Bow Review: Bowtech SR350

Bowtech Archery became obsessed with developing a bow that delivers blistering speeds without compromising the shooter experience. After months of design work and testing, that goal was achieved with the SR350.

Over the years, Bowtech has invested significant resources in maximizing the energy that is transferred from its cams and limbs to the arrow. This, in turn, results in faster speeds, less vibration and less noise — that positive shooter experience we all want.

The SR350’s Binary cams are outfitted with DeadLock Technology, an axle-based adjustment mechanism that allows them to be moved left or right without a bow press. A DeadLock component on the limb tip drives the system left or right, making the tuning process extremely simple. When satisfied with the tune, you simply lock it down and forget it. In addition, the cams feature rotating modules and FlipDisc Technology. Modules can be rotated to adjust the draw length from 25-30 inches, in half-inch increments, and can be flipped between Performance and Comfort settings for two different shooting experiences (see 'Specs' and 'Speed & Energy' boxes).

Bowtech builds the SR350 on a reflex-configuration Center Pivot riser, complete with flared ends designed to enhance strength and stiffness of the platform. Numerous cutouts along the riser’s length, both side to side and front to back, reduce overall mass weight. The company’s modular Clutch Grip is narrow, flat-backed and tapers toward the top, into the throat.

A channel/groove on the front of the riser serves as a positioner for the shooter’s index finger. One option/grip module consists of a thin, molded and contoured plate that snaps onto the back of the handle, creating a neutral wrist position. A second option, called the Clutch Control Grip, utilizes a plate that is a quarter-inch thicker at the base and encourages a higher wrist position. Both grips are designed to provide comfort and consistency and are available in multiple colors.

Bowtech moved its Orbit Dampeners closer to the centerline of the bow to reduce vibration further and create a slimmer profile; these dampeners are available in multiple colors and can be stacked to offset accessory weight. The FLX-Guard cable-containment system uses a mini, limb-like arm and rollers that flex toward the centerline of the bow during the draw cycle to reduce torque and increase consistency and accuracy, and then spring away at the shot for vane clearance.

Bowtech’s Double Lock Limb Pockets employ an elongated post that reaches down into a receiver machined into the flared end of the riser. The precision of that cutout, along with the extended surface contact and precision tolerance of the post, ensures a positive lock and exact alignment.

Bowtech makes its solid-core carbon limbs in-house to have full control of manufacturing, quality and testing. Limbs are matched into sets based on deflection values and are available in peak draw weights of 50, 60 and 70 pounds. The limbs and limb spacing are relatively wide, creating an overall wide stance that is torsionally stable, resisting limb twist/cam lean.

Our experience on the range backed up the effectiveness of the FlipDisc, as two different shooting experiences were demonstrated. A more aggressive draw with a stiff build before breakover brings quicker arrows in Performance, while Comfort offered good speeds with a consistent and smooth draw. When flipped from Comfort to Performance, speed increased by 11 fps, the draw length measured .25-inch longer and the draw weight increased by .4 pound.

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The Specs

• Manufacturer: Bowtech Archery, 888-689-1289; bowtecharchery.com
• Model: SR350
• Riser: Center Pivot, forged and machined aluminum
• Grip: Clutch
• Limbs: Solid Core Carbon
• Draw Weights: 50, 60 and 70 pounds peak
• Draw Lengths: 25-30 inches, in half-inch increments; rotating module
• Cam System: Binary DeadLock
• Letoff: 83 percent on Performance setting and 85 percent on Comfort (advertised); 71.7 and 81.9 (as tested)
• String: BCY 452X, 63.42 inches
• Cables (x2): BCY 452X, 38.375 inches
• Brace Height: 6 inches
• Axle-to-Axle Length: 33 inches
• Weight: 4.4 pounds (advertised); 4.6 pounds (as tested)
• Finish: Realtree Edge and many others
• Advertised IBO Speed: 350 fps
• MSRP: $1,299
• Comments: Fast; 2-in-1 experience; easy tuning; aggressive.

Speed & Energy — Performance

• Arrow Speed: 311 fps (375-grain arrow), 293 fps (425-grain arrow)
• Kinetic Energy: 80.6 ft./lbs. (375-grain arrow), 81.0 ft./lbs. (425-grain arrow)
• Dynamic Efficiency: 84.3% (375-grain arrow), 84.8% (425-grain arrow)
• Shot Noise: 90.8 dBA (375-grain arrow), 89.7 dBA (425-grain arrow)
  
  

  Speed & Energy — Comfort

• Arrow Speed: 299 fps (375-grain arrow), 281 fps (425-grain arrow)
• Kinetic Energy: 74.5 ft./lbs. (375-grain arrow), 74.5 ft./lbs. (425-grain arrow)
• Dynamic Efficiency: 84.4% (375-grain arrow), 84.4% (425-grain arrow)
• Shot Noise: 89.9 dBA (375-grain arrow), 88.5 dBA (425-grain arrow)