Bowtech Specialist Review

Editors' review

The Bowtech Specialist is a 2011 model bow that replaced the Brigadier from 2010. Very similar to last year's bow but with a slightly shorter brace height. However, the Specialist is 15-20fps faster than the Brigadier; a long ATA and good brace height and respectable IBO speed; with these features to set this bow apart from its predecessors it will make a good choice for anyone looking for a new target bow.

InVelvet Finish

The Bowtech Specialist, just like other high end Bowtech bows, has a coating called INVELVET. Bowtech has been using this coating for years now. It has been a proven coating to hold up against the punishment that its shooters put it through. The Bowtechs of old had problems with the coating wearing off after a lot of use; this INVELVET was Bowtechs answer to that problem. The coating is soft to the touch and protects shooter's hands against harsh cold and even vibration.

Color Options

The Specialist has five different color options to choose from; mossy oak tree stand, black ops, inferno, onyx, and snowcap. All color options however come with the same limbs which are black, and an InVelvet coating

Limbs/Riser

Like most high performance Bowtech bows the Specialist uses the patented Hardcore Limbs. These limbs use a layering technique to create a very strong and fast limb. The seven layers are all different types of materials that work in conjunction with its carbon core. With carbon as the core of this limb it will naturally reduce vibration seeing that carbon makes an excellent dampener. Unlike other types of limbs that store energy on the outside of the limb, which can cause damage. The Hardcore Limb system stores its energy in the core, reducing stress and possible damage, while making it very fast and strong as well. A very attractive limb system, however, some people may not like to have only the option of a black limb.

Grip

The Specialist for the most part is geared toward target shooters and the grip would be just another reason to make it feel like a shooter. This grip is formed into the riser without inserts; by doing this Bowtech can keep the grip thin and straight which will help to reduce hand torque. Bowtech took it upon themselves to engrave the company logo into each grip which gives it a look all of its own being the only bow out of this year's line up to have that look.

Eccentric System

The Specialist uses the new Overdrive Binary Cam system developed by Bowtech in 2010. With this system both the top and bottom cams are identical and have a split bus cable; there many benefits to this system. By using identical cams the worry of a bow getting out of time virtually disappear, because the cams move in perfect synchronization. Along with having very few timing issues this system creates a very flat arrow flight trajectory, from release until after the arrow leaves the rest. This is what Bowtech refers to as the three s's; symmetry, synchronization, and stability. The stability comes from the split bus cables; with them being split it eliminates cam lean. Also, having split bus cables allows for even more tuning; if there is a little bit of lean to the cams all that is needed is another twist in one side of the bus cable. Out of all these benefits comes a bow that is unbelievably smooth drawing that has an IBO speed rating of 330fps. Changing the draw length of the Specialist is very easy and doesn't require a call to the bow shop to put in an order for a new cam or draw module. Instead, this uses a module that has a screw that can be removed and then the module turns allowing for draw length adjustment from 26-30.5".

Draw Cycle

With this cam system, the draw feels smooth and steady. During the pull as the cams begin to turn over, around 2/3 of the way through the draw, the resistance peaks generating speed for the release. Some shooters may experience a small valley but it is easily fixable by playing with the draw length and placement of the infinitely adjustable draw stops.

Vibration dampening

When it comes to limiting vibration, Bowtech did everything possible to keep it to a minimum. From the materials used in the limbs to the carbon rod string stop, and even the action of the cam system; this bow feels dead in the hand after release. Probably the most effective piece of equipment to mitigate vibration would be the carbon string stop. Bowtech engineered the riser so that the string stop would be located directly in line with the stabilizer making it possible for the shock from the string to be transferred through the sting stop and out through the stabilizer. Not to mention the string stop is made of carbon which is a natural vibration dampener in and of itself.

Great target bow

This bow is a competitive target shooter's dream; everything about this makes it a good target bow. With a 7.5" brace height and an axle to axle of 37.5" it will be a very forgiving bow and it still has the speed to keep the pin gap to a minimum. A smooth draw, slim grip and virtually no riser torque at all add to the enjoyment to be had out on the course. This is Bowtech's answer to all of the competition target bows and it is a real contender.

Bowtech Specialist vs. Brigadier

Bow	Bowtech Specialist	Bowtech Brigadier
Version	2014	2010
Picture
Brace Height	7.5 "	8 "
AtA Length	37.5 "	40.19 "
Draw Length	26 " - 30.5 "	25 " - 30 "
Draw Weight	50 lbs - 60 lbs	40 lbs - 70 lbs
IBO Speed	330 fps	307 fps - 315 fps
Weight	4.1 lbs	4.2 lbs
Let-Off	65%, 75%	65% - 80%
Where to buy Best prices online	Not available now. Please check later.	Not available now. Please check later.
	compare more bows

In 2011 Bowtech brought out the Specialist to replace the target geared Brigadier. The Specialist has a couple new things to set it apart from the last years bow. The Specialist went to the newer Overdrive Binary Cam system which some shooters believe to be more tunable against cam lean than the Center Trac Binary Cam the Brigadier used even though the Center Trac Binary Cam is very solid. Also the Specialist has the FLX guard that replaced the fairly standard roller guard. However, the Specialist has a slightly less forgiving brace height and a three inch shorter axle to axle.As far as shooting goes; the Specialist overall is a little more forgiving even with the shorter brace height and axle to axle. One of the complaints with the Brigadier was that the arrow seems to take some time leaving the string which requires excellent form and a good follow through. The Specialist is fairly quick to release the arrow partially due to being a much faster bow. The Brigadier has an IBO rating 307-315fps which is a touch slower than the Specialist's 330fps.That battle for value is a tough one, but if a person has perfect form the Bowtech Brigadier is for them because it wouldn't be a problem finding a used one from $425-$700. However, for the majority of shooters that aren't perfect the Specialist is an excellent choice. Being a new bow, it won't be hard to find one, and being able to run over to the local Bowtech dealer and pick one up will be a breeze.

Summary

To summarize the Bowtech Specialist is a very high performance up and coming target bow. A long axle to axle, a good brace height and great IBO speed are all ingredients that make a great target bow that is very forgiving and capable of competing with some of the top target bows of the world. The Specialist uses a binary cam system making it a smooth drawing bow that is easy to adjust and has virtually no timing issues. Tuning may need to be done by a professional but once it is set up there should be no problems keeping it that way. With a number of color options to choose from, it's a bow that can look good while putting great numbers up on the score card.