F.B.T. Intensity

FireBrand Technologies, LLC — Intensity Bow Report
by Jeff G. Phillips and G. P. Robbins

Since the debut of the first compound bows, we all have seen many radical bow designs hit the archery market. In concept, the two-cam/wheel (including single cam) compound has been, and still is, the most popular due to its dynamic features that can be molded to fit almost any archer. With that kind of power, why should there be any other type of compound? 

The answer to that is the same reason for the existence of Ford, Chevy, and Dodge — not everyone wants the same thing. 

If you are in the market for a new compound bow but would like something different, then read on.

Most people that have been involved with archery for several years have seen or heard of Oneida bows. How can you forget that radical design? At first glance, it sort of resembles a fossil of a prehistoric sea creature that lived 10 million years ago. Well, there is another creature that has hit the market in similarity, with respect to looks, but functions much different and has fewer parts.

Overview
FireBrand Technologies, LLC, out of Fulton, N.Y., has entered the archery market with two radical bows — the Discovery and the Intensity.  We were given the opportunity to put the Intensity bow through its paces — a testing phase we like to call B.B.C. (Bow Boot Camp). Nothing destructive, we just like to see if it performs as advertised and if it fits the current market trend.

When the bow arrived it was nice to see a full bow manual included. The manual is very informative, quick and to the point. In other words, it will not bore you.  The illustrations are very detailed with outlined context to help aid you in the event of a problem or needed adjustment.

At first glance, the bow makes you wonder, "How does it work and does it have any let-off?"  This bow doesn’t use cams or wheels.  Instead it utilizes the working mechanics of two limbs called the outboard limbs in conjunction with the string and two strategically positioned power cables.  Together these parts produce a draw curve very similar to the draw curve of a compound bow with cams.  

The let-off produced is controlled by two draw stop set screws, one installed at each end of the power limbs.  The let-off can be set to pretty much whatever you want with these two hex keyed screws. When adjusting the let-off, you may have to also adjust the draw length due to the set screws limiting how far the outboard limbs can travel.  

The bow can be set for 100-percent let-off.  We played around with this a little just for kicks.  At 100-percent let-off we noted and recorded a chronograph speed of 0 fps. Think about it …

The Intensity features Shadow Cast Technology, which is simply a T6-aluminum cast riser with cast-in ribs. The cast-in ribs make the bow lighter without compromising any strength. 

The riser is tapped to AMO standards meaning just about any bow accessory will attach with no problem. The riser grip has a less than ¾-inch throat which is comfortable and just as torque free as any other bow on the market.  Attached on both sides of the riser are two wood grip side plates that add a little style to the bow for more eye appeal.

Spanning the 43 inches tip-to-tip, the 12-strand string is made of the popular low stretch BCY 450-plus material.  The power cables are a lot heftier due to 24 strands of abrasion-resistant Dyneema material. Not a bad set-up.

The shooting characteristic of this bow almost puts it into a class of its own. Because the force of the limbs is vertical and away from each other, the forces cancel each other out for shock-free and very quiet performance.  This bow is one of the best, if not the best, quiet and shock-free bows on the market today.

Other Notable Features
Both the power and outboard limbs are made of tough lightweight carbon composite. The integrated riser mount cable guard is standard AMO size made of solid carbon. Teamed with the cable guard and holding the power cables at bay is a Saunders Roller Slide, which helps to lower energy eating friction. Weighing in at only four pounds, the bow has very nice feel of balance sitting quietly in your hand shot after shot.

Each bow has a draw weight range of basically zero to the maximum.  The draw length can be adjusted three inches by moving the power cable axels to different locations.  Micro adjustments can be made with the draw stop set screws and/or by twisting the cables/string. 

A real nice feature of this bow is all the different ways to break it down for adding accessories or maintenance.  There is the short string method which is simply a short bow string that connects to the draw stop set screws.  It is installed at full draw and keeps the power limbs compressed allowing the string to relax.  You can also wedge wooden dowel rods under the outboard limbs and just above the power limbs.  This restricts the outboard limbs and leaves slack in the string.  Third, the limb bolts can be safely loosened until the string and cables go limp.  Finally, even with it's radical design, the bow can be placed in a standard bow press.

Additional Notes
We are a little confused, but not real concerned, about the advertised 300 fps. In one email from the company we were told 300 fps was achieved with 80 percent let-off. In a later email we were told the let-off must be dropped to 65 percent in order to achieve 300 fps.   When you factor in the possible errors of different scales (bow, arrow) and the chronograph, it really doesn’t make sense to take it any further. We called it close enough.

Due to the bow's dynamic nature, it fits many hunting scenarios.  Its light weight will prove to be a pleasure to carry on long walks and stalks.  Tripod and tree-stand hunting will not pose any problems, but you may want to trim an extra limb or two because of how the outboard limbs function.  Bow-fishing fans may want to consider this bow for its added punch over recurves.  The smooth let-off will not pull you off target, even on those quick split-second shots.  Who knows, you may even see this bow on your local 3-D course shooting 12-rings.

Technical Data