2007 Bow Review - Alpine 'Silverado' By Jason Balazs
Jun 30, 2007 - 12:02:41 AM
RISER AND GRIP:
When you first lay your eyes on the Silverado you think it looks like a Cadillac among a group of Ford Pinto's. It is very sharp looking to say the least. The riser on the Silverado is made from three pieces of Machined aluminum that are assembled using heat-treated dowel pins for precision alignment. The Middle portion of the riser where the one-piece rosewood grip is installed has a copper color. Throughout the Silverado there are numerous sound dampening devices that are produced by Alpine. You can see these from the pictures.
LIMBS AND CAMS:
The Silverado is set-up with the new Velocitec High Performance Cam. This is a very high performance and equally balanced hybrid 2 cam that sports dual payout grooves. The dual payout grooves on the Velocitec Cam primarily serve two main functions. They stabilize cam lean and keep both cams synchronized throughout the draw cycle. This hybrid feature drastically reduces timing issues associated with conventional 2 cam bows. Timing issues arise when one end of the buss cable is permanently anchored to a fixed position such as the axle. With the Velocitec Cam System, both buss cables stretch from the take up groove on one cam to the pay out groove on the opposing cam. The end result is both cams synchronized in perfect harmony, continually staying in time. This coupled with the Bi-Flex composite quad limb, adds to the speed and strength of the bow.
Testing:
**The bow that I was sent for testing had a maximum poundage of 60lbs.
Grip Test
I drew the silverado10 times trying to change my grip every time. The grip was ergonomically correct and very comfortable. There was never any torque or any turning of the bow. This grip is a thinner gripped bow, but the design of the riser ensures that your hand stays in the same place well distributed.
Next, I wanted to test the draw of the bow at 60 lbs. I ensured that the pounds were set correctly on my Apple Bow Tuning/Drawing Tool. Then, I drew the bow 10 times with my eyes closed. This bow was very smooth throughout the whole draw cycle. There is a solid wall that ensures every shot is consistent and true.
For testing the speed I shot through my Chronograph from Competition electronics 10 times. The average speed of all ten shots was 282fps. Now remember that the bows weight is only 60 lbs. 282 FPS is smoking for a 60-pound bow. This bow was whisper quiet and there was hardly any hand shock. I have to give credit to the new vibration dampeners that Alpine has installed.
Specifications:
Mass weight: 4.2 pounds.
Axle to Axle: 32 inches.
Brace height: 7.25 inches.
Draw weights: 60, 70 pounds.
Cam: New Velocitec Cam.
Draw lengths: 27", 28", 29", 30"
IBO speed: 325 fps.
Limbs: Bi-Flex composite limb, film dipped finish in
Realtree Hardwoods Green HD.
Cable Guard Straight mounted carbon.
Sight window 8.25" single plane window.
Pocket: Inter-Loc Limb Mounting System.
Riser Color: Realtree Hardwoods Green HD.
Grip: One piece rose wood.
Let-off: 80% standard, 65% optional
Conclusion:
This was the first Alpine bow that I had ever shot and to say I was impressed is an understatement. You can tell the quality that has gone into making it. The best thing about this bow is the speed that is obtained from the cams. I was truly shocked at how fast this bow is and little noise or vibration it produced. I look forward to seeing what Alpine will come out with next, and I give the Silverado my thumbs up!
