JeffB

I did not want to steal any of Matt's thunder this past week so I waited till now to post.

Yes Gentle Readers, It’s that time again, another of JeffB’s Long, Boring, Comprehensive Bow Reports! I certainly hope you will take the time to read this one, as I know I have of late bored to tears most of you w/ my “classic” reports in addition to my normal diatribe.

This is a new Bow Report, however it IS about a bow I have done a report for previously. Almost one year ago as a matter of fact.

OK Jeff, WHY?

Simple. I’ve been kicking myself ever since late last summer for selling this particular model. Combine that with an end of year/beginning of the year sale price at my local dealer for this brand, and it was an offer I could not refuse!

Now I’ve had some time to reflect on this model, shoot some other bows “in the same class” and come back to it anew. I think I can be a bit more objective in my review on some characteristics of the bow, as well as satisfy the reader or two who have been trying to find my old review (which seems to have fallen into a message board black hole).

2001 BOWTECH MIGHTY MITE

Infinity Post Feed Single-cam. 28” draw length module/ 28 3/8” AMO measured. 71 Lbs peak weight. 31” Axle to Axle length. Brace height measures 7.25 inches. Mass weight is around 3.75 Lbs. SandTrap Limb Pockets. Winner’s Choice Bowstring and Buss Cable. Advantage Timber film dip camo. Set up as follows: String Loop, Fletcher Tru-Peep (3/16” Super Hunter), 2 Sims String leeches,2 Sims Limbsavers, and a Sorbotek stabilizer (appx. 6 “ & 7 oz.)

INTRODUCTION:

Some of you will remember that I had owned this bow previously. Although I dearly loved the bow, I wanted something a bit longer and more stable for longer (30 yards plus) shots, and so I sold it. And I’ve missed it ever since. Rarely do I buy 2 of ANY model bow, so you can bet this is a good one.

Bowtech is a fairly new company that prides itself on quality construction, blinding speed, shootable designs, leading edge technology, and great customer service. I have not had the need for the last item I mentioned but the rest certainly are true. Instead of copying the more popular MaxCam singlecams, Bowtech designed it’s own high energy Post Feed single-cam, and also offers the fastest 2 cam system on the market w/ it’s Black Knight cams (of which this is the second generation, the original being the Oregon Bow Company Black Knight. Kevin Strother designed the original BK, and now is the head engineer at Bowtech after his second company, Horizon archery, flopped). If you have no experience w/ Bowtech you can be assured they are the fastest line of bows on the market, but offer great shooting characteristics as well, unlike most speed in mind designs.

The Mighty Mite itself is an apt name for the bow. Make no mistake, the MM, although looking similar to many of the other mid to high brace, ultra shorty bows on the market, is no such animal. It’s a speedbow through and through with a good dose of shootability or “forgiveness” considering.

This particular bow differs from my original in a few ways. The measured brace height on this model is 7.25” whereas my original was at 7 and 1/8” (with cam/s timed perfectly). This model also has the Infinity Post Feed cam as opposed to the standard PF cam on my first. And finally I opted for a 28” draw length module so that I could take advantage of a longer string loop, which makes it easier to hook up w/ my preferred Winn style release aid.

CONSTRUCTION, FIT, AND FINISH:

Every Bowtech I have seen, owned, or shot has been “tight”. There are never any spaces on the axles, never a sloppy pocket to riser, or limb to pocket fit, nor any shortcuts. The limbs are sanded very well , w/out even the characteristic “ sander ridges” (sloppy sanding) one sees in the limb forks of some other brands. Even w/ Bowtech’s “triple dip”, ridges would show through, but I’ve yet to see any. The limbs are a solid straight construction, beefed up in the forks, and obviously of Gordon manufacture, yet I’m not entirely sure of composition specifics. Perhaps “Bowtech Shooter” could elaborate.

