Bowtech Patriot DC: Early Impressions...

PABowhntr · 01-15-2003, 08:40 AM

I did not have a chance to shoot it but I did draw it back a few times to get a feel for it and I did give it the once over looking at the various components and the paint scheme.

The good news.....

1. I love the camo. It not only looks realistic but appears to be very well applied to the bow itself.

2. The bow feels "solid" when you hold it. Something that I have to have in any of the bows that I own.

3. It seemed very well put together...from the limb pocket spacing all the way down to the eccentrics and axles.

4. The grip. What can I say? This grip is worlds ahead of the Pro 38 that I had last year....and feels as good as the Razortec's and the Rackmaster's...both of which I consider to be the best feeling that I have ever shot.

Now, the bad news.....

1. The particular Patriot DC that I received is a 29 inch draw length model. I hope to get my hands on some of the 30 inch mods once they are done or possibly one of the "long-30 inch mods" in order to have fit me as properly as possible. It has been my experience that there is a big difference in feel between a 29 inch and a 31 inch draw length bow. The noise levels generally go up...the vibration levels generally go up, etc..... all because of the longer power stroke and increased amount of energy released during the shot. I just don't think it is fair to do it otherwise considering all of my previous bows have been tested at or within an inch of a 31 inch draw. I do plan on including my observations on the different feel of the bow with the two different draw length modules installed.

2. Geesshh Louisshhh!...this is a bear to draw back! I feel like I am pulling an eighty pounder. I sort of expected it actually...and the bow was set at a 71.1 pound draw weight so it isn't a total shock. I am going to dink around with some different draw weight settings to see what is the most comfortable. I don't think I would have a problem shooting it for 3D regularly enough...but out in the deer woods...

I did have the opportunity though to draw it back to back with a 29 inch draw length, 70 pound draw weight Hoyt Supertec and I will honestly say that the Supertec's Spiral Cam has somewhat of a smoother draw force curve. Now, obviously, we are talking about an extreme end of the spectrum here but I still thought there was a noticeable difference.

That is all for now. I will be shooting the bow later today...both to get an overall feel for the bow...recoil/noise/vibration, etc... as well as to chronograph it a few times to see how the speed registers.

bubbamoose · 01-15-2003, 09:20 AM

Thanks for the review, let us know what else you find out.

silentassassin · 01-15-2003, 09:28 AM

I will go shoot the Patriot DC just to see how I like it. However, I haven't heard anything about it that makes me want to give up my 02 Patriot for hunting. My 02 Patriot at 71 lbs feels like pulling 65 to me. The exra speed would be nice. I might even be able to drop down to 60 lbs (my shoulder is past the 85lb plus days) but my 02 has an awesome valley and draws so silky smooth that I just can't see shooting anything else for hunting. The only thing I don't like about the 02 is the grip. I found that by wearing a thin jersey type cotton glove that I can completely illiminate any torqueing issues with that grip. The one thing that scares me about the 03 DC is that I am afraid it would try to pull your arm off it you creep at all with it. Probably to mine own detriment, I have never shot off of the back wall. For my own purposes Bowtech made the perfect hunting bow in 02.

Protect your hunting rights, "Spay or neuter a liberal."

pdq 5oh · 01-15-2003, 10:06 AM

Let us know what you find Frank. I'm trying so hard to be patient as I wait for mine to arrive.

Phil.
"Could you guys be quiet, my dad's trying to shoot."<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>

Double Lung Em · 01-15-2003, 10:17 AM

Frank-

I know this is going to be an apples to oranges, well, more like an apples to watermelons comparison, but I'm curious about the draw compared to the Razortec or maybe a BK2 for something a little more comparative.

One request, if you have a 475gr arrow laying around I'd be curious what speed you get from your set-up as I plan on using a 475gr 2413 XX75 at the same specs (29" & 70lbs) as your bow for maximum KE.

Grndzer · 01-15-2003, 10:33 AM

Edited by - grndzer on 01/15/2003 11:39:38

PABowhntr · 01-15-2003, 10:59 AM

I wouldn't necessarily call my original post a "review"...more just a first impression. I won't post anything "big" until I have had further time to "play with" the bow as well as get the longer draw length mods.

SA,

Surprisingly, the bow isn't a shoulder-jerker despite the stiff force draw curve. The valley is relatively well pronounced and long enough to allow you to feel comfortable in relaxing some of those upper body muscles.

DLE,

There really isn't a comparison between the two bows in that regard and rightfully so. The Patriot DC is advertised as generating more than 20...almost 30 fps more arrow speed via IBO specs in comparison to the Razortec. In order to achieve this it needs to have a very stiff draw cycle as it is maintaining its peak draw weight over a greater distance of the draw forcue curve. The Razortec's Standard Cam and a Half feels like drawing a round wheel bow in comparison to the hard cam of the Patriot....at least, that is how I currently view it. Once I have the Patriot set up to my specs I will do more extensive shooting with it...then I can make a more informed opinion of it.

I will be sure to post more as things develop. I am sure that Jeff and I will be exchanging "notes" every day from here on out....

walks with a gimp · 01-15-2003, 11:11 AM

PA, I'd bet with the 30 inch mods and a 1/4 inch longer string and a 1/2 inch loop you'd be close to 31 inches draw. You'll probably pick up 3 or 4 pounds of draw weight also. The Duallys can be tweeked more than the singles<img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>. You'll get the draw where you want it. Have fun!

PABowhntr · 01-16-2003, 05:42 AM

Thanks WWAG...but maybe I will get lucky and get a loooongggg 30 inch set...

Just an update for some folks.....

This bow is really quite incredible. There was no recoil to speak of...or a very, very, very minor amount. Zero vibration in the bow and that sucker was driving tacks...TACKS I tell you!! Even the noise level didn't seem to be in any way excessive on my bow. I wouldn't have a problem shooting it setup just as it came from factory. I found it that acceptable.

The bad news.....I didn't get to chrono it yet as it was dark when I finally got it "up and running".

Now, here is something that is going to shock you folks. I shot it side by side...back to back...in conjunction with...my Razortec. The only difference in terms of draw weight, draw length, arrow weight is the fact that the Razortec was set at my 31 inch draw length while the Pat was still set at 29 inches.....and....

...the Patriot matched everything that the Razortec had except...there was more noticeable recoil on the Razortec! Can you believe that? I couldn't. So, I kept shooting them ....over and over again. Same thing. Now, we are talking about an extreme end of the spectrum here. Both bows are at a low level in just about category including recoil but I was able to notice a difference between the two. Now, as I stated before, recoil, noise, vibration levels all rise when draw length is lengthened so the real test will be when I get the longer draw length mods.

...more to follow...<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

Jerry/NJ · 01-16-2003, 07:02 AM

Frank,

Can I get to shoot it before you change the draw length? huh? huh? huh? <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>