Diamond Core Bow Review

December 02, 2013 By Jon E. Silks

Diamond Archery's new Core is a versatile, ready-to-shoot rig that hits the sweet spot between value and performance. With loads of features, included accessories and a $499 price, you simply cannot go wrong. The Core is outfitted with a set of E-Glass composite limbs, Core Single Cam with rotating module, String Stop, one-piece synthetic grip, super adjustable limb-containment system and a full R.A.K. (Ready. Aim. Kill.) accessory package.

Mad Max Money

Your mad money stash will be well spent if you walk out of your local pro shop with the Core. Not only is the price tag attractive, but you save big on accessories thanks to the R.A.K. package, which includes an Octane Capture arrow rest, 3-pin Apex sight, Octane DeadLock Lite quiver, braided wrist sling, 5-inch Octane Ultra-Lite stabilizer, alloy peep sight and BCY string loop. This Core is ready to shoot right out of the box — just add arrows.

As a safety note, make sure you use arrows that are properly spined for your chosen draw length and draw weight. If you adjust either of these out of the range of your chosen arrows, you should consult a pro shop or manufacturer's spine chart and purchase new arrows if necessary.

Extended Adjustability

Diamond's Core is made to fit a wide range of shooters with draw lengths and weights that cover a lot of ground. The Core Single Cam system and idler wheel are machined of aluminum and ride on bearings to reduce friction and increase efficiency. The open design of the cam and idler uses minimal material and is complimentary to the overall light mass weight of this rig — a feathery 3.2 pounds!

A rotating module on the cam allows you to easily adjust across the entire draw-length range of 25-30 inches, in half-inch increments, without a bow press. Index marks on the module and cam offer positive positioning and also correlate to the adjustable draw-stop hole. Both cam and idler are designed with deep grooves to enhance reliability (no rolling the string off the cam or idler). System letoff is advertised at 80 percent.

The Core also features a generous draw-weight range of 40-70 pounds at all draw lengths. The riser is designed to accept a super long limb bolt, and each full turn of the bolt is equal to approximately three pounds of draw-weight adjustment. A limb-bolt inspection hole is designed right into the riser so you can keep an eye on the bolt positioning.

The bolt must not be backed out past this window for shooting — it must be visible in the hole. Additionally, both top and bottom limb bolts should be adjusted equally so each limb is in the same position relative to the riser. Limb-bolt adjustment marks on the shaft of the bolt become visible as the end of the limb separates from the riser.

Limbs are made of E-Glass composite material and are machined into their final form before being matched based on deflection values. The limb-containment system is very light on material and partially integrated into the riser. A small, cap-like fixture aligns the bolt to the limb and two tabs built into the riser keeps the limbs aligned to the riser.

The Rest of the Story

Diamond outfits the Core with a reflexed aluminum riser that serves as the base for several features, including the integrated limb pocket mentioned above. Also attached to the riser's handle is a one-piece synthetic grip designed to encourage a neutral wrist position. A broadhead guard is molded directly into the grip as well. A string stop mounted opposite the stabilizer mounting hole couples with the cable silencers to reduce shot noise.

On the equipment side, Elite introduces the 2013 Hunter bow. The Hunter Cam is the centerpiece in Elite's drive for shootability, while the modules guarantee optimal performance at every draw length. Other highlights include Barnsdale limbs, Limbsaver damping accessories, Winner's Choice strings/cables, Kolorfusion camo finishes, Cerakote performance coating and one of the best grips in the industry. Check out the full review.

PSE DNA

PSE's 2013 X-Force Dream Season DNA is loaded with features, including the all-new Flex Cable Slide, Core Hybrid Cam, 4th Generation X-Technology limbs, Centerlock 2 limb pockets, forged reflex riser, B.E.S.T. Raptor grip, new BackStop string silencer, America's Best string/cables and Detachable Limb Bands. Check out the full review.

