PSE X-Force Axe 7 Review
from $450
Pros
- One of the top quality bows capable of generating fast speeds
- Very lightweight and well balanced bow
- Smooth (yet relatively stiff) draw cycle with a nice valley
- Solid back wall
- Easily adjustable draw length - no bow press or modules are required
Cons
- Shock and vibration on a bare bow could be better (stabilizer and other silencers will help make it quiet)
- Relatively stiff (but smooth) draw cycle
Video
content from YouTube
Editors' review
The PSE X-Force Axe 7 belongs to the PSE Axe series and is reported to be one of the top speed bows in 2010.
Grip & Limbs
The Slim Low Torque grip is fully machined and has contoured rubber side panels. This design allows for more comfort and consistency as reported by many shooters. The Axe 7 is outfitted with the new Next Generation X Technology Split Limbs capable of going to beyond parallel angles at full draw. This design helps to reduce shock, vibration, and noise after release.Quietness and vibration
We found that a bare Axe 7 has a tad more shock and vibration when compared to the quietest (bare) speed bows. Despite that, a number of reviews and tests indicate this rig is quiet enough for a speed bow. Archers say that a stabilizer and other silencing components will significantly reduce shock and vibration and will make this bow even quieter. Overall, the X-Force Axe 7 is considered to be impressively quiet for a speed rig.Eccentric system
PSE powers the Axe 7 with its smooth-drawing Axe Hybrid Cam system, advertised to hit IBO speeds reaching 335 feet per second. This eccentric system has an inner module on each cam to allow for adjusting the draw length very easily. The draw lengths are adjustable over a 26.5"-31.5" range in half inch increments. The inner module can be moved and adjusted with the help of a 7/64" hex wrench. The let-off is 75%. All in all, archers like the fact that no bow press or modules are required for changing the draw length on this bow.Draw cycle / Shootability
The X-Force Axe 7 is a smooth (but relatively stiff) drawing bow. Experts agree, the draw cycle is a tad more in effort in the beginning, but gets smoother all the way to the end. Despite being smooth, the draw cycle is also a bit stiff. While all speed bows are stiff to draw, the Axe 7 is much smoother than some of them. In addition, the two draw stops provide for a very solid back wall. Also, shooters say this rig is very lightweight and well balanced. All in all, a lot of experts and archers agree that the X-Force Axe 7 is one of the best speed bows out there.PSE Axe 7 vs. PSE Axe 6
| Bow | PSE X-Force Axe 7 | PSE X-Force Axe 6 |
| Version | 2011 | 2011 |
| Picture |  |  |
| Brace Height | 7 " | 6 " |
| AtA Length | 32.5 " | 32.5 " |
| Draw Length | 26.5 " - 31.5 " | 25.5 " - 30.5 " |
| Draw Weight | 50 lbs - 70 lbs | 50 lbs - 70 lbs |
| IBO Speed | 327 fps - 335 fps | 337 fps - 345 fps |
| Weight | 4.0 lbs | 4.0 lbs |
| Let-Off | 75% | 75% |
| Where to buy Best prices online |
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Some people like to compare the Axe 7 with another bow from the Axe series: the X-Force Axe 6. Specs wise, the main differences between the two bows is that the Axe 7 has a longer brace height (7"), is 10 FPS slower than its 6" brother, and is usually a better choice for archers with longer draw lengths.While the Axe 7 has a more forgiving brace height, short draw length shooters (up to 28") will often not feel any difference between the two rigs. Therefore, they often choose the PSE X-Force Axe 6 because it's 10 FPS faster. On the other hand, experts agree that for long draw length archers (28"+) the Axe 7 might be a better choice because it has a more forgiving brace height, shifted draw length range, and a better string angle.