Bow Review: Bowtech Proven 34

With the all-new Proven 34, Bowtech combines a variety of signature features and technologies to create a bow that can truly do it all; competition- level shooting stability meets bowhunting performance meets the DIY lovers dream rig!

With a 34-inch axle-to-axle length and adjustable GripLock grip, the target side of this bow shows its face, while the FlipDisc cam module delivers notably different shooting experiences and performance markers between the available Comfort and Performance settings. DIY enthusiasts will be thrilled by the ability to tune and time via Bowtech’s DeadLock and TimeLock features that require no bow press to adjust. And past-parallel limbs and a series of shock-, vibration- and noise-reducing accessories tame the shot. Let’s dive in and take a closer look.

Pushing the Envelope

Bowtech took last year’s CenterMass Technology a step further with the all-new CenterMass Sight System that shifts the sight-mounting location to the sight window’s inside surface. As the sight window protrudes to one side, allowing for arrow clearance and sight-picture centering, it makes sense that placing the sight mount to the inside of that structure brings the mass weight of the sight closer to center of the bow. This enhances balance and stability, which, of course, is the focus and goal of CenterMass Technology. The shallow mounting channel requires a specific sight bar for attachment. Standard mounting holes are also included. Bowtech offers CenterMass sights, quivers and stabilizers to compliment the design. Additionally, the Proven features Bowtech’s Center Pivot design that places the limb’s pivot point at the halfway point along its length, boosting stability and resulting in less hand shock and vibration by counteracting the forward movement of the bowstring and arrow.

Bowtech’s molded GripLock grip system allows the shooter to easily adjust the angle of the grip heel with an Allen wrench to produce a customized wrist position anywhere between low and high. The polymer material provides a measure of warmth in cold conditions, while the rubber insert offers control. Bowtech’s commitment to a tame and silent shot is found in their rubber-tipped string stop, cable-guard dampeners and riser-mounted Orbit Dampeners that employ a soft rubber core surrounded by a weighted outer ring. The FLX-Guard cable- containment system uses a carbon glass mini-limb and rollers that flex toward the centerline of the bow during the draw cycle to reduce torque and then springs away at the shot to allow complete vane clearance.

Easy-Tuning Platform

The Proven 34’s DeadLock Cam System is a DIY dream. Novice archers and pros alike can adjust, tune and time the bow with a simple set of Allen wrenches — no bow press needed. The DeadLock Cam System features an adjustment block on the end of the axle assembly of each cam. While tuning the bow, a lock screw is loosened and a drive/adjustment screw is turned to move the cam position left or right until perfect tune is achieved. Re-tightening the lock screw secures your adjustment.

Next, a rotating module moves the standard cam through its 25-30-inch draw-length range in half-inch increments, or the long-draw cam from 27.5-33-inches, also in half-inch increments.

The aptly named FlipDisc cam module produces two distinct experiences with its Comfort and Performance settings, with Comfort resulting in 85 percent letoff and a smooth draw and Performance coming in with 80 percent letoff and more aggressive draw cycle.

Finally, TimeLock is a technology that allows bow press-free adjustments to the cam’s rotation when not correct for any number of reasons, such as string stretch, string seating, etc. TimeLock is used to re-position cables between the tuning dots on the cams, with the proper position then locked down similar to DeadLock.

Locked, Loaded & Aligned

Bowtech pre-loads the Proven 34’s carbon glass limbs to reach a past parallel position at rest, which is a key to the success of Center Pivot Technology, resulting in less shock, vibration and noise at the shot. Ten-inch limbs are machined into their final form and matched into pairs based on deflection values. Their wide stance increases torsional stability and reduces cam lean.

The Dual Lock Pocket System is responsible to align the limbs to the riser at this critical interface. It is designed to lock all the bow’s components together to produce a rigid platform for maximum consistency and accuracy. Pockets extend to reach the center of each limb, another vital component of Bowtech’s Center Pivot Technology.

At The Range

The Proven 34’s relatively long span between the axles did not disappoint, providing one of the most stable shooting platforms we have tested in recent memory. The FlipDisc created two very different shooting experiences, with the Comfort side delivering on a super-smooth draw and the Performance side presenting a more aggressive draw and faster arrow speeds.

We walked a paper tear left and right with DeadLock and rotated the cam position with TimeLock to prove their effectiveness while also adjusting the grip’s heel position to find just the right wrist position. Additionally, the grip’s flat back provided a stable hold.

Both FlipDisc settings demonstrated a solid back wall at full draw, as well as a small jump and low-frequency vibration at the shot. The valley was more generous for the Comfort setting, allowing us to relax at full draw.

The Specs

• Manufacturer: Bowtech Archery, 888-689-1289; bowtecharchery.com
• Model: Proven 34
• Riser: CenterMass, Center Pivot, machined aluminum
• Grip: GripLock, adjustable angle
• Limbs: Wide-stance, carbon glass, split
• Draw Weights: 50, 60 and 70 pounds peak
• Draw Lengths: 25–30 inches and 27.5–33 inches, in half-inch increments, across two base cams; rotating module
• Cam System: DeadLock Cam System
• Letoff: Performance, 80 percent (advertised), 75.8 percent (as tested); Comfort, 85 percent (advertised), 82.2 percent (as tested)
• String: X99, 61.6 inches (standard cam); 66.83 inches (long-draw cam)
• Cables (x2): X99, 39.2 inches
• Brace Height: 6.625 inches (standard cam); 7 inches (long-draw cam)
• Weight: 4.7 pounds (advertised); 4.66 pounds (as tested)
• Finish: Sandstone (pictured) and nine other camouflage and solid-color options
• Advertised IBO Speed: 336 fps (standard cam); 331 fps (long-draw cam)
• MSRP: $1,449
• Comments: Easily tuned, optimized and customized without a bow press — the ultimate DIY rig!

Speed & Energy: Comfort Mode

• Arrow Speed: 295.6 fps (375-grain arrow), 278.6 fps (425-grain arrow)
• Kinetic Energy: 72.77 ft./lbs. (375-grain arrow), 73.27 ft./lbs. (425-grain arrow)
• Dynamic Efficiency: 83.99% (375-grain arrow), 84.55% (425-grain arrow)
• Average Noise Level: 88.4 dBA (375-grain arrow), 87.5 dBA (425-grain arrow)

Speed & Energy: Performance Mode

• Arrow Speed: 305 fps (375-grain arrow), 287.6 fps (425-grain arrow)
• Kinetic Energy: 77.48 ft./lbs. (375-grain arrow), 78.1 ft./lbs. (425-grain arrow)
• Dynamic Efficiency: 84.66% (375-grain arrow), 85.31% (425-grain arrow)
• Average Noise Level: 89.4 dBA (375-grain arrow), 88.5 dBA (425-grain arrow)

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