Bow Comparisons: Bowtech Liberty vs Champion Diablo. (SHOOT-OUT: ROUND#4)

THE MAIN EVENT: ROUND #4

BACKGROUND INFO: This category is about extras - bells and whistles - luxury features. When you purchase a new bow you naturally expect to get a riser (handle), a couple limbs, a cam or two, and some strings holding it all together. But is that all you get? High-end compound bows can get quite expensive, so it’s understandable that to-be-owners of these elite machines might expect to get some complimentary perks and conveniences for their extra cash. So we’re going to examine the unique features and extra trimmings that come standard on the Liberty VFT and the Diablo ETS.

This category is naturally a bit subjective, so we’ll score this category by giving each individual perk 1, 2, or 3 points based upon the value and usefulness of each perk included. The high point total wins. Perks will be rated as:

1 Point Perk (Oh! Thanks!): The 1 point perk is a basic add-on, inclusion, or feature that requires little cost or effort on the part of the manufacturer. The 1 point perk isn’t particularly unique, adds little to the performance or enjoyment of the bow, but it’s a nice thing to have anyway. Some 1 point perk examples might be: an included logo-hat, some string wax, some included Allen wrenches, a bumper-sticker, or some nocking points.

2 Point Perk (Wow! Thanks!): The 2 point perk has some real value, adds needed convenience, or makes a notable improvement to the bow’s overall performance in the field. The 2 point perk might include: a nice Teflon cable slide, some pre-installed string silencers, a pair of Limb-Savers or other anti-vibration add-ons, a comfortable rubber grip, free membership to a bowhunting publication, a helpful instructional video, or even some extra modules for the bow.

3 Point Perk (SWEET! Thanks!): The 3 point perks are true luxury features/systems that are integrated into the bow that require some careful thought and/or engineering, and dramatically add to the bow’s aesthetics, functionality, or longevity. Some examples might be: steel stabilizer bushings, roller-bearings in the eccentrics, integrated vibration dampening systems, integrated string suppression systems, roller cable slides, versatile/creative cam systems, custom hardwood grips, and iron-clad factory warranties.

So, let's start with the big ones and work down!

