In the world of archery, few names are as respected as Precision Shooting Equipment (PSE).
Known for their innovative design and craftsmanship, PSE Archery has once again hit the bullseye with their Mini Burner Compound Bow.
Retailing at $259.99, this right-handed, 40lbs black bow is both an aesthetic delight and a functional marvel.
In this review, we'll delve into what sets the Mini Burner apart in the crowded field of compound bows.
We'll explore its design, ease of use, performance, and overall value.
Whether you're a seasoned archer or a beginner looking to get your first serious piece of equipment, our comprehensive review will offer an insightful look at why the Mini Burner could be your next choice.
From its durability to its adaptability, we'll discuss all facets of this remarkable product, aiming to provide you with a thorough understanding of its capabilities and potential.
Stay with us as we pull back the string on the PSE Archery's Mini Burner.
Specifications
- Brace Height: 6 ⁵⁄₈”
- Axle-to-Axle: 26”
- Letoff: 65%
- Mass Weight: 2.5 lbs.
- Draw Length Range: 16” – 26 ½”
- Draw Weights (lbs.): 40
- Shipped at 25”
- Limb Bolt Turns: 10
- Finishes: Mossy Oak Country, Muddy Girl, Black, Lime Green
Now let's delve a bit deeper into these features and what they mean for the user.
The brace height of 6 ⁵⁄₈” refers to the distance from the string to the deepest part of the bow grip.
A shorter brace height can lead to a faster bow, but it may also be less forgiving for beginners.
The 6 ⁵⁄₈” brace height of the Mini Burner offers a good balance between speed and accuracy, making it an excellent choice for young or inexperienced archers.
The axle-to-axle length of 26” is the distance from the center of one cam or wheel to the center of the opposite cam or wheel.
This measurement gives an indication of the overall size of the bow.
The Mini Burner's relatively short axle-to-axle length makes it compact and easy to handle, particularly for smaller archers.
A let-off of 65% means that when the bow is fully drawn, the archer only needs to hold 35% of the peak draw weight.
This let-off allows the archer to aim more comfortably and with greater control, making the Mini Burner more user-friendly and suitable for beginners.
The mass weight of 2.5 lbs. refers to the weight of the bow without any additional equipment attached.
The Mini Burner is a lightweight bow, making it easier to carry and hold, especially for younger archers.
The draw length range of 16” – 26 ½” and draw weight range of 4 to 40 lbs.
are what truly make the Mini Burner stand out.
These adjustable ranges allow the bow to grow with the archer, accommodating a wide variety of sizes and strengths.
This adjustability makes the Mini Burner a versatile and long-lasting choice.
The bow is shipped at a 25” draw length, which can be adjusted as per the user's needs.
The Mini Burner also has a limb bolt turns feature, which allows for further adjustments to the draw weight.
In terms of aesthetics, the Mini Burner is available in four finishes: Mossy Oak Country, Muddy Girl, Black, and Lime Green, allowing users to select the one that best fits their personal style.
The Mini Burner comes complete with everything needed to start shooting: a 3-pin sight for accuracy, an arrow rest to hold the arrow in place until it is shot, an arrow quiver for carrying arrows, a stabilizer to reduce bow movement and vibration, and three carbon arrows to get started right away.
My Personal Experience
As an avid hunter, the Mini Burner by PSE Archery has been a faithful companion on many of my outings.
With its compact size and lightweight design, it has proved to be both a reliable and versatile tool in the field.
One of my most memorable hunting experiences with the Mini Burner took place last fall.
I was out in the woods, tracking a group of white-tailed deer.
The crisp autumn air was filled with the rustle of leaves, and the scent of damp earth was heavy.
It was an ideal day for hunting.
As I quietly moved through the undergrowth, I spotted a mature buck around 30 yards away.
He was a magnificent creature, with a wide rack of antlers and a coat that shimmered in the dappled sunlight.
I slowly raised the Mini Burner, grateful for its lightweight design and the ease with which I could handle it.
The adjustable draw length of the bow, set to my preferred 26″, allowed for a comfortable and controlled draw.
Even under the tension of the moment, I could appreciate the smoothness of the draw cycle.
The let-off was generous enough to allow me to hold my aim on the buck without straining.
Using the 3-pin sight that came with the Mini Burner, I took careful aim.
The sight was clear and straightforward, allowing for precise targeting even at a distance.
I breathed out slowly, steadying my grip on the bow, and released the arrow.
The release was smooth and almost silent, the bowstring returning to its position with a quiet ‘thwack.'
The arrow flew true, thanks to the stability offered by the Mini Burner.
The lightweight carbon arrow that came with the bow moved swiftly and silently through the air.
It found its mark, and the buck bolted, only to fall some yards away.
As I approached the downed deer, I marveled at the efficiency of the Mini Burner.
The bow had performed flawlessly, combining power and precision in a compact package.
Its lightweight and compact design had allowed me to move silently and swiftly, while the adjustable draw weight and length, along with the generous let-off, had contributed to a comfortable and controlled shooting experience.
That day, the Mini Burner proved its worth as a reliable tool for the hunt.
Its design and features, aimed at versatility and ease of use, came together to provide an efficient and memorable hunting experience.
