Editors' review
This is the most affordable proline series bow PSE has ever offered at $499, but it does not come at the expense of technology. 326 feet per second with a forgiving 7.5-inch brace height are wonderful specifications for a hunting bow. Add a smooth draw, and quiet release, and the Drive becomes an extremely desirable rig and one of the best values for 2013.
Finish
The drive is offered in tons of finish options. Target shooters and hunters have many finish patterns. The four basic options are, Mossy Oak Break Up Infinity camo, Infinity limbs and a black riser, Skullworks camo, and solid black. These options were all available through PSE last year as well, and still look outstanding on this year's models.
Riser
The drive uses the Planar Flex riser from 2012. Although the riser is specifically designed for the Drive, the technology was available on a few of last year's models. This riser helps eliminate side-to-side twist when the bow is drawn. This strength adds to shot repeatability and improved accuracy. The drive is a touch on the heavy side with an overall weight of 4.6 pounds and a relatively short axel-to-axel measurement of 30.5-inches. However, the riser design makes up most of the axel-to-axel measurement making it feel like a little longer bow. The rear mounting string stop system does a wonderful job eliminating hand shock on this bow, and is mounted directly behind the front mounting stabilizer hole, which further transfers any vibration the bow has away from the shooters hand. The cable slide system come equipped with a dampener to help with noise and vibration as well.
Grip
The Drive features the Raptor grip, which has a little thicker feel than some of the other pro series bows. Like other PSE models, the grip is an integrated part of the riser with rubber grip panels for each side of the grip. Those used to the thin B.E.S.T. grip PSE offers will take a little bit of time to adjust. However, those coming from another company will find the Raptor grip very repeatable and comfortable in hand.
Limbs
The Drive limbs are split limb technology like other PSE limbs as well. Although slightly prestressed, the limbs of the drive are not as prestressed as other PSE models. They are adjustable in 10-pound increments, and available in maximum weights of 50. 60. And 70 pounds. PSE limbs are able to withstand normal shooting conditions for a very long time. They also feature Vibracheck limb dampening bands that are available in a variety of color options. The Brute X limb pocket is a pivoting pocket that holds more of the limb allowing for better alignment.
Eccentric System
The Drive cam powers the Drive bow to speeds up to 326 feet per second. This cam is also featured on the Vendetta and Revenge models as well. The 2nd generation posi-lock inner-cam has 6.5-inches of draw length adjustability in half inch increments without the need to purchase cams or modules. PSE designed this cam to tune easily and minimize nock travel. These details make it a nice shooter. It also has laser engraved marking for ease of tuning.
Draw Cycle/Shootability
The Drive Cams are easy to shoot. The draw cycle feels great without any noticeable humps or transitions. The back wall is very solid, and the Drive does not want to creep forward while at full draw. The overall weight of the 4.6-pound bow makes it easy to hold on target despite its short axel-to-axel measurement. After the shot, the bow is silent and has no trace of vibration. Part may be the bows weight, and part may contribute to the Vibracheck dampeners, but the Drive is quiet and as shock free as they come. This whole package is combined with a forgiving brace height of 7.5 inches, which makes it an easy bow to shoot well.
Usage Scenarios
This bow is a hunting bow period. Although the trend for hunting bows is to offer a compact design in lightweight packages, the Drive is not lightweight by today's standards. However, it holds well on target, shoots silent and without vibration, and feels substantial while in the shooters hand. Not all hunters welcome the lightweight trend, so those still wanting some mass to their hunting bow should give the Drive a shot. Although the Drive is very accurate and shoots well, serious target shooters may have better options available to them.
Summary
PSE has produced a compact bow with a forgiving brace height of 7.5-inches capable of 326 feet per second with hunters in mind. Going against the lightweight bow trend, the Drive's 4.6-pound weight will be welcomed by some and rejected by others. The bow is as silent and shock free as they come, and holds on target like a much longer bow. With tons of customization options straight from the factory at an extremely affordable price, the Drive is hard to overlook for shooters wanting a new hunting bow.
