Bow Review: Bowtech Ascend – Bowhunter

November 18, 2025
By Jon E. Silks

Bowtech Archery has a long history of producing top-end bows that push the innovation envelope with features and technologies that benefit bowhunters. The new Ascend is an excellent example of this, and at a price that is sure to turn some heads.

The Ascend features a four-track, binary cam system that works with the machined, carbon-fiber, split limbs to generate game-stopping arrow speeds, while the integrated DeadLock Lite tuning system makes it easy to tune for perfect arrow flight without a bow press. Bowtech builds the Ascend’s machined-aluminum riser with a reflex configuration and outfits it with a molded rubber grip, roller guard cable-containment fixture, built-in Picatinny sight-mounting rail and Integrate-compatible rest-mounting bracket.

DeadLock Lite Cam

Bowtech outfits the Ascend with a new “Lite” version of its popular and proven DeadLock tuning system. DeadLock features adjustment blocks mounted at the end of each split limb that allow you to move the cams left or right simply by loosening the lock screws and turning the drive screws with an Allen wrench. A left or right tear while paper tuning can be quickly and easily “walked into an alignment” using the DeadLock Lite adjustments.

The Ascend employs four-track binary cams made of aluminum and riding on bearings. Rotating modules accommodate draw lengths from 24.5-30 inches, in half-inch increments, while the FlipDisc can be swapped from cam to cam to create two distinct draw cycles and shooting experiences. The Comfort setting is advertised to produce a smoother draw and 85 percent letoff, while the Performance setting produces a more aggressive draw that increases stored energy while producing 80 percent letoff.

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Riser Features

The Ascend’s riser is forged from aluminum and then machined into final form before being finished in one of three solid colors: Stealth Grey, OD Green or Forest. In addition to standard bowsight and arrow rest-mounting holes, Bowtech includes a built-in section of Picatinny rail for mounting sights on the front of the riser and an Integrate Mounting System (IMS) dovetail on the rear of the riser for compatible rests. Both of these mounting options allow accessory weight to be placed closer to the centerline of the bow for better balance and stability, while also promising stronger, more secure connections to the bow.

Dual stabilizer mounts, both front facing, offer additional versatility in fine-tuning bow balance and vibration dampening, while a rear-facing string stop quickly dampens string oscillation for reduced vibration and noise after the shot. The simplistic cable-guard system uses a straight mounting bar and fixed rollers to ensure optimum vane clearance and reduced friction for increased efficiency.

An Orbit Dampener has a dual purpose in reducing vibration and offsetting the weight of accessories. The molded rubber grip, with its flat back, is designed to produce a neutral wrist position and repeatable hand position while shielding your skin from the aluminum riser, particularly in cold weather.

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Wide-Stance Stability

Limb performance is critical to bow performance and overall shooting experience. Understanding that, Bowtech took control of its limb-building process by bringing the entire operation in-house years ago. The company’s proprietary limb-manufacturing process is proven to result in durable products that yield consistent performance. The Ascend’s split limbs (four individual pieces) are machined from carbon fiber and set in a wide stance for greater stability and to evenly distribute the energy stored during the draw cycle. Machined-aluminum limb pockets pivot during the draw-weight adjustment process and precisely control the limbs with minimal material, helping keep the overall weight of the bow down.

At The Range

Our testing, both objectively and subjectively, shows that switching the Ascend’s FlipDisc setting definitely changes the draw cycle and overall shooting experience. The Comfort setting produces a smooth draw that’s easy to handle from front to back, along with a solid back wall you can relax into at full draw. The Performance setting features a more aggressive draw, especially toward the end of the cycle, along with a narrower valley.

To test the effectiveness of the DeadLock Lite tuning system, we purposely walked a paper tear into and out of the ideal “bullet hole” position with ease. This is a very easy and very effective tuning method.

As for shooting the Ascend, a notable jump in the handle at the shot is followed by short-lived, nearly undetectable, low-level vibration. The grip is comfortable and effective, with the flat back providing a repeatable and stable hand position. Aiming is solid, and the bow does not fight you to stay on target. After the shot, the top cam tilts slightly backward before slowly falling away.

Our testing results support Bowtech’s promotion of the Ascend as a high-end performer at a price that is relatively wallet-friendly compared to competing models in its market segment. In other words, the Ascend offers good value for the money.

The Specs

• Manufacturer: Bowtech Archery, 888-689-1289; bowtecharchery.com
• Model: Ascend
• Riser: Machined aluminum, reflex
• Grip: Molded rubber, neutral wrist
• Limbs: Wide-stance, carbon fiber, split
• Draw Weights: 45-60 and 55-70 pounds peak
• Draw Lengths: 24.5-30 inches, in half-inch increments; rotating module
• Cam System: DeadLock Lite
• Letoff: Performance: 80 percent (advertised), 77.42 percent (as tested); Comfort: 85 percent (advertised), 83.39 percent (as tested)
• String: BCY X99, 56.875 inches
• Cables (x4): BCY X99, 16.75 and 29.125 inches
• Brace Height: 6.5 inches
• Axle-to-Axle Length: 31 inches
• Weight: 4.2 pounds (advertised); 4.33 pounds (as tested, without Orbit Dampener)
• Finish: Stealth Grey, OD Green and Forest
• Advertised IBO Speed: Up to 340 fps
• MSRP: $999
• Comments: A get-it-done bowhunter’s rig offering high-end features and performance.

Speed & Energy (Comfort Mode)

• Arrow Speed: 299.33 fps (375-grain arrow); 283 (425-grain arrow)
• Kinetic Energy: 74.61 ft./lbs. (375-grain arrow); 75.59 ft./lbs. (425-grain arrow)
• Dynamic Efficiency: 83.32% (375-grain arrow); 84.43% (425-grain arrow)
• Average Noise Level: 88.06 dBA (375-grain arrow); 87.73 dBA (425-grain arrow)

Speed & Energy (Performance Mode)

• Arrow Speed: 308 fps (375-grain arrow); 290.66 fps (425-grain arrow)
• Kinetic Energy: 79.01 ft./lbs. (375-grain arrow); 79.75 ft./lbs. (425-grain arrow)
• Dynamic Efficiency: 84.43% (375-grain arrow); 85.22% (425-grain arrow)
• Average Noise Level: 89.93 dBA (375-grain arrow); 89.7 dBA (425-grain arrow)

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