Editors' review
The Stinger name has been a PSE model for a while now, with new iterations getting renamed within the Stinger family. For 2020, PSE is releasing the PSE Stinger Max into the lineup, which keeps the same take on the classic model. This bow is designed for newer archers, but is also designed for younger shooters and adults alike. Many new to archery bows have a younger shooter vibe, and although younger archers can be outfitted in the Stinger Max, the rig can also stretch out for longer users also. The draw length on the Stinger max can be modularly adjusted from 21.5-30-inches, and the draw weight goes from 22-70-pounds using only two limb configurations. The overall measurements of the 30-inch axle-to-axle bow are great for a compact rig, and the 7-inch brace height is forgiving no matter the draw length shooters are. The Stinger can also be purchased with a complete package with factory installed accessories, taking all the guesswork out of leaving the shop fully rigged out to start shooting. With a bow and package price advertised on some sites as low as $449, the Stinger Max is a tough bow to look past for anyone wanting to get started without wanting to drop a lot of coin in the process.
Finish
Generally speaking, beginner or entry level bows are often limited on the finish options available. It is one of the ways manufacturers can cut down on the overall production costs and bring a bow to market that is as reasonably priced as possible. PSE has some rigs in their lineup with limited finish options, but fortunately for those looking into the Stinger Max, this model is not one of them. The Stinger Max comes finished in Mossy Oak Country, TrueTimber Strata, Black, Charcoal, Muddy Girl, Purple, and White. It is really awesome PSE is considering some shooters may be using this model to get started in archery leagues, and others may be using this model as a hunting bow. Them offering the rig in solid finishes and camo options depending on preference is a great choice. The finishes all look nicely done, have great definition on the camo patterns, and cover all the nooks and crannies of the Singer Max riser. There could always be more camo patterns available, but what is offered is great, and PSE deserves some recognition for not skimping on the choices for this more budget friendly model.
Riser
The riser is pretty minimalistic on the Stinger Max from a look and a design standpoint. Everything on the riser is older technology, but all functions well. For anyone wanting brag worthy technology, more than likely not the same folks looking at budget friendly entry bows like the Stinger Max, they will need to look elsewhere in the PSE lineup. The overall axle-to-axle measurement of 30-inches makes this bow a compact rig for those at the top end of the draw length range, and gives a fair amount of stability for those at the lower end of the draw length range. The riser looks a bit thick and bulky upon first glance, but the bare bow weight is 3.8-pounds, which is a pretty lightweight number in the compound bow world. The cable containment is a standard rod and slide system. The rod does not flex as the bow is drawn, and the slide does not feature any wheels or rollers. The string stop system is pretty simplistic as well with a rod and a rubber dampener coming straight off the back of the riser. Considering the type of archer the Stinger Max is designed for, the riser checks all the boxes for function and design. When compared to more expensive models, or even some flagship models, there will be a significant step up in offered technology, or even the shape and design of the cutouts. However, the Stinger Max is well thought out for the price point, and has nothing integrated, which will cause shooters to look elsewhere just based on technology offered. The Stinger Max will function perfectly.
Grip
The grip on the Stinger Max is similar to other PSE models in that the grip is fully integrated into the riser design as part of the build. The grip is a relatively solid piece of metal compared to some other PSE models, which feature cutouts in the grip areas, the Stinger Max grip will be almost a solid chunk of riser material with a slight tear drop shape cut out toward the bottom middle area of the grip. The shape and feel is comfortable and fits well in the hand exactly where it should be. The back is pretty flat, and the edges are slightly rounded, which give it a pretty perfect feeling in hand. For those hunting, the grip may be a little chilly, but a metal grip is not new or unique to PSE so many other models have the same issue in cold weather conditions.
