If Robin Hooding the first two arrows out of a bow is a sign of success, the Bowtech Eva Gen 3 is about to take your money. Sure, my arrow-splitting antics could have been a fluke. But it happened and was quite an auspicious start for a brand-new bow.

　　As the name implies, theBowtech Eva Gen 3($1,199) is the third generation of the popular womens compound bow. Named for Eva Shockey, the daughter of famed hunter Jim Shockey and a legend in her own right, the bow has found its place as more than just a one-off novelty namesake bow. This little powerhouse has a solid track record of performance in the woods.

　　As a die-hard Mathews shooter, I was skeptical about how Id feel trading in my older, heavier, but silent and efficient bow for this shiny new one. I mean, with how technically advanced bows are these days, would I notice a beneficial difference?

　　I didnt doubt it was the great bow; I just had my reservations, you know? Investing in a new bow is a lot of money when your bow from 5 years ago works and works well.

　　So what did I think?

　　In short:TheBowtech Eva Gen 3is a flagship bow for women. Available in 40-, 50-, and 60-pound models, it feels steady in the hand and offers a lighter carry weight than several comparative models. It is quick and consistent and is now one of my favorites. Its a great option for hunters who may need a lower draw weight or shorter draw length but still want plenty of knockdown power.

　　Bowtech Eva Gen 3 Review

　　Specs Mass weight 3.9 lbs. Draw weight 40, 50, 60 lbs. Axle-axle 28 Draw length 24-29 Speed 326 fps Brace height 6.125 Color options Black, Forest, Smoke Grey, Mossy Oak Country DNA Pros Lightweight Smooth draw cycle Fast, consistent, accurate Capable for a wide range of smaller-framed hunters Cons Limited draw weights/lengths for larger archers Some (minimal) shot noise as compared to a heavier bow Rachelle Schrute Check Price at Scheels Specifications, Options, and Capability

　　At its most basic, this is a bow designed for women with a wide weight range, all in a compact, lightweight build. Because it carries Eva Shockeys name, it also comes in some pretty colors — because thats just on brand.

　　With a flat weight of 3.9 pounds, it is airy compared to many other bows on the market. The 24-29-inch draw length should fit many women, my borderline excluded, and the 40-, 50-, and 60-pound capability means theres a configuration for just about anyone and any chase.

　　As far as speed goes, I always take the noted speed capability with a grain of salt. I mean, shes quick, but you wont be seeing speeds over 300 fps unless youre shooting at the very top end of the heaviest limbs. I assume most of those who are shooting this bow are not.

　　If you like the idea of making your own cam adjustments, youll love the fact that you dont need a bow press for this arrow slinger. The TimeLock design allows quick positioning adjustments with an Allen wrench.

　　The GripLock handle (which Ill discuss in a bit) allows for some tilt adjustment, making your grip fit more comfortably.

　　The Eva Gen 3 is compatible with IMS (Integrate Mounting System) arrow rests, which is slick.

　　Initial Testing, Consistent Results

　　Tuning the Bowtech Eva Gen 3 with my high-tech camp chair setup at home; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) After getting the bow set up with a sight Id used previously, I planned to send three arrows from 45 yards. I know it seems odd, but I had a 45-yard pin set specific for the area I hunt. I like to shoot in groups of three when sighting in my bow initially before I even begin to make adjustments.

　　Aiming dead-center with that oddly set pin, the first arrow hit probably 10 inches high. I knew going into this tune that it likely would, with additional poundage on this bow over the previous bow that sight was on.

　　I sent the second arrow, still aiming dead-center to get a consistent picture, and heard the most nauseating whack. At first, I thought Id missed the target completely. I couldnt even see the second arrow from where I stood.

　　It wasnt until I shifted my weight and changed my angle of view off to the side a bit that I realized I could very much check the consistency box. My second arrow pulled off the old Robin Hood trick, a feat Id only accomplished a few times, fusing both arrows into one in a seemingly impossible shot.

