BOW REVIEW: Renegade Outlaw33 By Jason Balazs
Oct 3, 2007 - 4:41:49 AM
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 OUTLAW33
RISER AND GRIP:
The riser on the Outlaw33 is machined from a solid piece of aluminum with 11 large cutouts to reduce the overall weight and gives appeal to the bow. The riser is extremely reflexed which allows the hand and grip to be way behind the tips of the limbs. This shortens the brace height and increases the speed of the arrow. The two piece wood grip is very comfortable and since the riser is visible through the rear of the grips, you have a flat area that feels natural when holding the bow.
LIMBS AND CAMS:
The Gordon Composite limbs on the Outlaw33 are solid and very durable and secured in their own machined aluminum limb pockets. The limbs then taper from the riser to the idler wheel and cam on the ends. The idler wheel is wider than normal wheels on other bows to allow for a deeper grove to control the string. The wheel is also larger, which allows the timing to be exact every time. The Cam on the Outlaw33 is the Soft Flame Cam, which allows for a smoother rollover draw and reduced the recoil upon release. Both the Cam and the idler wheel have cool looking flame shapes on them.
Testing:
Like all the other bows in the review, the first test I conducted was the grip test. I drew the Outlaw33 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. If I gripped the Outlaw33 a little thin, meaning my thumb was more on the back of the bow, the stringed would torque a little bit. However, once to full draw the bow would correct itself and my hand would slide into the correct position.
Next, I wanted to test the draw of the bow at 70 lbs, so like all the others I drew the bow 10 times. The draw seemed to be smooth thanks to the soft flame cam and peaks quickly. When at full-draw the wall is solid with zero play throughout. I was very impressed with this for this enabled me to have the same contact point every time and ensured there was no deviation in my draw length.
For testing the speed I shot through my Chronograph from Competition electronics 10 times. The average speed of all ten shots was 284fps. There was very little hand shock as well as noise. The single cam really adsorbs that shock that some dual cam bows release. The only noise that was heard was the string twang and this is something that can be corrected with a pair if string dampeners.
Specifications:
" 60# or 70#
" 33" Axle Length
" 7¼" Brace Ht
" 80% Let Off
" IBO 300
Conclusion:
I am a huge fan of Phil Phillips and Ted Nugent and have watched them on the outdoor channel shooting the Renegade bows. Since seeing them I have always wanted to shoot one for a review. I can see why Ted and Phil like their Renegade bows now. The ultra-reflexed riser gives the Outlaw33 speed, yet the cams make sure that it is smooth and quiet. If you are a fan of single cam bows, this bow is for you.
It is forgiving, fast, and plenty quiet for that elk or deer hunt. My bow came in the New Army's Digital Camouflage and there are numerous other patterns available. One thing I must mention is that Renegade is under new ownership and where not sure if they were going to have a 2007 bow model ready for this year. To me, it seems like they are doing just fine. So if you wonder if Renegade is gone away, I would have to say no, they are here for a while.
