Athens Afflixtion Review

Editors' review

Despite Athens being somewhat new to the archery industry, the Athens Afflixtion is a really great shooting bow. With a decent amount of adjustability combined with fast speeds and an axel-to-axel measurement of 35 inches, shooters will love the stability and features the Afflixtion has to offer. Athens also has one of the few fully transferable lifetime warranties in the business. Despite their somewhat short tenure in the archery world, buyers can purchase with confidence knowing they have a great warranty to go along with their new rig.

Finish

Athens archery offers several finish options for the Afflixtion, although some patterns will cost shooters a premium price over others. Shooters interested in a black finish or Athens very own Next Vista camo will be given the lower price. Those interested in Predator Brown Deception, Athens own BoneHead Skulls, BoneHead Web, or Pink Vista Camo will be charged the premium price, which is a difference of about $75. The BoneHead and Next Vista patterns are extremely unique in their design and made specifically for Athens archery only. The great news about these patterns is that Athens also offers accessories to match the patterns. Shooters interested in a unique pattern and matching accessories have this option. The Athens finish has a rougher feel suggesting it will hold up very well to normal shooting conditions.

Riser

The Afflixtion riser looks like no other riser in the bow market making it desirable by those looking for a different look. The longer riser offers stability that shooters are sure to welcome. The longer axel-to-axel measurement is a little easier to hold on target as well. The riser also sports a CNC machined grip as well. There is also a rear mounting string suppressor to help the forward movement of the string after the shot. Directly in line with this suppressor is a front mounting stabilizer hole for shooters interested in a stabilizer. Athens also offers a unique option for shooters to decide if they want a cable slide or a Torque Reduction Cable Slide (TRCS).Athens has put their own spin on a roller guard they call the TRCS. Each cable is kept inside its own slot and roller in the guard. The guard also flexes at full draw putting less torque on the limbs and cams. The TRCS also acts as a second string stop as well making it dual functioning. This is a great design unless shooters use a kisser button. Those using a kisser may experience the string stop contacting where the kisser is attached to the string. Those who are not interested in the TRCS have the option to choose Athens cable slide instead.

Grip

The Afflixtion has a comfortable CNC machined contour grip that has a thin neck that widens out just a bit as it reaches the base of the shooters hand. The grip is not flashy, but proves to be very functional placing the shooters hand in a repeatable position on the bow. It may take a bit to adjust to this style of grip for shooters coming from a fatter grip, but shooters will be happy with the results of a grip that places their hand in the correct spot every time.

Limbs

Like other Athens bows, the Afflixtion utilizes solid limb construction. The limbs are adjustable in ten-pound increments with maximum weights of 40, 50, 60, and 70 pounds. The limbs also sport the Athens logo, and looks great with the finish options available. Rear pivot limb pockets securely fasten the limbs in proper placement with the riser shot after shot.

Eccentric System

The EV2X Extreme Velocity Duo Cam System with sealed ball bearings supplies the power for the IBO speeds of up to 337 feet per second on the Afflixtions frame. Draw lengths are available in half-inch increments from 25-30-inches. However, cams are draw length specific. Although pro shops will make sure shooters leave with the proper draw length when purchasing, if anything changes shooters will need to purchase new cams to change the draw length of their Afflixtion. Each cam also comes with solid wall draw stops as well. These draw stops help make an extremely solid back wall.

Draw Cycle/Shootability

The EV2X cam has a really great draw cycle which end at a solid back wall thanks to the dual draw stops, one located on each cam. The draw weight stacks up quickly and gets easier as shooters reach full draw. The solid back wall is really great allowing shooters to stay a long time at full draw without being uncomfortable. It also helps shooters stay very stable on target pulling into the back wall. The Afflixtion does have a relatively short valley, although the back wall seems to make this a little more noticeable. After the shot, the Afflixtion does have a little vibration without a stabilizer, but with one that vibration is all but eliminated. The Bowjax dampening system does make the Athens a quiet shooting bow with only a dull thumb sound after the arrow has been released.

Athens Afflixtion vs. Athens Recluse

Bow	Athens Afflixtion	Athens Recluse
Version	2012	2012
Picture
Brace Height	6.5 "	7 "
AtA Length	35 "	32 "
Draw Length	25 " - 30 "	25 " - 30 "
Draw Weight	40 lbs - 70 lbs	40 lbs - 70 lbs
IBO Speed	337 fps	330 fps
Weight	4.3 lbs	4.2 lbs
Let-Off	65% - 80% (adjustable)	65% - 80% (adjustable)
Where to buy Best prices online	$499.99 to $999 Compare prices	Not available now. Please check later.
	compare more bows

The Afflixtion and Athens Recluse are two Athens bows that are fine options for hunting and novice target shooters. Although the extremely serious target shooter may be drawn to other rigs, those looking for a dual-purpose bow have great options in the Afflixtion and Recluse. Shooters wanting the stability of a longer axel-to-axel bow will probably be drawn to the Afflixtion over the Recluse. Although the cams feel similar with their solid back walls, the Afflixtion does offer a bit more speed. Both are great shooting bows with the decision ultimately coming down to the biggest difference of axel-to-axel measurement.

Usage Scenarios

At 35-inches axel-to-axel the Athens Afflixtion is a really great dual purpose bow for hunters who enjoy a bow with a little longer axel-to-axel measurement while enjoying 3D shooting as well. The longer axel-to-axel measurement provides the stability shooters love for target shooting and provides enough speed and kinetic energy for any North American big game species. With a variety of finish options, range shooters and hunters are sure to find a pattern that fits their shooting style. Serious tournament archers may be drawn to other rigs designed specifically for target shooting, but those wanting one bow that can do it all may prefer the Afflixtion.

Summary

The Athens Afflixtion is a really great shooting bow that offers ample speeds, a solid back wall, and a transferrable lifetime warranty. With the ability to be a hunting rig and a target bow, many shooters will be drawn to the Afflixtions dual purpose. Despite needing new cams to change the draw length, shooters will be properly fitted at the shop with the best fitting cam for their shooting needs. Weighing in at 4.3 pounds, some shooters will enjoy the added stability caused by a heavier bow while some shooters will find it a bit heavy when compared to other lighter model bows. All in all, the draw cycle on the Afflixtion is worth a test shot for anyone interested in a new bow with a unique look and finish options.