December 02, 2013
By Jon E. Silks
Diamond Archery's new Core is a versatile, ready-to-shoot rig that hits the sweet spot between value and performance. With loads of features, included accessories and a $499 price, you simply cannot go wrong. The Core is outfitted with a set of E-Glass composite limbs, Core Single Cam with rotating module, String Stop, one-piece synthetic grip, super adjustable limb-containment system and a full R.A.K. (Ready. Aim. Kill.) accessory package.
Mad Max Money
Your mad money stash will be well spent if you walk out of your local pro shop with the Core. Not only is the price tag attractive, but you save big on accessories thanks to the R.A.K. package, which includes an Octane Capture arrow rest, 3-pin Apex sight, Octane DeadLock Lite quiver, braided wrist sling, 5-inch Octane Ultra-Lite stabilizer, alloy peep sight and BCY string loop. This Core is ready to shoot right out of the box — just add arrows.
As a safety note, make sure you use arrows that are properly spined for your chosen draw length and draw weight. If you adjust either of these out of the range of your chosen arrows, you should consult a pro shop or manufacturer's spine chart and purchase new arrows if necessary.
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Extended Adjustability
Diamond's Core is made to fit a wide range of shooters with draw lengths and weights that cover a lot of ground. The Core Single Cam system and idler wheel are machined of aluminum and ride on bearings to reduce friction and increase efficiency. The open design of the cam and idler uses minimal material and is complimentary to the overall light mass weight of this rig — a feathery 3.2 pounds!
A rotating module on the cam allows you to easily adjust across the entire draw-length range of 25-30 inches, in half-inch increments, without a bow press. Index marks on the module and cam offer positive positioning and also correlate to the adjustable draw-stop hole. Both cam and idler are designed with deep grooves to enhance reliability (no rolling the string off the cam or idler). System letoff is advertised at 80 percent.
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The Core also features a generous draw-weight range of 40-70 pounds at all draw lengths. The riser is designed to accept a super long limb bolt, and each full turn of the bolt is equal to approximately three pounds of draw-weight adjustment. A limb-bolt inspection hole is designed right into the riser so you can keep an eye on the bolt positioning.
The bolt must not be backed out past this window for shooting — it must be visible in the hole. Additionally, both top and bottom limb bolts should be adjusted equally so each limb is in the same position relative to the riser. Limb-bolt adjustment marks on the shaft of the bolt become visible as the end of the limb separates from the riser.
Limbs are made of E-Glass composite material and are machined into their final form before being matched based on deflection values. The limb-containment system is very light on material and partially integrated into the riser. A small, cap-like fixture aligns the bolt to the limb and two tabs built into the riser keeps the limbs aligned to the riser.
The Rest of the Story
Diamond outfits the Core with a reflexed aluminum riser that serves as the base for several features, including the integrated limb pocket mentioned above. Also attached to the riser's handle is a one-piece synthetic grip designed to encourage a neutral wrist position. A broadhead guard is molded directly into the grip as well. A string stop mounted opposite the stabilizer mounting hole couples with the cable silencers to reduce shot noise.
Impressions
At just 3.2 pounds and 31 inches between the axles, the Core is super maneuverable. And the draw cycle is super smooth. The Core's grip is comfortable and functional. Shot noise was minimal, though there was notable vibration and hand shock.
Keeping in mind the Core's price tag, it is a very good value setup!
SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Diamond Archery, 877-447-0293
Model: Core
Cam System: Core Single Cam
Weight: 3.2 pounds (advertised and as tested)
Brace Height: 7.3125 inches
Axle-To-Axle length: 31 inches
Letoff: 80%
Draw Weights: 40-70 pounds (one set of limbs)
Draw Lengths: 25-30 inches, in half-inch increments
Riser: Reflex, aluminum
Limbs: E-Glass, straight, solid
String: BCY 452X, 89.6875 inches
Cables: BCY 452X, 32.5 inches
Grip: One-piece synthetic
Finish: Mossy Oak Infinity Camo, Black Ops
Advertised IBO Speed: 313 fps
Suggested Retail Price: $499
Comments: High in value and versatility
Archery Accessory Box
ols, you'll realize that they are easy to misplace, which is why a storage system like the
Archery Accessory Box from
Plano Molding is a good idea. The Archery Accessory Box is designed with a see-through top, one lift-out tray, up to 16 adjustable compartments, and is compact enough to throw in your vehicle when you hit the road in the fall.
