Diamond Edge XT vs PSE Stinger ATK
Quick take: The Diamond Edge XT costs $81 less; the PSE Stinger ATK is rated 12 fps faster (312 fps ATA); the Diamond Edge XT is the lighter carry (3.7 lb bare).
| Spec | Diamond Edge XT | PSE Stinger ATK |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $419 | $500 |
| Rating | 4.7★ (3) | — |
| Type | Budget & Beginner Compound | Mid-Range Compound |
| ATA/IBO Speed | 300 fps | 312 fps |
| Length | 31" | 32" |
| Brace Height | 6.75" | 6.625" |
| Draw Weights | 20-70 lb | 50, 60, or 70 lb peak limbs (roughly 41-70 lb adjustment) |
| Draw Length | 19-31 in | 21.5-30 in (SS Cam, no press required) |
| Let-Off | 80% | 80% |
| Mass Weight | 3.7 lb | 4 lb |
| Construction | Compound | Compound |
| Setup | Draw length changes by removing two module screws and rotating the module - no press, no shop visit - and limb bolts handle the 50 lb weight range. The included Octane sight, brush rest, and quiver are good enough to hunt with the first season, though the stabilizer is mostly cosmetic. It grows with a young shooter from about 20 lb up, but smaller kids should look at the Prism or Infinite with lower floors. | Sold bare or as the RTS package priced here. The SS Cam adjusts the full 21.5-30 inch draw range with a hex key - no press - and limb bolts give roughly 10 lb of weight adjustment per limb option. Owners report it papers easily and stays in tune; budget for a better rest and sight eventually. |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty to the original owner (Diamond/Bowtech) | Limited lifetime (original owner) |
Pros & cons
Diamond Edge XT
- ✓Bowtech-built riser and limb quality that stands out in the under-$450 class
- ✓Full 19-31 in draw length range covers youth-to-tall-adult on one cam set
- ✓Smooth, unaggressive draw cycle that new archers can handle at higher weights
- ✓All adjustments with an Allen wrench - no bow press ever needed
- ✓6.75 in brace and wide quad limbs make it forgiving while learning
- ✓Limited lifetime warranty and a large dealer network for service
- ✓Frequently discounted to ~$340, undercutting the Cruzer G3 package
- ✗300 fps ATA is the slow end of this class - real-world speeds at 26-28 in draws are pedestrian
- ✗20 lb minimum draw weight is too high for small children
- ✗Spongy back wall compared to bows with cable stops
- ✗Included Octane sight and stabilizer are the first things owners replace
- ✗No arrows or release in the package - budget another $80-120
PSE Stinger ATK
- ✓Repeatedly called the best bow in its price range on ArcheryTalk
- ✓Forgiving 32-in ATA / 6-5/8-in brace geometry for new shooters
- ✓SS Cam covers 21.5-30 in of draw without a press - true grow-with-you bow
- ✓Quiet and low-vibration for a budget rig, per owner reports
- ✓Rigid ATK riser and stainless cable rod upgrade over older Stingers
- ✓Frequently discounted - packages seen under $400
- ✓Simple, durable platform that is cheap to maintain and easy to tune
- ✗312 fps rating trails the 335 fps bows in this class by a wide margin
- ✗Heavy 4.0 lb bare mass for a budget aluminum bow
- ✗RTS package accessories (Sierra Lite sight, TruGlo rest) are bare-bones
- ✗Grip and overall finish feel a step below Elite Ember and Hoyt Enduro
- ✗No visible-review rating at major retailers to cross-check sentiment