One
of the highest criteria on my list of what to look for in a bow is the
overall "feel". For example: How a bow rests in my hand, its balance,
and the smoothness of the draw cycle are all key when shopping for a new
rig. A bow that shoots Mach10 but feels like a 300 magnum going off does
not appeal to me. A bow that makes shooting fun, on the other hand, is
definite keeper in my book. Darton's new Rampage is in a class all its
own when it comes to the "Fun factor"! Follow along as we explore the "nuts
and bolts" of the matter and then move into the testing -- my favorite
part of any review.
Basics
The Rampage is the "King Pin" in Darton's Premier Pro series of bows
and is built around the C/P/S (Controlled Power System) Express single
cam system. As with the other bows in the "Pro" series, the C/P/S system
is the true heart of the Rampage.
The
C/P/S system consists of a large diameter upper control wheel and the bottom
power cam. The upper control wheel has a dual track with an eccentric
groove that allows the exact length of string out to match the bottom power
cam. This results in perfectly level nock travel (many manufacturers
claim level nock travel however, as far as I know, only Darton has the
physics behind their design to make this possible). The large diameter
of the control wheel also reduces the amount of friction or hysterisis.
Tuning marks are inscribed on the control wheel making the sometimes-difficult
task of tuning rather easy. If the control cable passes just above
the top tuning line, you need to add twists to your cable. A control
cable that is just below the bottom tuning line requires you to untwist
the cable for proper set-up. It is that simple. Also, Darton has
incorporated a sealed ball bearing system for the upper axle.
The power cam is feature-packed as well, and carries many benefits for
the archer including an improved axle boss. Other cam designs hit peak
and then radically "Drop off", whereas Darton has designed the power cam
to build to peak quickly, maintain it over several inches, and then gradually
drop off to the holding weight. The power cam also features adjustable/interchangeable
modules. Overlapping modules are available in either 65% let-off (3 modules)
or 80% let-off (5 modules) and provide over 6 inches of draw length adjustment
from 25-1/2" to 31-3/4". The upper control wheel also contributes an additional
¾ inch draw adjustment through five bowstring anchor points.
Another of the power cam's features is Darton's patented control arm and
adjustable module combinations. By correctly matching each cam module location
to the correct control wheel anchor point location, the best stored-energy
rating can be achieved for any of the available draw length increments.
Matching these locations controls the relation
ship between the upper control wheel and the power cam. Other
one-cam set-ups are at peak performance only at specified draw lengths
- any deviation from that select draw length and sacrifices are made in
performance and nock travel. The Power Cam also incorporates tuning marks
for super easy tuning.
The Rampage sports a sleek reflexed riser that is machined from a single
block of 6061 T6 aluminum then CNC machined into the finished design. Cutouts
are machined the length of the riser to reduce overall weight. The narrow
two-piece grip, one of the keys to the Rampage's comfortable "feel", is
rubber molded. All of the standard mounting holes can be found on the riser
along with limb lock down bolts that ensure a consistent draw weight adjustment.
The riser is film-dipped in Superflauge camo. Also attached to the riser
is a pair of cast magnesium limb pockets that are designed to eliminate
limb movement and torque. The Rampage's FlexPower straight limbs, also
film dipped in the Superflauge camo pattern, are manufactured from high
strength unidirectional fiberglass. A graphite rod and slide is used for
the cable guard system.
Attached to the eccentrics is a 14 strand, 60 ½" long Premium
450 Plus string and two cables. The control cable is made from 14 strand,
42 3/16" long Premium + material while the split cable is a 12 strand,
39' long Premium +.
Testing
Testing began in the usual way with a thorough quality check of the
entire bow. Again, Darton's quality department was on its toes and the
Rampage was mechanically and cosmetically in top-notch order. No machining
mark, blemishes in the finish, or loose hardware was noted. Screws were
threaded into all accessory holes to ensure they were free and clear.
Next, the Rampage was setup with my standard testing equipment including
a string loop and N.A.P. QuickTune 3000 arrow rest. The bow was set at
65 lb pull, 28" draw, firing 27" Easton XX78 Super Slam arrows with 100-grain
points. The total arrow weight ended up being 445.98 grains or 6.86 grains
per pound. A second 27" arrow, the Easton Carbon Epic, was also used. The
epic total weight with 100-grain points is 378.85 grains or 5.83 grains
per pound.
"Practice makes perfect" the saying goes, or at least gets you closer!
