Founded in 1970 by Pete Shepley, a passionate archer and aerospace engineer, PSE began in a small machine shop in Mahomet, Illinois. Shepley envisioned a bow company that applied engineering precision and modern manufacturing techniques to the traditional world of archery. Early on, PSE gained attention for developing accessories and components that improved bow performance, and by the mid-1970s, the company began producing complete compound bows—a relatively new technology at the time.

PSE was one of the first five companies to manufacture compound bows commercially, following Holless Wilbur Allen’s 1969 patent. 1980s – PSE began expanding product lines rapidly, building a reputation for technical innovation and fast compound bows. It released several models that pushed the envelope on speed and tuning. 1990s – The company introduced new riser and cam designs and leaned into machined aluminum construction as the standard for performance bows.It also diversified into target archery, hunting, and youth models, helping to fuel broader market adoption.PSE built one of the most advanced in-house manufacturing and testing facilities in the industry, keeping most production in Tucson, Arizona.

Throughout the 2000s, PSE gained a reputation as the “speed king” of the bow world, often producing the fastest IBO-rated bows year after year. Flagship models like the PSE X-Force (introduced in 2007) revolutionized performance, with its aggressive cam systems and parallel limb designs. The X-Force and its descendants made PSE the go-to brand for archers chasing maximum kinetic energy and flat arrow trajectories. They also developed hybrid cam systems, balancing speed with draw cycle smoothness and forgiveness. PSE invested heavily in engineering, with a major focus on vibration dampening, modular cams, and adjustable draw length technology. Popular models included the EVO series, Full Throttle (fastest bow at the time, 370 fps), and the Stinger line for budget-conscious hunters. PSE also maintained a strong target archery presence, sponsoring world-class competitors and winning at the World Archery Championships and Vegas Shootout. The brand introduced Pro Series and Mainline Series to distinguish premium vs. entry-level gear.

2022 – Founder Pete Shepley sold PSE to Heritage Outdoor Group, a newly formed group backed by investment capital aiming to consolidate key archery brands. Despite the sale, PSE retained its Tucson headquarters and engineering team, continuing to design and manufacture bows in the USA. Under new ownership, PSE began rebranding efforts, tightening its product lines and focusing on elite performance and lifestyle positioning. The 2023–2025 models reflect this transition, with updated flagship bows like the Mach 30 DS, Fortis series, and Shootdown Pro, featuring carbon risers, tunable cams, and lighter, stronger designs.

PSE is the oldest privately held compound bow manufacturer in the world. Over 50 years, it’s been a pioneer in compound bow design, influencing the entire industry. It remains one of the few major brands still doing full in-house design, engineering, machining, and testing. PSE bows have won Olympic medals, world championships, and are trusted by hunters and target shooters worldwide.