The SandTrap limb pockets are just that. They are filled w/ sand and sealed permanently to reduce shock/vibration. Due to the extra mass weight they also help to balance and steady the bow. While some may snicker at using something as simple as sand in this day and age, there is no doubt they work. They may not work as well as the excellent Sims/PSE NV system, or Limbsavers but they do work better than most vibration damping “innovations” some manufacturers are touting these days.

The riser is highly reflexed, but points quite well, especially w/ the addition of the SandTraps. I found no visible flaws in the machining of the riser, not even a burr. The film dip coat is as nice as it gets. The Advantage Timber pattern really comes out well; very “3-D”. In fact I would venture to say this is the nicest film dip I have seen to date. One really nice thing about the MM is that is has a very ample sight window, something most Super Shorties do not possess. The Bowtech bows come standard w/ a Walnut grip though through this past year the “standard” material has seemed to vary. For 2000 and 2001 the standard grip was walnut. In early summer all the BT’s seemed to start coming in w/ a grey/green/brown laminated maple grip. And now it seems that walnut is the wood of choice again. I suspect due to the enormous growth Bowtech has experienced that their supplier probably ran out of the walnut for awhile. For 2002, four different woods are available; standard walnut (and I assume for an extra fee), rosewood, the aforementioned lam-maple, and ebony. I have not decided which one, but I’m definitely going to get a Rosewood or Ebony grip. Both of these woods are enamored by bowyers of traditional archery equipment, as they tend to have less vibration/shock. I can only imagine that they would also help reduce felt shock to the bow hand on a compound due to their higher density. The walnut grip is a medium profile with a narrow comfy throat, and a less comfy “heel”. The MM also possesses all the standard AMO mounting holes, as well as a fixed carbon cable guard w/ inside slider.

The “new” Infinity cam is well worth the $20-40 extra charge over the original BT PF cam for a few reasons. Adjustability is one. One can minutely adjust draw length in increments as little as 1/64th of an inch as well as the one-inch modular increments. By moving the draw stop you can have virtually any percentage of letoff or exact draw length you wish. Secondly, the Infinity cam (unlike say Hoyt’s) draw stop uses the limb as the bottoming out point. If you’ve never had the luxury of shooting a bow that uses a limb stop, by all means try one! Currently BT, the Jennings SuperCam, and the PSE lightning cam are the only models I can recall that use this system. You will not find a more solid wall, and this results in impressive accuracy and consistency, especially on one-cam bows which are more sensitive to how hard you hit the wall or to creeping. On a system that uses a cable peg stop, you still can get some weird shots depending on how hard you pull against it, and it also has a negative greater effect on how narrow the valley gets. The Infinity cam on the other hand seems to retain the valley well when adjusted w/in the limits set for each draw length module. I’ve never owned a poor shooting one-cam bow when a limb stop system is used. Several PSE bows I’ve owned, and my Jennings BM2000 all are wonderfully accurate and consistent due to this feature, and the MM is no different. And finally, the Infinity cam, while having a very stout draw force curve, smoothes out the drop into the valley better than the original PF cam (which is noticeably more abrupt). Diagrams are available for each Bowtech model so that you can find the “standard” high-letoff position for each draw length module. The cam is machined with an “S” and an “L”, which stand for “shorten” and “lengthen” respectively so you know which way to go. Ruler marks are also machined in so that you can fiddle around and still get back to spec if need be, or mark your sweet-spot. All in all, the Infinity cam is a blessing for the tinker, a draw length/letoff perfectionist’s(like myself) dream-come-true, and promotes consistency.

The idler wheel in particular is a great example of the little bit extra Bowtech puts into their bows. The machining of the idler is EXTREMELY detailed, so as to lighten weight as much as possible while looking very artistic, and offer a beefier string track to reduce wear and tear. Another great feature is the brass cam bushings instead of composite like most manufacturers use.

