PSE Sicario 35 vs Mach 35 FDS: Which Long ATA Carbon Bow Is Right for You?

The Specs Side by Side

Same ATA, same cam, same carbon construction. The big differences are brace height and draw length range. The Mach 35 has a full 7-inch brace height. The Sicario 35 sits at 5 7/8 inches — nearly a full inch shorter. That difference drives everything else between these bows.

The Quick Answer on Draw Length

If your draw length is over 31.5 inches, the Sicario 35 isn’t for you. It caps there. The Mach 35 FDS goes to 32.5 inches — the only option in this category for the longest draw guys. If you’re under 31.5 inches, both bows are in play and the rest of this breakdown matters.

The FDS Cam — Both Bows Benefit From It

Before we get into the differences, here’s what both bows share: the FDS cam system. And man, it is something else.

PSE did a really good job with this cam and the longer the ATA the better it gets. Both the Mach 35 and Sicario 35 draw smoother than almost anything you’ll pick up. Half-inch draw length increments on the rotating mod, let-off options from 70 all the way to 85%, and a draw cycle that just doesn’t have a bad moment in it.

If you’ve been on shorter ATA bows and you pick either of these up for the first time — you’re going to be surprised at how good they feel. The 35-inch platform brings out the best in this cam.

Draw Cycle and Feel — Both Are Exceptional, One Is Better

Mach 35 FDS at ~80 pounds:

Smooth. Very smooth. Obviously a little stiffer at 80 pounds, but the FDS cam makes it incredibly manageable. No real hump in the draw cycle. Valley is nice at 80% — easy to let down and control. Post-shot feel has just a touch of vibration — nothing bad, but you feel it. Throw bars on it and it disappears entirely. String angle on this bow is fantastic — very natural. You’re not ducking your head into it, just drawing straight back and anchoring comfortably.

Sicario 35 at 70 pounds:

At 70 pounds, this bow is absolutely ridiculous. You could rip the limbs off it. The FDS cam on the Sicario 35 at this poundage is as smooth as anything I’ve shot. Post-shot feel is very similar to the Mach 35 — minimal feedback, very clean. Valley is equally easy to manage. Same great string angle. Totally natural and incredibly repeatable.

Carbon Bows and Holding on Target — What to Know

Both of these are carbon bows and that’s worth talking about. Carbon bows are light — that’s the feature. But light bows move more at full draw, especially on longer shots or in any wind.

The Mach 35, even bare, holds really, really well on a flat range. Very stable platform. The Sicario 35 holds equally well — maybe better than you’d expect given the shorter brace height. But either way — plan on running a front bar. That’s where these bows truly shine.

Carbon bows also sound a little different than aluminum. Not louder necessarily, just a different note. Something to be aware of, not something to worry about.

Speed Test — 28.5 Inches, 435-Grain Arrow

Note: The Mach 35 FDS was tested at approximately 77–80 pounds. The Sicario 35 was tested at 70 pounds. Treat these as a real-world baseline, not a direct poundage-matched comparison.

Here’s what’s genuinely impressive — the Sicario 35 is running almost 10 pounds less draw weight than the Mach 35 and is right on par with it for speed. If you run the Sicario 35 at 80 pounds, you’re going to be noticeably faster than the Mach 35 at the same poundage. That’s a real advantage if speed matters to you.

The Mach 35 at 288.8 fps with a 435-grain arrow at 77 pounds is also genuinely impressive for a bow with a 7-inch brace height. PSE got the most out of this platform.

Accuracy Testing — 30-Yard Group

Mach 35 FDS: Good group. Shoots very, very well. The longer ATA took me a little time to get used to, but the string angle consistency gets you into anchor so naturally. That 7-inch brace height gives you a cushion that shorter brace height bows just don’t have.

Sicario 35: Honestly, man — I was not expecting this. That group was fantastic. Held as well as the Mach 35 — maybe better. PSE’s Full Draw Stability system does real work on this bow. Even losing a full inch of brace height compared to the Mach 35, the Sicario 35 still shoots like a dream at 30 yards.

The Sicario 35 shot a better group for me than the Mach 35. That’s not a knock on the Mach — that’s a testament to how good the Sicario 35 actually is.

Where Each Bow Fits in the PSE Lineup

The Sicario 35 sits right in the sweet spot between the Sicario 33 and the Mach 35. You get most of the Sicario’s speed, most of the Mach 35’s forgiveness, and a 35-inch ATA that makes the FDS cam sing.

It’s a genuinely impressive bow. I wasn’t expecting it to be quite this good when I looked at the specs alone. But in your hands? It pounds.

Which Bow Should You Buy?

Buy the PSE Mach 35 FDS if:

• You want maximum forgiveness in a PSE carbon bow
• Your draw length is between 31.5 and 32.5 inches — the Mach 35 is your only option here
• You prioritize that 7-inch brace height for cold weather hunting with layers
• You’re a high poundage shooter and want the smoothest draw cycle at 80+ lbs
• You’re newer to longer ATA bows and want as much margin as possible

Buy the PSE Sicario 35 if:

• You want more speed than the Mach 35 and you’re within the 31.5-inch draw length
• You’re planning to run it at 80 pounds — that’s where this bow really shines
• You want the best of both the Sicario and the Mach 35 in one platform
• You’ve been torn between the Sicario 33 and the Mach 35 — the 35 bridges that gap
• You want a bow that shoots groups that will genuinely surprise you

Final Verdict

Two great bows. Same 35-inch platform. Same FDS cam. Both shooting better than most people will expect.

Mach 35 FDS: Maximum forgiveness, longest draw length in the category, most forgiving for guys transitioning to longer ATA bows. The bow for long draw guys and anyone who wants every bit of cushion available.

Sicario 35: Faster at equivalent poundage, exceptional draw cycle, groups incredibly well. The bow that bridges the speed of the Sicario and the forgiveness of the Mach 35. For most guys within the draw length range — this is probably the move.

Both are at Extreme Outfitters. Real people answer the phones Monday through Saturday. Come shoot them or give us a call and we’ll talk through which one makes sense for your setup.