Prime Divide Review 

Prime Archery has been producing top-level bows for many years now, and their latest Divide series is no exception. Utilizing American-made carbon rods, the Divide is built on what Prime calls "Advanced Structures Technology." By combining machined aluminum with carbon rods through what they call "X Weld" bonding, they’ve been able to dramatically increase the stiffness of the bow’s riser while simultaneously reducing the bow’s overall weight by half a pound. This weight difference is easily observable when handling the bow alongside a fully aluminum riser counterpart. As the saying goes in western hunting, “ounces equal pounds.” The ability to shave a half pound from anything is a big win, and it is especially valuable when that object happens to be the one you carry most in your hands.

The Divide continues Prime’s use of what they call "Center Grip Technology." By placing the grip in the center of the bow, they effectively reduce the tendency of the bow to be top-heavy when at full draw. While the bow shoots extremely well out of the box, for those who prefer to shoot with stabilizers, center grip technology reduces the amount of weight necessary for stabilization, again resulting in a lighter overall setup. The grip also employs Prime’s Nano Grip, which is a synthetic material used by NASA to insulate metal parts from freezing conditions. This sleek handle proves to be very comfortable to hold, even with bare hands in sub-freezing temperatures, as it insulates the archer’s hand from the aluminum components within the riser.

Powering the draw cycle of the Divide is Prime’s time-tested Core Cam System. The Core Cam provides for an exceptionally smooth draw cycle while maintaining excellent speed. Traditionally, bow manufacturers were forced to sacrifice draw smoothness for speed, as bows that shot fast were generally built with steep draw cycles and sharp valleys. With the Core Cam System, the draw cycle builds steadily and comfortably settles into its 80% letoff at full draw. With a draw stop built into the mod, the bow has an incredibly firm and consistent wall, allowing for consistent aiming and release.

The Divide comes in axle-to-axle lengths of 31, 33, 35, and 37 inches, with brace height options of 6 or 7 inches. Draw weights range from 40 to 80 pounds, and draw lengths can be micro-adjusted from 26 to 30 inches. Given the variability of options, the Divide is clearly a customizable bow built to fit any and every hunter’s needs. While the Divide comes outfitted with standard mods which boast impressive IBO speeds of 330 FPS, those looking for still more speed can upgrade to their more aggressive draw cycle “speed mod” which boosts the IBO performance up to 338 FPS.

As always, systems and technologies mean nothing if a bow can’t drive tacks. The bottom line for every archery hunter should be, “Can the bow shoot?” I’ve found the answer to that question to be an overwhelming, “YES!”  While it has a great look and feel, the Divide ultimately delivers on Prime’s mantra: “Accuracy is everything.” Check them out at a local dealer, you won’t regret it.

Prime Divide Review Highlights 

• Unmatched warranty, offering free strings every two years AND rush shipping
• Listed IBO speed of 338 FPS with speed mods (330 with standard mods)
• Center Grip Technology 
• Nano Grip Technology from NASA
• Core Cam System
• Adjustable mod draw stops for micro changes in draw length and let-off 
• Multiple color and camo options for both limbs and riser 
• Picatinny rail sight mounting system
• QAD Integrated Dovetail rest mounting option