Bowtech Assassin Review

Editors' review

While the Assassin doesn't feature any new revolutionary technologies, the bow is designed with a number of proven and highly reliable engineering solutions and is equipped with a highly attractive ready-to-shoot package at a very affordable price. This bow will undoubtedly become one of the best selling Bowtech rigs in 2011 due to it being great value for money for a high quality package.

InVelvet Finish

The Assassin comes with the high quality InVelvet Finish that has been used on many Bowtech bows for a long time. The InVelvet Finish on the Assassin is reported by many archers to be very durable and soft to touch. Bowtech shooters say this finish has little wear even when their rigs are used extensively for a long time. In addition, the InVelvet finish effectively protects hands from cold when using the bow in harsh weather conditions.

Limbs

While top Bowtech bows come with the high-quality Hardcore limbs, the Assassin is a less expensive model that comes with different limbs. While the limbs on the Assassin are manufactured using a less expensive technology, they are still pretty reliable and efficient. In addition, utilizing this technology helps reduce the bow price to make it much more affordable compared to high-end Bowtech bows. Overall, while the quality and efficiency of the limbs could be better, they deliver good efficiency and reliability and make the Assassin more affordable.

Eccentric System

The Assassin comes with a very flexible and easily adjustable eccentric system capable of producing advertised IBO speeds of up to 333 fps. The Binary cam system is designed with two identical cams that are perfectly synchronized by being slaved to each other. In essence, one cam is unable to rotate without the same action of the other. This design helps to eliminate cam timing issues and, as a result, maximize accuracy and consistency. The draw length on the Assassin is easily adjusted from 26 to 30 inches in 1/2 inch increments via a rotating module. As a matter of fact, there are two rotating modules you can use on this bow: the speed rotating module and the smooth rotating module. While the former can generate faster speeds, the latter is smoother but a bit slower. So, it's up to you which module to choose based on your preferences. Both speed and smooth modules are extremely adjustable: there is no need for a bow press or additional cams/modules to adjust the draw length. The draw length can be set by removing the module screws, rotating the module, and re-tightening. Another nice feature about this cam is that it has an infinite draw stop meaning the draw length can be adjusted to individual's precise preference. The let-off can be tuned from 65% to 80%. Another great thing about this eccentric system is that the draw stop is designed to touch the limb at full draw. This design allows for a rock solid back wall. Overall, this binary cam system is a great engineering solution from Bowtech - it's flexible, easily maintainable, and very efficient.

Draw cycle

While the draw cycle on the Assassin is pretty smooth, it's not the easiest drawing bow. As a matter of fact, the draw cycle is often described by archers as a bit stiff (but smooth). At the end of the day, this is a pretty fast bow. So no big surprises here: you should always expect a bit of stiffness in return for faster speeds. Although some shooters are completely satisfied with how the bow draws, others note a little hump at the end of the draw cycle that is pretty easy to get over. The draw also depends on what type of rotating module is installed: with the fast module, the hump is more pronounced and the draw cycle is a bit stiffer. On the other hand, a bow equipped with the smooth module feels easier on the draw but is a bit slower. The Assassin has a pretty good valley: if you creep a little the bow won't go. In addition, a very solid back wall makes it steady in the hand at full draw.

Quietness

Although the Assassin is impressively quiet out-of-the box, some shooters note the bow can be made even quieter by eliminating the after-shot noise coming from the string. This can be done by putting cat whiskers on it. Overall, the Assassin is reported to be pretty smooth and quiet on the release without much noise and vibration.

R.A.K System (ready-to-shoot package)

Some of 2011 Bowtech bows come with the new R.A.K. system - a great set of accessories delivering ready-to-shoot packages out-of-the-box. Here is the exact list of components each R.A.K. equipped bow (including Assassin) comes with:

• 4-pin TruGlo Apex Sight - a lightweight and compact sight from one of the leading sight manufacturers.
• 1-pc 5-arrow Camo Ultra Lite Quiver - constructed using ultra light materials yet still durable and strong and releases easily/quietly.
• Octane Hostage XL arrow rest - fast and quiet arrow containment system with little to no fletch damage designed to work with aluminum or carbon arrows
• 4" light stabilizer - lightweight Bowtech's stabilizer
• Comfort Wrist Sling - comfortable and easily adjustable sling made of water resistant neoprene (with Bowtech logos and phrases on it)
• Alloy Peep - made from anodized aluminum and has rounded corners to combat wear
• Dura-FLX String Dampening components have a long lifetime
• BCY String Loop helps to increase string life and eliminate nock pinch

Not only does this package make this bow a great value for money, but it also allows for using the bow straight away (with just a few little adjustments to the sight and rest).

Great value for money

Admittedly, the Assassin is one of the best value for money bows in 2011. Many shooters and experts strongly agree this is an amazing bow for the money. Not only it's a great shooter but it's also a great deal because you don't need to spend extra cash on the accessories it comes with.

Bowtech Assassin vs. Hoyt Rampage XT

Bow	Bowtech Assassin	Hoyt Rampage XT
Version	2013	2012
Picture
Brace Height	7 "	7 "
AtA Length	30.625 "	32 "
Draw Length	26 " - 30 "	24.5 " - 30 "
Draw Weight	40 lbs - 70 lbs	30 lbs - 80 lbs
IBO Speed	333 fps	323 fps
Weight	3.8 lbs	4.0 lbs
Let-Off	65% - 80%	75%
Where to buy Best prices online	$300 to $600 Compare prices	Not available now. Please check later.
	compare more bows

The Bowtech Assassin is often compared to the Hoyt Rampage XT - another great rig falling into the "best value for money" category. The Assassin is a bit faster but has a little hump at the end of the cycle (the Rampage XT also draws smoothly but doesn't have a hump). Both rigs are balanced pretty well and have very solid back walls. Another important difference is that each Assassin is shipped with a full set of accessories (the Rampage XT comes as a bare bow from the factory). Admittedly, both bows are great shooting rigs for the money. So, if your goal is to save budget while getting a very good shooting bow, consider shooting both rigs side by side to decide for yourself which one better fits your shooting style.

Summary

To conclude, the Bowtech Assassin is designed with proven technologies and equipped with a very attractive ready-to-shoot package at a very affordable price. With an extremely flexible eccentric system, the draw length on the Assassin can be easily adjusted without using a bow press or any extra cams or modules. In addition, the performance system is designed to be equipped with either smooth or fast rotating module thus allowing for choosing the right combination of smoothness and speed as per individual preferences. While some shooters can feel a little hump closer to the end of the draw cycle, others either don't feel it for their setups or say it's not pronounced. Continuing with the draw cycle, the Assassin has a pretty good valley and extremely solid back wall. With a full set of factory installed accessories, the bow is ready to be taken to the woods almost immediately. While the Assassin is a very good hunting bow for beginners, it will also be a great choice for advanced shooters who want to save money. Overall, the Assassin is one of the best bows for the money in 2011.