The Archery Project

Zakk Plocica
  • 4.8 (14)
  • Education

All archery all the time. Your go to archery and bowhunting podcast.

  1. How to Build Hunting Arrows Using the 2026 Arrow Ballistic Data

    3d ago

    How to Build Hunting Arrows Using the 2026 Arrow Ballistic Data

    The fastest way to waste money on archery gear is to optimize one part of your arrow and ignore the rest. We’re back with Part Two of our 2026 Arrow Ballistic Study breakdown, where we stop staring at charts and actually use the data to make better arrow-building decisions for hunting and 3D. I share where the study challenges my current setup, including my 11.9% FOC, and how it changes what I’m testing next. We start with broadheads because that’s where most arrow builds live or die. The data confirms mechanical broadheads tend to fly more forgivingly than fixed blades, but I’m careful to separate external ballistics from terminal performance. Flight, noise, and accuracy are measurable here; what happens on bone, pass-through, and blade durability is still on you to evaluate. Then we dig into arrow noise and why broadhead and vane choice must be treated as a system, especially if you hunt pressured whitetails or quiet timber where reactions happen fast. From there, we turn vane drag and lift recovery into a simple decision process: pick the broadhead first, be honest about how you shoot under pressure, and decide how important a flat trajectory is for your hunting style. We also cover a key high-speed takeaway around 310+ fps: stiffer vane materials can outperform softer versions. Finally, we tackle FOC and why higher front of center keeps improving broadhead accuracy at distance, along with the real tradeoffs in trajectory and dynamic spine. The biggest constant through every “perfect arrow build” conversation remains the same: tune the bow, then retune anytime you change the system. If this helps, subscribe, share it with a buddy who’s rebuilding arrows, and leave a review. What part of your setup are you changing after seeing this kind of data? See James Yates article on the study here: https://westernhunter.net/information/the-2026-arrow-ballistics-study-results/ See the interactive data from Precision Cut Archery here: https://www.precisioncutarchery.com/research/arrow-study-2026 🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.com Use code ARCHERYPROJECT to save 10% 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

    41 min
  2. Breaking Down the 2026 Arrow Ballistics Study (Broadheads, Vanes, FOC)

    Jun 16

    Breaking Down the 2026 Arrow Ballistics Study (Broadheads, Vanes, FOC)

    Bowhunting has a problem: we argue about arrow builds like it’s personal philosophy, then we expect broadheads to land true when the shot is rushed, the footing is bad, and the wind is doing what it wants. The 2026 Arrow Ballistic Study is the cleanest attempt I’ve seen to replace that noise with real measurements using a precision shooting machine, Doppler radar, chronographs, and an independent acoustic chamber, then sorting the results with regression analysis so we can separate what actually matters.  We walk through what they tested and why it’s credible, then translate the big concepts into plain language: drag (trajectory and wind drift), lift recovery (how fast the arrow corrects after a bad launch), and accuracy at 70 yards with both field points and broadheads. On broadheads, the data again favors mechanicals for aerodynamic forgiveness, while fixed blades show a measurable flight penalty that gets worse when the human element shows up. We also talk about speed, because the high-speed testing suggests fast setups do not automatically pay a big accuracy tax if the components are solid.  Then we get into the surprise most hunters overlook: sound. Broadheads and vanes were measured the way deer hear them, and the results point to a “system” mindset where broadhead design and vane choice work together. Finally, we introduce the new FOC protocol and the headline finding: higher FOC predicts tighter broadhead groups, with the real limits coming from dynamic spine and trajectory, not accuracy falling apart.  If you want to build a quieter, more forgiving, more accurate hunting arrow with less guesswork, listen through and then go explore the linked data for yourself. Subscribe for part two, share this with a buddy who’s rebuilding arrows right now, and leave a review. What are you shooting for broadheads and what FOC are you running today? See James Yates article on the study here: https://westernhunter.net/information/the-2026-arrow-ballistics-study-results/ See the interactive data from Precision Cut Archery here: https://www.precisioncutarchery.com/research/arrow-study-2026 🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.com Use code ARCHERYPROJECT to save 10% 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

    47 min
  3. I Developed Target Panic | Total Archery Challenge Seven Springs Recap

    Jun 8

    I Developed Target Panic | Total Archery Challenge Seven Springs Recap

    Target panic isn’t a theory when you’re standing on a steep mountain, pin floating, heart rate up, and your release hand refuses to finish the job. After Total Archery Challenge at Seven Springs, Pennsylvania, we’re giving a full after-action report on the Prime course, the moment my shooting fell apart, and why it nearly made me want to quit archery on the spot. We talk through what it actually felt like to hit the click and freeze, why uphill shots exposed a “slightly long” draw feeling on a 35-inch ATA bow, and how mental pressure turns small misses into a spiral. Then we get practical: adjusting bow let-off to increase holding weight, fine-tuning D-loop length and anchor position, and shifting back toward a hinge release. I’m also committing to blank bale work, shoulder mobility, and a more intentional shot process so I’m not relying on luck and adrenaline at long range. You’ll also hear what I learned from better shooters at TAC and why the advice kept coming back to the same fundamentals: shoot paper, build reps, and earn distance. We wrap with lessons from the RMEF course, gear considerations like peep and aperture size in changing light, and why the TAC community and vendor village can be one of the best places to learn fast. If you’ve ever battled punching the trigger, freezing at full draw, pin float, or confidence crashes on 3D archery targets, this one will hit home. Subscribe, share it with a buddy who’s struggling, and leave a review so more archers can find the tools to work through it. 🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.com Use code ARCHERYPROJECT to save 10% 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

