EK’s COMPOUND BOWS: FINDING THE SWEET SPOT

Ek Archery Research’s product line of adjustable compound bows makes it easy to hit the bullseye with the archery gear that you need for survival, target shooting and hunting, all without burning a hole through your pocket.

Most retail purchases of archery equipment are preceded with at least a basic amount of online research; comparing brands and reading product reviews. Informed purchasing gives the entry level archery enthusiast the confidence to avoid inferior products and find the price that best suits their budget. However, much like purchasing a firearm the most basic criteria of entry level archery are the questions of what and why one wishes to shoot.  In the same vein, archery offers a myriad of different technologies; purposed from gentle backyard shooting to big game hunting. This becomes the dilemma of the economically minded entry level archer; the questions of bow function and performance are as important as that of quality and price. Between the costs of arrows, aftermarket accessories and a trip to the proshop; modern compound archery can quickly become an expensive hobby. To address this situation Ek Archery Research, the R&D division of the venerable archery equipment producer Poe Lang Enterprise, set its sights on developing a line of compound bows that encompass the quality and features of high-end bows but with a price tag that allows the archer to start off on the right foot in finding their own niche within the sport. Here are three of Ek’s latest offerings.

A Powerful Bow in a Small Package, the Rex

Inspired by hunting in brush country, the Rex compound bow was designed to be compact enough to strap onto a field pack and not constantly snag on branches. With an axle-to-axle measurement of only 28” this compound bow is at home operating in close quarters and cramped conditions. The 65% draw weight and balanced characteristics of the Rex make it a very instinctual bow to draw and aim. Available in 55 lb. and 65 lb. versions, its cams can be easily adjusted to the lower draw weights and draw lengths for women and smaller framed shooters while still maintaining its forgiving draw characteristics. Powered by matched sets of Poe Lang’s tough and reliable quad limbs, the Rex’s cam geometry was designed to give an even draw cycle with a generous valley that suits beginning archers. This bow generates enough speed to push a 300 gr. arrow at 230 fps making it suitable to hunt medium sized game. The Rex comes in a ready to shoot package with a serviceable arrow rest, pin sight and starter arrows. Available in a tactical folium camouflage and stealth black, one version of the Rex popular with young archers features black and white “skull camo”.

Hitting Through the Center, the Axis

To find the sweet spot between a high-speed hunting bow and the stability of a target bow, Ek Archery Research used an iterative design process involving the input of a professional target archery team. From this cooperation the 32” axle-to-axle Axis was developed. With a cam profile that is more suited to precision shooting, the gentle and almost effortless draw cycle of the Axis resolves into a less aggressive back wall with 75% let off. Draw weight can be adjusted between 30 to 70 lbs. and the draw length from 23” to 32” making it the kind of bow that can be dialed in to the user’s personal ergonomics. The Axis is hole punching machine that can be perfected with the addition of an aftermarket fall away arrow rest and a target compound sight. The gorgeous finish of the CNC milled aluminum riser is available in tactical finishes and popular solid colors.

Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck, the Exterminator

Ek Archery Research’s third generation of compound bow design was the realization of a completely adjustable platform that can be easily and quickly set up to accommodate the draw cycle of any user. With a draw length that can be set from 17” to 31” and a draw weight that ranges from 15 to 30 lbs., the Exterminator is the perfect foundation to build a rugged 3D shooting rig. While the hunting roots of the bow are apparent in its operational quietness at arrow speeds of +310 fps, the design influences of a target bow can be found in its solid and extremely balanced handling characteristics. Shooting the Exterminator in a bare bow configuration reveals it to be a natural pointer. With a silky draw cycle ending in a rock-solid back wall at 75% let off, the Exterminator facilitates the beginning shooter to take advantage of the bow’s inherent accuracy and focus on proper shooting form.