A better lighted nock. A sweet new stabilizer. Awesome arrow rests. Here’s a sneak peek into some of the latest and greatest bowhunting accessories innovation.
Nockturnal Fit Lighted Nocks Expand. Last year Nockturnal introduced the Fit, a universal lighted nock designed to fit X-diameter and larger arrows. This year, they’ve expanded the Fit line with even more color and multi-color strobe choices, including: Blue, Orange and White, as well as Red/Blue and Green/Blue strobes ($35/3-Pack). Weighing about 25 grains, each Fit is waterproof
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and shockproof, features an ultra-strong, impact resistant, clear polycarbonate nock construction encapsulating the super-bright single LED or paired strobing LEDs, which are triggered by a patented string-activated, piston-driven contact switch and, with over 20 hours of lithium battery life will remain brightly lit for ample arrow retrieval time. Each three-pack includes three sets of Nock Collar adapter sleeves to fit GT, S and H arrows. Now available in Red, Green, Blue, Orange, White, Red/Green, Red/Blue and Green/Blue.
HHA Sports Virtus. This full-containment fall-away arrow rest ($130) is constructed with the same quality as HHA’s proven Optimizer sights, and available in both Universal and Mathews Edition models. It comes out-of-the-box ready to mount on your bow with the launcher silencing kit pre-installed. Windage adjustments ensure perfect center-shot alignment, while witness marks on all
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adjustments ensure precise alignment and timing. Every day in America, 22 military veterans take their lives, struggling to cope with the physical and mental scars sustained during their service. To raise awareness, the number 22 is being used in the part numbers for the Virtus (VR-22 and MA-VR-22). Additionally, 2.2 percent of profits from all Virtus sales go to Operation HHAUSA, a program directed at involving veterans in archery/hunting.
Cajun Brush Fire Arrow Rest. Bowfishing enthusiasts now have an arrow rest built with the same rugged, reliable simplicity as the legendary Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit. Smart features of the Brush Fire ($30) include a teflon impregnated insert on the bottom for durability; the reversible-mount design allows use with left- and right-hand bows, and replaceable bristles offer full containment.
NAP SnapShot Bowfishing System. One of the more-noteworthy trends for 2018 is an obvious increase in the number of bowfishing-related products, a nod to the sport’s dramatic popularity increase. After shooting a fish, the revolutionary patented design of the SnapShot bowfishing
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broadhead and arrow system ($20) allows the hardened wire barb to swivel forward for fast and easy fish removal. Rotate the wire back into place, and it’s ready to go again —no more loosening of the point to get the fish off. The SnapShot system includes NAP’s Own The Night glow-in-the-dark arrow shaft for more fun and exciting nighttime bowfishing.
Trophy Taker Throwdown Rest. This new buss cable-driven fall-away arrow rest is built around Trophy Taker’s bomb-proof launcher and spring design. The Throwdown ($80) features an ambidextrous design that sets up easily for left- or right-handed shooters. The custom arrow containment ring, built-in silencing dampeners and a new tapered launcher instills confidence in the field. Super quiet operation, lightweight design and rugged over-sized fasteners show this rest is truly built with the bowhunter in mind.
Schaffer XV Arrow Rest. This fine design utilizes many of the same features as the proven Opposition rest, including Dual Jaw Technology wherein super-tough Delrin jaws cradle your arrow before the shot then clear away for zero contact of arrow or vanes. But the XV ($149) is sleeker,
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lighter (just 2.1 ounces), and because the rope can be changed extremely quickly, more pro-shop friendly. Unlike other drop-aways that require the shooter to cock the launcher before shooting, the whisper-quiet XV features hands-free operation and can be shot in the cocked and un-cocked positions with the arrow fully contained. Available in black or Lost Camo.
Bee Stinger Micro Hex Stabilizer. This wind-slicing micro-diameter stabilizer features a layer of exclusive Bee Stinger Countervail proprietary material built right into the carbon bar. This delivers quicker dampening, less vibration, reduced recoil, a smoother feel and a quieter shot—without adding weight or sacrificing stiffness. And, its micro diameter provides enhanced aiming in windy conditions. The Micro Hex ($70-$155) is available in matte black, green & red, and Lost XD, Realtree Xtra, Breakup Country or Sandstorm camo; in 6-, 8- and 10-inch lengths with three independent 1-oz. end weights; or in 10-, 12- and 15-inch matte black counterslide versions.
T.R.U. Ball Short-n-Sweet’R Release. The ever-popular Short-n-Sweet got Short-n-Sweet’R ($95) for 2018. A lighter and smaller, tubular-shaped body allows for less obstruction in your hand and makes it easy to tuck into your sleeve while not in use. This model also comes standard with the new Cinch Strap: a micro-adjustable web strap with a single socket head screw that is loosened to make an adjustment for infinite draw length settings, then tightened to lock the webbing in the desired position. This new, compact version contains the same feather-light, non-collapsing trigger as the original, as well as a single travel screw for customizing trigger pressure. The quick-loading, open-hook design still allows a speedy and secure connection to the string loop; the Short-n-Sweet’R is available with a black anodized head and your choice of the Velcro or buckle Cinch Strap in Junior, Large, or X-Large sizes. 
Lakewood Improves Bowfile Case. For 2018 Lakewood is offering a new, more-convenient version of its popular Bowfile case ($220-$320). Like previous versions, they wrapped ultra-durable sheets of ABS plastic with protective high-density foam encased in drag-proof ballistic nylon for rugged, TSA-compliant external protection. Inside, each Bowfile incorporates blocks of custom-cut high-density foam to hold your bow secure in a unique vertical orientation. This version adds 1.5 inches to the already generous vertical height so the new-and-improved Bowfile—with an external vertical dimension of 17.5 inches and an internal capacity of 16-inches—now accommodates an even wider array of modern sight mounts and longer stabilizers. It’s available in Black, Mathews Lost and True Timber Kanati camo; optional accessories include accessory and arrow boxes, and an airport-friendly wheel kit.
Plano Field Locker Compound Bow Case. Plano borrowed technology and materials from its proven Mil-Spec Series of gun cases to create the all-new Field Locker Compound Bow Case ($250). Plano’s special molding process yields a reinforced shell lined with sandwiched layers of double-density Pluck Foam for customized fit, and additional foam padding lines the case’s top and bottom with dedicated areas for arrow and accessory storage. Like its predecessors, this case is watertight and dustproof, thanks largely to secure Dry-Loc gaskets; a smart Pressure Release Valve equalizes pressure changes caused by altitude or temperature. The over-molded, heavy-duty handles defy breakage by careless airline workers while the ball-bearing urethane wheels promote easy transport.
