Editors' review
The Carnivore is a really great offering by Ross. With different axel-to-axel measurements available, the 37, is the longest available in the lineup. The Carnivore draws jaw droppingly smooth, shoots acceptable speeds, and has a really comfortable grip despite how cheap it looks. Hunters not interested in buying in to the short bow trend, or shooters wanting to get serous with target archery on a budget should really look into the Carnivore 37. With an MSRP of $699 it shoots extremely well.
Finish
The Ross Carnivore features a very unique finish option limited to Bowtech, Diamond, and Ross known as the InVelvet finish option. This adds a soft and rubbery feel to the finish options available. Not only is it quitters when something hits it, but it is also warmer in cold weather conditions as well. The InVelvet finish is available in two color schemes. For hunters, Realtree AP HD finish is available, and for target shooters, Firestorm Candy Orange. Both finish options look nice and are done to perfection without any flaws.
Riser
The Carnivore 37 features a long riser that helps add to the stability of the shot and the ability for the shooter to hold the pin on target. The CNC machined riser is made of 6061 T6 aluminum and features the InVelvet finish that makes the riser a little warmer and quiets the metallic thump many bows make when they come in contact with other things like a quiver or an arrow in the field. The shelf features a wide cutout that makes the sight picture window rather large. The shelf also features a broadhead guard, which is designed to keep the shooters bow hand well protected from dangerous sharp edges. The neutral riser is neither reflexed, nor deflexed, which makes it a great candidate for either target or hunting.The string stop system mounts on the back of the riser, facing the strings. For those who like to tinker, the string stop system is not adjustable, so the engineer settings will have to do in this case. The front mounting stabilizer hole is stainless steel, which is not a needed addition, but makes for a nice touch. The standard cable slide is nothing to write home about, but serves its function very well in a "keep it simple" kind of way.
Grip
The Carnivore features a one-piece plastic grip, which has mixed reviews. In terms of feel and comfort ability, the grip is great. In terms of looks and overall appeal, it could use a little work. The grip is where each shot starts, and it needs to be consistent and repeatable in order for the best accuracy. Fortunately, the looks of the grip do not interfere with how it performs. The thin neck is a great fit in the shooters hand, and the thick front feels great in proper hand placement as well. The plastic grip will be a bit warmer if shooters decide to use the 37 in the treestand, but it could look a little cooler.
Limbs
The Carnivore limbs are made from a fiberglass composite material and are said to have almost twice the deflection standard limbs have. Measuring in at about 13-inches, the solid limbs are also coated in the InVelvet finish as well. They are available in ten-pound increments with maximum draw weights of 40, 50, 60, and 70 pounds. Shooters interested in using the bow for target and those using it for hunting should have the draw weight they desire available to them. Like other Ross models, the limbs feature the FLATLINE dampeners as well to help eliminate some energy after the arrow is shot. In combination with other factory-installed dampeners, they do a really great job too.
Eccentric System
The machined aluminum hybrid cam features a relatively large diameter, which is almost a perfect circle. With sealed ball bearings, adjustable let off, and a rotating module, the cam system has everything shooters expect from a high-end bow. The let off is adjustable from 65%- 80% by moving the draw stop, and the draw weight is adjustable between 27-32-inches with the rotating module. Combined with an IBO speed rating of 315 feet per second, the Carnivore cams have some really great features. Ross engineers utilize what they call the Krank pulley design. This allows the string to connect a little differently than other compound bow models and puts equal stress on both sides of the limb while the bow is being drawn to full draw. The lower part of the cable features the Krank system, and it is one of the first things shooters will notice when they initially look the bow over. It seems to function well for the most part, just a little different than what many shooters are used to.
Draw Cycle/Shootability
Like most Ross bows, the Carnivore is designed with smoothness in mind. There is nothing rough about the draw cycle as it gradually stacks up and easily rolls over in to the let off. The dual draw stop posts add to a decent back wall as well. The stability of a 37-inch axel-to-axel bow is phenomenal. The Carnivore 37 just holds like a rock, combined with a smooth draw cycle, this thing is a great shooter. The 7.5-inch brace height is an easy one to get used to as well for shooters demanding a little longer brace height out of their bow. After the shot, the bow is really quiet, and the vibration after the arrow has been sent toward the target is basically nonexistent. The factory installed dampening kit does an awesome job with eliminating the vibration they were designed to help out with. The speed for the 37 is acceptable, but it would be great if they were just a little faster. Most shooters will be willing to make the trade off for the smooth drawing cams though if given the opportunity.
Usage Scenarios
Starting out, the Carnivore 37 may look like a target bow, but after shooting it, many will see it can be multifunctional. Although many shooters prefer something a little shorter for hunting, the smooth draw, solid back wall, and decent speeds should make this a candidate for a multipurpose rig.
Summary
The Carnivore is a hands down shooter. The draw cycle is the stand out component of the bow because of how smooth it feels and how great it performs. For shooters interested in getting started in target archery, but not wanting to spend the major coin many of these rigs cost, the Ross Carnivore 37 may be a great place to start with the $699 price tag. The hunting industry has been moving toward shorter axel-to-axel bows for a long time, but those shooters longing for the days of longer axel-to-axel compounds will love the idea of being able to use the 37 as a multipurpose bow as well. For longer bows like the Carnivore 37, the overall measurement can be looked at as a huge positive, or a big negative. The final decision will come down to what the shooter demands most.