Price: $20
Archers Allen Wrench Set
If you want to boil down tool needs to a granular level, the jumping-off point for all bow work involves a quality set of Allen wrenches. I emphasize the word quality because I've had sets completely explode on me the first time I've used them. I don't know why it's so hard to make a set of Allen wrenches that will last, but a lot of companies seem to have trouble with the task. Fortunately,
Pine Ridge Archery has it figured out with their
Archers Allen Wrench Set. This set has all of the wrenches you're likely to need, and it contains them with a bolt and nut assembly that doesn't allow them to flop all over the place like lesser-quality sets. I keep a set in my shop, my truck and my daypack, so I'm covered no matter where or when I hunt.
Price: $10
Bowsmith
Another tool that has found its way into my shop is the
Bowsmith from
Real Avid. The Bowsmith contains needle-nose pliers, a string spreader, knife blade, fletching stripper, nock crimp, string loop setter, and a bevy of other tools (28 in total). This handy tool set is small enough to stow away in a pack as well, and it can be invaluable in bow camp when the nearest pro shop is far away.
Price: $50
Allen Company Compact Bow Tuning Kit
I also used my
Allen Company Compact Bow Tuning Kit. Since I had to redo my center serving, I also needed to tie on a new string loop, which necessitated the use of the contained bow square. Although I didn't use a nock set, the Compact Bow Tuning Kit comes with nock pliers and three nock sets.
Price: $15
Digital Bow Scale
An often-overlooked tool that is simple and can be used by every bow owner is a bow scale. I like
Cabela's Digital Bow Scale, which features a backlit LCD screen and automatic weight lock, and is accurate up to 110 pounds in case you plan to shoot deer hiding behind concrete walls. It amazes me how often I talk to bowhunters who simply guess at their draw weight after cranking their limbs in or out a few turns. It's much better to know exactly what your bow is set at, especially if you're getting close to either end of your bow's recommended weight spectrum.
Price: $20
Pro Archery Pliers
If you're in the market for a pair of pliers that will last longer than any bow you're likely to buy and features a nock set crimper and remover, a D-loop stretcher and scary sharp side-cutters, look no further than the
Pro Archery Pliers from
Easton Technical Products. These needle-nose pliers are extremely durable and can make home bow fixes a breeze.
Price: $22
Bohning Mini Server
Considering potential bow fixes, it would be wise to not ignore serving issues. Last fall I was sitting in a treestand in north-central Wisconsin, when I happened to glance down at my nocked arrow. The angle looked off, and upon closer inspection I realized that my center serving had slipped and my entire string loop had crept up my string, throwing my entire bow tune out of alignment. Back at the cabin, I busted out my
Bohning Mini Server and re-served my string. The Mini Server is perfect for the home bow mechanic because it eliminates the need for a cable spreader and is extremely easy to use. However, that wasn't the only tool I used to get back to shooting.
Price: $19
Economy Vise
After putting the above tools to good use at home or in deer camp, it's inevitable that you'll realize something is missing — a vise. The option to clamp your bow into a quality vise and work on it with both hands free is important, which is why I've started using an
Economy Vise from
Apple Archery. Plastic-coated jaws provide a secure grip on your bow's limb without causing any damage to the finish, while the Economy Vise allows for 360 degrees of left-to-right and front-to-back rotation. Just like using a lineman's belt to hang a treestand for the first time, when you use a vise like this to work on your bow, you'll wonder how you ever functioned without it.
Price: $81
