SHARE
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo10013215791_82.jpg
The Archery Trade Association show is an annual event where the biggest names in the archery industry come together to roll out their latest and greatest products.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo10013215792_84.jpg
The show kicked off on Thursday morning with the unveiling of Bowtech’s newest creation, the Invasion CPX. A crowd gathered around the bow which was covered with a black veil and guarded by large men in black Bowtech t-shirts. A clock counted down before the bow was finally uncovered.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo10013215793_85.jpg
I eventually got to shoot the bow, and have to admit it was pretty sweet, but I’ll leave any further dissection to OL’s test team in the 2011 Bow Test.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo10013215794_85.jpg
The Invasion features a binary cam system which means both cams are perfectly symmetrical and turn in synchronization. This is supposed to provide better nock travel that maximizes accuracy and consistency.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo10013215795_80.jpg
Bowtech Invasion CPX
SPECS
Brace Height: 7 inches
Axle to Axle: 31 1/2 inches
Draw Length: 26-30 inches
Speed: 343 fps
Weight: 3.9 pounds
Price: $949
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images2011016_23.jpg
PSE EVO
PSE had some of its best bows on display as well. And the first in class was the Evo. Its features include:
-X Tech Split limbs
-Planar Flex Riser Design to handle deflection and twist
-New Axe + hybrid plus cam system
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo10013215797_79.jpg
PSE Evo
Specs
Brace Height: 6 inches
Axle to Axle: 32.5 inches
Draw Length: 25.5-30 inches
Speed: 345-337 fps
Mass Weight: 4.4 pounds
Price: $849
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images2011018_24.jpg
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images2011019_23.jpg
PSE also had it’s Bow Madness line at the show
Specs
Brace Height: 6 inches
Axle to Axle: 36 inches
Draw Length: 25-30 inches
Speed: 340-332 fps
Mass Weight: 4.4 pounds
Price: $699
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images20110110_25.jpg
Hoyt’s new bow became available in October and is a step up from it’s 2010 Matrix. Hoyt Carbon Element
Specs
Brace Height: 7 inches
Axle to Axle: 32 inches
Draw Length: 24.5-30 inches
Speed: 323 fps
Mass Weight: 3.6 pounds
Price: $1,199
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo100132157911_74.jpg
Staying true to its name, New Breed is a bow company that has been around for only two years. Its premiere bow is the Eclipse. New Breed Eclipse
Specs
Brace Height: 7 inches
Axle to Axle: 35 inches
Speed: 337 fps
Price: $799
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo100132157912_74.jpg
Bear Carnage
Specs
Brace Height: 7.25 inches
Axle to Axle: 32 inches
Draw Length: 25.5-30.5 inches
Speed: 345 fps
Mass Weight: 4 pounds
Price: $849
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo100132157913_71.jpg
Darton DS-2800
Specs
Brace Height: 7 inches
Axle to Axle: 31.25 inches
Draw Length: 25-30 inches
Speed: 330-335 fps
Mass Weight: 3.9 pounds
Price: NA
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo100132157914_73.jpg
Elite Archery, a fairly new bow company, started over with a new line and brought four new bows to the show. Elite Archery’s premier shooter is the Hunter. Elite Archery Hunter
Specs
Brace Height: 7.5 inches
Axle to Axle: 31.75 inches
Draw Length: 25-30 inches
Speed: 320-323 fps
Mass Weight: 3.9 pounds
Price: $869
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images20110115_25.jpg
Winchester Quicksilver 34
Specs
Brace Height: 7 inches
Axle to Axle: 34 inches
Speed: 343 fps
Mass Weight: 3.9 pounds
Price: NA
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images20110116_23.jpg
G5’s Prime has two top end bows out in 2011, the Centroid and the Shift. Both come in either Optifade or Realtree AP.
**
Prime Centroid**
Specs
Brace Height: 7 inches
Axle to Axle: 34.25 inches
Draw Length: 27-31 inches
Speed: 332 fps
Mass Weight: 4.3 pounds
Price: $999
