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In case you missed it in the last post, I just got done testing 14 brand-new bows with a group of experienced archers for Field & Stream’s “Best of the Best” awards program. For details of how the test is conducted, see the original post. Every week from now until September, I’ll be posting reviews of the test bows, counting them down from #14 to #1 and revealing the winner here, shortly after the September issue hits mail boxes and newstands.

This week we’ll continue the countdown with:
Bow #13: Diamond “Deadeye” (diamondarchery.com)

httpswww.fieldandstream.comsitesfieldandstream.comfilesimport2014importBlogPostembedWTDiamond_Deadeye-July_2011.JPG

– Price: $749
– Weight: 4 lbs. 6 oz.
– Length: 32″ axle-to-axle
– Speed: 291 fps.

Comments/Notes: The single-cam Deadeye sports 7-layer laminated limbs, a fully machined riser, rotating draw length module, and a twin machined center-lock limb pocket system. The draw length is adjustable from 26-30″ and effective let-off is 80%.

Hits: The Deadeye was very fast, tying for 3rd in the speed category. It was also one of the lighter bows in the test. Most testers also gave the Deadeye good marks for balance and grip, as well as a firm back wall. Overall construction was very good, with a solid limb pocket design and pleasing lines.

Misses: Speed always comes at a price, and the Deadeye had a surprisingly stiff draw cycle for a single cam bow. While I didn’t feel the draw was too rugged until the very end, most shooters gave the Deadeye low grades in this category.

The Takeaway: The Deadeye is a great-looking bow that will undoubtedly please folks who love a quick arrow. We try not to engage in too much “what if?” during the test, but we couldn’t help but feel that the Deadeye would have been a much more pleasant bow to shoot (and placed higher in the test) set at 60# instead of the 70# test weight. Diamond always builds a solid bow; with the Deadeye they’ve clearly made speed a priority.