PMA or PSA?

[Weasel]

This is for BW owners/shooters. I'd appreciate it if it didn't turn into a pissin' match.      

I'm considering giving the Black Widows a try. I'm looking for something used in the range of 50# @ 28". I'm thinking 60", maybe 62".

For those of you who have shot both, what are the differences in shooting characteristics between the PMA and PSA? What are the differences between PMA II, PMA III, etc.? I understand they're probably designations, but what is different? All the designations are a little confusing. I'd post this on the BW site, but unless you own a BW, you can't.

Thanks!!

Jerry

[Ben Maher]

Jerry, I am a long lever kinda guy and as such preferred the PSA over the PMA because I got the longer limb in the same length bow ... if that makes sense .
Good bow either way ... I'm just a longbow fella at heart.

But , for what it is worth , my PSA was a tack driver .

PMA is longer riser than the PSA ... I think lol.

[wtpops]

The PMA has a 2" longer riser than the PSA and a bit more mass weight.
The difference in the designations is just the woods. I like the PSA V, the V is iron wood riser, limbs are action wood over boo and the boo cores make for a very smoth draw but a lot of the limbs come with the boo core not just the V. In shooting both i found very little difference. Now if you had a 62" PSA and a 60" PMA there might be a difference in shooting characteristics as the 60" PMA would in effect have 4" shorter limbs overall.

A 60" or 62" would be right in there for your 28" draw the 62" would draw like butter at 28"

This is all my personal experance with widows your milage my very  

[Preston Lay]

Jerry I have both and really not much difference. My Ma is 62" and the psa is 60". The psa is the iron wood which has standard bamboo limbs and I think they draw a little smoother.

[GrayRhino]

The difference between  II, III, and X models(be it on a PMA, PSA, PCH or PL) is in the appearance or wood selection.  II stands for 'graybark', III stands for 'autumn oak', V is for 'ironwood', and X is for exotic woods.  I talked with Roger at BW about performance differences between the different woods and he said they are very, very close.

The PMA has an 18 inch riser, 5 inch sight window, and depending on what limbs you get, can make a 58, 60, 62 or 64 inch bow.

The PSA has a 16 inch riser 4 inch sight window, and, depending on limb length can make a 56, 58, 60, or 62 inch bow.

The PCH has a 14 inch riser, 3 inch sight window, and depending on limb length can make a 54, 56, 58, or 60 inch bow.

As for a comparison from shooting different models, I can't help you there.  My only recurve is a PMA II.  

If I wanted a 60" bow I would look at the PCH first because it would give you a longer working limb, but the PSA would give you the longest working limb in a 62" bow.

If you call BW they would be glad to answer your questions.  Their customer service is the best, and there is the "test drive" program if you want to try out a few different models.

You won't go wrong with a Widow, no matter what model you choose!

[kat]

Jerry,
Gray Rhino summed it up very well. If you have any questions at all, just call out to Nixa. they are great people to talk to, and are glad to answer any and all questions.

[Weasel]

Thanks for taking the time to respond! I appreciate all the input.

Jerry

[L82HUNT]

Really mass is a big one if you want a heavier bow go with a PMA, a little lighter the PSA.  Or a little older MA or SA without the phenolic will weigh a tad less yet, compared to there counterpart.  Either bow is very smooth and both have the same brace height.

[STEVE R.]

I have both. My PMA has 64" and 60" limbs.My psa has 62" limbs.I have a 30" draw.The 64" PMA is very smooth as is my 62" PSA. I use the 60" pma to hunt with. I have the low wrist grip on both, and really like that style. The PSA is new and I haven't shot it but a few times. I can tell that I will like it very much come next 3d season. I guess at a 28" inch draw either one will do you just fine.A 60" PSA is my guess for you, you will not be disapointed. You could test drive one to be sure. That way you will know what you are getting.

[rolltidehunter]

PSA!

[cacciatore]

The PSA is a newer and better balanced bow the right compromise for a guy drawing 28",also if I would like to take a eye open on the PCH.

[DennyK]

I have both. The only real difference to me is the MA with it added mass handles a bow quiver better. I may give the nod to the PSA for being alittle smoother.  Both are 60" bows.

[carlo1404]

Hi,
my little cent...
I have one PSA2 and I think is the best in the PSA series I own, it is my 6° PSA bows, all 60" .... I had another one PSA2, one PSA3, two PSAV and one PSAX bubinga, I prefer my actual PSA2, balanced, smoothest and neutered bow.
I think to take one PMA series but in my light poundage (42/46#) it's too weighted and the 60" is not smooth than the PSA.
Bye from Italy.
Carlo