PSE EVO NXT 35 LD Review

Editors' review

PSE has a super lineup with the EVO NXT models for the 2020 model year with an axle-to-axle measurement for every shooter on the market for a high end bow. The NXT 35 LD is very similar for the EVO NXT 35, with the ability to stretch out the draw length a bit more, all the way out to 32-inches. The NXT 35 LD has the beloved Evolve Cam System offering a draw length range of 26.5 to 32-inches, It also features a longer 7-inch brace height and the ComfortGrip system giving shooters two options to choose from right out of the box. The ATA/IBO speed rating of 324-316 FPS is slow; however, reports are consistent with the 35 LD not only making those speed ratings right out the box, but in many cases exceeding those numbers. Typically, speed numbers take a fair amount of tuning to get them to shoot the rating, but in the case of the EVO NXT lineup, they all hit the advertised numbers. The EVO NXT 35 LD is a rig that will be great for all styles of compound archery, but it falls a bit short on the number of finish options available since it can be used for everything. Although there are limited hunting finish options, there are even less finishes for those wanting a dedicated target bow instead. Very few people are buying a new bow because of the finishes offered, but it would be nice to see some more choices. Finally, although the MSRP is competitive with other high end rigs, the $1099 price tag may take some shooters a while to save up for.

Finish

This may be the largest area of potential disappointment with the EVO NXT 35 LD. PSE only offers the EVO NXT 35 LD in 6 finishes, and in 2020 when bow technology advancements from year to year have become less exciting, being able to personalize and choose from many finish options is potentially more important than ever before. Now, PSE does have an awesome in-house process, and leaves the bows looking really great. From a look and durability perspective, the EVO NXT 35 LD does not disappoint. Even the offers, which include: Black, Tan, RealTree Edge, First Lite Fusion, Kuiu Verde, and Mossy Oak Country all look sweet. However, this bow can be used for every style of shooting, and it would be great to see some more target colors. The main purpose of the bow is a hunting bow, but for shooters at the upper end of the draw length range, there are not many bow offerings that can accommodate their size. For the, it would be nice to

Riser

The EVO NXT platform is a fairly familiar looking bow with many specifications carried over from previous model years. THe NXT 35 LD is special for the longer draw shooters allowing the cams to reach draw lengths the rest of the NXT lineup does not. The 35 LD riser is a new look and design from the company as well starting with a less reflexed riser design than before. Not only is the riser less reflexed than the previous models, it is also a longer riser in length as well. This should add to the overall stability of the bow and steady hold on target at the end of the day, which should be a more forgiving and accurate shooting platform. PSE also claims the longer riser and the new limb angle makes the quietest platform PSE has created. When the rest of the bow's geometry is considered, the EVO NXT 35 LD also has a brace height of 7-inches. There is some debate on how brace height factors into the overall forgiveness of a bow, but 7-inches has always been characteristic of a forgiving bow overall. PSE also chose some different riser cutouts for the 2020 models as well, and it changed the whole look of the NXT lineup. For some shooters, the new cutouts are accepted, other shooters appreciate the more aggressive look of the previous riser designs. Either way, this bow is a decently weighted 4.7-pounds bare bow weight. For shorter axle-to-axle hunting bows, that number would be a bit on the heavy side, but for a 35-inch model with the ability to accommodate shooters out to a 32-inch draw length, that 4.7-pounds is not too bad. The riser also has some standard issue PSE technology including the rear string stop system with a dampener located near the riser to help subtract noise and vibration even more than just stopping the forward movement of the string. PSE also keeps the multiple sight mounting locations on the side of the riser. Shooters can choose from 3 different heights for mounting their sight to the EVO NXT 35 LD. The cable containment system is familiar as well. The slide rolls on a carbon rod, while each cable slides on a sideways mounted wheel to make the draw force curve as smooth as possible. This rod can also be adjusted to fine tune for different vane clearances. Everything a shooter would want in a cable containment system, PSE has incorporated into this design. PSE engineers also included the standard front and rear stabilizer bushings, but also included a lower hole off the front of the stabilizer as well. So shooters can choose to use the standard mounting location directly in front of the rear facing string stop system, or they can choose to use the one below that has several inches, closer to the bottom limb pocket location. This hole will make the weight lower on the bow and entirely changes the feel of the bow. Many will prefer the higher, more standard location, and others will like how the lower mounting hole gives the stabilizer a more target stabilizer feel. It is also great to have choices, and this is another example of PSE allowing shooters the option to do things that make the most sense for their set up.

