Prologue
How we chose the bows to be tested in 2011:
A thread/post is started here on the Bowsite's national forum in which everyone is encouraged to register their single vote for a bow they want to see entered into the test. Actually, this year we asked for two votes - one for a bow 335 fps IBO or over and one for a bow under 335 fps IBO (Based on the manufacturer's lowest advertised IBO rating). Only one vote per archer per category was accepted (as far as we know anyway) and only one bow per manufacturer was permitted entry into the test for each category. Bows from the same family of companies were permitted entry. For example we would accept a Bowtech and Diamond bow into the test. They are two different companies with one common parent - Savage.
The most votes came in for the following rigs:
SHOOTER'S BOWS
- Hoyt CRX 32
- Bowtech Assassin
- Martin Onza 3
- Elite Hunter
- APA Viper V7
- G5 Prime Centroid
- Mathews Z7 Xtreme
- My wild card = Diamond Outlaw
SPEED BOWS
- PSE Dream Season EVO
- Elite Pulse
- Darton DS3800
- APA Mamba M7
- Bear Carnage
- Mathews Z7 Magnum
- Bowtech Invasion CPX
- My wild card = Strother SX1
The whole idea behind the H2H is to, as best we know how; evaluate the SUBJECTIVE qualities of a number of bows - head to head. Many archers select a bow based on subjective traits such as the kick/vibration at the shot, how smooth it is on the draw, etc. A bow that is easy to draw, quiet, and generally shock free at the shot will many times win out over one that displays harsher characteristics. There is also one OBJECTIVE factor that seems to come into play fairly often for those selecting their next bow - speed. For that reason we tested speed of each bow and used the results as part of our overall results.
The validity of the H2H subjective results lies squarely on the method of testing - blindfolded archers evaluating bows without regard to brand or looks. We follow a strict rule in keeping the identity of the bows hidden until an evaluator had completed the entire test. They do not see the bows prior to or during the test. While testing some of the testers will offer their guess as to which bow they are holding. Are they ever correct - sure, sometimes. More often than not, in fact approximately 95% of the time, they are dead wrong. Every year we have a couple of guys swear they are testing a bow that isn't even in the test. Understand, these bows are being shuffled in and out of the tester's hands very quickly and from their perspective it is pitch black under the blindfold. The bottom line is that the blindfolded bow test accomplishes the goal of keeping brand knowledge and therefore brand loyalty at bay.
Although I will include my personal opinion about the bows in their individual writeups the results are based solely on the eight evaluators and their selections in each category.
Jon E. Silks
Silks Outdoors