PSE Vendetta Review

Editors' review

The Vendetta is a solid bow that proves to be a great mixture between forgiveness and speed. With a seven-inch brace height and an axel-to-axel measurement of 34- inches, the Vendetta still flings arrows with speeds up to 330 feet per second. Although this is not as blistering fast as other rigs in the PSE lineup, the Vendetta's draw cycle has a cult like following. Of everything wonderful about the Vendetta, the draw cycle and the $699 price tag really draws shooters looking for a new bow.

Finish

PSE has a great dipping process that finishes off each of their bows. The dipping process leaves the bows looking great with no visual blemishes. Three finish options are available for the Vendetta model including: Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity, all black, or Skullworks. These three design styles should give most shooters a great option to meet their shooting needs and personal taste. Accessories are also available in matching finish patterns as well for shooters that demand a matching look for all parts of their rig.

Riser

The Vendetta riser incorporates several technologies that result in improved technology. For starters, the riser is designed to offer less riser twist than previous models. Flexing front to back rather than side to side improves accuracy and allows for a more repeatable shot. It also has less hand deflections than previous models as well. Aside from this, tuning and alignment marks are engraved on the side of the riser shelf for providing an initial starting point for setting up new bows. This makes the tuning process a little quicker.The Backstop 2 string dampener is attached to the back of the riser to stop the string after the arrow has been released. This dampener is fully adjustable to give shooters the feel they desire. The dampener does a really great job cutting down on hand shock and noise as well. Mounting directly in front of this hole is a front mounting stabilizer-mounting hole. This helps more with transferring left over energy away from the shooters hand.

Grip

PSE grips are known for being on the slim side of things. Although the Raptor grip is slightly thicker than the B.E.S.T. Raptor grip, shooters will notice how different the grip feels than most. However, it fits perfectly in the shooters hand and is super easy to place in the proper shooting position for improved accuracy. As part of the riser, the grip will get a little chilly in some hunting conditions, but the rubber inserts make the grip comfortable. Shooters truly worried about the cold grip can purchase a grip cover from PSE to help out with this a bit.

Limbs

X-Tech limbs are featured on the Vendetta from PSE. These fourth generation split limbs are claimed to be PSE strongest most durable limb produced to date. They are still highly pre-stressed and make the bow look extremely aggressive. The limbs are built a bit lighter than previous models as well, which is a nice feature to include. The split limbs can be adjusted six full turns making it easy to set the top and bottom the same. With a draw weight range of 40-70-pounds, peak weights are available in 50, 60, and 70 pounds. It would be nice to offer limbs in five pound peak weight instead of ten pound increments for shooters who usually shoot somewhere in between.The Bow Madness limb pockets are designed to make contact with the split limbs throughout the entire range. The limbs lock tightly in place, and have another contact point closer to the cams for better control. Made of aluminum, the pockets also feature rubber wedges for better contact in the pocket throughout the draw cycle.

Eccentric System

The Drive cam powers the Vendetta to speeds up to 330 feet per second. Although this is a hybrid cam, the ease of tuning is similar to that of single cam models. Featuring the second generation of posi-lock inner cam system, the draw length is adjustable in half-inch increments from 26.5-32-inches without the need to purchase expensive cams or different modules. The cams have tune marks and draw length adjustment reference marks laser marked in the cams for ease of tuning as well. With 75% let-off, dual string stops, and sealed ball bearings, the Drive cams prove to have all the features needed on a pro series bow.

Draw Cycle/Shootability

Any review of the PSE Vendetta will quickly give readers a sense of the cult-like following the Drive cams have from owners. These bows are smooth, and not the somewhat smooth like many bow have. This draw cycle is truly wonderful. The transitions in the draw force curve are hardly recognizable, and there is no aggressive hump before dumping into the generous valley. The back wall is solid with the assistance from dual string stops, and the 75% let off really allows shooters to pull into their shot. The valley allows for a little creep without wanting to rip the shooters arm forward, but the extra weight at full draw as compared to 80% really seems to make a difference with pulling into the release of the arrow. After the shot, the bow has a tiny bit of hand shock, but adding accessories will help out with this. The bow rocks a little front to back, but nothing happens side to side, which is in part due to the riser design. With the amount of adjustability this bow has to offer, shooters should leave completely satisfied with how this rig performs. The 34-inch axel-to-axel measurement is almost perfectly balanced on target and allows the shooter to easily float the pin over the mark. This bow really is a dream to shoot, and the 7-inch brace height only adds to the overall forgiveness offered to the shooter.

Usage Scenarios

The Vendetta is designed for hunting, but it really does have great potential as a multi-purpose bow. Shooters of all backgrounds will easily adjust to the smooth draw cycle and the forgiving brace height. Not everyone enjoys a short lightweight axel-to-axel bow designed for hunting, and the Vendetta is a wonderful alternative to this option. Although the 4.3-pound bare bow may feel a little heavy on long trips, the extra pound over the market's lightweight performers should not be a deal breaker for anyone after shooting the bow and feeling how wonderful the draw cycle is.

Comparisons

Bow	PSE Vendetta	PSE Evo 7
Version	2013 DC	2012
Picture
Brace Height	7 "	7 "
AtA Length	34 "	32.25 "
Draw Length	26.5 " - 32 "	26 " - 31 "
Draw Weight	40 lbs - 70 lbs	40 lbs - 70 lbs
IBO Speed	322 fps - 330 fps	327 fps - 335 fps
Weight	4.2 lbs	4.4 lbs
Let-Off	75%	75%
Where to buy Best prices online	Not available now. Please check later.	Not available now. Please check later.
	compare more bows

These two PSE bows have great appeal for the same style of shooters. Although the PSE Evo 7 holds the advantage for speed, the Vendetta has a smoother draw cycle and a longer brace height. The shorter axel-to-axel measurement of the EVO may be more appealing to some over the longer axel-to-axel measurement of the Vendetta. The choice between the two bows will come down to personal preference because both bows are great shooters and feature a lot of the same technology. The only way to truly make the decision would be to spend some time with each bow and see which one feels better between the two.

Summary

The Vendetta is not breaking any speed records with 330 feet per second, but those who have shot the Vendetta will rave about its smooth draw cycle. For $699 the Vendetta is a great option at a reasonable price for a Pro Series bow and the technology that comes along with it. The ability for the Vendetta to be used on the range and in the woods may help justify the cost for some as well because this bow will truly do it all. It cannot be overstated that the Drive cams are smooth drawing and the bow is amazing to shoot. This will be the selling point for many shooters interested in a new bow with a forgiving brace height and a longer axel-to-axel measurement.