bowhunting experience, allowing the dealer to expose them to the complete world of bowhunting, plus all the other equipment and services the shop has to o� er.

One crossbow manufacturer that quickly recognized the potential of the crossbow accessory market is Parker Bows, located in Staunton, Virginia. Rob Mason, President of Parker Bows, said, “� e opportunity to sell acces-sories to crossbow customers is sig-ni� cant. Most crossbow customers are new to owning a crossbow and many are completely new to archery. Parker developed the Red Hot brand of acces-sories to � ll the need for high quality, high performance cross-bow accessories that are competi-tively priced. Our Red Hot individual accessories and accessory kits have been extremely well received by deal-ers and consumers alike.”

Long recognized as a quality man-ufacturer of vertical bows and cross-bows, Parker was not satis� ed with o� ering a few “cookie cutter” acces-sories. Parker took an in-depth look at what accessories were required for the crossbow hunter in order to engineer each accessory for maximum perfor-mance, making the crossbow experi-ence not only pleasant for the user but more e� cient as well. Parker o� ers a series of accessories designed spe-ci� cally for its crossbows but also o� ers accessories that are compatible with most crossbows on the market. � ese

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growing popularity of cross-bows would kill archery

accessory sales but to the contrary, the demand for crossbows has led to the development of an expanded accessory market. It is true that many crossbow customers make their initial purchases and are seldom seen again; however, the same is true with a similar percentage of vertical bow customers. � e majority of bowhunters who use either vertical bows or crossbows are constantly looking for new equipment for improved performance and a way to upgrade existing out� ts. To � ll that need on the crossbow side of the aisle, many accessory manufacturers as well as crossbow manufacturers are seeking to expand their market shares by o� er-ing innovative accessories to � ll the demand for new and improved cross-bow equipment.

� e dealer that stays current with the latest trends and ever evolv-ing selection of crossbow accessories will realize a great opportunity for increased sales as well as an oppor-tunity to attract new customers who were introduced to bowhunting by the availability of new or increased crossbow hunting opportunities. Many of these customers have no previous

Parker’s Red Hot High Velocity Arrows feature weight forward technology for increased accuracy, stability and penetration. Parker Bows President Rob Mason said, “Capture Nocks are one of the single most important developments in the cross-bow industry in the last decade, which is why we pursued and received a patent on the Capture Nock. Capture Nocks improve crossbow accuracy and consistency from shot to shot by pro-viding full string engagement during the shot. By comparison, Flat Nocks o� er no string engagement and Moon Nocks o� er minimal string contact. With Capture Nocks, each arrow has a more consistent � ight path out of the barrel. Capture Nocks also greatly enhance shooting safety by reducing the potential for a dry � re or a partial dry � re. We have tested Capture Nocks on dozens of di� erent brands of crossbows and they work well with all brands.”

The group of arrows above right was � red from 50 yards, illus-trating the potential accuracy.

By John KasunBy John Kasun

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universal accessories allow the dealer to o� er customers easy to sell, qual-ity accessories regardless of the brand of crossbow the customers are using. Parker not only realized that crossbow accessories were hot sellers; it chose to name its line of accessories Red Hot Accessories. Following is an overview of Parker accessories to consider.

ARROWSParker’s Red Hot High Velocity

Arrows incorporate features necessary to provide an arrow with the greatest accuracy and penetration. � e carbon shaft has a smooth and attractive Bu� -Tu� � nish and is � tted with a Heavi-Hit aluminum insert weighing in at 51 grains to produce an arrow with increased Front of Center (FOC). � is increased forward weight increases stabilization and down-range accuracy as well as penetration on tough hits. When the shaft is combined with small, sti� Fusion Vanes, wind drag is mini-mized, allowing the arrow to achieve maximum speed and reduced trajec-tory. Topping o� this combination is Parker’s Red Hot Capture Nock. � e Capture Nock ensures full contact with the string during the launch, resulting in maximum transfer of energy, adding to the speed of the arrow as well as the down-range accuracy. While the use of Red Hot High Velocity Arrows is recom-mended for all Parker crossbows, they can also be used with all other brands

of crossbows and make an excellent upgrade for the crossbow hunter

looking for the best hunting shaft avail-able.

