PSE Bow Madness Unleashed Review

Editors' review

PSE has done it again creating what may be the most complete compound bow lineup for 2019. They have created a bow for every shooter at every price point, and the Bowmadness Unleashed is a real head turner with an MSRP of only $599. This bow was created with the Drury name, and it is no wonder why PSE claims the Unleashed is a pure whitetail hunting rig. Drury's have been harvesting giant whitetails for over 30 years, and this bow has everything to get other bowhunters in a great position to do just that. The 32 ⅜-inch axle-to-axle measurement combined with a 6-inch brace height and overall bare bow weight of 3.9-pounds is an ideal bow for many shooters and gets each of those measurements exactly where shooters want them when looking at the hunting bow market in 2019. Anytime shooters are considering a budget friendly bow, performance becomes a concern. What makes a bow costing half as much as a flagship model as good as a flagship model? For the Unleashed, arrow speeds top out at 340 feet per second at 85% let-off making performance solid. For cost saving measures, the cable containment system is a standard slide, the pockets are polymer, the bow is only made in right handed models, and it is only available in three finish options. None of those cost cutting measures are significantly problematic unless a shooter is left handed. PSE found a way to engineer enough technology into the Unleashed without cutting corners to create an absolute gem of a hunting bow, available in factory accessory packages for a bare bow price of only $599!

Finish

For starters, the finishes available on the Unleashed look great. PSE offers all black, Kryptek Highlander, and Mossy Oak Break-Up Country. Of course, each of them look spectacular on the aluminum riser and highly prestressed split limbs featured on the Unleashed. In order to cut some cost, PSE only offers this bow in three finishes. The choices are well done, and look great, but there are only three to choose from. In an industry where there are so many outstanding options, having only three to pick from is a bit disappointing, although understandable considering most shooters are not interested in paying any sort of premium for more finish options. There is a traditional pattern with Mossy Oak, more of a designer pattern with Kryptek, and the tried and true solid black for those not wanting a camo pattern at all. So although three options seems somewhat limited, they really do cover all the bases for what shooters want.

Riser

The riser is pretty similar to other PSE aluminum riser models, especially those with the Drury badge on them and that is not a bad thing. The bow looks sharp, and the reflexed riser is not as reflexed as others in the price point, which may make it a more forgiving model in comparison to those with a more reflexed design. The top and bottom of the cam features the PSE dumbbell dampeners to keep noise low and vibration away from the shooters hand. The cable slide is a standard slide system, with no major bells and whistles either. The bow also features a rear mounted string stop system to stop the string after the arrow is fired and dampen the noise and vibration the string causes after being fired. The riser also features several sight mounting holes for shooters to choose the mounting location making the most sense for their own situation. The whole bow weighs 3.9-pounds before dampeners are added, which brings it to a weight close to what some lightweight carbon models are right out of the box. The axle-to-axle measurement is right in the sweet spot for hunting models in 2019 as well with a 32 ⅜- inches measurement. The brace height is also an acceptable 6-inches allowing a great deal of performance while not getting too short to make shooters uncomfortable.

Grip

The grip is designed directly into the riser for the Unleashed as is the rest of the grips from PSE in 2019. The aluminum is going to get cold during long sits in the timber, but that is the norm for the compound world in 2019. The meat of the grip features a flatback, which had a radiused edge to feel comfortable in the shooters hand when positioned properly. Overall, the grip is relatively simplistic, but serves its purpose well and is easy enough to get used to.

Limbs

The Unleashed is available in two limb configurations including a 55-70-pound model and a 45-60-pound model. Like the rest of the PSE lineup, the split limb design equips the bow with a traditional PSE look. The 13 limb bolt turns allow for more than the industry standard 10-pounds of adjustment and that makes things nice, especially for shooter who may still be growing. The split limbs are outfitted with a split limb dampener straight from the factory also for shooters who want the quietest and most vibration free bow they can get. The pockets are a polymer limb pocket, which is to be expected for a bow MSRP-ing below $600. It is worth noting the issues with the pockets used have been non-existent, and they are built to last as long as the bow does without issue. The material is a bit easier and less expensive to produce, which helps keep the cost of the bow down without jeopardizing the quality and craftsmanship PSE is known for.

