Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36 – Complete Review, Specifications, Performance, and Features

The Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36 is one of the most advanced target compound bows designed for competitive archers and serious shooting enthusiasts. Engineered with cutting-edge technology and developed alongside professional archers, this bow delivers remarkable accuracy, stability, and adjustability.

For competitive shooters who demand top-tier performance, the Reckoning Gen2 36 offers a unique combination of speed, tunability, and precision. Built with Bowtech’s revolutionary tuning technologies—including the DeadLock Cam System, TimeLock, GripLock, and FlipDisc Pro—this bow allows archers to fine-tune their setup faster and more accurately than ever before.

Whether you are a competitive target shooter, a 3D archery enthusiast, or simply someone who wants a high-performance compound bow, the Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36 provides the engineering and performance needed to consistently hit the mark.

This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know about the Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36, including specifications, technology, performance, design, and why it stands out among modern target bows.

Introduction to the Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36

The Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36 was developed specifically for competitive archery. Its design focuses on maximizing accuracy and consistency while allowing archers to easily tune their equipment.

Unlike hunting bows that prioritize compact size and maneuverability, target bows emphasize stability, forgiveness, and balance. With a 36-inch axle-to-axle length, the Reckoning Gen2 36 offers a stable shooting platform ideal for target competitions and long-distance shooting.

Bowtech worked closely with professional archers during the development of this bow to ensure it meets the demands of tournament-level shooting. The result is a bow that delivers incredible consistency, smooth shooting characteristics, and unmatched tuning capability.

The Reckoning Gen2 series is known for dominating target competitions worldwide. With the 36-inch model, Bowtech created a slightly shorter and more maneuverable version compared to longer target bows while still maintaining the stability competitive shooters need.

Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36 Specifications

Understanding the technical specifications of the Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36 helps illustrate why it performs so well in competitive environments.

Core Specifications

Axle-to-Axle Length: 36 inches
Brace Height: 6.75″ (Medium Cam) / 7.062″ (Long Cam)
IBO Speed: Up to 332 FPS (Medium Cam) / 328 FPS (Long Cam)
Draw Length Range:
- 25.5″ – 29.5″ (Medium Cam)
- 28.5″ – 32.5″ (Long Cam)
Draw Weight Options: 50, 60, or 70 lbs
Mass Weight: 4.6 – 4.7 lbs
Let-Off: Adjustable (65% – 85%)
Cam System: DeadLock Cam System

These specifications make the Reckoning Gen2 36 a highly versatile target bow capable of accommodating a wide range of draw lengths and shooting styles.

Design and Build Quality

The Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36 features a sophisticated design that prioritizes balance, stability, and durability.

Rigid Riser Construction

The riser of the Reckoning Gen2 36 is engineered for maximum rigidity. This rigid structure ensures that energy is transferred efficiently from the limbs to the arrow, improving both speed and accuracy.

A rigid riser also helps minimize vibration and reduces inconsistencies between shots.

Dual Lock Limb Pockets

Bowtech integrated Dual Lock limb pockets into the design to enhance structural stability.

This technology locks the limbs firmly into the riser, creating a unified structure that improves shot consistency and durability.

Balanced Weight Distribution

Weighing approximately 4.6 to 4.7 pounds, the bow strikes a balance between stability and maneuverability.

This weight helps reduce vibration while still allowing archers to hold the bow comfortably during long competitions.

DeadLock Cam System

One of the most revolutionary features of the Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36 is the DeadLock Cam System.

This technology allows archers to precisely adjust the position of the cams to achieve perfect arrow flight without using a bow press.

How DeadLock Works

Traditional cam tuning often requires removing strings or using a bow press. With the DeadLock system, archers simply adjust the cam position left or right using a screw mechanism.

This innovation makes tuning faster and more accurate.

Benefits of DeadLock Technology

Quick cam adjustments
Perfect arrow flight
Improved accuracy
No bow press required
Consistent performance

Because the cams can be easily locked into position after adjustment, the bow maintains precise tuning for extended periods.

TimeLock Technology

Another groundbreaking feature of the Reckoning Gen2 36 is TimeLock technology.

TimeLock allows archers to adjust cam timing using a simple Allen wrench without needing a bow press.

Why Cam Timing Matters

Cam timing ensures that both cams rotate simultaneously during the draw cycle. Proper timing improves accuracy and arrow consistency.

Advantages of TimeLock

Fast cam timing adjustments
Easy tuning without specialized tools
Greater control over performance
Improved shot consistency

This system is particularly valuable for competitive shooters who need to make adjustments quickly during tournaments.

GripLock Adjustable Grip System

Hand placement plays a crucial role in shot consistency.

Bowtech designed the GripLock system to allow archers to customize the grip angle according to their shooting style.

With a simple adjustment, shooters can change the grip angle from low wrist to high wrist positions.

Benefits of GripLock

Customizable grip angle
Reduced torque
Improved comfort
Enhanced shooting consistency

This customization helps archers maintain a consistent hand position for every shot.

FlipDisc Pro Technology

The Reckoning Gen2 36 includes Bowtech’s FlipDisc Pro system, which allows archers to adjust the let-off and draw cycle feel.

Adjustable Let-Off

Archers can choose between let-off settings ranging from 65% to 85%, allowing them to tailor the bow’s holding weight and draw characteristics.

