Every time I put my hands on a Prime bow, I can hardly wrap my mind around the fact that the company is so young — it was formed in 2010. Why is it so hard to believe? Well, Prime’s very first bows to hit the market immediately contended with those of other top brands that had been around much longer. And today, Prime continues to pioneer unique technologies that move the performance needle forward and keep it neck and neck with the rest.

Granted, the Grace family, which founded and continues to lead the company, has been in manufacturing for three generations. Regardless, though, the family and its engineering team had an enormous task in bringing the compound bow brand to its inception 13 years ago. They rose to the challenge and have embedded the Prime brand deeply into the archery industry. In fact, some of the grittiest and most driven bowhunters — think Corey Jacobsen of Elk 101, Jason Matzinger of Into High Country and the MeatEater crew — choose Prime.

Personally, I’ve tested a handful of different Prime models since 2013. It has been fascinating to watch the technological progression that has now culminated in perhaps the company’s ultimate hunting bow . . . meet the new REVEX 2.

Test Bow Specs

• Axle-to-Axle Length: 32 inches
• Brace Height: 6.25 inches
• Draw Length: 28 inches
• Draw Weight: 70.4 pounds
• Let-off: 80%
• Bow-only Weight: 4.5 pounds
• Accessorized Total Weight:
• 5.86 pounds (no quiver)
• Velocity: 277 fps (with 468-grain Easton 6.5mm Acu-Carbon 340 arrow)
• Kinetic Energy: 79.72 foot-pounds
• Test-Bow Finish: Midnight Blue
• MSRP: $1,299 (starting price)
• Contact: www.g5prime.com

 

First Impressions

There are numerous reasons why a Prime bow looks entirely unique and resembles no other bow in the slightest. First and foremost is the Center Grip riser. The grip’s throat is the pressure point for the shooter’s hand when drawing and aiming. Prime first brought this concept to production with the 2017 Centergy bow. Scientific monitoring of pin movement showed that the technology reduced pin float by up to 49 percent. That’s why Prime bows have been built around this concept ever since. It works.

For years, the dual-track Parallel Cam was Prime’s exclusive insignia. It balanced the bowstring load for positive cam alignment, which simplified tuning and propelled consistency. The problem was it was bulky and complicated. Prime did away with the Parallel Cam when it unveiled the InLine bows for 2022. The InLine Cam was a far more simplified cam system that shifted the cable force over the middle of the cam axle as the bow was drawn. This equaled easier tuning, improved nock travel and more accuracy. But, Prime scrapped that design, too. Well, almost.

The InLine Cam featured a rotating draw-length module, which simplified draw-length adjustment but sacrificed some efficiency. So, now the CORE Cam System is king. Prime is calling it the smoothest cam it has ever developed. It features the same cam-balancing technology as the InLine Cam System, but now, draw modules are draw-length specific, which maximizes efficiency at every draw length. In other words, the CORE Cam System is even better than the InLine.

Next, the Prime REVEX features a stellar two-piece modular grip system called the Nano Grip. It has a textured design to improve hand traction for consistent hand placement. More importantly, it’s made with NASA-developed Aerogel technology, which protects astronauts from extreme temperatures. We all know that aluminum risers are extremely cold to the touch during even moderately cold hunting conditions. This two-piece design solves that by effectively creating a barrier all around the riser. I felt the difference immediately while shooting outdoors in cold temps. Plus, the contour and comfort are astounding.

My Range Impressions

Prime’s big marketing line is “Stability built in.” It isn’t merely marketing fluff, however. Pick up a REVEX bow and you’ll immediately feel it. Draw it back and point it at a target — or move from one target to another — and the speed of target acquisition and the stability while aiming is incomprehensible. Aiming feels practically effortless, which will really help during an adrenaline-packed moment of truth, either on the line or in the timber.

Back this year is the Prime Swerve in the riser. This helps with lateral weight distribution, but it also reduces riser flex, which makes Prime bows consistent performers and easily tunable. And, it just looks cool. 

Prime’s smoothness claim with its new CORE Cam isn’t an empty promise, either. My REVEX 2 came at 70.4 pounds from the factory, and it’s a pleasure to draw back, even while wearing warm winter gear. I didn’t hit any major humps or feel a sharp rollover. It’s just a nice, smooth draw cycle from start to finish, and two draw stops provide a positive back wall, which felt nice. I’ll add that the Flexis AR Cable Guard reduces cable torque by flexing inward during the draw cycle, averting friction and enhancing smoothness.

I don’t have a decibel meter, but I shot the REVEX 2 next to a couple of other 2023 bows. Despite a riser dampener, a string stop and limb dampeners it seemed to have a slight twang and just a little bit of vibration. I’m not talking a lot, and it certainly wouldn’t determine whether or not I’d buy it. I’d add some string silencers and hunt with it, no questions asked.

I found my groove right away with the REVEX 2. I spent just a few shots paying little regard to accuracy in order to focus on things like the draw cycle, aiming stability and shot noise. When I focused on accuracy, I found it immediately as I started at 20 yards and walked back 10 yards at a time until I was shooting at 60. Not surprisingly given the stability, the REVEX 2 puts arrows right where I hold my pin. Would I take it out West where longer shots are normal? In a heartbeat.

Final Thoughts

My 70.4-pound-draw REVEX 2 set to 28 inches in draw length hit hard with a 468-grain arrow at 277 fps — plenty of punch for any North American big game. It measures a stable yet maneuverable 32 inches axle to axle. For those demanding more stability, two other sub-models are available: the REVEX 4 is 34 inches, and the REVEX 6 is 36 inches. As stable as the REVEX 2 is, I can imagine skilled folks who shoot long distances just smacking arrows together at 80 yards with the REVEX 4 or 6.

Prime customers who register their Prime bow get free strings for life. As a shop owner, you might see that as a negative point because you don’t get to capitalize on a future string sale. Hold on just a moment. The incentive is a great “add-on” to articulate for customers who’re trying to talk you down on price. Imagine responding with, “Hey, how about free strings for life?” Huge selling point.

Prime bows are durable. They’re dependable. They’re easy to tune. And, they continue to feature new technologies that move the performance needle forward. That’s why some of the bowhunting community’s grittiest members proudly trust Prime in the wildest places, and that’s why the REVEX is a bow I bet you’ll have no trouble selling.

Editor's Note: Check out the YouTube video below to watch Darron McDougal shoot the Prime REVEX 2 and offer his insight.

Additional Notes

The Prime REVEX 2 was set up using a Last Chance Archery EZ Green Bow Press and EZ Green Bow Vise, and draw weight was calculated using Last Chance Archery’s Digital Bow Scale. A Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph measured the 468-grain Easton 6.5mm Acu-Carbon 340 arrow’s velocity. Other products used were Easton’s Nock and D-Loop Pliers and Pro Hex Fold-Up Allen Set.

In-the-field images by Rebecca McDougal