PSE Dream Season EVO Review

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

The Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity is a nice change from the previous PSE camo pattern. It looks very nice next to the red PSE and Dreamseason logos. The skulz camo pattern is also very nicely done although the human skulz highlighted in the pattern may not be for everyone. The black riser option gives those who hunt in a ground blind a little incentive to mix the camo limbs for treestand and the black riser for ground blinds. With a variety of dipped camo finish options, shooters are likely to find something to match their needs and style. As always, the finish is top-notch quality and offers to be very durable for practical purposes.

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	$1000 Compare prices	Not available now. Please check later.
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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.

Usage Scenarios

PSE calls the Dreamseason EVO, "The Ultimate Hunting Bow," because of this claim, it seems as though the EVO lives up to what many shooters demand out of a hunting rig. Although some tournament shooters may feel the 32.5 inch axel to axel measurement a bit short for tournament archery, others may not have a problem shooting this bow on the range or 3d course. It seems as though the EVO, although designed for hunting, may serve as a multi-use bow for some shooters.

Price Considerations

The EVO is one of PSE's "pro series" bows, meaning it is considered by them to be one of their best and with that comes a price. The EVO's $849 price tag may be a bit too much for some shooters budgets especially since the Axe 6 (although equipped with different technology) is offered for $100 less. Although the EVO is competitively priced with other manufactures top end bows, for some justifying $849 may be difficult. The added technology is worth the price to many, but shooting the bows side by side may be the only way to get the answer you are looking for.

Summary

The PSE Dreamseason EVO is a great addition to the already successful X Force line. A bow this smooth is typically much slower; because of this shooters are equipped with a faster bow with more kinetic energy than before without a more extreme draw or added draw weight. With several technology upgrades and the convenience and ease of the adjustable cam, this bow promises to be PSE's flagship bow for 2011. The EVO is not the most inexpensive bow, but many feel the technology upgrades are worth the extra money. The EVO has a very positive following and just may be what PSE is calling, "The Ultimate Hunting Bow." Overall, the EVO would be a great bow for those looking for a fast, balanced, smooth drawing hunting bow that works well in the tree stand or ground blind with the ability to shoot 3d on the weekends.