Overview:
http://www.apaarchery.com
APA Innovations would like you to meet our smooth little friend. This aptly named, compact bow is coiled up, ready to strike.
Designed for hunters who need the short axle to axle for ground blind or tree stand hunting.
Completed with past parallel limbs to totally eliminate shot vibration, the Viper is a guaranteed hit.
IBO Speed up to 320 FPS
Brace Height 7 9/16”
Let Off 80%
Mass Weight 4.0 lbs.
Axle to Axle 31 1/4”
Draw Weight 50# 60# 70#
Draw Length 25 - 30”
Operation:
First Off I thought it was important to explain my interest in this bow.....
I talked with APA about featuring their product here on Addix they agreed to send me a bow and explained that I could test it for the review and If I did not like it then go ahead and send it back or If I wanted it then I would need to pay for it.
Fair enough... I did not know what to expect .... Now I do! I.....Already paid for the bow.... they ain't getting it back!
I had a chance to speak with "Al" Nibel Achkar the owner and designer, He explained he has been enjoying Archery for over 30 years and started with his Proshop, Al's Precision Archery, in 2002 he hit the market with his Safari Rest line and in 2005 introduced his bows. Al and the crew at APA couldn't be nicer folks to deal with.
Set-UP
Set-up was a dream my Viper was set-up with the APA Twister Safari Rest. I hit the paper tuner with a bit of a left tear..just a bit. I micro drove the rest in a bit and after that nothing but perfect holes, I was happy with that to be sure. The Twister is a full containment drop away it takes a bit to get used to loading it but I have found it becomes second nature very quickly, I prefer to load it from the front. The arrow can't fall off.
Draw
The Viper has a rotating mod that adjusts by 1/2 increments and solid draw stop that stops on the limb as opposed to a buss cable. You can really adjust the valley to your liking by moving the stop within 1" of the matching mod setting. Matched the Viper has a small valley still not bad like some speed bows, I prefer a bit more valley and was able to easily achieve that. I don't have a access to a draw force mapper but the bow feels very smooth to draw and locks back solid on the wall.
Stealth
This bow is very quiet! I have the optional string stopper and X-Factor string silencers installed. Everybody that shoots it comments on how quiet it is
(Not to mention how sweet it shoots) They ask for another arrow almost immediately. The limbs are seriously past parallel I think that adds to the sweet shot this bow produces.
Cool Stuff
All APA bows have some cool features that other bows don't. The carry handle is what the bow was designed around, sure it's a great way to carry the bow but also acts like a truss much like Hoyt's Tech Riser. There is a tool center built in to the riser that has a broad-head wrench, a nock turner and a carbide sharpener... neat stuff to have so handy but you hardly notice them. APA also has and extra axle that is held into the riser by an Allen set screw.. You can use this axle by pulling the bow back just enough to rotate the cam and place in one of the proprietary holes in the cam to relieve the main string to do your own work in the field or at home without a press. All APA bows feature the "Fang Riser" It's looks mean but it's actually a thoughtful hook for hanging the bow on a limb or whatever.
APA bows come with Scorpion Strings.. I have had no stretch, the strings seem very stable and high quality, zero peep rotation and no fuzzies after a few hundred shots, they seem like great strings.... you will not need to upgrade the factory strings like so many other bows.. http://scorpionstrings.com
Fit & Finish
I ordered the flat black.. It's anodized, I like that especially in a black bow! I have worn out many a paint job, anodizing is so much tougher. APA offers camo and target colors as well. The anodized flat black will of course show more tool marks but much less overall wear and tear. The design just flat out looks great. The limbs are made by Gordon Plastics the same as about 80% of all bows out there. I was told that in 2008 APA had less than 1/2 percent limb failure. The bow has a very comfortable grip and the wood side plates are thoughtfully angled to accommodate your hand placement. Limited lifetime warranty so no worries.
Conclusion:
Well if you can't tell I'm very pleased with my APA, on the range it's a tack driver especially for a shorter ATA bow, It's agile and well balanced. Can't wait to hunt with it this late season. I have had 6 bows this year and this one is by far my favorite. APA is a growing force and making a top notch product, I hope you can find one to try out but you better be ready to get your wallet out because I'm sure you will like it. I'm looking forward to see what Al cooks up for 2010!
I'd like to get my hands on one of APA's speedsters pushing 350-360FPS..to play with...That's as fast as any of the big boys! ... I'm sure I will
APA Innovations Inc
P.O. Box 1420
Biggar Saskatchewan Canada S0K 0M0
E-mail: apaarchery@sasktel.net
Order by Phone: 1.866.353.7378
or Fax: 1.306.948.515
what can you do?
