The iGlow Compound Bow is a reliable choice when you're starting out in hunting. With it's simple construction and ease of use, it wouldn't take so much time to get used to it.
Do take note that this bow is heavier than other models, so you may need to make some adjustments especially if you came from using another variant. Additionally, it really isn't that quiet like others, so you’ll want to get string silencers to reduce the noise.
Overall this is a no-frills bow that will give you what you need in hunting.
Technical Specifications and Features
- Draw Length: 25" – 31"
- Draw Weight: 40 – 70 lbs.
- Hand Orientation: Right Hand Only
- Speed: 310 fps
- Axle to Axle Length: 31.5"
- Net Weight: 4.4 lbs.
- Let Off: 75% – 80%
- Cam System: Dual Cam Tech
- Limbs: Split Configuration
Reviewing the iGlow Compound Bow
Ease of Assembly
The IGlow comes completely assembled out of the box. By default, it is also strung. The accessories that come with it are fairly basic though.
Checking the Bow Technology
The iGlow Compound Bow is packaged as a Ready-to-Hunt bow. It is designed to provide the right amount of force and control when out in the wild. Let's detail some of the key bow tech in this gear:
Riser and Grip Details
Made out of aluminum, the iGlow Compound Bow’s riser is strong, yet flexible and is appropriate even for the harshest situations. The grip also allows a comfortable yet solid hold on the bow, a good assurance when having to aim and carry your gear.
Limbs and Cams Details
Are iGlow bows any good? If you're focusing on this compound bow's limbs are, then it's a winner when it comes to shooting.
Following the split limbs configuration, the iGlow bow's limbs are lined up parallel to each other. These efficient limbs are also made up of tough yet flexible fiberglass. The limbs also have built-in pockets (back pivoting) that helps in getting more accurate shots in this bow.
The iGlow Compound Bow uses a dual cam system. Going with the overall configuration, the cams work as intended - it's basic but still works more than good enough. In fact, the bow's draw cycle is smooth and easy, allowing even beginners to make the most out of this gear. This is further attested with the bow's let off of 75% to 80% - stats that both novice and pro shooters will have no trouble shooting with.
Draw Weight Adjustment
Probably one of the most important aspects of iGlow compound bow specs is the draw weight adjustment. This bow comes with a draw weight setting of from 40 to 70 lbs. However, the actual draw weight can be set anywhere from 30 to 70 lbs. This makes the bow ideal both for beginner and advanced shooters.
Adjusting the draw weight is relatively easy - just make sure to keep count of how many times you'd need to twist the bolts! To get down to 30 lbs., you would first need to set the bow's draw length to 25" (we will discuss adjusting the bow's draw length below). Once that's done, get your allen wrench and turn the draw weight bolts in a counterclockwise motion at 6.5 rotations. Make sure that you can handle the built-in tension of the bow when making any adjustment on the draw weight - you would want to prevent any damage or injury when turning the bolts!
Draw Length Adjustment
Adjusting the iGlow Compound Bow's draw length is easy as well - you do not need a bow press when making any adjustments on it! Set anywhere from 25" to 30", all you will need when increasing or decreasing the length is your trusty allen wrench. Of course, if you are not confident in adjusting the length, a visit to an archery pro shop is all there is in getting the right draw length for your iGlow Compound Bow.
iGlow Compound Bow Kinetic Energy Details
An essential in proper iGlow Compound Bow adjustment is getting to know the speed and kinetic energy of your current bow setup. You would need to know these details to maximize your gear - doing so will determine if you have the right force to take down certain types of game.
Let us assume that the iGlow bow has a maximum shooting speed of 310 fps. Matching this speed with 350 grain arrows will result in a kinetic energy of 74.4 - enough force to bring down game of all sorts of sizes.
Let us quickly break down the kinetic energy force below:
|
Kinetic Energy |
Type of Game |
|---|---|
|
Less than 25 ft. lbs. |
Small Game Variants |
|
25 to 41 ft. lbs. |
Medium Game Variants |
|
42 to 65 ft. lbs. |
Large Game Variants |
|
More than 65 ft. lbs. |
Largest Game Variants |
Construction and Durability
The iGlow Compound Bow is built tough. At 4.4 lbs., this bow is relatively heavier than others in the market. The weight may be a turn off for those in need of lighter gear (especially during long treks in the wild), but the additional weight may prove to be beneficial in some other aspects. Aside from making this a stabler bow to shoot (which also makes it more accurate), the additional weight also helps prevent hand shock whenever you're shooting the bow.
