June 12, 2017
By Jon E. Silks
Obsession introduced four new models for 2017, including the Hemorrhage DE . It is built on a compact riser sporting flared ends to accept the one-piece, pivoting limb pockets while serving as home base for the Torque-Less grip, adjustable string stop, Flex Arm cable guard and stabilizer mounting insert.
Obsession's Hemorrhage DE features a reflexed riser with wide flares at each end to accommodate the precision-machined limb pockets. The new, two-track DE cam is home to the PerFex adjustment system and propels arrows at an advertised IBO speed of 340fps. The parallel position of the Gordon Glass split limbs at full draw, along with Axion Low Pro Hybrid Limb Dampers and a cable-guard damper, help to tame shot noise and vibration.
Split Gordon Glass limbs, DE two-track cams and vibration-dampening accessories round out the package.
Precision Platform
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Each Hemorrhage riser starts as a 6061-aluminum extrusion and is CNC machined into final reflex form. The end of the riser flares out to create a platform for the wide-stance, one-piece, pivoting limb pockets.
Obsession's patented Flex Arm cable-containment system is mounted to the outside of the sight window above the shelf. The mounting arm is much like a bow limb in shape and function, made with Gordon Glass material. As the bow is drawn, the arm flexes inward toward the centerline of the bow, which reduces system torque. When the string is released, the cables spring back to their original position, allowing vanes to pass untouched.
Mounted opposite the stainless steel stabilizer insert, the adjustable string suppressor is made of a curved aluminum mounting bracket, stopper rod and rubber stopper. When the string is released, it strikes the rubber stopper, which quickly stops string oscillation and reduces noise.
Obsession's Torque-Less grip — designed for a neutral wrist position — consists of two machined wood side plates placed on a section of the handle that is contoured for both comfort and function.
Loaded and Aligned
The one-piece limb pockets "pivot" as they move with the limbs during the draw-weight adjustment process. Limbs are locked into the pockets, and the pockets are anchored to the riser creating precision alignment at this critical interface. Each pocket exerts control on all sides of the limb along its length with end brackets, inside spacers, outside brackets and rockers.
Hemorrhage limbs measure 12€‰¼ inches long and are split in configuration, eliminating common solid-limb stress points and allowing for a wider footprint without added weight. Limbs reach a beyond-parallel position at full draw and respond in equal and opposite directions at the shot, cancelling out much of the
leftover noise and vibration.
Tracking Speed
A two-track, symmetrical, dual-cam system powers the Hemorrhage, which is advertised to reach IBO speeds up to 340 fps. One track is used for the string, while the other is used for both cables — one cable is being let out while the other is being taken in, all on the same plane, during the draw cycle. This forces the load from the cables closer to the center.
The more centered the load, the less likely cam lean/limb twist will become a factor. The end result is increased efficiency. The cams are mechanically locked to one another through the direct cam-to-cam cable anchoring. This reduces the possibility of an out-of-sync system due to string stretch and mechanical seating.
The machined aluminum DE cams ride on case-hardened axles and sealed bearings. Draw-length changes are modular; however, a bow press and T15 Torx wrench are required to remove and replace the modules. Modules are available for draw lengths from 25-31 inches, in half-inch increments. An adjustable draw stop on each cam allows the shooter to customize the feel of the back wall.
At the Range
The Hemorrhage was a good all-around performer and impressively quiet. The draw was a bit stiff, but the dropoff and back wall were pleasant. The shot produced little shock, and a stabilizer killed what little vibration was felt. The grip is well formed and can be cradled comfortably and consistently.