, arrow boxes, some stabilizers, scouting cameras, game feeders, ATV accessories and more.

The trick is to keep the label small and discreet, yet recognizable. Color is also important. Glaring white labels won’t last long on new camo bows. They’ll get quickly peeled off and thrown away. Instead, utilize colors that complement the products they will be stuck to—gold, tan and olive-green work well on most hunting products, as do some shades of darker blue, orange and red. Round or rounded labels also seem more inclined to remain in place than square-ish labels. Maybe that’s because labels without corners are harder to peel up and remove or because round labels simply seem to blend in better on most items of merchandise.

It makes great sense to use the larger items you sell as your own billboard. If people liked those items enough to buy them once, you’ll want to make sure that they or their friends know how to buy them again.

Bill and Sherry Krenz Editor and Publisher Inside Archery 10 September 2010

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Sherry Krenz • sherry@insidearchery.com

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Bill Krenz • bill@insidearchery.com

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Tracy Breen • Michael Corrigan • Patrick Durkin • Bob Humphrey Mark Kayser • Darron McDougal • Brian Strickland

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Inside Archery 12 September 2010

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Industry News Hoyt Hawk Series Mail-In Rebate Enhances Already Attractive Bow Lineup

Hunting season is right around the corner, and Hoyt’s power-packed lineup of highperformance bows promises to fit the

needs—and budget—of every bowhunter.

No matter what or where your customers hunt, there’s sure to be a Hoyt that’s right for them.

Hoyt’s flagship hunting compounds

for 2010, the hugely popular Maxxis 31 and Maxxis 35, feature cutting-edge design and phenomenal performance and reliability. The perfectly balanced, smooth-shooting Maxxis sports a vibrationshattering, past-parallel XTS ARC Limb System; a stylish, high-strength TEC LITE Riser; a super smooth XTR Cam & 1/2 Performance System and a long list of other features and technologies sought after by the world’s most diehard bowhunters.

The Carbon Matrix repreTurboHawk sents a quantum leap forward

PowerHawk

Continued on page 16

Fresh to the Scene Archer Xtreme Launching this Fall

launch this fall with a strong marketing campaign to back Archer Xtreme LLC an array of quality archery recently entered the archery and bowhunting gear. Sights, accessory category. Archer quivers and other accessories Xtreme owner and founder will constitute part of the Mark Garcia has recognized performance-driven lineup. the need to produce perforThe product launch is set mance gear and accessofor November 2010, and the ries for today’s elite archer. complete line will be viewArchery is an extreme able then on Archer Xtreme’s hunting sport, and Archer website.

Mark Garcia Xtreme plans to cater to For more information, the archer who is looking for dependable, log onto archerxtreme.com. performance-based gear.

Based in Montana, Archer Xtreme Arrowmat Creates New Way was developed out of a true passion for the to Enjoy Target Practice sport and is backed with a foundation of By producing innovative target faces rich hunting knowledge and business savvy. that adhere to existing targets, Arrowmat Garcia has 15 years of experience in the has leapt into the archery industry with archery industry launching and building a unique twist on range time. Faded tarother brands and lays claim to many years get faces are a thing of the past with in the field as a professional elk guide.

Arrowmat target faces because the replaceThe Archer Xtreme product line will able faces can just be switched out. Arrowmat faces also come with a variety of practiceenhancing images.

Arrowmat owner Blair Acker said, “Being a bowhunter myself and spending many hours during the summer practicing

Inside Archery 14 September 2010

on my foam block target with friends and family, I realized that, although durable, most foam block targets have one major drawback.

It seems that after a few hundred shots and a month or so of being exposed to the elements, there is not much left to shoot at with regard to a clear image on the target face.

We, like most, resorted to improvising with paper plates and the like. This left me curious as to whether or not a suitable alternative existed. Hence the concept for Arrowmat was devised.”

The economical and versatile faces come in a myriad of images that can help hone accuracy and increase fun while at the range. Options include more conventional targets such as Big Buck, Elk or Turkey, along with more unique faces like Deck of Cards and Dartboard.

The full-color, weather-resistant target faces are made of neoprene material and can handle up to 1,000 shots before needing replacement.

For more information on Arrowmat target faces, log onto arrowmat.com.

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Industry News Continued from page 14

in terms of compound bow engineering.

This incredible bow is Hoyt’s lightest high-end bow ever. In addition to lightweight design, the Carbon Matrix offers superb shootability, precision, strength and vibration reduction. And at 35 inches axle to axle, the Carbon Matrix delivers all the stability of a longer axle-to-axle bow, but with the super light mass weight of a much shorter bow.

Finally, the popular, budgetfriendly Hoyt Hawk Series (the TurboHawk and PowerHawk) delivers legendary Hoyt quality, performance and toughness at an unheard of price. And Hoyt has sweetened the deal by offering a $50.00 factory mail-in rebate for shooters who gear up for bow season before October 1, 2010.

This limited-time offer makes these already value-priced bows even more affordable.

The TurboHawk and PowerHawk are perfect for bowhunters who demand a fast, tough, lightweight, silent, smooth-shooting bow loaded with industry-leading innovation at a price that won’t break the bank.

Demand for the Hoyt Hawk Series is strong. Help your customers take advantage of this limited-time $50.00 rebate offer from Hoyt by ordering your Hawk Series bows today.

For more information, log onto hoyt.com.

Parker Crossbows Wins First ASA Crossbow Tournament

The crossbow market is rapidly evolving, and so are the opportunities to expand recreational and competitive shooting.

Recently the Archery Shooters Association (ASA) board of directors allowed the use of crossbows in its own class at the London, Kentucky, ASA event.

Paul Vaicunas of Waynesboro, Virginia, competed with a stock Parker Tornado crossbow, using Red Hot highvelocity carbon arrows and the new Pin Point Scope. Vaicunas posted a score of 402 to win the tournament, besting the

next competitor by 27 points.

“The game changer for me was the accuracy of the Pin Point Scope and balance of the Tornado crossbow. In competition you can lose a tournament in the last five shots. So it is important that your last

Paul Vaicunas

shot be just as fresh as your first shot. The combination of Red Hot arrows and a Pin Point-scoped Tornado made all the difference in my score,” Vaicunas said.

Mike Tyrell, president of the ASA, said, “Crossbows will be expanded into all McKenzie ASA Pro/Am events for 2011, having seen such a positive and professional response from the participants. The ASA supports all forms of archery recreation. We are pleased to welcome all crossbow enthusiasts into the fellowship of our events and look forward to the growth of this new and exciting category.”

For more information, log onto parkerbows.com.

Shoot Like a Girl to Host International Charity Tournament

Shoot Like a Girl, a company dedicated to empowering women to participate in shooting sports with confidence, has organized an international mail-in archery tournament to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation called “I Shoot for the Girls.” All of the profits from the

Inside Archery 16 September 2010

tournament will be donated. Both women and men are encouraged to participate.

“Our hopes are that archery clubs, leagues and shops will host a fun night, donating range time towards the shoot. It is an opportunity for women (and men) from all over the country to compete with one another for a good cause and continue expanding the community of female archers,” said Todd Butler, chief operations officer for Shoot Like a Girl.

Contestants will shoot from 18 meters (Vegas Style). The target consists of three breast cancer ribbons. The white in the center of the ribbon’s loop is worth 10 points, and anywhere on the pink is 5 points; this includes a very small breast cancer ribbon in the “I Shoot for the Girls” logo.

There will be ten rounds, for a total max score of 400 points. Double scoring and certification by the range officer is required.

There will be a women’s, men’s and youth division for the tournament. The overall international winner will receive six Victory Pink Arrow Project Arrows and a certificate, while the international second and third place winners will receive one Victory Pink Arrow Project Arrow and a certificate. The shooter with the highest score (regardless of category) from each archery club, league and shop with a minimum of ten entries will receive one Pink Arrow Project Arrow and certificate.

The cost to participate in the tournament is $20 per shooter. Special targets and official score cards will be mailed.

Individuals, archery clubs, leagues and shops who wish to participate can register at Shoot Like a Girl’s website.

Archery ranges and shops who provide free range time for archers to shoot in the “I Shoot for the Girls” tournament will receive a certificate and free link from Shoot Like a Girl’s website from the

time the commitment is made through the month of October 2010.

For more information, log onto shootlikeagirl.com.

Hot Shot Manufacturing Introduces Revolutionary Release Lineup for 2010

Hot Shot Manufacturing has a long history of creating innovative and highquality releases that have enjoyed immense popularity throughout the years. In 2008, Hot Shot Manufacturing was purchased

by Dave White of Corolla Capital Management, owners of Cajun Archery.

Now, after 18 months of intensive evaluation, development and testing, Hot Shot Manufacturing has put its new 2010 line of revolutionary releases on the market.

These new releases utilize state-ofthe-art manufacturing techniques and high-tech materials with aerospace pedigrees. The combination has pushed the envelope on what archers can expect in a release.

For 2010, Hot Shot Manufacturing is offering the Infinity index-finger release, the Tempest T-handle thumb button release and the X-tacy backtension release.

For more information, log onto hotshotmanufacturing.com.

His new gear supports Eichler’s new slogan—What Would Fred Do (WWFD)?

Almost every hunter has questioned whether to shoot or pass on game in a particular situation. The next time you wonder whether you should take the shot or not, this new gear forces you to ask: WWFD?

Fred Eichler Hunting Gear Available at 3Rivers Archery

Eichler’s gear contains a wide variety of archery and bowhunting offerings including his custom tab and rubber-band armguard, and Eichler’s trademark pinkfletched Easton carbon arrows. The only place to view the entire line of Fred Eichler Gear is 3Rivers Archery.

For more information about WWFD, log onto 3riversarchery.com.

Fred Eichler, host of Easton Bowhunting TV, has partnered with 3Rivers Archery to offer Fred Eichler Hunting Gear. The new line of bowhunting products is Eichler’s personal line of quality, “Fred-tested” gear that he uses when out bowhunting or in the backyard shooting targets.

Inside Archery 17 September 2010

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Dealer School It’s a sports movie cliché—a down-and-out coach ends up with a team of misfits who are practically determined to lose every single game they play. But with a little tough coaching and some heart-to-hearts, the team is able to pull off a last-minute upset over a major rival by the end of the movie. Along the way everyone—the coach, the players, usually the entire town—is transformed, and there’s generally a lot of hugging and high-fiving at the end.

Six Steps to Coaching Your Salespeople (Or Yourself) There’s some truth in these movies. Certainly we can make the argument that a team is only as good as its coach. No matter how talented the players are or what resources the owner has access to, it’s the coach who ties everything together. A good coach ensures that the talents of each player are used to their fullest, that the team functions well together and that morale remains high.

If you’re a manager, part of your job is coaching your salespeople to make each individual effective and improve the performance of your team overall.

Even if you’re not a manager, you can still review the six steps of successful coaching to find ways to better motivate yourself.

“

No matter how talented the players are or what resources the owner has access to, it’s the coach who ties everything Set Goals together.

Goals motivate people. Almost everyone can perform better if given the

”

proper motivation, and goals provide employees with a concrete idea of what

Inside Archery 18 September 2010

they’re working towards.

The best goals are measurable and time specific. Vague goals or goals without a set deadline are not nearly as effective as those that are concrete and provide your salespeople with an idea of when they need to be accomplished by. Most importantly, though, your goals need to be obtainable. I’ve seen companies provide lofty, unachievable goals for their employees. As soon as the employees realize that the goal is unrealistic, they revert to their old performance levels.

It’s important to note, however, that a goal that seems unobtainable now may be much more realistic in a few months. If you tell your employees that you need to double your sales, they’ll most likely tune you out. But if you ask them to gradually increase their sales, say by a few percentage points a month, eventually they’ll have doubled their sales.

Teach Skills

There’s a difference between skills and knowledge. Product knowledge is critical to being an effective salesperson, but product knowledge will be of little help if your employees lack the selling skills needed to close a sale.

Some managers believe that the ability to sell is a talent that a person either has or does not have. They hire salespeople and expect them to already have all the selling skills they’ll ever need. But success in sales is based on a number of skills. While some people are gifted with more natural selling ability than others, many people can learn to sell with the proper training.

Skills include the ability to warmly greet a customer, uncover and listen to the customer’s needs and wants, make suggestions for products that fulfill those needs and wants, overcome objections without pressuring a customer into purchasing an inappropriate product and following up after a sale

with a thank you card or phone call.

Build Relationships

In many of those clichéd sports films, the grizzled coach finds himself butting heads with at least one rebellious kid, usually his star player. It’s not until the two learn to respect each other that the team can pull off that final stunning victory.

Dealer Survey Questions Archery dealer input is sought for the next Inside

Archery Dealer School. Your comments are invited on a variety of specific Dealer School topics. All you need to do is fill out and send in the easy-to-use Dealer School Response Card found on this page.

Selected comments will be published in an upcoming issue of Inside Archery’s Dealer School.

Your shop and location will be listed. In every issue a participating dealer will win a new Hoyt bow! To have a chance at this bow, all you have to do is participate.

Win!

a MAXXIS bow from

Inside Archery 19 September 2010

Th Montis Winn h’s er!

Da

vid S

Mile Hig tepp Prescott Vh Archery alley, AZ

Dealer

Selling skills rarely just happen. How did you learn to be an effective retail salesperson?

The following are selected responses from the Inside Archery Dealer School Survey presented in our June 2010 issue. Are you interested in participating and possibly winning a FREE 2010 Hoyt bow in the process? See page 19 of this issue for more information.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– I learn from my mistakes. When I lose one sale, I make another. If I win a sale, I make another.

