The Archery Project

Zakk Plocica
  • 4.7 (9)
  • EDUCATION

 Welcome to The Archery Project where we sit down and have raw, unfiltered conversations discussing archery and bowhunting adventures in depth through the perspectives of unique individuals from all different backgrounds.If you enjoy the show be sure to subscribe to show your support! 

  1. Good Archery Shops vs Bad Ones: The Difference Matters | FRIDAY KILL NOTES

    1D AGO

    Good Archery Shops vs Bad Ones: The Difference Matters | FRIDAY KILL NOTES

    Buying a bow shouldn’t feel like a gamble. We walk through a practical, no‑nonsense checklist for finding an archery shop that sells confidence first and gear second. It starts with trust: the right tech listens before recommending anything, asks about your goals and budget, measures you correctly, and keeps jargon out of the conversation. From there, we dig into the essentials that separate great shops from the rest—hands‑on testing across multiple bows, transparent tuning, and clear coaching on form, grip, anchor, and release. You’ll hear why “try before you buy” is non‑negotiable, how proper setup (center shot, cam timing, peep height, arrow spine) accelerates your progress, and where red flags pop up: brand pushing, no testing, rushed service, or one‑size‑fits‑all answers. We also explore the role of inventory variety and price tiers, so you can find the best fit without pressure, and the power of in‑house ranges for sight‑in support, classes, and community. Good shops don’t disappear after the swipe—they welcome follow‑ups, handle small tweaks, and stand behind their work so you stay confident at full draw. Along the way, we share how to be a strong customer: be honest about budget, stay open to learning, respect busy seasons, and support the shop that invests time in you. Whether you’re just getting started or leveling up for a western hunt, this guide helps you spot the places that build archers, not transactions. If you’re stuck without a solid local option, reach out to our team at Extreme Outfitters—we’re here to help with questions, tuning advice, and thoughtful recommendations. If this conversation helps, subscribe, share it with a friend who’s bow shopping, and leave a review to tell us what great shop practices you’ve seen. 🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.com Quick reads, pro tips, and the latest episodes—delivered straight to your inbox every week. 👉 Sign up here: https://thearcheryproject.com/ ✅ Watch the video podcast here! https://www.youtube.com/@thearcheryproject JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: ► Facebook: http://bit.ly/44UD7Vo ► Instagram: http://bit.ly/40Q2jLf

    40 min
  2. Our Favorite Bow Sights for Total Archery Challenge (TAC) + Setup Tips

    JAN 30

    Our Favorite Bow Sights for Total Archery Challenge (TAC) + Setup Tips

    Steep angles, sketchy footing, and fast-changing light can make even a solid archer feel shaky. We dig into what actually matters for Total Archery Challenge so your sight keeps up when the mountain starts moving: true second and third axis, durable builds that don’t drift, tool-free micro adjustments, and sight tapes that hold up in rain, mud, and fog. We also unpack the tradeoffs that decide whether your arrows land or disappear into the brush—vertical three-pin vs single-pin sliders, peep size and housing alignment, fiber brightness and rheostats, and when a sight light or .010 fibers beat a dim .019 on a dark target. We share real-world lessons from soggy courses and windy ridgelines: how to set peep height to unlock more dialable distance, why vertical posts help you spot torque, and how to “true” your sight tape across multiple yardages so 120 still hits when 20 and 60 lied to you. You’ll hear our take on top brands and features that make life easier—rugged Spot Hogg builds, the lightweight Axcel Driver, Dialed’s smart light and angled track, HHA’s modern XV3 housing—and the mid-tier options that deliver real value without flimsy plastic. If you’re traveling to a TAC course, we cover simple safeguards that pay off fast: reference marks for reassembly, waterproofed tapes, spare arrows, and a quick shakedown on the practice range before the first 100-yard uphill. Run what you brung, but set it up to win in mountain conditions. Subscribe, share this with a buddy who’s dialing for TAC, and tell us: what sight setup gives you confidence at 140 yards? 🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.com Quick reads, pro tips, and the latest episodes—delivered straight to your inbox every week. 👉 Sign up here: https://thearcheryproject.com/ ✅ Watch the video podcast here! https://www.youtube.com/@thearcheryproject JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: ► Facebook: http://bit.ly/44UD7Vo ► Instagram: http://bit.ly/40Q2jLf

