The Best New Archery Hunting Products from The 2024 ATA Show
The 2024 Archery Trade Association (ATA) Annual Trade Show was recently held in St. Louis, Missouri. With the show taking place within sight of the historic Gateway Arch, I was reminded of the true meaning behind the massive monument: the start of the gateway to the west. As I made my way into America’s Center, which was the site of the ATA convention, I felt the similarity between the arch and the show. As this show features numerous new archery hunting products, it serves as the gateway for the 2024 year for both archery shooters and hunters.The ATA show is often where people, passion, and products combine. Being an avid bowhunter and having a hidden obsession for new hunting products, I searched this year’s showroom floor for the top new archery hunting products for shooters and hunters to consider for this season’s hunting arsenal. As expected, the show had something for every need and situation for success.
- Best New Compound Bow – Bear Archery’s Bear Persist
- Best New Crossbow – Ten Point Crossbows – TRX515
- Best New Release – Tru Ball Ultimate Flex
- Best New Rest – QAD MX2 Rest
- Best New Bow Sight – Trophy Ridge Swift Series Trio
- Best New Arrow Accessory –Easton 4MM Match Grade Half Out
- Best New Archery Target – Morrell Mod Pro
- Best New Bow Accessory – Muddy Outdoors- Bow Sling
- Best New Archery Hunting Accessory – ScentLok BE:1 Insulated Hat
- Best New Tree Saddle/Treestand – Tethrd Grit Series
Best Compound Bow – Bear Archery’s Bear Persist
Product Description: The Bear Archery Persist is the 2024 Bear Archery flagship model. The Persist is stealthier than ever, featuring strategically placed in-riser dampeners, innovative string stop with built-in dampening, and new silent shelf technology to make your errant arrow contact with the riser undetectable. Streamlining your bow’s profile has never been easier with a new Picatinny mount for your sight and the Integrate Mounting System for your rest. Bear Archery has included an integrated wrist sling mounting point to eliminate unnecessary parts. Built with the whitetail hunter in mind, they have integrated a loop to the limb pocket for quick and secure connection of a pull-up rope. The Persist has a 26″-30″ draw length range, a maneuverable 31” axle-to-axle, and a forgiving 6.5” brace height. Boasting up to 90% let-off, the next generation of the highly efficient EKO cam system can generate speeds up to 340fps.
Key Features:
- Speed – 340 FPS
- Draw Weight – 45-60/55-70
- Axle To Axle – 31”
- Draw Length – 26”-30”
- Brace Height – 6.5”
- Let Off – 75,80,85 or 90 percent.
- MSRP – $1249.99
Why It Made The List: I have always been a fan of Bear Archery’s tradition of designing a bow with the everyday bowhunter as its top priority. The Bear Persist is the company’s 2024 flagship bow, yet it still relishes new designs that cater to the hunter. As I first picked up the bow, I enjoyed the feel of it; it weighed slightly over five pounds (bow-only). Holding or carrying it in the stand during a spot and stalk hunt would be easy. When testing a few shots, I was surprised at the accuracy of a pre-sighted bow for a small shooting range on the show floor. Next was the Silent Shelf Technology on the riser shelf, which makes banging an arrow or other objects much quieter, keeping noise to a minimum when hunting those cool, still mornings in a treestand.
One of my favorite features of the Bear Persist is the availability of my favorite camouflage pattern, Mossy Oak Bottomland.
Pros:
- Popular camouflage pattern
- Hunter friendly
- Accurate
- Good shootability
Cons:
- Needs a better grip / easy to over grip
Best New Crossbow – TenPoint TRX 515
Product Description: The Ten Point TRX 515 is the world’s fastest crossbow, having speeds up to 515 fps. The TRX 515 features Twin-Riser Technology that reduces riser flex and limb torq for better accuracy. Measuring 29” short and 6” narrow, the TRX 515 is compact. Ten Point also features their newly developed custom-built TriggerTech Trigger, NEW Zero Trac Barrel, and NEW Guide Lock arrow rest system that creates a secure and consistent crossbow.
Key Features:
- 515 FPS – Fastest Crossbow
- Twin-Riser Technology – 41% lighter and 2X stiffer than traditional risers
- 6.5 inches wide when cocked.
- Reverse Draw Design – Generates more speed with less draw weight.
- MSRP – $3549.99
Why It Made The List: After the first shot on the test range with Ten Points NEW TRX 515, I could easily see that this was one of the fastest, if not the fastest, crossbows I had ever shot. The incredible speed of this new crossbow is hands down what made the TRX 515 one of the top new products of the show. Another of my favorite features is the new AR-Style safety that can be turned to the fire position with the same hand on the grip. This feature will keep movement in the stand or blind to a minimum. It would also be great during turkey hunting when minimal movement is critical.
The TRX 515 is one of the most solid crossbows I have used and is genuinely the complete bow hunter’s dream setup.
