Is it worth the upgrade? Help a brother out.

[Brandon_SPC]

Lately, I've been considering changing my setup, but I'm unsure if it's financially worthwhile (this will be post season). I currently shoot a Bowtech Reckoning 35 and absolutely love its deflex riser, especially when my form isn’t perfect. It doesn’t amplify imperfections the way a bow with a reflex riser might. I also appreciate the DeadLock tuning system, though I’m not a fan of the subpar hardware Bowtech uses.
That said, I’ve been eyeing the PSE Mach 35 for a long time. I like that it’s nearly a pound lighter than my Bowtech. The shim system is appealing, even though it’s not as convenient as DeadLock. I have a bow press, so it’s not a big deal. Another reason I’m considering the PSE carbon bow is that I want to start hunting with a quiver attached. It would be nice to shed some of the extra weight that comes with the Bowtech Reckoning’s aluminum riser.

Anyway, I know this is a bit long-winded, but has anyone switched from a bow like the Reckoning with a deflex riser to something like the Mach 33 or 35? Or anyone reading this, what has been your thoughts with these two bows?

My current setup is as follows:
-Bowtech Reckoning
-DW 72lbs
-DL 30.5
-Arrow weight: 430 grains Easton 5.0s. Cut to 28", 55 grain Easton match grade outsert, Deepower lighted nock, four fletch 2.5" feathers, 5" wrap. FOC about 15%. I'll eventually swap the feathers and wrap out for three tac vanes. I love feathers but I'm hard on arrows.
-Speed: 290 fps on comfort
-Sight: Axcel Driver
-Peep: Hamskea Raptor Peep
-Rest: Hamskea Epsilon
-Stabilizers: 10" front bar with a 10 degree offset 2 ounce in the front. Back bar 6" with 5 ounces.

 

[jjordan355]

I personally have shot PSE for several years now. I have an EVO NTN (33”) and I love it. The only reason I would switch from it is a bow that’s either more comfortable to shoot, lighter, or easier to tune. However I do hunt with a front/back bar setup so I just deal with the weight. My NTN without a back bar is nearly impossible to shoot good with a quiver attached. I shot the Mach 33 and 35 a few months ago because I was trying to talking myself into buying one. They are very comfortable to shoot. What I like the most about PSE bows is that they are very efficient and comfortable to shoot (draw cycle wise). I have a 31” draw length so the Mach 33 is on the edge of fitting me. I think I shot the 35 at 31.5” and it was a little more comfortable on my anchor. Your speed will honestly be close to what you have now so I wouldn’t worry about that. The new tuning on the PSEs is easier but still requires a press to take pressure off of the shims.

 

[billysmals]

I don't shoot either of those bows currently. I shot a bowtech for a bit and an early gen PSE carbon air. Not sure if you were aware, but I looked at a PSE Mach 35 for a bit. I think they have the same riser length as a Mach 33. Also there is at least 2in of reflex in that riser, which I wouldn't characterize as a lot, but it's also not small. This is not reasons to avoid it, but I thought I would point it out. I wasn't interested in the Mach 35/33 for the relatively shorter riser compared to its ATA and the price. 2K was a lot for me. If I were to buy one it would be a used one for sure, but this all just me. Carbon wise, I think PSE makes the best carbon bows for sure. I know the Evolve cam series were great. Personally I moved away from PSE after I sold my carbon air. The price was a lot for carbon bows and I could find aluminum bows at a similar weight for less. Currently I'm really looking hard at Xpedition bows in magnesium, they have two coming out for sure 30 in ATA and 33 in ATA at sub 4lbs.

 

[bowhuntercoop]

Not a chance, those reckonings pound and are super under rated as a hunting and target bow.

Keep rocking and killing with it, it’s one of the more forgiving bows out there.

 

[BigSky]

Objectively speaking, it's not worth it. Subjectively speaking, though it may make me a hypocrite, I do exactly what you are suggesting multiple times a year. On a more serious note, like all hobbies, if it doesn't financially set you or your family back in any way, then go for it. To me doing what you've suggested is half the fun. Don't switch, augment.

 

[180ls1]

Not a chance, those reckonings pound and are super under rated as a hunting and target bow.

Keep rocking and killing with it, it’s one of the more forgiving bows out there.

This. Not a chance in hell.


I did the same thing you're considering. Went from a long heavy forgiving target bow to a light fast hunting bow and it was terrible. I am back with a big pig and would never go back.