Compound Bow Comparator

The BowTech BlackKnight is the bow that built a company: BowTech's first product, the one it wheeled up to a chronograph in 2000 to announce itself, and the origin of the "fastest bows in the world" reputation that still follows the brand. Priced at $749 in its 2005 form, it delivered a 342-350 fps IBO rating that owners translate into the low-to-mid 320s with real hunting arrows - genuinely fast, then and now - on a long riser that holds like a target bow. What I keep coming back to with this one is the honesty of the trade it offers: the short 5 3/4" brace, the 65% let-off, and the shallow-valley Dually cam make it a specialist that demands good form, and in return it gives you speed and a steady, low-shock shot. It is an excellent bow for the experienced speed-minded hunter or target shooter who values a flat trajectory and a rock-solid hold, and who does not mind working for it. Buyers who would rather have forgiveness, a soft draw, and an easy hold should look instead at the Mathews Switchback; those chasing the last few fps of raw speed should also weigh the PSE X-Force. Read full review...

The Mathews Switchback entered the market in 2005 and continues to be one of the best smooth bows ever since. Many hunters strongly agree this bow is one of the smoothest bows available on the market. With the very low levels of vibration and noise, the Switchback is smooth and fast at the same time. Having received a lot of extra positive reviews and comments from archers throughout the world, this legendary bow has been the most popular and most selling Mathews rig for a long time. Read full review...

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• Top-of-era speed - 342-350 fps IBO, with owners clocking real hunting arrows in the low-to-mid 320s (327 fps with a 380-grain shaft at 63 lb)
• Holds like a target bow - the long riser settles the pin, and owners repeatedly rate it as accurate as a premium target rig, only much faster
• Lower hand shock than its speed reputation suggests - many owners describe minimal shock and a smoother release than comparable bows of the era

• smooth and fast single cam bow
• low noise and vibration
• great value for money

• Very fast
• Quiet (for a speed bow)
• Has modular-adjustable eccentric system
• Draw length can be adjusted without using a bow press

• Short 5 3/4" brace height and the aggressive dual cam make it less forgiving of form errors - a specialist's bow; shooters who want margin should look at a longer-brace design instead
• Shallow valley and a hard-holding wall - the cam wants to pull forward if you relax, so stay engaged on the back wall; anyone used to a relaxed 80% let-off should shoot one first

• non-adjustable eccentric system

• Aggressive draw cycle
• Little to no valley - if you creep it wants to go