I also watch good sales reps work to learn from them.

Comment

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”

Joe Varlans • Northern Dutchess Archery - Red Hook, NY

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– I learned from working side by side with my father in our archery shop. I watched my father deal with customers for many years before taking over the business myself. My son is now learning the business from me.

”

Jon T. Courtney • Courtney Archery - Quakertown, PA

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––I was a former teacher, coach and school principal, which gave me extensive training in dealing with students, parents and the general public.

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”

Mike Barrandey • Bowlero Archery - Van Horn, TX

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– I learned from hands-on experience.

”

Roger Ash • Hartland Outdoors - Edmond, OK

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– I learned that listening is the most important skill a salesperson can have. Don’t be overly opinionated. You don’t want to say something that will turn the customer off. Let them tell you what they’re looking for, and be prepared to offer an alternative if you don’t stock that item.

Steve Huntsman • Absolute Archery - Butler, MO

”

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– There’s nothing like experience. I’ve been in the retail business since 1983, so I’ve learned a lot about people.

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Alton Godwin Jr • Godwin Outdoors - Raeford, NC

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Selling is what used-car salesmen have to do. If you know and believe in your products, that goes a long way in getting someone to make a purchase.

”

Neal Kiehne • Archery Unlimited LLC - Etna, WY

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– I learned from participating in our sports. To sell archery equipment, you need to be able to tell people how products work for you. Customers look to me for advice, so when I can tell them I use a product they feel more comfortable buying it from me.

”

Brandon Pope • Broken Bow Pawn & Gun - Broken Bow, OK

Inside Archery 20 September 2010

That mutual respect is critical to the success of your coaching efforts as well. You shouldn’t necessarily be best friends with your salespeople, but you should believe in their abilities. In return, they need to be able to trust that you have the best interests of the team and your shop at heart. If you’re able to earn their trust, you’ll find them much more likely to listen to your advice.

Motivate Through Positive Reinforcement

If a member of your team makes a mistake, you’ll need to let them know and try to correct the problem. But your coaching will be far more effective if you’re able to catch your salespeople doing things right. This will allow you to reward them with positive reinforcement, a more powerful motivator than negative reinforcement.

For example, if a member of your team is able to successfully suggest and sell a full-body safety harness to a customer purchasing a treestand, you should let him know that you were impressed with the sale.

Praise is an often overlooked motivator, and it’s something that’s completely free to dole out.

Other ideas for positive rewards are bonuses in the form of cash or gift cards, recognition such as Employee of the Month awards, an extra hour off with pay or a catered lunch. Rewards don’t have to be all that lavish. Just taking the time to let a salesperson know that you noticed and appreciated

his or her efforts will go a long way to motivating that person.

Monitor Performance

How do you monitor sales performance in your operation?

Once you’ve set goals, it’s important that you check in with your salespeople periodically to see how they’re doing. You’ll want to do this some time before the goal is supposed to be achieved so that you can correct any problems that might prevent the salesperson from succeeding.

Monitoring your team’s performance also removes any uncertainty on your team’s part.

They don’t need to wonder if they’re performing up to your expectations if you hold regular reviews in which you discuss their work with them.

The following are selected responses from the Inside Archery Dealer School D e a l e r Survey presented in our June 2010 issue. Are you interested in participating and Comment possibly winning a FREE 2010 Hoyt bow in the process? See page 19 of this issue for more information.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– We monitor sales performance by receiving daily reports from our point-of-sale system.

Provide Additional Training

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Are your customers smiling while in your store? Are they happy when they leave? Do they come back? Do they tell a friend about you? If they stop by and don’t buy anything, at least they came back in. That’s a good thing.

Once your sales team is working and selling well together, you should continue to provide training as needed. This may be in the form of informal, one-on-one meetings with each salesperson to discuss what that individual is doing well and what he or she could improve on. This would also serve as a good time to set and review goals.

You may never have the thrill of watching your team’s lastsecond shot roll around the rim before tipping slowly into the basket and through the net. But if you implement these coaching steps, you’ll have the much more rewarding feeling of watching your sales figures grow.

“” “ ” “ ” “

Jenna Christisen • Blevins Archery - Perryville, MO

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Our store is broken into sections. We compare each section’s sales to sales from previous years. This allows us to see whether sales are up or down and how each store section is performing.

Phil Montgomery • Cabin Fever - Peebles, OH

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– We keep records on our computer. This lets us know what we’re selling, how much to order and what’s selling best.

Hulen Sanders • Sanders’ Archery - Bee Spring, KY

”

John LaBossiere • CIA - New Meadows, ID

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-–­­—– Our computer system tracks the sales team by the invoices they generate. Another way of evaluating our team is if customers often ask for a specific salesperson.

“ “ ” “ ” “

Jim Toombs • LC/Bishop Sales - Casper, WY

”

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– We recently added a point-of-sale system so now we can monitor daily sales more accurately.

Matt Schlecht • Bob’s Sporting Goods - Longview, WA

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– We have a computerized operation that will tell us month to month and year to year exactly what we sell.

Corey Bartholomew • Heartland Outdoor – South Hutchinson, KS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Did the customer leave happy? Did he come back? Were we helpful?

David Stepp • Mile High Archery - Prescott Valley, AZ

Inside Archery 21 September 2010

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Action Online Retailers Create Challenge, Opportunity The ATA hopes minimum advertised price (MAP) programs ensure competitive balance in online archery retailing.

Has the Internet spawned a new generation of “basement bandits,” moving them from their “man-cave” workshops to upstairs dens?

For some industry pros, the answer is “yes.” After all, anyone with a computer and Internet access can now undercut businesses of any size. The fear: unlike the traditional basement bandit—whose customers are typically friends and neighbors—today’s e-bandit can potentially sell archery equipment to anyone, anywhere, for almost any price.

These online retailers have little risk or long-term investment in the archery industry, allowing them to sell product for little more than their cost. To compete, legitimate dealers contemplate lowering their prices, jeopardizing already-thin profit margins and exposing their business to potential collapse should a price war erupt.

“Dealers represent the long-term lifeblood of our industry,” says Jay McAninch, ATA CEO and president. “What’s at stake when Internet retailers take sales from a pro shop is the support our dealers provide for local clubs, schools and community archery and bowhunting programs.”

Rob Kaufhold, president of Lancaster Archery Supply, is a manufacturer and distributor with 30 years in the industry.

“The real problem in our industry is the virtual retailer, the guy whose only overhead is the PC on his desk,” Kaufhold said. “That’s just wrong. I have no problem with competition. Even your big box stores have costs for doing business.

When you have responsibilities for your own survival and the sport’s survival, you understand the importance of profit margins. The PC guy has nothing invested and does whatever he wants.”

ATA Board member Ben Summers, director of operations for T.R.U. Ball Release Products, has similar worries.

He believes online retailing problems are affecting all levels of the industry’s distribution chain. His worst fear? If profit margins continue shrinking because of poor online pricing, more local dealers will go out of business.

ATA Board member Peter Gussie, owner of Midwest Cimmarron Archery and a member of the ATA’s Dealer Council, said the problem has been around awhile, but thinks Internet retailing might be pushing it to the tipping point. “Before the Internet, a guy had to drive all over the place to find the rock-bottom price,” Gussie said. “With the Internet and people putting items up for sale everywhere, a customer does an online price check and figures that’s the price he should pay locally.”

What do those unsustainable prices do to a product’s perceived value? When premium products are sold too cheaply, it hurts their image and marketability, subjecting manufacturers to damaged brands and lower profits. For example, if a premium accessory that typically sells for $180 can suddenly be bought for $145, its perceived value with consumers Archery pro shops are the lifeblood of our industry. They teach archers of all ages how to shoot better, and that increases customer can sink a tier or two, putting it on satisfaction with archery across the board.

Inside Archery 22 September 2010

the same plane as basic models.

Worse than the loss of value is the erosion of profit margins dealers need to sustain legitimate storefront businesses.

Some worry that, without reasonable profit margins, the archery industry could soon look like the hardware industry.

Mass merchants or online retail websites now replace most local hardware shops that once educated and guided their customers through home projects.

Even so, not everyone believes e-commerce is the chief cause of such problems. Some manufacturers and distributors think online retailing is a natural step in archery retailing’s evolution and that everyone must adapt to remain competitive.

“There’s no doubt independent retailers are the foundation of this industry, but there’s also no doubt the young people now entering our sports buy most of their products on the Internet,” said Dave Parker, purchasing/sales manager at Kinsey’s Archery Products, an ATA member of long standing and a major distributor in the archery industry. “You don’t have to like the Internet, but you better find ways to make it work for you.”

MAP a Solution

Parker, Summers and several industry pros contacted for this article think the problem’s ultimate solution lies in understanding and applying “Minimum Advertised Price” (MAP) programs throughout the industry. In brief, a product’s MAP applies to any publicly listed price. Under these programs, it’s okay for dealers to go below a product’s MAP when negotiating oneon-one sales with customers, but they can’t advertise the price publicly.

In a recent letter to his fellow directors on the ATA Board, Summers wrote, “MAP is easy to enforce if a manufacturer deals directly with the Internet retailers.

I have also found that major distributors are willing to work with us to ‘turn off ’ customers in their systems who refuse to sell at MAP price.”

Summers concedes, however, that

even though most retailers keep their prices reasonable because they want to stay in business, MAP remains a mystery to many others. In fact, many who sell archery products at retail have never calculated what profit margins are required to sustain a legitimate business of any type. In addition, some manufacturers do a poor job calculating their MAPs, which can jeopardize profitability for everyone in the sales network.

For example, depending on the product, savvy manufacturers might calculate a MAP to ensure retailers achieve at least 30- to 50-percent profit margins, while distributors reap about 20 percent. But if manufacturers miscalculate enough MAPs by even 5 to 10 percentage points, a small retailer could be in trouble by year’s end.

“Frankly, many manufacturers don’t have a clue about minimum advertised pricing and why the industry needs it to survive,” said Norman Geertsen, president of the National Archery Buyers Association. “Consequently, we don’t have much conformity in our industry. Manufacturers have to understand that dealers can’t function on 25- to 30percent margins.”

ATA Board member John Larsen,

owner of Bwana Archery and a member of the ATA’s Dealer Council, said some manufacturers put little thought into MAP. “A lot of the ones I see are ridiculously low,” Larsen said. “If I see a product with a MAP that allows 15percent profit versus a similar product that offers reasonable profits, I don’t even put the low one in our store.”

Mike Ellig, president of Black Gold Inc., understands such concerns and encourages dealers to work with manufacturers who appreciate retailing’s realities. He said if buying groups abide by Black Gold’s MAP, they’ll see 40-percent profit margins. “I want dealers to be successful,” Ellig said. “In my experience, the worst violators—the guys who whack the margin to 20 percent—are the small dealers, not the big guys who make huge bulk buys.

“If that small dealer wants to be around awhile, he better get back to 40 percent,” Ellig said. “Profit is not a dirty word. It might sound funny, but MAP forces dealers to make money. Way more people go out of business for not charging enough than for charging too much.”

The challenge doesn’t end there. To ensure a well-calculated MAP works,

Legitimate local archery shops add value to the products they sell by providing expert assistance, setup and tuning advice and ongoing service.

Inside Archery 23 September 2010

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t h e

i n d u s t r y

Action retailers must monitor their competition and report violations to manufacturers. In turn, manufacturers must contact distributors and retailers and demand compliance.

“The guys who complain about getting

undercut are the ones who have the most power to do something about it,” said Randy Phillips, owner of Archery Headquarters Inc., and Arizona Rim Country Products. Phillips, who is also a member of the ATA Board and ATA Dealer

Council, said a dealer’s power comes from “voting your dollars” with distributors and manufacturers.

“When I see a pricing problem on the Internet, I call the manufacturer and ask them to fix it,” Phillips said. “If they don’t, I’m moving on. In almost all cases they fix it because they want to make money, too.”

Parker believes unintentional violations of MAP are the more common problem. “A retailer who buys from a distributor is often unaware of the MAP,” he said. “In our system, we make all that information available to dealers. When we hear that a buyer posts something below the advertised price, we tell them they need to raise it if they want us to continue supplying it. In 99 percent of the cases, they fix it. When we get that occasional guy who tries to beat the system, it takes me one mouse click to prevent him from getting anything more from us.”

Defending MAP

Legitimate online retailers and distributors understand the need for MAP. Still, that doesn’t mean everyone likes it. Some online retailers question the legality of MAPs and accuse MAP proponents of opposing free markets.

“It can get emotional, but a welldesigned MAP is legal and defensible,” Summers said. “The more you learn about MAP programs, the more you realize they’re good for business.”

Kaufhold agrees. “The bottom line is that it’s 100-percent legal for companies to protect the value of their products and brands,” he said. “It’s not anticompetitive.

A MAP actually helps the consumer by making all businesses, whether they’re online stores or archery shops, compete on something other than price.”

MAPs gained even more legitimacy after a 2007 Supreme Court ruling gave manufacturers more flexibility in designing and implementing retail pricing, including MAP and minimum retail pricing policies. A key aspect is weighing the manufacturer’s market power or

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market share. Unless the manufacturer controls a dominating share of a particular market, pricing agreements between a manufacturer and its retailers seldom violate antitrust laws.

Summers concedes that there are some

manufacturers that do a poor job calculating MAP for products and a worse job enforcing it in the marketplace. But it’s not easy. MAP requires awareness, communication and follow-up to work.

When it comes to enforcing MAPs,

Phillips experiences it as a retailer and manufacturer because he wears both hats.

