PSE Sicario vs Sicario 35: Raw Speed vs Speed and Forgiveness

The Specs Side by Side

The Big Thing to Know About the Sicario 33 Right Away

If you're a longer draw guy shooting 30.5 inches or more, the Sicario 33 is not for you. It taps out at 30 inches. Full stop.

That alone eliminates the decision for a lot of hunters. If that's you, skip straight to the Sicario 35. For everyone else — here's the full breakdown.

Draw Cycle — The Sicario 35 Wins, and It's Not Close

Both bows run the FDS cam and both are smooth for what they are. But when you shoot them back to back, the difference is immediately obvious.

Sicario 33: Smooth from beginning to end with a small hump as you get into the back wall. Does stack slightly on the back half but for a speed bow at this brace height, it's probably the easiest speed bow you'll ever draw back. Back wall is solid. At 80% and 28.5 inches, this bow just feels good.

Sicario 35: Way smoother. Not a little — way. The longer ATA does exactly what it's supposed to do. The draw cycle is surprisingly smooth from beginning to end with almost no stacking. Letting the 35 down is also easier than the 33. Valley on both bows is fantastic, but the 35 just feels more relaxed through the whole cycle.

If draw cycle matters to you — and it should — the Sicario 35 is in a different league despite running the exact same cam.

Brace Height — More Than Just a Forgiveness Number

The Sicario 33 sits at 5 1/4 inches. The Sicario 35 bumps that to 5 7/8 inches — right at 6 inches. Here's why that matters beyond forgiveness:

When you're hunting in cold weather with layers on, a 5 1/4 inch brace height means that string is much closer to your forearm. The likelihood of string contact when you're bundled up in a treestand is real. At 5 7/8 inches you've got noticeably more clearance.

Also worth knowing — the shorter brace height on the 33 means vane clearance is tighter. Longer vanes will contact the rest launcher when the bow is at rest. On the 35, there's more room, which opens up your vane configuration options.

Speed Test — Real Numbers, 435-Grain Arrow, 28.5 Inches

About 18 fps difference — tracks almost exactly with the IBO gap. The Sicario 33 is legitimately faster, no debate. But 18 fps with a hunting arrow is roughly 1-2 inches of drop difference at 50 yards. Manageable for most hunters. The question is whether that speed is worth the trade-offs in draw cycle and forgiveness.

Post-Shot Feel — Both Are Excellent

For carbon bows shot bare — no stabilizers, no quiver — both are remarkably quiet and dead in the hand. Minimal feedback on either one. The 35 felt slightly more settled post-shot, probably because the longer ATA distributes energy a little differently.

One thing worth noting: both bows benefit from adding front weight. Without stabilizer bars they can float a little, especially at distance or in any wind. For hunting that's less of an issue, but if you're shooting open terrain or longer ranges, a front bar makes a real difference in how they hold on target.

Accuracy Testing — 30-Yard Group

Sicario 33: Not a bad group at 30 yards. But any inconsistency in your shot process shows up. That's the nature of a short brace height — it amplifies errors. For a guy who spends a lot of time behind the bow and has a dialed shot process, this bow performs. For the average hunter, it's going to demand more from you.

Sicario 35: Tighter group. The smoother draw cycle, more forgiving brace height, and longer ATA all help with anchor consistency. The more you shoot longer axle-to-axle bows, the more you appreciate what that extra length does for your consistency. The 35 just makes it easier to repeat the shot.

Which Bow Should You Buy?

Buy the PSE Sicario 33 if:

• Raw speed is the priority and you want the fastest PSE hunting bow available
• Your draw length is 30 inches or under
• Your shot process is dialed and you're comfortable with a less forgiving platform
• You understand the trade-offs and want to maximize performance

Buy the PSE Sicario 35 if:

• You're a longer draw shooter (up to 31.5 inches) — this is the deciding factor for a lot of guys
• You want great speed with a noticeably smoother draw cycle
• You hunt in cold weather with layers and want more brace height clearance
• You want a more forgiving bow that bridges the gap between the Sicario and the Mach 35
• You're shooting higher poundage — the 35's draw cycle at 80lbs is exceptional

Final Verdict

Same riser. Same cam. Two completely different shooting experiences.

Sicario 33: Fastest PSE hunting bow on the market. Demanding to shoot. Built for guys who want max performance and can handle a short brace height platform.

Sicario 35: Smoother draw, more forgiving, longer draw length range. Bridges the gap between the Sicario and Mach 35 perfectly. The better fit for most hunters.

Both bows are at Extreme Outfitters. Come shoot them. Our guys are here Monday through Saturday and we'll put both in your hands.