WHIPSHOT: The 6-shot Repeating Compound Bow

While innovation and technological progress often overshadow traditional weapon systems, there are several compelling reasons why time-honored platforms like the crossbow and the recurve bow continue to have a place in the modern world. Having undergone centuries of refinement, their robust functionality have stood the test of time, and modern developments in material sciences and fabrication make them even more reliable and effective. As many nations continue to regulate firearms with strict laws, consumers look to alternatives to provide for their self-defense needs. Ek Archery Research addresses this consumer need by developing tactical archery platforms that allow operators to project an effective ranged defense.

The obsolescence of the bow and crossbow on the battlefield shelved the principles of tactical archery to historical accounts. Due to the superior rate of fire and ease of use offered by firearms, there was little justification for the continued advancement of a technology that had been rendered obsolete by a profound transformation in the nature of warfare.

Back to the Future

As the R&D team at Ek Archery explored the issues of tactical archery platforms; it became evident from the outset that the root of the issue was to resolve some of the major problems that had relegated the venerable bow and crossbow to the domain of sports and leisure. Rate-of-fire is crucial in tactical situations as it determines the speed and frequency at which the operator can engage targets and suppress threats. To this end, Ek Archery unveiled the Cobra RX "Adder," a compact crossbow featuring a distinctive five-shot top-loaded magazine system and an integrated cocking lever, making it a potent close-quarters defensive armament with rapid follow-up shot capabilities. This novel solution of magazine-fed arrows has now been applied to a compound recurve bow through Ek’s creation of the Whipshot System.

A Solid Foundation for Speed Shooting

The foundation of the Whipshot System is the Anvil compound bow. Designed with the bowhunter in mind, the Anvil's compact 27”axle-to-axle length and 3 lb mass make it perfect for maneuvering in confined hunting blinds, tree stands, or while stalking prey through dense underbrush. While seasoned hunters will find it to be a formidable tool, the Anvil is also an excellent choice for novice archers and individuals with smaller frames. With an adjustable draw weight ranging from 5 to 55 lb and a customizable draw length between 15” to 27”, the Anvil can be dialed in to almost every archer’s personal specifications. The Anvil’s 6.25” brace height and well-balanced forged riser complement a cam geometry that offers a remarkably smooth draw cycle and provides a comfortable 70% let-off with a crisp back wall. As Ek's third-generation compact compound bow, the Anvil offers stability for hunting and 3D archery while remaining highly adaptable for entry-level archers as their skills progress.

The Modern Tactical Archery Solution

Taking performance to the next level, the Anvil truly shines when transformed into the Whipshot by coupling it with Ek's groundbreaking multi-shot device. The Whipshot System includes a specialized bracket attaching a magazine assembly holding six 15” 235 gr arrows to the Anvil’s riser. Using the Whipshot is intuitive, by simply pulling back the magazine assembly to cock the bow and releasing the arrow using an integral thumb trigger, the platform can be rapidly cycled by the operator; reliably placing six shots within the ten-ring at 15 yards in just seconds. At its maximum settings the Whipshot releases a bolt at 240 fps making it extremely effective up to 40 yards. However, the Whipshot System is equally impressive at settings that are more suitable for young or small framed shooters; at a 22 lb draw weight the bolt is sent downrange at a respectable 140 fps. With a red-dot sight and set at 18 lb the Whipshot can be a strong deterrent in the hands of even the least athletic. In a defensive role that requires barricades, transitions and shooting while moving; the dynamic Whipshot handles like no other compound bow on the market.

A Blast from the Past

As tactical archery combines precision shooting with strategic thinking, it is unlike traditional sports archery focusing on stationary targets. Tactical archers not only must adapt to dynamic and challenging environments but they must also shoot accurately under stress. This makes ancient battle skills difficult to attain for any other than expert archers. Nonetheless, the Whipshot System, incorporated with the Anvil compound bow, offers user-friendly operation and a firing rate that enable operators to develop formidable tactical proficiency without a steep learning curve.