Editors' review
The Perform-X SD SE is a mouthful to say, but is designed to meet a particular niche of target bows, which has gone underrepresented in the past. Target bows are typically longer axle-to-axle models, which can be clunky and a bit cumbersome to shoot. PSE designed this model with a shorter frame, but also extends the draw length range to fit a larger sized shooter. This model is a 34-inch axle-to-axle shoot through riser bow, with a draw length range of 24.5-30-inches. PSE also offers this model with the Mini Evolve Cam, which has a shorter draw length range. This is an interesting model for PSE, but one many shooters are sure to appreciate. The ATA/IBO range is 337-329 feet per second, with the SE cams fully adjustable for the let-off and back end feel each shooter desires. The model features some really awesome finish options, but for some reason PSE has a "premium finish" upcharge for some of the finishes offered. For a target model costing $1699, it seems really strange charging even more money for particular finishes. For shooters interested in a smaller framed target model, this Perform-X SD SE is going to be difficult to beat.
Finish
The 2020 target lineup has some amazing options for shooters to pick from. One of the best things for target archers is having a great looking rig to show off on the line. This high end target model has some really awesome choices that are sure to stand out amongst the crowd. PSE is offering a standard finish, which includes: Platinum Titanium, Navy Blue, Black Cherry, White, American Flag, and Good Vibrations. Unfortunately, in 2020, PSE is still offering some premium color options, which come with an upcharge above the normal purchase price. This seems really outdated for a company to do, although the premium colors look great, it seems silly to have to pay more for them. These finishes include: Satin Mercury, Orange, and Sky Blue. All the choices look amazing, and really gives the Perform-X SD SE a polished look. Regardless of which color shooters go with, the finish is going to look great and withstand the majority of abuse and travel a target bow endures throughout the indoor and 3D seasons.
Riser
The riser on the Perform-X SD SE is really important, because it is reasonable to believe this is what will draw shooters to purchase this model at all. For target archers really interested in a shorter target bow, there are many great crossover hunting bows in the PSE lineup, which will meet those demands. The PSE EVO NXT has a 35-inch offering, which can also be outfitted with the same cams as the Perform-X SD SE. That EVO would be cheaper to purchase by a fair amount of money too, so the shoot through riser on the Perform-X SD SE becomes crucial. Thankfully, many target shooters prefer this style of riser design, and on the shorter framed 34-inch model, the overall weight is only 4.7-pounds. For a target bow, that weight is really manageable, and gives shooters the ability to add weight where they actually want it without giving the overall bow too much weight to be comfortable. The riser and the cams also give a fairly reasonable 6 ⅜- inch brace height.The cable containment system is the most technology packed system PSE has to offer in 2020. The rod is adjustable to help with a variety of arrow and vane configurations to get the best tune and clearance possible. The slide also has a roller system, which allows for a super smooth draw cycle, and lets the cables wander in towards the center point of the riser to help minimize the torque in the system. Shooters also have a variety of mounting locations for their sight to get the best sight picture and yardage out of their bow based on the style of archery they shoot. PSE also included a variety of stabilizer mounting bushings to give shooters options for where weight should be added to get the best balance possible. The riser is jam packed with features, and for the serious target shooter, this will more than likely be the reason shooters end up with the Perform-X SD SE over a hunting bow that can crossover into the target archery world.
Grip
To a certain extent, the grip can be a make or break for serious target archers. This is the only constant connection point between shooters and their bow, and it must be comfortable and allow shooters to repeat their hand position every single time in order to be effective. This PSE grip does both of those things well. The grip is machined directly into the riser, and has a pretty slim feel with a flat back. The thickness feels just about perfect, and when shooting with proper technique, the grip seems to mold directly into the shooter's hand. The thickness is also thin enough to allow shooters to tape the grip if they desire to give a more personalized feel with a bit less slip. Some target archers like their grips to have a little tack or a bit of texture in order to sit better in the hand when palms get sweaty from the pressure of competitive archery. This grip is perfect for those who are interested in making some of those modifications as well.
