By Kevin Reese
While the 2014 ATA Show was hampered somewhat by Mother Nature, the 2015 ATA Show was bustling, perhaps to some degree, with people bent on making up for last years’ missed opportunities.
While the cold nearly took our breaths away (wind chill down to -30 on one night and -25 another), the roads were dry and our spirits were high as we started our new year off with looking at ATA’s best compound bow.
To kick things off, Colt Ford, Eva Shockey and other great folks ushered in BowTech’s 2015 product line in style. Like moths to a flame, media members and dealers alike flocked to the booth for the festivities, then stayed for photographs, product discussions and even some shooting. The unveiling of several new non-flagship bows started the 2015 ATA off with a bang. With the already released Prodigy, Boss and Fanatic bows behind us, these unveiled bows proved just as impressive.
Kings of the 2015 ATA Show
While the BowTech Prodigy had already been unveiled in late fall, it, along with the RPM 360, still received the fervent attention of scores of media. The ridiculously smooth draw cycle, deep valley, solid back wall and dead-in-your hands performance make the Prodigy arguably the best bow exhibited at the 2015 ATA Show.
That said, the APA King Cobra had heads turning with a great shooting experience and IBO speed of 370 fps! If speed and quality are your game, the King Cobra just might be the scratch for your speed-seeking itch.
For a speed bow, the draw was a bit rigid but still comfortable with light hand-shock, also expected in a major speed bow.
The Elite Synergy also received rave reviews from archers whose focus is more on a comfortable draw and less on speed. Elite presented the Synergy with the same approach to quality people have come to expect from one of the archery industry’s foremost manufacturers.
While Elite offers 32-inch and 35-inch ATA bows, the Elite Synergy measures 33.5-inches, perfect for those looking for a little more or less riser.
The Synergy features an extremely smooth draw cycle and exceptional let-off.
The Queen is Here
We seldom see bows designed for youth and women eclipse the flagship limelight, yet the new BowTech Eva Shockey Signature Series bow nearly did just that… nearly unseated the Prodigy.
The Eva Shockey Bow presents another leap in BowTech’s endeavor to plug more women into our outdoor heritage, whether shooting recreationally, competitively or bowhunting.
The Eva Shockey Signature Series Bow designed specifically for lady huntresses by one of the most accomplished, features BowTech’s new PowerShift FlipDisc2 Technology, Overdrive Binary Cams and a carbon riser.
The BlackOps finish with blue accents and cams also makes this bow a head-turner! What can you expect? An easy, extremely fluid draw cycle, comfortable valley, solid back wall and whisper-quiet performance.
A Prince of a Bow
The new BowTech Carbon Icon delivers premium shootability and lightweight carbon technology at what seems to be an exceptionally reasonable price point (MSRP $699 R.A.K. Equipped).
At 3.2 lbs. and a short 32-in. axle-to-axle stature, the Carbon Icon is sure to be comfortable on long carries and compact enough to hunt in the thick stuff. This bow has an exceptionally smooth draw cycle, solid back wall and is dead-still in your hand. I’m looking forward to more 1-on-1 time with this bow in the future.
A Bow for the Masses
The Diamond Infinite Edge Pro is sure to continue demonstrating the premium performance and versatility ushered in by the original Infinite Edge.
The Infinite Edge Pro offers radical adjustability, perfect for youth, lady shooters and bowfishers.
Through grade school and beyond, this Pro model offers the same great features as the first-generation Infinite Edge, including an infinite draw cycle perfect for bowfishing, but adds an additional half-inch to overall length, an inch to the draw and 5-percent more let-off.
Here are some specs for these great 2015 compound bows:
BowTech Prodigy
- Draw Weight: 50, 60, 70 lbs.
- Draw Length: 25-30.5 In.
- Mass Weight: 4.2 lbs.
- Axle-to-Axle: 32 in.
- Brace Height: 7 in.
- Effective Let-Off: 80 pct.
- Kinetic Energy: 91.5 ft.-lbs.
- IBO Speed: 343 fps.
APA King Cobra
- Draw Weight: 50, 60, 70 lbs.
- Draw Length: 24-30 In.
- Mass Weight: 4.0 lbs.
- Axle-to-Axle: 34 1/16 in.
- Brace Height: 5 in.
- Effective Let-Off: 75 pct.
- Kinetic Energy: 106.42 ft.-lbs.
- IBO Speed: 370 fps.
Elite Synergy
- Draw Weight: 40, 50, 60, 65, 70, 80 lbs.
- Draw Length: 27-31 In.
- Mass Weight: 4.4 lbs.
- Axle-to-Axle: 33.5 in.
- Brace Height: 7 3/8 in.
- IBO Speed: 325 fps.
BowTech Eva Shockey Signature
- Draw Weight: 40, 50, 60 lbs.
- Draw Length: 22.5-28.5 In.
- Mass Weight: 3.3 lbs.
- Axle-to-Axle: 31.5 in.
- Brace Height: 6.25 in.
- Effective Let-Off: 80 pct.
- Kinetic Energy: 85.7 ft.-lbs.
- IBO Speed: 332 fps.
BowTech Carbon Icon
- Draw Weight: 50, 60, 70 lbs.
- Draw Length: 26.5-30.5 In.
- Mass Weight: 3.2 lbs.
- Axle-to-Axle: 31 in.
- Brace Height: 7 in.
- Effective Let-Off: 80 pct.
- Kinetic Energy: 87. Ft.-lbs.
- IBO Speed: 335 fps.
Diamond Infinite Edge Pro
- Draw Weight: 5 – 70 lbs.
- Draw Length: 13-31 In.
- Mass Weight: 3.2 lbs.
- Axle-to-Axle: 31.5 in.
- Brace Height: 7 in.
- Effective Let-Off: 80-Pct.
- Kinetic Energy: 74.7 ft.-lbs.
- IBO Speed: 310 fps.