Is Archery Dying? Innovation, Marketing & the Future of the Sport | Herb Acevedo CarbonForge

Is the archery industry truly innovating, or are we just buying the same technology wrapped in new colors and marketing campaigns? On this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, I'm joined by Herbert Acevedo, founder of CarbonForge, an emerging archery brand exploring the intersection of engineering, additive manufacturing, and archery equipment. Herbert shares his unconventional introduction to archery, which started with a 120-pound English warbow, and how his passion for problem-solving and 3D printing led him to develop his own archery accessories, including the VMD-8 stabilizer and custom fletching designs. We dive into the engineering behind archery equipment, the potential of 3D printing to challenge traditional manufacturing, and why consumers deserve more transparency when it comes to product performance. Are manufacturers making meaningful improvements year after year, or has marketing become more important than measurable results? But the conversation goes beyond equipment. Herbert shares his belief that archery is losing relevance because it hasn't adapted to the social media era. We discuss the challenges facing the sport, the rising cost of participation, the role of content creators, and what the archery community needs to do to attract and retain the next generation of archers. From innovation and industry criticism to accessibility and the future of archery, this episode challenges conventional thinking and asks some questions the industry should be discussing. Whether you're a bowhunter, competitive archer, gear enthusiast, or simply passionate about the future of the sport, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. The Dreaded Archer Podcast — Real conversations. Different perspectives. No industry talking points.