Continuing to build on this foundation is the basic essentials which transform your bow into a shooting machine.  The folks at Alpine understand this equation as they offer not only bows but a complete line of shooting accessories. 

The basis of this evaluation is the Alpine Ravage.  This sleek 28 inch axle-to-axle bow is one of the most compact bows on the market utilizing a parallel limb design.  What Alpine achieved was the ability to get balance and shooting stability of a longer axle-to-axle bow into a compact design. 

Initial Thought
As I pulled the bow out of the case my attention immediately focused on the design of the riser.  The curves from the limb pockets coupled with the riser extending past them resemble a cobra posing to strike. 

Riser
The Ravage's reflexed design is machined from standard 6061 aluminum, dipped in Realtree Hardwoods Green HD, and labeled the VX Series.  This new series features a wider design throughout the entire length of the riser defining greater resistance to flexing.  Also a new dampening system, labeled Bi-Polar, is located on each end of the riser and dramatically reduces recoil where it is greatest.  By concentrating the B-Polar design on each end you absorb and reduce oscillation where it begins. By reducing it at the point of origin you greatly reduce the chance of it resonating throughout the entire riser. 

Moving to the middle of the riser Alpine has incorporated a large sight window.  This is a great design for such a short bow because it satisfies all archers' choice of any sight on today's market.  The shelf complements the large sight window but requires an added plate to ensure adequate hand protection.  I believe this could have been eliminated by putting an upward lip on the shelf.  It is already adequate in width due to the large sight window.

Because of the wide riser design the throat of the handle is a little larger than I prefer.  It is however complemented nicely by a  comfortable laminated, inlayed wood handle.

The cable guard is formulated of a carbon composite and features a Pro Dampener Glide Slide.  This slide incorporates Teflon to glide along the cable guard and rollers to ensure a smooth buss cable ride.

Limbs Pockets
Another new feature that is standard on all Alpine VX series risers is the Inter-loc Limb Mounting System.  This design encases each limb in a nylon liner before it is inserted into the machined limb pocket.  The limb pocket is then secured to the riser with two locking bolts as well as the weight adjustment bolt.   This unique design insures against any movement during the entire draw and shooting cycle.  Also since the nylon liner keeps the limb from touching the riser any vibration is further dampened and thereby greatly restricted from being transferred to the limb.  This combined with the Bi-Polar riser makes the VX series Ravage an all around great shooting bow.

Limbs and Eccentrics
The BiFlex limbs are of a glass composite and finished in Realtree Hardwoods Green HD to match the riser.  The Ravage split limbs exploit a parallel design from the riser.  Instead of the limbs moving on a perpendicular plane away from the shooter creating shock, they work parallel in order to offset limb jump and recoil. 

The Ravage incorporates Alpines Fast Trac Perimeter One-Cam.  The Cam utilizes a two bearing counterbore design and allows the user to change draw lenths from 25 to 29 inches in ½" increments without using a press.    The idler wheel with an attractive spiral design exhibits a wide track and a dual bearing to insure a smooth and fluid draw cycle.  Standard let-off with the Ravage eccentrics is 80%, however, a 65% let-off model is also available.  The bowstring which gives the Ravage life is an 81', sixteen strand BCY 8125 string.  The buss cables are comprised of a 32.5" BCY 450+ cable.  Both of these will take a seasons worth of shooting and very little stretch.

Testing
Testing was performed at a 20 and 10 yard range enclosed so that sound would be amplified.  The bow was set at 70 lbs and a 28.5" draw length.  Arrows used were Easton ACC 3-60 at 28.75" and weighing in at 405 grains.  Arrows were shot in groups of three through a ProChrono Digital Chronograph and averaged a speed of 245 fps.  Not the fastest bow in the world but overall a great quiet shooter.  The Ravage draw cycle is very smooth thanks to the exceptional 7.5" brace height and this from a short 28" axle-to-axle length. 

Design 8.5 of 10
The bow is designed with shootability in mind.  It is not designed to be a speed bow but one that delivers and arrow quietly and accurately.  The bow does in fact deliver in both of these areas.  It is very compact, maneuverable and will make an excellent choice for someone who loves to pursue their quarry from tight quarters.

The limb pocket design is unique and of sound engineering design unlike any other I have seen.  The fact that each individual limb is encased in nylon and secured by two locking bolts as well as the weight bolt ensures no movement.

The riser shelf could have been designed with an extended lip rather than an add-on piece.  Also the Ravage's riser has been designed with a higher depth to thickness ratio to add rigidity.  Where this feature has benefited by reducing flex it has depleted from the feel of the grip.  I believe the handle could stand to be a little narrower to enhance the overall feel. 

Quality 9 of 10
The quality of design and machining throughout the bow is exceptional.  The limb pocket design shows no gaps or rough transitions.  The camouflaged dip showed no flaws even around the many curves and cutouts of the riser.  The finish extends throughout the limbs as well.  I do not however care for the yellow limb liners as I feel it takes away from the overall look of the bow. 

Conclusion
If you are a hunter looking for a bow that is a smooth shooter, quiet and is very maneuverable then I suggest you give the Alpine Ravage a try. 

Specification:

•  Mass Weight - 4.0 pounds
•  Axle to Axle - 28 inches
•  Brace Height - 7.5 inches
•  Draw weights - 50, 60, 70 pounds
•  Draw lengths - Fast Trac Perimeter Weighted One-Cam with Wide Body Technology 25", 26", 27", 28", 29"
•  Limbs - Bi-Flex composite limb, finished in Realtree Hardwoods Green HD
•  Cable Guard - Straight carbon with eccentric adjustment with Pro Dampener, Glide Slide 
•  Sight Window: - 6" single plane window, allows mounting of all sights
•  Limb Pocket - Inter-Loc limb mounting system
•  Riser Colors - Realtree Hardwoods Green HD
•  Let-off - 80% standard, 65% optional

ALPINE ARCHERY
PO Box 319
Lewiston, ID  83501
208-746-4717  -  FAX 208-746-1635 
On the web: www.AlpineArchery.com