“From a manufacturer’s side, enforcing MAPs is very labor intensive,” Phillips said. “From a dealer’s perspective, it’s as simple as going online and doing a Google search for specific items to check who’s offering what price. But for a manufacturer, it’s not always obvious who’s actually advertising a price and selling a product, or where he’s getting it.”

The Distributors’ Role

Parker said Kinsey’s Archery stands behind whatever pricing program its partners establish. “If you’re one of our suppliers, we support your MAP program,” he said. “We trust that manufacturers make decisions that are best for delivering their products to the marketplace.”

Parker also knows that dealers and manufacturers often criticize Kinsey’s and other distributors for setting up websites for dealers and online retailers, and sometimes drop-shipping items directly to buyers. Kaufhold, for instance, said he respects “bona fide distributors.” He is one himself, after all. But he doesn’t like it when distributors create “instant retailers” by providing CDs that install everything needed to sell online with the distributor’s help.

“They’re enabling guys to do business who do nothing for our sport,” Kaufhold said. “If these programs put archery shops out of business, we’ll lose a lot of our sports’ infrastructure. That would kill us down the road.”

Parker said no one should doubt Kinsey’s support for independent pro shops. “That’s the foundation of our industry,” he said. “We do everything we can to protect independent pro shops to ensure their success. I have to say, though, there’s a misconception about the volume of business going through people who strictly do e-commerce.

“The vast majority of dealers doing e-commerce also own a brick-and-mortar store,” Parker continued. “They’re learning how to use the Web to broaden their

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audience. They realize the Internet isn’t going away.”

Ellig’s perspective is influenced by where he lives and works in Montana, where roads between archery pro shops can stretch hundreds of miles.

“In my opinion, anyone opening a pro shop better be trying to sell on the Internet, too,” he said. “When I find a pro shop on the map out here and draw a 40-mile circle around it, I’m not serving a huge client base. An Internet store opens up opportunity for a small guy to go out and do what Cabela’s has been doing. They know their customers are going there to buy, just as people 15-20 years ago did a lot of their buying through mail order. As long as they enforce our MAP, they won’t have any problems from me.”

The ATA and MAP

Although some manufacturers and retailers ask the Archery Trade Association to step in and make dealers and online retailers adhere to MAPs, that would exceed the ATA’s authority.

“There’s nothing the ATA can legally do when it comes to enforcement,” Larsen said. “There’s no rule the ATA can set down and say, ‘This is what you must do.’ All the ATA can do is educate our industry about the marketplace and who’s responsible for what.”

Gussie agrees. “Problems like this are difficult for the ATA to address directly,” he said. “The ATA doesn’t have the authority to tell manufacturers how to sell or price a product. All it can do is offer perspectives and education. If a manufacturer doesn’t understand the importance of MAP, everyone has to let them know their product is becoming a commodity instead of valuable merchandise.”

Enforcing a MAP is ultimately the manufacturers’ responsibility, and they must do it fairly and relentlessly. “A manufacturer can’t choose to enforce it against Cabela’s but not enforce it on an Internet guy,” Kaufhold said. “They must be unilateral and consistent. If you want your MAP to have integrity, you can’t allow someone to sell $1 under it.”

For the ATA, the difficult aspect of MAP is that often all those involved are ATA members.

“While it’s impossible to make everyone happy with issues like MAP, we still work tirelessly to help all legitimate businesses recognize that they need margins to not only survive, but thrive,” McAninch said. “To me, MAP is one of those things that has more to do with business ethics and respect among and between industry members than anything else. Either you work with the industry knowing tools like MAP provide everyone with margins to sustain their businesses or you cut prices and live in the shadows for as long as the guys who only care about buying cheap can find you. To me this is another one of those issues where either united we stand or divided we fall.”

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Inside Archery 28 September 2010

P E OP L E

Archery Industry Members Participating in the Sport SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO: Email a color image with your name, address, where animal was taken and archery gear used to popphoto@insidearchery.com or mail to Inside Archery Power of Participation, 2960 N. Academy Blvd., Suite 101, Colorado Springs, CO 80917.

Ryan Humpert • Michigan Turkey

Dan Carl • Pennsylvania Whitetail

Associate—Bad River Outdoors

Operations Manager—Gander Mountain

Bow: Excalibur Crossbow Arrow: Lumen-Arrow Sight: Bad River Tagged-Out

Bow: Martin Cougar III SE Arrow: Carbon Express Broadhead: NAP Crossfire

Broadhead: LimbSaver Turkey Terror Nock: Lumenok

Inside Archery 30 September 2010

Sight: Impact Release: Tru-Fire Stabilizer: Golden Key Tranquilizer

John Dudley • British Columbia Black Bear Sales Representative—Mathews Inc.

Brady Bruning • Minnesota Whitetail

Bow: Mathews Outback Arrow: Easton Axis Sight: Sure-Loc

Manager—Central IA Archery Bow: Hoyt Arrow: Easton A/C/C Broadhead: Rocky Mountain Titanium

Sight: Copper John Release: Scott Stabilizer: Sims

Rest: Bodoodle Release: Carter Stabilizer: Doinker

Jason Arnold • Oregon Turkey

Mike Sangrey • Pennsylvania Whitetail

Pro Staff Manager—BowTech

Owner—Bow Doctor’s Office

Bow: BowTech Destroyer Arrow: Carbon Express Maxima Hunter Broadhead: NAP BloodRunner

Sight: Spot-Hogg Rest: Octane TripWire Camo: Rivers West

Bow: Parker Ultra-Lite 31 Arrow: Gold Tip XT Broadhead: Gold Tip Gladiator

Inside Archery 31 September 2010

Sight: HHA Optimizer-Lite Release: T.R.U. Ball Tornado Treestand: API Baby Grand

New&Notable New & Innovative Products to Watch

Hawke Optics XB30 1

Whether you are honing in on a cagey whitetail from a treestand or aiming your crossbow at an elk standing 60 yards away in the fading light, the Hawke Optics XB30 crossbow scope will deliver the precision needed to down your quarry. The XB30 is a 30mm scope with multi-coated lenses and a glass-etched rangefinding reticle. Aiming points range from 10 to 60 yards, and the XB30 is fully adjustable for crossbows that range in speeds from 210 to 360 feet per second. A pre-installed, double-screw one-piece mount leads to an easy install, and the Hawke Worldwide Warranty backs up the scope’s longevity. For more information, log onto hawkeoptics.com.

2 Wood’N Trail MyDipKit

Nothing satisfies quite like customizing your own gear. The folks at Wood’N Trail have tapped into that satisfaction by coming up with MyDipKit. Most of your hard gear, like your bow, probably went through a process called water transfer imaging. This process applies graphics to 3D surfaces. With MyDipKit you can do it yourself with ease. The kit comes with all the things you need to add flair to your equipment with no hassles. The detailed instructions that come with MyDipKit make it simple to add a camo pattern to your hard-surfaced gear. The kit also comes with camo-pattern film, spray cans and protective gear to keep you safe while you work. For more information, log onto woodntrail.com.

MasterTarget 1

Picking a spot on the animal is critical to bowhunting success. And any hunter knows where to put that pin when the moment is right. But if you want to have an in-depth idea of the game’s anatomy, take a look at MasterTarget target faces.

MasterTarget offers a wide selection of photo-quality game images to choose from, and the images show immense detail in regards to anatomy. Heart, lungs and liver are all prominently displayed so you can effectively determine your killing range.

MasterTargets are constructed using Durashot material that is tear resistant and waterproof, so they can handle being left out in the elements. MasterTarget faces last 20 times longer than paper targets and can take hits from a mountain of arrows. For more information, log onto master-target.com.

2 SKB 2SKB-8010 Hunter Series Crossbow Case

An increase in crossbow legalization has pushed crossbow technology to new heights, and that includes cases. SKB’s 2SKB-8010 Hunter Series Crossbow Case is evidence of this new trend. The 2SKB-8010 comes with a solid ABS exterior to keep your crossbow protected. EPS foam inserts, molded-in bumpers and eye-catching embossing all add to the allure of this unyielding case. Inside the 2SKB-8010, SKB has incorporated a valance bending system that keeps the bow securely in place while keeping out damaging dirt and moisture. The wheels on the 2SKB-8010 make for extremely smooth transport. For more information, log onto skbcases.com.

Inside Archery 32 September 2010

Barnett Buck Commander 1

Thinking about trying out a crossbow? A great one to check out is the Barnett Buck Commander. This new-for-2010 crossbow, developed with help from the Buck Commander team, shoots 365 fps and offers 129 foot pounds of energy. It packs all of that power into a slick and solid package. AVI Technology reduces noise by up to 30 percent while staunching vibration and minimizing shock. A shoot-through foot stirrup extends the power stroke to 15 inches to offer superior muscle and balance. An Anti Dry-Fire trigger system ensures safety for the shooter, and the high-tech composite stock can be used in conjunction with a crank cocking device.

For more information, log onto barnettcrossbows.com.

2 BowHitch Archery BowHitch

Sometimes one product comes along that has so many uses, it is ridiculous. The BowHitch Archery BowHitch will change the way you store and work on your bow in the field, at the range and at home. A unique L-bracket stays attached to your bow’s riser and mounting receivers are placed wherever you may need your bow secured. The L-bracket slides into the receiver for a rock-solid connection. Attach mounting brackets to multiple treestands, and there is no worrying about forgetting a bow hanger ever again. Place a receiver in a closet for storage and another one on a workbench to make bow adjustments. You can even place the receiver on a wall in a trophy room or above a fireplace to display your favorite bow. Flexibility and versatility is king with the BowHitch. For more information, log onto bowhitcharchery.com.

Big Green Targets Lightning Pro 1

Going green has multifaceted benefits, but one of the most obvious comes from the fact that conserving resources saves money. Big Green Targets takes advantage of this fact by utilizing recycled foam to create the durable and economical Lightning Pro. The Lightning Pro, as with the whole line of Big Green Targets, features recycled foam in its construction. The 24x20x12-inch Lightning Pro comes ready with wild game images screen-printed on its face.

The target is strengthened by a tough all-weather wrap. But don’t think that because it is recycled material, it sacrifices anything in the way of performance.

The Lightning Pro is long-lasting because of its heat-bonded, self-healing outer core. You can stack arrow after arrow, save money and feel good about your environmental impact with the Big Green Targets Lightning Pro. For more information, log onto biggreentargets.com.

2 Tru-Fire T1

Loose blades become a thing of the past with the new Tru-Fire T1 fixed-blade broadhead. Tru-Fire integrated a Spring Retention System (SRS) into this innovative head that provides remarkable blade security. The SRS pushes the blade solidly toward the tip. What you get is a blade that stays concretely in the ferrule, which is very reassuring. The one-piece, solid-steel and American-made ferrule is rock solid and ready to drop the heartiest of game. When you screw the T1 into your arrow, you can be confident that it will deliver consistent flight and deadly penetration.

For more information, log onto trufire.com.

Inside Archery 33 September 2010

New&Notable E-Z Hunter E-Z Drag Deluxe 1

Hunters know the tough work begins after the game has been bagged and tagged. It’s after the shot when an animal has to be dragged. Make the often-arduous trek out of the forest vastly easier with the E-Z Hunter E-Z Drag Deluxe. Just take the E-Z Drag Deluxe’s heavyweight nylonwebbing head strap and slip the muzzle and front feet of the deer into the middle loop. Secure the head strap behind the ears and tighten. In no time at all you are ready throw on the E-Z Drag Deluxe’s adjustable shoulder strap and start walking out your game. The E-Z Drag Deluxe can also attach to a treestand safety harness—perfect for hands-free deer transport. Don’t fret about getting game to the car ever again because E-Z Drag Deluxe gets the job done without breaking your back.

For more information, log onto e-zhunter.com.

2 Arrowmat Just for Fun Series

The Arrowmat Just for Fun Series target faces can hone your skills and add a whole new level of fun to your range time. Get some buddies together and make practicing into a friendly competition with these creative faces. Enjoy some archery blackjack with the Deck of Cards face or play archery darts with the Dartboard Face. Arrowmat faces are guaranteed to last for at least 1,000 shots, so they are ready for numerous double-or-nothing rounds. The 17x17-inch Arrowmat faces can be utilized with most standard archery targets and backstops. Wild game images are also available in the Arrowmat lineup. For more information, log onto arrowmat.com.

Inside Archery 34 September 2010

CIrcle #197

M a r k e t

T r e n d s

Crossbow Report

By Bill Krenz

Wicked Ridge Invader T

he majority of those buying a crossbow, and particularly those buying a crossbow for the very first time, want a crossbow that’s simple, reliable and affordable. That’s what they crave. But at the same time they also dream of getting many of the high-tech features found on the more expensive models. Pay a little, get a lot. It’s a nice dream.

Wicked Ridge Crossbows, however, is in the business of fulfilling dreams. With crossbow designs by the experts at TenPoint Crossbow Technologies, Wicked Ridge blends affordability with high-tech features and performance. For many buyers, it’s a match made in crossbow heaven.

Take, for example, the newfor-2010 Wicked Ridge Invader crossbow.

The Invader’s price won’t cause your customers to swoon, but its features might. The 2010 Wicked Ridge Invader is a whole lot of crossbow for a very reasonable amount of money.

The list of high-tech features on the Wicked Ridge Invader is a long one. There’s one of the best crossbow stocks going, a patented advanced trigger system, power-to-spare quad limbs, a patented selfretracting cocking device that’s built right into the crossbow, unique accuracy-oriented barrel technology, an ambidextrous safety, a patented dry-fire inhibitor, CNC-machined aluminum riser, tunable synthetic yoke system and more. Pay a little. Get a lot.

