Bowtech Powershift Technology

bullsbucksandbears · #1 10-15-2015, 10:04 AM

So I am starting to eye up a new bow and saw an ad for the Bowtech Prodigy, which led me to the Bowtech site. I am really interested in this technology so I thought I would see if there are guys out there shooting a Bowtech that can comment on the Powershift technology. How easy is it to adjust? Is the adjustment significantly noticeable? Overall thoughts on it.

Also, who is carrying Bowtechs? I might make a trip to go check it out.

Thanks fellas, straight shooting.

albertabighorn · #2 10-15-2015, 10:34 AM

The reason I never got it was the power shift was basically changes your specs so you get different performance. Which in turn changes your point of impact every time you switch it. Which means adjusting my sight more often than I wanted to. I know a couple of the guys at jimbows that like them but they do work in a bow shop so could careless about making the sight adjustments each time.

Lefty-Canuck · #3 10-15-2015, 10:37 AM

I think most guys try each setting...find one they like, and leave it there. I don't think it is practical to be changing around IMHO.

LC

bullsbucksandbears · #4 10-15-2015, 10:47 AM

Interesting. When you look at the videos and everything, it makes it look like the adjustment changes the draw cycle, not the draw weight. Not sure if that is the case. It looks like the specs stay the same but it somehow makes the draw cycle, easier or more gradual to the peak. Peak is the same. Not sure about this one.

Lefty-Canuck · #5 10-15-2015, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by batten231

Interesting. When you look at the videos and everything, it makes it look like the adjustment changes the draw cycle, not the draw weight. Not sure if that is the case. It looks like the specs stay the same but it somehow makes the draw cycle, easier or more gradual to the peak. Peak is the same. Not sure about this one.

It does change the draw cycle...by doing so, it changes the draw curve, which changes the ergonomics and dynamics of the cam...the weigh can stay the same but point of impact will change with the cycle.

Performance is a harsh draw cycle squeezing out all the speed it can.

Comfort makes things smooth...but that comes at a cost to speed.

There has to be a give and take.

Draw weight may be the same but the "curve" changes thus the feel of the bow and the end result changes.

LC

bullsbucksandbears · #6 10-15-2015, 11:07 AM

Thanks Lefty. Great info. I think it is a neat concept but likely as you said guys will pick one setting and roll with it. Might be more gimmicky than practical for the average guy. Sure seemed cool but as I dig into it a bit more it looks like in all likelihood I would find a draw cycle that I like and leave it there. As such why not just find a bow that has a draw cycle that suits you needs and go with it.

Thanks.

RayM77 · #7 10-15-2015, 11:15 AM

I would compare the powershift to the adjustable draw weight on your bow. You don't constantly change your draw weight around but it is nice to have some room to set it to what is comfortable to you. The power shift would be the same, try all three settings to find out what feels best to you and then leave it there. Just another option to fine tune the feel of your bow.

Lefty-Canuck · #8 10-15-2015, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by batten231

Thanks Lefty. Great info. I think it is a neat concept but likely as you said guys will pick one setting and roll with it. Might be more gimmicky than practical for the average guy. Sure seemed cool but as I dig into it a bit more it looks like in all likelihood I would find a draw cycle that I like and leave it there. As such why not just find a bow that has a draw cycle that suits you needs and go with it.

Thanks.

The benefit is the Power Shift is really 3 bows in one....and if the bow suits what you want and you find the setting that works...then it becomes the bow for you.

The Prodigy is a great bow.

LC

NBFK · #9 10-15-2015, 12:24 PM

I shot one at jimbows and liked it a lot. I really like the idea. I can have a bow that is a rocket that's awesome for spot and stalking or tame it down to comfort for late season tree stand hunts where shots are 40yrds and under. I shot it on the classic setting(middle setting). I'd own one but just can't bring myself to getting rid of my bowtech experience yet.

bullsbucksandbears · #10 10-15-2015, 01:36 PM

Thanks fellas, great feedback. I think it is still on the table and will have to go check it out. I still think it is neat how you can change the curve on it and like Lefty said have 3 bows in 1. I guess once you have shot the set-up on each setting you will be able to dial in your sights etc. pretty quickly.

MadMarty911 · #11 10-17-2015, 08:27 AM

I bought a 2015 Bowtech Boss this year. It draws quite different (feel) between #1 Performance and #3 Comfort.

