Bowtech Realm SR6 Review

Editors' review

The 2019 Bowtech SR6 stands for "Speed Redefined" with a fairly impressive IBO rating of 352 feet per second with the perimeter weighted Overdrive Binary Cam System and a 6-inch brace height. To be fair, Bowtech has offered a similar rated bow of 32-inches axle-to-axle, just over 4-pounds bare bow weight, and around 350 feet per second; so it may not create a wow factor when reviewing the catalog or scrolling through the website. However, the SR6 does seem to have a wow factor for many shooters getting their hands on the bow and shooting it for themselves. The draw cycle has a lot of positive characteristics, the balance is pretty great, the finish options are diverse and well done, and the tunability really sets the SR6 apart from bows with similar specifications. The MSRP of $1099 is at the high end for an aluminum riser bow, and may not be worth the premium for some shooters given the specifications are similar to other Bowtech models. However, those shooters willing to handle the bow and give it a shot are going to be surprised at how well the SR6 performs.

Finish

The available options for Bowtech in 2019 is fairly inclusive of the most popular finishes in the archery world today, which is nice. Bowtech has decided to offer the SR6 is solid riser and limb configurations in addition to several camo patterns. For solid colors, the SR6 comes in Black, Smoke Grey, OD Green, and Flat Dark Earth, which is a tan color. For shooters wanting a camo pattern, Bowtech offers Mossy Oak Brown Country Roots, Mossy Oak Breakup Country, Kryptek Altitude, Gore Subalpine, Gore Elevated II, and Realtree Edge. The number of options available is fairly diverse, and shooters should be able to pick a pattern or color they like. It is worth noting the fit and finish of Bowtech bows has improved from several years ago when there was an issue with limb finishes. It seems as though Bowtech has corrected those issues, and the finish looks great, and should last as expected with normal wear and tear hunters put on their rigs.

Riser

The Bowtech SR6 riser is pretty comparable to the Realm look and design from last year. 2019 did not bring about many changes to the overall riser design, but that does not mean it is not still a great riser overall. For starters, the top and bottom of the riser have what is considered a bridged riser to help secure the Dual Lock Pockets. This cage does not look like others on the market, and is a bit more mainstream than a typical design would be, but the idea behind adding strength and stability is the same. The overall weight of the bow is 4.2-pounds before accessories are added, which is a pretty standard weight for an aluminum riser bow in 2019. It is not necessarily a lightweight bow relatively speaking, but it is far from the heaviest on the market.The Bowtech cable containment system remains the same as well with a flexible roller guard system. The FLX-Guard is a tested component of the Bowtech risers and works to minimize the torque cables place on the riser of the bow as the string comes to full draw. As the bow reaches full draw, a stationary cable guard system places a great deal of stress on the riser of the bow, which can hurt downrange accuracy of the entire system. With the SR6 guard being flexible, and having a roller, the torque is minimized and the draw cycle feels as smooth as possible to the shooter.The Orbit Vibration Dampeners introduced last year for Bowtech models remains a customized component of the SR6 as well. The SR6 riser has a large number of mounting holes all over the riser for shooters to customize where they would like vibration to be eliminated or where the weight can help offset other added weight on the bow. The Orbit dampeners are able to be stacked to each other as well for shooters wanting to do that. There is not much to the dampeners themselves, but they make a noticeable difference when added to the riser, and it is always nice to be able to fine tune different aspects of a bow and how it feels.

Grip

Again, this is a carryover design from the 2018 Bowtech models, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. The Clutch Grip is a rubber grip, which has a modular replaceable grip if shooters are interested in having a different feel. The grip is also available in four color options for those wanting to add a little flavor to how their rig looks. The heel of the grip is a bit thicker on the Control grip compared to the standard grip shipped on the SR6 from the factory. Those wanting to swap the standard for the control grip will also have to pay for the new grip as well. It would be great for Bowtech to figure out a way to have both options available to each shooter without having to pay an additional fee for a modular based grip, but that is not an option for the SR6. Each grip features a flat back, and fits very comfortably in the shooter's hand.

Limbs

The split limbs on the SR6 are offered in maximum draw weights of 50, 60, and 70-pounds, which should be fine for the majority of shooters. It is always nice to have a wide range of choices, and a 65-pound maximum limb configuration would be nice, but not available for the 2019 lineup. the split limbs have really simple block letter graphics, which is toned down quite a bit from what Bowtech has done in the past, but it still looks nice, and proudly displays the bow's name. Bowtech did go through a phase where the limbs were not as durable as shooters deserve, but that issue seems to have been corrected and shooters should have more confidence in them lasting as long as they should. The limb pocket technology remains the same as 2018 as well with the CP Dual Lock Pocket securely holding the limbs to the riser. The side of the pockets feature set screws, which makes sure the limbs are in the proper position at all times. These set screws eliminate any sort of limb shifting which may occur as the environment changes. In addition to this, there is also an oversized set screw, which secures the pocket to the riser to keep that connection secure as well. Bowtech claims this allows any draw weight a secure attachment without added movement to any of the connection points associated with the limbs, so the maximum draw weight or the minimum draw weight of each limb configuration will have the absolute best available performance.

