Bowtech RPM 360 Review

BowTech has been very busy lately with the purchase of Excalibur Crossbow, launching a line of carbon-riser bows and introducing its fastest rig to date in the RPM 360.

Through innovative designs, excellent hunting performance and solid customer service, the company has established its place among the best in the industry.

BowTech's flagship RPM 360 features a set of pre-loaded CarbonCore limbs, which are aligned to the Center Pivot Extreme riser through pivoting BridgeLock pockets.

The OverDrive Binary cam system generates an advertised IBO speed of 360 fps, while the Bio-Shock Extreme Dampening system tames the shot. Other features and technologies include the Trapezoidal I-beam Cross Section riser structure, Flex-Guard cable-containment system and much more.

OverDrive

There is no doubt the OverDrive Binary cam has been a huge hit for BowTech since its introduction in 2010. As a proven top performer, the OverDrive has an impressive resume which now includes powering the fastest BowTech ever made.

In this system, the Cam Synchronization Axles (CSA) are locked into the cam to force them to work together. The ends of the CSA protrude well past the width of the limbs, where they capture the buss cable harness. This width provides a rigid platform that reduces the possibility of limb twist or cam lean.

With this system, you set the arrow rest dead center and tune to perfect arrow flight by adjusting the top and/or bottom split buss cables. Draw lengths from 24-30 inches, in half-inch increments, can be selected via a rotating module and adjustable draw stop. The RPM 360 has a 6-inch brace height and 80 percent system letoff.

Trapezoidal CPX

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BowTech's unique Center Pivot Extreme (CPX) riser brings the pivot point of the limbs further toward the cams using a flared structure at each end. This configuration is intended to reduce hand shock and vibration while enhancing the stability of the bow.

Structurally, the CPX also features BowTech's new Trapezoidal I-beam Cross Section. The purpose of this design is to provide strength on the tension side (front) of the riser by adding additional material, while at the same time removing material from the compression side (back) without losing strength. The I-beam designation comes from numerous inset cross-members, which are narrower than the front and rear faces they connect.

BowTech's Flex-Guard cable-containment system has an attachment arm that acts much like a bow limb in that it flexes during the draw cycle. When the bow is drawn, the arm gives way to system tension and bends toward the centerline of the rig. The result is a reduction in accuracy-robbing torque. When the shot is fired, the Flex Guard automatically springs back to position and out of the way of passing vanes.

A one-piece synthetic grip with  semi-soft BowTech logo inlays, a stainless steel stabilizer mounting insert, a carbon rod string stop and the Bio-Shock Extreme Dampening System complete the CPX package.

Carbon to the Core

The RPM 360 features BowTech's CarbonCore limbs. Each limb is a combination of multiple layers, including an embedded layer of carbon and a layer of impact-resistant skins on the top and bottom surfaces. Working in concert with the Center Pivot design, the laminated, double-taper limbs have a low dynamic mass beyond the pivot point, which in turn improves the dynamic response, reducing energy loss and noise. Limbs measure 12 inches long and are offered in draw weight ranges of 40-50, 50-60 and 60-70 pounds.

BowTech's BridgeLock Pocket System with N-Fusion Technology is made with carbon-infused aluminum substrate. It spans the distance between the front and back riser flare, where the limb is anchored. It provides the spacing and structural base necessary to clamp the limbs to the bow's centerline. Pockets pivot during draw-weight adjustment.

Impressions

The first thing I noticed when shooting the RPM 360 was the solid back wall and adequate valley that allowed me to relax at full draw. The draw itself is aggressive up front but eases up for a comfortable finish. At the shot, a lasting vibration was felt, but attaching a stabilizer nearly wiped it out. A moderate shock was also noted. The synthetic grip was functional. Considering the speed, I expected more noise out of the RPM 360, but this is a very quiet bow.

Specifications

Manufacturer: BowTech, 877-447-0293

Model: RPM 360

Cam System: OverDrive Binary

Weight: 4.4 pounds (advertised); 4.5 pounds (as tested)

Brace Height: 6 inches

Axle-To-Axle Length: 31 inches

Letoff: 80%

Draw Weights: 50-, 60- and 70-pound peak

Draw Lengths: 24-30 inches, in half-inch increments; rotating module

Riser: Center Pivot Extreme

Limbs: Carboncore, split

String: Octane Factory, 61€‰5„32 inches

Cables: Octane Factory 34€‰13„64 inches

Grip: One-piece synthetic

Finish: Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity, Black Ops, Realtree APG and Realtree AP

Advertised IBO Speed: 360 fps

Suggested Retail Price: $999

Comments: Serious speed coupled with good shooting qualities.