Compound Bow | Draw Weight | Draw Length | Brace Height | IBO Speed | Let-off | AtA Length / Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bowtech Fuel See Today's Price on Cabelas | 17 to 70 lbs. | 18" - 30" | 7" How To Choose Arrows | 320 FPS | 80 | 31.5" / 3.4 lbs. |
| Pros: - Bowtech’s least expensive bow - Available as either a bare bow or with an accessory package - Exceptionally short axle-to-axle length makes it an excellent hunting bow - Wide range of draw lengths and draw weights | Cons: - Short axle-to-axle length may make it difficult for new archers to shoot accurately |
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The Bowtech Fuel at a Glance
Welcome to our Bowtech Fuel compound bow review. This bow is and an excellent choice for avid hunters because its extra-short axle-to-axle length makes it both lightweight and highly maneuverable. Also, it has wide range of draw length and draw weight adjustments and, the generous brace height tends compensate somewhat for the short axle-to-axle length. Last, it features Bowtech’s Binary Cam system which is extremely accurate and the rotating modules make it very easy to adjust both draw length and draw weight without a bow press.
Bowtech Fuel Package Contents & Assembly
The Bowtech Fuel is available as either a bare bow or with a pre-installed R.A.K. (Ready, Aim, Kill) accessory package that includes everything you need to start hunting immediately. For instance, the R.A.K. accessory package includes an R.A.K. custom 4-pin sight, an Octane Hostage XL arrow rest, an Octane 5 inch ultra-light stabilizer, an Octane Deadlock Lite arrow quiver, a Comfort Wrist sling, a BCY string loop, an alloy peep sight, and Dura-flex string dampeners. Thus, when purchased with the accessory package, the Bowtech Fuel is ready to hunt with right out of the box.
The Bowtech Fuel Eccentric System (cams)
The Bowtech Fuel features Bowtech’s Binary Cam System which is one of the most accurate (and thus sought after) cam systems on the market today. Unlike single cam and hybrid cam systems, the Bowtech Binary Cam System features two symmetrical cams that are slaved to each other which forces the cams to rotate in perfect synchronization; thus completely eliminating the synchronization problems normally associated with double cam bow designs. Also, Bowtech has incorporated a slight spiral into the cable tacks on the side of the cam which cause the cables to move out slightly as the bow is drawn; thus decreasing the amount of torque on the cable guard.
Shooting Speed
The Bowtech Fuel has a very respectable IBO speed of 320 FPS which, although somewhat moderate by today’s standards, is certainly fast enough to provide a very flat arrow trajectory that will easily compensate for minor misjudgments in target distance. However, it should be noted that IBO speeds are somewhat deceptive since they are based on International Bowhunting Organization competition rules which require at least 5 grains of arrow weight per pound of draw weight but have no standard for draw length. Therefore, bow manufactures who list IBO speeds inevitably use the lightest arrows that meet the necessary criteria combined with the longest draw length available on any given model to test arrow speeds. Learn more about what speeds to actually expect.
Kinetic Energy (KE) of the Bowtech Fuel Compound Bow
It should be noted that the kinetic energy of any compound bow will vary significantly with different draw lengths and draw weights. However, below are some close estimates of what level of kinetic energy to expect from the Bowtech Fuel:
- 70 lbs. / 30″ draw / 350 grain arrows: 79.6 ft-lbs KE
- 70 lbs. / 30″ draw / 425 grain arrows: 96.6 ft-lbs KE
Please note: the values listed above are based upon arrow speeds measured immediately in front of the riser. Therefore, in order to determine the Bowtech Fuel’s kinetic energy output at different ranges, you will need to subtract approximately 1.8 ft-lbs. from the values listed above for every 10 yards of distance from your target.
The Bow’s Draw Cycle
The Bowtech Fuel actually has a very smooth draw cycle due to the moderate, symmetric, duel cams and, thanks to the rotating modules, the draw length is easily adjustable from 18 to 30 inches without needing a bow press. Therefore, it will accommodate most any size archer. Also, the infinitely adjustable draw stop provides a firm wall which helps to greatly increase shot-to-shot consistency. Therefore, it is a very easy bow for experienced archers to shoot accurately.
