PSE Madness 34 Review

Intro

If you’ve been in archery and bow hunting for a while you understand the importance of choosing gear produced by reputable manufacturers. After all, your archery equipment follows you wherever you go, whether is on a bow hunting trip or just out for target practice. And if you want to improve your technique through target practice, you’ll soon find that it’s harder to make any progress with a poor bow. And if you’re gonna hunt, you need a top-performer, period.

The manufacturer of the bow reviewed here, the PSE Madness 34, is the largest privately-owned archery equipment manufacturer in the United States. We’re talking about Precision Shooting Equipment (PSE), a 1970-founded venture founded by archery lover Pete Shepley. PSE is world-reknowned for its great commitment to the industry, and the superfast PSE Madness 34 is the living proof of the superior enginneering and crafstmanship that puts PSE amongst the industry leaders.

This bow has been a top-seller for 2015 through 2017, and its success among archers and hunters doesn’t show signs of stopping. Let’s take a spin through the features of this top performer before comparing it to its many rivals in today’s booming compound bows market

Full Review

Materials and Design

With an AtA measurement of 34.25 inches, the PSE Madness 34 is the largest frame among the other PSE Madness bows, 32 and 30. The bow is built on a forged aluminum riser, which is also extra-long (perhaps the longest of the PSE lineup). The forged riser is a little different to the risers on the other PSE Madness models. It has a more edgy look, and features a thin, comfortable grip. Archers and hunters that prefer a larger grip might find the grip on the PSE Madness a little narrow.

Flexibility

The PSE Madness is a good multipurpose bow. Its long AtA comfortably allows for multiple applications, whether is hunting or 3d-shooting. The bow has a 24.5 – 30.5 inches draw length range, which makes it also suitable for women and young adults, and delivers optimal nock travel at all those draw lengths. The limbs are available in three factory configurations with maximum draw weights of 50, 60 and 70 pounds. The draw weight is adjustable up to 30% below the maximum by turning the limb bolts counterclockwise. At the moment, no left hand option is available.

Technology

The cams are very well designed and they are only found on the Bow Madness 32 and 34. PSE has teamed up with Drury Outdoors to develop the concept behind the PSE Madness bows. This bow features a hybrid cam technology which combines the high performance of dual cam with the adjustability of a single cam. Lovers of solid wall might  not like the lack of draw stop on the top cam, although the single cable stop still gives a solid back wall feeling.

The bow features a 6″ brace height, which some might find intimidating as historically, shorter brace height model had reduced forgiveness compared to longer ones. However, the precision X-force technology on the PSE Madness has perfected the dynamic brace height on this bow (check the video below).

Speed and accuracy 

Few compound bows on the market can match the speed of the PSE Madness 34, capable of launching arrows at a blasting 342 FPS. The superior performance of this bow is also evident by the smoothness of the draw cycle, which is even smoother than past models thanks to the hybrid cam technology. The 80% let-off gives a good mix of performance and comfort.

Hunting Features

Given the power and accuracy this is undoubtedly a great hunting bow, although not the most lightweight at 4.1 lbs. The bow is also very quiet thanks to the the Vibracheck rubber dampeners on the limbs and the Backstop 3 string stop system which all in all contribute to a vibration and noise-free experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• checkVery fast
• checkStealth features
• checkSmooth and accurate
• checkGood value for money
• checkReputable brand

Cons

• Single cable stop might not please everyone
• exclamationRight-hand only

PSE Madness 34 Review: Conclusion and rating

The PSE Madness 34 is a premium compound bow and top-range performer without the huge price tag. It features an innovative hybrid cam system for extra balance and smoothness, and is capable of shooting arrow at a IBO speed of up to 342FPS. It has good flexibility features and it’s easy and fun to shoot, and it can be a great choice for speed- addicted archers and hunters, both beginners and pros.