On top of all that the Wicked Ridge Invader is a

superb performer. Its 180-pound limbs and 12-inch power stroke propel deep-penetrating arrows with significant velocity. And on the range or in the field the 2010 Wicked Ridge Invader knows how to deliver those arrows with an accuracy that will surprise and delight.

Wicked Ridge is a dream maker. It provides high-tech, feature-laden crossbows to match the means of most hunters.

How It Shoots

Hunters new to crossbows yearn for simplicity.

Maybe that’s because crossbows, at first glance, can appear intimidating, beginning with the cocking process. The Wicked Ridge Invader has a simple answer for that––its integrated and easy-to-use ACU-52 Cocking System.

Built right into the butt stock of the Wicked Ridge Invader is the ACU-52. It’s a leveraged rope cocking system that automatically retracts back into its compact housing after use. This system completely eliminates searching for, untangling and fumbling with a loose rope cocker. In addition, the leveraged ACU-52 reduces the cocking draw weight of the Invader by about half. That makes it faster, easier and simpler to cock the Wicked Ridge Invader.

In addition, the ACU-52 ensures a more consistent cocking action. To maximize crossbow accuracy, it’s crucial that the bowstring engages the trigger mechanism in exactly the same spot on the bowstring every time. Haphazardly cocking any crossbow makes that difficult. Cocking the Wicked Ridge Invader with the ACU-52 makes that simple and sure.

Also straightforward on the Wicked Ridge Invader is its trigger and safety system. As the bowstring reaches full draw in the cocking process, the Invader’s safety is automatically engaged and switched to the “safe” position. At the same time, another patented high-tech feature clicks in. That feature is the bow’s DFI, which is short for Dry-Fire Inhibitor. It prevents the Invader from being dry-fired when an arrow is not properly in place on the bow.

Firing the Wicked Ridge Invader is simplicity

Inside Archery 36 September 2010

itself. The bow’s ambidextrous safety is slid forward to the fire position, which is marked by a “red” dot, the bow is aimed and the trigger is pulled, sending the arrow on its way.

“Trigger pull” is the amount of pressure

Arrow Speed

that must be exerted on the trigger to release the shot. Lesser crossbow triggers pull heavy and feel gritty before the shot breaks. The Wicked Ridge Invader is equipped with the patented PowerTouch Trigger by TenPoint.

Its trigger pull is light (around 4 pounds), very smooth and very crisp.

The 2010 Wicked Ridge Invader typically comes complete with a six-arrow quiver and a Ridge-Dot multi-dot scope.

That’s a fast and easy-to-use optics system that’s right at home in the woods. Yet another option is to go with a three-power TenPoint Pro-View Scope, and that’s how I equipped my test Invader.

With that scope, which features three stacked crosshairs calibrated for 20, 30 and 40 yards, my arrows were quickly finding the aiming spots on my practice targets at each of those distances. With either the Ridge Dot or Pro-View scope setup, accuracy with the Wicked Ridge Invader becomes simply a matter of aiming precisely, holding the crossbow steady and squeezing the trigger with care. Zap! The arrows will find their mark. Mine did.

Simple, reliable and affordable…with a surprising array of advanced features and benefits. That’s how I found the 2010 Wicked Ridge Invader.

20-Inch Test Arrow - Easton XX75 Razor 2219

Key Features and Benefits

Quick Notes

Wicked Ridge Invader ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Stock Ergonomics - High cheekpiece results in comfortable, natural sight picture.

Ease of Cocking - Integrated ACU-52 makes cocking easy and convenient.

Safety - Safety auto locks when bow is cocked and is ambidextrous.

Trigger Pull - A light, crisp release with no noticeable creep.

Sighting System - Pro-View Scope with 20-, 30- and 40-yard crosshairs is very precise.

Shot Noise/Vibration - Reasonably quiet with a minimum of shot vibration.

Accuracy - Pin-point accuracy on the range and in the field.

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

Excellent Stock Design

Arrow Weight - 435 gr.s

Specifications

Stock design can make or break a crossbow.

The stock on the Wicked Ridge Invader is excellent. This stock looks great and feels even better, particularly its high comb which delivers a comfortable and consistent cheek weld and sight picture.

Length with Stirrup

37.5 inches

PowerTouch Trigger

Width – Axle to Axle

26 inches

Length of Pull

13.5 inches

Draw Weight

180 pounds

Power Stroke

12 inches

Kinetic Energy - 88.1 ft. lbs.

Arrow Speed - 302 fps

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

Mass Weight w/o Accessories 7.5 pounds Finish

Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For more info, log onto wickedridgecrossbows.com or call Wicked Ridge Crossbows at (330) 628-9245.

Inherent in this advanced trigger system is a trigger pull that’s light, smooth and crisp, all of which enhances accuracy.

Integrated ACU-52 Cocking Device Built right into the butt stock of the Invader is this patented, leveraged rope cocking device.

It’s easy to use while it leverages the cocking process to reduce the cocking pull weight by 50 percent and perfectly aligns and engages the bowstring for an accurate shot. And it conveniently retracts back into its housing after use so it is never lost or tangled.

Inside Archery 37 September 2010

Built right into the butt stock of the Invader is the patented ACU-52, a leveraged rope cocking device that’s simple and easy to use. After use, it conveniently retracts back into its housing.

The trigger housing on the Invader includes a convenient and secure safety system and an integrated scope-mount rail. The forward “red” safety position is the fire position.

The forearm on the Invader was engineered for both comfort and safety. It helps you steady the bow during aiming and keeps your fingers well below the flight path of the bowstring.

Ambidextrous Automatic Safety The Invader’s safety automatically engages when the bow is cocked. To fire you must first push the safety forward to the red “fire” position. It’s a system that’s safe and secure.

Dry-Fire Inhibitor The patented TenPoint Dry-Fire Inhibitor integrated into the Wicked Ridge Invader prevents dry-firing of the bow when no arrow is present.

ACRA-ANGLE Barrel The flight deck of the Invader was specifically designed to allow shooters to pull the bow while their index fingers touch the side of the barrel. That better ensures accurate cocking and shooting.

Z

“Our idea was to create a new-aged game-management company for the modern-day hunter,” says Ryan Busbice. “At the time there were companies that offered products to attract deer, companies that provided protein-based feed for deer and still other companies that delivered food-plot seed. But there was no company that did it all. Everyone was thinking inside their own little box.

We wanted to dissolve the boxes. We wanted to be a company that supplied all of the advanced tools needed for pulling in, holding, growing and eventually harvesting bigger, healthier deer. Our idea was to be a source for what hunters really wanted.”

With a history in weight lifting and strength training, Ryan Busbice understood nutrition. He had seen how natural nutritional and protein supplements, minerals and vitamins could be used to help increase fitness, strength and size in weight lifters. He wondered if the same sort of hale and hearty approaches might also be used to grow healthier, bigger deer.

Inside Archery 39 September 2010

“We always hunted,” Ryan reveals. “My father hunted. His father hunted.

Nearly all of the family hunted. We grew up hunting. Hunting kept us in the woods and out of trouble. A deep-seated passion for hunting permeated our lives.

“So the jump from fitness and strength in people to the same thing in deer seemed an easy one for us to make. We began studying all we could find on the subject, and eventually we began testing the real-world effectiveness of various feeds and products on deer in the wild. What actually attracted deer? What were deer willing to eat and not eat? What nutritional combinations of supplemental proteins, fats and carbohydrates boosted overall deerherd health and produced bigger bucks? We even contacted and consulted with noted deer biologist Larry Weishuhn on his advanced work and studies on deer health and nutrition.

“And in the end we developed a small but innovative and exciting lineup of products that combined nutrition with attraction. No one had ever really offered

Inside Archery 40 September 2010

that combination before, although we felt that the need and our timing were perfect.”

“At the time,” says younger brother Matt, “the concept of Quality Deer Management (QDM) was beginning to take root with serious deer hunters all across the country. Deer managers and hunters were starting to realize that overall herd health had a direct relationship on hunt quality and particularly on the number and size of the bucks harvested. The innovative new products from Wildgame Innovations dovetailed straight into that pressing need. All we had to do was educate and convince them of the value of those products.”

Still in college at the time and working on a marketing degree, Matt Busbice took on that role.

“I remember getting emails in between my classes at LSU from Ryan and my father on all sorts of Wildgame packaging ideas and marketing and advertising schemes. Lots of emails, actually. Ryan had a business degree, and Dad had already built his own oil-field trucking company up from scratch into one of the biggest in the trucking industry. Yet we longed to create something together in the hunting-products field that was above and beyond.”

One of Wildgame Innovation’s initial products was Buck Bran, a highprotein and high-fat-content deer feed that attracted deer like crazy but also provided a genuine

Inside Archery 41 September 2010

nutritional boost. Wildgame Innovations’ Acorn Rage––an enriched blend of real acorns, crushed and mixed with soybean meal––did much the same thing. It attracted deer, and it made them healthier at the same time.

Based on that innovative dual concept of attraction and nutrition, Wildgame Innovations grew and grew.

“Today Wildgame Innovations is the complete game-management source,” Ryan explains. “The line includes constantly improving products for growing and attracting bigger and healthier deer, as well as wild hogs, squirrels, coons, predators and waterfowl. Wildgame offers the best in attractants, supplemental feeds, minerals and food-plot blends for serious game managers and hunters everywhere. And, as always, Wildgame products continue to be exciting and inventive.

“Take, for example, the new-for-2010 Wildgame Innovations Acorn Rage Drop N Block. Deer are naturally attracted to the sound of dropping acorns.

The Acorn Drop N Block is a first-of-its-kind hanging block that drops real acorns on a time-release basis for weeks, attracting and feeding deer throughout that time period.”

Inside Archery 42 September 2010

Ryan, Matt and Bill think out of the box on a daily basis.

“At one point we were deep into the process of designing a better game feeder,” recalls Matt. “Then we ran into a snag with the firm that we’d planned to have manufacture the feeders for us to our specifications. The name of that Texas firm was BA Products. It seemed they just couldn’t meet our anticipated delivery schedules. Rather than jump to a lesser manufacturer, we decided to buy BA Products in April of 2005, fund and reorganize their operation and move forward. It was a bold move, but it made sense on several levels.

“BA Products was a superb manufacturer of quality game feeders. We needed and wanted that capability.

In addition, BA Products had begun expanding out into hunting-oriented electronics in the form of scouting cameras and even laser rangefinders, and we had long felt that those were two areas into which we wanted to expand. In short order we rolled BA’s manufacturing capabilities and electronics expertise into the Wildgame Innovations fold, maintaining the BA facility in Texas and engaging its most talented managers and employees, like Chris Barley and Brandon Roach.”

Quite suddenly Louisiana-based Wildgame Innovations had an arm in Texas with electronics engineering and manufacturing skills.

“Under our direction, the BA facility continues to develop and produce the outdoor industry’s best game feeders and feeder accessories under the Wildgame Innovations and Remington labels,” Ryan adds. “That’s working splendidly, but just as exciting or maybe even more so is the blossoming lineup of scouting cameras, rangefinders and actions cameras that Wildgame Innovations now also offers. The new frontier for Wildgame Innovations is smaller boxed electronic goods that outperform what’s available at a better price.”

“It’s no secret that scouting cameras are a hot product category. As one hunter

put it, ‘You just can’t have enough scouting cameras. They’re that valuable and that much fun!’ What we’ve done to fit better into that everyday-hunter thinking, however, is carve out a product position in which Wildgame Innovations offers quality scouting cameras that are proven performers at price points that

Inside Archery 43 September 2010

everyone can afford. In fact, we currently have five different feature-loaded scouting cameras that retail for less than $100, and even more that sell for under $200. We deliver more by offering excellent scouting-camera performance at sensible, everyday prices. Hunters want and deserve that.”

“With the same idea in mind,” Matt adds, “We also wanted to be able to offer bowhunters a quality laser rangefinder at a reasonable price. We believe that at least 80 percent of bowhunters simply want to know if a stump or deer is 30 or 40 yards away, and they don’t want to have to spend $250 to $500 to find that out.

“We partnered with experts in the rangefinder field to develop a full line of Wildgame Innovations laser rangefinders that are very competitively priced, quality made and very accurate. We soft launched those Wildgame rangefinders in

2009 to rave reviews from retailers and consumers alike, and then introduced the complete lineup in 2010.

“On top of excellent, affordable scouting cameras and laser rangefinders is a brand new Wildgame Innovations product lineup that seems to be exactly what hunters want right now.

That product lineup is action cameras. Action cameras are small, light, rugged, affordable video cameras that hunters can take into the field to film their hunts. Wildgame Action Cameras can literally be clipped to the brim of your cap to easily capture and share what you see in the field. They can

Inside Archery 44 September 2010

just as easily be handheld, strapped to a stabilizer, used on a tree-mount or set up on a tripod. Some models offer brilliant HD-quality footage and all of the models, including those with HD, range from just $99 to $160. As filming your own everyday hunts becomes more and more popular, and posting your homegrown videos on Facebook and YouTube becomes even more trendy, the demand for action cameras will continue to grow.

Wildgame Innovations offers fieldready, quality action cameras at hunteraffordable prices.”

Barely two years after adding BA Products to the Wildgame Innovations portfolio, another opportunity arose.

“There are a number of ways to expand your reach into any marketplace,” Ryan expresses in a serious tone.

“In-house development of new products, like action cameras for hunters, is one way to go. Company acquisitions is another. The acquisition route sounds easiest on the surface, but extreme care must be taken to fold in only those companies with products that fit your corporate culture and objectives.”