Grip

Brand new for 2020 is the ComfortGrip design from PSE. This grip is a one-piece composite grip that fits over the riser for a larger feeling grip, which is going to be a bit warmer to the touch than the straight up aluminum riser PSE has used for a really long time. This new grip has mixed reviews, but those who felt the previous PSE grip was too thin, the plastic grip is a wider offering with a similar shape to the standard offering. For those not all about the new ComfortGrip, the grip is simple to remove to reveal the old PSE grip from previous years right off the riser design. Those liking the older version of the grip still have that option. There are cutouts in the riser handle, which some shooters have claimed to not like the looks of. However, from a performance and function standpoint, it makes no difference if there are holes or not in the riser because proper technique will never have the shooter's grip hand in contact with the cutouts anyways. Both grips are pretty neutral in angle, and both have a flat back, which is pretty standard for grips in 2020. PSE offering two options right out of the box is awesome, and worth celebrating. More companies need to do what PSE is doing with offering multiple grips right off the shelf. The grip is so personal to many shooters, and can be the reason shooters go with a different bow, regardless of how the rest of the bow shoots and feels. To have two offerings, PSE may have kept some EVO NXT potential buyers with the platform by offering two grips. Well done PSE, the included grip options are greatly appreciated!

Limbs

PSE has had a very distinct look in the past with the X-Force limb design with highly prestressed limbs at rest, which get even more aggressive as the bow is drawn. These style limbs date way back for PSE and for good reason. The split limb design was almost bulletproof and they stored tons of energy, and allowed the cams to be a bit larger than others using solid limbs. PSE will look a bit different for the EVO NXT platform this year. Although the limbs are still the popular split limb design, they are much less aggressive looking. With the longer riser, PSE was able to lay the limbs back more and changed the angle of the pockets to make them more parallel in design. According to PSE advertisement, the new limb design and riser combo created the quietest bow PSE has ever created. They have never had noisy bows, but for it to the the quietest ever for the company is really saying how great the design is. The pockets are different as well to account for the new angle off the riser. The wedgelock technology is the same PSE has used for a while, but the angle and shape are just a bit different to meet the specifications with the new riser and angle. The wedgelock has always been awesome for securing the limbs to the pockets and the pockets to the riser.The draw weights have gotten a change as well. PSE is offering peak draw weights on the EVO NXT 35 LD in 60, 65, 70, and even 80-pounds. The limb bolts also have a maximum of ten turns, which gives shooters the ability to back out the top and bottom limbs the same if they are not wanting to shoot the maxed out poundage. Although the LD is specifically designed for longer draw archers, who are bigger folks, it is a bit disappointing to not have the 50-pound draw weight limbs. With those included, the EVO NXT LD could be a perfect bow for every single long draw archer. Although it will more than likely fit all shooters the way it is, there may be some bigger guys with tired shoulders who would like to have the 50-pounders. The split limbs are also outfitted with a split limb dampener from PSE right out of the box as well.

Eccentric System

The Evolve Cam System is the most used cams from PSE in the last couple decades. They have placed this on target bows, hunting rigs, and even some relatively budget friendly hunting bows allowing shooters to get the cam without a flagship model price point. With so much integration across the entire lineup, it really is an amazingly designed cam system with the ability for shooters to really fine tune how they want the bow to feel like at full draw. The 35 LD can have draw lengths ranging from 26.5-32-inches with a rotating module with no need for a bow press. Shooters can also choose a high or low let-off module for 5% increments in draw weight let-off from 65-90%. That range is phenomenal, and it gives shooters absolute control in regards to how they want their rig to feel on the back end. The IBO rating with the speed mods is 332 feet per second, and with the standard high let-off module, it is a ATA/IBO rating range of 324-316 feet per second. A bummer about the speed rating is that the 35 LD is pretty slow. However, PSE gives real speed ratings, and not the highest speed rating within the allotted variances shooters will never actually achieve. So although the rating is a bit slow, it is real world, and could likely outperform the rating, whereas many other rigs on the market will be higher rated and almost always underachieve.

