This was my first year attending the ATA show, and as many of you can imagine there was certainly a lot of people to meet and a lot of interesting new items to look at. Every year the archery industry rolls out its biggest and brightest new ideas at the ATA show, and there certainly wasn't a shortage of new and innovative products to check out. Here are a few of this year's highlights:
Bowtech introduced it's revolutionary new Equalizer Binary Cam System for 2005. This new system utilizes twin cams that are slaved together with dual cables and in turn act as one, completely eliminating the need for individual cam tuning or timing. The true uniqueness that sets the Equalizer Binary Cam apart from traditional hybrid cams is that the cams are not attached to any other part of the bow, such as the limbs, which allows this system to correct for any imbalances in the limb or cable systems. After having shot the Allegiance I can personally atest that this is a very smooth drawing, solid anchoring, silent shooting, and incredibly fast bow. With their new cam system, Bowtech has proven yet again why they are the fastest growing bow company in the history of the industy. Check out all their bows at
www.bowtecharchery.com
Also debuting at this year's show is a new line of dealer-only accessories called Fuse Accesories. These high performance accessories all have built-in vibration dampening devices in order to make your hunting rig deathly quiet. Their Shock Rods are made of Limbsaver Navcom from Sims Vibration Laboratory, and their stabilizers also utilizer Doinker technology as well. But aside from their vibration dampening ability, the main attraction to these new accessories is their cutting-edge design. Fuse sights are available in several eyecatching designs including flames, deer, and elk side profiles. Their quiver mounts also feature new EPT (Ejector Pin Technology) which make them a breeze to snap back onto your bow after a long day of hunting. Check out their full line of accessories as
www.fusearchery.com and be sure to look for them soon at a dealer near you.
Another great new announcement came from Scent Lok and Gore-Tex who teamed up to bring you Scent-Lok Supreme, some of the most versatile and effective hunting clothing ever. No matter what conditions you're hunting under, the new Scent-Lok Supreme line of clothing is sure to keep you dry, scent-free, and most importantly comfortable. Along with the new Savanna EXT ultralight series, Scent-Lok's new products were certainly a hit at this year's show.
www.scent-lock.com
In the world of treestands Lone Wolf has made several changes to their successful line of aluminum stands. For 2005 the Alpha hangon features a new, larger seat design, as well as a redesigned Offset bracket and a self-leveling system for those crooked trees. In addition, Lone Wolf announced that it will be offering a smaller version of the traditional Alpha, apted named the Alpha Assault. At only 8.5 lbs, this is the perfect stand for those of us who like to pack in, hang our stands, hunt, and then pack out. Not only will it be light in our hands, but on our wallets as well. After my first full year of hunting out of a Lone Wolf treestand, I have to say I can't wait to get my hands on one of these new models. If you haven't tried a Lone Wolf yet, do yourself a favor and try one out - you won't regret it!
www.lonewolfstands.com
After another great hunting season, Drury Outdoors announced it will be releasing 5 new DVDs this summer. Dream Season 8, Whitetail Madness 8, The Big Game 4, 100% Wild Fair Chase 5, and Whitetail Obession 5 featuring Jay and Tammi Gregory are tenatively scheduled to hit stores on July 1, 2005 - but keep an eye out for an earlier release date if editing goes well. As of right now there is no word on whether or not the Kiskys will be releasing a video through the Drury Outdoors team this year. Visit
www.druryoutdoors.com for more information.
New Archery Products revealed several new products as well. Their new Quicktune 360* CaptureRest provides total fletching clearance in any weather, and at any angle. Featuring Teflon coated stainless-steel arms the CaptureRest is sure to leave it's mark on the booming 360* arrowrest market. And with no fletching contact, you won't have to worry about your vanes or feathers wearing out prematurely. NAP also announced that their popular QuickSpin fletchings are now available in 3 new colors (purple, red, blue) and in two new sizes, 1.5" and 2.25".
www.newarchery.com
Matthews, Inc. proudly displayed their new flagship bow, The Switchback, to the enthusiastic ATA crowd as well. Their new dual-perimeter weighted Straightline Cobra Cam is sure to provide the speed, accuracy, and dependability that Matthews has become synonymous with in recent years. Be on the lookout for the new Switchback at your local dealer this new year. For more information you can visit them on the web at
http://www.mathewsinc.com
Carolina Archery Products, maker of the Whisker Biscuit, have released their newest line of accesories - the Carolina Foxfire Sights. The Foxfire SP (Single Pin) and Foxfire TP (Three Pin) feature easy and secure micro adjustments that can be made in the field or on the range - without tools! We all know how frustrating it can be when you need to move your pins and you forgot your allen keys in the truck - or worse, at home! These new Foxfire sights also feature Spectral Distribution Technology to aid in aligning the peep to the sight ring. Also new for 2005 is the Deluxe QS rest now in camo.
