Compound Bow Comparator

The Athens Judgement is a 36-inch, 340 fps IBO do-it-all target bow from Athens' early-2010s lineup, launched at $849 for the blacked-out standard and $899 for full camo. Its case rests on feel rather than a spec-sheet headline: a smooth, even draw, a hold that behaves like a longer-brace bow, a firm adjustable-let-off wall, and a dead-in-the-hand release that the Anchor string stop earns. What I keep coming back to is that "all-in-one" is not marketing here - the 40-to-70-pound range and camo finishes make the crossover real, and owners genuinely used it for both spots and hunting. Athens' small-shop fit and finish, the standout CNC grip, and sealed-bearing EV2x cams round out a bow that was built to be tuned once and trusted. 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. It is an excellent choice for the 3D and spot shooter who refuses to own a bow they can't hunt with, and it is particularly strong at holding steady on the spot. Buyers who want the most speed and heaviest draw should also look at the Elite Judge; those who want maximum forgiveness on a dedicated target line should look at the Bowtech Specialist. Read full review...

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The Bowtech Specialist is a very high performance up and coming target bow. A long axle to axle, a good brace height and great IBO speed are all ingredients that make a great target bow that is very forgiving and capable of competing with some of the top target bows of the world. The Specialist uses a binary cam system making it a smooth drawing bow that is easy to adjust and has virtually no timing issues. Tuning may need to be done by a professional but once it is set up there should be no problems keeping it that way. With a number of color options to choose from, it's a bow that can look good while putting great numbers up on the score card. Read full review...

• Silky, even draw from the pocket to the wall - owners consistently describe pulling it as effortless
• Holds far steadier than its 6.5-inch brace suggests - owners say it settles like a 7 to 7.5-inch brace bow
• Dead in the hand at the shot - the Anchor string stop leaves no meaningful vibration or hand shock
• A true do-it-all: 340 IBO with 40 to 70 pounds and camo options covers target, 3D, and the treestand on one bow
• Custom-shop fit and finish, with the slim CNC-machined grip owners single out for a low-torque hand

• Smooth drawing bow with a nice solid back wall (both cams have a draw stop)
• Good valley - you can creep it a little
• Modular-adjustable eccentric system
• Very comfortable thin wood grip
• Immaculate finish

• No timing issues after initial setup
• Virtually no riser torque
• Minimal Vibration
• No bow press needed to adjust draw length
• Smooth drawing
• Fast IBO speed rating

• Long out of production - a used-market buy with no current Athens warranty, though any pro shop can spin fresh Sick-style strings and service the sealed EV2x cams

• Not the quietest bow, kick and vibration are higher on a bare bow (stabilizer and other silencers will help)
• Relatively stiff draw cycle with a little hump closer to the end

• Limited draw lengths (no option for longer draw shooters)
• Some shooters complain of small valley
• Limb color limited to black only