The Most Remarkable Bow We've Tested

We tested nine flagship bows head to head and the PSE Mach 30 DS won by a landslide.
Read the full story: www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best...

[@TheNewBowunter]

Glad to see its getting the glory is deserves..I freaking love mine!

[@michaelpoplawski3246]

Pretty impressive, considering PSE was bought by the Outdoor Group last year and some people expressed their concerns on whether PSE bow quality would diminish. I'm not going to rush out and buy the Mach 30 to replace my Levitate, but even in a subjective test like this where three people shooting the bow had similar tight groups suggests the design is pretty solid. Now the question is--can PSE sustain this, and improve on it to produce tge "Bow of the Year" next year. Not everyone has to agree. If you bought a Lift or an RX-8 this year and are satisfied with it, that's YOUR top bow for 2024, and that's what matters. Master you bow, and you'll get great results. Good hunting to anyone who has read this far.

[@MrTemplerage]

Hawh!

[@sportscarclinic]

As a shop owner, it must be great to get to shoot test all the newest bows. But I'll bet it's challenging to figure out how to convince potential customers as to why this year's model is so much better than last years.

[@jasonbarnes3188]

Especially when it’s all just bs and gimmicks at this point. I truly feel that the quality of product from every bow company across the board have took a nose dive.

[@bch5513]

@@jasonbarnes3188and got to take out a LOAN to get one now. I haven't bought a new bow since 2011 or so I think . Don't need one . Nothing is faster. Maybe a bit smoother and less vibration, but I only hunt with it. Used to work at a pro shop for years. I shot everything out there. But I can't blow that kind of money anymore with 3 kids

[@Timberdam]

Thank You PJ

[@PoliticallyInsensitive]

It's chill they keep coming out with new stuff every year. I'll stick with my 2014 Bear Attitude though. I used it in an in house tournament at a local range this past weekend (1st tourney ever) and shot 305 out of 360. Only the to 3 got placed and at least 1st/2nd were 328 so i don't feel that bad about my score. I was also using cheap Vital Impact arrows from Sportsman's.

[@gaelewis6623]

$1,800 real pricey us poor hunters can't afford that!

[@FPSWildlifeAngler]

i use a $200 bow i found on amazon and it shoots just like the expensive bow

[@ambienceization]

@@FPSWildlifeAngler bwahahahahahaha!!!

[@skoolynugenator1802]

Find a cheaper bow. Anything can kill an animal.

[@FPSWildlifeAngler]

@@skoolynugenator1802 its true but you want to ethically kill the animal like i mean fast without pain

[@outdoorlife]

We'll have a new budget bow test coming out soon: www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-compound-bow-for-the-money/

[@mikereed845]

I hope they update the Mach 34 with the same features.

[@jeffhartmann2469]

Nice review PJ.

[@scottscherch5974]

My god people put your big boy paints on. If you like your Mathews keep it he didn't say they suck just maybe PSE knows how to build a bow too.

[@richardlehoux683]

Am a Mathews never going chip bow psi

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

Mathews The bud light of archery.

[@Johnbobon]

​@@richardlehoux683 What language is this nonsense?

[@YMS12121]

Better buy a pse now my phase 4 is obsolete ancient technology

[@Alberta_MTN_Bear]

What scope is that??

[@jmyers1977jm]

Wishing there were more criteria used for this year's bow review like what was used in previous years bow of the year reviews. Used to get real scientific and even used sophisticated equipment to measure such things as shock.

[@outdoorlife]

We found the lab measurements of shock were a little misleading because the accelerometer can only measure for forward movement, not residual vibration. So it could measure if a bow jumped forward after the shot, but not if it buzzed your hand. We think three different archers judging the post-shot experience gives a more well-rounded look at what you can expect.

[@kennylainhart7148]

Would love to see a 36/38 inch ATA with this bow

[@capricornmagic63]

The thing is, every bow that PJ stands in front of a camera with,is awesome. In My opinion he is not a credible source in terms of reviews. Not one time have I ever heard him utter the phrase, ' what I don't like about this bow. '

[@cotoXD]

Most bows are more capable than we will be able to ever shoot them nowadays, tech has advanced a lot from ten years ago

[@mussersbowsboatsandscience6610]

I kind of agree 👍 😊

[@jasonbarnes3188]

Everything he picks up is the best ever, he’s just a salesman. He has no credibility whatsoever as far as I am concerned.