    57 min
  3. 2025 Arrow Review: What’s Actually Worth Your Money

    JAN 14

    2025 Arrow Review: What’s Actually Worth Your Money

    New arrows landed hard this year, but not all “premium” builds delivered. We dig into why some custom builders Chinese shafts struggled with spine and straightness, where penetration fell apart even at high poundage, and how a simpler approach turned our bows quieter, our tuning faster, and our blood trails undeniable. From Easton’s 5.0 and FMJ Max to Victory’s HLR, VLR, and the new Rival/Rival X class, we break down real differences in GPI, durability, components, and where each shines for hunting, TAC, and 3D. We share candid shop-floor stories and field results: the hidden risks of hot-melt overheating, why underspined arrows crumble under heavy FOC, and how stainless HIT inserts and short stainless half-outs tighten spin and survive impacts. You’ll hear why lighted nocks can be a liability if you don’t inspect and retire them early, and how a clean build—cut, square, dry-fit, spin, then glue—beats chasing exotic parts. Expect practical numbers, clear use-cases, and the tradeoffs between speed, noise, and forgiveness that really matter when you screw on a broadhead. If you’re choosing between FMJ Max for quiet, forgiving hunting shots or chasing distance with VLR and Rival for TAC, this conversation gives you a blueprint. We also touch the target side with Easton’s 3.2 and why competition between Easton, Victory, and returning players like Carbon Express helps everyone. Our bottom line: keep it simple, pick a vetted shaft, tune the bow to the arrow, and shoot more. Subscribe, share with a buddy who’s rebuilding for 2025, and drop your arrow recipe and reasoning—we want to hear what you’re running and why. 🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.com Quick reads, pro tips, and the latest episodes—delivered straight to your inbox every week. 👉 Sign up here: https://thearcheryproject.com/ ✅ Watch the video podcast here! https://www.youtube.com/@thearcheryproject JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: ► Facebook: http://bit.ly/44UD7Vo ► Instagram: http://bit.ly/40Q2jLf

    1h 8m
  4. Arrow Myths, Shop Struggles & What Shooters Really Need — Easton Unfiltered

    12/09/2025

    Arrow Myths, Shop Struggles & What Shooters Really Need — Easton Unfiltered

    Ever wonder where marketing hype ends and real performance begins? We sit down with Cody Griffin of Easton and map the line from factory floor to broadhead pass‑throughs, from ATA buzz to TAC mountainsides, and from spec sheets to shots that actually land in the vitals. It’s a candid tour of what works, what fails, and how to build smarter without getting lost in the weeds. We start with the backbone of the industry—dealers—and why brands that truly support shops win long‑term. From there, we pull apart honest IBO claims, durability standards, and the safety testing Easton runs before an arrow ever leaves the building. The 5.0’s staying power surprised everyone, even through hunting season, while Axis 5mm still sets the bar for bulletproof reliability. FMJ Max steps in as the slick‑penetrating dark horse that mirrors Axis GPI, making it easy to swap builds without redoing your whole sight tape. If you’re hunting whitetails in the East or stretching out in the West, we share simple arrow recipes, practical glue tips, and why 450‑ish grains with a tuned bow and quality broadhead is a sweet spot for most bowhunters. On the bow side, we compare Hoyt’s new limb‑tip tuning and indicators with shim confidence, PSE’s FDS cams and dynamic brace height that make “speed bow” feel shootable, and the rise of mid‑price bows that punch like flagships. We talk strings that hold timing for months, bomb‑proof setups built around Hoyt, Spot‑Hogg, and Hamskea, and when a backup set of strings—or a backup bow—isn’t optional. We also get real about content: why in‑house media beats outsourcing, how clean, family‑safe creators are lifting the sport, and the way TAC delivers the most valuable brand‑to‑shooter touchpoint today. For target fans, the new X10 3.2 Parallel Pro brings world‑class spine consistency and easier tuning, poised for Vegas lines and LA 2028. If you want fewer variables, better hits, and gear that earns its place, this conversation is your shortcut. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s rebuilding their setup, and leave a review with your go‑to arrow weight—we’ll read our favorites on the show. 🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.com Quick reads, pro tips, and the latest episodes—delivered straight to your inbox every week. 👉 Sign up here: https://thearcheryproject.com/ ✅ Watch the video podcast here! https://www.youtube.com/@thearcheryproject JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: ► Facebook: http://bit.ly/44UD7Vo ► Instagram: http://bit.ly/40Q2jLf

    1h 27m
  5. 2026 Flagship Bow Breakdown: Hoyt, Mathews, PSE, Prime & Xpedition — Full Honest Review

