Prime’s new Nexus 4 proved to be an extremely well-balanced, rock-steady bow in our range testing.
June 15, 2021
By Jon E. Silks
Prime’s new-for-2021 Nexus Series of bows features models available in 32-, 34- and 36-inch axle-to-axle lengths, providing a range of IBO speeds and mass weights.
All models feature the new Nano Grip, Centergy Technology, the ROTO Cam 2 and a riser built with 82X aluminum. The Nexus 4 — the subject of this test — occupies the middle ground of the lineup, sporting a 34-inch axle-to-axle length and an advertised IBO speed of up to 345 fps.
Accuracy Meets Comfort Nexus Series bows feature Prime’s new Nano Grip, built to harness the benefits of Aerogel, a high-tech material also used by NASA in astronaut suits to protect them from extreme temperatures. To get a good understanding of Aerogel’s insulating qualities, visit the Prime website (G5prime.com) and watch the flamethrower video!
The Nano Grip in the Nexus 4 is made from Aerogel, a material with great insulating properties to protect the shooter’s hands from the cold. This space-age technology, coupled with the two-piece molded rubber overlay, not only creates an effective barrier between the shooter’s hand and a cold riser but is also advertised to get warmer the longer it is held. Other than the obvious upside in terms of comfort, the Nano also makes it possible to wear lighter or no gloves, which in turn results in greater consistency and accuracy for many of us.
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Balance of Power The Nexus 4 also features Prime’s Centergy Technology that enhances system alignment, balance and aiming ability. Prime’s designers and engineers used tools (bow-mounted laser and mapping software) that allowed them to track shooter steadiness while testing different configurations, features and designs. As a result, Centergy is said to improve aiming (steadier for longer) by up to 49 percent.
Three components/features key to Centergy Technology are riser design, the Flexis-AR cable-containment system and Prime’s signature Parallel Cams.
Prime builds its risers with 82X aluminum, which is stronger and stiffer than 6000 series aluminum. The Nano Grip serves as the balance point of the overall rig for perfect balance at full draw. Additionally, a feature called the Swerve — a structural feature on the bottom half of the riser, designed to mimic the sight window structure in terms of movement and flex — controls lateral movement of the cams during the draw and shot cycles. Lateral cam movement was physically measured and found to be reduced by 50 percent.
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The Flexis-AR joins a flexible mounting arm and a set of rollers to not only contain the cables but control them during the draw and shot cycles as well. During the draw cycle, the arm bends toward the bow’s centerline and then quickly moves back and out of the way of vanes when the bow is shot. The mounting arm load can be adjusted for fine-tuning arrow flight.
The ROTO 2 Parallel Cam system on the Nexus 4 gives the rig instant brand recognition for Prime. Last, but certainly not least, of the core Centergy Technologies is Prime’s Parallel Cam system. Like the 2020 model, this new ROTO Cam 2 also features a rotating module positioned between the cam halves that requires no bow press and allows for adjustment across the draw-length range of 23.5-30.5 inches, in half-inch increments. Letoff is set to 80 percent at the factory but is fully adjustable between 70 and 90 percent. Parallel Cams are exclusive to Prime and give the bows instant brand recognition. The space between the cams creates a wide stance and greater stability that eliminates accuracy-robbing cam lean.
Wide Base Prime outfits the Nexus 4 with stout, 10-inch split limbs set far apart to complement the Parallel cams to eliminate cam lean through torsional rigidity. Limbs are available in peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds. Prime cuts and grinds the composite glass limbs into final form and thickness before sorting them into sets based on deflection values. Full-capture limb pockets assure alignment at the critical limb-to-riser interface.
Impressions I found shooting the Nexus 4 a pleasant experience. The draw is smooth and easy, the grip is notably comfortable and the bow has remarkable balance and is rock solid on the bull’s-eye.
When shot, the bow sits still for a moment before the top end slowly falls away. A small jump and very light vibration at the shot are all but eliminated with a quality stabilizer.
The Specs Manufacturer: Prime Archery, 810-392-8431; g5prime.com Model: Nexus 4Riser: 82X aluminum, reflex with SwerveGrip: Nano Grip with AerogelLimbs: Split, composite glassDraw Weights: 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds peakDraw Lengths: 23.5-30.5-inches, in half-inch increments, rotating moduleCam System: ROTO Cam 2, ParallelLetoff: 80 percent (advertised); 80.62 percent (as tested), adjustableString: BCY 452X, 25.875 inches, plus yokesCables (x2): BCY 452X, 32.875 inches, plus yokesBrace Height: 6 inchesAxle-to-Axle Length: 34 inchesWeight: 4.4 pounds (advertised); 4.5 pounds (as tested)Finish Options: Realtree Edge, plus many other camo patterns and solid colorsAdvertised IBO Speed: 345 fpsMSRP: $999Comments: A super balanced shooter.
