PSE created their new 2007 Catalyst with performance and features designed to cause our goals to be realized and they had their own goal as well; offer the Catalyst at a price that would send customers on their way with a smile on their face and money left in their wallet.
Basics
PSE's Catalyst is centered on a relatively long 27-inch riser that has a reflex geometry to increase the power stroke and in turn, speed. Super sized cutouts scattered along the length of the riser give it an "open" look with what appears to be more air than metal within the structure. The resulting 4.3-pound mass weight is respectable considering the size of the riser. More riser features include patented multiple position sight mounting holes for full use of the large sight window and machined grooves in the shelf area for centershot and nock point alignment.
Other than aiming, the most influence we have on the performance of a bow is the way in which we handle the grip. Some grips work for you while others work against. For example, comfortable rubber grip materials make it easier for the shooter to torque the bow. In contrast, smooth wood materials, like that found on the Catalyst, allow the hand to adjust position slightly without adversely affecting the shot. Another aspect of grip design that is sometimes overlooked by both manufacturers and shooters alike is how it positions the hand at full draw rather than at rest. The Catalyst's one-piece grip feels somewhat bulky at rest; however, at full draw its shape compliments the hand's natural grip angle.
CNC machined aircraft-grade aluminum, reflexed , 27 inches long
LIMBS:
12.5-inch, pultruded fiberglass
MASS WEIGHT:
4.3 pounds
LETOFF:
80-percent
GRIP:
One-Piece wood
BRACE HEIGHT:
7.375 inches
AXLE-TO-AXLE LENGTH:
34 inches
FINISH:
Mossy Oak's New Break Up
ADVERTISED IBO SPEED:
295 to 303 fps
PRICE:
$499
COMMENTS:
Parallel limbs combined with PSE's NRG Plus Single Cam System results in a smooth drawing value priced bow that has been designed to hunt.
PSE's NRG Plus Single Cam System powers the Catalyst to IBO speeds reaching 303 fps. A Hybrid Cam system is also available. The single cam employs a set of modules to adjust the draw length in one-inch increments between 25 and 30 inches. Posts on the cam provide an additional one quarter-inch adjustment up or down. A series of holes on the bottom cam are pre-marked to match the module and letoff selection of 65- or 80-percent.
A key ingredient to the success of the Catalyst is the parallel limb configuration. PSE's new die cast Hyperlite Unibody limb pocket provides support and accurate alignment while keeping weight to a minimum.
Other features on the 34-inch Catalyst include a film dipped Mossy Oak finish, Vibracheck Hush Kit, String Chubs and a welcome price tag.
Testing
The Catalyst was set up with a QuikTune 3000 arrow rest, brass nocking point, 70-pound draw weight and 29 inch draw length. Arrows weighing 350, 425 and 540 grains each were independently paper tuned for testing. New to my testing gear is the Hooter Shooter portable shooting machine.
Speed was measured using an Easton Bow Force Mapper System; the numbers validated using an Oehler M35 chronograph. Averaged over 10 shots the Catalyst registered speeds of 242.8 fps with the 540-grain arrow, 269.5 fps with the 427-grain arrow and 292.8 fps with the 350-grain arrow.
At full draw the Catalyst was steady on the target and positioned my hand well for the shot.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
GRIP ERGONOMICS
FINISH
DRAW CYCLE
RECOIL
SHOT NOISE
NOTES
Sufficient.
Well formed for full draw.
As expected from PSE--perfect.
A good balance between aggressive and smooth.
Only a small bump at the release.
A quiet rig.
A solid bow at a
great price!
One of the outstanding results from the testing was the minimal noise at the shot for all three arrow weights. The noise from the heaviest to the lightest arrow was hardly distinguishable. In the area of shock and vibration the Catalyst registered a small "jump" and notable vibration upon release. To determine the degree that these characteristics could be reduced I attached an eight-inch Stealth Stabilizer to the front of the riser and re-evaluated the results. The shock and vibration, while not excessive to begin with, were significantly diminished and the already low noise level benefited as well.
The Catalyst's long riser and parallel limb design provides the shooter with a stable aiming platform, adequate speed and hunter friendly shot noise for less than $500. The grip quality and performance is comparable to those found on high-dollar rigs and the NRG Plus Single cam offers a good blend of smooth draw and speed.
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