[@user-up7hs5il3e]

He'd better sell used cars to soccer moms. That bloke is a pain in the butt

[@garrymoore2186]

That's because he works for a shop that sells them.

[@officialppmt1]

Awesome video! If we were interested in setting up a potential product for you to film, how could we get in contact with you?

[@JauGoo]

what sight is that?

[@JoePolaris]

I’d be interested in your take on non-compound bows, longbows for instance for 2024.

[@peetsnort]

Does it come left hand.?

[@dimensionsofearth]

I got a use PSE last year as my first bow and it has been excellent and given me no reason to look elseshere

[@dkeuss1]

I read the full article, noticed a few different stabilizers were used. Was there a consensus on stabilizer for the Mach 30 from the group? From video it seems it was the Frankenstein stab… I’m having issues quieting mine down

[@scotte3728]

The Franken stab and the antler ridge were favorites. These light bows don’t need a ton of weight to make a difference which is nice.

[@davetoms63]

In my lifetime of 60 years we have went from 100 for a top bow to now 1800 for a stripped down bow. Sad.

[@jackroman8821]

I'm confused.... was inflation not a thing 60 years ago?

[@davetoms63]

@jackroman8821 yes but nothing like the last decade

[@jackroman8821]

@@davetoms63 Fair point.

[@AntonyKarolis]

How much did pay for a house?

[@davetoms63]

@AntonyKarolis house and a bow are two totally different things, one you need, the other is nice to have. But to play along on another dumb question.... my house I bought 21 years ago for 145,000 the appraisal value is 210,000 so that's a 69% increase. Now one of my custom bows I bought 15 years ago for around 400 is now selling for about 1200...... three times as much. And a top of the line compound, bought 30 years ago was about 200 and came with a quiver, sight, rest , and arrows .... now go look and see what they bring. And like I said, a home is pretty much a need, a bow is not. Anymore questions?

[@gregspivak5101]

Does the Mach 34 have the same shooting perks too?

[@davidstottlemyer]

PJ so your giving up your Mathews bow ?

[@ecrank83]

How does it compare to the elite era, which was the winner last year?

[@keltonblack762]

Curious to see these groups in some wind/weather. not saying that it doesn't affect shooting for all bows, but the lighter you go, the more difficult to hold in weather conditions. My old Creed Xs was super light and short. Holding in a breeze was extremely difficult.

[@Smoothy38]

I have a Levitate, the 1st edition with the E2 cam, and have shot a few through my friend's Mach 34, and 1 thing they both do extremely well is hold on target...it's actually kinda weird how well they hold..

[@ambienceization]

bwahahahahaha!!!

[@ericwolbert3256]

Story time with PJ Riley once again 😂

[@kmike58]

I’m new to archery, is some kind of special technique to point your bow towards the sky at an extreme angle while drawing back an arrow as demonstrated in the video?

[@mbs6585]

pretty sure thats considered taboo. Im not an experienced bloke like that guy by any means. i just know that it usually means the poundage is too high.

[@kmike58]

@@mbs6585 thanks for your help and input 👊

[@got2kittys]

My recurve is pretty good, too. My primitive wood bow is good also.

[@randyferreira5265]

The best cam system in the industry ,and pse has the only carbon riser made in the USA!

[@gatekeeperbubba2946]

Hoyt isn’t made in the USA?

[@marksmith4627]

Hoyt is made in the USA.

[@robertg9514]

When I think of a “light bow” it doesn’t weigh 6 lbs. it’s a recurve, a thing of beauty, and can be carried miles and miles and not get heavy.

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

The compound bow game is rife with hyperbole and fluff.

[@samthai818]

I am still using my Hoyt Razortec I ordered 20 years ago! 32" axle to axle, witha 6.5" Brace height. I have Robinhood so many arrows at 20yds that I absolutely never shoot more than a single arrow at a time at a single target. So I stopped doing groups at 20yds long ago, 30yds my bow will group 1 to 2". I thought about replacing with a new Hoyt or PSE, my 2 favorite brands, but that itch never got strong enough. I did waste my money on a $1300 TenPoint crossbow that I never used 10 years ago that's sitting in my game room, brand spanking new.

