Bow Review: PSE Evolve 35

PSE is an archery industry icon, and the 2017 PSE Evolve 35 is proof that the company continues to innovate even after more than 40 years of success.

The Evolve 35 generates great speed via PSE's Quad-Track dual-cam system, Wide-Track 982 Series limbs and America's Best Bowstrings. Limbs are aligned to the long riser with the Wedge-Lock Speed Pockets, and multiple vibration-dampening accessories partner with the parallel limb position to tame the shot.

Smooth & Adjustable

The new Evolve dual-cam system features four separate tracks that play host to the string or cables at some point in the draw cycle. Each cable locks into one cam directly and then is tied to the other through the use of a yoked cable, with each end wrapped around a small-diameter disk on either side of the main cam. The wider stance creates stability, which reduces cam lean, while the tracking and anchoring forces each cam to operate in lock-step with the other. This allows the cams to automatically compensate for small changes that would normally cause tuning issues in an old-style dual-cam system.

Each cam features a rotating inner adjustment module that is easily set for draw lengths from 26 inches (L setting) to 31€‰½ inches (A setting), in half-inch increments. An easy-to-read sight window shows the letter that corresponds to the draw length to eliminate any confusion about positioning. The system is advertised to generate IBO speeds from 332-340 fps on a 6€‰½-inch brace height, and system letoff is adjustable from 80-90 percent.

Wide Stance

The Evolve 35 is outfitted with the newest member of the X-Tech limb technology family. The 982 Series split limbs are heavily pre-loaded and reach well beyond parallel at full draw to reduce shock, vibration and noise. Also fighting noise and vibration are a series of Riser Dumbbells and Shock Mods. Limbs are available in peak draw weights of 50, 60, 65 and 70 pounds.

PSE's Wedge-Lock Speed Pockets precisely secure the limbs in alignment with the riser, cradling the last couple inches of each limb piece. The wedge secures each limb tip to the front of the pocket while also providing precise parallel alignment.

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Rigid Platform

The Evolve 35's aluminum riser is first forged and then machined into its final form, which is reflex in configuration. The riser has what PSE calls an angled plane sight window transition. Basically it means that the front and back of the riser do not follow each other through the transition to the upper part of the riser. This wider stance enhances stiffness, making the platform more rigid — important for improved consistency and accuracy.

Angled bridging runs through the large cutouts in the riser to preserve strength while reducing overall weight. Another unique feature on the Evolve 35 is the Flex Slide 2 cable-containment system with Roller Glide. The Flex Slide flexes during the draw cycle, while the Roller Glide rolls on the slide and a separate roller cradles each cable. In short, the rollers and the flexing action reduce friction and promote proper positioning of the cables for reduced system torque and enhanced efficiency.

Impressions

The highlight of shooting the Evolve 35 was the smoothness of the draw cycle. In fact, it was so smooth I actually re-checked the draw weight  just to be certain it was really set at 65 pounds!

Some notable hand shock was detected upon release. This was partially reduced by adding a good stabilizer. The B.E.S.T. grip is functional and comfortable at normal temperatures. However, since it is integrated into the riser itself, you may need gloves or a wrap when it gets cold.

As you might expect with a 35-inch axle-to-axle rig — relatively long by today's standards — the Evolve 35 demonstrated excellent stability and overall balance, holding like glue on the target. This kind of steadiness at full draw will make you seriously consider switching back to a longer bow.