Mission Craze Review
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Editors' review
Adjustability, that is what the new Mission Craze is all about. With up to 40 pounds of weight adjustment and a draw length that can go from 19 to 30 inches as fast as you can move a set screw; this bow is made for the growing archer. Weighing in at 3.6 pounds, this parallel limb bow is a steal, retailing for $299.00. Featuring parallel limb design, riser cutouts, and a solid dual cam system, this bow is what Mission is known for; shootability and affordability wrapped into one.
Riser/Limbs/Grip
With several cutouts to both enhance the strength and to decrease the weight of the extruded riser, the design is something that is expected on a higher end bow. The Craze sports parallel split limbs which help to reduce vibration, making the bow both smooth and quiet on the shot. New for 2011 is the Lost Camo AT which the riser and limb are bathed in. Similar to the Lost Camo on Mathews bows, the AT version exclusive to Mission Bows has an All Terrain background. Made of black composite, the grip is comfortable in hand and has a rather slim design. Those familiar with the Mathews Slimfit Grip will find it similar.CZ-2 Dual Cam
The Craze utilizes the CZ-2 Dual Cam System. This cam system allows for adjustment from 19 inches to 30 inches in one inch increments without the use of a bow press. By simply taking out the set screw on each cam and putting it in the appropriate numbered hole for the draw length that is desired, it is beyond easy to change draw lengths in a short amount of time with only an allen wrench. It must be understood that each draw length has its own draw weight minimum and maximum due to design. It would be impossible to have the 19 inch draw length go to 70 pounds or, at the other end of the scale, have the 30 inch draw length go down to 15 pounds. For instance, at 19 inches of draw length the draw weight ranges from 15 to 46 pounds while at 70 pounds the weight ranges from 33 to 70 pounds respectively. The IBO reported bow speed for the Craze is a respectable 306, which is quite high for a set of cams with this much adjustment. The draw cycle of this bow is smooth but the valley is noticeable and a little long when compared to higher end bows. Again with a cam of this type it is expected. There is a little recoil on the shot along with slight vibration. However, adding accessories will eliminate those issues. Again, to be expected with a bow of this caliber. It should be noted that the recoil and vibration is not excessive. With a brace height of a 7.5", an axle to axle length of 28", and let-off up to 80%, the little compact Craze is real nice shooter for the money.Silencing Package
The Craze does not have a silencing package built into the riser nor a Dead End String Stop or string suppressors. Having these accessories on the bow would add to the cost. It does come equipped with a set of what Mission calls D'Amplifiers on the Zebra Hybrid string to help stop string vibration. Because of how the bow is built with semi aggressive cams and the parallel limbs, the bow is fairly quiet on the shot.Comparison
Bow | Mission Craze | Mission Menace |
Version | 2014 | 2014 |
Picture | ||
Brace Height | 7.5 " | 7.25 " |
AtA Length | 28 " | 31 " |
Draw Length | 19 " - 30 " | 17 " - 30 " |
Draw Weight | 15 lbs - 70 lbs | 16 lbs - 52 lbs |
IBO Speed | 306 fps | fps |
Weight | 3.6 lbs | 2.95 lbs |
Let-Off | 80% | 70% |
Where to buy Best prices online | ||
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By looking at the Craze's little brother, the Menace, the similarities stop with the adjustability. The cams on the Craze, although highly adjustable, do not adjust down to 17 inches as in the Menace's case, although both can reach 30 inches. The Craze can reach 70 pounds of draw weight, where the Menace can only get to 52 pounds of draw weight at a 30" draw length. The Menace's riser is more simplistic and straight as compared to the reflexed riser of the Craze. The Menace has an axle to axle length that is 3" inches longer and a brace height that is .25" shorter than the Craze. Overall, the Mission Menace would lack the punch the Craze can deliver, but that is because the Menace is a more simplified version of the Craze for a beginning archer.