When it comes to shooting a bow, I am very picky. There are some things that just bug me, such as vibration, shock, noise, and a jerky draw. It’s funny how all of these things can affect your shot in the woods. Finding a bow that is lacking all of these things has been a priority for me. But until recently I had been unsuccessful. I started shooting a Hoyt bow back in 1998. It was a smooth and relatively quiet dual cam that I really liked. Then as dual cams became obsolete, I found myself getting my first solo cam, a Jennings. It had its good points. Yes, I got more speed, no, I did not have to worry about tuning it, and sure, I could hold it back forever. But what happened to that nice smooth draw and quiet shot. I found myself getting used to vibration and a quick hand motion as the wheel turned over when I draw or let down. "Can’t deer see that?" I wondered.
Looking for answers, I went to the ATA show in 2003 in search of a bow with less shock and vibration. I shot a Matthews, a BowTech, and various other companies’ bows. Most of them would almost vibrate out of my hand when I shot them. I was told over and over that it was a necessary sacrifice for speed. After all this I was frustrated, tired and just not getting what I wanted. Finally I found a McPherson Diva. It had a shock reducing system called Vib-X that made for the most shock free solo cam I had ever shot. It was also quieter than the others. So I began to shoot the Diva, it was not quite as fast and it still had that solo cam jerky draw, but at least it was smooth. I shot it for two years, wondering when someone would come out with my perfect bow.
This year I was contacted by Pearson that they were no longer making the Diva and I needed to get into a new model bow. "Great" I thought. "Back to the shock," And back to the ATA show I went, braving the ice and snow. What I found there was the fulfillment of my archery dreams. No not the 200 inch buck, the other dream about that silent, smooth, and speedy bow. Starting out I was my typical, skeptical, this isn’t going to be what I like, self. The men in the booth had sly smiles as I was handed the McPherson Edge. They all said I would like the new Hybrid cam system. After one shot I was impressed. Two shots, amazed. After three shots I was told that I would get the same speed as the other companies’ bows. Sold. Pack it and ship it. It had everything I wanted, and lacked every thing I hated. It was smooth, the draw came easily back in one even motion, the let down was the same. There was no shock or vibration. It was quiet, I mean whisper quiet. I had to have it.
After getting my Edge at home where I could shoot I found my arrows to be flying flatter, my pins set closer together, and I had a large margin for error on distance judging. Having all these qualities, it is the most efficient bow I have shot. I already have more confidence in this bow to get the job done than any of my past bows. I loved it. Now I could talk up the McPherson Edge for three more pages, but let me save time, break the bow down, and tell you why.
Smooth - The Hurricane Hybrid Cam system includes the Accutrac guidance system, designed so the string and cables take the straightest path with less angles. The result is a very smooth draw, a longer string life, and more shot consistency.
Silent - The Edge includes Vib-X technology. This is a chamber of polymer gel called "Vibrasorb" that is built into the lower part of the riser. It dramatically reduces noise and 40% of all vibration. The Edge also includes a new riser with Frequency Ridge technology. The basic idea is that the more mass, not weight, in the riser the less vibration. You can really see the difference, no big holes cut out, just a slim, trim, smooth looking riser.
Speed - The IBO speed on this bow is 310 fps, and they aren’t kidding. Test after test is proving that this bow can and will shoot well over 300fps with regular equipment. What does this mean to the average hunter? More penetration, flatter flying arrows, closer pins, and more room for error when judging distance.
The McPherson Edge is the most efficient, best all around bow that I have seen. If you are a serious hunter and are looking for the next level it is here. You don’t have to give up anything to get what you want with the Edge. For the price, $699MSRP, I would not call it an entry level bow, but it could be shot easily by a beginner. For the serious bow hunter who wants a bow that will give them every advantage in the woods, it is well worth the price. Try one at your local McPherson Pro Shop and see for your self.
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