Bowhunters who haven’t set foot in an archery pro shop in recent years might be in for a shock. Those models that were the cat’s meow 10 or even five years ago — the ones they so proudly carried home — are now relics by comparison to the new wave of feature-rich, technology-driven compound bows of today. Those archers who have failed to upgrade are missing out on a performance curve that has reached for the stars.
The Class of 2022 is a good example — a bevy of bows that push the envelope in terms of speed, accuracy, weight and noise reduction and a smooth shooting experience. Today’s compound bows typically weigh in the neighborhood of 4 pounds and sport super-short axle-to-axle spans — perfect for hunting from tight places such as treestands and ground blinds. They sport space-age cams and limbs that generate Incredible Hulk power and, coupled with today’s equally fantastic high-tech arrows, push velocities to the outer limits — 340 fps and beyond. Top-shelf bow strings and cables, string silencers, grips and string suppressors round out the package.
And then there are the add-ons — those ancillary items that retailers such as yourself can cash in on. Peep sights, D-loops, stabilizers, wrist slings, bow sights, releases, oh my! It begins with the bow and ends with a cross-selling bonanza.
As the new class of bows arrives on the scene, retailers can count on foot traffic — similar to when the new lineup of pickup trucks hits the car dealer’s showroom floor. Most of these patrons have already read all the hype, waded through the specs and compared the features. Many are there to kick the tires; others are ready to lay down their hard-earned cash to upgrade their bow shooting experience. Will you have the makes and models on hand that catch their eye? Here are dozen compound bows that will elevate your customers’ game and increase your bottom line.
APA Archery Black Mamba 31
APA’s flagship bow for 2022 is the new Black Mamba 31 (MSRP starting at $1,199) — a compact, lightweight, high-performing model that is sure to be a fan favorite. It comes loaded with APA-exclusive features that make this sleek bow extremely versatile in the field. At 350 fps with a generous 6.75-inch brace height, the Black Mamba 31 is one of the fastest, most forgiving bows in its class. It sports an axle-to-axle span of 31.25 inches and tips the scale at 3.8 pounds. It is available in draw lengths from 25 to 31 inches with draw weights of 40, 50, 60 and 70 pounds (80 pounds by special order). Let-off is 80%.
Athens Vista 31
Athens Archery’s Vista 31 (MSRP $1,099-$1,149) proves that stability can come in an ultra-short and maneuverable platform. Its TCS roller guard allows users to adjust the cables in or out to achieve a perfect tune. The Vista 31 features durable and stability-producing 1-inch-wide split limbs, and X-Out limb dampeners mute vibrations to deliver a smooth shooting experience. It is available in peak weights from 40 to 80 pounds and comes equipped with high-end GAS Premium High Octane pre-stretched strings. The Vista 31 is available in 15 limb finishes and 18 riser finishes, with combinations to suit individual tastes. It is available with 80 or 90% let-off and, powered by the RT-X cam, it generates arrow speeds up to 340 fps.
Bear Archery Whitetail Legend Pro
Meet the 2022 Bear Archery Whitetail Legend Pro (MSRP $559.99) — designed and engineered for ultimate performance in compact bowhunting spaces. This 30-inch axle-to-axle bow sports EKO cam technology with an unprecedented four let-off settings — 75, 80, 85 and 90% — that allow shooters to hold at full draw for as long as it takes. New for 2022, KillerWave limb dampeners reduce vibration and increase accuracy with every shot. The Whitetail Legend Pro features Bear Archery Contraband string and cables, ensuring legendary performance for seasons to come. It is available with 26- to 30-inch draw lengths and 45- to 60-pound and 55- to 70-pound draw weights and launches arrows at 338 fps.
Bowtech SR350
Tuning Bowtech’s SR350 (MSRP $1,299) — which delivers arrow speeds up to 350 fps — is as simple as moving the Deadlock cams left or right on the axles and then locking them down. Its caged-riser design defies bowhunting wear and tear, and dual-purpose Orbit dampeners counterbalance accessories such as sights and rests while minimizing hand shock. A bowstring cushion mutes vibrations, while Deadlock Cable Containment provides a friction-free draw cycle and reduces lateral cable torque, optimizing consistency. Rigid Deadlock pockets contain the limbs with tight tolerances to maximize accuracy, and the Clutch Performance grip comes in two variations to reduce torque and provide outstanding comfort. Bowtech’s Powershift technology allows users to choose between three different draw cycles based on preference and application.
Cajun Bowfishing Sucker Punch Pro
New for 2022, the Sucker Punch Pro from Cajun Bowfishing (MSRP $449.99/Patriot or Cajun camo; $469.99/Glow finish) measures 31 inches axle to axle, has a 6.375-inch brace height and comes with a choice of either constant-draw cam modules or draw-length-specific modules. It tips the scale at exactly 3 pounds and is offered exclusively as a Ready to Fish (RTF) package that includes the Cajun Winch Pro bottle reel, Cajun Brushfire arrow rest, one fiberglass arrow with a Piranha point, arrow caddy and two Picatinny rail mounts or line pullers mounted in factory-drilled sight holes or below the grip in pre-drilled accessory holes that can be used with a series of Cajun Bowfishing accessories.