    12/02/2025

    2026 Flagship Bow Breakdown: Hoyt, Mathews, PSE, Prime & Xpedition — Full Honest Review

    The 2026 bow class draws a hard line: speed is great, but fast, simple tuning is what saves time and stacks tight groups. We sat down and compared the biggest launches head to head—Hoyt’s new XTS tuning system, PSE’s redesigned FDS cam and blazing Sicario, Matthews’ all-new ARC series, and the return-to-form feel of Prime’s Divide lineup—using real shop results, paper tears, and range impressions that match what hunters actually see. We start with the industry’s pivot toward pressless, micro-adjust solutions. Hoyt finally brings a robust on-bow system with XTS for true micro left-right and even vertical tweaks, while still keeping shims for big corrections. PSE doubles down on carbon performance: the Sicario is shockingly smooth for a 5.25-inch brace height speed bow, and the Mach 33 with FDS might be the best blend of forgiveness and pace for everyday bowhunters. Matthews rebuilt the platform with lighter aluminum risers, integrated SCS, and a new cam that delivers real-world speed; swap to the SWX Z mod and the valley becomes far more livable with only a small hit to fps. We also unpack where accessories make or break a build. Matthews still leads integration and balance, Hoyt owns durability in the backcountry, and PSE’s carbon lineup remains the lightest way to carry serious performance. Prime’s Divide 31 and 33 feel excellent on standard mods, even if they trail a touch in speed, and Expedition’s Next Light delivers carbon-like carry weight at aluminum pricing with quarter-inch draw steps and ABB strings out of the box. Finally, we rank categories by need: raw trajectory (Sicario), forgiving killer (Mach 33 FDS), indestructible rig (RX10 Ultra), polished ecosystem (ARC with SWX Z), and easiest self-tuning (Bowtech DeadLock). Ready to pick your lane—speed, forgiveness, or durability? Press play, then tell us your top three, what you’re buying now, and whether you’re waiting on ATA to see Bowtech’s cards. If this helped, follow the show, share it with a bow buddy, and leave a quick review so more archers can get dialed faster. 🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.com Quick reads, pro tips, and the latest episodes—delivered straight to your inbox every week. 👉 Sign up here: https://thearcheryproject.com/ ✅ Watch the video podcast here! https://www.youtube.com/@thearcheryproject JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: ► Facebook: http://bit.ly/44UD7Vo ► Instagram: http://bit.ly/40Q2jLf

    1h 15m
  6. Minimalist Saddle Hunting with Former Green Beret Jake Roberts (Wayward Ridge)

    11/18/2025

    Minimalist Saddle Hunting with Former Green Beret Jake Roberts (Wayward Ridge)

    What if the pack on your back is costing you shots? We bring on Jake Roberts, retired Green Beret and founder of Wayward Ridge, to rethink bowhunting from the ground up: less weight, less noise, more purpose. Jake came to archery at 30 with a clean slate and a Special Forces mindset—focus on what matters, remove what doesn’t, and test until you can’t get it wrong. We dig into minimalist hunting that still boosts performance: silencing every metal touch point with tape, ditching snaggy stabilizers, and carrying only the pieces that earn their place. Jake explains why he often hunts low rather than high, prioritizing concealment over height for better shot windows and less skylining. He makes a strong case for white light on max during entry—quieter feet, safer public walks, and deer that spook more from scent and sound than visibility. We get hands-on with face paint that actually works in the woods—dark on high points, light in recesses—to flatten shine and hide movement. On gear, Jake shares how 3D-printed accessories can be stronger, lighter, and more adaptable when you build them right, back them with a lifetime transferable warranty, and prove them with destructive testing. His bow hanger sits close to the tree, packs smaller than a phone, and has passed real pull-up tests. His patent-pending phone mount tracks with your saddle so you can watch wind shifts, map access with OnX, and see how your shot breaks under pressure without fidgeting. We also cover shop-first business ethics: fair dealer margins, a 90-day buyback if products stall, and marketing that educates so customers walk in asking for the right gear. If you’ve been meaning to trim your kit, quiet your setup, or push closer on the ground, this conversation gives you a blueprint. Subscribe, share with a hunting buddy who carries too much, and leave a review with the one piece of gear you’d remove first. Check out Wayward Ridge: https://waywardridge.com/ 🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.com Quick reads, pro tips, and the latest episodes—delivered straight to your inbox every week. 👉 Sign up here: https://thearcheryproject.com/ ✅ Watch the video podcast here! https://www.youtube.com/@thearcheryproject JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: ► Facebook: http://bit.ly/44UD7Vo ► Instagram: http://bit.ly/40Q2jLf

    1h 33m
  7. Best Mid-Price Compound Bows for 2026 (Prime, Hoyt, Bowtech, Bear)

    11/07/2025

    Best Mid-Price Compound Bows for 2026 (Prime, Hoyt, Bowtech, Bear)

