As
I have mentioned in other reviews, two of the most important qualities
I look for in a bow are "feel" and smoothness of the draw. The "feel" is
made up of the grip and balance while the smoothness of draw means no abrupt
changes in poundage or bumps along the draw. Darton's Avalanche Extreme,
scores very well in both of these categories and is a blast to shoot. Following
is a brief overview of the bow's makeup and a thorough test of its capabilities.
Basics
The
Avalanche is one of Darton's Premier Pro series of bows and is built around
the C/P/S (controlled power system) Extreme cam system. This 8th generation
C/P/S is also the basis for the cams that power the new Hoyt Cam &
½ models for which Darton receives license fees.
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.
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 an increased length, and then
gradually drop off to the holding weight. The power cam also features
adjustable/interchangeable modules. Three adjustable modules provide a
draw length range of 26 ¼ to 30 ¾" in 1/8" increments. 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 relationship 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 Avalanche has a reflexed riser that is first forged from a single
block of 6061 T6 aluminum alloy then CNC machined into its final form.
Cutouts are machined the length of the riser to reduce overall weight.
New for Darton this year is their Integral Dampening System that is mounted
directly into the riser of the Avalanche. The narrow two-piece grip, one
of the keys to the Avalanche'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 fixed cast aluminum limb pockets.
The straight limbs are made of a high strength fiberglass composite and
measure 13.5" in length. More than ever before Darton is sweeping its limbs
back toward a more parallel position for less shock and noise. These are
also film dipped in the Superflauge camo pattern. A composite cable guard
is also permanently fixed into the riser.
Attached to the eccentrics is a 14 strand, 58 7/8" long Premium 450
Plus string with speed enhancers and two cables. The control cable is made
from 14 strand, 38 1/8" long Premium 450+ material while the split cable
is a 12 strand, 36 1/16" long Premium 450 +.
Testing
As always my testing begins with a thorough quality and craftsmanship
check. This includes an inspection of the finish, all hardware and mechanical
operation. This Darton was found to be in the same condition as all of
the Darton bows I have tested -- perfect!
The Avalanche 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.
The Avalanche has a great grip that is super comfortable and narrow.
It is by far one of the best in the feel/balance category among today's
top rigs. I have shot Darton bows for the past several years and the feature
that keeps me coming back for more is the way it fits in my hands. It is
easy to get the needed practice in when your bow is fun to shoot. This
is a good place to mention one of the items I feel is needed to complete
the Darton package. It is, as mentioned in my other Darton reviews, a set
of Limb Savers. And when I say Limb Savers that is exactly what is meant.
Inevitably people will call and say they didn't get the same performance
that I experienced and inevitably I find out that they used some other
brand of dampening device. Limb Savers and Darton is a match made in heaven.
The two work so well together that it is almost as if Sims used Darton
bows during their design phase! With the Limb Savers installed the Avalanche
is a very quiet, smooth and hard-hitting bow.
Next up on the test list was speed. The Avalanche scored well as most
of the Darton models do. Shooting the Easton XX78 Super Slams the Avalanche
averaged 249 fps over 10 shots. Using the Easton Carbon Epic arrows the
average was 270 fps over 10 shots. Out of 12 bows that I tested for speed,
the Darton ranked fourth with both arrows. Not the fastest bow on the market
but still a burner!
The Avalanche, like other Darton bows I have tested, is a solid rig
for either hunting or 3-D. It is a fast shooter that can be made whisper
quiet with Limb Savers and the "feel" is superb. Looking for a smooth,
quiet, hard hitter that is built to last at a price that won't break the
bank? Then make sure you get the Avalanche in your hands for a test run.
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" 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 9.5 - 34 3/8"
-
Speed 9 - Definitely fast.
-
Quality/Workmanship 10 - Exceptional!
-
Shock/Vibration 7.0 - Need Limb Savers
-
Noise Level 7.0 - Need Limb Savers
-
Draw Cycle "feel" 10 - Very smooth!
-
Shootability 9.5 - Enjoyable!
-
Advantage 9.5 - C/P/SEfficiency!
-
Average Score 9.05 - Out of possible 10
-
Total Score 81.5 - Out of possible 90
Spec Sheet
-
Draw weights: 50,60,70 lbs. peak
-
Draw Lengths: 26 1/4? to 30 ¼"
-
Axle-to-axle length: 34 3/8"
-
Brace Height: 7 1/4"
-
Mass Weight: 4.16 lbs.
-
Let-off option#1: 65%
-
Let-off option#2: 75%
-
Eccentrics: C/P/S Extreme (Controlled Power System)
-
Advertised AMO speed: 237 fps
-
Advertised IBO speed: 308 fps
-
Available finish: Superflauge, Anodized Red, Anodized Blue
-
Split cable: 12-strand Premium 450 + (36 1/16" length)
-
Control Cable: 14-strand Premium 450+ (38 1/8")
-
String: 14-strand Premium 450 + (58 7/8" length)
-
Grip: 2-piece molded rubber
-
Riser: CNC machined 6061 T6 Aluminum Alloy
-
Limb pockets: Cast Aluminum
-
Limbs: High Strength fiberglass composite, 13.5"
-
Cable guard: fixed composite
-
MSRP: $629.99