Noise Levels and Vibration
I have to admit that I was quite surprised by just how quite and vibration free the Bowtech Fuel is. In fact, it is so quite that all you hear when you release the string is the sound of the string striking the included string dampener which is installed behind, and at the same level as, the stabilizer hole on the front of the riser. Therefore, excess energy is transferred directly from the limbs to the included suppressor and then, is immediately transmitted to the stabilizer; thus eliminating any excess vibration in the riser. Also, the nearly complete lack of vibration makes it very easy to hold the pin on the target during the release and follow through.
Using the Bowtech Fuel for Hunting
The Bowtech Fuel is an excellent choice for avid hunters who frequently hunt from a tree stand or ground blind due to its extremely short axle-to-axle length. Also its smooth draw cycle and vibration free release make it very easy to hold on target which results in a very accurate shot. In fact, for such a short bow, it is amazingly easy to shoot very tight groups even out to 50 yards. Also, its relatively light weight makes it easy carry to and from your stand. Plus, with an IBO speed of 320 FPS, it has a relatively flat arrow trajectory and easily generates enough kinetic energy to hunt any game species that you choose to pursue.
However, it is important to note that depending on the size of the animal you intend to hunt, your bow will need to generate sufficient kinetic for the arrow to reach the vitals. Therefore, the following Easton chart will provide you with some idea of how much kinetic energy is needed for hunting different game species:
| Kinetic Energy: | You Can Hunt: |
|---|---|
| < 25 ft-lbs | Small Game (groundhog, rabbit, wild turkey) |
| 25-41 ft-lbs | Medium Game (Antelope, Whitetail deer) |
| 42-65 ft-lbs | Large Game (black bear, wild boar, elk) |
| > 65 ft-lbs | Largest Game (Grizzly bear, Cape buffalo, Musk Ox, African elephant) |
Consult our “Kinetic Energy” section above to determine how much KE to expect from the Bowtech Fuel depending on your settings.
Limbs, Riser, & Grip
The Bowtech Fuel features a lightweight, skeletonized, moderately reflexed, machined aluminum riser that positions the limbs in a somewhat more traditional manor than some of the new bows with more radical parallel limb designs and thus, I personally find it to be far more aesthetically pleasing than a lot of bows on the market today. Also, the riser features a molded grip as opposed to a rounded section of bare riser which I personally find far more comfortable when drawing and shooting the bow. In addition, it features a set of very short, solid, limbs that, while not quite as light as a spit limb design, generate a tremendous amount of power while generating very little vibration in the riser.
Value for the Money
Even though the Fuel is Bowtech’s entry level hunting bow and thus lacks some of the more advanced technology featured on some of Bowtech’s more expensive models, it still represents a significant value for the money with an MSRP of only $449.00 for the bare bow and $499.00 for the R.A.K. equipped bow package. Thus, in my opinion, the Fuel is an excellent choice for anyone who is looking for a relatively inexpensive hunting bow that is also quite and smooth to shoot.
Bowtech Fuel Compound Bow Review – Summary
Thanks for reading our Bowtech Fuel review. In my opinion, the Bowtech Fuel is an excellent choice for hunters who are looking for a quite, smooth shooting, entry level compound bow that does not cost as much as a used car to purchase. Also, due to its wide range of adjustability in both draw length and draw weight, it is a good choice for archers of all ages and statures. Plus, I also like the fact that it has a very smooth draw cycle and the lack of vibration makes it very easy to shoot accurately. Furthermore, in my opinion, it has an aesthetically pleasing design that is available with your choice of either a Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage pattern or a Black Ops stealth finish. Thus, all things considered, I would feel comfortable recommending this bow to my hunting buddies. See Cabela's current price and customer reviews on the Bowtech Fuel if you’re interested.