Also factory installed on all BT models but the Stalker and the Rascal kids bow are Winner’s Choice strings and cable/s. These are a Twist type design w/ a unique construction that has virtually no creep whatsoever. And I’m not quoting advertising, In my experience that has been the absolute truth. I had to put ONE twist in my original MM cable to get the bow perfectly timed, and never had to do anything else. Not adjust for the peep, nothing through snowy, spring, and hot humid conditions. Also cable-serving wear on one-cam designs is eliminated. The only downside IMO to the WC strings is that they are very loud when not silenced, and they get dry and fuzzy quick. Keep ‘em waxed and put good silencers on and you’ll be fine.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS:

Of course, I have owned this bow before, but it has been awhile. I’ve been shooting a few different Hoyt bows on and off, and a Mathews Q2 has been my #1 for several months, so in a way it feels “new again”.

The BT grip takes some getting used to, and IMO is the only area that needs real improvement. The throat is narrow, but the heel is a little big and promotes torque. However, if you shoot with an open hand, or your bowhand is very “dead” you should not have a problem. When I seem to be having a consistency problem with my Bowtechs the grip is usually the culprit. Of course one could sand down the grip or even shoot the riser bare, but for me the riser is way too “low wristed” to shoot comfortably. I would like to see a lower wrist grip than the standard one without the “heel”. Perhaps Loesch will start making custom grips as BT’s are becoming so popular.

Shooting Bowtech is an interesting experience. It’s like driving a high performance modern sports car. Older muscle cars had the speed, but not great handling manners. A lot of other cars have good manners but no speed/performance. BT models have the speed, and you can feel it, but they have good manners. Not wholly refined, but good nonetheless. You KNOW you have a shot a high performance bow when you fire a Bowtech. It’s got a little thump, and a little noise, but it’s not bad mannered, and with the right accessories, you can tame the noise/vibration/recoil. They are very similar to my 98 Darton Maverick in noise/vibration/recoil, and just as fast or faster(albeit w/ a noticeably stouter draw).

My original MM was a pretty solid aiming bow considering the design, yet it would float a bit on me when my form was not up to the task. Probably due to my recent change to release aids that give me a more solid comfy anchor, the better wall, and the slightly shorter overall draw length, this new model is aiming steadier for me, though I’m still having to get used to how it feels compared to the bows I have been shooting lately. Considering I had two robinhoods w/in 10 days or so of owning my original one, I’m looking forward to getting back into the groove w/ the MM, and I’m already impressed w/ the tightness of the groups. There’s no doubt in my mind that the MM is inherently more accurate than many other solocam bows that I have owned. It really will drive the tacks if you let it do so. Like the Darton Maverick,and the Merlin models I have owned/shot, the Bowtech bows I have owned will group arrows surprisingly tight when you let them do the work. I suspect the extra “tightness” comes from the “tightness” of the bow itself (i.e. quality construction). Whatever the reason, when I’m “on”, Bowtechs show an edge in the pure-accuracy department compared to most others I’ve owned.

THE NUMBERS GAME:

Of course SPEED is always on the lips of Bowtech owners, and while the numbers on my MM are not as impressive as Matt’s new Pro38DC, They are very impressive compared to the MM’s competition.

I don’t have all the specs’ written down for chrono tests of my old MM. However it was set-up identically as my new one, but w/ the 29” module and the original 75% letoff PF cam, my 5 grains per Lb speed was 306 fps at 70 Lbs. Very impressive performance by any measure, especially considering the string garbage. That’s faster than my Maverick, even w/ the inch higher brace height. However that speed comes at a price. The Bowtech cams are smooth to draw w/ no bumps, but they are stiff to draw. Of course you can always lower your draw weight quite a ways and still get the speed you are getting w/ a current setup. In any even it’s something you can get used to.
My new model I was able to do some minor chrono testing with. Setup as described in the first paragraph the new MM shot a 380 grain Acc-349 at 288 FPS. At 5 grains even, I suspect I’d be in the mid 290’s. Not shabby at all for a 28” draw, 7.25” brace bow w/ stuff on the string. In fact my 2001 HyperTec Redline w/ 28 5/8” AMO draw 70 Lbs shot a 352 grain GoldTip at 292 FPS w/ similar string stuff. The Hypertec had a 1 and 1/8” lower brace and ¼” more draw length and was not that much easier to draw. You can interpret the results two ways…the HyperTec was not very efficient, or the MM really is!