In 2007 Wildgame Innovations reached out again into the market and acquired Flextone Game Calls.

“Flextone fit our mold of a company with a unique and innovative product line. There are plenty of call companies offering run-of-the-mill, hard-plastic and wooden game calls. What Flextone offered was a distinctively different approach. Flextone calls all featured a patented, soft-and-flexible rubber technology that allowed the user to squeeze, bend and contort the barrel of the call to vary the call’s tones and better mimic natural game sounds. Science tells us that it is the soft, flexible nature of the chest, throat and mouth that enables animals and humans to emit such a wide variety of sounds. Flextone, and its flexible calls, better captured game sounds than any other call line.

“Furthermore, the unique Flextone soft-call concept is one that hunters get. It just makes sense, and that makes

it very marketable. With Flextone, the name, the branding and the technology were all there. We continued to work with Flextone founder Tom Wiley, and we brought in veteran call designer Dean Regan. At the same time, we approached hunting personality and calling expert Michael Waddell to assist

Inside Archery 45 September 2010

with call design and promotion.

“Michael has been especially instrumental in helping Flextone create and launch a complete line of turkey-calling products, including better diaphragm calls, slate calls, box calls, pot-type calls and turkey locators. The Flextone turkey calls are doing very well, as are the

brand’s amazingly realistic deer calls. Last year the Flextone Buck Collector was one of the best-selling grunt calls in the country.

Waterfowl, dove, elk, hog, squirrel and predator calls also grace today’s Flextone lineup.

Brand new for 2010 are two Flextone electronic predator-calling systems, the Mimic HD and the Echo HD.” And in yet another decisive 2007 move, Wildgame Innovations also purchased Barnett Crossbows.

“We’d been watching crossbows for some time,” says Matt. “The crossbow market, sparked by increased crossbow-hunting opportunities, had begun to grow dramatically. An exceptional crossbow lineup seemed an ideal opportunity to capitalize on that growth, and Barnett seemed a perfect candidate.

“Barnett had been designing and producing extraordinary crossbows for over 50 years, amassing an unparalleled record of crossbow innovation, including the first ever rope-cocking device, the first crank-cocking device, the first to break the 300 foot-persecond barrier, the first with an adjustable stock, the first to position a crossbow’s trigger mechanism forward to create a significantly longer power stroke and on and on. Most importantly, Barnett owns the revolutionary ‘Shoot through Riser’ patent which enables Barnett to make a faster crossbow without extending the overall length of the crossbow.

What we saw in Barnett were the best and fastest crossbows for the money.

“Under the leadership of third-generation crossbow designer David Barnett and longtime Barnett operations and sales coordinator Mike Houllis, Barnett Crossbows has continued to forge ahead in that field. A revitalized Barnett Crossbows now offers ten different cutting-edge adult crossbows in a wide range of prices from entry-level to extreme performance. Each is technology-packed and designed to be exactly what crossbow hunters want. Today’s Barnett crossbows are typically faster and yet more affordable than the average crossbow. That distinctive combination is derived from decades of crossbow design and manufacturing experience and excellence. It’s

Inside Archery 46 September 2010

like anything else in life—the longer you do something, the better you get at it.

Every year Barnett is now coming out with better and better crossbows, crossbows that are faster, more efficient and more affordable than ever before possible. Barnett is leading in crossbows.”

Not even close to done, Wildgame Innovations expanded once more in 2008.

“In November of 2008,” says Ryan, “we acquired Evolved Industries. That was a different sort of acquisition.

Evolved was our biggest competitor in the deer feed and supplements arena. We had tremendous respect for their people and how they ran their business. But by 2008, Wildgame Innovations had completely outgrown its facilities. We desperately needed more room for manufacturing and warehousing. In a process that began with us simply looking for a larger facility, we eventually entered into talks with Evolved about their company and their facilities in New Roads, Louisiana.

“What became clear was that Wildgame and Evolved both enjoyed strong market positions and futurethinking management. Evolved also had an exceptional manufacturing and warehousing facility and an unusually strong dealer presence.

“In the end we were able to unite two big competitors plus Flextone Game Calls under one roof. And we’ve worked very hard to maintain both Evolved and Wildgame Innovations as separate, strong brands. Each has its own identity, its own customers and its own unique products. Today, Wildgame Innovations and Evolved Habitats and Harvest are the two best deer-feed, attractant and supplements companies going.”

What began as a simple idea for deer attractants that provided a nutritional boost has grown into a dramatically expanded enterprise that now includes Wildgame Innovations, BA Products, Flextone Game Calls, Barnett Crossbows and Evolved Industries, with manufacturing and distribution facilities in New

Roads, Louisiana; Grand Prairie, Texas; Tarpon Springs, Florida and additional corporate offices in Broussard and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It’s a big outfit.

There’s now even a distinctive Wildgame Nation television show, airing on the Outdoor Channel, that’s far

Inside Archery 47 September 2010

from the typical hunting program. It’s a reality show that Matt oversees that’s about a real American family (the Busbices), running a real American company (Wildgame Innovations), chasing real American wild game every minute they can squeeze in.

“In many ways the companies and the various brands and product lines now under our umbrella are all different,” declares Matt. “But in the most important ways, they are all the same. Each company, brand and product line occupies a distinctive niche in the marketplace, and they all deliver innovative and exciting products that hunters want and need at prices that are reasonable and fair.”

“We pull and keep everything together,” Ryan adds, “with organization and energy and trust and first-rate communication and hard work. We have weekly conference calls, weekly financial calls, sales calls, production calls, monthly partner calls, monthly and quarterly strategy meetings, facility visits and a whole lot more. It’s a lot to manage, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Matt jumps in, “And we still see the sky as the limit. We fully expect additional Continued on page 50

Inside Archery 48 September 2010

Continued from page 48

expansion opportunities to emerge, although we will be as careful as we always have been when it comes to adding new assets and new and exciting product lines. We understand that non-stop innovation and a certain dogged persistence is what wins the day.”

“We really enjoy identifying open niches in the marketplace,” says Ryan, “and filling them with bigger and better products that deliver exactly what outdoorsmen want, including down-to-earth value. We spend a great deal of time listening to our customers and to consumers, determining what hunters are really asking for and then quickly and surely developing those products. We do that in each of our companies and with every brand.

Matt concludes, “We’re never going to stay in the box. We’re constantly striving for distinction and pushing to go over and above with everything. We’re competitors and family and hunters and businessmen. Our goal is to achieve more.” Wildgame Innovations is on track to do just that.

For more information, log onto wildgameinnovations.com or call (866) 995-4263.

Z

Inside Archery 50 September 2010

M a r k e t

T r e n d s

Crossbow Report

By Bill Krenz

Parker Enforcer 160 T

oo many crossbows are about as handy and maneuverable in the field as the hood from a pickup truck. One part of that is the typical crossbow shape, but two other huge factors are length and weight.

An overly long and heavy hunting crossbow is a real burden on an oak ridge.

Parker Crossbows has tackled that problem head-on with the new-for-2010 Parker Enforcer 160. This remarkable new crossbow is both pleasingly compact and astonishingly light in weight.

Unscoped, the Parker Enforcer 160 barely tips the scales at 7 pounds. Equipped and ready to hunt with a Parker Red Hot Dial-A-Distance Pin Point Scope, my test Enforcer 160 still weighed only 7 pounds 11 ounces. That’s ultra-handy when the brush gets thick and a favorite treestand is still two ridges away.

For serious hunting, however, a lightweight feel without plenty of power and accuracy isn’t much good. An avid crossbow hunter wants and needs all three of those things.

The 2010 Parker Enforcer 160 delivers all three in spades.

The Parker Enforcer 160 really is the complete hunting package. It’s the kind of lightweight and compact crossbow that you can hike with or walk in anywhere. Its 160-pound limbs are comparatively easy to cock, and they’re packed with game-taking power. My Enforcer 160 shot over 300 feet per second with a 413-grain hunting arrow. Penetration, I would expect, would be exceptional.

Five different sighting-package options are available with the 2010 Parker Enforcer 160, including fast-to-use Red Dot-type optics, multi-reticle scopes in illuminated and un-illuminated versions and the new Parker Red Hot Dial-A-Distance Pin Point Scope. The Dial-A-Distance Scope is really something. That’s what came on my Enforcer 160, and its ease of use, precision and accuracy impressed me.

In addition, the new Parker Enforcer 160 is moderately priced. In fact, it’s a whole lot of serious, lightweight, powerful and accurate crossbow for the money.

How It Shoots

Shooting a crossbow begins with cocking the bow. With the Parker Enforcer 160 that’s easily and safely accomplished with Parker’s Red Hot Deluxe Roller Rope Cocker. The stock of the Enforcer 160 is specifically shaped to receive that handy cocking device. While stepping on the bow’s cocking stirrup, the center of the rope of the cocking device is positioned in the special groove in the stock above and behind the trigger and just below the bow’s safety lever. The rope’s string hooks are then hooked onto the bowstring on either side of the stock, the handles of the string cocker are grabbed and you stand up and raise the handles until the bowstring is pulled all the way up into the crossbow’s trigger housing and audibly clicks into place. The routing of the rope over the back of the Enforcer’s stock leverages the cocking action, making the process reasonably fast and easy to complete.

As the bowstring clicks into place, two things happen. The bow’s safety automatically engages and so does the trigger’s Auto-Engage Anti-Dry Fire Mechanism.

Both are key parts of the advanced Parker G2 Trigger System found on the 2010 Enforcer 160 crossbow.

The safety on the Parker Enforcer 160 is located immediately behind the bow’s trigger housing and just above the top of the stock. A visible green dot means the Enforcer is on safe.

Silently flip the safety up and a red dot appears and the bow is ready to fire.

Parker’s G2 Trigger System is incredibly advanced. It’s all metal and precision machined, fitted and assembled. There is virtually no trigger travel before the shot to anticipate and ruin the squeeze, and the G2 System carefully releases each shot with an average of 4 pounds of crisp trigger pull.

Integrated into the top of the trigger housing is a one-piece scope-mount rail. On that rail on my Enforcer 160 is mounted Parker’s amazing Red Hot Dial-ADistance Pin Point Scope, one of the most advanced crossbow scopes ever offered by anyone. That scope

Inside Archery 52 September 2010

features a single, clutter-free crosshair that I can shoot un-illuminated or illuminated with a red or green center dot. Windage is adjusted with this scope with a typical side turret. Initial sight-in elevation, however, is first adjusted with a dial located on the scope’s special mounting base and while shooting at just 10

Quick Notes

Parker Enforcer 160 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Stock Ergonomics - Pistol grip and vented forearm feel great. The forearm also a pretty good carry handle.

Ease of Cocking - Relatively easy with Red Hot Deluxe Roller Rope Cocker.

Safety - Quiet, easy to reach and engages automatically when the bow is cocked.

Trigger Pull - Virtually no creep with about 4 pounds of pull.

Sighting System - Red Hot Dial-A-Distance Pin Point Scope is simply spectacular.

Shot Noise/Vibration - A surprisingly quiet and subdued crossbow, given its light mass weight.

Accuracy - With the Dial-A-Distance Pin Point Scope, this crossbow stacks arrows!

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Arrow Speed

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 20-Inch Test Arrow - Red Hot Crossbow Arrow Arrow Weight - 413 gr.

Kinetic Energy - 83.1 ft. lbs.

Arrow Speed - 301 fps

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Specifications

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Length with Stirrup

37.25 inches

Width – Axle to Axle

23.75 inches

Length of Pull

13.37 inches

Draw Weight

160 pounds

Power Stroke

11 inches

Mass Weight w/o Accessories

7.1 pounds

Finish

Realtree Advantage Max-4HD

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For more information, log onto parkerbows.com or call Parker Bows at (540) 337-5426.

yards. Once that dial has arrows hitting the center of the target at 10 yards, the scope’s distance-turret—which is conveniently located on the top of the scope––is then calibrated for varying distances from 10 to approximately 60 yards. To make a shot anywhere within that range, all I had to do was dial the scope’s top turret to the desired distance, center the single crosshair on the spot to hit and squeeze the trigger. When I executed the shot properly, the arrow hit the spot.

I tested the Parker Red Hot Dial-ADistance Pin Point Scope over and over again, twisting the distance-turret up and down, changing the distance setting to fit the shot and carefully inspecting the arrow-impact results. Those results proved nothing short of astounding. Once the base and scope were calibrated for my particular crossbow, my arrows plunked into the center of my targets near and far with mind-boggling regularity.

The Parker Red Hot Dial-A-Distance Pin Point Scope on the new Enforcer 160 is a deadly combination.

Key Features and Benefits Lightweight Design

Banish the thought that all crossbows are overly heavy. Not this crossbow! The 2010 Parker Enforcer 160 weighs just a wee bit over 7 pounds. That’s handy.

Quite unique is the Enforcer 160’s vented forearm. That forearm is especially safe and comfortable during the shot, and it’s additionally useful in the field as a carrying handle.

The Enforcer 160’s safety is automatically engaged when the bow is cocked. This is the safe position. To fire you must push the safety up and forward to the red “fire” position.

Uniquely Vented Forearm A good bit of that lightweight feel can be traced back to the Enforcer 160’s aggressive cut-out stock styling. Additionally unique is the Enforcer’s vented forearm. I found that forearm extremely comfortable during the shot and extremely useful as a carrying handle in the field. Great design.

Parker G2 Trigger Parker’s remarkable G2 Trigger System is precise, safe, field-tough and delivers a crisp, virtually no-trigger-travel shot. On my test bow, a digital Lyman Trigger Pull Gauge measured the trigger pull at just over 4 pounds.

