PSE X-Force Axe 6 Review
Pros
- One of the best quality speed bows
- Very lightweight and well balanced bow
- Smooth (yet relatively stiff) draw cycle with a nice valley
- Very solid back wall (1 draw stop on each of 2 cams)
- Extremely adjustable draw length - no bow press or modules are required
Cons
- Relatively stiff (but smooth) draw cycle
- Shock and vibration on a bare bow could be better (stabilizer and other silencers will take care of that)
Video
content from YouTube
Editors' review
The PSE X-Force Axe 6 belongs to the PSE Axe series and is considered to be one of the best speed bows in 2010.
Grip
The Slim Low Torque (SLT) grip is fully machined and has contoured rubber side panels. This design allows for more comfort and consistency as reported by the majority of archers who shoot this rig.Limbs
The X-Force Axe 6 is equipped with the new Next Generation X Technology Split Limbs which go to beyond parallel angles at full draw. This technology allows for reducing shock, vibration, and noise after releasing the arrow.Silencing system / Quietness and vibration
According to our observations, a bare Axe 6 has a little bit more shock and vibration when compared to the quietest (bare) speed bows. However, according to multiple reviews we explored, it's considered to be quiet enough for a speed bow. Shooters also say that installing a stabilizer and other silencing components makes this rig even quieter and significantly reduces vibration and shock. Overall, the Axe 6 is reported to be surprisingly quiet for a speed bow.Eccentric system
PSE's new AXE Hybrid Cam system is the driving force behind advertised IBO speeds reaching 337 to 345 fps. This highly adjustable eccentric system has an inner module on each cam to easily adjust the draw length from 25.5 to 30.5 inches, in 1/2" increments. Each inner module can be moved and adjusted with the help of a 7/64" hex wrench. The let-off is 75%. Overall, shooters are very happy that no bow press or modules are needed for adjusting the draw length on this rig.Draw cycle / Shootability
The X-Force Axe 6 has a smooth but stiff draw cycle as confirmed by the majority of archers shooting this bow. Experts say, the draw cycle is a tad more in effort in the beginning of the cycle, but gets smoother all the way to the end. While the draw cycle is smooth, it's also relatively stiff. All speed bows have stiff draw cycles, but not all of them are as smooth as the Axe 6. With the two draw stops, this rig has a very solid back wall. Also, shooters say the Axe 6 is a lightweight and well balanced bow. Overall, the majority of people who shoot this bow agree that the Axe 6 is one of the best shooting speed bows on the market.PSE Axe 6 vs. PSE Axe 7
| Bow | PSE X-Force Axe 6 | PSE X-Force Axe 7 |
| Version | 2011 | 2011 |
| Picture |  |  |
| Brace Height | 6 " | 7 " |
| AtA Length | 32.5 " | 32.5 " |
| Draw Length | 25.5 " - 30.5 " | 26.5 " - 31.5 " |
| Draw Weight | 50 lbs - 70 lbs | 50 lbs - 70 lbs |
| IBO Speed | 337 fps - 345 fps | 327 fps - 335 fps |
| Weight | 4.0 lbs | 4.0 lbs |
| Let-Off | 75% | 75% |
| Where to buy Best prices online |
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Some archers like comparing the Axe 6 with another bow from the Axe series: the Axe 7. When it comes to the specs, the main differences between the two is that the Axe 6 has a shorter brace height (6"), is 10 FPS faster than its 7" brother, and is better suited for archers with shorter draw lengths.When it comes to shootability, archers with shorter draw lengths will often not feel any difference between the two bows. That is why such people often say they are extremely happy with the Axe 6 because it's 10 FPS faster. However, many experts agree that for longer draw length shooters (28"+), the PSE X-Force Axe 7 will be a better choice due to its more forgiving brace height, shifted draw length range, and a better string angle.