PSE Dominator Max MD Review

Editors' review

The PSE Dominator Max MD is a redesign of the original Dominator. With a few small changes, this rig has improved on accuracy and shootability all the way around. With a 40 1/4" ATA and 323 fps, this is definitely a bow for the serious competition shooter.

Finish

This bow is limited on available finishes. It comes in black, blue or red.

Risers/Limb

This bow is built on a shoot-through riser. This riser provides stability and vibration dampening that enhances to pinpoint accuracy of this rig. The design of the riser avoids twisting and promotes a front-to-back flex, putting more energy into the shot. This rig also has patented Centerlock 2 limb pockets. These pockets enhance the aesthetics of the bow while providing a solid and secure mount for the preloaded Fourth Generation X-Tech designed split limbs. This limb design allows for massive preload and maximum bend. The limbs are designed with a triple-optimized design that allows it to bend more than other limbs, yet maintain strength to help generate speed. This combined technology results in a more efficient limb. The Dominator Max MD comes with either 50# or 60# peak weight limbs.

Other Components

Besides the new technologies within the Planar Flex Riser, Mini Evo Cams, the Posi-Lock Limb Pockets, and the X-Technology Split Limbs, the Dominator Max MD also comes with a FleX Cable Slide, Limb Dampeners, Raptor Grip, Super Shoot-Through Riser, and a Vibracheck Backstop 2. This rig comes with America's Best bow strings. All these items combine for a smooth, vibration-free, and accurate bow.

Grip

The grip on this bow is a two-piece grip with the inserts screwed into the sides of the riser. The grip is a medium width grip that fits well into the hand and does not promote torque. Those that shoot this rig describe the grip as very comfortable in the hand.

Eccentric System

This bow comes with a pair of Mini Evo Cams. This is a smaller version of the Evo cams, and gives the shooter a shorter power stroke. A second generation Posi-Lock Inner Cam allows for a full 4 1/2 inches, 27" - 31.5", of draw length adjustment simply by removing the two set-screws, rotating the module, then, re-securing the screws. The draw length is easily adjusted in half-inch increments without using a bow press. This cam system provides maximum performance, a smooth draw, and plenty of speed. This cam has a generous valley, and the minimized profile reduces vibration. The draw stop has been replaced with a polymer backstop that gives this rig a solid back wall. The cam has laser-etched markings to make tuning easier. This cam set also means zero nock travel throughout the shot. The cams on this rig are pretty fast and produce a solid 323 fps. The draw cycle is not the smoothest on the market, but is not harsh at all. With let-off of 75%, this bow can be held for a very accurate shot. With the let-off adjusted properly, there is no string creep to discuss. This bow is very shootable for most archers.

Silencing Package

The Dominator Max MD comes with a several components to help reduce vibration and noise, such as the Vibracheck Backstop 2 limb dampener and the flex cable slide, but it also has the complete Vibracheck dampening system. This dampening system removes vibration and noise found in the original Dominator. The limbs are set with hush kits that enhance the vibration dampening characteristics already built into the bow. Since this is a competition bow, shooters generally outfit it with components based on their individual preferences.

Compared to Similar Bows

Bow	PSE Dominator Max MD	Elite Victory
Version	2015	2017 Victory Cam
Picture
Brace Height	7.125 "	"
AtA Length	40.25 "	"
Draw Length	24.5 " - 30 "	"
Draw Weight	40 lbs - 60 lbs	lbs
IBO Speed	308 fps - 316 fps	fps
Weight	75% lbs	lbs
Let-Off	4.6
Where to buy Best prices online	Not available now. Please check later.	$60 to $549.95 Compare prices
	compare more bows

The PSE Dominator Max MD is a revamped version of the Dominator. There are a few tweaks that provide the shooter with a little more accuracy, but at the same price. Since this is a new bow, we can compare it to the Elite Victory. The PSE is one inch longer ATA, both have 7" brace height, and virtually the same mass weight. The Elite has more peak weight options for draw weight, and also has more draw length adjustability. The Elite also has more color options and more speed. Both bows are very accurate and smooth, and they pack a punch. With only $50 difference in price, you will definitely have to look at, feel, and shoot both to determine which is best for you.

Usage Scenarios

This rig is designed for the competition shooter. This bow was based on the PSE Dominator, but with some tweaks to improve an already nice bow, while offering a slightly longer draw length capability. At 4.6 pounds in a bare bow, this is a solid platform that helps the shooter hold for a steady shot. The bow does have a 40 1/4 inch ATA which would make it difficult to get around in a blind or a stand.

Value

This rig has a cost of $1,299. This is about $400 more than the average for compound bows, but competition rigs usually cost a little more. This price is actually slightly less than other competition bows, which can easily cost more than $1,500. If an archer is looking to purchase a competition bow, the PSE Dominator Max MD will satisfy. All shooters that have shot this rig have raved over the shootability and accuracy. It is highly recommended.

Summary

The 2015 PSE Dominator Max MD is a redesign of the Dominator. The Centerlock limb pockets and the Fourth Generation X-Tech limbs, combined with the Mini Evo cams make this a very accurate and fast bow for the competition shooter. The shorter power stroke and the smooth draw make it very shootable, and the new polymer backstop for a solid back wall only enhance the comfort and feel of this bow. The Dominator Max MD only offers the shooter two peak weight limb sets - 50# and 60# - which reduced some of the capability as far as weight range goes, but the increased accuracy makes up for it. This bow is worth a look for anyone looking for a competition rig.