Editors' review
PSE has created a bow for every kind of shooter, for every style of archery, at every price point. The Centrix LD is an awesome target bow with a draw length range of 26.5-32-inches. The 3B cam system is a three track binary cam, which has gained almost as much popularity as the beloved Evolve Cam System on the flagship hunting and target models, which will offer a rotating draw length module and a couple different let-off options. The bow is a bit small when compared to more traditional target bows with only a 33-inch axle-to-axle measurement. However, for many shooters just getting into the target world, the Centrix may be an easier size to transition to, and will definitely be the price point shooters prefer with a suggested retail of $699. There are target models on the market in 2020 almost three times more expensive. Some shooters may be a little disappointed PSE integrated no brand new technology into the development of this bow other than the riser design. However, most shooters interested in the latest and greatest technology will more than likely not be interested in a bow at this price point.
Finish
Oftentimes, bows with smaller price tags often have less finish options to help keep the cost lower. Fortunately, shooters interested in the Centrix LD can choose from five different finish options, each of which look great! Shooters can pick from the popular target colors of white, black cherry, rose gold, purple, and platinum titanium. Each of the finishes has a slight shine to it, which really helps it pop and look like the rest of the more premium target models in the PSE lineup. Each of the target color options come with solid black limbs, which is pretty typical of target bows from any manufacturer. The red PSE logos integrated throughout the bow still look nice no matter which color chosen, and the Centrix lettering is large and blocky, and also looks really nice with the rest of the design. Just looking at the bow, it is also pretty easy to place it in the PSE lineup with the cutout style, cam design, and split limb technology. The Centrix is unapologetically PSE, and for a smaller price tag, it is neat to see the clear connection to the rest of the lineup instead of making it look a bunch different.
Riser
The riser on the Cetrix LD looks like a PSE riser, and that is important because many budget friendly models stray a bit from what the higher priced bows in the lineup look like. PSE made a clear commitment to keeping the Centrix part of the family, and most will greatly appreciate that decision. The overall axle-to-axle measurement is a pretty short 33-inches, when talking about target rigs. Some target bows stretch out past the 40-inch mark, so this one is quite a bit smaller in comparison. The overall weight is a bunch less too, with an advertised bare bow weight of 3.9-pounds. This is a bit odd as well. Oftentimes, target rigs are heavier than hunting bows, but that is not the case with the Centrix LD. However, because the size is more similar to a hunting bow, it may make the transition to target archery a little easier for newbies. The 7-inch brace height is the old standard for forgiveness in a bow as well, which will allow shooters to still hit the mark as the pressure starts to rise in tournament situations. The technology incorporated into the Centrix LD is tried and true, which some shooters find a bit off putting. However, not having many new designs to fill a magazine page, PSE is able to keep the price at a more affordable point. Those interested in the latest and greatest technology are more than likely not looking at a target bow in this price range. With that being said, the standard cable containment system is a functioning slide without any flexing like some other systems have built in. The slider is plastic and roller free. The string stop system is a standard string stop without a rubber dampener stopping the string, and a rubber dampener closer to the riser to disperse vibration that makes it into the stop bar. There is a front mounting stabilizer bar, and a place to mount a side or back bar for those interested. The sight mounting system also includes multiple mounting holes for shooters to choose the best height for their individual set up.
Grip
PSE added the plastic grip to this model like it has to others in the 2020 lineup. This grip is a thicker option when compared to the grip integrated into the riser, and is a one-piece design that can easily be removed for shooters that want the more standard riser grip. To be honest, neither one feels bad in the hand, and to have the two factory options for free is a really awesome feature. Most manufacturer grips are only available for purchase, and PSE giving shooters the option of two grips right out of the box is a great thing for shooters. The grip is oftentimes a deciding factor when choosing a bow based on how it feels in hand, and to have two options right off the rack will make a lot of people happy.
Limbs
PSE has been a split limb company for a long time, and the Centrix LD gets this technology as well. The limbs are available in maximum draw weights of 50 and 60-pounds, and have limb bolts capable of 13 turns. This will give the 60 pound configuration an adjustment down into the low 40's. The limb pockets are plastic, which are a drawback for some shooters, but PSE has very little issues with these pockets on other models across their lineup. Certainly, some would prefer metal pockets, but that would increase the price of the bow, so there is a bit of a trade off made in this area. Another area some feel should have been addressed is the limb bolt screws directly into the riser. Although this will probably not be an issue, many other models have a metal bushing for the limb bolt to screw in and out of instead of directly into the tapped metal of the riser.
Eccentric System
The 3B twin cam is a pretty popular offering for PSE, which may be second in popularity only to the flagship Evolve Cam System. On the Centrix LD platform, the 3B cams have a draw length range of 26.5-32-inches in half-inch increments.. The draw length is simple to change with a rotating modular system, which can be adjusted without the need for a bow press. There are easy to read letter marks to indicate the correct draw length settings and because the top and bottom cams are the same, the top and bottom cam need to be adjusted to the same letters. Right out of the box, the let-off is set to 75%. However, there is a let-off module for 80 and 85% that can be purchased separately. PSE also advertises the speed rating at an ATA/IBO rating of 327-319 feet per second. That is pretty great performance honestly considering how easy the cams are to draw, combined with a 7-inch brace height. The three track cam system functions by eliminating the need for any yokes. Instead, each strand anchors on the cam and tuning occurs by shimming the cam left to right with some axle spacers. The limbs are always different weights on each side to further minimize any cam lean.
Draw Cycle/Shootability
The 3B cams are a pleasure to shoot. The peak draw weight does stack up pretty quickly on the front end of the draw cycle, which actually makes it feel less humpy. As the bow works its way to full draw, the weight just seems to lesen until it comes into the back wall. This is roughly how each of the three let-off options feel, without any major difference from one module to the next. This feeling gives the bow a really smooth overall draw cycle that will be really nice when shooting a lot of arrows. The feeling after the shot is pretty awesome as well. Often times less expensive bows have some additional vibration when compared to their more expensive competitors. That is not really the case with the Centrix LD. Everything about this model is a dream to shoot honestly. Some shooters may want a different feeling on the back wall, to perhaps more holding weight as a personal preference, but in terms of how the bow feels and performs it is really great!
Usage Scenarios
The PSE Centrix LD is a really nice target bow offering with a great price. The smaller stature of the bow may line up with smaller sized shooters. However, anyone interested in a less expensive target bow, with a smaller frame can be fitted into the Centrix LD or Centrix SD, which is reviewed separately. This bow has the capability of doing any style of competitive archery equally well. For shooters interested in a bow that can crossover as a hunting bow, the Cetrix LD performance would allow for that, but there are certainly better options within the PSE lineup, even with the 3B cam system, which may be best to look into.
Summary
Target archery is shrinking in popularity in the US, and some argue the price to get started is more than people are interested in spending. The $699 price tag for the Centrix LD is an awesome way for shooters to get started in the world of target archery, without breaking the bank. Perhaps as shooters get more interest in the sport, they will also have an allegiance to PSE, and opt for a higher end target bow in the future, which is a pretty good marketing strategy for PSE in the long run as well. The Centrix LD is a pretty small framed model for a target bow, but that also means it may appeal to shooters the larger framed models do not. There is nothing that ties this rig to a certain demographic, which is nice also. The 3B cams have some great adjustment, feel awesome to draw, and flings arrows are pretty reasonable speeds. The Centrix LD is a great bow, but when considering the price, it may be one of the best values in all of target archery.