Bear Motive 6

Bear Archery enters 2013 with a laser-like focus on the success of your hunt. A statement on the Bear says it best: 'We have a saying at Bear Archery: It's not about the hype or high cost — it's about the hunt. This defines the essence of our company, which grew out of the life and work of legendary sportsman Fred Bear. '

The company's new Motive 6 bow is all about the hunt. The Motive 6 is loaded with many features, including the powerful H13 Synchronized Hybrid cams, Max Pre-Load Quad limbs, Dual Offset String Suppressors, 4Ã—4 Roller Guard and Bear Logo Overmold grip. Check out the full review.

Mathews Chill

The Mathews McPherson Series line of bows is Matt McPherson's playground in the two-cam market. He loves to create and improve current designs and brings his considerable engineering expertise to the table as his company pulls it all together for an impressive package in the Monster Chill. Check out the full review.

Hoyt Spyder

Hoyt Archery, one of the industry's finest bow manufacturers, continues to push forward with new technologies and higher levels of performance. The new Spyder line was created by diehard bowhunters and designed with a clear purpose — getting the job done in the field. There are three bows in the line — Spyder 30, Spyder 34 and Spyder Turbo. Check out the full review.

Hoyt Vector

Hoyt has been in the bow making game for a very long time, and the company remains focused on its customers, technology and integrity. Hoyt makes top-notch bows that meet advertised performance specifications, and the company's people are some of the best in the industry. Hoyt came on strong again in 2012 with an impressive lineup, and the all-new Vector 32 is one of the shining stars.

The Hoyt Vector 32 features the popular TEC LITE riser design with the new Perfect Balance Stabilization System, RKT Cam & 1„2, XTS PRO ARC limbs, Pro-Lock X-Lite limb pockets, 180 Pro Fit grip, In-Line Roller Guard and more. Check out the full review.

Mathews Creed

If you have never had the privilege of touring the Mathews manufacturing facility in Sparta, Wisc., you can catch a glimpse of their world-class machinery and capabilities by watching the 'Introducing the Mathews Creed ' video found on the company website. Among other things, you will witness state-of-the-art CNC machining and futuristic robotics.

Mathews is focused on the enjoyment and overall experience an archer is afforded when shooting one of its bows. The flagship Creed was created with a synergistic approach, meaning they brought together all of the top technologies from previous models into mechanical and aesthetic harmony. The Creed is outfitted with the SimPlex Solocam, split parallel limbs, super lightweight GeoGrid Lock riser, and much more. Check out the full review.

BowTech Experience

Few bow manufacturers have wielded as much influence on the archery industry in recent years as BowTech. Driven by its 'Refuse to Follow ' motto, BowTech has built a strong following by taking bold design risks and developing a host of leading bow technologies.

For 2013, BowTech introduces the aptly named Experience, a bow designed to maximize the archer's overall shooting experience, with a strong focus on accuracy. This rig features the new CarbonCore Limbs and Extinguish Dampening System, along with a host of proven technologies such as the OverDrive Binary Cam System, Center Pivot Extreme Riser, Two-Piece Wood Grip, FLX Guard Cable-Containment System and Octane factory string and cables. Check out the full review.

Mathews Heli-M

For 20 years, Mathews Inc. has been wowing the archery community with fantastic technologies, features and performance. The company has long been considered one of the world's top bow makers and has served the entire bowhunting community by pushing the envelope. There is no denying that founder Matt McPherson and his hard-working team are a special bunch. The proof can be found at the end of the manufacturing line year after year.

The 2012 Heli-m, like all Mathews bows, is home to an array of technologies and features. It all starts with a super lightweight GeoGrid Lock riser, which is home to the Reverse Assist Roller Guard, Harmonic Stabilizer Lite, Dead End String Stop Lite and the Rich Walnut SlimFit Inline grip. Also featured on the new rig are the company's SphereLock Pivoting Limb Cup System with Limb Turret, SE5 Composite Limb System and the Heli-m Cam. Check out the full review.