Draw Cycle/Shootability

The Evolve cams have been used on as many PSE bows as possible in recent years and for great reason. The cams feel great, have next level adjustability to perfect how shooters want the bow to feel, and has one of the most pleasurable draw force curves offered by anyone in 2020. The long riser of the 35 LD is pretty balanced at full draw and despite the larger size never actually feels too big. The hold on target is nice, and the ability to use any combination of the two front and one rear stabilizer mounting bushings is something many bows do not offer. The option for selecting the best grip is great also, and allows buyers to pick one that feels the best to them. After the shot, there is a bit of vibration, but nothing out of the ordinary for such a large rig. With quality accessories installed, the vibe almost vanishes anyways, but with the longer frame, a bit of vibration is to be expected. The hold on target is amazing as well. The added weight feels rock solid in combination with the longer riser design, and the pin float is minimal. The ability for shooters to be able to change their let-off with so many different options is another great feature. Those wanting more holding weight and higher speeds can shoot the same bow with different modules as those wanting the highest let-off all the way up to 90%.

Usage Scenarios

The PSE EVO NXT 35 LD is a long draw option for larger shooters, and can be used for every style of archery. Bigger archers are limited in what actually fits them, and the 35 LD is fortunately a design that can be used for hunting as well as 3D or spot shooting equally well with the cam technology and other specifications. For those wanting the 35 LD model for target archery only, PSE's limited solid color offerings may be disappointing. More than likely, the limited finish options will not be a deal breaker, but at a time when bow customization is so popular, PSE may be missing an opportunity to market to more shooters interested in a target bow. Everything else about the 35 LD is perfect for those longer draw archers on the market for a high end bow with all the latest and greatest technology from one of the giants in the compound bow world.

PSE EVO NXT 35 LD vs PSE EVO NXT 35

Bow	PSE EVO NXT 35 LD	PSE EVO NXT 35
Version	2020	2020
Picture
Brace Height	7 "	6.875 "
AtA Length	35 "	35 "
Draw Length	26.5 " - 32 "	25.5 " - 31 "
Draw Weight	50 lbs - 80 lbs	40 lbs - 70 lbs
IBO Speed	316 fps - 324 fps	320 fps - 328 fps
Weight	4.7 lbs	4.7 lbs
Let-Off	80% - 90%	80% - 90%
Where to buy Best prices online	Not available now. Please check later.	$600 Compare prices
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These two bows are the same with the exception of the draw lengths and cams. For most shooters, the bow with their desired draw length will be the best option. However, for those with a draw length eigher model can accommodate, the choice will more than likely come down to which cam system is better. The 35 has the small evolve cam system, whereas the PSE EVO NXT 35 LD has the standard evolve cam. Both are amazing, and will feel similar, but it is worth shooting both for those who can to see which one feels the best. For shooters wanting under 50-pounds of draw weight, the 35 is the only option, and for those wanting 80-pounders, the LD is the only choice. Both rigs are fantastic, but worth looking into a bit further for those that could end up with either model.

Summary

The PSE EVO NXT lineup is awesome, and the 35 LD is for the long draw folks wanting the Evolve Cam System on a hunting bow. With the draw length range of 26.5-32-inches, lots of shooters may be drawn towards the 35 LD/ For the longest draw shooters, the LD may be the only option. However, for those with a draw length with the 35 and the LD, shooters can opt for the Evolve or the SD Evolve Cam System, which is a cool option to have also. At the end of the day, the Evolve 35 LD is going to make a lot of shooters really happy. It has amazing adjustability, real life speed ratings, a new grip option, new riser, new limbs, and a new stabilizer mounting location. For those wanting to use the LD as a target bow, the target color options stink. However, as a shooter, it is really hard to find anything not to like about the 35 LD. There is nothing flashy about the bow, but it simply performs how it should and feels outstanding doing it. For those on the market for a longer axle-to-axle bow, the 35 LD may very well be the option of choice.