Darton Archery Spectra E 32
The Spectra E 32 (MSRP $1,049.99) was redesigned from the ground up. The only thing that remains the same as the previous model is the 452X string material. Its Equalizer Cable System (E System) is the closest thing to a totally balanced shooting system, and an adjustable draw module, positive limb stop and cable stops give the shooter complete control of their draw length. The Spectra E 32 split yoke system anchors on the axles, outboard of the limbs, to totally equalize/stabilize the limbs to reduce the load on the cam bearings, making it one of the quietest, smoothest-shooting bows in its class. It has an all-new 7075 T-6511 pre-stretched and pre-stressed riser for little or no flex.
Elite Archery EnVision
The 2022 EnVision from Elite Archery (MSRP starting at $1,199) integrates a target-inspired design into a compact, stealthy and deadly hunting bow. With wider limbs and a longer, straighter riser, the EnVision strategically positions the weight over the grip and behind the shooter for a balanced and rock-solid platform. Featuring Elite Archery’s proprietary SET technology — Simplified. Exact. Tuning. — the EnVision is easily tuned to optimize performance. The EnVision’s ASYM Tri-Track Cam System with Versa Performance Mod allows for micro draw-length adjustment in just ¼-inch increments, can be customized from 70- to 90% let-off and ensures downrange devastation with arrow speeds up to 334 fps. Vibration Reduction Technology (VRT) combined with VibeX blocks stifles noise and reduces residual vibration.
G5 Prime Archery Inline
The Inline compound bow from Prime Archery (MSRP $1,199-$1,249) is available in three models: Inline 1, Inline 3 and Inline 5, with respective axle-to-axle lengths of 31, 33 and 35 inches. The bow’s Inline Cam System creates an equally loaded cam throughout the draw cycle, achieved by bringing the cable track in line with the string track. As the bow is drawn, the cable track slides in line with the string, bringing the cable and string in line with each other. The Inline bow features a smooth draw without sacrificing speed (332, 337 and 343 fps) and with an added limb damper, it is the quietest and most “dead in the hand” bow Prime Archery has ever made. MSRP: $1,199-$1,249.
Hoyt Carbon RX-7
The 30-inch Carbon RX-7 (MSRP starting at $1,849) hunting bow from Hoyt features a new riser with notable improvements, including 24 percent sound reduction, making it the quietest-shooting Hoyt yet while delivering arrows at 342 fps. Also new are HBX Pro cams, which are even smoother drawing than the predecessor HBX cams. At just 3.9 pounds, the Carbon RX-7 is lightweight, and with the In-Line System, unconventional accessory mounting styles and locations optimize its accessorized feel and balance. Its VitalPoint grip, which features a modified angle to reduce negative hand feedback, increases comfort and consistency. The Carbon RX-7 weighs 3.9 pounds and has a 6.25-inch brace height. A 34-inch option is also available in the Carbon RX-7 Ultra.
Mathews V3X 29
Mathews’ new 29-inch V3X 29 (MSRP $1,199) compound bow is based on the most streamlined hunting system the bow maker has ever created. It comes equipped with new Bridge-Lock sight technology to enhance balance and built compatible with a completely redesigned line of LowPro quivers. Smooth-drawing CrossCentric cams allow hunters to replace the string and/or cables anywhere with the included servicing cable — no bow press needed. The Nano 740 damper provides out-front stability and stops vibrations, while the Centerguard Cable Containment System maximizes fletching clearance. Mainstay Switchweight technology allows draw-length and draw-weight adjustments to be made via interchangeable modules. This boosts the CrossCentric Cam’s efficiency and accuracy potential. The V3X 29 has a 340 fps rating and a 6-inch brace height. www.mathewsinc.com
PSE Nock On Carbon Levitate E2
The USA-made Carbon Levitate from PSE (MSRP $1,899) is powered by the E2 cam, which boasts 348 fps velocity and features a wider, more stable base to improve cam tracking and defy cam lean. It also features larger .375-inch bearings, which are four times more durable than most bearings in competing cam systems. PSE designed the E2 cam for maximum speed and optimized let-off at every draw length, and the Levitate’s Premier Dead Frequency carbon riser is lighter and stronger and delivers a smooth shooting experience. The limbs and pockets are also wider to enhance strength and stability. The Carbon Levitate has a 6-inch brace height, draw lengths from 27.5 to 31.5 inches and draw weight options of 60, 70 and 80 pounds.
Xpedition MX32
Xpedition’s new MX32 (MSRP $1,099) has two structural bridges in the forged 6061 aluminum riser to maximize stability and strength and X-Lock pockets contain the limbs with tight tolerances to maximize shot-to-shot consistency. At 32.5 inches axle to axle and with a 6.5-inch brace height, the MX32 is deadly accurate. Its LVR 2.0 cam features three separate rotating modules to maximize efficiency at any draw length. The MX32 also comes equipped with OEM mounting holes for Xpedition’s all-new Epsilon Centershot Optimized arrow rest. The featured Energy Transfer System is a roller cable-containment system that pre-loads the cables. The MX32 weighs in at 4.4 pounds and pushes arrows at 346 to 348 fps.
