Compound Bow Comparator

The Browning Illusion is a reminder that a badge is not the whole story: underneath the Browning name is a PSE-built single-cam hunting bow that, at its 2005 launch MSRP of $649.99, delivered a forgiving 7.25-inch brace height, a smooth Trance cam, a machined 6061-T6 riser, and a quiet, low-recoil shot from near-parallel limbs. Its IBO speed of 305 to 319 fps across the run is honestly mid-pack, which tells you exactly what this bow is: a forgiveness-and-comfort tool, not a speed bow. The press-free adjustment of both draw length and let-off is its standout practical feature, making it easy to set up and share across a range of shooters. The real appeal here is the brace height - that extra forgiveness is what makes an aging, modestly specced bow still genuinely pleasant and accurate to shoot, which is why clean used examples remain a smart budget buy. It is an excellent choice for the deliberate whitetail hunter or the budget-minded shooter who wants a serious-feeling, easy-to-tune rig and is willing to freshen the strings on a used bow. Buyers who prioritize raw arrow speed and a flat trajectory should look at the shorter-brace Illusion TC, and buyers who want the backing of an active brand's dealer network should also look at the Diamond Black Ice or the Bear Truth. Read full review...

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The Bear Truth is a quality bow at a very affordable price. While the factory strings might not last long and could be of better quality, this is a high-performing and quiet bow for the money. While it does not produce super fast IBO speeds, its single cam eccentric system delivers a smooth draw cycle and solid back wall but with a narrow valley. The Truth would fit average shooters who like smooth drawing rigs, are not very passionate about IBO speeds, and are used to narrow valleys. According to multiple reviews from archers and experts, the Bear Truth is a good value for money. Read full review...

• Tall 7.25-inch brace height and a smooth Trance single-cam make it forgiving and easy to shoot accurately
• Low-recoil, quiet shot from near-parallel limbs, machined limb pockets, and a string suppressor system
• Draw length (25-30 inches) and let-off (65 or 80 percent) both adjust without a bow press
• Fully machined 6061-T6 aluminum riser gives it a solid, serious-bow feel rather than a budget-cast frame

• accurate bow with a very smooth draw cycle
• quiet bow with little hand shock
• lightweight yet well balanced
• draw length can be adjusted easily without using a bow press

• quality single cam bow with a smooth draw
• wide draw length range
• draw length can be adjusted without a bow press
• great value for money

• A forgiveness-first design - shooters chasing maximum arrow speed were never the target, as the tall brace trades a few fps for a steadier shot
• Only available used now that Browning's archery line is retired - budget a fresh set of strings and a tune, which brings a sound example right back to form

• could be a faster bow

• factory strings could be of better quality
• narrow valley - not suitable for all archers