Accuracy and Shooting Speed Checks
As mentioned, the added weight found on the iGlow Compound Bow makes it a stabler and accurate bow to hunt with. Additionally, the pockets found on the limbs help in improving marksmanship as well.
Shooting speed is determined to be 310 fps. A manageable figure to shoot with, which both beginners and experienced hunters will have no trouble at all using.
Noise Level Information
Some work may be needed to reduce the vibration and noise generated by the iGlow Compound Bow. Before each hunt, make sure that your bow's in good working order. Constant inspection and proper maintenance will help you determine if there are any loose screws, faulty strings, or even limb damage that may cause noise. Additionally, investing in a stabilizer will make this bow into a silent archery gear. No matter the approach you'll take, you'd want to make the necessary steps in preventing noise whenever you'd go for a shot!
Practical Hunting Usage
A good way to view the iGlow Compound Bow is as a basic compound bow. No frills, but gets the job done! As such, it's a good choice for hunting since it delivers what it's marketed and packaged for - you get what you ordered with this bow!
Although, some necessary adjustments may need to be made to maximize usage of this bow. A given issue is the noise and vibration the iGlow Compound Bow generates. You may want to get some additional accessories to transform your setup into a silent one!
Another crucial adjustment that you may want to consider getting used to is the bow's actual weight. Heavier than other typical compound bows, you may want to practice more with this bow before using it out in the wild.
iGlow Compound Bow Accessory Check
Let us check out the accessories that comes with the premium kit variation of the iGlow Compound Bow:
- Bow Sling – essential attachment considering that lugging this heavier than usual bow may wear you out.
- Allen Keys – helpful tools to make the necessary adjustments to get the hunting or shooting setting perfect for you.
- D-Loop String – installed at the nock position of your bow string, this will help you draw the bow back seamlessly. Like the rest, it's optional, but making the most out of this accessory can be best done with an additional investment in a release aid.
- Optic Bow Sight – basic at its best, you may opt to replace this with something better in the market.
- Sight Light – this is used in conjunction with the included optic bow sight in the iGlow premium kit.
- Brush Arrow Rest – consider replacing this as well – the stock arrow rest is flimsy and may very well mess up your shot.
- Rubber Stabilizer – not of the best quality, so you may want to replace this as well to get a quieter shot for your iGlow Compound Bow.
- Tube Peep Sight – again, basic accessory that you can easily replace with something better in the market.
- Arrows (three 30" pieces) – like the bow itself, these arrows seem to be heavier than others. Opt to get ones that you are comfortable shooting with (you'd want those you'll be using during actual hunts as well, to get the right feel for the bow!).
FAQ about the iGlow Compound Bow
Let us now compile some of the most common questions (and answers) asked about the iGlow Compound Bow:
Who makes iGlow bows?
iGlow bows are made by Man Kung. This brand also manufactures the popular SAS Rage compound bow models. The Man Kung company is based in Taiwan. The brand has been in the archery business for quite some time (they have been producing archery gear since 1988!), proving that they do know how to create both practical and efficient gear.
Are there different iGlow Compound Bow models?
Yes. The one featured in this article is of the 40 to 70 lbs. type. Other models are available in the market. Also, iGlow Compound Bows also come in different colors, such as camo, black, and green.
Why the iGlow Compound Bow is Recommended
Here are reasons why the iGlow Compound Bow may just be the thing you need for hunting:
- It's made to last. The material used in the bow's construction is tough enough to deal with whatever element out there in the wild.
- It will grow with you. With a nice range to work with for both draw weight and draw length variables, this bow can be there for you no matter how old you are.
- Easy and basic to use. This bow is built to work for both beginners and hardcore hunters.
- It has reliable shooting speed. At 310 fps, you really can't complain with the amount of force it can dish out.
- You can use this bow for bowfishing too.
Issues that May Need to be Addressed in the iGlow Compound Bow
These are some factors that may be considered as a disadvantage with the iGlow Compound Bow.
- Most of the accessories that come in the premium kit aren't up to par with what's readily available in the market.
- There seems to be a discrepancy with the instructions packed in the bow – some come with a helpful guide, others none.
- It's not as quiet as other compound bows.
- There also seems to be minimal online help from the manufacturer.
- This bow does not come with a case (not really an issue unless you're carrying this during long treks while hunting).
Read More
Need to know more about the iGlow bow? Check out these links:
- Matt's Outdoors presents a really nice review of the iGlow Compound Bow!
- Outing Expert has included a 40 - 70 lbs iGlow Compound Bow model as part of its best compound bows list!
- Proving to be essential in bowfishing, the iGlow Compound Bow made it as one of the best bowfishing bows in a list compiled by Outdoor Sleeping!