Editors' review
The Brute NXT is a really popular model name in the PSE lineup, and has grown in popularity each year. The NXT version of the Brute is possibly the best, most feature packed model of the entire group. The Brute NXT is a 30 4/3-inch axle-to-axle model, with a 6.5-inch brace height, and ATA/IBO arrow speed range of 328-320 feet per second. The binary cam system sports an 80% let-off and a draw length range of 22.5-30-inches. From a specifications standpoint, the PSE Brute NXT compares pretty nicely with some of the higher end compact hunting rigs on the market in the same model year. The Brute NXT does lack some of the high end technology the flagship models have, and for those needing the latest and greatest technology, the Brute NXT will not be that model. However, for those needing a shorter hunting bow, with a wide range of draw length adjustment for a reasonable price, it is really hard to look past the $499 bare bow cost of the Brute NXT. For another $100, shooters can also opt for the fully set up REady to Shoot package and have most everything needed to start flinging arrows right out of the box.
Finish
PSE has always offered great looking finish options, but the number of finish choices has always been pretty limited. The PSE website, and the brochure indicate a total of 12 different finish options on the Core series of bows, of which the Brute NXT belongs to. However, upon closer look, there are only three finishes available on the Brute NXT. Shooters can pick TruTimber Strata, Mossy Oak Country, or Black. The limited number of finish options is understandable considering the price point. However, it would be awesome to have all 12 colors available in the Core lineup available on the Brute NXT rig.
Riser
The Brute NXT has a slight reflexed riser design, which is pretty standard across the entire PSE lineup from their most entry level bows all the way to the highest end flagship models. The overall length of the bow is a pretty compact rig with a 30 3/4-inch axle-to-axle measurement, with an advertised mass weight of only 3.5-pounds. The riser also works with the BT cam system to provide a fairly forgiving brace height of 6.5-inches. The string stop system is the standard issue stop, which keeps things as quiet and nose free as possible. The cable slide system is also pretty simplistic as well with a stationary rod and a standard slide. The front of the riser has a stabilizer mounting bushing directly in line with the string stop system for those wanting additional vibration dampening or a longer stabilizer to tighten the pin float a bit more. The riser is pretty standard in terms of riser offerings, and there is nothing overly special about what is worked into the design. The riser is lightweight, has working technology, and gives shooters a solid platform for how compact the overall size of the bow is. Those wanting to brag in the parking lot about all the engineering that went into their rig, and explain all the technology being used will not get that with the Brute NXT. However, those wanting a great shooting compact rig that simply performs, will have a lot to like with the Brute NXT model.
Grip
The grip of the Brute NXT has a really nice feeling, which is similar to the rest of the PSE lineup being directly designed directly into the riser itself. Unlike the higher end models for PSE, the Brute NXT grip is basically a solid portion of the riser as well, without much machined out. The back of the grip is pretty flat, and the edges are just ever so slightly rounded for comfort fitting exactly where it should. The thickness of the grip feels pretty great too, although thinner than the PSE flagships design has. Just like other bows with an aluminum grip, the grip is going to be cold on long sits in the fall. That is not unique to PSE, or even the mid-range bow models, just something shooter's should be aware of.
Limbs
The draw weight range goes down to 35-pounds, and all the way up to 70-pounds between two different limb configurations. The split limb design maxes at two different places, 55 or 70-pounds, depending on the draw weight configuration shooters are most interested in. The limb bolts can be backed out a total of 8 turns according to the PSE website, which will allow shooters to grow into the maximum draw weight of each model a bit. Many newer archers benefit a great deal with learning the draw and how to shoot, but will eventually work their way up to a heavier maximum draw weight. Having a limb configuration allowing shooters to grow into their bow while getting comfortable with the basics is a really great feature of a bow designed for entry level or growing archers. The split limbs also feature a limb dampener for both sets also. The polymer pockets keep the limbs connected firmly to the riser, and in the tightest of tolerances.