Pros:
- Accurate
- Easy to shoot
- Incredibly fast
- One hand safety operation
Cons:
- Heavy when in a treestand
- Higher price range
Best New Release – Tru Ball Ultimate Flex
Product Description: The Tru Ball Ultimate Flex release is one of the fastest firing mechanisms. Activated by the bow draw weight, hunters and shooters can instantly fire the release when touching the trigger, compared to delayed cocking bar firing designs. The Ultimate Flex features an adjustable draw length head, personalized fit system, and ergo fit handle. Plus, an adjustable thumb trigger.
Key Features:
- Micro-Adjustable draw length
- Tri-Star Hook System – Automatically resets.
- Ergo-Fit handle technology
- Durable construction – Half brass, half aluminum
- MSRP – $354.99/ www.truball.com
Why It Made The List: The Ultimate Flex release was one product that easily would catch the consumer’s attention when walking by. When I saw it on display at the ATA show, I had to pick it up to see if it felt as good as it looked. I was not disappointed. The durable construction gives the Ultimate Flex an excellent feel, not to mention the ergonomic handle that features an Ultra-Flex Personalized Fit System to adjust to your desired grip. Yet, the most significant feature that moves this release to the top of the list is the Micro-Adjustable Draw Length, which allows the hunter to fine-tune their draw length by quickly and easily shortening the length of the release head.
Pros:
- Adjustable head – To fine-tune draw length.
- Personalized fit
- Adjustable trigger
Cons:
- Aluminum color and sleek design may not be the best for hunters.
Best New Bow Rest – QAD UltraRest MX2
Product Description: The QAD Ultrarest Integrate MX2 is like the MX, yet much more advanced. The MX2 is designed with a rugged, stealthy capture bar that is 20% stronger than the original MX rest and a 7075 aluminum launcher that can withstand the toughest of hunts. The machined launcher also features built-in, color-customizable dampers, eliminating old prong felt that many hunters have used for many years. The Integrate Mounting System that utilizes Auto Level Technology automatically levels the rest with the riser and provides a solid mount and a smaller design that is up to 60% lighter than other rest.
Key Features:
- Easy lock & load
- Auto rotate
- Total containment
- Customizable
- MSRP – $269.99
Why It Made The List: When setting up a new bow, I am all about those custom tweaks to make it one of a kind. I loved how different color schemes were available for dampers on the launcher. Plus, many features made the MX2 an excellent rest for a bowhunter. Features such as locking the arrow at 90 degrees when the bow is drawn keep the arrow from falling, and everything is quiet. Out of all the rest on the ATA floor, the MX2 had the best quality feel and assurance that it was quality built.
Pros:
- Rugged built design
- Total containment – The arrow never falls off with SmartRest Technology
- Fletching clearance – When the launcher falls and is locked at 0 degrees, providing no bounce back
Cons:
- Different models for different bow manufactures
- Top New Bow Rest – Trophy Ridge SWFT Series Trio
Best New Bow Sight – Trophy Ridge Swift Series Trio
Product Description: The Trophy Ridge SWFT Trio is a 3-pin designed bow sight that merges classic craftsmanship with modern innovation. The Trio offers unmatched precision for your shots. Toolless micro-click adjustments and an adaptable click light allow the Trio to excel in ease of use and accuracy across many distances. It is made of magnesium and aluminum and embodies strength and agility.
Key Features:
- Range from 20 to 100 yards
- Toolless micro adjustments
- Adaptable click light
- Magnesium and aluminum construction
- MSRP – $239.99
Why It Made The List: I have used and have been a fan of Trophy Ridge sights for a few years now. The Trio model of the SWFT Series caught my eye because of the three-pin design I prefer as a bow hunter. It is not complicated, yet it has adjustable features that hunters can benefit from. It is well-lit in those low-light situations that can be a nightmare for bowhunters. The Swift Series is an excellent line of sights, yet I think the Trio is the most significant.
Pros:
- Micro adjustments without any tools required.
- Durable construction
Cons:
- No left-hand model
Best New Arrows/Arrow Accessories – Easton 4MM Match Grade Half Outs
Product Description: The Easton 4MM Match Grade Half Outs elevate precision and enhance impact durability. The two-piece design incorporates a sleeved impact collar that substantially covers the front of the arrow to increase impact protection versus regular components. A two-piece design allows for multiple materials to be used to increase strength-to-weight ratios, and these combinations are utilized to provide a full range of weight options: 55-grain aluminum, 75-grain half steel, 100-grain titanium/steel, and 150-grain full steel.
Key Features:
- Enhanced durability
- Protects impact damage of the arrow
- Multiple weight designs
- Sold in 6 packs
MSRP – $29.99-$54.99
Why It Made The List: Instead of choosing an arrow, I was intrigued by the Easton Match Grade Half Outs and how they could enhance the 4mm arrows I already had. I love the speed that 4mm arrows offer now with the half outs; arrows can hold up to the big game and the impact damage that would have happened in the past. This arrow accessory was worthy of making the top list because of its impact on arrow performance for bowhunters.
Pros:
- Protects arrows from impact damage.
- Different weight sizes are available.
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Increases price per arrow cost.