Parker also o� ers the Hunter Crossbow Arrow (bolt), a more eco-nomical arrow with a regular weight insert and standard 3 inch vanes. � e Hunter Crossbow Arrow features the Capture Nock for maximum down-range accuracy and stability.

BROADHEADS� e lack of tuning options on

crossbows means � nding a straight � y-ing broadhead is critical for maximum accuracy and solid hits. Parker’s Red Hot Crosspro 100 FX Broadheads are designed for today’s modern high per-formance crossbows. Featuring a short blade, low pro� le design with a solid blade locking system, the 100 FX is manufactured with a 100 percent solid steel ferrule. Large vents in the blade design reduce planing and the stain-less steel blades are easily replaceable. � e heads o� er a 1-1/16 inch cutting diameter and tip the scale at a mere 100 grains.

WAXES and LUBESString wax and barrel lube are easy

add-on sales for every new crossbow and regular maintenance items for vet-eran crossbow users. Parker o� ers a Red Hot Wax and Barrel Lube Kit that is scent free and will not freeze in the cold. � e polymeric formula reduces

friction between the arrow shaft and barrel and the wax lubricates and pro-tects string and cable strands.

ROPE COCKERWhile rope cockers are common,

the Red Hot EZ Roller Rope Cocker from Parker incorporates unique roller guide hooks for smooth cocking that will not scratch the barrel � nish. � e extra long rope � ts all Parker crossbows and most other brands. � e rope can be easily shortened for a custom � t while the T-handles provide a solid grip for an easy pull. While some crossbow hunters forgo a cocking device and simply cock the bow by hand, it has been proven that the use of a cocking aid greatly improves accuracy, making it an easy add-on sale for every cross-bow and a replacement item for those hunters that might lose the device while in the � eld.

The Red Hot Crosspro 100 FX Broadheads have been speci� cally designed to shoot accurately out of today’s high speed crossbows.

A rope cocker maintains accurate and consistent cocking, leading to increased accuracy. Basic and easy to use, the Red Hot EZ Roller Rope Cocker � ts all brands of crossbows and is an easy add-on sale.

Parker’s Red Hot Wax and Barrel Lube Kit keeps the crossbow shooting at maximum e� ciency and is a “must have” accessory for every crossbow user.

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SCOPESWhen it comes to scopes, Parker

o� ers the dealer a selection of scopes tailored not only for di� erent budgets but with speci� cally di� erent features. � e Red Hot 3 Dot Dual Color Optic o� ers three aiming points, which can be illuminated in either red or green

with � ve brightness levels. � e Red Hot 3x32 Multi-Reticle Scope o� ers 3 power magni� cation and edge to edge clarity. It is waterproof, shockproof and fogproof. A step up is the Red Hot 3x32 Illuminated Multi-Reticle Scope, with all the same features plus dual color illumination in red and green, with � ve brightness settings for each color. Both feature � ve internal reticles as well as horizontal brackets that can be used as range-� nding aids. Also in the reticle is a peak of trajectory indicator. � is allows the shooter to recognize at a glance any obstruction that is in the arrow’s path before the shot.

While multi reticles are common in crossbow scopes, Parker also o� ers two single dot scopes for those hunt-ers that prefer a single aiming point.