It reminded me once again why I chose the Mini Burner as my companion in the field – it's a bow that truly delivers on its promises.
Price and Value for Money
Priced at $259.99, the Mini Burner by PSE Archery certainly isn't the cheapest compound bow on the market.
However, when considering what you're getting for your money, it's clear that this bow offers excellent value.
When evaluating the price of a compound bow, it's essential to consider the features and accessories it comes with.
The Mini Burner is replete with features tailored towards versatility and adjustability, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
Its adjustable draw length range of 16” to 26½” and draw weight range of 4 to 40 lbs.
allow the bow to grow with the archer, accommodating a wide variety of sizes and strengths.
This ensures that the Mini Burner is not a short-term investment but one that can serve the user for many years to come.
Moreover, the Mini Burner comes with a suite of accessories that add to its value.
Included in the price are a 3-pin sight, an arrow rest, an arrow quiver, a stabilizer, and three carbon arrows.
These are essential components for any archer and can significantly add to the cost when purchased separately.
The fact that they're included in the price of the Mini Burner enhances its value for money.
The quality and performance of the Mini Burner also justify its price tag.
As my hunting anecdote illustrates, this bow delivers on the promise of power, precision, and ease of use.
Its lightweight design, compact size, and adjustable features contribute to a user-friendly and efficient shooting experience, whether in the field or on the range.
In conclusion, while the initial investment may seem significant, the long-term value offered by the PSE Archery Mini Burner is substantial.
Its combination of versatile features, included accessories, and high performance make it a worthy investment for any archer, whether they're just starting out or looking to upgrade their equipment.
When viewed in this light, the Mini Burner not only justifies its price but stands out as a prime example of value for money in the world of compound bows.
What are people saying?
The PSE Archery Mini Burner has garnered a host of positive reviews from users, emphasizing its versatility, design, and performance.
Here are a couple of key points from these reviews:
Ease of Adjustment: One user, Trout and Birds, praised the ease of adjusting the draw length, calling it a “breeze”.
While they found the initial adjustment of the draw weight a bit challenging due to the limb bolts being quite tight, once loosened, the adjustment was easy and smooth.
Design and Quality: The Mini Burner's lightweight and sleek design has been lauded, with the metal riser, quality sight, and rest getting special mention.
The inclusion of a nice quiver and arrows in the package was also appreciated.
Versatility and Performance: Another user, Geoff, highlighted the bow's adaptability and performance, noting that it “looks awesome, shoots great” and is “extremely adaptable”.
Their 8-year-old daughter used the bow on a 3D course with about 15-20lbs on it and it worked great.
These reviews underscore the Mini Burner's appeal to a broad age range and its capacity to grow with the archer, thanks to its adjustable features.
The consistent praise for its design, quality, and performance further underlines its excellent value for money.
The Drawbacks
While the Mini Burner by PSE Archery offers a host of advantages, it would be remiss not to mention a few minor drawbacks that some users might encounter.
One such issue I personally experienced was with the initial adjustment of the draw weight.
The limb bolts were quite tight when I first received the bow, requiring a fair bit of strength to loosen.
Although this isn't a major issue, and the bolts turned smoothly once loosened, it could present a slight challenge for younger or less physically strong users.
Furthermore, while the Mini Burner comes with several accessories, it would have been nice to see a few additional items included, such as a peep sight and D-loop.
While these are not necessarily essential for beginners, they are commonly used by more experienced archers and would have added to the overall value of the package.
These are minor points, however, and they do not significantly detract from the overall quality and value of the Mini Burner.
It's important to keep in mind that no product is perfect, and what may be a drawback for one user could be inconsequential to another.
In the grand scheme of things, these are small issues in an otherwise exceptional product.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
When considering whether to purchase the PSE Archery Mini Burner, it's important to weigh its advantages against its minor drawbacks.
The Mini Burner excels in its versatility and adjustability, making it a fantastic choice for young or beginner archers.
Its adjustable draw length and weight mean it can grow with the user, providing a long-term investment rather than a short-lived tool.
Its compact size, lightweight design, and impressive performance are all standout features that have been consistently praised by users.
The included accessories – a 3-pin sight, an arrow rest, an arrow quiver, a stabilizer, and three carbon arrows – also add considerable value to the package.
The bow is also praised for its sleek design and a selection of finishes, allowing users to express their personal style.
The minor drawbacks, such as the initial difficulty in adjusting the draw weight and the absence of a few additional accessories, are worth noting but do not significantly detract from the overall value of the Mini Burner.
These issues can be easily remedied with a bit of patience and potentially a small additional investment.
In conclusion, the PSE Archery Mini Burner offers excellent value for its price, providing a robust and versatile tool packed with features that cater to a wide range of users.
Its performance, as evidenced in both personal experiences and other user reviews, speaks to its quality and reliability.
Despite its minor drawbacks, the Mini Burner stands out as an excellent choice for anyone looking to get into archery or upgrade their current equipment.
Whether you're a young archer just starting out, an adult picking up the sport, or a seasoned hunter looking for a reliable and efficient bow, the Mini Burner is a purchase you're unlikely to regret.