[@tristandixon4745]

Gotta say I was worried about the new ownership but since this one and the others came out it’s clear pse is gonna try to dominate going forward and who wins the customers! 🤘🏻

[@raginroadrunner]

Thats more than a premium rifle.

[@bs5651]

How would you compare last years winner the Elite ERA to this year's Mach 30?

[@outdoorlife]

The Era has less vibration and smoother draw. It's an incredibly fun bow to shoot and was very accurate. It also has the Elite features we like: 1/4" draw adjustment and SET. But, for performance, accuracy, ease of holding on target, lightness, and forgiveness the Mach 30 DS is the way to go.

[@randycrager4074]

To fork out $1799 for a bow it'd have to drive itself out to the tree stand and bag the buck itself! Cricky!

[@kennethkleespie2579]

Accuracy is the shooter, not the bow it comes from good form and practice. The bow just makes it comfortable, I’ve watched guys shoot bows just carved out of a piece of wood and it was like wow! So before you spend the money make sure you are worthy of it.

[@michaelalbert4251]

I own the Lift 29.5 & the Mach 30 I agree with PJ not by much tho

[@RunLiftHuntFish]

Very interesting here…

[@brandonmcconnell2259]

It's remarkable how he moves his bow arm away from the target soon as he shoots and still hit something.

[@Alberta_MTN_Bear]

Goes to show you just like bows, there’s preference for everyone

[@jackbuendgen389]

PJ uses increasing tension to activate his shot. That tension in his body has to go somewhere and it results in a follow through. The arrow is LONG GONE by the time his body reacts

[@leroyapplegate5049]

How would you stack this against the Elite Era?

[@outdoorlife]

The Era wins in the post shot category. It's 100% dead after the shot, which makes it very fun to shoot. But, the Mach 30 DS wins in the accuracy and forgiveness category. It holds on target better than anything we've tested to date.

[@jamietwigg4845]

I see the Mathews fan boi's are upset.

[@nockit86]

completely opposite review from MFJJ. He shit on this bow. I am surprised to see an honest review on the PSE and the fact the new matthews didn't make the top spot. PSE is a grossly underrated bow at this time. Many more matthews/hoyt fanboys should give PSE an honest shot.

[@scotte3728]

Is that the guy who didn’t shoot the bow past five feet?

[@mmcguire5687]

Just wondering why it was not compared to the Mach 34. I own one and find it very stable given its light weight.

[@outdoorlife]

The Mach 34 is fantastic, and we tested it in 2023. It tied the Elite Era for most accurate last year. I think 30 DS will appeal to most people and the 34 is ideal for archers who like the string angle on a longer bow or have a long draw length. You can read last year's test here: www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-compound-bows-2023/

[@brianfreland9065]

man id like to have one but at 1700 bucks, ill be sticking with my 30 yard trad bow haha

[@feelsgooddoit]

Shoot 5x 6 arrow groups. I

[@runingblackbear]

My pse baby g smokes arrows down the 30 yard fast too

[@jimmiekaelin4804]

I took the plunge and bought one. Pricy, pricy, pricy. My groups were not as good as PJ’s, until I made this change - stabilizers. This bow come alive with both a front and side stabilizer.

[@ET-sp6qm]

But wouldn’t any bow that’s paper tuned?

[@jimmiekaelin4804]

@@ET-sp6qm Don’t know, haven’t shot every bow.

[@thegreyzone5859]

Sounds awesome but no thanks on 30” ata

[@jrhunt414]

Been trying to explain what you are calling “dynamic brace height” to many people claiming that reflex measurements matter. I’ll have to use that term now instead of calling it horizontal tangent point travel. I’d say that the majority of archers with an internet voice do not understand any of this or why it matters.

[@outdoorlife]

It's a pretty interesting piece of engineering they've done.

[@scotte3728]

I think the main difference between our review and others is that we tested all the flagships head to head with multiple archers and tested them for accuracy. The data ultimately decides the winner and this year in particular it was a landslide.

