Bowtech Reckoning 36 Gen 2 - Bow Review

[@muleybuckco]

I'm hunting with my gen 2, finest bows ever built, hands down

[@Alan_Edwards]

Nice. I am in the market and the Bowtech Reckoning 39 Gen 2 is on the top of my list. I like Elite too, but their selection of target bows is weak in comparison. Well done as usual and glad you are feeling better mate !! Since posting this original comment I am now leaning toward Elite...specifically their Verdict bow. I like the adjustability and it seemed to shoot better for you and other reviewers I have seen.

[@Voxguitarsrock]

Nice rundown. Thanks!

[@MostlyPeacefulCombatVet]

My Reckoning gen 2 39 should be here Tuesday. I’m pretty excited. I shoot consistent 300 18-25x with my hunting bow (SS34 setup for target) and I’m looking forward to raising that X count. Those scores are with a QAD integrate mind you. The Gen 2 will have a Hamskea Epsilon with target conversion. I’m hoping for 300/30’s within the next year. Good review buddy. Thanks!

[@thorwaldjohanson2526]

I got this bow 2 weeks ago with long cams at 32.5" draw. I'm still tuning it and getting accessories , but it is absolutely fantastic

[@olehemlock]

That is going to be my next hunting bow, getting it in camo.

[@deanmoloney5059]

Thanks for the review Steven , thinking of buying the gen 2. I'm currently shooting the stratos and although it shoots great I have to shoot a perfect shot to score well. I shot the invicta last year after Redding and shot better than the stratos out of the box. I shot the 1st gen reckoning 35 since they first came out and found it the easiest bow to shoot ever so I'm questioning my switch to hoyt .

[@ArcherySuppliesLonsdale]

I have had 4 Stratos traded on Bowtech's. I have another 3 Hoyt Stratos about to be traded all on Bowtech's. I will have a glut of second hand Hoyts on the shelf. I liked the Stratos. But the Gen2 feels solid and so much adjustability and tuneability.

[@jimgaines7839]

They removed the pins so you can adjust your holding weight

[@mohawksniper79]

For the Pse duo you can get SE2 cam if you dont like the aggressive but fast M2 cam.

[@timbow50]

Not having shot one it appears to really load up the first several inches. But, I know you aren’t fully recovered for archery yet. That’s probably why you look like it’s really harsh draw. 👍👍. Good review again. I still remember the Elite Ritual 33 review where you said it was the best shooting bow you ever shot. And you loved loved loved the PSE EVOLVE 35. Two of the easiest finest bows ever made.

[@ArcherySuppliesLonsdale]

Yes - I feel the Bowtech is a bit harsher in draw but I really liked it. I will do a review comparing scores.

[@scottpomygalski6078]

Thank you for a great review, I always like watching you, I find it very informative. I am interested to hear what compound bow company do you feel is stand out as far as target world, and why?

[@ArcherySuppliesLonsdale]

I really feel like the Elite and Bowtech with their tunability and adjustability are a head of the back. Both lock the limbs down. I think the other companies at least need to add limb locking.

[@scottpomygalski6078]

Thank YOU

[@rodphillips4333]

You kept it after the review didn't you haha I went on the shop site to buy it Thursday morning and it was gone 😢

[@ArcherySuppliesLonsdale]

I customer brought it.

[@rodphillips4333]

@ArcherySuppliesLonsdale all good

[@manbajari]

I'm Currently looking at a new bow, Stratos or reckoning gen 2, Has anyone had experience with either The archery dealer i spoke to today said the reckoning has issues with the cable flex guard failing.

[@Angel.Custodio]

Im still getting used to mine, something about going from Mathews to Bowtech got in my head and i had some target panic, or i need to retune it. But feels great

[@Angel.Custodio]

I feel like we felt the same, feels amazing, but groups aren't showing it

[@angelosantamaria7197]

What would you choose between an Elite Verdict and a Bowtech Reckoning Gen 2?

[@mrpickles3479]

I went for the Verdict, lovely bow…

[@shelleyjames4329]

Steven do you have this in stock now?

[@markovezmar5449]

Compared to Elite Verdict, which one has better draw cicle at same pundage? Which one do you prefer more?

