Welcome, archery enthusiasts and beginners alike, to our in-depth review of PSE Archery's Stinger MAX RTS.
This versatile and sleek-looking bow has been generating quite a buzz in the archery community, and it's our pleasure to take a closer look at it.
Priced at a competitive $369.95, the Stinger promises a balance of power, precision, and affordability, all while maintaining PSE Archery's renowned commitment to quality.
Whether you're looking to take your archery hobby to the next level, or seeking a reliable bow for hunting trips, the Stinger may be just what you're looking for.
In this review, we'll be exploring several key aspects of the Stinger.
We'll delve into its design and ergonomics, considering how it feels in the hand and its visual appeal.
We'll evaluate its performance on the field, from its draw weight and speed, to its accuracy and consistency.
We'll also investigate its adaptability for different users and various types of archery, such as target shooting and hunting.
Furthermore, we'll assess its value for money, comparing it to similar bows in the market.
And finally, we'll discuss the experiences of other users and their feedback, providing a holistic view of what it's like to own and shoot with the Stinger.
So, pull up a chair, notch an arrow, and let's dive into the world of the PSE Archery Stinger MAX.
Specifications
- Brace Height: 7”
- Axle-to-Axle: 30”
- ATA/IBO Speed: 312-304 FPS
- Letoff: 80%
- Mass Weight: 3.8 lbs.
- Draw Length Range: 21 ½” – 30”
- Draw Weights (lbs.): 55, 70
- Limb Bolt Turns: 15
- Cam: SS
- Finishes: Mossy Oak Country, TrueTimber Strata, Black, Charcoal, Muddy Girl, Purple, White
Additional Features
- The bow has a compact size which is ideal for hunting in confined spaces like ground blinds or tree stands.
- It has a maximum IBO speed of 312 FPS which is considered moderate by today's standards, but is quick enough for hunting or target archery.
- It features a 7” brace height which offers substantial forgiveness and shootability, especially beneficial for newcomers to compound archery.
- The draw cycle of the bow is smooth with a gradual transition into the valley, starting at peak draw weight and becoming easier with each inch of pull.
- It has a rock-solid back wall and a crisp release, which contribute to consistency and long-term accuracy
My Personal Experience
It's a crisp Saturday morning, and I'm heading out to the local archery range with my PSE Stinger Max.
I've been shooting this bow for a few months now, and I feel like we've become quite the team.
The moment I pick it up, I'm always struck by its balanced weight.
At 3.8 lbs., it's substantial enough to feel sturdy in my hands, yet light enough to not be a burden during a long shooting session.
The finish, a sleek black in my case, gives it a professional and polished look.
Once at the range, I start setting up.
The draw length is adjustable between 21 ½” and 30”, and I've found my sweet spot at around 28″.
The process of adjusting the draw length isn't ultra-adjustable like some other bows on the market, but it's been sufficient for my needs.
The draw weight is another aspect I appreciate about this bow – I have it set at 70 lbs., which gives me a good balance between power and control.
One thing that stands out about the Stinger Max is the smoothness of its draw cycle.
From the moment I start to draw back the string until I hit the peak draw weight, there's a sense of fluidity that makes the process feel almost effortless.
And then there's the let-off.
At 80%, it means that when the bow is fully drawn, I'm only holding 20% of the actual draw weight.
This takes a lot of the strain off my holding arm and allows me to focus more on aiming.
At full draw, I appreciate the bow's back wall – it's rock solid.
This gives me a consistent reference point each time I draw, which helps a lot with accuracy.
The release is just as impressive, crisp and clean, sending the arrow on its way without any noticeable hand shock.
Despite the PSE Stinger Max not being the fastest bow on the market, with an ATA/IBO Speed of 312-304 FPS, it's quick enough for my target shooting.
The arrows fly true and hit the target with a satisfying thud.
Once I've finished my shooting session, packing up is straightforward.
The only minor inconvenience I've encountered with this bow is the quiver mount and cam-lock design, which can be a bit cumbersome.
But that's a small price to pay for a bow that performs so well overall.
As I drive home, I reflect on my time at the range.
