Smart cam systems, premium risers and more from an innovator with one primary goal: Undisputed technology leader.
From the current wind and weather conditions to insights into the best hunting tactics and gear, all of us here at HuntStand Hunting believe that more knowledge leads to more hunting success. And that’s part of the genesis of this new feature, which aims to introduce the HuntStand community to a whole host of hunting-focused companies and gear.
Right from the very beginning, Prime Archery was all about being different. At the company’s “coming out” party, back in 2010, more than two dozen bow companies existed, but none were offering Prime’s new, ground-breaking “Parallel Cam” design. The smart design that continues today delivers superior balance by utilizing two string tracks that come together as one, to virtually eliminate cam lean that can lead to nasty, and all-too-common, left/right tuning problems. To get more insight into this innovative company and its award-winning, problem-solving bows, we talked recently with Prime’s Tim Checkeroski.
HuntStand: What sets Prime Archery apart from the competition—what makes your company unique?
A: Prime Archery recognizes it is not the number one or two—or even three—manufacturer in the archery space, and the company is okay with this. The company’s goal is to be the technology leader of the industry, while never sacrificing quality to move to the front of the line. Prime strives to provide the highest-quality products to become a major player in the archery industry.
HuntStand: What are some new developments at Prime Archery for 2016?
A: The newest development is the 82X aluminum alloy riser, which is currently available on the Prime Rize (shown at top). This material makes the riser as stiff as possible without added, uncomfortable weight. The reason this makes the bow better than any other available is because the less a riser flexes in the draw cycle and shot sequence (all bows do, some more than others) the less noise and vibration the bow has, and the bow becomes even easier to tune. It greatly improves the shot sequence.
HuntStand: How and when did Prime Archery get its start, and where are you currently based?
A: Prime Archery first started in 2010 by introducing its Shift and Centroid models. The company is part of the Grace Engineering organization—as is G5 Outdoors—and is based out of Memphis, Michigan. Yes, believe it or not, there is a Memphis, Michigan and it is about 40 miles north of Detroit.
HuntStand: What accomplishment is Prime Archery most proud of over the last year?
A: Last year, Field and Stream awarded the Prime Rival (shown above) the “Best in Show” at the 2015 ATA Show, and then it awarded the Prime Ion the “Best of the Best” in its yearly bow evaluations. These were not only accomplishments we were most proud of last year, but also a benchmark in Prime’s entire history. It confirmed we are doing things right and accomplishing the goals we have set for the company.
HuntStand: How does Prime Archery engage its customers for feedback, ideas, or suggestions for improvement?
A: Prime Archery welcomes feedback from every point—from the end consumers, dealers, sales representatives, promotional staff members—as well as employees of the company. These are received through social media, website submissions, phone calls and one-on-one conversations. We welcome all thoughts on how we are doing and what we can do to be better, because this feedback is important to help us continue to provide the best products and service.
HuntStand: What are two things most people don’t know about Prime Archery?
A: Most people do not know the company is a third generation family owned company, and that the “G5” in G5 Outdoors stands for two things: The “G” is for Grace, the family name, and the 5 is the number of children the owner has.
HuntStand: What is your company mission statement?
A: “To provide bows that are the highest in quality available in the industry by not focusing on only one feature, but by recognizing the bow as a whole from axle to axle is what makes that arrow shoot straighter.”
HuntStand: How many people do you employ, and are you currently hiring?
A: The company employs 124 people and is currently hiring.
HuntStand: If you could change one thing about Prime Archery right now, what would it be?
A: If I could change one thing about Prime Archery RIGHT NOW, it would be the public’s first impression of the products. The Parallel Cam System of the Prime bows is completely different than what everyone has been used to for so long it can look intimidating. The system is actually much easier to work with than some people believe and it’s probably one of the most adjustable systems there is. Fortunately, we have a great team, and we have impressed as well as converted many archers who have come to love and accept the system … and they are more than happy to spread the word. It’s exponentially getting better!
HuntStand: What are some short-range (less than two years) company goals?
A: One of Prime Archery’s short-range goals is to further educate the public about the system. This will be done with blogs on the website, video production, detailed tuning guides and many other possibilities. We understand the best way to change both the initial impression, as well as the experience once the bow has been purchased, is through education.
