Athens Exceed 300 Compound Bow

The Athens Exceed 300 is a 37-inch, 330-plus fps IBO forgiving target and 3D crossover from Athens' earliest lineup, produced from 2010 through the early 2010s. Its case rests on feel and geometry rather than a spec-sheet headline: a long, dead-steady hold from the 37-inch riser and 7-inch brace, an even, hump-free draw off the DL-specific EV2S cams, a firm adjustable-let-off wall, and a shot that settles quiet once a stabilizer is on. What stays with me about this bow is that the owners who bought one keep using the same word - underrated - and mean it as high praise: fast enough, accurate, and forgiving well beyond what a small-shop bow of its day was expected to be. Athens' fit and finish, the standout CNC grip, and sealed-bearing EV2S cams round out a bow built to be tuned once and trusted for years. Because it is discontinued, it is a used-market find today, but a well-kept one restrung by any pro shop is a lot of forgiving, versatile bow for the money. It is an excellent choice for the 3D and spot shooter who refuses to own a bow they can't also hunt with, and it is particularly strong at holding steady on the spot. Buyers who want the same forgiving platform from a larger brand should also look at the Bowtech Specialist; those who want more speed and heavier draw in a shorter frame should look at the Elite Judge... read full review