This year Bowtech did not rest on the excellence of the 2002 Patriot. The single cam model was such a hit that they have introduced a dual cam version ironically enough called the Patriot Dually. What does a dual cam model give you over the single cam. How about 20 fps more arrow speed and level nock travel while continuing to be just as smooth. 

Initial Thought

The first thing I noticed when I picked up the Patriot was the reduction in weight over last year's model. Combining the dual cams with the VFT (vertical force technology) has allowed Bowtech to eliminate the sand limb pockets, which by the way still remain on the Single cam model. This greatly reduces the overall weight of the Dually, putting it at 3.80 lbs. Besides shedding some weight the bow was also better balanced. Last years initial model was a little top heavy. 

Riser
The Patriot riser has been totally redesigned and is impressively machined from 6061 T6 aluminum. The 25" Pro Series design adds to the beauty of the bow in a number of ways. First off the weight distribution has changed creating an even balance over the entire length of the bow. The stabilizer mount has been moved closer to the grip. This allows a sling to be positioned closer to the shooters wrist adding to the comfort. The reflex of the Patriot measures 1.75" from the inside of the grip and 2 5/16" without the grip. The brace height comes in at a very forgiving 7 7/8". What is amazing with this size brace height is the speeds attained of which I will discuss later.

The grip combines a narrow throat and heel, which gives it the feel of an extension of your arm. A slightly deeper heel would make it feel like an expensive custom grip. To finish it off the Bowtech name is etched in the side. The aesthetics of the bow has improved due to the aforementioned balanced look of the riser, which is double dipped with Realtree Timber camouflage. Going over the riser revealed smooth edges with absolutely no blemishes in the machining or imperfections in the camouflage. 

Eccentrics and Limbs
The dual cams are modular in design allowing for draw lengths 25 to 30 inches. The increment of each module is one inch. I recommend if you are between modules go with the lower increment because they tend to be a tad long. My Patriot came in a 29-inch draw length that fit me perfect. The let-off is non adjustable and measured at 65 percent. Axles utilized oil impregnated bearings and are Rockwell hardened. Bowtech uses solid Gordon 'Power Tuff' compression molded glass/resin limbs that are 14.5" in length. The limb pockets are also machined from 6061 T6 aluminum and set the limbs at about 40 degrees from the riser. This VFT concept specifically disperses energy and vibration from a released arrow vertically over the length of the limbs, in equal and opposite directions. 

Strings and Cables
Strings and Cables utilize Bowtech's new O2 material. Both are made from 20 strands of BCY 8125 material pre-stretched by Bowtech. The great trait about this material is its low stretch point. The string measures in at 52.5 inches and the cables at 35 inches apiece. Comparing it to last years model showed notable improvements in the serving of the cables and strings. No interruptions in the wraps where the cables broke over in the curves of the cams were present. I also noticed that the yoke harnesses were not served. In speaking to Bowtech they said that they have found it was not necessary when less than 5 inches. 

The Total Package
The Patriot I received arrived tipping the poundage scales at 75 lbs with the limbs cranked all the way down and backed off ¼ turn. I asked for a heavy limb bow and got exactly what was ordered. The specification sheet that came with the bow listed the speed at 321 at 29" at IBO 70 lbs. Now this included a brass nock and the installed Hush Kit. I couldn't wait to put her in action. I immediately removed the string nock and installed a loop, peep, rest and sight. The first time I drew the Patriot I immediately became aware of the short valley that anchored into a hard wall. The short valley allows for no creep whatsoever. I like this because it alerts you of a flaw in your form at the anchor point when at the range. No creep on this baby or you will know it!

With all the accessories added including Bowtech's Hush Kit and set at 72 lbs. the Patriot launched a 28.75 inch 420 grain ACC 285 fps. I immediately knew that this bow was smoking without looking at the chronograph. All of this speed comes from a bow with a 7 7/8" brace height. Several more test arrows also satisfied my ears and hands with little noise and virtually no shock. The Hush Kit and VFT system had performed their jobs. 

Performance
I feel that a bow can be the best looking on the planet but it doesn?t mean a thing until I put a couple arrows downrange. After initial tuning I let her rip a barrage of five arrows. By the first ten she was sighted in at 20 yards. For accuracy lets just say I accidentally nicked a 3D shooters X7 when he forgot to retrieve one of his arrows from the X. It happened to belong to a friend, so it put a smile on my face. 

Grading
For my 2003 evaluations my grading scale has changed. I will be grading on the scale of one to ten. A perfect score of 10 is darn near impossible to achieve unless built by God. 

Design 9.5 out of 10
This is about as close to perfect as you can get. Bowtech listened to many of the changes that its archers expressed last year. The bow is better balanced with the new design of the riser. The comfort of the new grip combined with little things like the stabilizer placement makes it a pure joy to shoot. Some people may not like the short valley and fairly hard wall, but to a veteran shooter like me it is just the ticket. I am most impressed with the performance that comes out of a bow just under 35 inches with an almost 8 inch brace height. The VFT design with the ?long? riser makes this possible. I have a true love for bowhunting and this bow is near perfect. A bowhunter will appreciate those tight shots from a treestand and ground blind. 

Quality 9 out of 10
The fit of all parts left no unintended gaps or rough edges. The machined riser, limb pockets and cams showed quality through and through. The dipped Realtree Timber camo put the finishing touches on a quality bow through and through. 

Final Remarks
I am truly impressed with the improvements Bowtech has made for a company that is still considered to be in its infancy. This can be seen in the changes and comparisons from last years Patriot to todays.
Arrow speed is an archery term that intrigues us all. The faster the arrow, the more intriguing the device from which it was launched. Bowtech sure has it right when they claim that they take the arch out of archery.

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