Best New Archery Target – Morrell Mod Pro
Product Description: The Yellow Jacket Mod Pro is a 29” W x 13” D X 31” H bag-style target with Mod Pro Tuning and Precision Wrap to give shooters a different face option simply by changing the wrap. The Mod Pro weighs 56 lbs and can stop arrows or bolts from compound, traditional, and crossbows of up to 435 FPS. An E-Z tote carrying handle makes it portable around the yard or hunting camp. A weather-resistant outer shell keeps the target lasting for an extended period.
Key Features:
- Weather resistant
- Crossbow and compound bow approved
- E-Z tote carrying handle
- Six different wrap options
Why It Made The List: When I saw the different target face options of the Morrell Mod Pro, I immediately thought of summer shooting in the backyard. This gives shooters fun and exciting options for shooting alone or with friends and family without having multiple targets that can cost the shooter additional expenses and take up extra room. The target size gives shooters many different caliber options to enjoy shooting together. The target’s durability also made the Morrell Mod Pro climb to the top of the list faster than any other target at the show.
Pros:
- Wrap options allow hunters a different target option without changing targets.
- Suitable for the range or backyard shooting
- Easy arrow removal
Cons:
- Six different wrap options – Sold separately
- Not recommended for outserts or field points larger than arrow shafts
Best New Bow Accessory – Muddy Outdoors Bow Sling
Product Description: The New Muddy Bow Sling isn’t just for carrying your bow to and from the hunt. The Muddy Bow Sling is made of a durable, waterproof material that protects your string and cams from water, mud, and other weather elements that can alter the shot later in the hunt. The Muddy Bow Sling is available in Mossy Oak Bottomland camo and has an adjustable strap for easy carrying when walking or riding on horseback, ATV, or E-Bike.
Key Features:
- Waterproof
- Adjustable strap
- Easy To Use
- MSRP: www.gomuddy.com
Why It Made The List: I’m guilty of always looking for the next hunting accessory that can make the hunt more accessible and more functional. While scanning the ATA show floor, I was looking for an accessory that would soon be added to my collection of bow hunting gear. The New Bow Sling from Muddy Outdoors intrigued me at the GSM Outdoors booth. I have had other bow slings, yet the Muddy Bow Sling features a durable material that will withstand weather and wear and tear throughout the hunting season. I spent the past season riding an electric bike to and from my stand, yet I did not like my bow getting banged around when on the handlebar rest. The Muddy Bow Sling is ideal for throwing a bow over your back while keeping it protected when riding a bike. After putting the sling on myself, I knew it had to be on my top new products list.
Pros:
- Easy to adjust
- Perfect for carrying on E-Bikes
- Bottomland Camo
- Durable Zipper
Cons:
- The strap needs a bigger pad
Best New Hunting Accessory – ScentLok BE:1 Insulated Hat
Product Description: The ScentLok BE:1 Insulated Hat is one of the newest editions to ScentLok’s Bowhunter Elite Series. The bowhunter-friendly hat features Carbon Alloy Technology for maximum odor absorption. The BE:1 Insulated Hat is made of a DryLok breathable waterproof/windproof membrane that helps protect bowhunters from the harsh elements. 80 grams of Primaloft Silver insulation provides warmth without bulk. A structured brim protects from the elements yet is small enough to avoid any obstruction from a bowstring when fully drawn. Plus, contoured ear flaps and back neck coverage keep hunters warm even in the coldest temps.
Key Features:
- 80 Grams of Primaloft insulation
- Structured brim suitable for bowhunting
- Contoured ear flaps
- MSRP – $39.99
Why It Made The List: When I first saw the New BE:1 Insulated Hat, I thought of veteran bowhunters Dan Fitzgerald and Chuck Adams; both often wore small billed caps or beanie-style hats designed for bowhunting. The BE:1 Insulated Hat has the modern features of warmth, weatherproofing, and scent control, yet it has a traditional bow hunting-specific design. It truly is a hunting accessory made for the bowhunter.
Pros:
- Warm
- Designed for bowhunting
- Covers ears
Cons:
- None
Best New Tree Saddle/Treestand – Tethrd Grit Workhorse Series
Product Description: The Tethrd Grit Workhorse Series is a new line from Tethrd that features a series of saddles, platforms, and sticks. The Grit Brand was designed to offer a more affordable yet high-quality saddle kit. The Workhorse Saddle Kit includes the saddle, tree tether, lineman rope, and recliner backband. The Saddle comes in Mossy Oak Bottomland.
Key Features:
- Easy to use
- Complete kit packaged
- Durable construction
- Zippered pockets for ropes and extra gear
- MSRP – $299.99 www.tethrednation.com
Why It Made The List: Saddle hunting for bowhunting is obviously one of the most significant trends in bowhunting in recent years. Many hunters haven’t joined in on the hype because of the cost to get started and the availability to find it in stores. When talking to Tethred reps at the ATA show, they firmly pushed availability and lower cost. After jumping in one of the displayed saddles, I instantly felt the same durability and quality that Tethred has been known for over the past few years. This is a great saddle kit for newcomers without giving up quality. This kit will get more hunters in saddles and keep the trend moving strong.
Pros:
- More affordable
- Quality design
- Easy for beginners
- Better availability
Cons:
- Platforms and sticks are sold separately.
