Forge Bow Company - ever heard of them?  Possibly not since they are in their formative years.  However, if the X/Star is any indication of their future, you and all of your shooting buddies will soon know the name well!  Every year, one way or another, I usually end up with most of the major new bows on the market for testing.  After receiving the top manufacturer's bows, I was not overly excited to hear a Forge bow was on the way.  What could it really have to offer, right?  Well, it had enough to change my views on this not-so-insignificant company.

The X-Star is built on a sleek machined reflex riser made of a proprietary spec aluminum. The overall weight is reduced by nine generous cut outs spread over the length of the riser. Standard AMO mounting holes are provided for arrow rest, sight, and stabilizer accessories. A specially formed section of the riser just below the shelf is crafted to receive a one-piece soft-pour material grip. The grip is molded at the Forge factory and attached to the riser by two 8-32, socket head cap screws. A black anodized aluminum cable guard mounting plate is attached to the riser with two 10-24, socket head cap screws. The cable guard is mounted to the plate instead of directly to the riser.  If damage occurs to the plate, it can be easily replaced with another.  However, a riser, when threads or holes are damaged, must be re-worked.  The riser is powder coated and then film dipped in the "Autumn Leaves" pattern.

The X/Star's straight limbs are constructed from a proprietary fiberglass composite material. Each pair of limbs is precision ground and matched for the highest level of quality and consistency.  The limbs are then film-dipped in Forge's new "Autumn-Leaves" camo pattern to finish the package. 

The eccentrics are made up of Forge's EZ-Pull cam and EZ-Feed Idler Wheel.  Both are made out of black anodized 6061 aluminum.  As with the limbs, the eccentrics are also coated with the "Autumn Leaves" camo pattern.  The EZ-Pull cam features Forge's own perimeter mass technology, which increases arrow speeds while reducing the over-all shock and vibration of the bow.  Essentially, the perimeter mass technology forces the bow's energy evenly in a vertical direction, thereby canceling out the energy that produces the "jump" felt in some bows.  Draw length modules, denoted as "A" through "G", provide a wide, 27 ½" to 33 ½", range of adjustment.  Modules are also available for three different let-off percentages, including one for 80%, 65%, and an exclusive finger shooter's 58%.  The EZ-Feed idler is specially designed with an extra wide "V" track for precision alignment and decreased string wear.  The drawback to this type of idler design is a slight loss in speed.  The cam and wheel axles are made of stainless
 steel that is first centerless ground and then heat treated to a Rockwell hardness of 65.  This process is used to reduce bearing wear.

Attached to the eccentrics are a 107.25", 18-strand string and a 46.25", 16-strand cable.  Both cable and string are made out of 8125 BCY material. Extra eliminator buttons are included on every string for release shooters. 

A major feature and highlight of the X/Star, along with two other Forge models, is the ability to service the bow in the field.  This is the only takedown compound that I am aware of on the market.  By simply turning the limb bolts out until the string relaxes slightly, allows you to change strings and cables or completely take the bow down for easy transportation.  To safely complete this process you should turn one bolt, one complete revolution only and then alternate to the other to do the same. Repeat these steps until the string relaxes. Be sure to never completely remove the limb bolts. Once you become familiar with cable and string routing, this process is quick and simple.

Now we are to the point where I would like to introduce a new testing format for my bow reviews.  General commentary and specific data will be covered on all aspects of testing followed by a new "rating chart".  The rating chart will allow you, the reader, to quickly evaluate stats and features that matter most to you.  Also, in time, the database on bows will grow, giving you the opportunity to compare bows feature-to-feature, and stat-to-stat.  All bows will be set up in a similar fashion to reduce the number of variables. Note: many of the line items in the rating chart will be of the "subjective" nature. Bottom line - they are simply my opinions based on the extensive testing of a single bow. 

Testing began with an initial quality check of the finish, machining, mechanics, and over-all workmanship.  The finish was exceptionally done on all coated components.  I could not find even one blemish on the limbs, riser or eccentrics.  The riser machining appeared smooth with no sharp edges or visible defects.  Screws were threaded in and out of all tapped holes with no hang-ups.  Pressure was taken off of the cam and wheel to test for freedom of movement, tilt and precision of fit.  Both eccentrics tested well. Over- all workmanship was excellent and gave me the impression of a custom bow. 

Forge sent the X/Star already set up with a simple plunger rest so I could test it with fingers. Of course, in a finger bow, most shooters want a long axle-to-axle model with a generous brace height and an included string angle that results in minimal finger pinch and maximum forgiveness.  The X/Star has a 43" axle-to-axle measurement, which is an excellent fingers bow length, and I measured the included string angle at 81.5 deg.  I pulled a few of my shorter axle-to-axle bows using finger tabs to compare finger pinch with the X/Star.  The difference was substantial to say the least and there was really no comparison.  The Forge X/Star is exceptionally smooth, quiet and forgiving.

Next, the X/Star was set up with a string loop, Muzzy Zero Effect arrow rest, and a Stealth Archery 8" stabilizer.  This is the standard set-up I use for most of my testing.  After set-up, it was off to the range for paper tuning with 28" Forge Xtreme 20/50 295 grain arrows.  After only a few minor adjustments, perfect paper tears were achieved. 

