Speed was checked with a chronograph with factory-provided bolts and field points, which were also weighed so we could calculate kinetic energy. Accuracy was measured by averaging three 3-shot groups from each tester, taken at 30 yards from a Lead Sled. Cocking effort was subjective but easy—is the bow a pain to cock or not? Triggers were weighed on a Lyman trigger scale and subjectively judged for creep and travel. For safety evaluations, we considered such things as whether the bow's safety mechanism automatically engages when cocked, and if the design requires some part of your body (hand, foot, face) to be in a position it shouldn't be in while you're loading or shooting.

Will Brantley