PSE Stinger Compound Bow: Examined and Reviewed

Probably the most thrilling developments in fashionable bow-building is the motion towards versatility and flexibility. Certain, you’ll be able to nonetheless purchase a flat-out velocity bow, or one designed for final forgiveness, or the perfect searching bow for novices or a mannequin touted as the highest girls’s compound. However today, you should purchase a bow that not solely checks a number of bins, however can develop with a younger or starting shooter as they advance in bow searching or goal taking pictures. The PSE Stinger Max is an ideal instance of a extremely versatile and adjustable bow appropriate for archers of any ability degree. 

PSE Stinger Max Specs:

• Velocity: 304 fps
• Axle-axle size: 30 inches
• Brace top: 7-¼ inches
• Weight: 3.8 kilos
• Let-off: 85 %
• Draw weight vary: 22-55 lbs., or 30-70 lbs. 
• Draw size vary: 21-½ to 30 inches. 
• Worth: $479.99 (package deal)

What Type of Looking Bow Is This?

The Stinger Max is an ideal entry-level compound bow, because of an unbelievable quantity of adjustability. One of many enormous challenges of shopping for the perfect compound bow for a brand new shooter is draw weight. Invariably a newbie doesn’t have his or her taking pictures muscle tissue developed, so beginning with a low draw weight that not solely makes taking pictures a nice expertise, however ensures correct kind all through the shot, is tough. However with even just a few weeks of follow, that preliminary draw weight is little one’s play, and it’s time to maneuver up. 

The ante is upped even additional with a younger shooter whose physique is rising virtually earlier than your eyes. Beginning draw lengths can enhance by inches very quickly, particularly for a fast-growing child. Solely a high quality bow that adapts to those fast adjustments is an inexpensive alternative and the cam on the Stinger Max is up for the problem, with loads of adjustment functionality in each draw size and weight. Even higher, the Stinger Max cam presents a “efficiency” setting that adapts to a shooter with extra superior expertise and want for higher velocity. And there are two variations of this bow; one which peaks at 55 lbs. (23 lb. backside weight) and one other maxes out at 70 lbs (30 lb. backside weight). 

Briefly, this can be a compound bow you may give to your child, or an keen newbie, and watch them shoot nicely instantly. However there’s loads of efficiency right here for a shooter or hunter who turns into extra severe. 

How We Examined the PSE Stinger Max

I visited my good mates at Coyote Creek Gun & Archery, the place bow techs assembled the accent equipment that comes with the Stinger Max package deal: full-capture “biscuit” model relaxation, five-pin sight, stabilizer, and tube-style peep. We did a fast paper-tune to make sure good arrow flight, and I bought six Victory VForce Sport 400 arrows and a half-dozen 100-grain discipline factors. Then it was out the door to do some extra severe taking pictures. 

Again house I arrange my yard 3-D course, which consists of two Block targets and three 3-D critters (a deer, polar bear, and velociraptor from Rinehart targets) that allowed me to shoot at ranges from 10 to 35 yards, in addition to elevation (my deck, which presents an amazing tree-stand view). I spent a pair of nice, late-spring evenings placing the Stinger Max by its paces.

How the PSE Stinger Max Carried out 

Velocity

It’s a given {that a} single-cam bow won’t ever be the missile launcher that cam-and-a-half and double-cam fashions are, so I didn’t count on the Stinger Max zip darts—and it didn’t. Whereas I didn’t shoot by a chronograph, I’d be shocked if the 400-grain arrows broke the 275 fps barrier. Nonetheless, the arrows had been flying flat sufficient to be correct to 30 yards and shoot by a deer if outfitted with a pointy broadhead. Admitted private bias right here: I’ll take a bow I can shoot nicely over a flamethrower any day—and just about each beginner- to intermediate archer will agree.

Draw Cycle

Single-cam bows virtually assure a nice draw cycle, and the Stinger Max reveals that high quality after which some. I discovered the bow simple to tug, with a easy valley and a strong again wall. I’ve all the time loved a bow that “settles in” properly and I used to be happy by the consolation I felt as I held and aimed the Stinger Max. 

Noise and Vibration

Controlling noise and vibration is normally simpler when designing a bow with slower IBO speeds, so I wasn’t anticipating any enormous issues on this space with the Stinger Max. Nonetheless, I used to be pleasantly stunned with how quiet this bow shot. Vibration-damping spacers between the cut up limbs definitely helped scale back any felt vibration and sound, and the strong limb pocket design ensured stability. The equipment additionally features a stabilizer, which additional diminished any racket or tingling. 

Match and End

Corporations throw all their fancy stuff on the flagship bows to make them look good, so I wasn’t stunned that the Stinger Max didn’t “fairly” me to dying. However it’s as nice-looking as any price range bow on the market, and this yr’s model presents seven completely different camo patterns for shooters who’re persnickety about that sort of factor. The limb pockets and different “fittings” are properly machined and seem strong. PSE didn’t even try a grip on the Stinger Max; this doesn’t hassle me, however some shooters like a bit one thing to carry on to.

Stability and Dealing with

Weight could be a enormous consider how a bow “feels” to a shooter. Light-weight bows could be a pleasure to hold, however wobble and be tough to manage at full draw. Too heavy and the bow may be rock-solid on the draw…till you must maintain at full draw on a buck locked behind a tree without end. So it’s a balancing act, and at 3.8 kilos this bow simply simply felt proper to me, with a pleasant steadiness, which mixed with the strong again wall of the draw, made the bow settle in properly. I additionally preferred the slim grip, which made the Stinger Max simple to shoot precisely. 

What This Compound Bow Does Greatest 

The PSE Stinger Max has been round since 2008, and is without doubt one of the venerable firm’s greatest compound bow fashions as a result of it delivers precisely what it guarantees: strong taking pictures and searching efficiency at an reasonably priced value. And whereas this PSE compound bow has been round for a very long time, the corporate has continued to nurture the mannequin by including much more adjustability. The redesigned cam and it’s “Develop With Me” and “Efficiency” settings are literally options you’d count on on a top-end mannequin. In the event you’re searching for the perfect newbie compound bow that may develop with you as your pursuits and skills enhance, the one motive to look additional is private choice. Whether or not you’re an entry-level shooter or a bowhunter hoping to remain within the sport with out spending a fortune, this bow delivers. 

What This Compound Bow Does Worst

This isn’t a high-performance bow. There are scads of flatter-shooting bows on the market, in addition to ones that look prettier and may be tricked out with the newest equipment. In the event you’re searching for a high-speed, fancy-looking bow with the best possible parts, you’re going to should pay much more. This can be a no-frills, price range bow meant to offer all of the efficiency it is advisable to get the job completed at a pleasant value. 

Does the PSE Stinger Ship on Its Mission? 

In the event you hate a pretender, you’ll love the PSE Stinger Max, as a result of this compound bow is aware of its place. PSE yearly cranks out among the fastest-shooting, high-performance bows available on the market, however this searching bow presents a delightful different. Whereas the corporate can push the efficiency envelope in addition to anybody, it appears dedicated to sticking to core rules with the Stinger Max; a bow that completed its mission at its introduction and continues to ship the products over a decade later.