Eccentric System

The Overdrive Binary Cam System is far from a newly designed cam from Bowtech. It has been used for a really long time, and the tunability and feel of the system speaks for itself. The SR6 gets a perimeter weighted binary cam, which helps add speed without making the draw more aggressive. The SR6 has an IBO speed rating of 352 feet per second, with a fairly generous 6-inch brace height. The draw length range is pretty great as well, with shooters 25.5-30-inches being accommodated on the SR6. Bowtech has a rotating module for this bow as well, so the half-inch draw length adjustments are easy to do even without a bow press.The Overdrive Binary Cam System is easy to tune with a traditional yoke. This eliminates the need to change out top hats or use shims, or even do anything with the cams at all. The yokes can be manipulated to allow the cam's energy to be directly transferred for the most accurate arrow flight. The FlipDisc remains an option of the SR6 as well. Shooters can choose a comfort or performance setting on the disc to get the desired feel on the back end of the draw cycle they are interested in. The comfort setting has a longer valley, while the performance setting has a shorter valley with better speed. Where the Overdrive Binary Cam System differs from previous model years in the strategic placement of the perimeter weights. These weights are placed towards the outside edge of the cams to create extra speed without making the draw harder to manage. The added weights are really the stealer of the show for the SR6 making it stand out from other bows with similar specifications to this one from Bowtech in recent years.

Draw Cycle/Shootability

Not much about the SR6 stands out on paper from other Bowtech rigs in past years. However, the draw cycle is getting a lot of people wowing the SR6 because the perimeter weights offset the typical speed bow characteristics shooters are used to in a bow with a speed rating over 350 feet per second. This bow stacks up quick on the front end, which is not necessarily a bad thing because the draw cycle is harder where the shooters body is more capable of handling it. After the first part of the draw cycle, the draw is very manageable and rolls over easily into the valley and finally the fairly solid back wall. The valley can be tweaked a bit by going between the comfort and performance settings on the FlipDisc, but either setting feels great. The Clutch grip is pretty nice as well. It fits great in the hand of the shooter, has a non-slip rubber material, and the flat back is comfortable and repeatable. The bow holds well on target, and the experience after the arrow is released is great as well. The bow does not feel heavy, but is not really a lightweight bow either. It feels just about right, and will allow shooters to add weight as they see fit to get the best balance and feel, although the barebow feel is pretty balanced from the start. There is nothing negative about the way the SR6 feels or performs. That does not mean it is the best bow for every single shooter, but it is hard to find anything about the SR6 draw cycle and shootability that would make it a hard pass from purchasing.

Usage Scenarios

The Bowtech SR6 is a hunting bow by design. The 32-inch axle-to-axle measurement is compact enough to work in most hunting situations, and long enough to have a sturdy feel for any shooter in the draw length range of the bow. Many shooters will have a great time shooting this bow at local 3D shoots fine tuning their bowhunting accuracy, but serious target shooters are more than likely going to look elsewhere for a tournament bow.

SR6 vs. Realm

Bow	Bowtech Realm SR6	Bowtech Realm
Version	2020	2019
Picture
Brace Height	6 "	7.125 "
AtA Length	32 "	30.75 "
Draw Length	25.5 " - 30 "	25 " - 31 "
Draw Weight	40 lbs - 70 lbs	40 lbs - 70 lbs
IBO Speed	352 fps	340 fps
Weight	4.3 lbs	4.3 lbs
Let-Off	80% - 86%	80 - 86%
Where to buy Best prices online	$100 to $1700 Compare prices	$575 Compare prices
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The SR6 is the latest installment of the Bowtech Realm series of bows from Bowtech. The SR6 gets a boost in speed and a longer axle-to-axle measurement when compared to the Realm, which is a welcomed addition for many shooters. however, the Realm has a longer brace height, and a more compact design, which other shooters will prefer over the SR6 speed. The SR6 is a great addition to the Realm series because it offers something a little different, which makes some shooters take a look at Bowtech who may have not considered the original Realm.

Summary

The 2019 Bowtech Realm SR6 does not look overly special on paper. It looks similar to other bows Bowtech has released, with carried over technology from previous model years. However, the weighted Overdrive Binary Cam System really offers a speed increase without a speed bow feel. 352 feet per second is not a new speed record for Bowtech, but the feel of the SR6 draw cycle may be worth a test shot. This bow has been giving the wow impression to a large number of shooters already for 2019, and for good reason. Those on the market for a faster, compact hunting bow really owe it to themselves to try out the 2019 SR6. It shoots great, feels amazing, and may be one of the easiest tuning bows for an individual's own personal preference of any rig on the market. There is a reason the SR6 is the center of so much positive attention, and anyone looking for a hunting bow needs to give this one a chance.