PSE Dream Season EVO Review
Pros
- One of the best high quality speed bows in 2011
- Great shooting rig (some shooters believe it's better than the ever popular Axe 6)
- Well balanced bow with a solid back wall (one draw stop on each of two cams)
- Extremely adjustable eccentric system - no bow press or modules are needed to change the draw length
- Surprisingly smooth drawing for a speed bow (no hump or short valley)
- Good valley (not short and not long)
Cons
- The draw cycle is relatively stiff (but very smooth)
- May be a bit heavy for some although very balanced in hand (4.4 pounds)
Video
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Editors' review
At first glance, this bow seems to be an AXE 6 from last year with a little different look. Do not be fooled; the EVO has been completely updated with centerlock limb pockets and a newly designed riser to eliminate twist and torque. The result is the popular AXE 6 with a smoother draw, less hand shock, and more speed. For shooters looking for a speed-hunting bow with a smooth draw cycle and supreme shootability, the PSE Dreamseason EVO may be an option.
Finish
The PSE Dreamseason EVO has several finishing options available:- Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity
- Skulz Camo
- Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity limbs and Black riser
- All Black
Riser
PSE redesigned the EVO riser using what they call the Incredible Planar flex riser. The revolutionary new risers eliminate flex and riser twist so the riser does not flex side-to-side ultimately improving accuracy. The riser is a bit more aggressive looking than past X Force bows and gives the bow a look you reviewers either love or hate.Grip
The EVO offers a thin grip designed for hand placement repeatability and minimal hand contact with the grip. In return, shooters have more repeatable form from shot to shot and less hand torque on the bow. Those not used to a thin grip may have a bit of a learning curve in order to get used to the different feel. However, the results of the grip in terms of accuracy and better shooting form speak for themselves.Limbs and Limb Pockets
The EVO is equipped with new fourth generation X Force split limbs and connected to the riser with the new Centerlock pockets. The new limbs exceed the strength standard set by prior X Force technology and are split to meet the highly pre-stressed resting position giving the bow extra energy upon the shot. The revolutionary new Centerlock pocket system uses three locking and aligning points that securely hold the limbs and pockets toward the bows centerline.Eccentric System
The EVO uses the same Axe hybrid cam as the previous AXE models from 2010. At 340 fps, these cams are shockingly smooth and very easy to hold at full draw without the creeping forward associated with most speed bows. The cam is completely adjustable in half-inch increments from 25.5 to 30 inches without the need for a bow press or modules. This adjustability is a huge bonus and gives shooters a more customized draw length without needing to purchase expensive new cams or modules. Both cams are equipped with a draw stop that is adjustable to draw length as well, making contact with the string upon full draw making the back wall very solid.Draw Cycle/Shootability
The EVO has a somewhat aggressive draw force curve in order to create the maximum amount of kinetic energy, although the draw is very smooth without a dreaded hump. The majority of the draw weight starts at the beginning and steadily lets off as you approach full draw (the draw gets easier as you pull back). At full draw, the bow feels very balanced with a solid back wall. You are able to move a bit without the string wanting to creep forward as well. After release, the factory-silencing package does a great job of reducing string and bow vibration resulting in a minimal hand shock and a quiet release.Silencing Package
The PSE EVO comes equipped with several dampening accessories proven to work. The first addition is a Vibracheck backstop that immediately dampens string vibration and is strategically inline with the stabilizer-mounting hole. It can also be micro-adjusted to meet specific needs. The limbs are also shipped with what PSE calls a Limb Band Hush Kit that adds in removing any residual limb vibration after the shot. Each limb get two bands with the limb pockets getting an additional band giving the EVO six limb bands total. The cable slide also comes with a cable guard dampener that helps eliminate vibration as well. In combination with each other, the EVO is very shock free and quiet.PSE Dream season EVO vs. Axe 6
| Bow | PSE Dream Season EVO | PSE X-Force Axe 6 |
| Version | 2013 EVO Max | 2011 |
| Picture |  |  |
| Brace Height | 6 " | 6 " |
| AtA Length | 32.25 " | 32.5 " |
| Draw Length | 25 " - 30 " | 25.5 " - 30.5 " |
| Draw Weight | 40 lbs - 70 lbs | 50 lbs - 70 lbs |
| IBO Speed | 337 fps - 345 fps | 337 fps - 345 fps |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs | 4.0 lbs |
| Let-Off | 75% | 75% |
| Where to buy Best prices online |
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Upon first glance, the Axe 6 and the EVO are virtually identical except for the EVO being $100 more. Both bows feature a 32.5-inch axel-to-axel measurement with a 6-inch brace height. The EVO tips the scales at 4.4 pounds while the Axe 6 weighs slightly less at 4.25 pounds. Although these bows look to be the same given the specifications, do not be fooled. PSE engineering added a few new technologies to this bow and to the liking of the majority of shooters. Most experts agree the stronger riser design combined with the fourth generation limbs and the new centerlock limb pocket design makes the EVO shoot quieter, vibrate less, and draw smoother.