Buying a 2026 Model Bow with Ian Summers

Описание: What do you really need to look for in a new bow?
In this episode, I sit down with Ian Summers to unpack the process of choosing a 2026 model hunting bow.
We get real about the 2026 bows and their stats, and what actually matters when you’re out in the bush versus what’s just clever marketing.
Ian brings deep insight from years of archeryand bowhunting experience… Plus many years of running Summers Archery Solutions, where he tunes bows daily and helps to coach bowhunters and archers through better shot mechanics.

We talk about the quirks and improvements of the 2026 flagship bows from top manufacturers, including Hoyt, Mathews, Bowtech, Elite, Bear, PSE, Expedition, Truth, Darton and more.
We also explore some of the engineering changes, personal setup preferences, and why some bows feel better in hand than others even with the same specs on paper.
Whether you're upgrading your current rig or diving deep into your first major bow purchase, this episode offers grounded advice and real talk about what's worth your money… and what’s not.

🔍 What We Cover in This Episode:
All Flagship bows on offer in 2026


How brace height, draw length, and axle-to-axle affect performance


Differences in cam design and let-off feel


Tuning quirks and 2026 bow setup tips


Advice for bowhunters with a 30” draw length


Why specs don’t always tell the whole story


Considerations around noise, vibration, and hand shock



Find Our Guest:
Ian Summers
Instagram:
@summersarchery
@iansummersofficial

🎙 Follow Becoming a Bowhunter:
Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast
Hosted by: @mattyafter



🎧 Episode Sponsors:
Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off
@dogandguncoffee


Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off
@kayuga_broadheads


Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt
@venturehunting


Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off
@jabstickoutdoors

00:00 – Intro
01:50 – Why 2026 bows are getting more attention early this year
03:43 – Ian’s background and bow setup
07:15 – What makes a 2026 bow “worth it”
10:12 – Bear Archery’s 2026 Redeem EKO – initial impressions
12:41 – Darton’s 2026 Tri-Tech lineup: what’s new and different
15:26 – Is ATA length a real game-changer for hunting?
17:35 – PSE’s 2026 Mach 30 & Mach 34 breakdown
20:59 – The most underrated tuning technologies in 2026 bows
23:44 – The Matthews ARC – expectations vs reality
27:06 – How Ian helps customers find their ideal bow setup
30:13 – Is the carbon bow trend fading or evolving?
32:20 – Ian’s top pick for a do-it-all bow in 2026
34:10 – Budget considerations: should you buy now or wait?
36:04 – What Matty’s looking for in his next bow
38:40 – How draw length, brace height, and weight affect feel
41:11 – Listener Q&A rapid fire
45:26 – Closing thoughts and final bow-buying advice