Editors' review
With the advertised IBO speed of 350 fps, the Bowtech 82d Airborne is one of the fastest bows on the market. As the bow is designed to generate blazing speeds, the draw cycle is rather harsh. It is therefore the ideal choice for experienced shooters who like hitting the target with a lot of power.
Riser
The riser on the 82d Airborne is made from forged aluminum. Being fully machined to add more strength the riser also has a dozen of cut-outs which help to reduce the overall mass weight of the bow. Shooters notice that the new "InVelvet" finish applied to this bow has a great feel and is very strong. They say it protects from wear and is resistant to chemicals. At the same time the new finish feels warm and soft protecting shooter's hands from the cold. In addition, "InVelvet" acts as a dampener further quieting the bow.
Eccentric system
The engine behind this bow is a new and powerful binary cam system that offers interchangeable module system for adjusting the draw length. This eccentric system is designed to store an incredible amount of energy and is capable of generating smoking speeds of up to 350 fps. The draw length can be adjusted using a bow press. A set of interchangeable modules is available for draw lengths ranging from 26.5" to 30.5" in 1/2" increments. Also, the let-off is adjustable from 65% to 80%. Overall, this cam system delivers great speeds and is very efficient.
Draw cycle
While performance, speed, and efficiency are the characteristics making this bow stand out, the 82d Airborne does not have all these benefits for free. Not surprisingly, many archers say this bow has a harsh draw cycle - this is what makes this bow so powerful. While the 82d Airborne is not the smoothest bow, the back wall is pretty solid once you reach full draw. In fact, some shooters are very impressed on how easy it is to hold the bow at full draw for a considerable amount of time without being tired.
Shootability
While more experienced hunters will enjoy shooting this bow straight away, the beginners might be disappointed with their results if the 82d Airborne is their first bow. Many shooters notice it takes time to get used to this bow due to its short brace height. They do notice, however, that once mastered, the accuracy is not a problem and the bow feels great. In addition, many archers believe this bow is more forgiving than expected due to a longer axle to axle length. So, if you are an experienced shooter or if you are happy to build your form gradually, it's very likely you will admire this bow for its blend of speed and shootabiliy characteristics.
Recommendations for beginners
If you are a beginner and would like to build your skills first, consider getting a more forgiving bow. For example, you may want to have a look at the
Diamond Marquis. While the Marquis is not that fast, it has a longer brace height and a smoother draw cycle.
Summary
To summarize, the 82d Airborne is incredibly fast and has excellent performance. Although it has a harsher draw cycle, getting used to this powerful beast is only a matter of time or experience. That is why this bow is a great choice for experienced shooters or people who don't mind building their form gradually.