Shooting with the PSE Stinger Max is always a pleasure.
It's a bow that combines performance, versatility, and value, making every trip to the range an enjoyable experience.
I'm already looking forward to my next shooting session with it.
Price and Value for Money
At a cost of $369.95, it presents a comprehensive package that caters to both beginners and experienced archers.
The Stinger is appreciated for its versatility in various scenarios, including competitive shooting, hunting, or simply backyard target shooting.
It's often praised for delivering excellent performance that aligns with its price tag.
The bow comes fully outfitted with several accessories carefully chosen by PSE, adding to its overall value.
However, please note that the perception of value can be subjective and may vary among users based on their individual expectations and experiences.
Some users might prioritize certain features or accessories over others, which could influence their evaluation of the product's value for money.
While I attempted to find more specific user opinions on the bow's value for money, I encountered some technical difficulties in quoting from the sources.
To get a comprehensive understanding, I recommend checking out user reviews on websites such as Amazon or dedicated archery forums, where you can find a broad range of opinions from people who have purchased and used the Stinger.
The Drawbacks
Despite its many advantages, the Stinger does have a few minor drawbacks that some users have mentioned.
For instance, with an ATA/IBO Speed of 312-304 FPS, the Stinger is not the fastest bow on the market.
This might not be a significant issue for many, especially beginners or those mainly interested in target shooting, but for experienced hunters looking for that extra speed, it could be a point of consideration.
The Stinger's quiver mount and cam-lock design have also been noted as potentially cumbersome.
This doesn't impact the overall performance of the bow, but it can add a little extra time and effort during setup and takedown.
One day at the range, I remember trying to attach the quiver before a shooting session.
While it wasn't a big deal, I did find the quiver mount design a bit tricky to maneuver.
It took a bit longer to get set up than I initially expected.
However, with a little practice, this process has become much smoother, and it's not something that would deter me from recommending this bow.
Lastly, while the Stinger does offer a range of adjustability, it might not be as extensive as some other bows on the market.
It's worth noting that some smaller framed youth archers might experience minor fitment issues due to the 21 ½”- 30” draw length range.
Similarly, with a minimum draw weight of 55 pounds, it might not be suitable for children who are just starting out with archery.
These drawbacks, however, are quite minor when compared to the overall performance and value that the Stinger offers.
It remains a highly recommended bow for most archery enthusiasts.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
After an in-depth analysis of the PSE Archery Stinger Max RTS, also known as the “Stinger,” the conclusion is overwhelmingly positive.
This bow offers a great balance of features, performance, and value for money, making it a compelling choice for both beginners and seasoned archers alike.
The Stinger boasts an array of impressive features, such as a 30” axle-to-axle measurement that makes it ideally suited for hunting in tight confines, an 80% let-off that allows for a comfortable hold at full draw, and a rock-solid back wall that contributes to consistency and long-term accuracy12.
Moreover, the Stinger is lauded for its smooth draw cycle and crisp release, which enhance its overall shootability and user experience1.
The bow comes fully outfitted with a host of carefully chosen accessories by PSE, adding to its overall value and saving you the hassle of purchasing them separately.
Plus, the bow's generous 7″ brace height provides significant value in terms of forgiveness and shootability, especially for newcomers to compound archery.
While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the slightly slower speed compared to other bows and the somewhat cumbersome quiver mount and cam-lock design, they do not significantly detract from the Stinger's overall performance and value.
Indeed, any initial challenges with the quiver mount, for example, can be overcome with a little practice.
In light of its features, performance, and the positive experiences of many users, the Stinger comes highly recommended.
If you're in the market for a versatile, reliable, and value-packed bow, the Stinger is certainly worth considering.
Whether you're a beginner looking to get started in archery or a seasoned pro seeking a dependable bow for hunting or target shooting, the Stinger has a lot to offer.
In conclusion, the PSE Archery Stinger Max RTS represents excellent value for money.
It's a bow that truly stands out in its category and one that you should definitely consider adding to your archery equipment.
Click here to learn more about the PSE Bow Stinger MAX and get the best price on Amazon.
