Darton DS-3800 SD Compound Bow

The Darton DS-3800 SD answers a question most of the industry ignores: where does an adult short-draw shooter go for a genuine fast hunting bow instead of a youth model? Built for 2011-2012 at the DS-3800's price point, it hands a 23-to-27-inch-draw archer the flagship's full 6-inch-brace, 4.1-pound aluminum chassis, 70-pound-capable limbs, synced DualSync cam, and press-free draw changes, with the draw cycle re-engineered so they reach peak weight comfortably rather than fighting a tuned-down adult cam. The 305-310 fps rating is the honest cost of a shorter power stroke, not a weaker bow, and it is quick for the draw lengths involved. What I appreciate about this bow is that it treats short-draw shooters as serious hunters who deserve the real chassis, not a compromise - and the quiet, holdable, torque-resistant platform it shares with the DS-3800 is a genuinely good foundation to build accuracy on. It is an excellent choice for the adult short-draw bowhunter who wants a full-spec speed-class hunting bow that actually fits, and it is particularly strong for the shooter building a true 60 or 70-pound whitetail setup at a draw length the rest of the market ignores. Buyers who want a more compact frame should also look at the Bowtech Assassin SD, and those prioritizing maximum adjustability at the lowest price should look at the Diamond Infinite Edge Pro... read full review