Let’s Talk About Diamond Medalist 38 Bow
The Diamond Medalist 38 Bow, crafted by Diamond, aims to bridge the gap between recreational archery and serious target competition. This bow boasts a 38-inch axle-to-axle length for enhanced stability, an adjustable sight height for personalized tuning, and Binary Cam technology for smooth and efficient energy transfer. It’s designed to be versatile, appealing to both novice archers and experienced shooters looking for a dependable and tunable platform.
I was seeking a bow that could comfortably transition between target practice and occasional hunting scenarios. The promise of stability and adjustability, without the premium price tag, drew me to the Diamond Medalist 38 Bow.
The bow arrived well-packaged and immediately impressed me with its solid feel. The black finish and clean lines give it a professional, serious look, and the weight feels balanced in hand. Compared to my older hunting bow, the Diamond Medalist 38 Bow felt noticeably more stable and forgiving.
I was choosing between this bow and a similar offering from PSE and another from Bear Archery. I chose the Diamond Medalist 38 Bow due to the Binary Cam system and the positive reviews regarding its tunability. My first impression was excitement – a well-built bow that feels like it can deliver on its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Diamond Medalist 38 Bow to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Diamond Medalist 38 Bow to my local archery range for its initial test. The range offered targets from 20 to 70 yards, giving me a good opportunity to assess its accuracy at varying distances. The weather was clear and sunny, ideal conditions for sighting in the bow.
The Diamond Medalist 38 Bow performed admirably, even straight out of the box with minimal tuning. It felt incredibly stable compared to my older hunting rig. I needed a few adjustments to the draw length and sight to get it dialed in.
The Diamond Medalist 38 Bow was fairly intuitive to use, though I did consult the manual to understand the Binary Cam system’s specific tuning features. After about an hour, I was consistently hitting the bullseye at 30 yards, a significant improvement over my usual performance. I didn’t encounter any major issues, though I noticed the factory string could benefit from some waxing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of consistent use, the Diamond Medalist 38 Bow continues to perform reliably. I shoot with it at least twice a week. There are no significant signs of wear and tear.
The finish has held up well, and the cams are still running smoothly. Regular cleaning and string waxing have been essential for maintaining peak performance. Compared to my previous bow, the Diamond Medalist 38 Bow offers a far more consistent and forgiving shooting experience.
Breaking Down the Features of Diamond Medalist 38 Bow
Specifications
Draw Length: Adjustable from 23 to 32.5 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of archers. This adjustability is crucial for proper form and accuracy, regardless of your arm length.
Speed: Rated at 322 fps, which offers a good balance of speed and forgiveness. This speed is adequate for both target shooting and ethical hunting within reasonable distances.
Brace Height: 7.125 inches, which enhances forgiveness and reduces the impact of minor form inconsistencies. A longer brace height often translates to a more forgiving shot, especially for beginners.
Axle to Axle: 38 inches, contributing to the bow’s stability and forgiveness. This longer axle-to-axle measurement provides a stable platform for aiming, reducing torque and improving accuracy.
Mass Weight: 4.5 lbs, making it relatively lightweight and easy to carry for extended periods. This weight is manageable for most archers, preventing fatigue during longer shooting sessions or hunts.
Let Off: 80 percent, allowing for comfortable holding at full draw. This high let-off significantly reduces the holding weight, enabling you to maintain a steady aim for longer periods.
Binary Cam Technology: Ensures synchronized cam rotation for smooth draw and consistent performance. The Binary Cam system promotes efficient energy transfer and reduces cam lean, resulting in enhanced accuracy and reliability.
Performance & Functionality
The Diamond Medalist 38 Bow excels at its core function: delivering accurate and consistent shots. The stability afforded by the 38-inch axle-to-axle length is immediately noticeable. It makes it easier to maintain a steady aim, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
The Binary Cam system contributes to a smooth and predictable draw cycle. This predictability inspires confidence. While not the fastest bow on the market, the 322 fps rating is more than adequate for most target and hunting applications.
The bow’s greatest strength lies in its tunability. The adjustable sight height and draw length allow for a highly customized fit. The main weakness I’ve identified is the factory string, which I plan to replace with a higher-quality aftermarket option in the future. Overall, the Diamond Medalist 38 Bow has exceeded my expectations, particularly considering its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Diamond Medalist 38 Bow boasts a well-thought-out design. The black finish is sleek and professional-looking. The mass weight of 4.5 lbs feels balanced and comfortable in hand.
The grip is a flat-back design, promoting consistent hand placement. This is beneficial for repeatability. While the grip is functional, some archers might prefer a more contoured aftermarket option. The learning curve is minimal, making it accessible to both novice and experienced archers.
Durability & Maintenance
The Diamond Medalist 38 Bow appears to be built to last. The materials feel robust, and the overall construction inspires confidence. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.
Regular string waxing is essential. It’s also a good idea to periodically check the cam timing and limb bolts to ensure everything is properly aligned. Fortunately, the Diamond Medalist 38 Bow is relatively easy to work on. Replacement parts are readily available.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Diamond Medalist 38 Bow comes standard with basic accessories such as a cable slide and string stop. However, you’ll need to add your own sight, rest, and quiver.
The Diamond Medalist 38 Bow is highly customizable. It’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including sights, rests, stabilizers, and quivers. Many archers, myself included, will likely upgrade the string and cables for improved performance and durability.
Pros and Cons of Diamond Medalist 38 Bow
Pros
- Exceptional stability thanks to the 38-inch axle-to-axle length. It significantly improves accuracy, especially at longer distances.
- Highly tunable Binary Cam system that allows for a customized draw and consistent performance.
- Lightweight and well-balanced making it comfortable to carry and shoot for extended periods.
- Adjustable draw length and sight height make it suitable for archers of varying sizes and skill levels.
- Affordable price point without sacrificing quality or performance.
Cons
- Factory string and cables could be of higher quality. This is a common point of improvement for many archers.
- The grip, while functional, may not be ideal for all users. It might be preferable to upgrade to an aftermarket option for better comfort.
Who Should Buy Diamond Medalist 38 Bow?
The Diamond Medalist 38 Bow is perfect for target archers seeking a stable and tunable platform. It is also ideal for finger shooters due to the longer axle-to-axle length. Additionally, it’s a great option for long draw hunters needing extra adjustability.
This bow might not be the best choice for archers prioritizing maximum speed above all else. Those with very short draw lengths (below 23 inches) should explore other options.
A quality sight, arrow rest, and stabilizer are must-have accessories to maximize the Diamond Medalist 38 Bow‘s potential. I would also recommend upgrading the string and cables down the line for improved performance and longevity.
Conclusion on Diamond Medalist 38 Bow
The Diamond Medalist 38 Bow is an impressive offering that delivers exceptional value for its price. Its stability, tunability, and comfortable draw cycle make it a joy to shoot.
The $649 price tag is certainly justified. You get a well-built and versatile bow that can compete with models costing significantly more.
I would highly recommend the Diamond Medalist 38 Bow to anyone looking for a dependable and accurate target or recreational bow. It’s a solid investment that will provide years of enjoyment on the range or in the field. Go check it out!