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly:

Bowtech’s are fast. They are also stable, and very shootable. They are put together extremely well. I’ve been fond of the company since the beginning and they are by far my fave company in years. They do everything well, and when they can do better, they do. They make changes. They listen to customers. In some ways they remind me of the way HCA used to be before the “dark days”: Tack driving accurate and shootable while possessing incredible speed.

Really there’s not anything too “bad” about the bow. The grip would top my list. And while they are certainly top notch in quality, and better built than the majority, they are not cheap. However, for those budget minded archers the Stalker model is really a great buy. Slap a set of PSE-NV’s on it, and order the Infinity cam, and you’ve got a budget rocket that will shoot as smoothly and faster than anything else in it’s class for 150 to 250 smackeroos less in my area(I came very close to buying the Stalker and “hotrodding” it, but the dealer did not have a 70 LB model). The only other thing that might pose a problem is the exposed bottom axle on the Infinity cam. While the open space where the return track of the module would usually run makes it nice and easy to lubricate the axle, it also makes it easier for dirt and debris to get into it. No dropping your Bowtech in the mud, OK? The noise and shock levels are bit more pronounced, but are brought down to very tolerable levels w/ the right stabilizer, Leeches, and some Limbsavers. When set-up correctly, it follows through quite well as the limbs close. Were not talking as quiet and recoil free as my Mathews Q2 or my Hoyt HavocTec, but the MM is also 20-30 FPS faster than those models draw length to draw length and pound for pound of draw weight. Heck you can load up the arrow weight and bring the noise levels near the same and get significantly more K.E. w/ the MM.

OK. Bowtech’s and the MM in particular will never win any beauty contests. In fact they can be quite ugly when seen in a catalog picture. But in hand you start to appreciate the looks more. And when you shoot one, that Ugly duckling turns into a beautiful Swan (ok..maybe a Snow Goose? )

JeffB

Matt / PA

Jeff.......my PRo38 is a definite Swan!!!!
Long graceful......and piss it off, and it'll BITE!!! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
I appreciate you not &quot;Stealing my Thunder&quot;!!....My &quot;Pro 38&quot; report wasn't up to your thorough standards, but then again I wasn't even going to try!
I know what you mean about BowTechs just &quot;Feeling&quot; well made......very tight, no slop ....nothing &quot;Cheap&quot; feeling on the bow.

That's a great report on the Mighty Mite......my sentiments to a &quot;T&quot; ( I actually miss mine already <img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>)
I found everything you said in my 2001 Mighty Mite......I can't believe more people don't shoot this bow.
Pound for Pound this is probably the hardest hitting yet still forgiving short ATA hunting bow on the market.
I can verify the speeds you attained from yours......I had the regular &quot;Post Feed&quot; cam on mine and got the following speeds at #70
This was with a 30&quot; draw.....w/ a string loop, no silencers.

350gr A/C/C 3-49 = 319fps
370gr Carbon Impact 6500 = 310fps
450gr 2314 XX78 = 282fps

You are definitely right.....at the same arrow weight it's got a little more recoil and noise than say a HAvocTec, but up the arrow weight a bit to bring the speed down to the level of the competition......and it's sounding and feeling the same.
With one catch......the MM is hitting harder!

Oh Jeff.....before I forget. You mentioned the &quot;Ebony&quot; wood grip......My dealer pointed out to me when I got my Pro 38 that he's pretty sure that this grip ISN'T wood. I think it's a stiff rubber. (Maybe BowTech SHooter can verify?)
I actually like the &quot;Timber&quot; model myself.

