Bowtech Reckoning 39 Gen 2 Bow Review

Year after year, Bowtech has been coming up with new and innovative technology and this year, they did not disappoint. To compliment an already impressive array of features from 2022, they have added 3 new features that may make the Bowtech Reckoning 39 Gen 2 the best target bow ever created. Those features are TimeLock, the Flip Disc Pro, and GripLock. But before we get into those new features, lets take a look at the specs of the Bowtech Reckoning 39 Gen 2.

Bowtech Reckoning 39 Gen 2 Specs

• IBO Speed: 326 FPS (medium cam) / 320 FPS (long cam)
• ATA (Axle to Axle): 39″
• Brace Height: 6.75″ (medium cam) / 7.18″ (long cam)
• Weight: 4.9 lbs (medium cam) 5.0 lbs (long cam)
• Draw Weights: 50, 60, 70 lbs.
• Draw Lengths: 26.5″-30.5″ (medium cam) / 29.5″-33.5″ (long cam)
• Let off: customizable

The Bowtech Reckoning 39 Gen 2, which weighs in around a very stable 5.0 lbs,  really delivers on everything imaginable. The axle to axle length of 39 inches and brace height of 6.75″ (medium cam) / 7.18″ (long cam) are extremely forgiving.

The IBO speeds of 326 FPS (medium cam) / 320 FPS (long cam) are excellent and will allow most target archers to come in right at the maximum speeds for the different governing associations.

The draw lengths of the medium cam and the long cam overlap each other and offer a combined 26.5″ – 33.5″ range, which is the most accommodating range that we can remember. The draw lengths are adjustable in 1/2″ increments, which does leave a little to be desired, so we actually came up with sliding draw stop solution which can be purchased here SHOP.

Features of the Bowtech Reckoning 39 Gen 2

Let’s look at what sets the Bowtech Reckoning 39 Gen 2 apart from other bows.

Deadlock Cam System

The DeadLock Cam System have more technology built into it than most of the other bow manufacturers combined. Let’s break down this engineering marvel.

Adjustable draw length

The draw length is adjustable from 26.5 – 30 inches in half inch increments. Simply remove the Flip Disc Pro’s screws, reseat the flip disc on the preferred draw length setting (holding weight is affected) and reinstall the screws. Next, move the draw stop to match the draw length. In the picture below, a slidable draw stop is being used to get in between the 1/2 inch increments which are the default settings.

Flip Disc Pro – Adjustable Let-Off

The Flip Disc Pro not only lets you choose from a comfort and performance setting, it also allows you to adjust your holding weight.

In the comfort mode, you can look forward to respectable speeds from a smooth draw cycle that may ride peak weight for about 8-9 inches. In performance mode, you can look forward to a 3-4% increase in speed at the cost of a more demanding draw cycle which rides peak weight for around 14 inches. This more demanding draw cycle isn’t what it used to be though thanks to the Bowtech Reckoning 39 Gen 2’s adjustable holding weight.

The Flip Disc Pro is missing the steel pin that used to lock the older Flip Disc into specific draw length holes on the cam. Now, you can infinitely adjust the holding weight of the Bowtech Reckoning 39 Gen 2 by rotating the Flip Disc Pro towards shorter draw length settings for more let-off or to longer draw length settings for less let-off. This is outstanding for competitive archers who need to conserve strength with a lower draw weight while being able to fine tune the holding weight to a poundage of their choice. For instance, you could shoot 50 lbs of draw weight with 20 lbs of holding weight. A bow with 60% let-off is normally not an option, but with the Bowtech Reckoning 39 Gen 2, you can have it how you like it!

Deadlock Tuning System

As one of the most impressive features of the Bowtech Reckoning 39 Gen 2, the DeadLock Tuning System still is the industry’s most convenient method of tuning out left and right tears. No press needed, simply loosen the lock screw and turn clockwise to move the cam left (correct a left tear) and counterclockwise to move the cam to the right (correct a right tear). The Deadlock tuning system has a range of 0.180 of an inch that is achieved with 3.75 revolutions of the axle screw.

When first setting up a bow with the Deadlock tuning system, we like to max out the cams to the right or left and make a mark on the axle screw and the deadlock tuning system housing. This will give you a great reference mark that’ll ensure you adjust the top and bottom cam equally. This system makes tuning a breeze.

Timing the Bowtech Reckoning 39 Gen 2

Setting the timing on the Bowtech Reckoning is simple. Just adjust your cables until you’re between the dimples on each cam and you’ll be in time. Once you have the cams “timed” properly, use a draw board or have a friend watch you draw back to check the sync of your bow. You may find that even though your bow is timed properly, the sync can be off. If it’s off, adjust your cables via the TimeLock system so your stops are contacting the cables at the same time and the end of your draw.

TimeLock Technology – Setting Sync

When we are adjusting the sync of the Bowtech Reckoning 39 Gen 2, we no longer have to deal with twisting a cable and hoping it moved the stop just enough for perfect synchronicity. With the TimeLock system, we now have infinite adjustments to ensure the best cam sync possible. All you have to do is check the sync on your bow and identify which draw stop is hitting first. Once identified, loosen the locking screw on the early cams TimeLock System, and shorten the cable by turning the TimeLock adjustment screw clockwise. A little bit goes a long ways. Recheck your sync and repeat as needed. Visit the TimeLock page in the Tuning Section of the Bow Shop Bible app for more information.

Deadlock Limb Pocket

The DeadLock Limb Pocket is a rock solid system that secures the limbs no matter what draw weight you choose to shoot. Simply back off the locking screws, adjust your draw weight, and tighten back down the lock screws. Rock Solid.

GripLock Technology

No more buying after market grips. Enter the GripLock Grip by Bowtech. This grip offers 13 degrees of movement which will accommodate any grip preference you could imagine. Just loosen the side lock screws and adjust the angle setting screw through the front of the riser. Once at your preferred angle, tighten the locking screws back down.

Our Thoughts on the Bowtech Reckoning 39 Gen 2

From top cam to bottom cam, this bow has it all. Two different draw cycles to choose from. Easy left tear / right tear tuning with the DeadLock System. Adjustable Let-off without changing your draw length. Adjustable grip angle. Adjustable draw length (especially with these sliding stops). Timing/sync adjustments via TimeLock which can be done without a press.

If you are a competitive archer, the Bowtech Reckoning 39 Gen 2 may be the last bow you ever need to buy… and we are serious about that. For more information, visit https://bowtecharchery.com/.