The POI shift was quite significant after changing from #1 to #3. I changed to #3 Comfort to get a really good feel for the bow and strengthening muscles I havent used in years as I hadnt shot bow in that long. Changed to #1 Performance for hunting and yes, had to change my sight housing - the pins still lined up for vertical. Ive marked my sight housing to see if it changes to relatively the same point after bowhunting season when I switch back to #3 to train some more.

I like the ability to change it rapidly, but as stated some may not want to move any part of their sight. I happen to be lucky enough to have land where its a breeze to confirm POI shift.

rem338win · #12 10-17-2015, 11:30 AM

I bought a Prodigy (at Jimbow's!) earlier this year and have a few things to say about it.

First, I am a gorilla and have never owned a ATA less than 34" for the obvious reasons. I am not struggling with any of the usual issues using this 32" and it is likely due to the large binary cams, but that is an assumption.

Second, I tried all three settings. The Performance setting is very smooth at 71#s for a performance setting. With a 406gr arrow it was shooting 313fps which is wicked fast. I settled on the comfort setting because it feels great, and was very smooth. I had to settle for a measly 297fps with the same arrow. I'll likely have some light arrows done and another sight for 3D season and rock it at the Performance setting to get into the 330fps arena.

This bow fires dead in the hand, and I am using a 4" Fuse on the front, only to hold the wrist strap.

From the first shot to the 400th I had no movement in the string. I had the pins set out to 80yds within the first 150 shots and everything has stayed the same. I normally order a set of custom strings right off the bat, but likely won't with this one.

The accuracy I am seeing with this bow is great. It isn't as forgiving as my old Guardian, but darn close. I will wreck nocks out to 50yds consistently enough I do not use the same POA because arrows is 'spensive.

Somehow, magically I suppose, the original adjustments made at Jimbows gave me a perfect tune. I've papered and walkback tuned this thing and everything is bullets without touching it. I'm shooting Grimreapers anyway, and of course they all dumped into the same groups at the fieldpoints. For kicks and giggles I did twist on a old Slick Trick I had in the box and let one rip at 40yds. It was dead on.

I'm still going to shoot my GR's

So ya, the change in speed is going to require a change in the sights, but everything else about the bow has been cherry with this guy.

bullsbucksandbears · #13 10-19-2015, 07:54 PM

Rem338win, thanks for the info. I am definitely going to check it out. I am intrigued by it and I like things that are interesting.

dfrobert · #14 10-20-2015, 07:39 AM

Shot the prodigy on the top 2 settings as well as shooting an RPM360 a few weeks back. Both were nice shooting bows, I found the RPM 360 a bit top heavy compared to what I am used to. I shoot an Invasion, and don't plan on switching anytime soon....

dfrobert · #15 10-20-2015, 07:47 AM

Rem338win you should get some good life outta those Octane string/cables. Got 3 years out of mine on my bow before I switched

L.O.S.T.Arrow · #16 10-20-2015, 08:22 AM

Interesting concept, As Rem338win stated it could be an asset late in the season utilizing the PowerShift Technology when it gets cold for a smoother lower poundage bow...out of the stand with closer shots that 15 FPS wont make that much of a differeance...perhaps it wont penertrate mother earth as deep on the pass thru...

We had a hunter that could draw his bow with ease...but after a four mile hike to stand he was overdressed and he overheated than when the sun rose and tempurture drooped he frooze...elk came to blind and he could not draw bow!

On the doownside theres the retuning and resighting...as with Newtons third law "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction" so there can be drastic change if arrow flight tune in #1 seting for performance is border line..may mean a different arrow or broadhead on set up...

This is a bow for those who love to tinker...not really for those that pick it up a week before season and dust it off...unless they leave it in the one PowerShift they like best!!

Although I really like the concept, I personally will pick a bow that I am happy with speed, smoothness and accuracy performance that will work from early to late colder season... Im willing to give up 15 FPS for a smooth bow I know I can shoot anytime.

However I already know several shooters that the powershift will suit perfectly!

JMHO
Neil

bullsbucksandbears · #17 10-20-2015, 11:53 AM

I like to tinker and most definitely wouldn't pick up a bow a week before the season and hit GO. I obviously am not currently shooting powershift and I tend to agree with finding a bow that has a nice smooth draw cycle that you are happy with and stick with that. That is what I am doing currently. That said, I drop my draw weight in order to make sure that when I am cold and uncomfortable I can still draw her back. I think it is interesting conceptually though. Definitely gonna have to check it out.