New Bow Decision (AKA Stupid Patriot)

PA Hardwoods · 02-25-2004, 05:00 AM

Well last night I went to my local shop to shoot my current bow and while there I decided to shoot the Bowtech Patriot with the infinity single cam. Well I officially made my decision harder. A nice shooting bow, a little bit more hand shock than the Liberty but I still think it is less than the Hoyt Xtec I have already shot. But I attribute the extra handshock on the patriot to the extra speed. The birth Certificate said 311fps at 29" with a 350 grn arrow maxed out at 71.1lbs. Now that is flying. The Liberty I shot was only 293 fps with the same specs.But the draw almost felt as easy as the Liberty with the freedom cam. Both have very solid back walls. I don't know what to do now. It might just come down to price, The Liberty is $659 while the Patriot is $639, Both have very similar specs with the Liberty having 7 1/2" brace while the Patriot has a 7" brace with both having around a 33" ATA. I don't know what to do now. I know I would be happy with either. I guess it is going to come down to einy miny miney mo. What do you guys think? Which in your mind is the better bow?[:@]

mrfritz44 · 02-25-2004, 05:22 AM

Same spot I was in about a month ago. That's a good price on the Patriot BTW. I went with the Patriot since it was obviously faster and did draw very much like the Liberty. The ATA is very close, but when you consider the size of the cams and wheels, the Liberty wasn't as compact. Another reason I chose the Patriot was that I shoot 3-D and hunt. It had features that play well into both of these activities in terms of speed, forgiveness, and nice draw.

Just my 2 cents...........Fritz

PS: Looked at the XTec as well but the Hoyt draw cycle in general seems mushier to me than that of the Bowtechs.

PA Hardwoods · 02-25-2004, 06:27 AM

I wasn't really looking a the Xtec's it just so happened my buddy Muzzyman was trying it out while I was trying out the Liberty and we decided to switch just to compare. and I found the same as you Mrfritz, Draw cycle not as smooth, more vibration, and a softer backwall. By the way what rest are you shooting out of Your Patriot? I'm shooting a Trophy Taker right now, but was concerned by the comments made by Rack Attack about his Trophy Taker and 2003 Patriot fletching contact problems. Anyone have trouble with the TT Shakey Hunter and the 2004 Patriot?

mrfritz44 · 02-25-2004, 06:52 AM

I'm using a Drop Zone and aside from a rest noise issue that turned out not to be an issue at all, I like it alot. The rest made a noise when you manually pulled the rest cord and released it, but this noise is inaudible during a shot and consistent with anyone who owns one and tried it. Fletching clearance with this rest has been a non-issue.

The one bit of advice I have if you do get the Patriot, and possibly the Liberty (although it does have a different cam so I can't be sure) is that you should loosen the two Allen head module screws and threadlock them thoroughly. I had a scary incident at a shoot this past weekend when I found them loose to the point of almost letting go. Wouldn't have been pretty I'm sure.

Good luck,

Fritz

PA Hardwoods · 02-25-2004, 07:02 AM

thanks for the info Mrfritz I really appreciate it. I just don't know which one to buy. I am not a speed freak but that birth certificate number of 311fps is definitly appealing. I will also be using this bow for hunting and 3D, but a longer ATA bow doesn't bother me. i currently shoot a 38" ATA bow. So most likely it will probably come down to price or a simple flip of the coin.

mrfritz44 · 02-25-2004, 07:09 AM

Here's some more info:

388G hunting arrow with string and cable silencers, string loop, Peep Site, and tied in knock point - (that I also use to shoot 3-D with) = 292fps

Makes hitting those rings easier after I misjudge my distance.

PA Hardwoods · 02-25-2004, 07:24 AM

Thats interesting, I currently shoot a 417grn arrow with a 29 1/2" draw with all of the things you mentioned on the bow so I could expect to be somewhere in the 270-280 range right? I currently am pulling 67lbs and plan on doing the same with my new bow, unless 70lbs seems extremely easy to pull. Your little piece of info might have made my decision a little easier. I always know I can find some help from the guys and girls on this message board. Thanks

PABowhntr · 02-25-2004, 07:55 AM

PA Hardwoods,

With a 30 inch draw, 71 lb draw weight, string loop and tubeless peep sight my Liberty is shooting approximately 269-270 fps with a 418 grain arrow. With a half inch shorter draw I would expect around 265 fps with the Liberty.

mrfritz44 · 02-25-2004, 07:56 AM

Frank is the guy to ask about speed estimations. He seems to have it down to a science. I'm shooting 73#, but at a 28 3/4" D/L for what it's worth.

PA Hardwoods · 02-25-2004, 08:06 AM

I was just guessing on speed, I would expect it to be slower with the Liberty. I am currently shooting 260fps with my High Country Split One X1 with the Hatchet Cam, So I wouldn't expect the Liberty to be shooting anything less, and of course I would expect the Patriot to be faster than that, My guess above on the FPS was for the Patriot.