G5 Prime Impact Review

Editors' review

The Prime Impact is one of the best multipurpose bows available in terms of what it offers. Coming in with an axel-to-axel measurement of 35-inches, a brace height of 6.25 inches, and good speeds of 340 feet per second. This flat shooting bow will be great in the treestand or shooting foam. The only concern with the bow really has nothing to do with the bow itself. Prime is a relatively new company meaning pro shops are not always close to everyone like some of the bigger brands. This may make it tough to track down and try out. The bow is priced on the high end of the price range as well, so shooters on a budget may need to look elsewhere.

Finish

The Impact has some really great finish options for hunters and target shooters. For hunters, the options include: Jet Black, Optifade Forest, Optifade Open, and Realtree AP. Target shooters have Ice Blue, Ice Red, and Bronze. All of these options look awesome with the graphics of the Impact and offer no reason for complaints with coverage or looks.

Riser

The Impact riser is strong. Made of forged machined 7000 series aluminum, Prime prides themselves in how durable and tough this riser is. The strength transfers in to a more repeatable shot and less torque meaning the shot is the same time after time. The riser cutouts look nothing like other cutouts on the market, and add to the cool look of the bow. However, the bow is a little on the heavy side weighing in at 4.5 pounds for the bare bow. Although many shooters prefer a bow a touch on the heavy side, those hunters packing equipment for long trips may want something a little lighter in feel.The riser features a front mounting stabilizer-mounting hole directly in line with the rear mounting string stop system. This string stop system has a rubber dampener used to reduce vibration and noise, and transfers any extra toward the front of the bow away from the shooters hand. The I-Glide Flex Guard is a little different than last years design, but has the same theory in mind. The I-Glide cable slide keeps each cable in a closed hole with almost nothing restricting its movement. The cables to not really slide or roll like other bows. Instead, the guard flexes inward on full draw and springs back into resting position after being shot. This eliminates torque normally transferred to the riser. The I-Glide also keeps the cables out of the sight picture for shooters using a peep sight.

Grip

Shooters have the option to shoot the installed rubber one-piece grip, or remove it to shoot the riser. Either way really feels great, but they are different, so shooters will have to decide which works best for them. The Ultra fit rubber grip is a bit on the thick side, but it does not feel bad when held in the proper placement. The Prime brand name is displayed on the grip, and the shooters have alignment arrows on the back of the grip to help aid with proper hand placement. The centerline of the grip is marked to give shooters a repeatable place to hold the bow. Shooters not wanting the bulky feel of the rubber grip have the option to remove it and shoot off the riser. This actually contours nicely to the shooters hand and offers a think feel many shooters prefer. For hunting situations, the rubber will definitely be warmer, but the decision should still be based on comfort and proper hand placement.

Limbs

The Impact utilizes solid limb construction featuring extra wide limbs. The limbs are built using cross strength to add reinforcement where it is needed the most. These limbs are available in maximum draw weights of 50, 60, and 70 pounds, and are adjustable in ten-pound increments. Although Prime is a newer company, they have not had major issues with their limb construction, so they must be doing something right. The composite limb pocket material securely holds the limbs in proper alignment. They are slightly smaller than last year helping to cut down a little bit on the overall mass of the bow as well.

Eccentric System

Prime decided to stick with the Parallel Cam System to power the Impact to IBO speeds of 340 feet per second. The cams are different than any other design on the market right now having two tracks rather than one. This all but eliminates cam lean caused when more stress is placed on one side of the cam over the other side. Cam lean can lead to problems with accuracy and the Prime does not deal with this at all. Prime describes this system by comparing the stability of standing on both legs versus only standing on one leg. The two strings meet a single string with an adapter designed by Prime that looks like an oversized peep sight. This cam system is draw length specific, which is a slight downside of the Impact model. Although shooters will leave the shop with a bow that fits their needs, shooters getting a used Impact bow will have to purchase and change cams in order to change the draw length on this rig.

Draw cycle / Shootability

The Impact has one of the smoothest draws of any bow on the market for 2013. It is so easy to draw back. The valley has no hump leading into it, and is generous in length. The Impact will not let shooters creep forward much from full draw, but this promotes proper shooting form. If shooters happen to creep a little too much, it is pretty easy to save. However, with the back wall being solid, it is pretty hard to creep forward. On target, the bow holds really well. The 35-inch axel-to-axel measurement and the heavier 4.5 pounds help with this quite a bit, but the back wall adds an even better feel. After the shot, the bow is vibe free with accessories added and not too bad without. Overall, this bow is a wonderful shooter for hunters of target archers.

Usage Scenario

The Impact is a true multipurpose bow. With specifications that match hunting and target shooters styles, the Impact can be used for anything. The finish options are great looking in camo or target colors as well. It is difficult to find a scenario this bow would not do well in.

Shield Service Program

Although the Prime Impact comes with a pretty large price tag, the original owner gets great treatment from the factory for purchasing a new bow. The strings are factory shot 100 times before being sent to the dealer. This means there will not be a settling in period for the strings. Once the peep is set, it is set. Shooters will not have to worry about peep rotation or string stretching. After six months from the purchase date, Prime offers a free tune up from the shop where the bow was purchased free of charge to the shooter. Also under the Shield program for the original owner, Prime provides a new set of strings and cables every two years based on the purchase date and serial number. These benefits may help offset the cost of ownership a little bit to help with the MSRP of $949-$1049 depending on the finish options.

Comparisons

Bow	G5 Prime Impact	G5 Prime Centroid
Version	2014	2012
Picture
Brace Height	"	7 "
AtA Length	"	34.25 "
Draw Length	"	27 " - 31 "
Draw Weight	lbs	40 lbs - 70 lbs
IBO Speed	fps	332 fps
Weight	lbs	4.0 lbs
Let-Off		80%
Where to buy Best prices online	$800 Compare prices	$449.95 Compare prices
	compare more bows

These two bows are pretty similar in specifications and even the technology used to drive them. The G5 Prime Centroid is a little shorter axel to axel, and has a little longer brace height. However, the Impact features the new roller slide and some faster speeds for a flatter shooting bow. Shooters owning the Centroid already may not see enough of a difference for an upgrade. However, those not pulling the trigger on a new Prime last year, have some added reasons to make the purchase on the Impact.

Summary

The Impact is a flat out shooter for any archery style. The price tag may be a little steep for some, but when shooters consider the true multipurpose use of this rig, it may be a little more justifiable. The worst part about the bow is that Prime is still in the beginning stages of producing bows, which may make it difficult to find a local shop carrying the Impact. Prime has proven to be a great company with some super technology, but they are still expanding to all parts of the country. Shooters wanting a new bow for 2013 should hunt one of these down to give it a try. They are well worth a test shoot for any archer in the market for a new bow.