The X/Star is by far, one of the most enjoyable bows to shoot that I have ever handled.  The long axle-to-axle length, smooth draw and lack of hand shock made the bow hard to put down.  To get a feel for the maneuverability of such a long bow, I tested it first in my turkey blind and then in a treestand. My treestand was somewhat forgiving but the turkey blind was significantly restricting. Maneuverability was noticeably more difficult than shorter axle-to-axle bows in the treestand, however, when I took my time it was certainly manageable. 

Speed was tested using a Shooting Chrony Inc. chronograph and the latter set-up described above.  It should also be noted that a Scott Little Goose release is a part of my standard test set-up.  My expectations concerning speed from a 43" axle-to-axle one-cam bow with a 28" draw were blown out of the water when the chrony light blinked 271! I honestly thought it was a mistake!  Shot after shot, 30 in all, averaged 270.5 fps.  Now that impresses me!  Since this is primarily a fingers bow, I measured the speed when it first arrived using only a finger tab - still an amazing 268 fps.  These are great numbers for folks like me who are draw length challenged.

Forge also sent the X/Star equipped with their own balancing system which is advertised to reduce noise and vibration by 21%. The system consists of two separate screw-in components, one 4oz and the other 6oz.  Although the system did indeed steady the bow in my hand and reduce noise and hand-shock, I removed them for testing.  This was done in the interest of maintaining consistency form one set-up to another.  Maneuverability was the only significant setback noted through all of the testing.  Depending on the type of hunting you are doing, this may or may not be a problem.  My overall impression of the X/Star is that it is a well-designed, fast, quality bow that has a significant added bonus in it's take-down feature.  If you are a finger shooter, test-drive the X/Star.  If you hunt in remote locations, test-drive the X/Star.  If you prefer a long axle-to-axle bow with good speed, test-drive the X/Star. All of these, and more, are good reasons to investigate the new Forge X/Star.

To test the take-down feature of the X/Star, I first spent some time familiarizing myself with the string and cable routing and even made a diagram just to be sure.  Using the provided instruction sheet, I took the bow down, and reassembled it several times.  In a word - simple.  In situations where a hunter is far removed from a back-up bow, and has spent a significant amount of time and effort getting there, this bow is absolutely invaluable.  Instead of a back-up bow, all you need is a pre-stretched/pre-set-up string and a Hex-key.  Even if you aren't miles and hours from a shop or your back-up bow, this is still a great feature.  I don't know about you, but I don't like wasting even one morning or evening hunt due to a string or cable problem.

Now for the debut of the new "rating chart". 
It is my hope that this, along with the spec sheet, will aid the reader in disseminating the mountains of influences and information concerning a bow purchase and boil it all down into a quick reference guide.  This rating chart is intended to help you investigate a single bow by reviewing its key features, and also compare it to other models you may be interested in. A rating system of "1" through "10", in ½ point increments, will be used with "1" being the lowest and "10" being the highest or best. Following is a list of the bow properties that will be covered and their definitions.

Grip:  This item will be rated on its "feel" and shape in regard to the effect it has on torque and the overall enjoyment of shooting. 

Maneuverability:  This rating is self-explanatory and will be determined through various field tests, including ground blinds and treestands.  Mass weight will also be a factor.

Speed:  The rating for this category will be based on the design and intended purpose of the bow.  For example, if the bow being tested is a youth model, it will not be expected to spit arrows out at 300+ fps.

Quality/Workmanship:  Again - self-explanatory.  This item will be based on attention to detail in the areas of machining, finish, and general mechanics.

Shock and Vibration:  Ratings will be based on the amount of "jump" felt upon release.

Noise Level:  Noise will be rated without any noise dampening devices installed.  This will allow the test to be based solely on the bow's out-of-the-box performance.  This category is closely related to that of the shock and vibration category.

Draw Cycle "feel": The perceived smoothness of the draw is the focus of this rating.

Shootability:  Many factors come into play here, including axle-to-axle length, brace height, and eccentrics.

Advantage: What makes this bow special? Why choose this bow over another?

Rating Chart
Category Rating Comments

• Grip 8 Soft feel, narrow, beneficial shape
• Maneuverability 5.5 Limiting in some hunting situations
• Speed 9 Very good for a bow of this configuration
• Quality/Workmanship 10 Exceptional!
• Shock/Vibration 9.0 Experienced low levels of both
• Noise Level 9.0 Some minor string noise noted
• Draw Cycle "feel" 9.5 Very smooth!
• Shootability 9.5 A good combination of features adds up here!
• Advantage 9.5 Field Serviceability is an incredible advantage
•  Average Score 8.722 Out of possible 10
• Total Score 79.5 Out of possible 90

• Draw weights: 50-65 lbs.
• Draw Lengths: 27.5 to 33.5"
• Axle-to-axle length: 43"
• Brace Height: 8 1/4"
• Mass Weight: 3.9lbs.
• Let-off option#1: 58%
• Let-off option#2: 65%
• Let-off option#2: 80%
• Eccentrics: One-cam
• AMO speed: none given
• IBO speed: 284
• Available finish: Autumn Leaves camo or red, blue or cheetah competition colors
• Power cable: 16-strand 8125-BCY(46.25" length)
• String: 18-strand 8125-BCY (107.25" length)
• Grip: Soft-Pour molded one-piece
• Riser: cnc machined proprietary spec aluminum
• Limb pockets: Anodized aluminum
• Limbs: Proprietary fiberglass composite - straight
• Cable guard: high-mount straight
• Retail: approximately $599.00
• Optional accessories:  Take-down carrying case