　　From there, tuning was smooth, the bow was set, and I havent had to meddle with it since.

　　Flinging Arrows at Foam

　　Consistency at near and far ranges on the courses this year, smacking stars at 70 yards; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) Ive always shot a Mathews bow, so the switch to a Bowtech for the year gave me a bit of anxiety. If it aint broke, dont fix it, right?

　　After getting things dialed and hitting a few 3D courses this year, those fears were comfortably laid to rest. In all of the courses I shot this year, I only lost three arrows in total.

　　Ive been known to lose a dozen or more, so Ill count that as a win for the Eva Gen 3. I guess Ill also take a little credit for putting in much more work this year. I shot a lot of arrows, and each one felt better than the last.

　　Even shooting with professional, paid competitive shooters decked out with high-tech competition target bows, I held my own with the little Eva Gen 3. I was content walking off the course as the only hunting bow shooter in a sea of pro foam folks.

　　I even took this bow down to Kentucky to shoot with the gal whose name it bears, and though we were all miserable in the unbearable heat, we all shot quite well at this years Bowtech Rally.

　　Bowtech Rally 2024 Modifying for Size This is a current/ongoing project that likely wont apply to many shooters. I have an extremely short draw length. If were to go by the numbers, I hit the 23-inch mark, which pretty much counts me out for most bows. With some serious string twist, the shortest release I can find, and a bit of over-extension, I can shoot a 24-inch, but Ive found it to be a bit of a struggle.

　　Fortunately, the GripLock build of the Bowtech Eva Gen 3 handle may offer me a more straightforward solution to relearning how I shoot. Because of the tilt attachment feature, I plan to remove the GripLock handle and 3D print a new handle that is at least an inch thicker. That way, it will essentially push my bow out in front of me further, giving me a bit of artificial arm growth.

　　This is the exact opposite of what most bow shooters want, but Im looking to add bulk to my handle.

　　I just need to find the tech genius who can help me generate that 3D file. Once my FrankenHandle comes to life, Ill update this review.

　　What the Eva Gen 3 Does Well

　　(Photo/Rachelle Schrute) Listen, modern compound bows have become so dialed that its hard to differentiate between them. Modern bows perform, but they only perform well if you put the work in.

　　That being said, the Eva Gen 3 delivers consistent results time after time without unnecessary fiddling and tuning. The TimeLock designs ability to adjust the cams without a bow press is a huge plus for do-it-yourself bow-tuning folks.

　　To be honest, for the smaller-framed hunter, its a solid option. Ive heard a few guys claim theyd shoot it if it had over 60 pounds of capability. Honestly, if it had a few more inches and a few more pounds, it would be a solid bow for anyone, not just (insert sigh) women and children.

　　Where the Eva Gen 3 Could Improve This is just from a place of comparison. I cant say that the Eva Gen 3 is loud, but I can say that it produces audibly more noise at release than my previous bow. But, its also more than a full pound lighter than my last bow, with a slightly longer draw length. Essentially, this is me looking for some flaws that are really hard to find.

　　A lighter bow is not going to be as dead in the hand. I will probably addMonkey Tailsfor the hunting season to quell my noise frustrations.

　　The only flaw I can find with the bow itself is a bit of rubber peel at the edges of the handle, which does catch on things, but thats an easy fix. I assume its a combination of extreme temperatures and humidity levels, which is at the extreme other end of the spectrum. Nothing a little dollop of adhesive cant fix.

　　Who Should Consider the Bowtech Eva Gen 3?

　　Author at the Bowtech Rally, shooting the Eva Gen 3; (photo/Bowtech) The Eva Gen 3 would make an awesome compound bow for any hunter that falls in its draw length and weight capability. Its lightweight, easy to tune, and, so far, has held that tune for several hundred arrows without having to tweak a thing.

　　How to Sight In a Compound BowSighting in a bow is a fundamental skill that every bowhunter should know from front to back. We've put together a step-by-step guide to get you on target. Read more

　　Rachelle Schrute Check Price at Scheels