The Invasion CPX was BowTech’s flagship model for 2011, and they’ve wisely decided to carry it over to 2012. Though unmistakably a BowTech bow, with BowTech’s signature OverDrive Binary Cam, Hardcore Limbs, InVelvet finish, and recently introduced FLX-Guard to reduce torque, several things distinguish this bow from its predecessors. The most obvious is the truly past-parallel limb construction. Most past-parallel bows are past parallel only at full draw, but the Invasion CPX is among the bows that are past parallel at rest. Less obvious is the slightly unusual (today) deflexed riser, which puts the grip in front of the limb pivot points. This bow is only slightly deflexed, but in terms of torque reduction that doesn’t matter; a bow is either deflexed or it’s not. This one is, and that fact, perhaps together with the FLX-Guard cable guard system, makes torque virtually imperceptible.

Another obviously different design feature of this bow is the pillow block assemblies on top of each limb tip. The axles are actually on top of the limbs. This design works well in tandem with the Center Pivot Extreme limbs (hence the CPX designation), an extremely efficient design that is slick, literally. One caveat: The pillow blocks mean that some presses will not work on this bow, including some presses that normally work well with past-parallel limb designs.

Yet another difference: The grip is a little narrower than on previous BowTech models, and BowTech graced this bow with the wood (as opposed to plastic) grip a bow of this quality (and price range) deserves.

A carbon rod string stop is directly in line with the stabilizer. While this design is not unique to BowTech, it is common to almost all BowTech bows and does seem to efficiently direct noise and vibration to the stabilizer.

The Invasion is factory preset to a 29-inch draw length, and the bow must be pressed to make adjustments. This is effected by removing module screws with a 9/64 hex wrench, and rotating the modules to one of several numbered slots allows adjustments to be made in half-inch increments. After this adjustment is made, draw stop posts are moved with a 5/64 hex wrench to numbered slots corresponding to the numbered slot of the module.

Timing dots are placed on the module side of each cam so that a quick glance can confirm that the cams are properly oriented and timed. The bow must be pressed to adjust timing, and though precise timing is important on this (or any) bow, timing is not a frequent issue with binary cams.

Shooting The Bow

At 31 inches axle-to-axle, this is a fairly compact bow. Perhaps it’s the deflexed design that makes it a look a little longer. More to the point, the Invasion CPX feels and shoots like a longer bow, and probably for the same reason. The deflexed riser also contributes to the forgiving 7-inch brace height of this bow. The draw curve is aggressive, and the draw is possibly the one quality of this bow that tells you you’re shooting a high-performance bow. Still, it’s not overly harsh; shooters familiar with BowTech’s Destroyer will find it a tad smoother, and most shooters would become unconscious of this characteristic in a few shooting sessions, assuming they’re not pulling a draw weight beyond their comfort zone. Consistent with general design trends, the back wall is very solid. Everything else about this bow is ice-cream smooth. Shooters who hold the grip incorrectly may perceive a slight vibration, but I suspect shooters who don’t grip the bow too tightly will notice no vibration or shock at all. It’s a super-quiet bow, as confirmed by our sound level meter.

It’s a lightweight, steady bow in the hand, and I’ve already mentioned that torque is imperceptible. After the shot, it tends to tip back from the top, as opposed to forward. A lot of competitive shooters (and bowhunters) prefer that in a bow, but for those who don’t, the right stabilizer can easily change that tendency. Tuning this bow was quick and easy, in part probably because of the lack of torque. As with other BowTech bows, this one shoots out of the box at speeds very close to the stated IBO rating. At a suggested retail price of $949, this is not a cheap bow, but the Invasion CPX is likely to contribute to BowTech’s growing numbers of dedicated followers.

Peak Draw Weight: 62 lbs.

Full-Draw Hold Weight: 14.8 lbs.

Arrow Weight: 385 grains

Arrow Speed: 295.5 feet per second

Kinetic Energy: 74.42 foot-pounds

Sound Level: 79.8 decibels

Specs

Letoff: 80%

Brace Height: 7 inches

Weight: 3.9 lbs.

Axle-To-Axle Length: 31 inches

Draw Length: 26 to 30 inches.

Draw Weight: 50, 60, 70, 80 pounds.

Options: Nine camo finishes including Black Ops, Gore Optifade Forest, Gore Optifade Open Country, Mossy Oak Infinity, Mossy Oak Treestand, Onyx, Realtree APG HD, SnoCap