    Looking for flagship performance without the flagship price tag? We put five mid-price compound bows through their paces and found real standouts that deliver speed, tuning ease, and shootability for hunters and 3D shooters alike. From the steady Prime Ronin to the surprising Hoyt Enduro, the feature-packed Bowtech Ascend, and Bear’s Alaskan Pro and Adapt 2 HP, this guide helps you pick the right bow for your draw length, style, and budget. We start with the market shift: rising flagship costs and better engineering have made sub-$1K bows compelling. Then we get specific. The Prime Ronin leverages the smooth Core cam and a proven shim system on a 34-inch ATA frame that doubles as a target crossover. The Hoyt Enduro brings a forgiving seven-inch brace height, HBX lineage, full inline accessory compatibility, and shop-friendly shimming—ideal for tree stands and ground blinds. Bowtech’s Ascend earns “best package” with DeadLock Light no-press tuning, FlipDisc comfort vs performance, IMS integration, Picatinny sight options, and accessories that need no immediate upgrades. Bear Archery steps up with two winners. The Alaskan Pro pairs a fast, smooth EKO^2 cam with adjustable 80/85 percent let-off, a dead post-shot feel, and smart package options that keep costs down. The Adapt 2 HP adds the DHC hybrid cam system and a draw range up to 32 inches for long-draw shooters who want a mild, consistent cycle. Along the way we share chrono speeds, valley and back-wall impressions, and practical “best-of” picks: best value (Alaskan Pro), fastest on paper (Ascend), most forgiving (Enduro), target crossover (Ronin), and top turnkey package (Ascend). If you’re weighing whitetail setups, western spot-and-stalk, or a bow you can take to 3D, this walkthrough breaks down specs, tuning systems, and accessory compatibility in plain language. Ready to shoot before the season? Try these bows at your local shop, or visit Extreme Outfitters for setups, tuning, and shipping. If you enjoyed this breakdown, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a buddy who’s bow shopping this year. 🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.com Quick reads, pro tips, and the latest episodes—delivered straight to your inbox every week. 👉 Sign up here: https://thearcheryproject.com/ ✅ Watch the video podcast here! https://www.youtube.com/@thearcheryproject JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: ► Facebook: http://bit.ly/44UD7Vo ► Instagram: http://bit.ly/40Q2jLf

    1h 4m
  8. Shooting the 2026 PSE Bows: Mach Series Upgrades & Sicario Results

    10/22/2025

    Shooting the 2026 PSE Bows: Mach Series Upgrades & Sicario Results

    Forget marketing numbers—let’s talk verified speed you can actually shoot. We put PSE’s 2026 bows on the line and dig into the two big stories: the new FDS cam and the Sicario’s shockingly manageable velocity. We share real chrono data, how the draw force is front‑loaded to your strongest range, and why dynamic brace height at full draw matters more than the spec on the limb sticker. If you’ve ever wondered how to get heavy arrows moving fast without turning tuning into a chore, this one’s for you. We break down the feel differences between the FDS and EC2 cams, explain why the Mach 33 still sits in the sweet spot of forgiveness and stability, and show where the Sicario stretches the envelope without punishing your shoulders. You’ll hear our exact setups, including vane choices to avoid contact on the Sicario’s 5.25‑inch brace height, limb-driven vs cable-driven rests, and arrow weights that keep broadheads flying straight in the 280–295 fps “tunes easy” zone. We also talk stabilizer weighting to tame post‑shot pop and how the larger bearings and recessed posts on the new FDS cam boost longevity and consistency across the lineup. Beyond specs, we zoom out to what actually helps you shoot better: honest fits, reps, and access. We cover dealer realities, why demo days and TAC presence change minds, and how PSE’s carbon durability and repeatable EZ.220 shims cut downtime. If you’re choosing between the Sicario for raw speed or the Mach 33 for everyday confidence, we lay out who benefits most from each, plus a practical gear build for both hunting and TAC. If this helped you dial your next setup, follow and subscribe, share the show with a bow buddy, and drop a review with your arrow weight and speed—what’s your sweet spot? 🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.com Quick reads, pro tips, and the latest episodes—delivered straight to your inbox every week. 👉 Sign up here: https://thearcheryproject.com/ ✅ Watch the video podcast here! https://www.youtube.com/@thearcheryproject JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: ► Facebook: http://bit.ly/44UD7Vo ► Instagram: http://bit.ly/40Q2jLf

    1h 27m
See All (41)

4.7
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

 Welcome to The Archery Project where we sit down and have raw, unfiltered conversations discussing archery and bowhunting adventures in depth through the perspectives of unique individuals from all different backgrounds.If you enjoy the show be sure to subscribe to show your support! 

Information

  • Creator
    Zakk Plocica
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Archery Project
  • Show Website
    The Archery Project

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