Ambidextrous Automatic Safety When the Parker Enforcer 160 is cocked, the bow’s safety automatically engages. To fire you must first push the safety up and forward to the red “fire” position. It’s positive and secure.

Auto-Engage Anti-Dry Fire Also automatically engaged when the bow is

Inside Archery 53 September 2010

The aggressive cut-out stock style of the Parker Enforcer 160 significantly reduces the overall weight of this crossbow.

cocked is the Enforcer 160’s comforting AntiDry Fire Mechanism. That mechanism prevents the bow from being fired without an arrow properly in place.

Package Options Five different package options are available with the 2010 Parker Enforcer 160. Each includes a quiver. Two types of Red Dot sighting packages are offered, as are three scope options, including the incredible new Parker Red Hot Dial-A-Distance Pin Point Scope. By simply twisting a turret on that scope you can dial in any shot from 10 to about 60 yards. Impressive.

Z

Inside Archery

2010 Best Buy Awards These are the finest products available, as voted on by archery retailers nationwide.

Within the archery industry there is tremendous competition for doing things better. That competition is particularly intense in the area of products.

Everyone wants to create a better product. Some actually do.

The truth is that hundreds, if not thousands, of new archery and bowhunting products are offered every year. Some are indeed better. Others, not so much.

Years ago Inside Archery created the prestigious Best Buy Awards Program to do two things. First, the program was designed to single out and recognize those archery and bowhunting products that have proven to be exceptional. Excellence deserves recognition.

Second, the Inside Archery Best Buy Awards were created to help archery retailers clearly identify specific products which enable archery retailers to boost their own sales and profits, right along with the satisfaction levels of their customers. It is genuinely difficult to sort through all the products available and determine what merchandise to order and stock. This annual Inside Archery awards program enables archery retailers, through their votes, to share information on what’s working best

for them and their customers.

To recognize product excellence and share that information, every summer Inside Archery surveys a wide range of archery retailers from one end of the country to the other, gathering information on which products sold best throughout the year. For 2010, retailers responded by selecting Best Buy winners in a broad range of popular product categories.

Top vote-getters in each product category are listed as “2010 Best Buys.” In a few of the most fiercely contested categories, the final tally was so close that Best Buy ties were declared. Tied winners are listed in alphabetical order. “Honorable Mention” winners soundly captured the hearts of many retailers. “High Praise” winners also received significant numbers of votes.

Plenty of voters also jotted down straightforward comments on their ballots concerning their selections. A representative sampling of those comments is included along with these award presentations.

In the archery industry, competition does create excellence.

Inside Archery 54 September 2010

Compound Bows Retailing Over $600

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

BowTech Destroyer

Hoyt Maxxis

BowTech Destroyer, Hoyt Maxxis, Mathews Z7, PSE X-Force Axe 6

Mathews Z7 PSE X-Force 6

Comments: The BowTech Destroyer brings speed, great looks and a quiet shot together. My customers tell me the Hoyt Maxxis is the most accurate bow they’ve ever shot. The Mathews Z7 looks racy and shoots even better. PSE’s X-Force Axe 6 is both very fast and very adjustable.

Honorable Mention Bear Attack, Diamond IceMan FLX, Mission Voyager

High Praise Alpine Silverado, APA Black Mamba 6.5, Elite Judge, Quest Primal Parker Inferno Diamond Stud

Mission Eliminator II

Hoyt TurboHawk

Compound Bows Retailing Under $600

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Bear Assault, Diamond Stud, Hoyt TurboHawk, Parker Inferno, Mission Eliminator II, PSE Bow Madness

Comments: Bear Archery’s Assault is all about style with lots of speed. The Diamond Stud is a smooth-shooting wonder. The Hoyt TurboHawk performs like a much more expensive bow. Mission’s Eliminator II is light, short and quality-made. The Parker Inferno delivers speed and power for a great price. PSE’s Bow Madness has speed, power and promo support.

Bear Assault

PSE Bow Madness

Honorable Mention Alpine Frontier, Quest Smoke

Inside Archery 55 September 2010

2010 Best Buy Awards

Crossbows

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

Barnett Predator

traditional bow. The feel of tradition with high-tech looks and performance.

Barnett Predator, Parker Tornado HP, TenPoint Turbo XLT

Honorable Mention 3Rivers Dalaa, Bear Super

Comments: The Barnett Predator is seri-

Kodiak, Bearpaw Bodnik Bows Redman,

ously fast. Parker’s Tornado HP is short, light and power-packed. The TenPoint

Parker Tornado HP

Turbo XLT has the best-feeling stock

Martin Howatt Hunter, PSE Mustang, October Mountain Mountaineer, Samick Spikeman, TradTech Titan

of any crossbow and the best cocking device.

Total-Containment Arrow Rests

Honorable Mention

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

BowTech StrykeForce, Carbon Express Covert XB, Excalibur Vortex,

Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit

TenPoint Turbo XLT

Horton Vision, PSE TAC 15, Wicked Ridge Invader

Comments: Simple to set up and it shoots great. Never a worry for me or my customer with Whisker Biscuit.

Kids’ Compound Bows

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

Honorable Mention

Mathews Genesis, Mission Menace

APA Twister, NAP QuikTune 360, Octane Hostage Pro

Comments: The Genesis is capable of fitting nearly anyone who

Open Fall-Away Arrow Rests

walks in my shop, young and old. The broad draw-length adjustability of the

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

Mission Menace makes it one of the

Mathews DownForce, Muzzy X-Celerator

most versatile bows going.

Honorable Mention

Mission Menace

Bear Apprentice, Diamond

No bothersome cord with a Muzzy

Jr., Parker SideKick Extreme, PSE

X-Celerator.

Discovery 2

Honorable Mention

High Praise

AAE Avalanche Extreme, Alpine

Diamond Nuclear Ice, Bear

Whisperflite, Cobra Diamondback,

Brave

G5 Expert II, NAP Freedom, Octane

Traditional Bows

Mathews Genesis

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

Comments: My customers

DownForce is the perfect arrow-rest match for a quality Mathews bow.

Razor Edge, Fuse Freestyle, Hoyt Trykon

Hoyt GameMaster II

Comments: The Mathews

Hoyt GameMaster II

are comfortable with this

Inside Archery 56 September 2010

TripWire,

Spot-Hogg

Whammy,

Sure-Loc Bear Trap, Trophy Ridge DropZone, Trophy Taker Pronghorn, Vapor Trail LimbDriver

Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit

Containment Fall-Away Arrow Rests

Trophy Ridge Meat Seeker, Tru-Fire Switchblade

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

QAD Ultra-Rest HD, Ripcord CodeRed

Chisel-Point Fixed-Blade Broadheads

Comments: The QAD Ultra-

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

Rest looks better and always performs.

Muzzy MX-3

Just love Ripcord’s new CodeRed with its convenient, quiet, red over-molding.

Comments: Tried-and-true Muzzys! My most-asked-for

Mathews DownForce

broadheads. 100-percent reliable.

Honorable Mention NAP Apache Capture, MidAt-

Honorable Mention

lantic Tri-Van Vanishing Rest, Trophy

G5 Striker, MidAtlantic Crim-

Taker Xtreme FC Angled Slot

son Talon XT, NAP Thunderhead Edge, Slick Trick, Tru-Fire T1, Trophy Taker

Front-Pivot Expandable Broadheads

Shuttle T-Lock Muzzy X-Celerator

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

NAP Spitfire Edge

Blade-Point Fixed-Blade Broadheads

Comments: Reliable qual-

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

ity. Looks wicked and

G5 Montec CS

always opens. The rough, tough, deadly

Comments: The gold stan-

expandable.

dard for this sort of broadhead. Tough as nails. Tough, accurate,

Honorable Mention

deadly.

Carbon Express F-15 Expandable,

Grim

Reaper,

MidAtlantic

X-System, Sullivan EXP, Trophy Ridge

QAD Ultra-Rest HD

Honorable Mention 3Rivers

Steelhead XL

Elite,

Carbon Express F-15 Fixed, Magnus Stinger, Muzzy Phantom SS, NAP Hell-

Rear-Deployment Expandable Broadheads

Razor, Slick Trick RazorTrick

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

Bag Targets

NAP BloodRunner, Rage SlipCam Comments:

Woodsman

The

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

Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme F/P

NAP

BloodRunner can’t fail. The Blood-

Comments: Looks better and

Runner is everything in one broadhead.

lasts longer. My bag-target customers ask

Rage rocks! Rage flies like a dart and cuts

Ripcord CodeRed

monster holes.

Honorable Mention

NAP Spitfire Edge

G5 Tekan, Smoke Broadhead,

Inside Archery 57 September 2010

for Morrell. The trusted bag targets.

Honorable Mention Delta Speed Bag, Magic Stop

2010 Best Buy Awards Targets, McKenzie TuffStop, Spyder-

Copper John Dead Nuts 3 Mark I,

Web Targets

Rage SlipCam

Foam Targets

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

Rinehart 18-1

Extreme RT900, Fuse Pilot, G5 Optix Rock, Spot-Hogg Bulletproof, Sure-Loc Lethal Weapon 2, Toxonics Wranger

NAP BloodRunner

Single-Pin Hunting Sights

Comments: An incredibly durable broadhead target.

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

TruGlo Range Rover, Viper Quickset MicroTUNE

Super-easy arrow removal and it lasts and lasts.

Honorable Mention

Comments: The TruGlo Range

American Whitetail Cube, Big

Muzzy MX-3

Green Broadhead Pro, Field Logic Block

Rover always pleases. Viper’s Quickset MicroTUNE moves more precisely.

Fusion, McKenzie ShotBlocker, Morrell Six Shooter, Viper Barrel

3D Targets

Honorable Mention G5 Montec CS

Cobra King Cobra LT, Copper John Dead Nuts 3 Mark II, Extreme

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

TS-Hunter, Sure-Loc Sportsman’s

McKenzie Targets

Special, Toxonics ProSlider

Comments: The most real-

Competition Sights

istic 3D targets ever. They

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

look super and stand up to lots of shots.

Honorable Mention

Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme F/P

Delta Targets, Field Logic GlenDel Buck, Rinehart Targets

Multiple-Pin Hunting Sights

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

Axcel ArmorTech-HD, TruGlo XTreme Compact, Viper Diamondback

Axcel AX3000, Sure-Loc Supreme Comments:

The

Axcel

AX300 really is a spot-shooting marvel.

Sure-Loc’s Supreme is what our pros prefer.

Honorable Mention

Rinehart 18-1

Copper John A.N.T.S., Toxonics Double Lock

Attractant Scents

Comments: The Axcel ArmorTech-HD

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

is bombproof and ultra-precise all in one. TruGlo’s XTreme Compact is the

Tink’s #69

right size and packed with features. The

Comments: Trusted by my

Viper Diamondback has everything my

customers. The buck lure bowhunters ask for.

bowhunters want.

Honorable Mention Apex Axim, Cobra Python,

McKenzie Targets

Inside Archery 58 September 2010

Honorable Mention Muzzy Scrape Juice, Robinson

Still Steamin’ Premium Lure, Wildlife

Shot Infinity, Jim Fletcher Insider,

Research Golden Estrus

Scott Rhino XT

Scent Eliminators

Hunting Quivers

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

Wildlife Research Scent Killer

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

Axcel ArmorTech-HD

Fuse Satori, Kwikee Kwiver

Comments: The trusted odor

Comments: My custom-

eliminator. Stock it, sell it.

ers love the high-tech way the Fuse

Honorable Mention

Satori quivers look and work. Kwikee

Invisible Hunter, Robinson

is still the standard in bowquivers.

Scent Shield, Tink’s Vanish

Honorable Mention

Hunting Arrows

Alpine Bear Claw, Bohn-

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

Carbon Express Maxima Hunter, Easton ST Axis N-Fused, Gold Tip XT Hunter

Comments: The Carbon Express Max-

TruGlo XTreme Compact

ing Lynx, G5 Mag-Loc, Mathews ArrowWeb, Octane BantamWeight, Rage Ghost, Tight Spot

Hunting Stabilizers

Viper Diamondback

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

everyone. Easton’s ST Axis N-Fused are

Stokerized Stabilizers

hands down the toughest carbon arrows

Comments: Racy new sta-

available. Gold Tip’s XT Hunters are fast

bilizers! Raising the bar for both tar-

ima Hunter is especially accurate for

and durable.

Honorable Mention

get and hunting stabilizers.

Viper Quickset MicroTUNE

Honorable Mention

AMG Smart Shafts, Beman

Alpine MR2, Bowjax Max-

ICS Hunter, Carbon Tech Whitetail,

jax, Doinker Chubby Hunter, Fuse

PSE Radial X Weave, Lumen-Arrows

Axium, Hi-Tek V.O.I.D., TruGlo Tru-Block, Vibracheck Flexxtech

Hunting Releases

Hunting Silencers

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

T.R.U. Ball Assassin, Tru-Fire Edge

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

Bowjax Ultrajax

TruGlo Range Rover

Comments: Tru-Fire’s Edge has a pleasingly small head and all sorts

tive and they last. Work

of trigger and strap options. The T.R.U.

better and last longer.

Ball Assassin is especially trim and Axcel AX3000

precise.

Comments: Super effec-

Honorable Mention

Honorable Mention Mathews Monkey Tails, Sims LimbSavers/String Leeches

Carter Lucky, Cobra R1, Hot

Inside Archery 59 September 2010

2010 Best Buy Awards clothing provides an edge for my cus-

Fletching

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

Gateway Feathers, Norway

tomers. Scent-Lok is trusted, proven Sure-Loc Supreme

scent-control clothing.

