2017 Athens Revelation Review and Pictures
I received my first Athens Revelation yesterday and finally had some time to run some arrows through it and get some pictures. I just recently signed up to become an Athens dealer. The picture that Rodney posted of the Revelation persuaded me. Just a phenomenal looking bow IMO. I haven't been a fan of the Athens bows of the past, but 2017 has changed my mind. Most comparisons will be against my #1 selling bow, the PSE Evolve 31.
Out of the box
The bow received was a 28.5"/60# with a Gunmetal Riser and black limbs. Silver and black strings with silver servings. This is a standard combo.
Out of the box, the bow was perfectly in time. ATA measured 31.25" and the brace was 1/16" under 6". As I said, it came with 28.5" cams and that is exactly what the draw length measured. Peak weight was 63#.
Fit and Finish
The finish is flawless. I don't see how it could be improved. The Gunmetal is killer. Not shiny or glossy. Just a low sheen/satin type finish. The limb graphics are done well and not too flashy. The riser emblems are classy as well.
Grip
The grip is rounded off nicely and narrow. It is also tapered where your thumb rides. The grip is comparable to the PSE bow but just a touch thinner and a little more upright. The angle on the Athens grip is identical to the Bowtech Reign. It seems very repeatable and torque free. My hand stays in place and does not slide up the throat. I really like it.
Performance
28.5"/63#----with a 7 grain d-loop
328 grain arrow---------321.5 fps
359 grain arrow---------307 fps
375 grain arrow---------302 fps
388 grain arrow---------298 fps
433 grain arrow---------286 fps
These numbers run hand in hand with the PSE Evolve 31. Almost identical in performance.
I did try a PSE roller slide and did gain 3 fps to those numbers.
Aim
The bow aims really well and feels like a much longer bow. Probably due to the riser length. The riser length on the Evolve 31 from limb bolt to limb bolt is 18.25". The Bowtech Reign 6 is 22". The Athens Revelation is 24".
Draw cycle
Draw cycle will feel different from person to person, but to me, the Revelation is the 2nd most pleasant draw cycle in bows that I carry. Only topped by the Evolve. The Rev does not have a hump and draws smooth all the way.
The let-off measured 78.5% on the 28.5" cam. Valley was not too big and not too small. Just about right. Sometimes I feel the 85% plus let-off can bring about bad habits.
Shock and vibe
I only shot it with the rest. No sight, stabilizers, etc. The bow is very shockfree and has just a hint of vibe. This is where the Athens has an edge on the Evolve. The Athens would be more comparable to the Bowtech in this area. I feel only the Obsession is more dead in the hand, but the Obsession is also the heaviest of the bows I handle.
Tuning
Not much to be said here. Set it up with a QAD HDX. I like that the rest will set right up against the riser and the rest mounting holes are high enough to keep your launcher from hitting the shelf. Centershot was at 7/8". Pretty much right down the center. Nock height was level to maybe 1/16" high. Set
Draw length specific cams
I know some guys have concerns here. Cam specific bows can be a tough sell down the road. On the bright side, there are no module screws to come loose. Just 1 draw stop screw. Very simple.
Summary
It really surprised me. The Rev is right there with any other flagship bow. Athens has really come a long way. I can't find any negatives in this bow, and trust me, I can find issues in most bows.
SH Archery