    44 min
  4. How to Build a DIY Home Archery Shop — Every Tool You Need

    Jun 2

    How to Build a DIY Home Archery Shop — Every Tool You Need

    One bad bow shop experience can change how you think about your gear forever and it’s happening more often as fewer quality archery shops remain in some areas. So we get practical about what it really takes to build a DIY home archery shop that helps you tune your compound bow, build better arrows, and stop waiting on the busy-season backlog for every small change.  We start with the overlooked foundation: your workspace. We talk about why a flat, heavy workbench matters, how lighting saves you from tiny-hardware disasters, and why dedicated storage is the difference between a smooth workflow and a frustrating mess. Then we break down the real “must-have” tools for home bow tuning: a safe bow press, a dependable drawboard, and a bow vise that lets you level your bow, set center shot, tie D loops, and work hands-free. We also share what to inspect and maintain so your equipment stays safe over time.  If you’re not ready to jump straight into full tuning, we map out the best on-ramp: arrow building. We cover arrow saws, squaring tools, arrow spinners, fletching jigs, and the glue and primer basics that make builds repeatable. We also share a simple rule that prevents costly mistakes: build and test one arrow first, then commit to the dozen. Along the way, we touch paper tuning, levels for third axis, and when it still makes sense to lean on a reputable shop for peace of mind and warranty support.  If you’ve started your own DIY archery setup, share what you bought first and what surprised you most, then subscribe, leave a review, and send this to the archer who’s tired of guessing. Shop DIY Home Archery Shop Equipment : https://extremeoutfitters.com/collections/home-archery-shop 🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.com Use code ARCHERYPROJECT to save 10% 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

    49 min
  5. Top Bow Sights for 2026 — What's Hot Right Now

    May 26

    Top Bow Sights for 2026 — What's Hot Right Now

    One upgrade can make your bow feel brand new, and it is not another stabilizer or a fresh set of strings. It is the bow sight you trust when a whitetail steps out at 28 yards and when TAC puts a target at 110 on a steep angle. I’m breaking down the premium 2026 archery sights that are driving the biggest shift I’ve seen in years: micro-adjustable vertical three pin slider sights that work as a true hybrid setup for hunting, 3D archery, and Total Archery Challenge. We dig into Spot Hogg’s Boonie and the new ROTI housing, including the PRIZ prism accessory that can move your sight picture up and unlock serious extra travel without changing your arrow build. I also talk through the real trade-offs, like what happens when you add glass in wet weather and why housing size can limit distance. If you want bright pins without relying on a sight light, rugged durability, and a system you can move from bow to bow, this part will help you decide fast. Then we get into two of the biggest movers this year: the HHA NYTRX XV3 Pro and the Dialed PRUF. I cover what makes a slider feel “crisp,” how good indicators save you when dialing under pressure, why removable wheels and dual sight tapes can be a big deal, and the setup steps that separate a great sight from a frustrating one. We also hit the fundamentals that matter more than brand names: leveling first, second, and third axis, setting peep height to maximize travel, and trueing your sight tape by actually walking it back. If you’re building a hybrid bow setup for 2026 and you want fewer mistakes at full draw, subscribe, share this with your bow buddy, and leave a quick review. What sight are you running this season, and why? 🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.com Use code ARCHERYPROJECT to save 10% 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

    46 min
  6. Outdoor Life 2026 Bow of the Year — Full Breakdown & My Take

    May 19

    Outdoor Life 2026 Bow of the Year — Full Breakdown & My Take

    A bow hardly anyone is talking about just took the top spot, and it didn’t win on hype, sponsorship, or a spec-sheet race. We walk through Outdoor Life’s 2026 Bow Of The Year results and explain what actually matters when seven flagship hunting bows get pushed through a three-day test with three different shooters and 50-yard accuracy on the scoreboard. We break down the full methodology, from the close-range feel scoring (draw cycle, back wall, grip, post-shot feel, and features) to the long-range grouping that decides the final winner. Then we unpack the real-world takeaways for bowhunters: why raw speed like the PSE Sicario’s numbers can come with a forgiveness cost, why ultra-light bows can feel jumpy until you add weight, and why details like valley feel and grip repeatability can make or break your confidence under pressure. The biggest theme is shootability. We talk Hoyt’s standout grip and back wall, Mathews ARC 34’s smooth draw cycle and grip swap conversation, Darton’s push toward tuning without a bow press, and the Elite Varos features that helped it separate when groups got tight at 50 yards. If you’re searching “best hunting bow 2026,” “Outdoor Life bow test,” or “bow of the year,” this is the grounded breakdown that helps you walk into a pro shop with a smarter plan. Subscribe for more practical archery gear talk, share this with a buddy shopping for a new rig, and leave a review with your pick: which 2026 bow would you rank #1 and why? 🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.com Use code ARCHERYPROJECT to save 10% 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