Limbs
The limbs on the Perform-X SD SE continue to match the rest of the PSE lineup having pre-stressed split limb technology. These X-Force style limbs have been a constant component of PSE bows for a while now, and it gives their rigs a classic look for those around the archery world for a while. PSE has always designed these limbs with the best tolerances, and they have always had great luck with longevity and durability. For some reason, the Perform-X SD SE only offers 50 and 60-pound limbs. For the shorter draw Perform-X SD model, this decision potentially makes a little more sense. For a target bow like the Perform-X SD SE to be offered in the draw length range it is, it seems like there should be a full draw weight range available, which would include some heavier limbs. The Wedge Lock Pocket system is one of the best systems on the market in regards to keeping the limbs as tight to the riser as possible. After shooters get the tune and poundage they like, they can lock the pockets down, and the tolerances are unbelievably tight. Target bows go through a great deal of travel, and the pockets having no chance of moving around is a great piece of mind.
Eccentric System
The SE cam has been used for years by PSE on the target and hunting lineups and for great reason. The cams are smooth drawing, offer a ton of personalization in regards to let-off, and have a really favorable draw force curve. On the Perform-X SD SE, the draw length is adjustable from 24.5-30-inches. As with any SE cam, these draw length adjustments are made in half-inch increments, using a rotating module system for adjustments. The laser engraved markings are super easy to follow, and the adjustments can be made without the need for a bow press. Shooters can opt from a few let-off modules and can get a rather large range of let-off on the SE cams as well ranging from a lower option down to 65%, all the way up to the higher end of 90%. The ATA/IBO speed range on this model is 337-329 feet per second, which is totally acceptable for a target model. This cam is comfortable for shooters, offers flexibility to fine tune to individual preferences, and has a historic following being offered on the top end bows for years. All these factors should lead shooters into being comfortable in committing to this target model.
Draw Cycle/Shootability
The PSE Perform-X SD SE is an awesome shooting bow. The shooting experience is not significantly different than many of the other PSE models with the SE cam system. This cam is super popular in the PSE lineup, and has been popular for years. The draw cycle is typical of the Evolve Cam and can be adjusted to give shooters the exact experience they would like to have. The feeling after the shot is a pretty dead in hand experience, but it will surely change depending on how shooters choose to weight it down with different accessories and stabilizers. This bow is exactly what it is designed to be, a shorter framed target bow with a shoot through riser design. There are no surprises here with the design and performance. PSE has a great offering with this bow, and it will feel very comfortable to shooters with any Evolve Cam experience from the large number of other rigs on the market using these cams.
Usage Scenarios
The PSE Perform-X SD SE is a short axle-to-axle target model with arguably one of the most hyped and loved cam systems PSE has ever produced. This 34-inch target model is a bit of a strange niche because many hunting bows experience similar specifications and could be used as a dual purpose model. The shoot through riser is perhaps the largest factor in a shooter deciding to choose the Perform-S SD SE versus a hunting model like the EVO. However, those wanting a shoot through riser with a smaller, more manageable frame will really appreciate what this rig is all about. The SE cams are amazing, and when paired with a smaller framed target model, although it seems to compete with some other rigs from PSE, the Perform-X SD SE does have a marketable audience.
Summary
PSE has been outstanding in creating a bow for all shooters. The PSE Perform-X SD SE is a fairly limited niche type bow having a short 34-inch axle-to-axle measurement with a shoot through riser. This model is unapologetically compact in comparison to other target models, but is for sure going to make some shooters extremely happy. The SE cam system is a cousin to the Evolve Cam, as is arguably the most popular and well used flagship model cam system PSE has ever created. It is upsetting to have minimal limb options, and it is downright unbelievable that PSE adds an upcharge for some "premium color" finishes. However, for shooters wanting a serious target bow model with all PSE has to offer incorporated into a smaller framed bow capable of fitting shooters in the 24.5-30-inch range, there may not be a better option available. The cam system is such a major factor for target archers, and although this model will more than likely not be available in stores for shooters to test out, the SE cam is a well known system and will be familiar for those interested in the other specifications of the bow. For a price tag of $1699, shooters must be really serious about their decision in order to make the purchase, but those willing to drop the coin on the Perform-X SE SD will be happy they did.
