G5 Prime One MX Review

Editors' review

The guys at G5 Prime have taken a tried-and-true shooter and given it a makeover. The result is the G5 Prime One MX. This 39" ATA rig has a 7" brace height, a variety of limb sets, 7.5" of draw length adjustability, 323 fps IBO, and lights-out accuracy. The incredibly smooth draw cycle makes shooting this bow very easy. The lack of vibration will surprise you. This bow was designed for the serious competition shooter and will not disappoint. This rig will be seen on a podium somewhere.

Finish

The G5 Prime One MX comes in several colors: Black, Ice Blue, Red Hot, and Gamma Green.

Risers/Limb

The forged-machined 7000 series aluminum riser is a revamp from the original G5 Prime One. It is meticulously milled out, making this bow lighter and enhancing the overall stability and balance of this shooting platform without losing any of the strength. The limb pocket has been redesigned and features much tighter tolerances all the way through the draw cycle and all the way through the draw length adjustment range. The laminated limbs are extra-wide and create a solid platform for increased accuracy and reduce any torsion the shooter may encounter. The added width also enhances limb strength and reliability. The consistency of this bow will be realized shot after shot. The limbs come in a wide range of peak weights of 40, 50, 60, and 70 pounds. Each can be adjusted approximately ten pounds by using the limb bolts.

Other Components

The options available for this bow only enhance the overall shootability. It comes with the adjustable Flexis-AR roller guard, Ghost Grip, BCY 452X strings and cables, and the Parallel Cam System. This rig is designed for competition shooting and does not come with many options as the shooter will want to personalize it for specific needs.

Eccentric System

This rig comes with the Parallel Cam System. This cam system has three base cam sizes and nine draw length modules for a wide range of adjustability. With the different cam sizes ("A" cam for 27" 31", "B" cam 26" - 30", "C" cam 24.5" - 28.5"), the shooter can choose between a shorter valley, a slightly more aggressive speed feel, or something a little more forgiving and softer on the backend of the draw cycle. Each cam set comes with its own string yolk and rockers and cannot be used with other cams. This system ensures the MX will achieve its 323 fps IBO rating.The MX is adjustable from 24.5" - 31.5" in draw length, based on a module system. There are nine modules for this bow that are interchangeable with the three cam sizes. Although interchangeable, the module has a different spec for each cam size. You will also need a bow press to change the modules.This cam system also has two different draw stops available; a limb stop or a cable stop, depending on feel the shooter prefers. The limb stop will give a much strong draw stop, while the cable stop gives a much softer feel. Both are adjustable as well.

Draw Cycle/Shootability

This rig has a very smooth draw cycle and almost no noticeable break-over. There is no harshness anywhere during the shot, and no discernable vibration. Many shooters that have shot the One MX felt a little uncomfortable shooting their bow afterwards, because they felt a vibration that they did not feel when shooting the One MX. Some even resorted to checking their bows out, because they felt as if something had come loose or broke.

Silencing Package

The G5 Prime One MX is a competition bow and does not come with much in the way of silencing accessories. The bow does have a pair of limb dampeners and a string stop, but that is it. The design of the bow does offer some built-in silencing, but is that really necessary for a solid performing completion bow when it will drive tacks all day long?

Grip

The bow uses the Ghost Grip side plates. The removable side plates are thinner and more comfortable. The can also be removed and replaced with Prime's Ultra Fit Grip.

Compared to Similar Bows

Bow	G5 Prime One MX	Mathews Conquest 4
Version	2016	2019 (MaxCam)
Picture
Brace Height	7 "	7 "
AtA Length	39 "	40.625 "
Draw Length	24.5 " - 31 "	28 " - 32 "
Draw Weight	30 lbs - 70 lbs	30 lbs - 70 lbs
IBO Speed	323 fps	310 fps
Weight	4.8 lbs	4.4 lbs
Let-Off	65% - 80%	80% or 65%
Where to buy Best prices online	Not available now. Please check later.	$650 Compare prices
	compare more bows

The Mathews Conquest 4 is another competition rig that is comparable in price, weight, and brace height, and both come in limited colors. Both also are accurate and nice shooting bows. The One MX offers more draw length adjustability. Shooting these two would be the best way to make the choice. The Mathews, however, is marketed as an indoor bow in most instances.

Usage Scenarios

This bow was designed to be a completion bow. Outside of this, you may see it on a 3D range or somewhere shooting targets, but this is a rig for the serious competition minded archer.

Value

This bow is at the lower mid-range of competition rigs with a retail of $1100 for the basic black, and $1200 for the competition colors. It is a solid performer and is very accurate and an excellent shooter. For the price, this bow should definitely be given a chance.

Summary

The G5 Prime One MX is the redesign of the original G5 Prime One. With new limb pockets, stiffer limbs, and the new Parallel Cam System, this 39" ATA will easily hit its 323 fps IBO. It offers the shooter a very smooth and accurate platform for a very modest price, and shoots as good, or better, than most of the more expensive competition bows.