Top 5 Bows from ATA 2019
The Archery Trade Association show (ATA) is the largest archery and bowhunting tradeshow in the industry with over 9,000 total attendees and more than 650 exhibitors. Every year, North 40 Outfitters sends a team to discover the latest industry innovations and check out the newest gear we just can’t wait to get our hands on.
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For us, this year is unlike any other when it comes to the archery industry. Instead of bow manufacturers waiting for the ATA show to release their new bows, most of them released them in the fall of 2018. This made it super helpful for us to know what we were going into; however, we did find a few surprises. We had the chance to shoot every bow from every bow manufacturer side by side. In no particular order, here is our list of the top 5 Bows from ATA 2019.
1. Mathews Traverse
Last year Mathews took the archery world by storm releasing their flagship bow the Triax. This year they have released three new bows, the Vertix, Traverse, and the TX-5. After shooting each of these bows, our team agreed that the Traverse wins amongst Mathews’ new line of bows. With a 33-inch axle-to-axle, a 6-5/8-inch brace height, and a speed of 338 fps, this bow really feels like a shooting machine in your hand. It is forgiving, has a smoother draw cycle, and is very dead in the hand on the shot. One thing that really stood out for us on this bow was the engage grip. This grip provides a comfy hand feel while allowing more consistent shot placement by reducing torque.
2. Hoyt Carbon RX – 3 Ultra
Hoyt introduced the new RX-3 series this year with three different models. The Ultra, Turbo, and Standard RX-3. We had the chance to shoot all of these side by side and found that once again, the Ultra is the way to go on this series of Hoyt bows. The RX-3 Ultra features a 34-inch axle-to-axle, a 6-3/4-inch brace height, and an IBO rating of 334 fps. This bow is at least 50% smoother than the Turbo and standard RX-3. It is extremely lightweight due to its carbon riser and is now more accurate with the ZT Pro cam system. This ne cam system is faster, smoother, and has higher let off than ever before.
3. Xpedition Mako X
Xpedition is back at it with a new line of bows for 2019. The Mako X has a blistering IBO speed of 364 fps. This bow features a 5-inch brace height, that is surprisingly forgiving. It literally feels like a 6-inch brace height bow. Coming in with a 33.31-inch axle-to-axle and a 5-inch brace height, this bow is truly unique among other bows on the show floor. The draw cycle is less smooth and forgiving as some of the other bows, however, this machine makes up for it with pure speed.
4. Bowtech Reckoning
This bow is not yet on the Bowtech website. The Reckoning is Bowtech’s answer to a target and hunting bow in one. The 35-inch axle-to-axle length provides amazing stability and follow through, combine that with the 7-inch brace height and an IBO speed of 335 fps, and you have a bow that will be the most accurate bow you will have ever owned. The draw cycle was smooth all the way through and had a very solid Bowtech back wall. The shot was quiet, smooth, and allowed for a consistent follow through. This is a must-have for anyone who likes to shoot archery league, 3D shoots, and use the same bow for hunting.
5. Bowtech Convergence
Another bow that is new for the 2019 ATA show is the Convergence by Bowtech. Out of all of the price point bows we shot at the show, this one wins our award for the best bow under $600… barely. With a price point of $599, this bow competes with the big dogs of the show by offering a Bowtech branded bow in an affordable package. This bow looks and feels like an older style Bowtech bow; however, it offers Bowtech’s newer technology. Axle-to-axle it comes in at 31.5-inch, it features a forgiving brace height of 7-inch and carries an IBO speed of 330 fps. This is the ultimate price point bow for the conservative archer.