PSE DNA SP Bow Review

PSE is back with a bow that is a direct response to their customers' specific request for a smoother draw cycle on the popular DNA. They created a whole new cam as a result and have added "SP" to the name, which stands for "Smoother Pull." This all-out effort for their customers speaks volumes about the company's focus and commitment.

The DNA SP is home to the source of PSE's revamped draw cycle — the Source Hybrid Cam. Along with that comes a host of other technologies, including the Flex Cable Slide, 4th Generation X-Technology limbs, Centerlock 2 limb pockets, detachable Limb Bands, fully machined forged reflex riser, B.E.S.T. RAPTOR grip, new BackStop2 string silencer and America's Best string/cables.

Smoother is Better

PSE heard the voice of its loyal customers when they asked for the performance and features of the DNA with a smoother draw cycle. The company took the draw cycle of the popular Evo Cam and designed it to work with center pull geometry — the result is PSE's Source Hybrid Cam. This cam still produces IBO speeds reaching 345 fps on a 6-inch brace height and 75 percent system letoff. Along with all the typical cam features, PSE also offers an optional limb stop for the Source Cam.

An Inner Cam system offers draw lengths from 24€‰1„2-30 inches, in half-inch increments. A pin protruding from the Inner Cam is positively positioned into one of the available holes on the main body of the cam. All positions and designations are clearly marked.

So, what is the bottom line with this cam? Well, it gives you a smoother draw than the Core Cam while still smoking arrows down range at at blistering speeds.

Supporting Cast

Providing both physical and complementary support to the new Source Cam are PSE's 4th Generation X-Technology Limbs. Like other X-Technology limbs, they are heavily pre-loaded and sport an extreme curl/bend that brings these split limbs to a past-parallel position before they are ever drawn.

At full draw, they dip even further for a radical look. Limbs are engineered to provide optimal stress levels for each individual limb spine. The fiberglass limbs are made through a proprietary process and are sorted into consistent sets based on spine value. Limb sets are available in 50, 60, 65 and 70 pounds of peak draw weight.

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The PSE Centerlock2 limb pocket is significantly lighter than the original version while maintaining the same level of centerline control. The aluminum, closed-end pocket pivots during the draw weight adjustment process for superior control and alignment.

This all means that the engineering provides no-hassle durability through stress mapping the limbs; the past parallel position reduces shock noise and vibration while the pockets keep everything in line for consistency and accuracy.

Feature Packed Forging

The riser is designed to position the limbs, cams, cables and string in such a position as to precisely center the arrow in the structure of the bow. This is called Center Pull technology and was developed to optimize tunability potential and overall performance. Also incorporated into the riser are tuning marks engraved into the shelf area, which provide a good starting point for your tuning efforts without the need for lasers, levels, etc.

PSE's adjustable Flex Cable Slide system is essentially a mini X-Technology limb manufactured with a friction-reducing material that allows the cable slide to operate freely and quietly. The rod flexes toward the centerline of the bow during the draw cycle, which reduces lateral load by up to 30 percent. In turn, it minimizes torque at full draw.

Rounding out the package on the DNA SP riser is the B.E.S.T. Raptor Grip, a stainless steel stabilizer-mounting insert, multiple sight mounting positions and the micro-adjustable BackStop2 with polymer bumper.

The bottom line for a bowhunter? This riser is designed to help you find the ultimate tune quickly and without a ton of equipment. The Flex Cable Slide reduces torque, which equals more forgiveness, consistency and accuracy. The riser is lightweight and has other features that eliminate hassle, keep noise to a minimum and offer sighting adjustability.

Range Notes

While the DNA SP is not as quick as the original, it is still faster than most competing rigs, and there is a big upside to be found in the smoother draw cycle. A short valley means no creep, which makes shooting a proper draw length important. A small "bump" and mild vibration at the shot were easily tamed with a quality stabilizer, while noise was minimal. This will undoubtedly be a very popular bow for PSE.

SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: PSE, 520-884-9065

Model: DNA SP

Cam System: Source Hybrid Cam

Weight: 3.8 pounds (advertised); 3.75 pounds (as tested)

Brace Height: 6 inches

Axle-To-Axle length: 31€‰1„4 inches

Letoff: 75%

Draw Weights: 50, 60, 65 and 70 pounds peak

Draw Lengths: 24€‰1„2-30 inches, in half-inch increments

Riser: Planar Flex, Forged and fully CNC machined

Limbs: 4th Generation X Technology, Split

String: America's Best, 58€‰5„8 inches

Cables: America's Best, 32€‰1„4 and 34 inches

Grip: B.E.S.T. RAPTOR

Finish: Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity, PSE Skullworks, Black

Advertised IBO Speed: 337-345 fps

Suggested Retail Price: $899.99

Comments: A well-balanced hunting partner.