Obsession boasts seven new bows in its 2020 lineup, six of which are hunting bows and four of which are in the Evolution series. Obsession aficionados might recall an earlier, trendy Obsession Evolution bow, but the fact is that only the name has been brought back. The new Evolution series bows are all new bows, varying from one another primarily in axle-to-axle length, brace height, and speed, but all boasting numerous new design features. I received the Evolution 7 for testing.

At the heart of the series is the new Adjustable 4-Track Cam System, a yoked binary system designed to balance limb tip load, reduce cam lean, and simplify tuning. A rotating module allows quick and easy adjustment of draw length in half-inch increments. The most noticeable new feature is the highly reflexed riser, super slim where the sight mounts and below the grip, with numerous cutouts to reduce weight while maintaining rigidity. A rear stabilizer mount at the bottom of the riser allows for counterweights to achieve optimum balance. The sideplate-style grip has been modified with a different angle to (theoretically, at least) reduce torque. The limb pocket has been redesigned and is now a one-piece, as opposed to the Obsession’s previous two-piece design. An adjustable roller guard replaces the former Teflon slider cable guard, and the string stop, while simple in design, is lighter and more adjustable than its predecessor. Finally, new Axion Limb Dampers contribute to making this series among the quieter bows, if not the most silent, Obsession has produced.

So, what’s not brand spanking new? Not much, really. The limbs are not totally redesigned. America’s Best Bow Strings are back. And Obsession still offers a high degree of customization in terms of not only a variety of camo patterns and solid colors on limbs and riser, but colored cams and color-coordinated strings as well. And since we’re on the subject (and since I usually make a few comments on appearance at the end of this section), I’ll make the wholly subjective observation that this is one of the best-looking bows I’ve tested for some time. The test model was in Predator 3-D Deception and that, together with this bow’s reflexed design, sweeping curves and geometrical cutouts, make for a compound bow that looks somehow less machine-like than most compound bows. OK, the blaze orange strings would not have been my first choice. Less subjectively, fit and finish is excellent and durable, with no detectable flaws or machining marks.

 

Shooting the Obsession Evolution 7

The test bow was set at 29 inches when I unboxed it. Adjusting it to 30 inches required unscrewing a tiny hex screw and loosening a couple of larger ones on each module, rotating the modules, and reinserting/tightening the screws. I also adjusted the string stop slightly without difficulty. The cable guard mount interfered slightly with our standard QD Ultrarest, requiring that it be mounted slightly further back than might otherwise have been the case. This presented no apparent problems, but did give the effect of a slight overdraw setup.

At 4.4 pounds, this is a moderate weight bow by current standards. In the last few years, bowmakers, with some exceptions, seem to have moved away from very light bows and back in the direction of slightly heavier ones. The Evolution 7 is surprisingly well balanced for its length. I found the grip to be comfortable as will  anyone — I suspect — who favors a skinny, side-plate style grip. The subjective perception of the draw weight is consistent with what the draw force curve reveals: draw weight increases quickly and peaks early in the draw cycle, then falls away gradually. That is (in my opinion) a great way to maximize speed while maintaining the feel of an easy and smooth draw cycle. It’s easier to pull more weight with the arm almost fully extended than when the arm is drawn significantly to the rear. There is a slight (though not uncomfortable) bump at the end, against a back wall that feels to me to be nearly as solid as any limb stop, though the Obsession 7 is designed with dual cable stops. At the shot, the bow pops pleasantly forward into a loose grip, without any significant vibration.

As previously mentioned, the four Evolution series bows differ primarily in axle-to-axle length, brace height, and speed. This gives shooters the option of the same overall design features and technology, but tailored to personal preferences in terms of those qualities. Though the speed differences between the four models are not vast, at 330 fps the Evolution 7 is clearly aimed at the shooter who prefers the forgiveness of a slightly longer bow with a little higher brace height. Overall, it’s a reasonably fast, very pleasant-shooting bow I’d be glad to hunt with anywhere, anytime, in any company. Did I mention it’s a really good-looking bow?

How We Test

• Each bow is carefully inspected out of the box for fit and finish and for any visible defects in workmanship. Axle-to-axle length, brace height, mass weight and draw length are measured and compared with stated specs. Minor discrepancies in draw length are corrected or noted.
• A QAD UltraRest is installed, and each bow is equipped with a TruGlo sight, a TruGlo stabilizer, a G5 1/4-inch Metapeep and a D-loop. Test arrows are Carbon Express Maxima Red arrows at weights of 385 and 440 grains, fletched with Bohning Blazer vanes and fitted with QAD Tune-A-Nocks. Peak draw weight is established, and draw force curves, along with letoff, are determined using an Easton Bow Force Mapping System.
• Using a Spot-Hogg Hooter Shooter bow-shooting machine and a ProChrono chronograph, arrow speed and kinetic energy are measured at point of launch and at 20 yards.
• Sound is measured with an NM102 Sound Level Meter with mic positioned 3 feet in front of the bow and 18 inches under the arrow flight path.
• All bows are pressed on a Buckeye Archery Solutions Bow-A-Constrictor press.