Bowtech Equalizer Review
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Editors' review
The Bowtech Equalizer is an excellent bow choice that is designed for archers with a shorter draw length, and is adjustable from 24" to 27.5." Although it is built for the shorter draw, it still packs a punch, rated at 308 fps set at 27.5" and 60lbs. The smooth draw and the speed of this bow set it apart from all other bows designed for the shorter draw length. The Equalizer was designed in what is called Proven Vertical Force Technology which reduces hand shock and vibration. Naturally, the lower the draw weight, the less vibration. At lower draw weights, there is virtually no vibration noticeable to the shooter, but it does become noticeable around the 50# range. Since this rig is designed for the shooter with the shorter draw length, it is not for everyone, but if the shooter does require a shorter draw, then this could be the perfect bow.
Finish
The bow comes in Mossy Oak Obsession or could be special ordered in Advantage Max4 HD, Realtree Hardwoods HD, or Realtree Hardwoods Green HD. The special order finishes cost $50 more, though. Any of these finishes are sure to blend in with any background. For the archer that is only interested in target shooting, this rig could also be ordered in Black Marble, Red Polished Chrome, Blue Polished Chrome, and Clear Polished Chrome. These finishes cost an additional $100. The hunting finishes are dipped finishes and may begin to peel in high contact areas, based on how the bow is treated in those areas by the shooter.Risers/Limbs
This bow has a slightly longer riser in order to maintain the 33" axle-to-axle distance and help create the speed it does. This solid, single-piece limbs are set in pivoting limb pockets, perfectly matched to provide the necessary strength to generate the outstanding speeds from this bow. The limb bolts are used to make draw weight adjustments within a 10# range.Other Components
This rig comes in a bare bow package. There are no "bells and whistles" that come with it other than the limb vibration dampeners and the string silencers. The owner can install a low budget package on this bow, but for the price of a new bow, would certainly want to invest in quality accessories. The two-piece laminated grip is thin for the average shooter, but this bow is not designed for the average shooter. As most archers with shorter draw lengths have smaller hands, this grip fits very comfortably into the palm of the hand, adding to the overall shootability of the bow by reducing bow torque.Eccentric System
The Bowtech Equalizer uses the fairly aggressive binary cam system. This cam, paired with the limbs, generates the necessary force to launch an arrow downrange at 308 fps (when set at 60#) from this short-draw bow. The aggressiveness of the cam also makes for a strong draw cycle. This cam uses a module system to adjust the draw length. The draw length can be easily adjusted by changing the module. This allows for one inch incremental adjustments, and can be done without a bow press or any specialty tools. The draw length can also be fine-tuned by adjusting the draw stop for half-inch increments. The let-off can also be adjusted between 65 percent and 80 percent. This too is a very easy adjustment.Draw Cycle/Shootability
The draw weight for this bow is determined by the limbs purchased with the bow, and can be adjusted within a 10# range by using the limb bolts. The cam is fairly aggressive and brings with it a stiff draw. Although the draw is strong from beginning to end, it is smooth throughout. With a solid back end, it is easy to hold this bow at 80 percent let-off. This bow is very shootable, but there is some string creep at the back end. The bow is not hard to hold at 80 percent let off, but if it creeps a little, the shooter is very hard pressed to hold it. If the shooter feels that the bow is beginning to creep even a little, they are better off just letting down and starting over. If not, there is a better than average chance that an arrow will be launched erroneously, never to be found again.Silencing Package
This rig does not come with much for silencing. It comes out of the box with limb dampeners and string silencers, and nothing else. In most bows, this would be a bad thing, but with the Equalizer, this bow is built quiet. With an additional string silencer or two, and a string suppressor, this bow is sure to be deadly silent.Comparisons
Bow | Bowtech Equalizer | Bowtech HeartBreaker |
Version | 2008 (Binary Cam) | 2013 |
Picture | ||
Brace Height | 7.25 " | 7 " |
AtA Length | 33.25 " | 30.25 " |
Draw Length | 24 " - 27.5 " | 22.5 " - 27 " |
Draw Weight | 19 lbs - 60 lbs | 30 lbs - 60 lbs |
IBO Speed | 300 fps - 308 fps | 305 fps |
Weight | 3.7 lbs | 3.7 lbs |
Let-Off | 65% - 80% | 65% - 80% |
Where to buy Best prices online | ||
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The Bowtech Equalizer is very comparable to the Bowtech. The biggest difference in specification is the Bowtech HeartBreaker draw length can be adjusted down to 22" and ATA is 30" whereas the Equalizer draw goes down to 24" and ATA is 33". The Heartbreaker is marketed as a women's bow, and not necessarily a short draw bow. Both are fast, accurate, and are built with the same Bowtech quality that any shooter would expect. Both bows are smooth drawing, and accurate shooting, but the Heartbreaker draw is not quite as strong as the Equalizer. The shooter will be surprisingly impressed with the speed and accuracy of the Equalizer, as well as the versaitility. Even though it is designed for the shorter draw length, it is deadly. Other archers have compared the Equalizer to the Vendetta XS, Strother XS-1, the Omen, and even a cut down version of the Bowtech Allegiance.