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2009 Diamond IceMan

By Bill Krenz

The only thing better than one good idea is two good ideas.

Compound bow cam systems have continually evolved over several decades. One of the most startling leaps in that evolution was the introduction of the single-cam system. Single cams proved uncommonly easy to tune, fast, quiet and forgiving. Their impact was far-reaching.

Risers, too, have evolved in monumental leaps. Just recently, for example, the debut of the Center Pivot Technology riser by BowTech vaulted compound design yet another league forward. The revolutionary Center Pivot Technology riser, which grabs the bow’s limbs at both their butt and at a midpoint, radically reduces compound bow shot noise and vibration. Its impact is already reverberating throughout the bow world.

What’s amazing is that it took so long for someone to put those two great ideas together.

One of the most talked-about and well-received new bows for 2009 is the Diamond Archery IceMan. It is the first bow ever to combine single cams with Center Pivot Technology.

Each year I get the opportunity to shoot, test and write about nearly all of the top-end new bows. In evaluating those bows, I look closely at how each draws, shoots, performs and even looks. Combining all of those factors, I form an opinion and then attempt to convey that opinion in written bow-report words and pictures.

The Diamond IceMan is without a doubt one of the most likeable bows I’ve shot this year. It’s smooth to draw with an infinitely adjustable draw stop that’s especially comforting. It delivers reasonable arrow speed with a shot that is spectacularly quiet and with practically no (!) handshock whatsoever. The IceMan’s unique InVelvet coating feels great and dampens every impact. Its grip, I think, is one of the best in the archery industry. Its trim Cable Roller Guard is silent and unobtrusive. Its carbon-rod string suppressor is both effective and cosmetically pleasing. In fact, the whole bow looks great. I’d go so far as to say that the Diamond IceMan is one of the best-looking high-tech compound bows ever offered by anyone. The Center Pivot Technology riser

tends to visually (as well as physically) balance the bow, and every other well-thought-out part and piece on the IceMan seems to add rather than detract from the overall visual result. There’s also a single draw-length rotating module on the drive cam that makes adjusting this bow a breeze, in half-inch increments, from 24 to 30 inches.

All in all, the 2009 Diamond Archery IceMan is a blending of a lot of great ideas, and it shows.

How It Shoots

Comfortable, accurate shooting begins with proper bow setup, and the 2009 Diamond IceMan is particularly user-friendly in that regard. The single rotating module on the IceMan’s drive cam adjusts all the way from 24 to 30 inches in draw length (in half-inch increments) with little more than an Allen wrench. That’s spectacular versatility in a single bow with a single draw-length module. In addition, draw length can be further fine-tuned by adjusting the bow’s draw stop. The draw stop is located within a machined, arcing slot on the drive cam. Using a combination of the rotating module and the infinitely adjustable draw stop, it proved a simple matter to adjust the draw length of the test IceMan to the exact spot I wanted it. Not sort of close. But exact. That no doubt helped me shoot better.

The single-cam system on the IceMan draws evenly, rolls over smoothly and settles into a firm back wall (which is located exactly where you want it, complements of the infinitely adjustable draw stop).

Shooting the IceMan proved a pleasure. The bow is amazingly quiet, even with very light arrows, and hand shock just doesn’t exist. It’s not there. Nothing. Nada. At the shot, the IceMan simply goes dead, as though every bit of the bow’s stored energy left with the arrow. It’s a wonderful feeling.

Given the ability to fine-tune the IceMan’s draw length, the easy-tuning single-cam system, the bow’s pleasant shooting characteristics and the bow’s excellent accuracy-oriented grip, it was not surprising that this bow quickly turned into a real tack-driver. Accuracy was outstanding.

The 2009 Diamond IceMan is an incredibly user-friendly bow. I doubt it will take anyone very many shots to figure that out.

Key Features and Benefits

Center Pivot Riser

The Center Pivot Technology riser on the new Diamond IceMan is revolutionary. It’s forged for strength and shaped for results. Unlike conventional risers that secure a bow’s limbs only at their butt, the IceMan’s Center Pivot Technology riser grabs the limbs at the butt and in the middle. That unique design stabilizes limb flex and squelches shot vibration like never before. In addition, the IceMan’s Center Pivot Technology riser is essentially a deflex riser. That means that the pressure point of the grip is positioned forward of a line drawn between where the limb pockets (in this case the midpoint strut of the riser) first contact the limbs. That configuration significantly helps alleviate bow torque at full draw and appreciably improves forgiveness and accuracy. This is an exceptional riser.

Adjustable Single-Cam System

Because it eliminates cam-timing issues, the IceMan’s single-cam eccentric system delivers simple tuning, great arrow flight (especially with broadheads) and first-rate accuracy. This special single-cam system is also wonderfully adjustable. Draw length adjusts with a single rotating module all the way from 24 to 30 inches, and can be done in precise half-inch increments. On top of that, an infinitely adjustable draw-stop peg allows you to further fine-tune draw length to a perfect, personal setting.

Carbon-Rod String Suppressor

The new carbon-rod string suppressor on the IceMan is located below the grip and directly opposite the stabilizer. As the bowstring races forward, it’s grabbed and dampened by this string suppressor, and excess vibration is transferred directly through the riser to the stabilizer where it is dissipated.

Cable Roller Guard

Cable guards are going through an evolutionary shift within the archery industry right now, and tensioned roller guards seem to be leading the way forward. The Cable Roller Guard on the 2009 Diamond IceMan is among the sleekest, most unobtrusive cable guards available anywhere. It’s smartly trim, silent and effective.

InVelvet Coating

I really like the InVelvet camo coating on the Diamond IceMan’s riser and limbs. It’s a light armor coating that pads the bow, warming up the bow’s feel, dampening outside impacts and generally helping to quiet shot noise.