Editors' review
The PSE Firestorm was manufactured for 8 years starting from 2001. The bow had evolved significantly before it was discontinued in 2007 (see full PSE Firestorm specs). Over the years a lot of new eccentric systems and other technologies were introduced and/or improved by PSE engineers to improve shootability characteristics and make it a bit faster and lighter.
Forgiving bow
With a very generous brace height, the Firestorm was originally designed as a forgiving bow. While the first models (2001-2004) had the brace height of 8 inches, the Firestorm Lite NH introduced in 2005 was even more forgiving (8.75"). However, in 2007, the PSE design team decided to reduce the brace height to 7.5 inches (Firestorm X) to gain more speed. We found that many shooters agree in that this bow is very forgiving no matter which version you shoot.
Not a speed monster
Designed to be forgiving, this bow is not a speed monster. Almost all PSE Firestorm modifications were capable of generating advertised IBO speeds of up to 300 fps. The only exclusions are the 2004 PSE Firestorm Lite Rimfire (285 fps) and 2007 PSE Firestorm X (up to 310 fps). While this bow is not ideal for hunters who like to squeeze out every single fps, many shooters will find the Firestorm to be a great hunting rig with plenty of speed for their needs.
What about cons?
While researching feedback about this bow we found that some Firestorm modifications have smaller sight windows than comparable bows. In addition, the factory strings could be of better quality.
Draw cycle / Shootability / Quietness
Admittedly, the Firestorm is a very smooth drawing and quiet bow due to its single cam eccentric system and generous brace height. Almost all owners agree this bow is a very good shooter.
2007 PSE Firestorm X
The 2007 Firestorm X is considered to be one of the best versions from the Firestorm series: it's very quiet, smooth, forgiving, and a bit faster than previous modifications. While many archers are very surprised PSE discontinued this bow in 2007, others say the company decided to concentrate on the very promising (extremely popular nowadays) X-Force series introduced in the same year.
Summary
To summarize, The PSE Firestorm is a compact and good shooting bow that was manufactured and evolved for 8 years. With a short axle to axle length and very generous brace height, this rig is very forgiving, maneuverable, and lightweight. The bow is a good choice for tree-stand or blind hunting. While it's not a speed monster, the Firestorm is very quiet and smooth to draw as noted by many owners. Although it could have better quality strings and a bigger sight window, overall this is a decent quality bow for the money.