[@jrhunt414]

Most all older bows actually feature this technology where the “dynamic brace height” at full draw is longer than the brace height at rest. However some bows for example I’ll just say it, Mathews hunting bows, actually have a shorter “dynamic brace height” than the actual brace height. This is due to limb and cam design. The reason for this stability is the moment arm length “dynamic brace height” that the string tension has to resist torque around the axis of the grip. Not a new concept at all . I personally don’t like the idea of calling it dynamic. It’s not dynamics it’s still statics. Just statics at full draw. Dynamics would be how the bow reacts upon release. It’s not the riser reflex that hurts stability as many are trying to make us believe based upon their theories. If these archery “experts” could draw a simple free body diagram or do basic statics they would understand archery a lot more and wouldn’t parrot their undeveloped theories. I still cringe every time I see a bow review where riser reflex is measured and that measurement is the basis of a stability claim.

[@theingobeck4772]

​@@jrhunt414nerd alert! 😂

[@jrhunt414]

@@theingobeck4772 It takes us nerds that understand archery and basic physics to push the industry in the right direction and to get past the marketing and influencer bullshit that seems to be plaguing the industry right now. Lots of guys with a lot of good information they are sharing but an equal amount of bullshit being parroted. In my opinion the number one completely false claim being made is that reflex measurement can be used to compare the full draw stability of different bows. In reality there is only one measurement that can be taken at full draw that matters and that is the length of the moment arm resisting torque. A simple measurement to take with a straight edge and ruler at full draw. But instead we will just keep hearing people say a bow should be demerited because it has reflex riser geometry. The worst is seeing people discuss where to take a reflex measurement and why their measurement point is the rightful one. The easiest way to throw a wrench in their thinking is to say what if the limb pocket is longer, or what about a Bowtech Commander. It blows their brain up and throws all their false theories out the window. Just because everyone repeats a theory enough doesn’t make it true and unfortunately that’s where the archery industry is at. Took us nerds to convince the world that it’s not flat.

[@samb5687]

It's funny how the actual footage is like everything is wow & then u go into the comments and there's nothing but negativity... Pro tip: always go to the reviews/comments... Real people real experiences real answers

[@user-dj3dh2mx2p]

這是一把好弓！

[@travisfreutel2733]

john Dudley made pse great again. I love my levitate

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

You misspelled ruined.

[@theingobeck4772]

​@@teamflanneloutdoors5631Explain your opinion? He's not my favorite personality but how on Earth could you say he had a negative impact at PSE?

[@666Buzzsaw]

@@teamflanneloutdoors5631yeah because being a top level archer with decades of experience in the industry and competition going into collaboration with a bow company is a bad thing because the unknown nobody said so. 🤣🤣🤣

[@LuoJun2]

Compound bows are great for power and accuracy. Perfect for weekend hunters. If you truly need to survive, you can’t fix it without a professional bow shop and special equipment. Go traditional.

[@jasonbarnes3188]

Not true at all I can disassemble and reassemble my compound in the field without a press. I shoot traditional as well and while it is fun, it is like getting out of my new pickup and into a horse and buggy and making a 300 mile trip. You will still get where you’re going. But not anytime soon.

[@muddypawsadventurer7775]

I'll stick to my longbow and wood arrows...

[@francisortwein9846]

Good for You. There is a site called the leather wall maybe you should visit that

[@between666]

What does a hickorey stick cost. Im thinking of target archery as a hobby. Longbow preferred.

[@BuddyAmericafirst-nh4ms]

Absolutely hilarious to see "adult men" falling into the Marketing Rabbit Hole. This really explains a lot about the " Purpose of Life" topic & what the future looks like.

[@DutchKC9UOD]

I still like my wood laminate bow 32” draw 60lb break shoots good to 75 yards? But coming from a 70lb recurve guess I just never shot a $1000 plus bow

[@user-or1uu7yt9n]

The arrows used have ( IMO ) more to do with the grouping than the actual bow itself .

[@outdoorlife]

We used the same arrows, Black Eagle Spartans, for all nine bows tested. They were all tuned to a bullet hole before testing.

[@techstuf4637]

My 4.2lb Bowtech BTX28 from 2016 still killin it compared to the flagships of today...

[@ryanbengston]

The BTX was such a solid bow!