Eccentric System
The Cam System on the Brute NXT is known as the BT cam, and has a massive draw length range of 22.5-30-inches. The draw length adjustments are easy to make as well, using a rotating module, which adjusts very similarly to the Evolve Cam System. Shooters can adjust the draw length without even needing a bow press. The let-off is 80%, which is not as high as some bows on the market, but right in the middle or the offerings on the market this model year. The binary cam produces decent speeds as well shooting arrows at an ATA/IBO rated speeds of 328-320 feet per second. There are much faster bows on the market, so those looking for an absolute speed freak of a performance bow will need to look elsewhere. However, the Brute NXT is a smooth drawing system, and still decently high performing for a bare bow price of only $500. The binary cam system is something PSE has perfected, and the BT cam really has a lot of great features. For shooters wanting an option to change out let-offs, or get different valley feels, there are better bows in the PSE lineup. However, for newer archers just getting started, the Brute NXT with its 80% offering is going to be great.
Draw Cycle/Shootability
The BT cams deliver an impressive draw cycle for a bow at this price point. Oftentimes bows with a larger draw weight and draw length range, at the medium price point are fairly sloppy in how they feel at different spots within the adjustments. That is not really the experience with the BT cams on the Brute NXT thankfully. This bow is able to maintain a great shooting experience from the lowest and lightest settings all the way up to the longest and heaviest settings. The 80% let-off feels really great, and it is not too high of a let-off, which makes the rollover and valley still a pretty awesome feeling. Newer archers can have a tough time with cam systems giving too much let-off, because the transition is more difficult to manage. The BT cam just feels comfortable. The back wall also feels about perfect as well. After the shot, the arrow seems to zip, although it is not a super fast bow relatively speaking, it does not seem super slow either. There is not much hand shock or vibration after the arrow is released either. For a bow at any price point, the Brute NXT feels decent, for a bow at $500, it is really tough to find anything to dislike.
Usage Scenarios
Mid-range price point bows are often sold as older yough models, or rigs for newer shooters, and although that is true for the Brute NXT, experienced shooters will also find the Brute NXT as a great offering as well. The Brute NXT price point is more about a cheaper price point, and less about a featureless bow. PSE has gone through great lengths to create the Brute NXT as a hunting bow to get those new to the sport ready to hit the woods. The huge draw length and draw weight ranges make the bow appealing to still growing archers, but it will equally perform well for shooters who are full grown and just looking for a less expensive hunting bow.
Accessory Package
The Ready to Shoot package gives shooters some great choices to be able to start shooting their new bow without having to drop a lot of extra money on accessories. For $100, shooters get everything they need other than arrows and a release, and although these accessories are not going to be top of the line accessories, it would be almost impossible to find brand new accessories for only $100. The package includes a Hunter Lite Quiver, a TruGlo EZ Rest, an FX 4 Stabilizer, a Sierra Lite Sight, a Mongoose peep, and a nocking loop. The Ready to Shoot package options gives shooters the quickest path to shooting right away, and allows shooters a less stressful time picking out accessories to get going. It can be pretty overwhelming choosing which accessories to get started with, and this package will take out any of the guesswork. Overtime, shooters will learn a bit more about what they like and do not like, and can upgrade accessories as they get more familiar with the equipment and what they may want later on.
Summary
For $499, or $599 fully rigged, the Brute NXT and its binary cam system may be one of the best values in the PSE lineup, which is admittedly pretty competitive in the value offerings. This bow has 7.5-inches of draw length adjustment, and 35-pounds of draw weight without needing a bow press. The color options are limited, the bow lacks industry leading technology, and the accessory package leaves a bit to be desired. However, none of that really matters in the eyes of the targeted consumer. Folks wanting a budget friendly bow, either because they are just getting started, have some room left to grow, or just do not want to spend $1000 or more on a bow, really have an awesome option with the Brute NXT. After shooting the Brute NXT, it is pretty easy to see why shooters would be drawn to the model, and after seeing the price tag, it will be even more apparent. For any shooter, the BT cams and Brute NXT feels great, but the true draw is in the value of the bow. PSE claims bowhunting is not a luxury, it is an essential experience, and the PSE Brute NXT is designed to allow shooters this essential experience at a price most will be able to afford.
