I shot the BowTech "Patriot" :-)
02-03-2002, 10:59 PM
#1
Giant Nontypical
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Dover, PA USA
Posts: 5,497
I shot the BowTech "Patriot" :-)
This weekend at the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Kevin Duffy of BowTech set one up for a friend and myself to shoot(didn't take any prodding
Nice guy by the way.
WHat I got my hands on was a 29"/60# model shooting "I have no idea what weight" carbon arrows.......
This isn't going to be a "Bow Report" exactly but more like initial impressions......
First of all when they say "VFT" or Vertical Force Technology.....they mean it!!!
The limb pockets are cut at a 44 deg. angle which puts the limbs at a serious sweep backward.
Their resting position is where many bows limbs sit at full draw......it's VERY dramatic and needs to be seen in person to appreciate it. Pictures don't do it justice.
When the bow is drawn there is VERY little limb tip movement......and I mean VERY VERY little. They just sort of dip to almost perfectly parallel to the ground,......total limb tip travel I'd bet is about 1".
This vertical firing of the limbs and very short travel is what cancels out the recoil and shock......people are saying that this is a Mathews design copy? I aint never seen a Mathews looking like this thing!
The bow is super stable in the hand, and actually feels like a longer bow than it is.....the long riser sort of tricks the mind with how it feels.
The specs also say that it weighs 4.25lbs?? Well my "Pro38" is supposed to be the same weight, but the "Patriot" just feels lighter(much lighter).....so either it balances better, or my bow is just fat.
The new 2002 "Pro" risers by the way are SWEET!!....I thought the 2001 were machined nice, well these make my 2001 "Pro38"'s look like yesterday's news!! They are a bit slimmer at profile and every cut-out has a beveled edge.....not just a straight 90 degree cut. NICE TOUCH! (and of course the stainless stablizer bushings front and back.)
I'm not entirely sure, but I think the finish is even BETTER for the 2002's......might just be me, but it looked different and better. (maybe I'm just in love)
ANyway.....on to the shooting......there was no chrono, or grain scales blah blah blah.....you just have to be at this show to understand.
There isn't room for all that crap......lucky we could find a corner of the 3D range to fling a few.
I was shooting at 1" below my draw length at 29" and less weight than I'm used to at 60#.....so of course it's gonna feel smooth to me.
BUT SMOOTH ISN'T THE WORD FOR THIS BOW!! I've shot a Mathews Q2 at these same specs.....the Mathews was smooth......This Patriot was like the cream on top of smooth.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
There was nothing on the string and no Limbsavers.......the only thing I could hear was the spring on the crappy imprompto rest he had to throw on it, and string twang.
When you are hearing string twang.....and I mean the pitch of it and not feeling it, the bow is QUIET.
There is honestly......no vibration and recoil, none, notta , zip.
Now like I said this isn't exactly the specs I am used to, but I'm no dummy either. The bow is sweet.
Can't evaluate accuracy any farther than the fact that there were no sights on the bow......(he just pulled it right off the rack).....but 3 shafts in a 1" group at 18yards under pressure INSTINCTIVE ....I'll take it.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>(forgot I could still do that)
Anyway........Try the bow, be the bow, love the bow,Buy the bow.
It's not hype, it's for real.....I had my hands on one and it's everything they say it is.
I don't have a clue how fast the bow I shot was going, but it was spitting them pretty briskly......if a 30" 70# model at about 318fps is even CLOSE to the recoil, vibration and noise level of the 29"/60# you aren't prepared for a combination of speed and smoothness like this.
I've never shot another bow like it.
Oh.......and that "Tomcat" package bow is another story(come with Tru-Glo sight,BowTech stabilizer and quiver, a GKF rest and some more stuff.....maybe arrows, silencers etc. etc. for I think(reads if I could remember<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>) mid $300's......A beginning archers dream!! I think about 32" ATA / 9.5" brace height,same finish on the riser but it's super slim and very light......and will do like high 290's.
A cool cool little bow. Looks like a cross between a Mighty Mite and a Stalker....but slimmer and lighter.
Edited by - PABowhntr on 02/07/2002 13:49:08
Edited by - Matt / PA on 02/07/2002 22:09:06
Nice guy by the way.WHat I got my hands on was a 29"/60# model shooting "I have no idea what weight" carbon arrows.......
This isn't going to be a "Bow Report" exactly but more like initial impressions......
First of all when they say "VFT" or Vertical Force Technology.....they mean it!!!
