How We Test Bows

Every bow we score goes through the same protocol — here is exactly what happens between the box arriving and the review publishing.

The protocol

1. Setup: pro-shop-grade initial setup — draw length, draw weight verified on a hanging scale, rest at spec center shot.
2. Volume: minimum 200 arrows over at least two sessions before any score is recorded.
3. Speed: chronographed with a real hunting-weight arrow at the listed specs — never copied from the box.
4. Noise & vibration: measured in the same indoor space against a reference bow, plus hands-on shot-feel notes.
5. Accuracy: group sizes at 30 and 50 yards across multiple shooters where possible.
6. Field time: hunting-class bows ride along on real sits and stalks before the verdict.

What we score

Accuracy, speed, noise & vibration, build quality, usability and value — each 0–10, weighted per our scoring rubric. The per-criterion scorecard appears in every bow review.