I really loved this bow myself, and plan on renewing the affair this summer the same way you just did........
The wife doesn't know it yet but I'm getting a nice anniversary present this year......OK so it's only our 2nd but it's an anniversary nonetheless.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

By the way Jeff......You are the only person I know that actually OWNS a Q2, HavocTec, and a Mighty Mite at the same time......is there a way for you to quantify a comparison of the 3 bows head-to-head??
I'm curious as to how you would rate each one in various categories, and which one you would rate as the OVERALL &quot;Best&quot; (understanding that &quot;Best&quot; is a personal thing)
I've SHOT all 3 and have my opinions.




Edited by - Matt / PA on 01/21/2002 20:37:25

JeffB

Hey All,

I need to clarify one thing as well as add something I left out.

RE: The AMO draw length of the bow. When I switched out the module I went from memory of the diagram of where to set the draw stop for the “standard” high let-off position at 28”. It’s possible I was off a bit, and that is why the AMO draw was a bit long. I have the cam set in a lower let-off position right now, and I measured the AMO draw at 28 1/8” (which actually falls w/in the +/- 1/8” parameter of AMO standard). The speed was tested at the lower let-off setting, and my comparison to the Hypertec should be adjusted (which actually makes the HyperTec look worse..ooops)

One of things I forgot to mention that I really love about the Bowtech models is the owner’s manual. Yep, the owners manual. It actually has some very useful information, unlike just about everyone else’s manuals. It’s not a marketing “slick” that’s full of useless information and comments like “if you would like full details of your warranty, please contact us or your local dealer”. Or “ Here is a list of warranty centers”. Or “Do not dry fire your bow”. It’s also not a min-catalog of shirts, hats, and belt buckles. No, the Bowtech manual has actual USEFUL TUNING INFO! Things like where the optimum timing position is for the cam on each model, and how to set it; Exactly where to place the speed nocks if you change to a string that doesn’t have them; precise details on how to care for the strings/cables including what kind of wax they recommend and a warning on how to not cross the cables; Exactly what to do if you have a warranty problem and how they take care of it, as well as approximate turnaround times; A discussion of using the correct arrow spine; the range your nocking point position should be in if everything is set up correctly; etc, etc. Bravo Bowtech!


Matt,

You asked a very hard and really unanswerable question. As far as noise and recoil goes the Q2 is the hands down winner. As far as quality construction the Bowtech takes the edge (especially considering the “fiasco” I had w/ the HavocTec’s Idler, and of course the missing spacers that seem to be commonplace on Hoyt bows in recent years, otherwise the BT and Hoyt are even). The HavocTec is a bit more forgiving of torque, but unless you like high letoff you sacrifice the valley of the cam, which makes it more sensitive in other ways. No bow is perfect. The HavocTec is up for sale, and I suspect the Q2 is not far behind it, if that tells you anything. All three are good pieces of equipment, it all boils down to personal likes and dislikes. I like Bowtech as a company, I like the “lead, not follow” attitude, and honestly I’m kind of tired of the same ol’ same ol’ from the big boys. Bowtech’s designs are different, exciting, and live up to the hype. If my local Bowtech dealer took trades and/or consignments, most of my reports would be on Bowtech models, as there are several that I desire including the Patriot, 2002 BKII, G-3.2 and the Pro 38/40.

JeffB

Deleted User

[Deleted by Admins]

Rangeball

Thanks for doing this bow, Jeff. I own a Diamond Hornet, which I have repeatably heard is a clone of the BT Mighty Mite (due to some kind of agreement between Diamond and BT. Can anyone verify this?) My experience with the Hornet mirrors your report. I love this little bow... Accurate, quiet, and SssMokinnnn'...