The limb pockets are cut at a 44 deg. angle which puts the limbs at a serious sweep backward.
Their resting position is where many bows limbs sit at full draw......it's VERY dramatic and needs to be seen in person to appreciate it. Pictures don't do it justice.
When the bow is drawn there is VERY little limb tip movement......and I mean VERY VERY little. They just sort of dip to almost perfectly parallel to the ground,......total limb tip travel I'd bet is about 1".
This vertical firing of the limbs and very short travel is what cancels out the recoil and shock......people are saying that this is a Mathews design copy? I aint never seen a Mathews looking like this thing!
The bow is super stable in the hand, and actually feels like a longer bow than it is.....the long riser sort of tricks the mind with how it feels.
The specs also say that it weighs 4.25lbs?? Well my "Pro38" is supposed to be the same weight, but the "Patriot" just feels lighter(much lighter).....so either it balances better, or my bow is just fat
.The new 2002 "Pro" risers by the way are SWEET!!....I thought the 2001 were machined nice, well these make my 2001 "Pro38"'s look like yesterday's news!! They are a bit slimmer at profile and every cut-out has a beveled edge.....not just a straight 90 degree cut. NICE TOUCH! (and of course the stainless stablizer bushings front and back.)
I'm not entirely sure, but I think the finish is even BETTER for the 2002's......might just be me, but it looked different and better. (maybe I'm just in love
)ANyway.....on to the shooting......there was no chrono, or grain scales blah blah blah.....you just have to be at this show to understand.
There isn't room for all that crap......lucky we could find a corner of the 3D range to fling a few.
I was shooting at 1" below my draw length at 29" and less weight than I'm used to at 60#.....so of course it's gonna feel smooth to me.
BUT SMOOTH ISN'T THE WORD FOR THIS BOW!! I've shot a Mathews Q2 at these same specs.....the Mathews was smooth......This Patriot was like the cream on top of smooth.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
There was nothing on the string and no Limbsavers.......the only thing I could hear was the spring on the crappy imprompto rest he had to throw on it, and string twang.
When you are hearing string twang.....and I mean the pitch of it and not feeling it, the bow is QUIET.
There is honestly......no vibration and recoil, none, notta , zip.
Now like I said this isn't exactly the specs I am used to, but I'm no dummy either. The bow is sweet.
Can't evaluate accuracy any farther than the fact that there were no sights on the bow......(he just pulled it right off the rack).....but 3 shafts in a 1" group at 18yards under pressure INSTINCTIVE ....I'll take it.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>(forgot I could still do that)
Anyway........Try the bow, be the bow, love the bow,Buy the bow.
It's not hype, it's for real.....I had my hands on one and it's everything they say it is.
I don't have a clue how fast the bow I shot was going, but it was spitting them pretty briskly......if a 30" 70# model at about 318fps is even CLOSE to the recoil, vibration and noise level of the 29"/60# you aren't prepared for a combination of speed and smoothness like this.
I've never shot another bow like it.
Oh.......and that "Tomcat" package bow is another story(come with Tru-Glo sight,BowTech stabilizer and quiver, a GKF rest and some more stuff.....maybe arrows, silencers etc. etc. for I think(reads if I could remember<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>) mid $300's......A beginning archers dream!! I think about 32" ATA / 9.5" brace height,same finish on the riser but it's super slim and very light......and will do like high 290's.
A cool cool little bow. Looks like a cross between a Mighty Mite and a Stalker....but slimmer and lighter.
Edited by - PABowhntr on 02/07/2002 13:49:08
Edited by - Matt / PA on 02/07/2002 22:09:06
02-03-2002, 11:16 PM
#2
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Burleson TX USA
Posts: 6,455
RE: I shot the BowTech "Patriot" :-)
Thanks for the info Matt I am in the market for a new bow and have tried the havoctec and cybertec now I cant wait till I can get into Ft Worth to try the Patriot thats my other choice and if it is as 1/2 as good as you say then I guess I will be getting it
thanks Buddy
thanks Buddy
02-04-2002, 12:04 AM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Posts: 1,665
RE: I shot the BowTech "Patriot" :-)
Thanks for the report Matt! Sounds like one heck of a bow, I can't wait to give it a go.
I like what you said about the feeling of a longer bow in a shorter bow package. I liked the Q2XL more than the Q2 mainly due to the length, but I did notice the riser was fairly long on that bow for being under 34" ata.
I hope to give it a test run in the near future. No telling when they get their shipment up here. Guess I'll need to be patient.
