Bowtech Assassin SD Review

Editors' review

The Bowtech Assassin SD is basically the Assassin refitted with a new module specifically for those archers with a shorter draw length. Although this rig was designed for a shorter draw, it still offers an IBO of 305 fps at 27". This compact bow has a 30 1/4" ATA and a forgiving 7" brace height that holds its own against the standard-sized bows. This bow is fast, accurate, and affordable. At $689, which includes a Ready-Aim-Kill package, this bow brings in a complete new dimension of archers to the sport.

Finish

Just like the Assassin, this rig comes standard in the Mossy Oak Treestand In Velvet finish, but can also be ordered in the Black Ops finish. The In Velvet finish gives the bow a softer feel that reduces noise from bumps in the woods as well as reduces vibration. This finish only adds to the overall characteristics of this bow.

Risers/Limb

The riser for this bow is a single-piece machined aluminum bow. During the machining process, the vent holes have been cut out in just the right spots to provide stability and strength without sacrificing the solid support required for a quality bow. This lightweight riser provides a solid platform. The ends of the riser are capped with a pair of aluminum pivoting limb pockets. These limb pockets provide a solid foundation to keep the limbs firmly in place without any accuracy-sacrificing movements, and hold up well to all draw weights.The limbs on this rig are a single-piece glass limb. These limbs, with the single-piece aluminum riser and the binary cam system produce a solid, accurate shot with speeds up to 305 fps at only 27" draw length. The limbs come in peak weights of 40#, 50#, 60#, and 70#.

Other Components

The Assassin SD comes standard with rotating modules, Carbon Rod String Stop, Octane factory strings, and a Binary Cam system. This rig can also be purchased in a Ready-Aim-Kill package that includes an alloy peep, 4-pin TruGlo Apex Sight, wrist sling, BCY string loop, 1-piece 5-arrow quiver, Hostage XL rest, 4" stabilizer, and Dura-Flex string dampening system.

Eccentric System

This rig comes with Bowtech's patented Binary Cam system. Bowtech created this system in 2004 to improve symmetry, synchronization, and simplicity of draw length adjustments. This cam contains a rotating module that allows draw length to be adjusted simply by removing the screws holding the module in place, rotating the module to the correct position, then tightening the screws back down. The draw length can be adjusted in less than five minutes without the need of a bow press. This cam system also allows for easy adjustment of the draw stop. Simply loosen, slip into correct position, and tighten. This allows the shooter to easily adjust the back wall for the best fit. This rig has a solid back wall that many feel only enhances the shot.

Draw Cycle/Shootability

This bow has a large range of draw weights moving from a minimum of 30# and up to 70# peak. The bow has a consistent draw regardless of what weight it is set at. It is not a difficult draw, starting off realitively easy and building throughout the draw cycle. Once the bow reaches the transition point to let-off, it is fairly hard to break over. Once it transitions, it can be held on target with relative ease. Let-off can be adjusted from 65% - 80%. The draw weight and the draw lengths can be adjusted easily, using only a hex wrench. The draw weight is dependent on the peak weight of the limbs, and can be adjusted within ten pounds of the max weight. The draw length is adjusted by the rotating module on the cam and can be adjusted between 22.5" and 27." The adjustments can be done in 1/2" increments. This bow is very shootable, even if it is hard to break over into let-off. This is more a distraction than anything else. The accuracy, quietness, and speed will make the shooter forget about that.

Silencing Package

This rig is designed to be taken into the woods right out of the box. The riser and the limbs are inherently quiet. With the ready-aim-kill package, the carbon string stop, the Dura-Flex string dampening components, and the stabilizer further remove all discernible noise and vibration making this a very quiet package. This bow will easily live up to the Assassin name emblazoned on it.

Comparisons

Bow	Bowtech Assassin SD	Bowtech HeartBreaker
Version	2012	2013
Picture
Brace Height	7 "	7 "
AtA Length	30.25 "	30.25 "
Draw Length	22.5 " - 27 "	22.5 " - 27 "
Draw Weight	30 lbs - 70 lbs	30 lbs - 60 lbs
IBO Speed	305 fps	305 fps
Weight	3.7 lbs	3.7 lbs
Let-Off	65% - 80%	65% - 80%
Where to buy Best prices online	Not available now. Please check later.	Not available now. Please check later.
	compare more bows

The Bowtech Assassin SD can be compared with the Bowtech HeartBreaker since they are essentially the same bow. The primary differences in these bows are that the Assassin SD can be purchased with 70# limbs and the Heartbreaker can be purchased in a pink finish. Each of these bows retails for $689 and both are hunting bows. However, the Heartbreaker is marketed toward female archers, while the Assassin SD is marketed more toward men with shorter draw lengths. Is someone is looking to purchase either of these bows, they will not be disappointed.

Usage Scenarios

This rig was designed to hunt. It is a redesign of the Assassin, but in a Short Draw setup. Although the bow can be found on a target range or a 3D range, it is better suited for a treestand. With its 30 1/4" ATA, and the 7" brace height, it is not so big that it will be banging around on the stand.

Value

This bow retailed for $689 when it was introduced to the 2012 lineup. They can be found used for around $450. This is a very good bow and comes with the expected Bowtech quality and their lifetime guarantee. This rig is average priced and offers speed, accuracy, and performance to those shooters with a shorter draw lengths that are normally found in the standard sized bows.

Summary

The Bowtech Assassin SD was introduced to the lineup in 2012 to bring in a new dimension of hunters by offering a fast, accurate, and affordable bow to those with shorter draw lengths. The team at Bowtech decided to take the Assassin and outfit it to accommodate those archers. This culminated into the production of the Assassin SD. This rig provides the same characteristics of quality, speed, and accuracy of the Assassin, but specifically designed for those with a 22.5" - 27" draw length. This is not a beginner's bow though. This bow can be purchased with limb weights of 40#, 50#, 60#, or 70#. This rig also offers a 305 fps IBO. It has also been chrono'd at 297 fps at 27" and 60#. This bow is easy to tune and will give the shooter exactly what they are looking for in a hunting rig.