Capable of delivering arrows to target at blazing speeds of 400 feet-per-second with a crushing 140 foot-pounds of energy, Barnett’s new Raptor Pro™ STR delivers the power necessary to take on any big game animal in the world.

TARPON SPRINGS, FL – True crossbow enthusiasts are a special breed. While some, more casual devotees view crossbows merely as tools to take advantage of extended local hunting seasons, others plan every big game hunting opportunity around this exciting, rewarding and deadly platform.

Barnett offers a made-in-the-USA crossbow for every hunter; for the adventurous spirit who favors the horizontal bow over any other weapon, they offer the new Raptor Pro™ STR.

Capable of delivering arrows to target at blazing speeds of 400 feet-per-second with a crushing 140 foot-pounds of energy, Barnett’s new Raptor Pro™ STR delivers the power necessary to take on any big game animal in the world. Thanks to its Step-Through Riser (STR) design, all that power comes with precision accuracy. The innovative design effectively transfers weight from the nose towards the center of the bow for rock-solid stability and enhanced, repeatable accuracy.

While the Raptor Pro™ STR is still considered a compact crossbow, its generous power stroke and slightly longer pro-composite stock make it ideal for full-framed shooters. Its STR design, custom composite laminated limbs, CNC machined aluminum flight track, string dampeners and precision three-pound TriggerTech trigger combine to make the sub-seven-pound Raptor Pro™ STR a true joy to shoulder and fire.

Other performance amenities on the Raptor Pro™ STR include Barnett’s self-adjusting Soft-Lok™ floating bristle arrow retainer, three picatinny rails and a 4×32 multi-reticle scope for clear and quick target acquisition. Raptor Pro™ STR comes complete and ready to hunt with a pair of 22-inch Headhunter™ arrows, inline side-mount quiver, rope cocking device and lubrication wax. Thanks to advanced and thoughtful Barnett engineering, proud owners can assemble their new Raptor Pro™ STR in just minutes with the simple installation of a single bolt. Read more

By Glen Wunderlich

The evolution of archery equipment continues in various forms with faster bows in both vertical and horizontal configuration.  Understandably, archers’ desires tend to gravitate to more velocity, which translates to flatter trajectories in the flight of arrows.  The concept allows aiming points to be stretched, thus minimizing range-estimating errors – especially at closer ranges, where deer are typically taken.  Speed kills and it sells, too.
 

However, in historical terms, today’s bows, including compound bows manufactured some 20 years or more ago, are relatively fast.  And, in one over-riding aspect of sheer velocity, today’s bows lessen the chance of a deer “jumping the string” – a term used when a deer hears an arrow being launched and crouches down to begin its flight from imminent danger.  Since the speed of sound is some 3 times more than the fastest bows of today, the longer it takes an arrow to reach its target, the more chance a deer will not be in the same position, as when the shot was taken. 
 

From an ethical perspective, it behooves an archer to reduce the distance to the target animal.  That’s the bottom line, whatever archery equipment one uses.  While some many refer to crossbows as “crossguns,” there simply is no comparison to any firearm that propels a trajectory at supersonic speed – some 2 to 3 times the speed of sound.  There is no such thing as “jumping the bullet”.
 

Upgrading a bow can cost upwards of $1,000.  While some may feel the need for speed, a relatively recent technological advancement in archery hardware has now become a “must have” and costs about $10:  the lighted arrow nock.
 

Gone are the string trackers of yesteryear, in which a problematic spool of visible line was affixed to a bow.  The archer would in theory follow the string to his or her prize.  Of course, what could go wrong, did.  Enter the electronic age.
 

By replacing the conventional arrow nock (the end of the arrow that engages the string) with a highly visible LED nock, the flight of the arrow can be traced.  Some states consider them to be an unfair advantage, but that thinking is ludicrous!  They only help a person locate and arrow.  Whether the arrow missed its target or passed through a deer or left the scene with the animal, it is a good thing.  Period.
 

The system I had been using turned on by means of a switch in the nock and a magnet mounted on the bow.  I never really trusted the seemingly complex system and have since abandoned it in favor of a Lumenok lighted nock.  (Other brands are available, but I have no experience with them.)  It is extremely bright and quite visible in broad daylight.  But, its simplicity in design and relatively low cost make it standard equipment for me – that is until something better comes along.
 

Instead of a magnet, the bow’s string pressure closes the electronic circuit when the arrow is released.  It’s easy to install and Lumenok has videos on its website to walk a person through the installation, if the printed instructions are not enough.  All anyone must do is to insure that the nocks are compatible with the inside diameter of the arrows being used, so that the fit is proper.
 
Retrieving expensive arrows, broadheads, and ultimately freezer-filling venison has never been easier.

TARPON SPRINGS, FL – For 56 years, hunters have turned to Barnett for the very best in durability, dependability and performance. Building on that tradition, Barnett’s extremely popular Whitetail Pro™

series crossbows have provided all manner of hunters with well-balanced levels of features, performance and value. These steadfast, reliable, hunter-preferred bows have been engineered to do everything a big game hunter needs at a mid-level price they can afford. Read more

STAUNTON, VA. Parker Bows, the leading manufacturer of high quality Compound bows and Crossbows as well as RED HOT Crossbow Accessories is excited to launch the 30/30 Poison Promo. For a limited time, Parker is taking $30 off MSRP and providing a 30 day money back guarantee on the new Poison 30 and Poison 32 compound bows.