Diablo Perks		Liberty Perks
3 Pointers		3 Pointers
The Champion Diablo ETS features a brand new hybrid cam system. A variation of the Darton C/P/S system, the ETS was designed by Rex Darlington specifically for the 2004 Champion Bow line-up. The cam system can use 1 of 3 different modules, each with 4 separate settings, and a number of different post adjustments on the control wheel to give the Diablo a 26"-30.5" range of draw length adjustment. The long module tail provides an effective draw stop and a good wall. Setting the draw length and tuning the Diablo is a little complex, and should be done with the aid of a bowpress only. However, this system does allow for very precise draw length adjustments in small increments and specific control over nock travel when setup properly. A technical and tuning bulletin comes with the Diablo. (3 POINTS)		The Bowtech Liberty features the new Bowtech Freedom Cam, a smoother and larger version of their popular Infinity Cam, designed by Bowtech's VP, Kevin Strother. Like the Infinity Cam, the Freedom uses Bowtech's Post-Feed technology. The Freedom Cam uses interchangeable modules in 1/2"increments, allowing a draw length adjustment range of 25-30" on the new Liberty VFT. The Freedom Cam also uses an independent draw stop peg for a very solid wall at full draw. This peg also allows the shooter to easily control the feel of the bow's valley and let-off, as well as making infinitely precise draw length adjustments. Both the modules and the draw stop peg can be adjusted/changed without the aid of a bowpress. Tuning and module information is included in the Bowtech Owner's Manual. (3 POINTS)
The Diablo ETS features new pivoting limb pockets. This allows for the limbs to remain seating firmly in their cups, even when the limbs bolts are backed-off to decrease the bow's peak weight. This increases bow efficiency and inhibits some transfer of vibration into the bow's riser. (3 POINTS)		The Liberty VFT also features new pivoting limb pockets. This allows for the limbs to remain seating firmly in their cups, even when the limbs bolts are backed-off to decrease the bow's peak weight. This increases bow efficiency and inhibits some transfer of vibration into the bow's riser. (3 POINTS)
Rather than drilling and tapping a stabilizer mounting hole directly into the bow's soft aluminum, The Diablo ETS features a steel sleeve. For shooters who constantly take their stabilizers on and off, this provides a welcome protection against eventually stripping any aluminum threads. (3 POINTS)		The Liberty VFT also features steel sleeves for both front and rear stabilizer mounts. The Bowtech sleeves also feature a raised flange, to allow the stabilizer to seat down firmly against the sleeve without ever scratching or making contact with the bow's camouflage finish. (3 POINTS)
The Diablo ETS features an attractive laminated hardwood 2-piece grip. The grip is applied over a layer of felt and is held in-place by 2 Allen head bolts - making it easy to remove and/or replace. (3 POINTS)		The Liberty VFT features an equally attractive one-piece laminated hardwood grip which is laser-etched with the Bowtech logo. This grip is well anchored with adhesive, but it is very difficult to remove without destroying the grip or marring the camouflage finish. (3 POINTS)
The Diablo's (upper) control wheel features a sealed-bearing, rather than traditional plastic or teflon bushings. This helps to eliminate friction and greatly increases the service life of the wheel. (3 POINTS)		The Liberty also features a sealed bearing on it's (upper) idler wheel instead of traditional plastic or teflon bushings, similarly reducing friction and increasing service life. (3 POINTS)
The Diablo's (lower) cam DOES NOT feature a sealed bearing; it uses a traditional white teflon bushing. :(		The Liberty's (lower) cam also features another sealed bearing for decreased friction and increased service life. (3 POINTS)
The Diablo comes with Champion's LIFETIME WARRANTY. To read all the Champion warranty details and specifics, click here. (3 POINTS)		The Liberty comes with Bowtech's LIFETIME WARRANTY. To read all the Bowtech warranty details and specifics, click here. (3 POINTS)
2 Pointers		2 Pointers
Far too often, expensive bows come with cheap noisy plastic cable slides (a pet peeve or ours). The Diablo features a nice Virgin Teflon cable slide to reduce noise, friction, and wear and tear on the bow's string and harness. (2 POINTS)		The Liberty's coated cable slide also offers a little perk, including a convenient tab on the bottom of the slide. This tab makes an easy place to hook-up your drop-away rest, rather than serving pull cords into your bow's harness. (2 POINTS)
The Diablo comes standard with Champions ISO Bar vibration dampening system (set of 2 installed). All Champion bows are drilled and tapped to accept these weighted dampeners, which serve to reduce vibration, noise, and provide better balance on the bow. ISO Bars only fit Champion bows. (2 POINTS)		The Liberty comes standard with Bowtech's Vibrablock limb dampers installed on both limbs. Improved for 2004, these soft Dynaflex rubber dampeners help to reduce vibration and noise. Vibrablocks can be purchased and used on a number of solid limb bows, but they are difficult to install. (2 POINTS)
		The Liberty also comes with Bowtech's Hush-Kit, a set of 4 string silencers (2 installed on the string, 2 installed on the bow's harness). The Hush Kit also includes Bowtech's Cable Muffler, installed on the bow's cable guard. Very effective and welcome perk. (2 POINTS)
1 Pointers		1 Pointers
Not all bow companies include owner's manuals. Champion does. The 2004 Diablo will come with a helpful owner's manual that includes technical and service information. Manual not yet in print for 2004. (1 POINT)		Not all bow companies include owner's manuals. Bowtech does. The 2004 Liberty will come with a helpful owner's manual that includes technical and service information. Manual not yet in print for 2004. (1 POINT)
Your Diablo will also come with a Champion Logo Bumper Sticker in your service pack. (1 POINT)		Every Bowtech bow comes with a "Birth Certificate" which indicates the bow's actual peak weight, draw length, and factory chronograph reading. (1 POINT)
DIABLO PERK TOTAL:	24 POINTS	LIBERTY PERK TOTAL:	29 POINTS
			WINNER

ROUND RESULTS: This was a close round. But the Liberty edges out a victory with their Hush Kit and full compliment of sealed bearings in their eccentrics. Bowtech wins the Amenities round......10/9.

- - - - - - - - - - END OF ROUND - - - - - - - - - -

SCORECARD:


Bowtech Liberty	10	8	10	10
Champion Diablo	9	10	9	9

          ON TO ROUND #5
          RING THE BELL -------_>