Bowtech Invasion CPX Review

Editors' review

The engineers at BowTech really out-did themselves by constructing a bow that combines the best aspects of the BowTech line into one bow. The Invasion CPX features the Overdrive Binary Cam System and a variation of the HardCore Limbs featured on the Destroyer Series from 2010 along with an updated Center Pivot Riser. These highly functional features result in a fast, reported as 343 fps, highly accurate bow that is very quiet and very shootable. The new 2011 flagship bow is well worth the hype it has received since being unveiled in January.

Riser

Looking much different than the Center Pivot Risers of the past, the new Center Pivot Extreme (CPX) Riser still extends back to meeting the limb about half down its length, but the extended ends of the riser has cut-outs that really add to the flow of the design. The Center Pivot portion of the riser does not cup the outer edges of the limbs as in the past, but sit flush with the edge of the limb. The CPX reduces shock and vibration on the shot due to the location of the center pivot. As with all Center Pivot Risers, the pivot point of the limb is behind the deepest part of the grip making the riser deflexed. Being a deflex riser, the CPX is very conducive to accuracy due to reduced hand torque and stability making it very forgiving. There are several cutouts in the riser to reduce weight but also make the bow more attractive. The flawless InVelvet Mossy Oak Treestand finish adds a softer feel to the bow and helps to dampen sound.

Limbs

BowTech's seven layer HardCore Limbs are a holdover from last year's Destroyer Series with a slight change for this particular bow model. The limb on the Invasion CPX is split and double tapered to reduce mass and increase speed of the limb's physical response which is a perfect fit for the Center Pivot Extreme Riser. The functionality of the HardCore Limb is the same as last year however. This design uses not just the surface areas of the limb for energy storage but the stiff carbon core as well. In a typical limb the energy is stored near the outside surface; in HardCore Limbs the whole limb is utilized making the limb more efficient.

Grip

The grip on the Invasion CPX is comfortably narrow utilizing a Dymondwood sideplate on each side. With an absence of meaty grips on bows today, most archers should find it quite comfortable and torque free.

FLX Guard

BowTech's patent pending FLX-Guard cable containment system flexes toward the centerline of the bow during the draw cycle. This helps to reduce torque in the riser as the side strain which would normally be present when using a static cable guard is gone. Upon release the FLX-Guard moves away from center line allowing the vanes/feathers of the shaft to pass without interference.

OverDrive Binary Cam System

BowTech utilizes the popular highly tunable and fast Overdrive Binary Cam System it brought out in 2010 on the 2011 Invasion CPX. Like last year, the cam synchronization axle (CSA) is essential to the system. By not being pushed through the limb tips as most axles are, but attached to the limb tips by fixtures, the CSA rotates as the cam rotates. Having the split end of the cable attached to the CSA, tunability is gained by adjusting the buss cables. The system produces level nock travel when incorporated with the FLX-Guard cable containment system, all while reportedly getting IBO speeds of 343. The 80 percent effective let-off eccentric has rotating modules installed but a bow press is needed to make the necessary draw length changes from 26 to 30 inches in half-inch increments.

Draw Cycle

The draw cycle of the Invasion is as expected for a bow that shoots this speed. Like many fast eccentrics, the weight ramps up rather quickly. As the cycle continues, the draw runs relatively smooth through to the valley for a speed bow. There is a very slight bump toward then end of the cycle just before the valley. Once to full draw, the back wall is solid. The design does utilize draw stops. The valley has about 3/16" of creep, making it possible to creep slightly without worry. The Invasion is very quiet upon release for a bow that is design to shoot this fast but there is a slight vibration on the shot. By attaching a stabilizer the vibration was eliminated. The vibration seems to come from the FLX-Guard's movement back to starting position during the shot. The bow does have a tendency to roll back slightly on the follow through before rolling forward, which is by design.

Silencing Package

The past parallel limb design, along with the redesigned CPX riser of the BowTech Invasion CPX set this bow to be quiet from the get go. To further enhance quiet shooting, it comes standard with a carbon rod string stop that is direct line with the stabilizer to help transfer any vibration from the string directly to the stabilizer. While each cable has one vibration reducer installed, the string has two, along with a tri-set of speed nocks above and below each reducer to induce speed while reducing vibration. As noted above the InVelvet overcoat finish on the riser and limbs helps to add durability, warmth, and noise dampening to the bow.

Invasion CPX vs other Bowtech bows

The best comparison is to say the Invasion CPX has the best of features of previous BowTech bows because it is difficult to compare to past models due to its combined technologies. Even though the bow has the same 7" brace height as the Bowtech Destroyer 340, the Invasion CPX is 3 fps faster than last year, but slower than the Bowtech Destroyer 350. The 350 has an inch longer power stroke with a 6" brace height giving it a faster speed. The Invasion CPX is much more shootable than either model due to the CPX riser, while retaining similar high performance characteristics. The 2010 Bowtech Admiral FLX has the second generation center pivot riser, nearly the same axle-to-axle length, and a 1/2" longer brace height. The Invasion CPX shoots 18 fps faster due to the OverDrive Binary Cam System with improved shootability over the Admiral due to the updated riser.

Bow	Bowtech Invasion CPX	Bowtech Destroyer 340	Bowtech Destroyer 350	Bowtech Admiral
Version	2012	2011	2011	2010 FLX
Picture
Brace Height	7 "	7 "	6 "	7.5 "
AtA Length	31.03125 "	32.375 "	32.375 "	31.063 "
Draw Length	26 " - 30 "	26 " - 31 "	25 " - 30 "	24 " - 30 "
Draw Weight	40 lbs - 80 lbs	40 lbs - 70 lbs	40 lbs - 70 lbs	30 lbs - 70 lbs
IBO Speed	343 fps	340 fps	342 fps - 350 fps	317 fps - 325 fps
Weight	3.9 lbs	3.9 lbs	3.9 lbs	3.9 lbs
Let-Off	80%	80% effective	80% effective	65% - 80%
Where to buy Best prices online	$600 to $650 Compare prices	$499.99 to $1000 Compare prices	$499 to $799.99 Compare prices	Not available now. Please check later.
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Summary

The BowTech Invasion CPX really is a flagship bow. It truly stands alone with a very impressive design by combining the speed and quiet nature comparable to the 2010 Destroyer Series and the shootability of any of BowTech's Center Pivot models packed into a short axle to axle bow of just over 31". Although probably not for a beginner, an intermediate archer could quickly adapt to the benefits of the accurate, stable and forgiving riser design. Any archer drawing above or below 28" could comfortably shoot this bow due to its 7" brace height. The combination of the speed, shootibility and, remarkable long range accuracy not normally found in a short bow will make the Invasion CPX stand out in the hunting world, but also may end up in the hands of some 3-D shooters as well.