PSE Revenge Review

Editors' review

The PSE Revenge takes the place of the well-loved Vendetta XS. With a short axel-to-axel design and an IBO speed of 332 feet per second, the Revenge was designed with all types of hunting in mind. The compact 29 5/8-inch measurement makes it a great bow for ground blinds, treestands, and spot and stalk situations. The riser design is only slightly reflexed and is almost the entire axel-to-axel length giving it a forgiving length despite the shorter measurement. Those interested in shorter hunting bow will love the speeds featured on the Revenge.

Finish

The PSE Revenge offers several flawless finish options that look great and give shooters several nice options to choose from. The first option is the Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity option. PSE has used this finish for a couple of years, and it really looks nice with the limb graphics and red rubber grip. The second option comes with a black riser and a Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity limbs. Finally, new for this year is PSE's own Skullworks Camo. This is a unique option that has a flat black background with off-white European skulls from different big game animals. The finish looks very nice and is a result of customers wanting something a little different than the human skulls featured on the Skullz camo pattern. All patterns are a result of a dipping process that is long lasting and durable.

Riser

PSE's new planar flex riser features a larger sight window, a design allowing the riser to flex front to back instead of side to side, along with 25% less handle deflection. Along with these innovative designs, comes multiple sight mounting holes to offer shooters many different options for mounting every type of sight available. Coming off the back of the riser is a factory installed Vibracheck string stopper. This helps stop the string from vibrating to a stop eliminating after the shot noise and vibration. Directly in front of the Vibracheck is a front mounting stabilizer hole for shooters wanting added counter weight or additional vibration dampeners with a front mounting stabilizer.

Grip

PSE grips have been on the skinny side for the last couple of years. However, the Revenge grip, known as the Raptor grip by PSE, is a bit bigger than the B.E.S.T. Raptor grips on other PSE proline bows. Many shooters appreciate the more mainstream series grips. The grip is built in to the riser and has a red rubber handle on both sides of the riser. The red rubber is the same as the black from last year, but the color stands out a bit more than previous models. The red grip really looks great with the other graphics and finishing options available with PSE.

Limbs

The Revenge limbs are like the rest of the PSE lineup with their split construction. Because of their highly pre-stressed position, split limbs are the only option that will remain strong enough to last. Limbs are available in ten-pound increments with maximum weights of 50, 60, and 70 pounds. The split limbs come from the factory with an installed Vibracheck hush kit as well.

Eccentric System

PSE has 4 mainline series cam systems for the 2012 lineup. The PSE Drive Hybrid Cam powers the Revenge. Perhaps the best feature of the cam is the second-generation inner lock cam system that allows draw length adjustability in half-inch increments from 24.5-30 inches. Shooters will love being able to fine tune their draw length without having to purchase new cams, modules, or even use a bow press. Sealed ball bearings are used in the cams, which have laser engraved tuning marks and cam adjustment reference points for easy changing. With a draw stop on the top and bottom cam, that makes contact with the string upon full draw, the back wall is very consistent when tuned properly. 75% let off allows shooters a very manageable weight to hold at full draw as well.

Draw Cycle/Shootability

The Vendetta from last year had a highly regarded draw cycle that most found very favorable. The Revenge sports the same cam as the 2012 Vendetta series. Although the draw cycle is relatively stiff, shooters will appreciate the generous valley, minimal transitions, and solid back wall. The cushioned draw stops make contact with the string. These types of stops usually have a softer back wall when compared to those that make contact with the limbs. However, shooters will come to a noticeable stopping point with the rive Hybrid cam. Overall, the draw cycle is easy to shoot despite being a little stiff with constant weight throughout.

Silencing Package

All PSE bows come from the factory installed with Vibracheck silencing accessories. The first accessory used on the Revenge is the Vibracheck string stop. This helps transfers the strings energy the front mounting stabilizer along with eliminating noise caused from string vibration. The limbs also come equipped with composite rubber hush kits that also help transfer vibration through the rubber dampeners. The rubber design adds to the aggressive design of the bow as well.

PSE Revenge vs. PSE Vendetta XS

Bow	PSE Revenge	PSE X-Force Vendetta XS
Version	2013	2011
Picture
Brace Height	6.25 "	6.5 "
AtA Length	29.625 "	29.5 "
Draw Length	24.5 " - 30 "	24.5 " - 30.5 "
Draw Weight	40 lbs - 70 lbs	40 lbs - 70 lbs
IBO Speed	332 fps - 340 fps	322 fps - 330 fps
Weight	4.1 lbs	3.8 lbs
Let-Off	75%	75%
Where to buy Best prices online	$225 Compare prices	Not available now. Please check later.
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The PSE Revenge appears to replace the PSE X-Force Vendetta XS from last year. The Vendetta XS was loved for its smooth draw and short axel-to-axel measurement. The Revenge takes all of the wonderful things about the Vendetta XS, and reengineers them to make them even better. The newly designed planar flex riser is longer and stronger, which shoots better and performs more consistently. Keeping the same smooth draw and blazing fast speeds, the Revenge appears to be an improved version of one of last years most successful PSE sellers.

Usage Scenarios

The PSE Revenge is designed as a hunting bow. The short axel-to-axel measurement is a big trend in the hunting world. The Revenge's maneuverability in a treestand, ground blind, or a spot and stalk hunt really appeals to the die-hard hunter. Shooters with a short draw length will also appreciate the speed that comes with this rig as well. Although this bow is very accurate, serious target shooter will find better options.

Summary

The PSE Revenge is a great option for short draw shooters in the market for a hunting bow. The speed from this bow combined with a smooth draw cycle, high end strings, and a relatively inexpensive price tag may entice many shooters in the market for a hunting bow. Although the draw is a little stiff, it is very smooth. The ease of changing draw length without expensive cams or modules and without needing a bow press is a great design that will allow shooters to fine tune their own rigs to fit their shooting needs. Shooters interested in a short axel to axel bow with great speeds have a nice option with the PSE Revenge.