Purchasing a bow that "fits" you well and is a pleasure to handle will
ultimately lead to more enjoyment and therefore more practice. Enter: The
Darton Rampage, undeniably one of the smoothest and best handling bows
on the market today. In an independent bow testing session performed by
my company, Silks Outdoors, the Rampage was put to the test against three
of today's top bows: the Mathews Legacy, Bowtech Patriot, and PSE Nitro.
In the testing, eight evaluators ranked the Rampage the overall #1 in two
categories: Smoothness of the draw cycle and Feel/Balance! The Rampage
is indeed a joy to handle and draw. I personally think the Darton bow line
that incorporates the molded rubber grip and C/P/S system is the standard
by which other bows will be measured as far as smoothness and handling
are considered.
The next test was speed. Lately, I've noticed a renewed interest toward
speed as manufacturers continue to push the envelope even further. Speed
in itself is not a bad thing but speed at the expense of shootability and
noise is unnecessary in my opinion. The Rampage is strong in the speed
department but does not sacrifice the overall shooting experience to achieve
it. I like that! Each arrow mentioned above was shot ten times each through
two chronographs. The two chronies were the Oehler Model 35 Proof and the
Chrony Inc Shooting Chrony. The results were as follows:
Oehler: XX78 average over 10 shots was 245.9 fps; Epic average over
10 shots was 264 fps.
Shooting Chrony: XX78 average over 10 shots was 251.5 fps; Epic average
over 10 shots was 269 fps.
In the test session mentioned earlier the Rampage ranked third in the
speed department but was never behind by more than just 5fps! The fastest
bow? No, but certainly no slouch.
Silence in all aspects of my hunting is a top priority. In the woods
-- silence is golden. This same high standard is applied to my bow
as well.
When it's finally time to deliver the arrow to its mark, a quiet bow
is a must. The Rampage in the "right out of the box" condition is not as
quiet as I would like. In the bow test previously mentioned, the Rampage
ranked fourth in quietness. Sound like trouble? Not necessarily as I have
found no other bow that is so dramatically affected by vibration dampening
products such as those from Sim's or Global Resource's ShockFin products
as the Darton Rampage. While the Rampage was mid-range quiet, after affixing
solid Limb Savers and String Leaches to the results were unbelievable!
It was deadly quiet and had little hand shock. Would I take the Rampage
hunting? In a heartbeat.
In conclusion:
I would say the Rampage is a great handling bow with good speed and
the potential to be one of the quietest rigs out there. Don't even hesitate
on the Sim's or ShockFin products - just do it. What you give up by having
to dress the Rampage up for quietness you more than gain back in smoothness
and efficiency. The C/P/S Single Cam system is one of the best eccentric
packages available. Overlooking the Rampage while shopping for your next
bow would be a mistake, pure and simple.
Now for the "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 10 Super grip!
-
Maneuverability 8 Average at 37 ¼"
-
Speed 9 In step with the rest of them.
-
Quality/Workmanship 10 Exceptional!
-
Shock/Vibration 7.0 A little high.
-
Noise Level 7.0 A little high.
-
Draw Cycle "Feel" 10 Very smooth!
-
Shootability 9.5 Enjoyable!
-
Advantage 9.5 C/P/SEfficiency!
-
Average Score 8.88 Out of possible 10
-
Total Score 80 Out of possible 90
Spec Sheet
-
Draw weights: 50,60,70 lbs. peak
-
Draw Lengths: 25 ½? to 31 ¾"
-
Axle-to-axle length: 37 ¼?"
-
Brace Height: 7"
-
Mass Weight: 4.1 lbs.
-
Let-off option #1: 65%
-
Let-off option #2: 75% - Effective 80%
-
Eccentrics: C/P/S (Controlled Power System)
-
Advertised AMO speed: 240 fps
-
Advertised IBO speed: 310 fps
-
Available finish: Superflauge, Anodized Red, Anodized Blue
-
Split cable: 12-strand Premium + (39" length)
-
Control Cable: 14-strand Premium + (42 3/16")
-
String: 14-strand Premium 450 Plus (60 ½" length)
-
Grip: 2-piece molded rubber
-
Riser: CNC machined 6061 T6 Aluminum
-
Limb pockets: Cast Magnesium
-
Limbs: FlexPower unidirectional fiberglass - straight
-
Cable guard: high-mount straight graphite rod