I like what you said about the feeling of a longer bow in a shorter bow package. I liked the Q2XL more than the Q2 mainly due to the length, but I did notice the riser was fairly long on that bow for being under 34" ata.
I hope to give it a test run in the near future. No telling when they get their shipment up here. Guess I'll need to be patient.
02-04-2002, 04:18 AM
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Vinton VA
Posts: 2,978
RE: I shot the BowTech "Patriot" :-)
Matt, I may have to lock this topic before I go and do somthing stupid!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> thanks for the input.
TAKE YOUR KIDS HUNTING AND YOU WON'T BE HUNTING FOR YOUR KIDS
TAKE YOUR KIDS HUNTING AND YOU WON'T BE HUNTING FOR YOUR KIDS
02-04-2002, 05:30 AM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location:
Posts: 2,413
RE: I shot the BowTech "Patriot" :-)
Bow sounds great, but the report has left me puzzled. <img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle> If the limbs only deflect about an inch, where does the power come from? Is the riser bending? Are the limbs super thick? Something must be different from traditional bows.
02-04-2002, 05:36 AM
#6
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Lehigh County PA USA
Posts: 12,157
RE: I shot the BowTech "Patriot" :-)
Ok Matt, my offer still stands...get Bowtech to make it in a 31 inch draw length and I will buy it....<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
02-04-2002, 05:37 AM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: NW Ohio USA
Posts: 1,532
RE: I shot the BowTech "Patriot" :-)
I just thought I'd add a little something to this thread before it's too late. The TomKat and the BlackHawk both sell for more than $300.00 MSRP on the bows are TomKat-$449.00 and BlackHawk-$549.00 but final retail is up you the dealer.
Good job on the Patriot semi/report I've got a 60 lb. Patriot I've been letting people try out and the results are all the same. Very smooth and shock free and holds great. All positive comments from everyone so far. Your right about the 44 degree limb angles. Pretty wild huh? I don't think anyone else has that much angle on their models but, I'm not possitive.
Straightarrow, It's in the limb preload and cam design. It's wild to see it shoot because as Matt states the lims only move an inch or so but shoots 312-320 IBO speeds.
PABowhunter, I can make it 31" for ya with a string loop<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Edited by - BowTech_Shooter on 02/04/2002 06:43:15
Good job on the Patriot semi/report
I've got a 60 lb. Patriot I've been letting people try out and the results are all the same. Very smooth and shock free and holds great. All positive comments from everyone so far. Your right about the 44 degree limb angles. Pretty wild huh? I don't think anyone else has that much angle on their models but, I'm not possitive.Straightarrow, It's in the limb preload and cam design. It's wild to see it shoot because as Matt states the lims only move an inch or so but shoots 312-320 IBO speeds.
PABowhunter, I can make it 31" for ya with a string loop<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Edited by - BowTech_Shooter on 02/04/2002 06:43:15
02-04-2002, 07:52 AM
#8
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Fargo ND USA
Posts: 124
RE: I shot the BowTech "Patriot" :-)
PABowhntr,
Or you can do what I'm gonna do, and take the grip off, and shoot it with a loop. That should put me very close to 31". If it's still too short for me to shoot comfortably, then it'll go back to the dealer in exchange for the 2002 BK2.
I've had mine on order since 12/15 and I'm really getting antsy for it to show up.
Or you can do what I'm gonna do, and take the grip off, and shoot it with a loop. That should put me very close to 31". If it's still too short for me to shoot comfortably, then it'll go back to the dealer in exchange for the 2002 BK2.
I've had mine on order since 12/15 and I'm really getting antsy for it to show up.
02-04-2002, 12:53 PM
#9
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Lehigh County PA USA
Posts: 12,157
RE: I shot the BowTech "Patriot" :-)
Thank you for the suggestions gents.....but since God gave me a 31 inch draw length I want to make full use of it....
...give me that ultra long powerstroke and that "extra" 10 fps....<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>....I guess I will have to wait till next year...if I am lucky....<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
...give me that ultra long powerstroke and that "extra" 10 fps....<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>....I guess I will have to wait till next year...if I am lucky....<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
02-04-2002, 01:13 PM
#10
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: NW Ohio USA
Posts: 1,532
RE: I shot the BowTech "Patriot" :-)
It's too bad your set on using your 31" draw length advantage. I was going to also suggest that instead of BowTech or any other manufacturer change their designs for you, you could go have you draw length changed surgically...LOL<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>