Limbs
PSE has been split limbs for a while, and the Stinger Max is the same going with the split limb option. PSE makes two separate configurations for the Stinger Max with limb bolts capable of 15 turns. The first limb configuration allows for a draw weight range of 22-55-pounds, and the heavier limbs allow a draw weight range of 30-70-pounds. This massive draw weight range is perfect for shooters who may still have some growing left to do. Newer archers may also struggle with too much draw weight as a newer shooter, but can rapidly increase the weight as they get more comfortable shooting. Having the larger than 10-pound increments as standard in the archery world is a really great feature for a more entry level bow because it allows shooters a chance to grow into their appropriate draw weight without being too intimidated early on with a bow that feels too hard to pull. The Stinger Max limbs also come with factory installed dampeners right out of the box as well to keep things as quiet and vibration free as possible. The pockets are not the wedge lock design of the flagship and target models, but they do a great job at keeping things in the tightest of tolerances.
Eccentric System
PSE opts for the single cam technology on the Stinger Max, which will give an impressively smooth draw force curve for shooters, and also makes the draw length really easy to adjust. The draw weight let-off is 80% on this single cam offering, and the draw length range goes from 21.5-30-inches. The draw length adjustments are easy to make, and can be done without the use of a bow press. Although there is not an official way to change the let-off, shooters can tweak the valley a bit by choosing the longer or shorter draw stop setting. Of course the single cam technology is a bit different in getting tuned correctly. The top wheel is only for the string to roll across, with the bottom cam being the one doing all the work. The cams are not super high performing in terms of speed with a maximum IBO speed rating of only 312 feet per second. Although the speed rating is not super fast, the smooth drawing performance will more than likely appeal way more to shooters in the target audience for this particular model.
Draw Cycle/Shootability
Single cam technology is a bit overlooked, and is pretty underproduced in the archery world today. Many companies feel they can go with a different style cam system, which can produce more speed with as easy of a draw cycle. The single cam was designed starting first and foremost being smooth to pull. The Stinger Max is exactly that. It is one of those bows that can feel like the actual draw weight is less than what is actually being pulled, and for new archers, that is a great feeling. The cam rolls over nicely into the 80% let-off and sits on the back wall really solidly. While holding on target, the pin feels pretty steady, and the feeling after the shot feels pretty great as well. For those at the upper end of the draw range, the 30-inch axle-to-axle length may start to feel a bit cramped, and shooters may have to adjust their head to get their nose anchored on the string. However, for a model with 8.5-inches of draw length adjustment, the draw and performance are both reasonable.
Usage Scenarios
The PSE Stinger Max is a bow designed for entry level shooters, which may range from children to adults. Designing a bow with almost 50-pounds of draw weight adjustment and 8.5-inches of draw length adjustment is no small feat, but PSE does a great job in doing so. This bow will work well for youngsters just getting into the world of competitive archery, or just trying to be like mom or dad and shooting at local events. However, PSE also wanted to build a bow adults could leave the shop with and try their hand at bowhunting for the first time as well. The Stinger Max would work great for either shooter, and with the reasonable price point, it makes it easy for virtually everyone to get into archery.
Accessory Package
The Stinger Max can come right out of the box with a factory set of accessories for shooters not wanting to get caught up in the world of limitless accessories. For a newer shooter, the number of available options for accessories can be extremely overwhelming. PSE makes getting started as easy as possible by offering everything folks need to get started in a convenient package. Of course the accessories are not going to be the highest end available on the market. However, they will get the job done and allow shooters to start shooting as quickly as possible. The arrow rest is a TruGlo biscuit style arrow rest, a five pin sight with a light, a tube style peep sight for proper alignment every time the bow is drawn back, a 5 arrow quick disconnect quiver, and a short stabilizer to get started with. Now, ready to shoot packages can be a bit misleading, because the packages do not come with arrows or a release, which will need to be purchased separately.
Summary
For a fully set up bow, with a package price of $449, it is really hard to beat a rig like the Stinger Max. Although entry level models are often geared toward a younger shooter, PSE was conscious in making the Stinger Max available to all ages and shooter sizes. Almost anyone in the bow market can be set up to fit in the 30-inch axle-to-axle rig, and the single cam draw force curve is amazing for those just getting started in the world of archery. The Stinger Max shoots well, but when considering the value, the Stinger Max really shines. PSE also did a great job giving the bow enough finish options to meet the entire range of potential buyers offering patterns for anyone and any purpose. Anyone interested in getting started in archery with a frill less bow, at a great price, needs to seriously consider the PSE Stinger Max. It may be one of the best values in the compound bow market for 2020.