Honorable Mention

Comments: Gateway Feath-

W.L. Gore/Sitka

ers are the preferred feather by those in the know. Norway vanes are so much easier to fletch and the new Norway

Tink’s #69

Fusion Vanes are the best short vanes.

Scouting Cameras

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

Bushnell Trophy Cam

Comments: Perfect pic-

Honorable Mention

tures and great video too.

Arizona Archery Enterprises,

Easy to use and reliable.

Bohning Blazer, Flex-Fletch, Goat Tuff Opti-Vane, NAP QuikSpin

Honorable Mention

Treestands

Cuddeback, Moultrie, Stealth

Carbon Express Maxima Hunter

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

Big Game

Comments: Light, durable,

Cam, Wildgame Innovations Cameras, Wildview Easton XT Axis N-Fused

affordable treestands. Great, tough treestands.

Bowhunting Binoculars

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

Honorable Mention Family Traditions, Gorilla, Lone Wolf, Rivers Edge, Summit

Leupold Mojave

Wildlife Research Scent Killer

Comments: Superb quality and performance in the field for the money. Trusted Leupold

Ground Blinds

quality.

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

Primos Double Bull Dark Horse

Honorable Mention

Comments: The ground blind

Monarch

Bushnell Legend, Nikon

everyone wants. Easy to set up and take

Bowhunting Rangefinders

down, with great windows.

Honorable Mention

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Tru-Fire Edge

Eastman Undercover, Ameristep Signature

Bushnell Scout 1000

Comments: Bright, easy-touse and read rangefinder.

Bowhunting Clothing

Compact and completely reliable.

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

Robinson Outdoors ScentBlocker, Scent-Lok Comments:

ScentBlocker

Honorable Mention Gold Tip XT Hunter

Inside Archery 60 September 2010

Leupold RX, Nikon Archer’s Choice

T.R.U. Ball Assassin

Robinson Outdoors ScentBlocker

Bowhunting Packs

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

Sportsman’s Outdoor Products

Comments: Great packs at reasonable prices. Packs with all sorts of innovative features.

Fuse Satori

Honorable Mention

Scent-Lok

Badlands, Blacks Creek Guide Gear

Kwikee Kwiver

Bow Cases

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

SKB

Comments: Today’s standard

Bushnell Trophy Cam

for hard bow cases. Rough, tough cases that don’t weigh a ton and look good too.

Honorable Mention

Bushnell Scout 1000

Lakewood, Plano Bow Guard,

Stokerized Stabilizers

Pole Mountain, Sportsman’s Outdoor Leupold Mojave

Products, Vanguard Big Game Treestands

Bowjax Ultrajax Sportsman’s Outdoor Products

Norway Vanes

Gateway Feathers

Primos Double Bull Dark Horse

Inside Archery 61 September 2010

SKB Bow Case

M a r k e t

T r e n d s

Field Test

By Bill Krenz

Tactical Archery Systems SABO Sight Ilmagine trying to design the ideal archery sight. What would it look like? How would it perform?

One way to start would be with a clear set of design objectives. These objectives would be the features and benefits that we would like to see in the new sight. My list for such a sight project would look something like this: • I’d want precise aiming points.

• I’d insist on easy, exact adjustment capabilities for setup and sight-in.

• I’d also like an unobstructed view of the target. No bulky pin shanks or crosshairs to clutter up the sight picture. Give me a picture-window view with just my aiming points.

• Ideally, I’d want no electronics whatsoever. Batteries wear out. Electronics can be unreliable. In some states, electronics are even illegal. Make the sight both foolproof and fieldproof.

• And while we’re at it, I’d want this ideal new sight to eliminate the need for a peep sight. Conventional, string-mounted peeps can be a pain.

That’s pretty much it. Start today.

Call me when you’re done! Such newproduct dreaming is fun. But the calls don’t often come.

It’s not easy to create an ideal anything.

However, my phone did ring recently, and the caller was Clay Reinarz with Tactical Archery Systems.

“We have a new archery sight we want you to look at,” said Reinarz. “We think it could be the best sight you’ve ever seen.

It features three precise red dots that appear suspended in an otherwise unobstructed sight picture, it’s easy to adjust, has zero electronics and zero parallax. The zero

Inside Archery 62 September 2010

parallax means that it completely eliminates the need for a peep sight.”

I was intrigued.

The SABO Sight from Tactical Archery Systems is fascinating. The name refers to “Superimposed Ambient Ballistic Optics.”

In layman’s terms that’s a sight that uses only natural light to superimpose aiming dots onto the shooter’s field of view. Cool stuff.

The SABO Sight mounts to a bow like any other bow sight, although its rear projection housing, which juts back from the top of the sight’s circular lens guard, is a bit different. What that unique housing does is somehow, almost magically project three very precise red dots forward into your sight picture. The position of those aiming dots is gang-adjustable to match your setup, your shooting style and where your arrows are flying, and then each dot is individually adjustable in elevation to mesh perfectly with the exact speed of your arrows.

I put a test version of the SABO Sight on a 2010 Hoyt Maxxis 31 to give this new sight a whirl. Its three-step sighting-in process takes some time to wrap your head around, although the process is not overly complicated. Step one involves moving back to 20 yards and sighting-in the bow utilizing the small, black inverted triangle that appears on the sight’s front lens. In this first step the tip of that upside-down triangle is used just like a 20-yard sight pin, and gang windage and elevation adjustments are made with locking screws located on the front of the sight’s mounting bar. Once your arrows are hitting the target right where the tip of

that triangle appears, it’s time to move on to step two. In step two you adjust the top red dot so that it appears to line up with the tip of the reference triangle when you’re at full draw and properly anchored. That’s done with gang adjustments located on the rear projection housing. When that’s completed all you do for a 20-yard shot is come to full draw, line up the top red dot with the tip of the inverted reference triangle, put the dot on the spot on the target to hit and make the shot. The final step involves individually sighting-in the remaining two red dots for additional distances, most likely 30 and 40 yards, although they could be set for almost any reasonable distance.

With each shot, regardless of distance, all you do is bring the bow to full draw, properly anchor, line up the top red

dot with the tip of the inverted reference triangle, select the appropriate dot for the yardage to the target, put that dot on the spot to hit and release the arrow. It actually takes longer to explain than it does to carry out. The key is to first align the top red dot with the inverted triangle. That top-dot-to-triangle alignment is essentially the same thing that you do with a conventional string-mounted peep sight, minus all the mind-numbing hassles of such peeps. And all of this, of course, is done without any sort of electronics.

The SABO utilizes only natural ambient light gathered with fiber optics to energize the sight. That’s it. No switches and no batteries.

Once set up and sighted-in, the SABO Sight shot quite well. The red dots were highly visible in bright sunlight and dim shade. The sight picture

Inside Archery 63 September 2010

was indeed unimpeded. And with a consistent anchor point, the need for a peep sight was removed. Care did have to be taken to maintain a consistent anchor point and head angle from shot to shot.

To do that, I found that it helped to line up the bowstring with the bow’s riser while at full draw. I also think that a kisser button might offer additional anchor-point/head-angle assistance.

The technology behind the SABO Sight from Tactical Archery Systems was inspired by US military developments aimed at rapid target and aiming-point acquisition. As such, the SABO archery sight is cutting edge stuff. Its future is unlimited. It will be captivating to see where this concept goes.

For more information about SABO sights, call (877) 686-7226 or log onto www.tacticalarcherysystems.com.

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Crossbow regulations are changing. And they’re changing fast.

Although some pessimistic bowhunters predicted the end of hunting as we know it with the legalization of crossbows in archery seasons across the country, those gloom-anddoom predictions have proven inaccurate. Overall, the woods have not been overrun with rifle hunters who purchase crossbows the day before archery season opens, and crossbows, while powerful hunting weapons, have not eradicated booming whitetail populations.

Instead, loosened crossbow laws are boosting hunting license sales, easing deer overpopulation and giving thousands of hunters more opportunity to spend time in the outdoors. As the success of crossbow hunting becomes clear, more states will undoubtedly opt to allow crossbow use during part or all of archery season.

The concerns that many bowhunters have with crossbows are based on misconceptions. Crossbows are not long-range weapons. In fact, a number of vertical bows now boast speeds that are significantly higher than those of many crossbows. In addition, crossbows do not mean automatic hunting success for their users. Studies have found that crossbow hunters had roughly the same success rate as their vertical-bow counterparts.

Crossbows still require practice, skill and familiarity to shoot well.

But they do make shooting easier for the groups most likely to quit or never take up hunting in the first place—older hunters, disabled hunters, female hunters and young hunters. Recruiting and keeping these groups involved in hunting is absolutely critical to maintaining and growing hunter numbers, and crossbows can be an essential part of that. And because of their similarity to firearms, crossbows can serve as an introductory archery weapon for many rifle hunters itching to give archery a try. While some gun hunters will stop with crossbows, many more may find crossbows so enjoyable that they add vertical bows to their hunting-weapon lineup.

Crossbows are benefitting archery retailers as well. As states change their crossbow regulations, dealers are finding that crossbow sales have exploded. Crossbow manufacturers are working overtime to fulfill the demand for more crossbow choices, offering a more technologically advanced lineup of horizontal bows than ever before. Here’s what’s new and exciting this year.

Inside Archery 65 September 2010

TenPoint Crossbow Technologies

The TenPoint Turbo XLT is an ultracompact crossbow, weighing just 7.7 pounds and offering a 13.5-inch axle-to-axle width when cocked. XLT stands for Xtreme Limb Technology, and this design takes TenPoint’s Compact Limb System (CLS) technology to an all-new level. The Turbo XLT riser is lighter than CLS designs, features more acutely angled limb pockets, sports 11-inch IsoTaper limbs and comes with a detachable coated-aluminum foot stirrup. The draw weight of the Turbo XLT is 180 pounds, and it shoots a 420-grain arrow at 315 fps thanks to its high-performance MR cams, string and cables with tunable yokes.

Other features include TenPoint’s DryFire Inhibitor, 3.5-pound PowerTouch-10 trigger and either the ACUdraw or ACUdraw 50 automatic cocking unit. The Turbo XLT offers all the performance of a top-of-theline crossbow at a price point that budgetconscious archers will appreciate. For more information, log onto tenpointcrossbows.com.

Parker Crossbows

The new-for-2010 Parker Cyclone Express 175 is 2 inches shorter than the original Cyclone—just 21.5 inches from axle to axle—and weighs a scant 8.3 pounds, making it easy to maneuver in any hunting situation. It has a 175-pound draw weight, 12.5-inch power stroke and 340-fps arrow speeds. The Cyclone Express features a five-position adjustable stock, a fully adjustable vented forearm, Parker’s inverted cam technology, a safety finger flange, dual string suppressors and a G2 Trigger with an ambidextrous auto-engage safety and anti-dryfire mechanism.

This 100-percent metal crossbow uses no plastic components and is offered in a number of packages that will fit the needs of almost every bowhunter and crossbow enthusiast.

The Outfitter Package includes a quiver and your choice of 3-dot red/green optic, 3x multi-reticle scope, illuminated multi-reticle scope or Parker’s accuracy-enhancing Pin Point Scope. The Perfect Storm Package comes with what you need, including six Red Hot arrows, a Red Hot roller rope cocker, six Red Hot Crosspro broadheads, an illuminated multi-reticle scope and a Red

Inside Archery 66 September 2010

Hot soft case. For more information, log onto parkerbows.com.

Barnett Crossbows

The Barnett Buck Commander has garnered quite a bit of attention this year. The ultra-smooth-shooting Buck Commander is capable of speeds of up to 365 fps with 129 foot pounds of kinetic energy, and the all-new aluminum flight rail allows for precise shooting and enhanced durability. In addition, the shoot-through foot stirrup extends the power stroke to 15 inches, increasing speed and power while ensuring a compact fit and optimal balance.

But the Buck Commander is not the only Barnett crossbow worth a look this year. Crossbow enthusiasts who want to save money without sacrificing performance will be very interested in the Barnett Jackal. The Jackal features a sleek, lightweight, tactical-styled stock and a divided fore-grip that ensures comfortable hand placement and ideal

balance. The Jackal also boasts Barnett’s new anti-dry-fire mechanism for improved safety. The Jackal launches bolts at speeds of 315 fps and sports a 3.5-pound trigger pull. This is a highquality crossbow offered at a phenomenal price. For more information, log onto barnettcrossbows.com.

Excalibur Crossbows

The new Axiom Kit from Excalibur Crossbows was designed to allow budget-conscious shooters to take advantage of Excalibur’s highperformance crossbows. The Axiom has a draw weight of 175 pounds and a 14.5-inch power stroke. The incredibly lightweight Axiom weighs just 6 pounds, making it easy to carry no matter how far you need to walk. The Axiom is capable of reaching speeds of 305 fps. This highly accurate crossbow is available only as a kit that includes a multiplex crossbow scope and mounting hardware, four Firebolt arrows with

Inside Archery 67 September 2010

field points and a four-arrow quiver.

Also new from Excalibur this year is the Vixen Pink. As the name implies, this version of the Vixen II is available in a unique Realtree AP Pink camouflage designed to appeal to female hunters of all ages. With a mass weight of 5.9 pounds, draw weight of 150 pounds and reduced length of pull, the Vixen was engineered to fit smaller-framed hunters while still packing plenty of power and speed. Best of all, Excalibur will donate $10 to breast cancer research for every Vixen Pink crossbow sold. For more information, log onto excaliburcrossbow.com.