    54 min
  7. Long ATA Bows: I Was Wrong and Here's Why

    May 14

    Long ATA Bows: I Was Wrong and Here's Why

    I've been a short bow guy my whole life — 30, 31, maybe 32 inches max. But after hunting and shooting TAC events with my Mach 33 this past year, something shifted. This episode breaks down exactly why I've changed my mind on longer ATA bows, what finally pushed me over the edge, and whether the trade-offs are actually as big a deal as I always thought they were.  We get into string angle, draw cycle, speed vs. forgiveness, arrow tuning sweet spots, what bow I'm building out for TAC this year (hint: it's a Mach 35), and which long ATA bows are worth looking at right now — including the new PSE Sicario 35. I also break down who the longer bow makes the most sense for and when sticking with a shorter ATA still has its place. If you've been on the fence about trying a longer bow, this one's for you.  Head over to extremeoutfitters.com for all your archery gear — use code ARCHERYPROJECT to save 10% off your order. Listen to the full episode now. Key Topics Covered  - Why Zakk changed his mind on long ATA bows after years of shooting 32" and under  - The Mach 33 hunting season breakdown — 6-7 animals, all great shot placement  - Ground hunting with a 33" bow and why the maneuverability concerns are mostly in your head  - String angle: the single biggest reason to go longer - Speed vs. forgiveness — why chasing IBO numbers is a trap for most hunters  - The 280-295 fps sweet spot for tuning and broadhead flight - Why 80 lbs on a long ATA bow draws completely different than a short bow  - The Mach 35 TAC build: HHA Nitrix XV3, Epsilon rest, plans for Shrewd TRAK bars  - Shooting the Mach 35 at TAC Tennessee with zero bars — and still shooting lights out  - Bow-by-bow breakdown: PSE Mach 33/35, Hoyt RX10 Ultra, Mathews ARC 34, AX 333, Darton Tri-Tech 33/35 - New PSE Sicario 35 — longer brace height, more draw length options, same speed platform  - Who should shoot long ATA and how draw length factors into the decision  - Budget option: PSE Alaskan Pro at ~$700 as an entry-level long ATA bow  - TAC Pennsylvania preview — Extreme Outfitters booth, custom arrow building on-site  Gear & Products Mentioned -  PSE Mach 33 - PSE Mach 35 (FDS cam, 80 lbs) - PSE Sicario 33 - PSE Sicario 35 (new) - PSE Alaskan Pro - Hoyt RX10 Ultra - Mathews ARC 34 - Mathews AX 333 - Darton Tri-Tech 33 - Darton Tri-Tech 35 - HHA Nitrix XV3 (vertical 3-pin, .019) - HHA Tetra - Hamskea Epsilon rest - Easton 5.0 arrows (~435 grains) - Easton FMJ Maxes (465 grains, hunting setup) - Shrewd TRAK bars (front and rear) - PSE 2-piece quiver  🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.com Use code ARCHERYPROJECT to save 10% 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

    39 min
  8. Bow Tuning Q&A: Fixing Tear Issues, Arrow Builds & FAST Bow Setup | FRIDAY KILL NOTES

    May 1

    Bow Tuning Q&A: Fixing Tear Issues, Arrow Builds & FAST Bow Setup | FRIDAY KILL NOTES

    Your bow didn’t “just stop shooting” overnight, and the fix usually isn’t a mystery product or a random twist of the rest. We take a stack of listener questions and turn them into a clear troubleshooting path for the most common accuracy killers: drop-away rest timing that’s ripping fletchings, cam timing that’s out of sync, and setups that drift so far off-spec you end up chasing one paper tear after another. We also get into what modern speed is doing to real hunting and 3D setups. If your new rig is so fast that your 20 and 30 yard pins are basically touching, you’re not stuck. We talk through smarter pin-gap configurations, how to “change the zero” without overthinking it, and how to validate your holds with practice so you’re not guessing when it matters. Along the way, we break down when paper tuning is non-negotiable, why it gives immediate feedback, and how it can even help spot equipment issues beyond your form. On the gear side, we cover sidebars and bow lean at full draw, why grip repeatability matters more than bolting on stabilizers, and how to think about arrow builds for Total Archery Challenge and hunting. We share practical ranges for total arrow weight, point weight, and typical FOC, plus thoughts on durability with low GPI shafts, inserts vs half-outs, and when carbon vs aluminum risers really comes down to feel, sound, and balance. If this helped, subscribe to the show, share it with a buddy who’s fighting a paper tear, and leave a review with the tuning problem you want us to tackle next. 🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.com Use code ARCHERYPROJECT to save 10% 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

    35 min
See All (59)

4.8
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

All archery all the time. Your go to archery and bowhunting podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Zakk Plocica
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Archery Project
  • Show Website
    The Archery Project

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