Editors' review
The PSE Brute is appropriately named for its sheer brute strength. This bow is very tough but also, fast, accurate and incredibly forgiving. Because of this, some shooters say it should not be compared to other models in its class.
Finish
Like the rest of this bow the finish is also tough, durable and resistant to fading. The Brute however, has never offered a choice in finishes. It originally came in Mossy Oak New Break-up, then went on to Mossy Oak Treestand, and most recently Mossy Oak Break-up Infinity.
Riser and Limbs
The Brute utilizes parallel precision engineered Boattail limbs which are connected to the riser through the Pivoting Hyperlight Unibody Limb Pockets. These limb pockets create perfect limb alignment for high level of accuracy and reliability. Over the years the CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminum riser has changed shape to continually remain strong but achieve an ultra-lightweight design. All of these parts come together to give the look of a very tough looking bow.
Grip
The early models of 2007 & 2008 come with the Vibracheck rubber grip, which is constructed to suppresses vibration and give a soft comfortable feel. However, this grip is wide and can cause hand induced torque. The more recent models of 2009 thru 2010 employ the SLT (Slim Low Torque) Grip. This grip is designed for consistent hand placement which will produce better accuracy. The Brute HP of 2011 is equipped with the new BEST Raptor Grip which is everything the SLT grip is with a more ergonomically correct hand positioning.
Eccentric System
While the performance system on the Brute has been evolving for 5 years, all modifications are built to achieve a very smooth draw cycle, produce consistent shots, be easily adjustable and be efficient and fast. Past models of the Brute have advertised IBO speeds between 300 - 308 fps, the 2011 model boasts an IBO of 320 fps. The increase in 2011 is due to the redesigned HP cam system. Over the 5 years the Brute has been in production it has seen 4 different cam systems (NRG plus, NI Cam, NI One Cam, HP Cam). Each cam system varies slightly as new technology has been developed. Each model has adjustable draw lengths with up to 6 inches of adjustability. The 2007 model requires a module change to adjust draw length. Since then, draw length adjustments are made with the rotational inner cam, further post adjustments can be made but may require a bow press. During the first four years of production the cams had an adjustable let-off of 80% or 65%, however the new 2011 model has a fixed let-off at 75%.
Draw Cycle & Shootability
With an easy drawing single cam performance system and its silencing package the Brute is a nice shooting, well balanced bow that delivers a quiet shot with little hand shock. The Brute is an extremely smooth drawing bow with a solid back wall that is easy to hold. Additionally, post adjustments can customize the draw cycle to suit your feel. Upon release the bow is very quiet and almost vibration free. Early model years may require a stabilizer and string stop to achieve the vibration dampening of the newer models, this is partially because the newer models come with the factory installed VibraCheck Hush Kit.
Good Hunting Bow
The Brute is a hunting bow through and through. It is built well, accurate and fast enough for any type of hunting. Hunters will not need to make any large movements in the stand to draw this bow, thanks to its smooth and easy draw cycle, allowing himself/herself to remain concealed from their potential prey. Furthermore, the let-off will allow hunters to hold at full draw for lengthy amounts of time while waiting for game to enter the shooting lane.
Great Value for the Money
The PSE Brute has been one of the best bows for the money on the market for the last five years. Priced at $400 for the bare bow you would not expect to get a bow that shoots and feels like top of the line bow. Consider this, the Brute is priced less than most comparable bows from the competition and it gives you the performance of the high end bows. In fact, many Brute shooters admit that this bow is underpriced and it's not every day you'll see a deal like this.
Summary
The name says it all, Brute. This bow is a great hunting bow especially if you are on a budget. The incredibly smooth draw and very forgiving brace height make this bow easy to shoot accurately. It is also virtually vibration free, giving it the feel of a much higher priced bow. It is hard to find anything wrong with this bow especially at its price point but that, in fact may be its down fall. Priced at such a low point, the Brute may actually be over looked by many hunters. It seems that over the years the industry has taught that you need an expensive bow to be a successful hunter. Well, the Brute definitely proves that theory wrong.