With archery season quickly approaching, Parker is offering an incredible deal to customers that purchase a Poison 30 or 32 between August 15 and September 2, 2018. Those that purchase a Poison bow will enjoy a $30 off MSRP and a 30 day money back guarantee. Customers have 30 days from the purchase date to return their Poison for a full refund. Promotion is available through participating Authorized Parker Dealers – https://www.parkerbows.com/store-locator/ Read more

Superior, WI — Carbon Express®, renowned for integrating cutting-edge technology into their archery products, introduced the new Maxima® Badlands as their most high-tech crossbolt design to date. Purpose-built for maximum accuracy and durability in the field, the innovative bolt features the Dual Spine Weight Forward system that provides quick arrow recovery and bullseye shot placement. Enjoy unparalleled precision and lethality delivered by the Maxima Badlands Crossbolt.

Engineered to achieve superior performance out of a crossbow, the Maxima Badlands brings hunting to the next level by offering superior broadhead flight through faster spin, with half the oscillation as compared to single spine arrows. The stiff dynamic spine allows the nock end to remain straight as it exits the bow, eliminating added nock travel. And, because there’s no compression on the back end as force from the bow’s cycle is applied, the arrow travels faster, while at the same time significantly increasing down range efficiency. Read more

Superior, WI — Delivering first-rate performance to users from novice to expert, the new X-Force® Blade™ Pro Crossbow by Carbon Express® features heart-pounding speed and staggering accuracy in an extremely versatile and affordable package. Feathering the scales lighter than its competition, the versatilely compact X-Force Blade Pro comes ready to hunt with factory-matched components for superior performance, and is equipped with a Quiet Crank™ cocking winch.

Unleashing bolts at a sizzling 350 feet per second, the X-Force Blade Pro is loaded with many of the high-quality elements Carbon Express Crossbows have become known for including a lightweight, ambidextrous and compact design with extreme adjustability making it an attractive option for any shooter.

Carbon Express believes that every hunter deserves the highest level of quality and performance, and the X-Force Blade Pro delivers with perfection. The state-of-the-art ambidextrous safety mechanism with its patented Anti-Dry Fire feature, results in a quiet shooting experience, while the adjustable, multi-position buttstock customizes the crossbow’s length of pull to fit any shooter’s needs. The easy to use step-through foot stirrup offers simple operation and enhanced safety, and the multi-reticle scope helps hunters s maintain accurate shooting thanks to 4X magnification with precision windage and elevation adjustments.

The Carbon Express Quiet Crank™ Cocking Winch reduces cocking effort by 90 percent, and pulls more consistently than conventional methods. Accuracy is improved by ensuring equal pressure to each crossbow limb. During cranking, the anti-torque mounting shaft keeps the unit stable. Right- and left-handed shooters will appreciate the portability and single pound weight of the winch. Read more

Belgrade, MT- The PHARMAKON 3 broadhead, with its patented coring technology, is like no other broadhead in the industry. When it comes to pure devastation and bone crushing performance, look no further. One glance at the PHARMAKON 3 and you’ll see that it speaks for itself. The PHARMAKON 3 broadhead is the latest members to join the Flying Arrow Archery family. Like its big brother, the original TOXIC, the PHAMAKON 3 has all the great features of the TOXIC and more. The PHARMAKON 3 is much shorter than the TOXIC and very aerodynamic, making this head very easy to tune. The PHARMAKON 3 has a solid 1 piece, stainless steel ferrule and tip. The new and improved 2018 “Quick Change, Solid Lock” blades provide a 7/8” cutting diameter and are heavier than the TOXIC’s for even more durability. MSRP $39.99. You can find their full product list at http://flyingarrowarcheryusa.com/pharmakon-3-blade-100-grain/

Superior, WI.— Nockturnal® introduced the FIT™ universal lighted nock, designed to fit X-diameter and larger arrows, in 2017. This year, the FIT line has been expanded with even more color and multi-color strobe choices to include Blue, Orange and White, as well as Red/Blue and Green/Blue strobes.

The Nockturnal FIT base nock will fit X-diameter arrows, and each three-pack of FIT nocks includes three sets of Nock Collar adapter sleeves to fit GT, S and H arrows. Each FIT features an ultra-strong, impact resistant, clear polycarbonate nock construction encapsulating the super-bright single LED or a pair of strobing LEDs, which are activated by a patented string-activated, piston-driven linear contact switch. Like all Nockturnal nocks, the FIT is guaranteed to activate immediately when the string is released, and it can be switched off quickly and easily with the newly designed Nockturnal Nock Tool, a small screwdriver or most broadhead tips via an opening in the side of the nock.

With well in excess of 20 hours of lithium battery life, each Nockturnal FIT will remain brightly lit for plenty of time for arrow retrieval and can be easily spotted in daylight hours as well as at night. The strobe version alternates 400 times a minute between the two colors.

Weighing around 25 grains, each Nockturnal FIT is waterproof and shockproof, and a three-pack with adapters retails for $34.99. Now available in Red, Green, Blue, Orange, White, Red/Green, Red/Blue and Green/Blue, FIT nocks are available at retailers nationwide or conveniently online at

hl=en&q=https://www.feradyne.com/nockturnal/&source=gmail&ust=1533684975691000&usg=AFQjCNEOoW47GGiAZ3qrX5wlzA38ysssbA”>www.feradyne.com/nockturnal.  Keep up with Nockturnal on social media via Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/NockturnalNocks/ or Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/nockturnalnocks/.

Easton Technical Products (Easton) announces its partnership with Nock Out Lighted Nock in a NEW 2018 limited-time offer that brings archers added value with their top selling arrows. This hunting season, select Easton and Beman arrow 6-packs will come with a FREE Nock Out Contender Lighted Nock.

Nock Out created the first frustration-free lighted nock in 2014 and has continued to innovate and improve their designs to a point where they were able to pass the very stringent Easton specification requirements. Easton was attracted to the simplicity of the Nock Out design that includes, Shot Activated, Easy Off, and Universal Fit features. Read more