� e Red Hot Pin Point is a � xed, 3 power illuminated scope with a single illuminated (red and green colors and � ve brightness levels), dot etched glass reticle. � e scope features a dial-a-dis-tance precision scope turret that allows the shooter to select any distance from 20 to 80 yards with the turn of the dial; simply range it, dial it and shoot it. Also available is a Red Hot Pin Point Variable Power model with all the aforemen-tioned features plus the ability to adjust the magni� cation between 1.25 and 4 power. � is feature is desirable when hunting situations vary between close shots in thick cover and longer shots in open areas. A simple twist of the mag-ni� cation ring allows the hunter to go from a wide � eld of view with less mag-ni� cation for quick target acquisition to a higher magni� cation and smaller � eld of view when pinpoint accuracy is needed at longer ranges.

SLINGS and CASES A sling makes carrying the cross-

bow much easier and is a logical add-on sale. Parker’s Red Hot Crossbow Sling has a generous padded foam core for comfort, with a non-slip rubber backing. Parker’s Red Hot Crossbow Case is a deluxe padded camo and black nylon case with an external quiv-er pouch. A 330 degree zipper allows for full access and easy in and out. � e case � ts most popular crossbows with the exception of recurves.

QUIVERSParker’s Red Hot Quick Detach

Quiver holds four arrows and is designed to � t all brands of crossbows.

The internal reticle of Parker’s Red Hot 3X32 multi-reticle scope features multi reti-cles with horizontal range-� nding brackets, along with a Peak of Trajectory indicator that shows the shooter any possible arrow interference prior to the shot.

Parker’s Red Hot 3 Dot Dual Color Optic scope is simple and quick to use, with three illuminated dots for quick and easy target acquisition.

Parker’s Red Hot Pin Point Illuminated Dial-A Distance Scope allows the hunter to use a single dot reticle, which can be easily adjusted with a top mounted precision top turret to any distance between 20 and 80 plus yards. The Pin Point is available as either a � xed or variable magni� cation.

New HI-55-Arrow detachable quiverVertically adjustableNew mounting bracketWorks with other Kwikee Kwiver mounting brackets U.S.A. made

www.KwikeeKwiver.com 1-800-346-7001138

Jan13AT118-121. OLDindd.indd 138 12/7/12 9:37 AM

� e quiver features double grippers, which securely hold both � xed blade and expandable broadheads. The three position mounting system allows the quiver to be mounted as needed, depending upon the crossbow being used and the user’s preference.

KITSWhile all of the items mentioned

are available individually, Parker also o� ers di� erent accessory assortments prepackaged for the dealer. � ese kits allow the customer to select the kit that best meets his or her needs and budget, saving the dealer time while normally increasing the total sale for maximized pro� ts.

LIGHTED NOCKSParker is continually striving to

expand its crossbow accessory line and in 2013, it will be o� ering lighted cap-ture nocks. Crossbow arrows are fast and di� cult to see in � ight under most hunting conditions. Lighted nocks are

a must for the crossbow hunter and the dealer who takes the time to display them properly or better yet has the customers try them on the range will � nd them an easy sell and a great pro� t generator.

SUMMARY Crossbow accessories are a guar-

anteed money maker and are must have items for the full line pro archery shop. Accessories make great add-on sales for the � rst time buyer as well as for the customer wanting to upgrade or add to his or her equipment. Parker’s extensive line of crossbow accesso-ries is a great place to start. To learn more about Parker’s Red Hot Crossbow

Accessories as well as the complete product line, call (800) 707-8149.

About the Author: In addition to his duties with ArrowTrade, John Kasun is an outdoor seminar speaker and a business consultant with experi-ence in corporations large and small. He can be reached at 126 Acorn Lane, Duncansville, PA 16635. His number is (814) 695-5784 and the email address is kasun@atlanticbb.net.

The Red Hot Quick Detach Quiver features an easy on, easy o� mounting system and accepts both � xed and mechanical broadheads. The quiv-er � ts all popular brands of crossbows.

While Parker o� ers its accessories individually, it also o� ers kits containing various combinations of accessories at di� erent price points for easy add-on sales by the dealer.

For 2013, Parker will be o� ering lighted Red Hot Capture Nocks in red and green.

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