BowTech

BowTech’s innovative approach to compound bow design has helped this relatively young bow manufacturer win a legion of devoted fans. Apply BowTech technology to a horizontal bow, and what do you get? The StrykeForce, a next-generation crossbow that’s available at a very appealing price.

The StrykeForce features BowTech’s Center Pivot Technology, which means the riser attaches near the center of the limbs for less limb movement and greater stability. The StrykeForce also features redesigned Binary Cams that function as a single unit for improved consistency and accuracy. Other features include WhisperTech string stops, a crisp trigger, a bolt sensor that resets the safety whenever a bolt is not loaded in the bow, a pistol fore-grip to keep your fingers from entering the string flight path, an EZ2Draw cocking aid, an aluminum riser and an optional multiple reticle red-dot 1x30 scope.

The StrykeForce weighs just 8.6 pounds, is a compact 18.25 inches from axle to axle and shoots a 425-grain bolt at 385 fps. For more information, log onto strykerxbow.com.

PSE Archery

Last year, PSE Archery introduced the TAC 15, a revolutionary crossbow assembly and fore-grip that fit onto the lower receiver of an AR-15. Mounting the TAC 15 takes mere seconds, and users have the benefit of the AR-15’s trigger and safety mechanisms.

Additionally, the TAC 15 features a built-in anti-dry-fire mechanism that prevents it from firing without an arrow or with an improperly loaded arrow. The TAC 15’s free-floated rail-

Inside Archery 68 September 2010

less design amplifies speed and accuracy, generating speeds of over 400 feet per second. The total mass weight of the TAC 15 with lower receiver, grip and buttstock installed is 8.9 pounds.

For those who don’t happen to have an AR-15 lower, there’s the PSE TAC 15i. The TAC 15i offers a fully adjustable stock, a crisp trigger and speeds of 400+ fps. The TAC 15i is 17 inches axle to axle at brace and 12 inches at full draw and features a lightning-fast 12-millisecond lock time. The TAC 15i is a must-try crossbow, whether you’re looking for a horizontal hunting bow or just want to try something new at the range.

For more information, log onto pse-archery.com.

CenterPoint Hunting & Outdoors

The 2010 Teton R1 from CenterPoint dishes up pretty much everything a hunter could want in a crossbow—speed, power and performance. With its quad-limb design, the Teton R1 boasts speeds of 320 fps, and the all-weather stock ensures this crossbow is rugged enough for even the toughest conditions.

The 9-pound Teton R1 has a draw weight of 175 pounds and an axle-to-axle length of 25.5 inches.

Other features of the Teton R1 include a Lightning-Touch Trigger System, an illuminated three-dot CenterPoint optic, a rope-cocking device, custom string and cables and a Realtree Hardwoods HD custom finish. For more information, log onto centerpointhunting.com.

information, log onto carbonexpresscrossbows.com.

Horton Manufacturing

Brand new from Horton this year is the Team Realtree UltraLite Express, and the Ultra-Lite certainly lives up to its name.

An innovative skeletonized riser forged from 7075 aluminum reduces weight, so the Ultra-Lite weighs in at a mere 6.5 pounds. The riser is also geometrically tuned to eliminate vibration, and dual integrated stumper arms with Sims NAVCOM string stoppers capture the string, ensuring the Ultra-Lite is as quiet as it is light.

The Ultra-Lite utilizes asymmetric limbs, meaning that the lower limb is wider than the top limb. This eliminates cam lean and aids in smooth cocking and nock travel for boosted accuracy. A new high-speed design adds an additional inch of power stroke, allowing the Ultra-Lite to reach speeds of 330 fps. A removable butt pad allows the shooter to customize the length of pull from 13 to 14 inches, and the Ultra-Lite’s fore-end can also be customized to perfectly fit a wide range of shooters. For more information, log onto hortonarchery.com.

Darton Archery

For the shooter who just can’t get enough speed, there is the Darton Lightning. This crossbow is as fast as its name, blazing arrows at up to 362 fps. The Lightning boasts a 175-pound

Wicked Ridge Crossbows

The Wicked Ridge Invader is a high-performance crossbow that will please even the pickiest crossbow shooter. But Wicked Ridge also offers a second excellent crossbow choice for 2010.

The Warrior is a cost-effective option that still provides the performance hunters crave.

With a draw weight of 165 pounds, the Warrior sends arrows downrange at 285 fps. Like the Invader, the Warrior sports a machined-aluminum riser, precision-machined aluminum wheels, a revolutionary cored semi-skeletal stock design, a dry-fire-inhibitor and a safety-engineered fore-grip. The Warrior package comes with a Ridge-Dot scope and a sixarrow instant-detach quiver, and the Warrior has the ability to accept Wicked Ridge’s convenient self-retracting ACU52 rope-cocking system. For more information, log onto wickedridgecrossbows.com.

Carbon Express

The brand new Carbon Express Covert XB-3.5 is engineered to deliver superb penetration and optimal performance. The ultra-compact, parallel-limb design of the Covert XB-3.5 provides a full 15-inch power stroke and speeds of 350 fps with decreased recoil. The Covert XB-3.5 features a draw weight of 200 pounds.

A quick-detach Husky Pro quiver with picatinny mounting system, Pro 5 Step Deluxe lighted scope, three 20-inch Surge crossbolts with field points and rail lubricant all come with the Covert XB-3.5. For more

Inside Archery 69 September 2010

draw weight, 17.5-inch power stroke, HighOctane Energy Cam and matched EFLEX Quad limbs.

Weighing in at 9 pounds, the Lightning is loaded with features to enhance both comfort and performance. A precision-machined Arrow Track makes for consistent arrow flight, synthetic Power Yoke Cables balance limb torque, an adjustable butt plate ensures a custom fit, the dry-fire mechanism improves safety and Sims LimbSaver technology makes for a quiet shot. For more information, log onto dartonarchery.com.

Scorpyd Crossbows

The Scorpyd RDT-125 features an unusual reverse design that puts the string at the bow’s leading edge, optimizing the bow’s power stroke. RDT stands for Reverse Draw Technology, and this radical crossbow weighs just 9 pounds, boasts a 20-inch power stroke and can smoke arrows at 370 fps.

The whisper-quiet RDT-125 also offers a crisp 2.5-pound trigger pull and an axleto-axle width of 17.5 inches in the cocked position. The RDT-125 comes with a collapsible stock so that bowhunters in a ground blind or a wheelchair can fold it out of the way. In addition, the RDT-125 comes with pre-drilled and tapped holes in the bottom to accept a bracket for a bipod for those who need one, making this an ideal crossbow for

Inside Archery 70 September 2010

young, female or handicapped hunters. For more information, log onto scorpyd.com.

rail is designed to reduce friction and preserve the string. For more information, log onto armcross.com.

cocking device and mounting bracket and a crossbow case. For more information, log onto arrow-precision.com.

Swiss Crossbow Makers

Kodabow

Selling More Crossbows

The unique TwinBow II from Swiss Crossbow Makers is self-cocking, requiring no cranks or cocking strings. To cock the TwinBow II, you simply unfold the cocking lever from the stock, brace the butt on your upper leg and crank down the cocking lever. The process takes just three seconds, and the string will be perfectly centered on the release mechanism every time.

The TwinBow II measures just 16.5 inches wide, weighs 7.5 pounds and features an 8-inch power stroke. The bow’s split inverted composite limbs can launch arrows at 370 fps. It delivers quiet, compact, no-recoil performance and ambidextrous shooting. For more information, log onto swisscrossbow.ch.

Armcross

The best inventions stand the test of time. That’s why the Armcross LeoPro is based on the reverse crossbow design dreamed up by the great Leonardo da Vinci in the late 1400s.

The LeoPro has a 175-pound draw weight and 13-inch power stroke that delivers arrow speeds of 305 fps. This short, lightweight crossbow measures 33.5 inches long and 16.3 inches wide and weighs 8 pounds. Its trigger pull is a feathery 3 pounds. Its stock has an ergonomic design for easy holding and accurate shooting. Its barrel and riser are made of durable aluminum alloy, and the

The new Kodabow Alpha Strike is an ideal hunting crossbow. The easy-tocock 155-pound-draw-weight Alpha Strike can be upgraded to a heavier draw weight with an optional extra set of limbs, making the Alpha Strike extremely versatile.

The Alpha Strike features a 13.38inch power stroke, speeds of 272 fps and 57.5 foot pounds of kinetic energy.

Other features of this rugged, highquality crossbow include an automatic safety, anti-dry-fire mechanism, patented ultra-smooth Kodabow Cam Following Trigger System, machined riser, solid rail technology and dual limbs with Dynamic Flex Energy Storage. For more information, log onto kodabow.com.

Arrow Precision LLC

The Arrow Precision Inferno Hellfire is a lightweight, ultra-fast crossbow available in two woods-ready packages. The Inferno Hellfire is 7.75 pounds with a draw weight of 185 pounds and a 13.5inch power stroke. The Hellfire reaches speeds of 330 fps.

The quad-limb Hellfire features a machined-aluminum riser, an ambidextrous auto safety and an anti-dry-fire mechanism, a large boot-style foot stirrup and a precision trigger assembly.

The Hellfire Package includes a 4x32 multi-range scope and a rope cocker. The Hellfire Ultimate Package includes a crank

Inside Archery 71 September 2010

Crossbows are a growing archery product category. Take advantage of the hype and interest in these horizontal bows by offering a wide variety in your shop.

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Marketplace

Inside Archery 72 September 2010

Marketplace

Inside Archery 73 September 2010

I n s i d e

t h e

i n d u s t r y

Retail in Detail

by Darron McDougal

T

he Reset Button • It is highly distasteful for customers to encounter an archery store that puts little emphasis on the appearance of its merchandise.

The perception left in the minds of customers by such stores significantly weakens the chances of repeat business. Customers will begin to feel unappreciated, and they will also begin feeling that the store cares little about the merchandise it sells. How can a customer enjoy his or her shopping experience when they cannot find things quickly and easily? How can merchandise appear valuable if there is a layer of dust on it? Both are impossible.

However, as significant as store organization and cleanliness are to customers, there are other things that may be even more crucial. Occasionally, stores need to make subtle changes in the arrangement of particular products to effectively generate sales.

Let me clarify.

You should recognize all sections of an archery retail store as markets within a market. Why? Although each customer that walks through the door is seeking archery gear, they will not all buy the same products. Essentially, a given customer may spend lengthy time intervals shopping in one market within your store, but little or none in the others. If they do not visit the other markets within your store, the probability of selling those customers an item from those markets is very low. Being attentive to customers’ shopping habits can often help you evaluate the placement of certain products. In essence, making note of the items customers routinely look for can inspire you to place similar items nearby that haven’t gotten attention elsewhere.

We humans are creatures of habit.

We purchase plenty of items each year based on sight, often for impulse reasons. We see it and we want it. Being conscious of this tendency will help you to orchestrate the placement of products where they will most easily be seen.

Consider grocery stores. Specifically, assess the product layout in the cold-cereal aisle. Healthier cereals can be found on the upper shelves, while Fruit Loops and other sugary cereals are located on or near the bottom. Is there an explanation for this? Absolutely! Characteristically, adults are more likely to be health-conscious shoppers, which is exactly why the healthy cereal is roughly at their eye level. Youngsters, on the other hand, typically crave and reach for the sweeter cereals that are jam-packed with sugar. A child walking can easily grab a box of Lucky Charms because of that cereal’s placement on the shelf. A retired territory manager for Kellogg’s explained the strategy to me.

Back to archery shops. Selling merchandise is done most effectively by making it highly visible to your customers. Occasionally resetting your shelves can both enhance product visibility and create a fresh new look for your store. Let’s dive into the specifics.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• What • Products that should be reset are the ones that have gotten little attention from customers in the past few months with their current positioning. Giving those particular products a fresh look is often all it takes to get them moving. You may also consider resetting seasonal products that traditionally sell prior to special times of the year. Brand new items are another likely prospect for resetting.

If a particular product has packaging that is outdated or even faded, I suggest selling that item in a discount section within your store, or even marketing them on eBay. When older items begin building up, they continually become tougher to liquidate. They also give stores an unpleasant appearance.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• When • Don’t rotate products to different locations weekly. Resetting too often will frustrate your customers. They will struggle to find the sorts of things they intend to purchase. Be attentive to the products that are not moving in their current locations. It is beneficial to reset older merchandise with newer products that may come in. Pay close attention to upcoming seasons that may arouse a particular crowd. I’ve found these three circumstances most effective for conducting resets.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Where • The center shelving should consistently hold the same product categories. End-caps and open-floor areas are a different story. These are high-visibility areas, and customers expect them to hold different merchandise periodically.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• How • Reset your shelves only before or after business hours.

Customers will not enjoy walking in to find the store in shambles.

First, determine which products need to be reset. Then, choose a subsequent location and remove the existing merchandise. Make the shelves sparkle with a dusting solution, and plot the layout for the new merchandise. Neatly arrange the merchandise until you feel that it is both attractive and orderly. Take the merchandise you removed and place it where the other merchandise was previously located.

I have also found it beneficial to place bright computerprocessed or neatly handwritten signs near the merchandise stating the price, as well as something regarding features or benefits of the product. These signs are fantastic eye-grabbers. Once you have hooked customers into looking at a given product, it is much easier to reel them in to the counter to complete the purchase.

A fresh store appearance creates the taste needed for customers to enjoy their shopping experience. Pleasant shopping experiences convert into repeat business, which ultimately paves the road to successful retailing.

Inside Archery 74 September 2010

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