Editors' review
The Bowtech Allegiance is a very adjustable bow with great shootability characteristics. A number of technological enhancements were introduced by Bowtech engineers every year to improve shootability and deliver better performance. Admittedly, the Allegiance is a great shooting hunting bow that can also be used for indoor competitions and 3D shooting.
Allegiance evolution (2005-2008)
With constant improvements on a yearly basis, the Allegiance was manufactured and enhanced from 2005 until 2008. The very first (2005) version was not as advanced as the other 3 modifications (2006-2008). The main difference is that the eccentric system on the 2005 version is cam specific. In 2006 Bowtech engineers redesigned the cam system by making it modular adjustable and introducing two different types of modules (one set for extra speeds and another for a smoother draw cycle). A few crucial technological advancements were made in 2007 as well: virtually all cam lean was eliminated; the new interchangeable grip was slightly narrowed to improve feel; and the bow became lighter.Due to great design enhancements introduced in 2007, no major changes were made in 2008: only a new protective coating with increased durability was introduced. This new InVelvet finish is more effective in protecting a bow from wear and chemicals and has great insulating qualities.
Riser and Limbs
The bow is built using Bowtech's Vertical Force technology: the short parallel limbs are connected to the long riser to reduce vibration and increase arrow speeds. While this technology was very effective from the beginning, the improvements made to the riser in 2007 allowed for reducing the mass weight to 3.8 lbs.
Grip
While the first two modifications of the Allegiance (2005-2006) were not equipped with the most comfortable grip, many Allegiance owners say the grip on the 2007-2008 versions feels much better - it's slimmer and has side plates on it.
Eccentric system
Although the 2005 Allegiance was cam specific, Bowtech improved the eccentric system significantly for all subsequent modifications (2006 - 2008). Starting from 2006, the Allegiance cam system is modular-adjustable and has two different types of modules capable of delivering increased speeds (fast modules) or a very smooth draw cycle (smooth modules). In addition, the let-off is adjustable from 65% to 80% on all Allegiance bows. With this design, your shooting style can be easily adjusted without using a bow press. The 2005 Bowtech Allegiance comes with the draw specific Equalizer cam capable of generating IBO speeds reaching 322 to 328 fps. The 2005 modification offers no on-board adjustment in draw length (new cams are required). This eccentric system offers draw lengths adjustable over a 25"-30" range.As noted earlier, the 2006 - 2008 Allegiance modifications are modular adjustable and have 2 sets of modules (smooth and speed modules). The draw length is adjustable from 26.5 to 30.5 inches in 1/2 inch increments without using a bow press. While the smooth modules are capable of generating IBO speeds of up to 327 fps, the fast ones increase speeds to 335 feet per second.
Draw cycle / Shootability
With the extremely flexible eccentric system (from 2006), the Allegiance can be easily adjusted to different shooting styles. Not only smooth and fast modules are totally interchangeable without using a bow press but also the let-off is adjustable. As a result, many options of the draw cycle can be easily adjusted to match your preferred shooting style.With the smooth modules, the rig comes up to poundage quickly and then falls off into a rock solid back wall. While the fast modules are similar in coming up to poundage quickly, additional efforts are required to get father into the draw cycle before quickly falling off into a very solid back wall. While the fast modules feel a bit harsher than the smooth ones, the difference is often neglected by many archers who prefer smoother draw cycles. Such people say they the draw cycle is still pretty smooth and they are very happy to get extra speeds with fast modules. In our opinion, you need to shoot both types of modules to decide for yourself.The Allegiance is pretty smooth on the shot: little to no hand shock or vibration can be felt on a fully equipped bow with good stabilizer and limb savers.
Silencing system / Quietness and vibration
With the Vertical Force Technology and effective silencing package, the Bowtech Allegiance is a pretty quiet bow. When it comes to a bare bow with speed modules, shooters say there is a little jump on the release. However, installing a good stabilizer will help eliminate the jump and improve shootability. A bare bow with smooth modules is reported to be even quieter on releasing the arrow. While the 2007 and 2008 Allegiance modifications are pretty quiet, shooters say the 2006 version is even quieter due to its heavier riser. Overall, almost all Allegiance owners are very pleased with how quiet this bow is no matter which modules are used (fast or smooth).
Great hunting bow suitable for 3D shooting
While the Allegiance is a great hunting bow, its longer AtA length, forgiving brace height, and high IBO speeds (of up to 335 fps) make it possible to use this rig for 3D shooting. We agree with shooters who say this bow can be used for both activities due to its great shootability characteristics, high accuracy, and fast speeds.
Summary
To summarize, the Bowtech Allegiance is a high quality all around bow with an easily adjustable shooting style. Each Allegiance bow is available in smooth or fast modules to deliver extremely smooth draw cycle or faster speeds. In addition, the let-off can be adjusted easily from 65% to 80%. No bow press is required to change the draw length or adjust the let-off. When it comes to shootability, the bow has a smooth draw cycle and is pretty quiet on the shot even with the speed modules. Ideal for hunting, the Allegiance can also be used successfully for 3D shooting and indoor competitions.
