With the release of Garmin's new Fenix 9 Pro Smartwatch, they have introduced a new feature: ArcheryX.
ArcheryX comes built-in on their Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro watches, and it is a one-of-a-kind smart watch technology. Designed specifically with compound archers in mind, ArcheryX allows you to track and record real time data and biometrics prior to, during, and after your shot. This means archers can see trends, mistakes, and correction performance in real time via their watch.
The watch will track the smallest of movements in your arm and wrist during your entire shooting cycle and provides actionable insights on how to improve your accuracy and consistency. The watch shows you this feedback, and you can even get more detailed information when you connect your watch to the Garmin ShotView smartphone app.
I know that I could make use of this technology, as someone who occasionally needs to remind themselves to relax, breathe, and return to the fundamentals when shooting. Being able to easily track and record shot insight data would be beneficial not only for daily shooting exercises, but also with year-over-year training.
Here is an overview of the features of the ArcheryX application:
Shot Break Analysis: Tracks the movement of your bow arm during the moment of release to help improve consistency and technique.
Shot Execution Time: Allows you to measure the time from draw to release to help aid in creating a consistent draw cycle.
Arrow Counter: The arrow counter allows you to easily keep track of how many arrows you shoot during any given shooting session.
Minutes of Angle: This is a tool that measures the steadiness of each shot in order to provide statistics that correlate hold stability with shot results. This will help to pinpoint when and how shots break well.
Aim Trace: Doing exactly as its name implies, it traces your wrist's motion immediately after you take a shot so you can see your shot cycle movement. It also provides an animated playback of this movement for clear understanding.
Beyond the Bow: The Beyond the Bow feature allows archers to track their heart rate, respiration rate, and stress levels over time/throughout the course of their shooting session. This can help to focus on breathing and taking our time - as well as helping us to know when to take a break or keep shooting.
Stats at a Glance: This is found within the ShotView app. Stats at a Glance allows an archer to keep track of every shot/arrow based on session and see shot stats/count based on the day, week, month, or year.
Whether you are a western hunter or a target archery pro, being able to track and visualize your shot cycle and performance can be the difference between success and failure. Capitalize on this amazing technology to ensure a clean kill in the hill country, or a podium finish on the competitive circuit.