www.carolinaarcheryprod.com
Rinehart 3-D targets of Janesville, Wisconsin had an interesting display at this year's ATA Show. They challenged the makers of "The Block" target to a contest. Shoot a broadhead tipped arrow into both targets, whichever target yielded a pass through first looses. The prize - $100,000 cash. The last I heard, there wasn't a winner yet, but it certainly was a popular topic of the show. You can see Rinehart online at
www.rinehart3-d.com
Gold Tip Inc, makers of graphite composite arrows announced that they will be acquiring Blackhawk Arrow Company for an undisclosed amount. Following the acquisition, Gold Tip Inc plans to manufacture and sell Vapor arrows which Blackhawk first introduced in 1995. “We are very pleased with this most current acquisition,” said Marvin Carlston, President of Gold Tip. “This will give us the opportunity to expand our quality products throughout the arrow market. The melding of these two great companies who are focused on customer service and product innovation will only lead to further success.” Visit
www.goldtip.com for more information.
Pine Ridge Archery's new Wick Stik is a new and unique product for transporting and dispensing your hunting scents. The greatest part about the Wick Stik is the variety of ways in which it can be used - you can use it as a scent drag, hang it from a tree for stationary scent dispensing, or stake it the ground to not only dispense scent but act as a yardage marker as well. And with o-ring seals on all threaded fittings you won't have to worry about leaks.
www.pineridgearchery.com for more information.
For 2005 North Starr treestands has released it's revolutionary line of TREE CAT climbing stands that are the first climbers ever made that can be adjusted for tree diameter while climbing----SAFELY! They have the same strength, comfort and light weight you have come to expect from North Starr and EASILY fold into a compact unit for transporting.
A patented Bear Trap style lever and rope-stabling system allows for silent and secure secondary attachment to the tree when hunting position is reached, or to increase safety on the way up, if you pause to cut small limbs. Pivoting TREE GRIPPER feet will self-center and keep 4-point contact at all times to accommodate for changing tree shape and size. They will not slip on wet or slipply bark, and will not damage trees.
http://www.northstarrtreestands.com
Rocky Boots displayed their new ProHunter Revolver 8, which features 600 grams of Thinsulate insulation, a new football cleat-inspired Rocky Vibram Pro-Hunter outsole, and Rocky's new Boa lacing system which eliminates the need for conventional laces. We all know how frustrating it can be when your boot comes untied during that long trek to your treestand, so it will be interesting to see how this new product does in the marketplace.
www.rockyboots.com
Magnus broadheads has released it's newest addition to their already formidable lineup of broadheads, the Stinger Buzzcut. The Buzzcut's serrated edges provide more cutting surfaces, and therefore more cuts and larger bloodtrails. Like all Stingers, the Buzzcuts are spin-tested for alignment at the factory and feature the Magnus Diamond Tip for superior penetration.
www.magnusbroadheads.com
Ted Nugent has introduced his own line of coffee products, aptly named "Nuge Java". While we all know there is nothing mediocre in the Motor City Madman's life, he proclaims Nuge Java to be "Spiritual Rocketfuel". Maybe it's just the thing to help you get going on a cold late-season morning.
The Deer Aging Tool is another new innovative producted that was featured at this year's show. The tool, which is comprised of several jawbows on a steel ring, is designed to help hunters more easily identify the age of their deer while still in the field. For more information visit
www.deeragingtool.com
Reflex Archery,
www.reflexbow.com , has a new bow out for 2005, the Super Slam. New for this year on the Reflex bow is the Slam & 1/2 cam, Alpha Shox, and a wood custom grip. With an IBO speed of 300 fps, axle to axle length of 35", and 7 inch brace height, the Super Slam could prove to be one of the year's best buys.
Alpine Archery also introduced an interesting bow at this year's ATA Show. The Denali Match Grade features integrated accessories that are literally part of the bow. A built-in ball bearing mounted dropaway rest, Montana Black Gold fiber optic sight, and Alpine's MR2 Six-Shooter stabilizer truely make this bow the complete package. The Denali Match Grade also features individually machined riser components that are assembled with heat treated dowel pins for perfect alignment and geometry. More details can be found by visiting
www.alpinearchery.com
Archery Shooter Systems has released their line of Hammer Bow Hangers that are custom designed to hang anywhere from one to six bows, and are ideal for camping or hunting gear as well. Their self driving shaft allows them to easily be driven in the ground and are perfect for use in ground blinds. Plus they also fold up for easy transportation. Visit
www.bowhanger.com to order.
Elmitrax was also on hand displaying their revolutionary overboot system, which they claim emits 10 times LESS scent than traditional rubber hunting boots. The Elimitrax system is made from odor-proof plastic technology which will eliminate your scent trail. For more information please visit Elimitrax online at
http://www.elimitrax.com
All in all, there was a substantial amount of new gear for 2005 and certainly something for everyone. I'll leave you all with a few more general pictures from the show, and I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their hunting season.
G-Bow Hunting Solutions Booth
www.gbowhunting.com
New Archery Products Booth
Kathy Robinson from the Martin Archery ads signing pictures.
Mothwing Camo Booth
www.mothwingcamo.com