posted on July 12, 2010 07:12
The 2010 ATA show (the seventeenth consecutive for me) was another grand ol’ family reunion. This annual pilgrimage presents a much anticipated opportunity for Ike and me to get together with good friends that have become an important part of our lives over the years, as well as meeting many new folks that will be playing a primary role in the years to come. But the most exciting part of the expedition is seeing all of the new products that are being introduced in 2010 by the proud manufacturers of the archery industry. And 2010 definitely will be the best ever for the exploding numbers of North American crossbow hunters.
A decade ago, one could walk up to a crossbow booth and empty a revolver without touching a single person. To have done so at this year’s show would have meant multiple kills with each shot. The industry is a boil with the excitement and frenzy of “crossbow mania” and everyone with an IQ higher than that of a door stop realizes it we are entering a major growth spike that should benefit us all if we get on board. Attitudes are changing and as more and more people are realizing that the crossbow is good for our hunting futures; and above all else it is good for business.
Lots of new crossbows for 2010 with a serious focus being made by most manufacturers to build a quality crossbow for a reasonable retail price. But just as exciting as the new crossbow offerings are the new hunting accessories that are being designed and marketed specifically for the crossbow hunter; unique items that will assist the crossbow fanciers in all aspects of his their spent in the field. There is limited space in this column, but I would like to suggest just a few of the items that Ike and I discovered that made a positive impression on our crossbow hunting minds.
Parker’s Pin Point Scope is one of the most exciting new products and will be available April first. Manufactured for Parker by Hawke Optics in England, this unique scope has only one lighted dot, but a dial adjustment allows you to simply and easily set the exact distance to your target after determining the distance with your rangefinder guaranteeing that your will be right on the money with every shot. The quality of lenses is incredible and the effectiveness of the scope is very exciting. We really like this one. http://parkerbows.com/
HHA has developed a new sight concept for crossbow hunters called the Optimizer Speed Dial. It adapts for any crossbow scope creating a single pin system that allows the hunter to simply adjust his scope after ranging his target all the way out to 80 yards if you are comfortable and have practiced out to the distance. So simple and so effective that you will want it and be wishing the simple idea would have been yours. www.hhasports.com
And for you guys that like to stay close to the ground Millennium Treestands has the M300 Tree Seat. It attaches quickly with a gutter hook and cam buckle strap providing quiet comfort. Designed for the hunter on the go and allows us crossbow hunters to comfortably and quickly set up where ever we can find a big tree. We have been doing more of this type of hunting over the past few years and it works really well. This product is great for turkeys, deer or anything else that romps in the forest. www.millenniumstands.com
Another one of our favorites is the CrossOver backpack designed by GamePlan Gear. This premium utility backpack has generous storage, super comfortable straps and plenty of hardware to handle excessive weight and a crossbow. This unit is extremely well thought out and designed with the crossbow hunter in mind. Never again will you have to worry about how to comfortably carry your crossbow while you are dragging out your big buck or doe. www.gameplangear.com
Another excellent product for us ground-sitters is the Ghostblind. A series of four panels that have a mirrored surface on the front side and camo on the back side provide the crossbow hunter with a camouflaged blind that will perfectly match any hunting location in the world. Just thirteen pounds and capable of hiding you anywhere you want to hunt, even in the middle of an open field. This is a really exciting product that deserves serious look. www.ghostblind.com
Secure your archery equipment with the Acu Lok from Acu Archery. This very simple, inexpensive device will securely lock up any crossbow or vertical bow so that it cannot be cocked and accidently fired by others while you are not present. Its simplicity and practicality is only surpassed by its economy. Works with all vertical bows as well. Comes in both metal and plastic models, they are key operated and provide foolproof security and work well in those states where the law requires that your bow be secured when out of the field. www.acuarchery.com
The redesigned HBM Crossbow Caddy by Lakewood Products is better than ever with room for 36 arrows and foam-lined storage for arrow accessories with two outside pockets, lockable zipper and shoulder strap. The clever crossbow arrow and accessory case should be standard equipment for every crossbow hunter alive. This durable, attractive and very practical piece of equipment will allow you to keep your stuff together, while providing years of dependable service. www.horizontalbowhunter.com
Wish I had more room to share more, but space has run out. Watch for more new product news in future issues.