HOW WE TEST
The methodology behind the most thorough and honest test in the business The overall scores of the compounds and crossbows are the sums of scores of three objective and seven subjective categories, each of which is graded from 1 to 10. The objective scores—for Speed, Noise, and Vibration—are determined through a data-gathering process that involves minimal human interference. Compounds are mounted to a Spot Hogg Hooter Shooter and triggered via a shutter release cable, while crossbow triggers are tripped remotely as the bows sit in a Caldwell Lead Sled. A sound-level meter measures peak decibels at the shot, while two accelerometers (mounted to the compounds’ risers and near the pistol grip on crossbows) measure vibration in meters per second squared. (With both, the smaller the number, the better.)The Velocitip Ballistic System measures arrow velocity, arrow drop at 40 yards, and kinetic energy at 20 yards. For compounds, the 100-grain Velocitip head was affixed to a Victory VForce HV V1 350 arrow (350 grains total), and crossbows fired a GoldTip Laser III (438 grains total). Once the data is gathered, testers shoot the bows and grade each on a number of performance- and design-related criteria. The bows with the highest overall scores get our Editor’s Choice award. Products that we feel represent an exceptional value earn the Great Buy badge.

Todd Kuhn