I’m often asked about what goes into a bow review and how I do them. This got me thinking that it might be fun to chronicle a bow review from start to finish. If you have ever wondered or would like to give input on how a review is done, now is your chance!
The Victim (err..object of review): 2012 G5 Prime Centroid LR Bow
Initial Measurements Out of the Box
The first thing I want to do when I get a new bow to take a look at is immediately shoot it! However, I show a little self control and take some basic measurements first. These measurements are literally out of the box. I pull the bow out and immediately measure the most basic specs before touching anything. This gives a baseline of what to expect straight from the company and will also allow me to make comparisons further down the road after setting up and using the bow.
For this 2012 Prime Centroid LR, here are the initial measurements:
ATA: 34 1/4″
Brace: 7″
Peak Draw Weight: 72.9 lbs.
Weight: 4 lbs 7.8 oz.
The ATA and the brace height are dead on with the specs give by the company. As is typical, the bottomed out maximum draw weight is a few pounds over spec. The weight is 7.8 oz. heavier than spec, I suspect this is due to the fact that they may spec the raw weight without including the unnecessary add-ons like the BowJax and string stop. I’ll jot that question down as something to ask the manufacturer. I always keep all my notes in a hardbound log book so that it’s permanent and easy to find for future reference.
First Impressions and Photographs
While the first step was subjective and done with pure measurements, the next step is to take an objective look at the equipment and allow my opinion to begin to form. I look at the finish of the film dipping/anodizing/powder coating/etc as well as the quality of the machining done. Then I check for how well any screws or bolts seat, how do the limb pockets interface and fit with the riser and limbs, how do the strings and servings look and what condition are they in and anything else I might observe. Next is to look at the design elements and how they work together. What makes this bow different? What technologies did they use?
In the case of this Centroid LR, the fit and finish are excellent. The bow is film dipped and I can’t find a defect or oddity with the pattern at all. There is a tiny bit of the clear coat that is rough on two spots on a limb edge, but unless you are really looking for these things it would never be noticed. There are no visible machine marks except on the interior of the steel limb bushings. The strings and serving looks immaculate, not a trace of serving separation or anything. Overall the craftsmanship appears excellent.
What sets this particular bow apart from the pack is definitely the Parallel Cam Technology. The string ends before the cams and a split harness continues into the dual tracks on the cams. Draw length modules are internal to the dual sides of the cam. Also featured are the Ti-Glide cable guard, BowJax on the limbs, axles with only one e-clip (solid hub built into other side) and the Optifade camouflage. All of these things are noted and recorded.
Unfortunately it is now Christmas Eve and any further work and updates will have to wait until after our Christmas vacation! See you next year….
Other posts you may enjoy:
- 2011 G5 Prime Bows – Centroid and Shift
- Review: Carbon Express Mayhem Shafts and Arrows
- Review: Carbon Express PileDriver Shafts and Arrows
- Review: Extreme Bow Strings
- How to: Estimate Bow Speed
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