Well it got here a bit early. I haven't had a chance to do much shooting at all; just enough to get some chrony #'s and initial impressions. Given my schedule, it may be a while before I can really set it up and shoot at any kind of distance, but I guess a little info is better than no info.
I feel the draw is a little stiff, and given that, I would have expected better performance than it delivered. I guess Bowtech has spoiled me with smoothness and speed for so long that I had my expectation set too high. Recoil was minimal, the bow held very steady and was extremely comfortable to shoot. The draw length was an accurate 30" (+/- .25" for measuring errors). The wall is a little spongy....once again not bad but just different than what I'm used to given the draw stop on Bowtech's Freedom cams.
Noise was not excesive either, but there was a little vibration that seemed to originate from the lower section of the riser that is bolted to the upper. It sorta had a tuning fork effect which Alpine attempted to eliminate with a rubber insert between the two pylons.
I don't think durability will be an issue, however, given the unorthodox design. This bow feels solid, but realisticall, that is something that only time and cycles will reveal. The grip is going to take some getting used to, but it is not uncomfortable by any means. Overall fit and finish was good, but I haven't and will not break it down to check tolerance like some do. Even though that would be valuable information, it's just too much work for me. A cursory examination seems to indicate that it is well put together; as good as my Hoyt and Bowtechs.
Chrony #'s at 70 lbs/30"-80% letoff: d loop and 2 alpine string silencers
350 gr = 300 fps exactly
360 gr = 295 fps
380 gr = 286 fps
453 gr = 271 fps
I know this may sound a little like something you read in a magazine, i.e. bland and nothing negative, but you have to understand I'm a fan of ALL bows. I very rarley run across a bow I don't like regardless of manufacturer, and this is no exception. I like it a lot. I think this bow will open a lot of eyes and should sell well if people take the time to give it an honest appraisal. The looks of the bow are what first caught my eye and it looks even better in my hands.
This bow will not replace my Bowtechs, (especially now that the Eliminator cam is here), but I am extremy glad I bought it and I think anyone else would be very satisfied to own one as well.
Alpine Denali & Yukon ?
