Diamond IceMan FLX

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Diamond's new IceMan FLX is the flagship in a six bow lineup. Of the six rigs, the IceMan is the only model to feature BowTech's Center Pivot Technology and is one of two that use the new FLX Guard cable containment system. There are four, single-cam adult bows, one short draw bow and a youth model. The group features a wide range of axle-to-axle lengths, grip styles and limb angles.

Other notable IceMan FLX features include a rotating module for easy draw-length adjustments, quiet InVelvet finish, stainless steel stabilizer-mounting insert and a String Stop.

FLX Tech
The 2010 IceMan FLX gets the last part of its name from the company's new cable containment technology. Diamond's FLX Guard uses a small, limb-like piece of material to attach a set of rollers to the riser. The material is like a bow limb in that it flexes during the draw cycle and shot. There is even a small limb pocket type fixture seated into a shallow cutout in the riser lined with a material that serves as the pivot point for the mini limb component, which we will call the FLX Limb for discussion purposes. The FLX Limb flexes toward the centerline of the bow during the draw cycle and then springs back into position and out of the way of the arrow when the string is released. Reaching back toward the shooter from where it is attached to the outside of the sight window, the FLX Limb curves inward toward the centerline of the bow. At the end closest to the shooter there is a fixture and set of two rollers attached with two small screws.

When the FLX Guard moves toward the centerline of the bow, torque and tension applied to the cables is much reduced compared to a typical roller guard system. Rollers, of course, also reduce friction compared to a rod and slide cable guard. Lower friction, torque and tension results in an increase in the bow's overall efficiency.

Center Pivot Technology
The IceMan FLX demonstrates an incredible lack of shock and vibration at the shot. One of the keys to this success is Center Pivot Technology (CPT). In the simplest of terms, the end of the riser splits into a "Y" shape, with one leg supporting the limb bolt end of the limb and the other supporting the middle of the limb. Why does this make a difference in performance? The rigid, mid-position support provided by the CPT riser reduces overall limb movement during the shot, which translates into less shock and vibration. By placing the pivot point of the limb behind the throat of the grip, the CPT features the stabilizing characteristics found in deflex geometry risers. However, since this point is halfway along the limb's length, there is still plenty of room to reasonably control the position of the string as it relates to the grip (brace height). This allows Diamond to produce arrow speeds necessary to compete in today's market.

One Tool, Many Options
The IceMan's cam system uses one tool and a single rotating module to offer many options. This module, easily adjusted by removing a few screws, accommodates draw lengths from 24-30 inches in half-inch increments. There is no need to buy a special cam or separate module for each draw length; this one rotating module does it all. Each draw length position on the module is designated by either a number or recessed dot. A pointer machined into the cam makes accurate positioning a snap. Another useful feature on the IceMan cam is a series of timing dots that line up with the down-cable. Depending on which dot is intersected by the cable, an archer can easily determine if the cam is correctly rotated for optimal performance. Both cam and idler wheel ride on sealed bearings to reduce friction and an adjustable draw stop allows for letoff changes between 65 and 80 percent.

Impressions
Diamond (by BowTech) has a knack for producing bows with a jaw-dropping lack of shock, vibration and noise. The IceMan FLX maintains that tradition and adds a pleasant draw cycle and well-formed, two-piece wood grip to round out the package. This bow is simply fun to shoot.

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