Advantages

Customizable draw cycle
Improved control at full draw
Better shot execution

This flexibility allows archers to adapt the bow to their personal shooting preferences.

Orbit Dampeners and Vibration Control

Vibration and noise can negatively impact shooting performance.

The Reckoning Gen2 36 uses Orbit Dampeners positioned along the string path to absorb vibration and reduce noise during the shot.

Benefits of Orbit Dampeners

Reduced vibration
Quieter shooting
Improved follow-through
Greater shooting comfort

These dampeners contribute to the smooth shooting experience that the Reckoning series is known for.

FLX Guard Cable Containment

The FLX Guard system is designed to reduce torque and cable tension during the draw cycle.

During the shot, the cable guard flexes to allow the cables to move back into their natural position. This improves arrow flight and enhances overall accuracy.

Performance and Shooting Experience

The Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36 delivers exceptional performance across several key areas.

Accuracy

Accuracy is the defining characteristic of this bow.

Thanks to its advanced cam system and rigid construction, the bow produces consistent arrow flight and tight groupings.

Stability

The 36-inch axle-to-axle length provides excellent aiming stability without making the bow too large or cumbersome.

This design helps reduce sight movement while aiming.

Smooth Draw Cycle

The draw cycle is smooth and controlled, allowing archers to reach full draw comfortably.

Combined with adjustable let-off, the bow offers excellent control at full draw.

Speed

With speeds reaching up to 332 FPS, the Reckoning Gen2 36 delivers impressive arrow velocity while maintaining forgiveness.

Ideal Uses for the Reckoning Gen2 36

The Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36 is designed primarily for target shooting and competition.

Best Applications

Target archery tournaments
3D archery competitions
Indoor target shooting
Outdoor target practice
Professional archery training

Although it can be used for hunting, its design is optimized for range shooting rather than field hunting situations.

Advantages of the Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36

Key Benefits

Advanced DeadLock cam tuning system
Easy cam timing adjustments with TimeLock
Adjustable grip with GripLock
Customizable draw cycle with FlipDisc Pro
Excellent stability and balance
High arrow speeds for a target bow

These features make the bow extremely attractive for competitive shooters.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Exceptional accuracy
Easy tuning without a bow press
Adjustable grip and draw cycle
Smooth and stable shooting experience
High build quality

Cons

Premium price range
Slightly heavier than hunting bows
Not designed primarily for hunting use

Maintenance and Tuning Tips

To keep the Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36 performing at its best, follow these maintenance practices:

Inspect Strings and Cables

Regularly check for wear and apply bowstring wax.

Maintain Proper Cam Timing

Use the TimeLock system to keep the cams synchronized.

Tune the DeadLock System

Adjust the cams as needed to maintain perfect arrow flight.

Professional Servicing

Even though the bow is highly adjustable, occasional professional servicing ensures optimal performance.

Who Should Buy the Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36?

This bow is best suited for:

Competitive target archers
Professional shooters
Experienced archery enthusiasts
Archers who value advanced tuning capabilities

Beginners may find the advanced tuning features overwhelming, but experienced shooters will appreciate the flexibility and precision.

Final Verdict

The Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36 is one of the most sophisticated target compound bows available today.

With its advanced tuning technologies, exceptional stability, and impressive performance, it provides everything competitive archers need to perform at the highest level.

Features such as the DeadLock Cam System, TimeLock adjustments, GripLock grip customization, FlipDisc Pro let-off control, and Orbit Dampeners make this bow incredibly versatile and precise.

For archers looking for a competition-ready compound bow with unmatched adjustability and accuracy, the Bowtech Reckoning Gen2 36 is an outstanding choice.

Long Cam Brace Height7.062″

A longer brace height can offer more forgiveness on the shot while a shorter brace height can make a fast bow even faster.
Med Cam Brace Height6.75″

A longer brace height can offer more forgiveness on the shot while a shorter brace height can make a fast bow even faster.
Long Cam Draw Length28.5 – 32.5

Compound bows have an adjustable draw length range and should be set to fit your unique body size and shape.
Med Cam Draw Length25.5 – 29.5

Compound bows have an adjustable draw length range and should be set to fit your unique body size and shape.
Long Cam Mass Weight4.7 LBS

Lighter bows can be great for mobility while adding weight or dampeners can virtually eliminate vibration.
Med Cam Mass Weight4.6 LBS

Lighter bows can be great for mobility while adding weight or dampeners can virtually eliminate vibration.
Long Cam Speed328 FPS

Today’s average bow speeds offer more forgiveness on the shot than ever. Faster bows can deliver more downrange energy.
Med Cam Speed332 FPS

Today’s average bow speeds offer more forgiveness on the shot than ever. Faster bows can deliver more downrange energy.
Draw Weight50, 60, 70 LBS

Max draw weights can typically be reduced by 10lbs. This provides comfortable draw cycles for everyone while maximizing energy.
Axle to Axle36″

Longer bows can increase stability while shorter bows can be better suited for maneuverability and tight spaces.

Color	Flat Dark Earth, Smoke Grey, OD Green, Shadowshift, Area 51, Forest, Illusion Violet, Illusion White, Illusion Red, Illusion Blue, Speedway Grey, Illusion Green, Illusion Orange