Ross CR334 Review

Editors' review

When Ross Archery was founded in 2004 the archery world quickly realized Ross did not fit the typical template for the "new archery company". Many new companies are so quick to get their first bow on the market that their inital bows are not manufactured to the same high standards that the proven, time-tested companies do. From the start Ross has set the bar high making sure that each and every bow meets the highest standards. This is definitely true of their CR334, which shoots and performs like a bow that has been on the market for years. Bill Krenz of "Inside Archery" magazine describes their first line of bows as "It's as though a new car company made a Mercedez-Benz with their very first try."

Riser

The CR334 features a long machined-aluminum riser with 16 cut-outs. Utilizing a long riser in combination with short parallel limbs allows for a compact design while enhancing stability and accuracy. The cut-outs not only decorate this sleek, sweeping riser but also function to add strength where needed and to remove weight, helping to keep the overall bow as light weight as possible. This riser also features a large sight window so the shooter can see the entire target and a shelf guard allowing more arrow/fletching clearance. Additionally the shelf guard will protect the archer's bowhand from a broadhead if an arrow were to fall off the rest.

Limb Pockets

The limbs on today's high performance bows hold a lot of energy at full draw and when released this energy can result in limb pocket movement and component vibration. To combat this Ross implements a pocket locking feature into their pivoting limb pockets. This allows the shooter to lock the pockets into place after draw weight adjustments have been made, in turn, dampening vibration and minimizing movement.

Limbs

The CR334 boasts parallel limbs which have become very popular in the last few years. While the parallel limbs allows a bow to be much more compact while maintaining accuracy and looks much more stream lined than older rigs, they also have made vast improvements in the overall functionality and efficiency of the bows they are used on. The upright limb configuration of older model bows created a forward movement (jump) when released because all energy moved forward on both limbs which induced a lot of vibration and was at least partially responsible for some inaccurate shooting. Today the parallel limbs oppose each other when the string is released. This equal but opposite reaction results in vibration and noise being cancelled out, not to mention creating the "dead in the hand" feel after the shot.

Grip

The two piece laminated grip is designed for repeatability, torque reduction, and accuracy. Because the grip has a flat back, is slim in its throat and angled perfectly this grip does what it is designed to do and reeks of forgiveness.

Quality Bow Strings

So many archery manufacturers use low quality stings to keep costs down on their bows. These low end strings and cables can stretch and fray, decreasing accuracy and increasing noise and vibration. Ross, however, takes advantage to the high end strings and cables from Winners Choice which are guaranteed to do none of the above for the life of the string and cables.

Eccentric System

The single cam modular eccentric system used on the CR334 flings arrows at an IBO speed of 305 fps. This speed is pretty average but the advantages to the single cam system include an incredibly smooth draw, easy tuning, and no timing issues. Additionally, the single cam system used here is a modular cam. To make draw length adjustments (26-31.5 inches), no bow press is required, only an allen wrench to remove two screws, and the correct module to replace the one you are removing. The cam comes with 80% let-off but is also available in a 65% let-off model which will help smooth out the draw cycle even more and increase arrow speed by a few fps.

Draw Cycle/Shootability

The draw cycle on this rig could be described as silky smooth from start to finish with a very small valley just before hitting a pretty solid back wall. The valley is hardly noticeable and if ordered with the optional 65% let-off, the valley will almost cease to exist. This rig also takes advantage of a long forgiving brace height of 7 3/4 inches to help improve accuracy even further.

Silencing Package

Ross incorporates Limbsaver String Leeches and Ultra Limbsavers into each CR334 to help dampen any vibration and noise not absorbed by the bow itself. These bows are built so well, there is no need for the use of numerous silencing and dampening components because the stiff riser, well designed limb pockets and parallel limbs take care of most noise and vibration produced on their own. However, adding the Limbsaver products does leave this rig surprisingly quiet.

Ross CR334 vs. Mathews Switchback XT

Bow	Ross CR334	Mathews Switchback XT
Version	2007	2008
Picture
Brace Height	7.75 "	7.5 "
AtA Length	34 "	31 "
Draw Length	26 " - 31 "	25 " - 30 "
Draw Weight	40 lbs - 80 lbs	40 lbs - 70 lbs
IBO Speed	305 fps	315 fps
Weight	4.0 lbs	4.25 lbs
Let-Off	65% or 80%	65% or 80%
Where to buy Best prices online	$250 Compare prices	$75 to $575 Compare prices
	compare more bows

At the time the CR334 was newly marketed the Mathews Switchback XT hit the market. Over the years many archers have compared the two. Draw cycle and shootability seem to be very much the same although some shooters say the CR334 has a smoother draw than the Mathews Switchback XT. Many shooters prefer the Ross grip over the Mathews, which can be a bit wide but is still quite comfortable. Additionally, Ross bows come from the factory with Winner's Choice strings on them while the Switchback uses Barracuda strings, which, at the time, didn't receive a lot of great feedback from shooters. Outside of the strings, both companies use the highest quality materials and engineering to manufacture their bows but the Mathews is priced $100-$200 over the Ross. However, between the two, most archers still chose the Mathews because the company has proven that they will be around to back up their product, while Ross is still a relatively new company.

Great Bow for Hunting

Ross designs bows for bowhunters and the CR334 will not disappoint. The Realtree Hardwoods HD finish will conceal the bow while in a tree stand, on a spot and stalk or even in a blind. The bow is also light and compact enough to easily pack in and out of anywhere you want to go. While an IBO of 305 fps is not the fastest bow on the market it is fast enough to take down any game in North America.

Summary

The Ross CR334 is assembled with the highest quality materials available and it is evident in the way this bow performs. This bow is quiet, accurate, smooth and reasonably fast. Shooters will also find it well balanced and easy to tune. While draw length adjustments do require additional modules it does not require the use of a bow press making it easy for anyone to make adjustments in the comfort of their living room. Ross Archery advertises with two statements, they are: "Own more bone with Ross" and "Designing bows to make your hunt count". The part of "Owning More Bone" means harvesting more and/or larger animals, that is actually your responsibility, however the CR334 can get you one step closer by putting a piece of equipment in your hand that you can count on each and every time you release an arrow.