[@user-ii1iy8fz1d]

Have shot a half a dozen brands, and my short ata matthews never have torque issues. Or i dont. 😂

[@dannylalonde7583]

Haven't tried PSE in years,just can't justify getting rid of my carbon spyder,always found pse verry harsh draw cycles,maybe they changed

[@Hackmo72]

The pse draw cycle changed with the evolve cam ,came in around 2016,2017

[@aqeel77za]

I prefer my Rytera Alien XT and Martin 2012 Shadowcat

[@davemiller9314]

What's the FPS in 28" 70lbs

[@adamparsons1725]

$2000.00 + bow? WHY? Self made Long Bow, or my purchased 'Raptor' from Simon's Bow Company. 'Raptor' is a "Tartar Style" Ancient bow design. Thumb release and all, with Tartar/Turkish 'Raptor'. With both bows I get better than 1 inch groups(5 arrows@ 198 Raptor/167 Self Bow fps) at 25 yards.....Raptor cost $400eu? My $60.00 Marlin Model 60 .22...still shoots circles around most of the expensive .22 Target Chassis, blinged out guns I have come across. LEARN TO SHOOT and save your money! Not saying I wouldn't buy one though lol I am complicated 🤣🤣 Love me some Precision!🤷‍♂🤷‍♂ PSE was my my first love.

[@thomasvanderhoff768]

40 inch bows are perfect for hunting.

[@707fv]

Maybe they can improve the price.

[@MrWhiltetail]

Brace height is measured bow is at rest. That is what brace height is. It's always been the case. "Dynamic brace height" seems like a marketing ploy.

[@ME-pb2gf]

Absolutely. A big ol crock O snot. Draw force curves tell the tale every time. The bows they sell today are less shootable and no more efficient or fast than 15 years ago. If it weren't for the ignorance of youth bow manufacturers would be closing their doors or cutting prices back by 2/3rds at least.

[@martywhitt6230]

Hi BJ how it goin like the bow but I got ask there someone on here that could possible donate me left hand bow I m sorry feel like free loader but I got every thing I had stolen frome couple weeks ago they might not meant much thet all come from pawn shop they were ether to short or little long on draw length I'm pooran but that beside the point I really appreciate someone help me I don't have money go buy any more I'm left hand 28 half draw length 60 pds 70pds ether one ty

[@bowhunter0762]

"come on" "are you kidding me".

[@sinepari9160]

So you backed it off and got better groups

[@pjreilly3997]

We backed it off to make it equal to the other bows in the test. The one we had to work with was a 70-pound model and all others were 60-pound bows. Me, personally, I shoot it better at 70 pounds than at 60.

[@brandiwynter]

An $1800 bow?? That's why bows like this are a waste, two years from now it'll be worth half that if you're lucky and two years after that it's a garage sale bow. I made the mistake of paying almost a grand for a PSE Mach 10 when it came out in the 90's, I'll never do that again and I absolutely love the PSE Mach series bows.

[@serverlan763]

It gets heavier every year...

[@tomtolentino7575]

I wouldn’t be surprised here in the near future…..these hunting bows would perform just as good, or better than the norm of “ Target “ bows 👍🙏 that would be awesome, and the best of both worlds👍🏹🏹🏹

[@IntuitiveUniversity]

I need one, send me one please.

[@deanbrantley]

I waited on this bow to come in before making my mind up and this Mach 30 was pure disappointment for that price point. Swing and miss by PSE.

[@banjohappy]

It's no good if it isn't quiet. Sounded pretty noisy to me. Also seems too heavy. I want my bow under 4 lbs or even less. Groups that tight at 50 yds, very impressive, but under 300fps and noisy, no deer is going to stand still for that.

[@badmoonryzin7251]

Quiet bows are a myth. Been hunting for fifty years. Not one bow in the world is quiet enough that a deer won't hear it. Marketing hogwash.

[@francisortwein9846]

Speed is not going to make up for noise I don’t care how fast your bow is unless it’s shooting faster than 1100 ft./s

[@standingbear998]

contraptions getting a little ridiculous

[@kc696969]

Breaking rules? I did not know there were bow rules.

[@jimathybindlenim6359]

Never dry fire

[@TerrySaltsman]

If you're going to shoot 60# then buy a 60# bow. The bow shoots best at its max draw weight. I hate it when people shoot their bow and then let the top of the bow roll forward. When you shoot a bow the bow should want to jump forward out of your hand. Your always pushing the bow with hand thats holding it and pulling with the other hand. If you do it right then there will be no top of the bow rolling forward.