Eccentric System

The Unleashed cams offer great performance of up to 340 feet per second with 85% let-off. This cam has a three track cam system with a similar look and configuration to the Evolve Cams featured on the Pro Series flagship models. A major difference between the cam on the Unleashed, and the Evolve Cam is that the Unleashed Cam does not have floating yoke system for tuning. Although that may make it a bit more involved to tune the bow, it is far from difficult to accomplish. Shooters ranging from 25-30.5-inches will fit into the Unleashed. The draw length is easy to adjust, clearly marked, and can be completed without needing a bow press. The rotating modules are a bit heavier than draw length specific cams, which may cause arrow speed to be a bit slower, but for the ease of adjustment and convenience it is well worth it.

Draw Cycle/Shootability

The draw cycle on the Unleashed bow is a great experience as well. Shooters can easily manage all transitions from stacking peak weight, holding that weight, and rolling over into the let-off and solid back wall. Shooters will notice a little less smoothness in transitioning from one part of the draw cycle to the next when compared to the flagship Evoke with the Evolve Cams, but it is also $400 cheaper. When holding on target, the bow is easy to keep in the spot downrange. Letting down is manageable as well. However, with 85% let-off it can feel like shooters need to push the string forward, and then add tension again so it does not rip the shooter's arm forward. The Unleashed valley has an exceptional feel. It takes a great deal of relaxing at the back end to get the string to creep forward. In hunting situations, this is going to help archers when an animal holds up a bit while at full draw. After the shot feels pretty good also. As a bare bow, there is a little feedback, but adding a good stabilizer easily corrects that.

Usage Scenarios

The 2019 PSE Bowmadness Unleashed is a whitetail hunters dream. Hunters of any species will find something to like about the Unleashed, but those diehard whitetail hunters have a lot to love about this model backed by the Drury Outdoor Bowmadness title. The specifications are outstanding for a ground blind or tree stand being a great mix between a compact bow while having some added stability in the axle-to-axle measurement. The Unleashed will more than likely be a hunting rig for those interested in making a new bow purchase.

Package Options

PSE outfits the Unleashed with three separate package options right from the factory. Of course the Unleashed can be purchased bare bow for $599, but those wanting to take the guessing out of which accessories to go with will be thrilled to know it is possible to get everything needed right out of the box. The Ready to Shoot (RTS) Package is the cheapest of the three options from PSE, and includes a loop, Mongoose peep sight, Hunter quiver, FX4 stabilizer, Whisker Biscuit Rest, and a Gemini Sight. These accessories are fairly basic, but will get shooters all set for shooting right away without spending much money on additional accessories getting them shooting.The Ready to Shoot Pro (RTS) Package is a step up in accessory offerings from the entry level RTS package. The Pro includes the same nock and peep, adds a PSE neoprene wrist sling, a Raven Quiver, a Spire Stabilizer, Phantom drop away arrow rest, and an AMP Micro Sight. The Field Ready Package is the most inclusive package from the PSE factory including everything mentioned in the Pro package above adding a 4 pack of arrows, an Element bow case, and a Rapid Release. This is also the most expensive package option with an MSRP of only $749 giving shooters absolutely everything they need to start shooting after leaving the store.

PSE Bowmadness Unleashed vs. PSE Drive 3B

Bow	PSE Bow Madness Unleashed	PSE Drive 3B
Version	2020	2020
Picture
Brace Height	6 "	7 "
AtA Length	32.375 "	29.5 "
Draw Length	25 " - 30.5 "	25.5 " - 31 "
Draw Weight	50 lbs - 70 lbs	50 lbs - 70 lbs
IBO Speed	332 fps - 340 fps	322 fps - 330 fps
Weight	3.9 lbs	3.7 lbs
Let-Off	85%	85%
Where to buy Best prices online	$800 Compare prices	$275 to $700 Compare prices
	compare more bows

These bows are similarly priced and should appeal to the same consumers. The Unleashed bow is a bit longer axle-to-axle, which may be more enticing for some shooters, but the compact size of the PSE Drive 3B has its appeal for many as well. For a true whitetail hunting bow, the Unleashed may be more appealing, but shooters wanting a rig for tight spaces of packing long miles out West, the Drive 3B's smaller frame may be the winning ticket. Each bow is well thought out and the prices are fairly budget friendly for each.

Summary

The PSE Unleashed is appealing for a variety of shooters including those looking for a flagship style bow at a more budget friendly price, longer draw lady shooters, adults just getting started, or adolescents with a little growing left to do. For shooters interested in having a complete set up right out of the box, the factory has a couple package options to choose from as well. Aside from that, the Unleashed really does tune easily and shoot well. For $599, it is extremely difficult to find a better value. Shooters wanting a dedicated hunting bow, without breaking the bank owe it to themselves to give the 2019 Unleashed model a serious consideration.