Archery Research Velocity

retail: $749 speed (fps): 309.25 weight (lb.): 4.2 contact: 800-385-5046;
AR/PSE lead engineer David Kronengold is an MIT graduate with some solid ideas and a good team behind him. The Velocity's bold design is radically different from that of traditional compounds. What immediately catches the eye is the long riser and 9-inch limbs.

What's Hot: This bow is fast, at 309.25 fps (4th), and feather light, at 4.2 pounds (2nd). We liked the beyond-parallel limb design. When the AR was drawn for the first time, test members gathered around to have a look at the unusual limb deflection. These short limbs during draw are a sight.

The Velocity is a pleasure in hand. The narrow riser throat and grip settle nicely in the crotch of the palm. In addition, the Velocity has excellent balance.

The adjustable draw stop is another handy feature, letting shooters fit the back wall to their individual shooting style. And though it's not a feature, you do get a dozen free arrows with the purchase of an AR, which is a very nice perk.

What's Not: The AR stumbled in the shootability category, receiving a "good" from the judges. It's also loud, at 90.29 dB (15th). While it wasn't the loudest bow in the test, the AR's shot noise was noticeable.

Bottom Line: This long riser/short limb design is the wave of the future. Either you get it or you don't.

Performance:
***
Design:
****
Noise:
**
Price/Value:
***