[@scottymoore9121]

Kills me he says nobody wants to carry a long bow to go hunting. Wants a short bow. I never met a trad shooter say that

[@Johnbobon]

He's obviously referring in general to compound bow shooters.

[@johncannady6105]

If Lancaster sells it, he's gonna love it! 🤔😉

[@jacksonterrance8833]

Learn the thumb release scrubs

[@stevewoolhiser7249]

As a millennial who has been told repeatedly that I am a snowflake.... WTF is this shit!? No bro, get a REAL bow. For real I go to the archery range with my friend regularly. I bring a recurve, he brings a longbow he made himself. We stand about 100ft from the targets and spend a good couple hours there, while laughing and shaking our heads at the crossfit bros who show up with their fancy compound bows like these, get a bullseye from 20ft away, take their goddamn selfie with their bullseye and leave. Shooting blanks in more ways than one.

[@bryanr.4947]

There hasn't been a compound bow made yet that is worth looking at. Damn eyesores.

[@francisortwein9846]

L O L I guess you feel Toilet paper is overrated also and wonder why nobody wants to shake your hand

[@raginroadrunner]

But...cut a bowstring out in the middle of nowhere..yu r screwed.

[@Hackmo72]

Tough crowd so many butt hurt , why because he said something about a company they didn't spend there hard earned money on.

[@sarangunya]

This aren´t bows...this are guns shooting arrows instead of Bullets.

[@sahhull]

PJ bow review. Its the best bow Ive ever shot. Its the same story with every bow he's given to review.

[@coryedd3783]

It’s PJ’s job to talk about a product and make people excited. It’s your job to get into a bow shop and test for yourself. 😉 cheers

[@sahhull]

@@coryedd3783 I'd sooner have an honest review. Around here. The archery shops don't carry a lot of stock to try out stuff but they will order it if you want one.

[@tjblackforest69]

That full draw bs never got really explained. Its just a sales phrase imho

[@Getdownorlaydownbum]

Exactly I was waiting on a explanation of how it works 😂 like u said it’s most likely bs

[@user-ep2es1mp5r]

Switched to hoyt in the 90s great bows shit company. Watched them rob vendor after vender finally just was done. Never buy a hoyt. Sadly a lot of the competition is being bought out by foreigners

[@jasonard7227]

I will keep the lift didnt care for that pse as much its not the bow its the person holding the bow

[@outdoorlife]

The Lift is a great shooter too.

[@donschutte1418]

At 1800 bucks wonder if they still use Chinese junk bearings

[@famespear7202]

PSE - Pull Shoot Explode, don't buy one.

[@chrismaffett1973]

My RX8 is hands down a better bow! I shot all the carbon now and the RX8 is head abd shoulders above the rest! 🤷

[@mattbakerg]

The RX-8 is also made of Chinese carbon fiber

[@chrismaffett1973]

@@mattbakerg still the better bow!

[@jasonbarnes3188]

@@chrismaffett1973 that’s an opinion not a fact. Your overpriced Chinese Hoyt weighs more than my aluminum bow.

[@chrismaffett1973]

@@jasonbarnes3188 ahhhhahahaha!!!

[@brandonmcconnell2259]

This guy is more like a glorified aspirin. In the real I call him filler fluff.

[@10ring60-bp5ml]

A joke 1800 bucks nah i shot an 30 inch bear 50 yards robin hood uh no iam checkin out with this dollar mania BS

[@jasonbarnes3188]

Cool story bro how many world championships have you won.

[@thomasvanderhoff768]

Salesman.

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

I'd rather be schooled o the most remarkable ADULT bow💡 30" ata - gtfoh 👎

[@Davidcentaur]

Not impressed.

[@ashleysmith4191]

I must be a friggin pro, I’ve shot TONS of 30” and a couple shorter bows better than that at longer distances….you guys are ridiculous.

[@ambienceization]

loud mouth chest thumper

[@Johnbobon]

We bow before your greatness. All hail the high and mighty ashleysmith4191!

[@ashleysmith4191]

@@Johnbobon be gone peasant. You are not worthy of my presence.

[@cod4mwawesome]

compound bows suck for an experienced archer.