August 22, 2022
By Colton Heward
Here's a list of bows that are worth putting some arrows through this season, along with our top Editor's Choice
Bowtech SR350 As the name implies, Bowtech’s new SR350 was designed with speed in mind with an advertised rating of 350 fps. Following the longer axle-to-axle trend, the SR350 is a 33-inch axle-to-axle bow with a 6-inch brace height and an overall weight of 4.4 lbs. Bowtech’s Deadlock Technologies are also integrated into this flagship bow, making it smooth, quiet and, most importantly, accurate. The SR350 offers “speed-bow” performance from a forgiving and comfortable-to-shoot platform.
Mathews V3X Optimal balance and performance are engineered into every inch of Mathews’ 2022 flagship bow, the V3X. The new BridgeLock Sight Technology, allowing dovetail sights to be mounted directly into the riser, lies at the core of the V3X and its “Balance Perfected” promise. Mathews also integrated an all-new, purpose-built accessory line to pair with the V3X to achieve their “most advanced hunting system to date.” The V3X is available in both 29- and 33-inch axle-to-axle models and boast top speeds up to 340 fps.
Hoyt Carbon RX-7 Hoyt Archery’s new Carbon RX-7 carries on their tradition of excellence by incorporating several new features into the flagship bow. The engine behind the Carbon RX-7 is Hoyt’s smoothest and quietest HBX Pro Cam. Hoyt’s In-Line picatinny sight rail and integrated rest mount, combined with their shortstop stabilizer and new VitalPoint grip, provide a balanced and comfortable shooting experience no matter the angle or distance. Weighing in at 3.9 pounds, this 30-inch axle-to-axle bow has an IBO rating of 342 fps.
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Bear Refine EKO The Refine EKO proudly carries the title of Bear Archery’s 2022 flagship bow. With that title comes the promise of precision and performance both on the range and in the field. The Refine EKO advertises an impressive speed rating of 342 fps and offers shooters ample forgiveness with a 33-inch axle-to-axle length and a 6 3/8- inch brace height. Other features include new custom GRIZgrip’s, an improved Vibration Reduction System and Bear’s EKO technology which enables customized let off.
Prime Inline Series Prime Archery’s new Inline Series of bows carries the company’s bold claim of “The most accurate hunting bow on the planet.” The series features three bows, the Inline 1 (31-inch ATA), Inline 3 (33-inch ATA) and Inline 5 (35-inch ATA). All three bows incorporate Prime’s patent-pending Inline Cam System to balance cam load evenly throughout the entire draw cycle. Other features include Prime’s Nano Grip and several new color options. Depending on the model, speed ratings fluctuate between 332 fps and 343 fps.
PSE Carbon Levitate PSE revamped their carbon-bow design with the new 2022 Carbon Levitate. Starting with an all-new cam system, the E2 cam maximizes efficiency and incorporates an advanced bearing system to maintain a smooth draw cycle and ripping speeds up to 348 fps. The carbon riser features PSE’s Dead Frequency Carbon with promises of a “lighter, stiffer, dead-in-hand experience.” These features, along with a forgiving 32.25-inch axle-to-axle measurement and 6-inch brace height, produce a lightweight, smooth and accurate killing machine.
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Darton Spectra E Darton may not be as well-known as some of the other bow manufacturers on this list, but their new flagship Spectra E is turning a lot of heads. The Spectra E was completely redesigned and engineered to give archers the total experience of shootability, forgiveness and balance. This was accomplished with a new, stiff riser design, Darton’s Equalizer Cable System and an enhanced grip angle for maximized comfort and control. The 32-inch axle-to-axle bow advertises a speed rating of 330-335 fps.
Colton Heward
Managing Editor
Colton Heward comes from a multi-generational line of hunters and conservationists entrenched in the rich hunting heritage of the West. Growing up in Northern Utah, plentiful hunting opportunities lit a fire inside him that burns with more fervor with every passing season. For more than a decade, Heward spent his falls guiding mule deer, elk, pronghorn and moose hunters before taking on his current role as Managing Editor of Petersen's Hunting. Outside of guiding, his passion for hunting and the outdoors has taken him to the remote corners of the world from Alaska to Africa in search of adventure and provided some of his most cherished memories.
Prior to working for Petersen's Hunting, Heward was a freelance outdoor journalist with regular contributions to many Outdoor Sportsman Group publications, as well as several other major hunting media outlets. Preserving our revered hunting tradition through education and conservation is of the utmost importance to him in his role at Petersen's Hunting.
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