May 27, 2016
By Christian Berg
The all-new Edge SB-1 by Diamond Archery is a highly versatile bow that combines super simple setup with deadly serious bowhunting performance.
The Edge SB-1's versatility is delivered via the all-new EZ-Adjust System that makes it simple to set up the bow for any shooter with a draw length from 15-30 inches and draw weight from 7-70 pounds.
website with how-to videos that help archers get set up properly and learn solid shooting techniques.
Meanwhile, the Edge's serious performance is delivered via a synchronized binary cam system (courtesy of parent company Bowtech) that produces an IBO arrow speed rating of 318 feet per second off a platform that features a 31-inch axle-to-axle length, 3.6-pound mass weight, 7-inch brace height and 80 percent letoff.
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To help give you a sense of just how simple the Edge SB-1 is to use, Diamond sent me a demo unit last week and asked me to let my family give it a try. Here's what we found:
Shooting "Out of the Box"
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Upon removing the Diamond Archery Edge from the box, I was pleasantly surprised to find the bow set at a 29-inch draw length and ready to shoot.
The $449 Diamond Archery Edge SB-1 comes as a complete package that includes an Apex Gear sight, Octane Hostage Max rest, 5-inch Octane Ultra-Lite stabilizer, Octane Deadlock Lite Quiver, Diamond wrist sling and installed nocking loop and carbon peep sight.
The only item not pre-installed on my demo bow was the peep sight, because I told Diamond I wanted my wife and two sons to try the bow before I finalized a setup for one of them.
Without adjusting a thing, I grabbed some arrows and had Toby, my 12-year-old, sling a few arrows at a target from close range. The bow performed flawlessly.
EZ-Adjust System
One of the best things about the Edge SB-1 is how easy it is to modify. After Toby took his turn, all I had to do to get the bow ready for my wife Lindell was remove three setscrews from the top and bottom cam modules, move the modules from the 29-inch setting to the 26-inch setting and re-insert the screws.
Each available draw length — from 15-30 inches, in half-inch increments — is clearly marked on the cam modules, which align with a tuning mark etched into the cam. The entire process took about two minutes, and just like Toby, Lindell was able to shoot the bow with no problem whatsoever.
Finally, I simply repeated the draw-length adjustment process for Timmy, my 10-year-old, by again removing the module screws, sliding the modules from the 26-inch setting to the 23-inch setting and re-inserting the screws.
Adjusting the modules is so easy I was able to have all three shooters use the bow in a matter of about 15 minutes.
You'll notice I haven't mentioned anything about adjusting draw weight — and that's because I never needed to! Keep in mind draw weight is directly related to draw length, with a range of adjustability for each draw-length setting.
On the demo Diamond Archery Edge, the draw weight right out the box — with the draw length set at 29 inches — was 33 pounds. Although Toby can handle more weight, this was fine for our test shoot, and when I adjusted the draw length for my other family members, the draw weight dropped to 29 pounds at 26 inches and 27 pounds at 23 inches without ever having to adjust the limb bolts.
That said, adjusting draw weight on the Edge SB-1 is even easier than adjusting draw length, because you only have to turn one screw instead of three! To increase draw weight, simply turn the limb bolts in. And to reduce draw weight, turn them out.
That's it; and there are decals on both limb pockets with hash marks that match to tuning marks on the bow's riser so that shooters can easily monitor their progress as they increase or decrease draw weight.
The Bottom Line
With a retail price under $450, wide range of adjustability, respectable performance specs, out-of-the-box shootability, ease of use, dedicated support website and finish options that include Mossy Oak Break-Up Country, BlackOps (black), Electric Purple and Electric Blue, the Diamond Archery Edge SB-1 is a great choice for new shooters — especially youngsters who are still growing — regardless of whether they have an interest in bowhunting or just want to shoot for fun.