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo100132157917_59.jpg
Prime Shift
Specs
Brace Height: 7 inches
Axle to Axle: 30 inches
Draw Length: 26-30 inches
Speed: 332 fps
Mass Weight: 4 pounds
Price: $999
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images20110118_19.jpg
After disappearing from the market, Ross is back this year with the Crave.
**
Ross Crave**
Specs (for the 33.5 axel height)
Brace Height: 6.5 inches
Axle to Axle: 33.5 inches
Draw Length: 27 inches
Speed: 335 fps
Mass Weight: 4.0 pounds
Price: $799
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images20110119_17.jpg
Crossbows
Parker’s new crossbow is definitely one of a kind. It utilizes a replaceable CO2 cartridge to automatically cock and release the bow. All you have to do to cock the bow is press a button at the end of the stock. It’s makers say that the CO2 mechanism will hold up even in cold weather when the C02 condenses.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo100132157920_42.jpg
Parker Concord
Specs
Draw Weight: 175 pounds
Power stroke: 9 3/5 inches
Speed: 300 fps
Price: about $1,200
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images20110121_15.jpg
Ten Point has separated itself as the top dog in the crossbow industry, and the new bows just keep coming. The company’s newest crossbow features a woven carbon fiber barrel to make it lighter and quieter. Carbon Fusion CLS
Specs
Draw Weight: 185 pounds
Speed: 345 fps
Kinetic Energy: 111 ft pounds
Price: NA
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images20110122_14.jpg
Wicked Ridge was started by Ten Point to make crossbows for hunters who can’t afford to spend more than $1,000 on a bow. In its sophomore year, Wicked Ridge has added a scope to it’s top bow, the Invader.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo100132157923_43.jpg
The Invader also features the option of the Steady Eddy which serves as an adaptable monopod. Wicked Ridge Invader
Specs
Draw Weight: 180 pounds
Speed: 305 fps
Kinetic Energy: 86.8 ft pounds
Price: $549
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo100132157924_38.jpg
Excalibur Axiom
Specs
Draw Weight: 175 pounds
Speed: 305 fps
Power Stroke: 14.5 inches
Price: $549
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images20110125_10.jpg
Darton Serpent
Specs
Draw Weight: 170 pounds
Speed: 325 fps
Power Stroke: 13 inches
Price: $695
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo100132157926_29.jpg
Barnett introduced the fastest crossbow I saw at the show and like Ten Point, it utilized carbon material to make it lighter and give it a better balance point. Barnett Ghost
Draw Weight: 185 pounds
Speed: 400 fps
Power Stroke: 15.75 inches
Kinetic Energy: 151 ft pounds
Price: $999 with accessories
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo100132157927_21.jpg
Horton was showing two new crossbows that it’s rolling out of Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector line.
**
Horton Bone Collector**
Specs
Draw Weight: 175 pounds
Speed: 320 fps
Power Stroke: 13.75 inches
Kinetic Energy 97 ft pounds
Price: $499
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2013images20110128_10.jpg
Horton Brotherhood
Draw weight: 160 pounds
Speed: 300 fps
Power Stroke: 13.5 inches
Kinetic Energy: 85 ft pounds
Price: $399
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo100132157929_16.jpg
This crossbow from Gearhead Archery is not on the market yet, but its makers hope it will be available by June. It uses reverse cam technology reminiscent of Horton’s Vision. As you can see, it’s much more compact than most crossbows.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2011photo100132157930_15.jpg
Gearhead’s crossbow, which doesn’t have an official name yet, combines the feel of shooting a handgun with crossbow technology. It’s compact design was made to be maneuverable in the tree stand and light for long days hiking the backcountry. Its makers say it can hit 330 fps and will cost between $700 and $800.

At the Archery Trade Association show OL took a look at the newest bows and crossbows to hit the market in 2011.

Bow Hunting Gear
Hunting Gear

MORE TO READ