Quest Bowhunting QS31

G5 Outdoors has expanded their already wide-ranging product lineup by adding Quest Bowhunting Company, their new bow division.

Quest's QS31 is a lightweight rig that attacks shot noise and handles shock with parallel limbs and six vibration dampening accessories. Limb pockets, a contoured wood grip, premium string material and a stainless steel stabilizer insert all point to a top-notch rig.

Basics
While new to making completed bows for market, G5 is not new to manufacturing archery related products. With the knowledge gained in recent years making broadheads and other accessories they have come to understand what it takes to be successful in this industry. Quest hit the ground running with the QS31 by situating their relatively short 13.5-inch limbs at an angle that achieves a parallel position at full draw. The result is a set of limbs that move in opposite directions at the shot thereby canceling out much of the leftover vibration causing energy and in turn reducing shock and noise.

To further reduce noise Quest outfits their new rig with a riser-mounted string suppressor system and individual suppressors mounted on the cable guard, both limbs and at two points on the string. Also understanding the importance of limb quality and durability Quest machines their solid limbs from Gordon Glass material, which has been proven on many bows over many years. Limbs are available in a wide range of peak draw weights including 50-, 60-, 70- and 80-pound options. In testing the QS31 registered only a slight "jump" and nearly non-existent vibration at the shot and the noise, or lack there of, followed suit.

Connecting the limbs to the riser is a pair of machined limb pockets that are designed to pivot during the weight adjustment process. A pivoting pocket maintains a constant relationship with respect to limb position where a stationary pocket allows the limb to move independently. Pivoting pockets are widely regarded as superior to those that are stationary. Quest pockets are also equipped with a locking mechanism to ensure they remain in position once set.

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Quest's riser is made with a reflex geometry. This basically means that the pivot point of the limb is set in front of the deepest part of the grip. The reflex of the riser allows the manufacturer to use typical limb and eccentric configurations coupled with a parallel limb position while maintaining an effective brace height. Your draw length is the sum of the power stroke (distance that the string is actually moved by the shooter), brace height and a constant measurement of 1.75 inches. As with many current high-end bows the Quest QS31 is 100-percent CNC machined from a solid block of aluminum. Other riser-based features include a machined broadhead guard, stainless steel stabilizer insert, Quest Logo medallions, two-piece laminated wood grip and a carbon cable rod angled at two degrees. The QS31 grip is well formed for both comfort and consistency. I noticed no bothersome ridges or edges in the grip while shooting and also noted that the bow demonstrated good balance and aiming characteristics at full draw.

Quest chose a single cam eccentric system to power the QS31. To enhance efficiency both cam and idler wheel ride on stainless steel axles and sealed ball bearings. Draw length options from 26 to 30 inches in one half-inch increments are made possible through a modular system that is easily changed without the need for a bow press. Quest's design goals for their 80-percent letoff QS31 single cam included a smooth draw, forgiving valley, moderate wall and straight and level nock travel. While shooting the new QS31 I appreciated the way it eased into the wall at full draw. A generous valley followed by a not-so-abrupt draw stop goes a long way in completing a smooth draw cycle.

In short, the QS31 is a significantly accomplished bow from the new Quest Bowhunting Company.

SPECIFICATIONS
MANUFACTURER:	Quest Bowhunting, P.O. Box 59, Memphis, MI 48423; (866) 456-8836; www.questbowhunting.com
MODEL:	QS31
ECCENTRIC SYSTEM:	QS31 Single Cam
DRAW WEIGHTS:	50-, 60-, 70- and 80-pound peak
DRAW LENGTHS:	26 to 30 inches in one half-inch increments
RISER:	Reflex, 100-percent CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminum
LIMBS:	13.5-inch straight Gordon Glass
STRING:	87.8125 inches Metrao
CABLE:	32.9375 inches Metrao
MASS WEIGHT:	3.9 pounds
LETOFF:	80-percent
GRIP:	2-piece laminated hardwood
BRACE HEIGHT:	7.5 inches
AXLE-TO-AXLE LENGTH:	31 inches
FINISH:	Realtree AP HD
ADVERTISED IBO SPEED:	310 to 314 fps
PRICE:	$699.99
COMMENTS:	Comfortable grip, smooth drawing, well balanced and quiet at the shot--an all-around good performer.

THE UPSHOT
SPEED/ARROW VELOCITY*	KINETIC ENERGY**	STORED ENERGY***	EFFICIENCY****	DRAW CYCLE
307 fps	73.27 foot-pounds	90.33 foot-pounds	81.10 percent	Easy climb to peak with smooth transitions before and after.
*(Test result) **Product of speed and arrow weight ***Energy supplied to and held by the system ****(K.E. divided by S.E.)