[@Muskiehunter92]

Just for transparency, I personally do not own either of these bows myself. My draw length is 28" and I shoot 59-60 lbs. My father has the verdict, which I have shot many times... and recently shot about 10 shots through a friends bowtech 36 G2 at a local 3D shoot . First thing to note is that everyone prefers different styles of draw cycles. I personally prefer a linear cycle with "low-ish" let off in the 70-75% range....and I dislike the" hump and dump" feeling... SO, The verdict with the performance mods had more "hump and dump" than I prefer. Even when lowering the let off with the performance mods down to 75 % or less, it was still too much for me.... The bowtech that I shot was on comfort mode, not 100% sure what the let off was, but it felt nice and linear. It is also very adjustable in its ability to make the draw cycle the way you prefer... The next piece of info I can add is that my father recently got the smooth mods for the verdict. Yes it may loose a couple FPS, but it felt much more linear. I set the let off to about 75% and it felt good. It was far more linear than with the performance mods.... in my opinion anyways. I personally shot a PSE perform X and evolve 35 for the past few years. Both with low let off mods set between 70-75%. The draw cycles felt awesome. No big hump and dump, just a nice smooth straight back pull .... I also just recently won a mathews TRX38 G2 and have 75% mods on it and I like it alot. I tried 80% mods and immediately went back to 75% ... All said and done, the bowtech will give you the most ability to refine the draw cycle to what you want. The verdict can do much of the same if you have both sets of mods, just not quite as fine tunable as the bowtech. The parallel limbs on the verdict make the shot feel super dead in hand. Coming from a PSE it felt insane how quiet and smooth the shot was.... same can be said for the TRX I just got. The shot feels amazingly dead and quiet compared to the PSE's ... bows are very personal in what YOU like.... but hopefully this gives you some information to work from. The verdict and Reckoning G2 are the best 2 bows in the market right now IMO.... the Elite "set system" to tune the verdict worked like an absolute charm. I had the bow tuned for my dad in a fraction of the time it took for PSE's.... Also, my buddy with the reckoning said that same thing about tuning his bowtech... he had it tuned well very quickly. I think for tunability, the bowtech wins because of all the micro adjustability... best thing you can do is try to find a way to try both or gather as much info from people that own them as you can. Best of luck

[@ArcherySuppliesLonsdale]

I would say the Verdict may be smoother but I have the smooth mods on mine. But I had one traded in on a Bowtech on Friday so I will compare them in a Video.

[@waynestevenson9613]

The only DL adjustment is 1/2” increments determined by where you place the stops. The adjustable modules are not DL adjustments but only give you the ability to adjust the holding weight from 65 - 85%. The only way to micro-adjust the draw length is twisting and untwisting cables and string. Having shot both the 38” and 39”, the 38” was a much happier bow. Also have a 35” and knowing what I know now I wouldn’t waste the money on a 36”.

[@zoltanpataki1022]

Hello. What is the speed of the arrows?

[@ArcherySuppliesLonsdale]

My Chrono was flat. But I will do video and Chrono them.

[@drmitofit2673]

Isn't that an anodized finish rather than paint?

[@ArcherySuppliesLonsdale]

Paint

[@johnstanford1103]

The top hat system is honestly horrible. The incredibly small screws you have to remove to get the axle out are a headache for bowshops everywhere.

[@liamboyle9199]

It's still a shame you spend insane money and only get paint which can easily chip, it's about the only reason I may not get one😬 That timing system is probably better off being used to micro tune draw length which is good for the above average archer looking to dial to the perfect amount

[@kennethosborne6497]

The paint finish on the Gen 2 is vastly different to the previous Reckoning, which was an issue.

[@liamboyle9199]

@@kennethosborne6497 I know it's different Ken but paint is paint, the stuff chips or have they got a special formula they wears well? It's at the highest end of the market and so if I bought one (and I'm on the fence of buying my friends one) I want it to last and I think that is a fair criticism. Anodising and Cerekote remain the absolute best finishes. There is no doubt the way they have finished it is great though, probably is the best paint finish I've seen.

[@kennethosborne6497]

@@liamboyle9199 Liam, unsure of Bowtech's Gen 2 new finishing methods, all I can say is, they have listened & rectified. It certainly is nicely tactile & appears durable. Haven't heard of any issues.

[@ArcherySuppliesLonsdale]

But the paint is so nice. But I remember back to the amazing finishes Bowtech use to have with the Chrome colours. Im thinking of getting one just because of the paint finish. We will see. I think it is a waste of money but so nice and how fancy will I look at the range with a new Red Bowtech?

[@ArcherySuppliesLonsdale]

@@kennethosborne6497 The old paint was so crappy - When I say this I risk loosing my distributorship. Then Bowtech pull this out and Wow - yes I want one. The rubber on the grip I love. I suppose from a manufacturer view you either take peoples views and listen or you dont.

[@darcher5888]

I was watching until I saw a Wisker Biscuit on that beautiful bow. No self respecting archer would shoot such a rest. I’m out!

[@alexmcdonald3493]

Tosser

[@mrpickles3479]

Looks ugly, my Verdict looks the nuts….