Have you ever wondered which bow would prove superior when comparing the Diamond Edge 320 VS Diamond SB1? Both of these outstanding offerings by Diamond Archery are quite similar to one another in many regards, and the question of which is superior arises quite often.
One important note: we tested the bows in real life. Yes – We went and actually send some arrows downrange. The following is a comprehensive look at what we found comparing the Edge 320 with the Diamond SB1.
While many would argue that the Edge 320 holds a slight superiority in the realm of speed and effective let-off factor, it is also worth noting that the SB1 features a shorter overall axle-to-axle measurement for hunting in confined spaces.
Tech Talk
Diamond Edge 320
Diamond Archery Edge 320
The Edge 320, like the SB1, is manufactured by Diamond Archery.
Diamond’s rise to mainstream notoriety has been rapid, with much of the company’s success coming as a product of its attentiveness toward engineering bows to cater to the masses.
The Diamond Edge 320 is an extension of the company’s massively popular Diamond Edge lineup. Bows offered within this platform are known for their immense range of adjustability.
True to form, the Diamond Edge 320 features an effective draw weight range of 7-70 pounds and a variable draw length of 15”-31”.
One characteristic that sets the Edge 320 apart from other offerings within the Diamond lineup is its highly respectable IBO speed.
The Edge 320 is capable of propelling arrows downrange at impressive speeds of up to 320 FPS.
Specs:
- Draw Length – 15”-31”
- Draw Weight – 7-70 LBS
- Speed – 320 FPS
- Brace Height – 7 1/4”
- Axle-to-Axle – 32”
- Weight – 3.6 LBS
- Effective Let-Off – 85%
Pros:
- Blazing Fast 320 FPS I.B.O. Speed
- Highly Versatile Draw Weight/Length Ranges
- Impressive Physical Characteristics
- Smooth Draw Cycle and Solid Back Wall
Cons:
- Basic 3-Pin Sight Is Minimal In Features
- Quiver Mount and Cam-Lock Design Can Be Cumbersome
We had a chance to review the 320 – read all about it here.
Diamond SB1
SB1
The SB1 serves as a further extension of Diamond Archery’s commitment toward the production of highly versatile, user-friendly bows.
This bow combines stellar performance and vast functional adjustability to provide consumers of all ages, sizes, and experience levels with a solution to all of their archery needs.
The SB1 features a noteworthy IBO speed of 318 FPS, yet still retains a significant amount of forgiveness due to its 7-inch brace height.
This provides users with a bow that can be shot accurately, without sacrificing anything in the way of notable performance. Another high point of the SB1’s list of features is its extensively broad range of adjustability, both in draw length and draw weight.
The SB1 has an adjustable draw length range of 15”-30”, and a 7-70 pound range of draw weight adjustability.
This sustained level of adjustability makes the SB1 extremely versatile and promotes its use by female archers, children, and other small framed archers (read.. recommended compound bows for women).
Specs:
- Draw Length: 15”-30”
- Draw Weight: 7-70 pounds
- Speed: 318 FPS
- Brace Height: 7”
- Axle-to-Axle: 31”
- Weight: 3.6 pounds
- Effective Let-Off: 80%
Pros:
- Compact design for ease of carrying
- Comfortable slim grip allowing for repeated shooting
- Long-lasting solid carbon composite limbs
- Available in four color variations
Cons:
- Some users cited concerns regarding excess noise upon shot release
- Pronounced vibration when shooting
Head to Head Comparison
To provide a fair comparison between the Diamond Edge 320 and Diamond SB1, we must first compare the most prominent features of each bow in relation to one another. Here is how they stack up.
Here is how they stack up.
IBO Speed
When comparing IBO speeds between the Edge 320 and SB1, there is very little difference. The Edge 320 features a rated IBO speed of 320 FPS, while the SB1 is rated at a maximum IBO speed of 318 FPS.
Although these figures are almost too close to compare, the Edge 320 is indeed superior in arrow speed, if only by 2 FPS.
IBO Speed Comparison
| Edge 320 | SB-1 |
| 320 FPS | 318 FPS |
Effective Let-Off
The Edge 320 and SB1 are quite similar in regards to effective let-off.
The Edge 320 features a let-off factor of 85 percent, while the SB1’s let-off factor is 80 percent.
Although these figures only differ by a small amount, those that shoot quite frequently or for long periods of time might potentially favor the Edge 320’s slightly greater let-off.
Effective Let-Off
| Edge 320 | SB-1 |
| 85 % | 80 % |
The Edge 320 reigns in this category. A 5% difference in let-off is not significant but still slightly better …
Adjustability
The level of adjustability in which the Edge 320 and SB1 displays are almost identical.
However, those who are taller in stature would likely benefit from the purchase of the Edge 320, as its maximum draw length is 31”, as opposed to 30” for the SB1.
From the minimum draw length perspective, there is no difference to speak of, as both bows feature a 15” minimum.
| Edge 320 | SB-1 | |
| Draw Weight | 7 – 70 lbs. | 7 – 70 lbs. |
| Draw Length | 15″ – 31″ | 15″ – 30″ |
In an even comparison, the Infinite Edge Pro features a slightly greater range of adjustability.
Dimensions
When it comes to the overall dimensions of the Edge 320 vs that of the SB-1, there is not a big difference.
| Edge 320 | SB-1 | |
| Axle-To-Axle | 32″ | 31″ |
| Weight | 3.6 lbs. | 3.6 lbs. |
While the Edge 320 features an axle-to-axle measurement of 32” and a carrying weight of 3.6 pounds, the SB-1 measures 31” axle-to-axle, with the exact same weight of 3.6 pounds.
Additional Features
Outside the above-mentioned technical specifications, there is very little that differs between the Edge 320 and SB1.
Both bows feature Diamond’s highly respected binary cam system and utilize similar riser and limb compositions.
Both bows also feature the same array of R.A.K. package accessories. This makes it quite difficult to go wrong with the purchase of either bow.
A Winning Choice
The Diamond Edge 320
is for you if:
Fast and has a high let-off
- You are looking for the fastest bow for the money
- You shoot frequently and prefer a high let-off factor
- You do not hunt from a blind where bow length might be of issue.
The SB-1
is for you if:
compact bow, suitable for all skill levels
- You need a compact bow that is ideal for any hunting scenario
- You want an excellent bow at a value price
- You are looking for a bow suitable for all skill levels
Please feel free to leave any comments that you might have. We appreciate receiving feedback from our readers.
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Conversation | 2 comments:
Hi Darren – I am curious why the SB1 is recommended for all skill levels might be a good choice for women and children, when the 320 has nearly identical specs. Can you explain further? Thank you!
Hi Antonia,
The SB-1 offers a couple of attributes that women and children, or newer archers in general, might find of value. The first of which is that it is shorter in axle-to-axle length than the Edge 320. This can be of benefit due to the fact that longer bows can often be somewhat cumbersome to smaller framed archers. I reflect back to my earlier days as a young archer when compound bows were much longer in their axle-to-axle length than they are today. To a child, who might only stand 5-foot or less in height, a compact bow can often be more comfortable to shoot.
The second reason that the SB-1 makes an excellent bow for women and children is its price point. The SB-1, depending upon where it is purchased from, is on average $50 cheaper than the Edge 320. For example, Bass Pro sells the SB-1 for $349.97, as opposed to the Edge 320 for $399.99.
Most women and children, when searching for a bow in this price range, are looking for an excellent beginner bow. The SB-1 provides these small framed archers with performance specifications almost identical to that of the Edge 320, while also saving them money that can be used toward other initial expenditures, such as that of arrows, targets, or a release.
I hope this answers your question.