The 2024 lineup of Bowtech bows are feature packed and built to be some of the most user-friendly bows ever built. The all-new Bowtech Core SR delivers the perfect blend of solid bowhunting features and speed refined.
Bowtech unveiled 2 bows in the Core line for 2024 – the Bowtech Core SR – built for speed, and the Core SS, built to be super smooth. The Core SR is a 33″ axle to axle bow, while the Core SS comes in at 31.5″ axle to axle.
For this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Bowtech Core SR. Check it out in the video, photos, and specs below.
Specs on the Core SR
Axle to Axle Length – 33″
Draw Length 25″ – 30″
Draw Weight – 50, 60, 70 LBS
Speed – 344 FPS
Brace Height – 6″
Mass Weight 4.5 LBS
Price – $1399
DeadLock Cams
The lock-down technology built into Bowtech bows in recent years is truly what sets the brand apart these days. There’s a lot of really impressive engineering going into their bows with designs that make the setup and tuning process easier than ever.
It all starts with their cams. The Deadlock Cams allow the shooter to quickly tune for perfect arrow flight, as well as maintain it once you’re dialed into the sweet spot.
With one turn of a screw, you simply move the cams left or right on the axles to position all the energy directly behind the arrow. Then, lock it back down for consistent accuracy you can have complete confidence in shot after shot.
The cams also feature rotating mods for fast and easy draw length adjustment, from 25 to 30 inches. You simply remove the mod screws, rotate the mod to your desired setting, and then re-tighten. It’s a simple process that won’t require a bow press.
No more waiting on a draw module order or replacement from your pro shop to adjust your draw length. You can now make it happen on your own in minutes.
FlipDisc Technology
You’ll also find FlipDisc Technology built into the cam system. It’s like having two bows in one. By simply flipping the disc from one side to the other, you can achieve two different draw cycles, as well as performance in speed.
The Comfort setting delivers a smoother draw cycle, while the Performance setting delivers faster arrow speeds. However, you will notice a considerable difference in the draw cycles when changing from Comfort to Performance on the FlipDisc.
The Comfort setting delivers a smooth draw cycle from front to back, provided you give it the muscle from front to back. Don’t try to ease it back, or go light on the front end.
After drawing the bow a couple times, I quickly got a feel for the cycle and knew what was required to draw the bow smooth and comfortable from start to finish.
TimeLock
Rounding out the super slick features built into the cam is TimeLock. As the name implies, TimeLock is a sophisticated design that allows archers to make quick and easy cam positioning adjustments, without the need for a bow press. No more running back and forth to the bow press and twisting cables. The process is now easier than ever with just an Allen tool.
You simply loosen the locking screw, make the adjustment, then lock it back down. It’s another fast and easy feature that allows you to expedite the tuning process, whether at home, or at the pro shop.
Dual Lock Pockets
You’ll find a rock solid foundation for this bow thanks to the Dual Lock Limb Pocket design. Dual Lock locks every component in the entire bow structure as one for the most rigid, accuracy-producing platform possible.
It’s a bullet proof design that finds the limbs locked into the pockets, and the pockets into the riser.
Overkill? Maybe. Tough as nails? Absolutely. You can hunt with confidence knowing this bow is built to take a beating with its lock-down design throughout.
GripLock
The Core SR gets a nice grip upgrade with the new GripLock design that gives a wide range of options for a custom fit and feel in the grip.
GripLock allows you to fine-tune grip angle with nothing more than an Allen tool. With a simple turn of a screw, you can customize the grip, from a low to high wrist, or anywhere in between.
Center Mass Technology
Like a number of bow manufacturers these days, Bowtech is now adding a centered, balanced and streamlined bow sight attachment design to their riser. It’s called, Center Mass Technology.
It’s designed to enhance balance and precision by precisely aligning the sight to optimize greater stability and accuracy in every shot.
However, keep in mind, this is not a dovetail-style mount like we’ve seen from other bow manufacturers. Your dovetail bow sight design will not work here. It will only accommodate the Center Mass bow sights, with their unique bar fitting into the riser.
Integrate Mounting System
Another great feature Bowtech fans will appreciate is the addition of the Integrate Mounting System (IMS) for the arrow rest on the Core SR.
This dovetail mounting system is machined directly into the riser to deliver a rock solid anchor and eliminate any movement of the rest once locked down.
The design is compatible with all rests featuring the IMS option.
Orbit Dampeners
The Core SR is a quiet bow at the shot. You won’t hear or feel much noise or vibration thanks to the bow’s Orbit Dampeners fixed to the riser. It’s actually pretty impressive, particularly for a bow designed for speed.
The dampeners are strategically positioned in-line with the travel of the string to further reduce any noise and extra vibration at the shot.
Performance on the Range
For a real world look at the performance of the Core SR in a hunting setup, I shot my 412 grain Easton Axis arrows through the Garmin XERO chrono.
The test bow was set up at 28″ draw length, and maxed out at 70 pounds draw weight.
We put a bunch of shots through the chrono and continued to get high-end speeds of 293.8 FPS.
Again, this is in the Comfort setting of the FlipDisc. Swap it to the Performance setting and you can expect to gain another 8-9 FPS faster. But, that extra speed will come with a much harsher draw cycle, as well.
As stated earlier, you’ll quickly get a feel for the draw cycle and what’s required to achieve a smoother draw from front to back. The bow stands out from other speed bows in the comfort and smooth design it delivers, despite being built specifically for speed.
The Core SR offers a nice blend of speed and hunter-friendly features that’ll make it an ideal bow option, whether on the target line, or in the woods.
It’s got a wide range of camo and solid color finish options, now including the popular Mossy Oak Bottomland camo. The bow wears a price tag of $1399. Check it out at your local Bowtech dealer, or online at www.bowtecharchery.com.
