Bow Review 2007 - Forge By Jason Balazs
Oct 12, 2007 - 1:01:28 PM
All of the 2007 model bows will be using the same rest, shooting the same arrow, through the same chronograph at same distance. The rest that I used are Quicktune 800's from New Archery Products. These rests proved to set up quickly and painlessly. For setting the bows up, I used an R.S. Bowvise and levels along with the Easy Eye Center Laser. I have mentioned this before; I would be lost with out the R. S. Bowvise and laser from easy eye.
For the arrow, I will be shooting a 365.5-grain, Vforce HV500 carbon arrow from Victory Archery cut to 28" on my Apple Archery arrow cut-off saw. All of the bows that I am shooting are set at 70lbs with a 29" draw. I was able to ensure that all of the bows were set to the exact measurements and poundage by using my Apple Super Pro Bow press outfitted with the new Bow Tuning/Drawing tool. This thing is awesome because it allows you to measure and set the draw length on every bow. Along with the Bow tuning/Drawing tool, I will be using the new Parallel Limb bow adapter for the bow press. This minimizes potential damage to expensive bows, while saving valuable setup time.
THE WOODSMAN
RISER AND GRIP:
The riser on the Woodsman is machined from a solid piece of aluminum with five cutouts that reduce the overall weight, which I might add is only 3.5 pounds. The riser is available in Black or High-Def Autumn Leaves Camouflage Pattern. The brace height is 7 1/4th inches. This allows you to have better control of your shots due to more forgiveness. The grip is a solid one-piece rubber that is fat. This allows for more control while gripping the bow and the rubber reduces the overall sound and vibration after the shot.
LIMBS AND CAMS:
The Limbs are almost parallel which makes them hold more power and reduce the overall shock of the release. The Woodsman is a single cam bow. With that being said The Cam is Forges own Machined Aluminum Edge Cam, their fastest cam. This is a great cam for hunters who are looking for a high Kinetic Energy output.
Testing:
Like all the other bows in the review, the first test I conducted was the grip test. I drew the Woodsman 10 times and would always grip the bow a little different each time. This way, I was not just utilizing my grip in the testing. The results I was looking for were if there was any torque on the bowstring. Like I stated before, the grip on the Woodsman is nice and fat. This allows for more forgiveness and every time I drew the bow, it would not torque. I was very impressed since this bow is only 30 inches axle to axle.
Next, I wanted to test the draw of the bow at 70 lbs, so like all the others I drew the bow 10 times. As expected the valley is shorter and the draw force curve is very vertical over the first 9" giving you a solid wall that is very comfortable and allows for more control of your shot.
For testing the speed I shot through my Chronograph from Competition electronics 10 times. The average speed of all ten shots was 286fps. There was very little hand shock as well as noise. The single cam does not put off that much vibration upon the release and the rubber grip absorbs the noise and vibration.
Conclusion:
This was my first time shooting a Forge bow and to say I am impressed is an understatement. One of the best things is the Woodsman is very affordable with a cost ranging from $379 - $429 depending on riser finish. This little bow was very comfortable and easy to shoot. I would recommend this bow to anyone who wants a bow to hunt or shoot 3D with. If you want a smooth drawing, fast shooting, light compact bow, the woodsman is for you. Just think, if their lower end bows are made of such quality, just think what their higher ends bows are made like.