BowTech_Shooter

WOW! What a report. It would take me three days to type that much and I couldn't have gave a better report myself. My name was brought up a couple times and I'm going to add my two cents. The limbs are Gordon Glass limbs (compression molded). Don't know the excact composition but they have one of the most solid limb compositions on the market that I've seen (no laminates to separate). I'm also going to add that the Idler wheel uses an American Made sealed roller bearing and the cam uses oil impregnated 660 bronze bushings. Matt/ PA is correct the Ebony grip is rubber although I have't seen a fininshed grip I got to see a few of the first samples. Nice addition for hunting. This company is certainly a great one to be associated with. They have alot of great people invloved with them and I've had the chance to meet them all. Very strong minded and very good decision making abilities. If you haven't read the article in Inside Archery I recommend you do so. TTYL,Pat

Rangeball added his thread while I was typing so I'll add to this one. Diamond pays BowTech licsensing fees for the use of their cam technology as does Wheeler and Parker. Diamond does design there own bows and I'm told they do look alot alike but BowTech doesn't design the bow just the cam. Hope this clears things up for ya.

Edited by - BowTech_Shooter on 01/22/2002 12:12:51

Randy Martin

Hey Jeff, great report, but I have one question?? I have had my 2001 MM since April 2001, because you and Matt/PA talked me into it. You guys both sold yours, and I wouldn't sell mine for the world. Now youv'e tried the rest and you came back to the best,<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> , so my question is....why did you leave in the first place???
Just for a little comparison, my MM with the Infinity cam, 29&quot;draw(not measured), 69-lbs draw weight, and a 350 grain PSE Dominator 300 arrow, with a string loop, and a Shurz-a-peep, I shoot 310fps. And I group 5 arrows around 1.5 inches at 20 yards. This is better than I ever shot before.
The only problem I see with the bow, is the serving wants to separate on the buss cable, where it hits the exposed axle on the cam, And also, where it rubs the back sides on the posts.
I don't think I would ever sell mine. Regardless of what comes out on the market, Bowtech will always be my first choice.
Randy

Matt / PA

Randy.......You want the truth......YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Seriously......the reason is simple right now. $$$
I really want to COMPETE in 3D this season.....get a little more serious than &quot;Fun&quot; shoots, and as much as I like the Mighty Mite......a &quot;Serious&quot; 3D bow it's not. A HUNTING bow IT IS!!
I wanted the stability and shootability of a longer ATA bow, and the ability to shoot high speeds at low draw weight......Which brought me to the Pro38 Dual Cam.
A WONDEFUL piece of equipment!......and to be honest, if I want to ,this bow will do it all........From 3D to Spots, to hunting I really don't need another bow.
Heck this thing will drive an arrow thru a garbage truck with the right broadhead!!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
......BUT, the Mighty Mite is a perfect treestand hunting bow, and I WILL have another one before the year is over.

A new house, furniture, bills, Christmas, more bills, wife in Grad School, etc. etc......tends to make some things &quot;Expendable&quot;, and to make room for my new toy......the &quot;Old&quot; toy had to go.
I have NEVER owned a finer bow than this Pro38.....but I still have regrets over selling this one. <img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>I feel like I took a kitten to the SPCA. I may have to call the guy and see how it's doing and if it wants to come home.
The Pro38 may be my &quot;Go To&quot; bow for a long time to come.....but my house will always have room for another Mighty Mite.

My wife has asked me a few times already......&quot;You miss your other bow don't you?&quot;
I guess she's learning!!

Big John

Matt- You got her where ya want her now, keep up the droopy eyed , tearfull look and she'll be telling you to get a MM. I just knew you'd catch on to this married game real quick. My wife don't know a Mighty mite from a old 4 wheel drive Bear so I don't have any problems sneakin another bow into the house. Cut out them expensive perogie dinners, and you'll have the money saved in no time.

akbowhunter

i have one question jeff, did BT fix the slight play in the grip? my 2001 bk2 has about 1/16 inch wiggle i guess you would call it.

bowtechshooter a question for you, is there any way to get an owner manual? seems mine missed the box during packaging.
thanks in advance
Ron