New bow comparison...shot them all
Contributors to this thread:Equipment
From: McCree
19-Nov-18
I spent almost 3 hours in the shop tonight shooting an array of new bows. I'm a Hoyt fan and have also had 4 Bowtechs and like them. I've never owned a Mathews and have tried to avoid drinking that Kool-Aid. I was disappointed with the RX1 last year and had high hopes for the new RX3, unfortunately I was again disappointed with it. For almost 3 hours I switched back a forth between the Mathews Vertix, Mathews Traverse, Mathews Triax, Bowtech Realm SR6, Hoyt RX3, Hoyt Carbon Defiant Ultra and even an RX1 for comparison. I may have shot a few others in the mix, I can't remember. Long story short I continued to go back to the Vertix and, in my opinion, nothing compared. The Vertix was quiet, fast and had the least hand shock. As much as I want to buy a Hoyt and had my heart set on it, I don't think I could do it. I may just have to drink the Kool-Aid and go with a Vertix. Or maybe I'll just stick with my old CRX 32 and spare the damage to the bank account.
From: Matt
20-Nov-18
How did they group relative to one another?
From: ELKMAN
20-Nov-18
Of the ones you listed I prefer the SR6 and the Rx3 Ultra. I would also shoot the Realm X. There is A LOT more to a bow than how "quiet" or "dead" they are. Especially now days when they are ALL very quiet and dead. I would be looking at ease of tune, how easy does the bow group. How is the pin float, what is the draw cycle, riser geometry. Quiet and dead would literally be the last thing on the list in today's market because they are all quiet enough and dead enough for anything you want to do...(and almost all of the bows you listed are going to be real world faster than the Vertix)
From: Ziek
20-Nov-18
"Quiet and dead would literally be the last thing on the list in today's market because they are all quiet enough and dead enough for anything you want to do...(and almost all of the bows you listed are going to be real world faster than the Vertix)"
I'm not in the market for a new bow (still shooting a 2011 Hoyt Carbon Element), but I don't agree with the above. They may all be adequately quiet and vibration free, but they are also way faster than necessary. Speed is the absolute last spec that means anything.
From: Charlie Rehor
20-Nov-18
Thx for your report McCree. I can tell you have an open mind.
From: Twinetickler
20-Nov-18
Sounds like you shot them all but the good ones....No Elite dealer?????
From: Brotsky
20-Nov-18
Xpedition releases their new line tomorrow. No Prime? No Elite? No PSE? I think we should rename this "Bowtech, Hoyt, and Mathews Comparison" for transparency. Ha!
From: McCree
20-Nov-18
Matt, I can't report on how they group. I was shooting them inside at close range with a bare shaft. I would like to do some longer range comparison between them, especially the Vertix and the Traverse to see how the longer axle to axle and brace height changes things. I'll also note I did not shoot any of them through the chronograph. I agree with ELKMAN and Ziek, they are all fast and that is not something I'm concerned with. I try to keep an open mind about it and plan to shoot the longer RX3, I think it's the Ultra, and Hoyt's new aluminum riser bow. They are all great bows with amazing engineering; I'm simply sharing my first impressions and opinions.
From: McCree
20-Nov-18
I guess I did title it incorrectly...I didn't shoot them all. Actually the shop I go to is an Elite dealer as well and I will entertain shooting one during my next trial run. I have nothing against Elite I honestly just overlooked them. The shop is not a Prime dealer therefore I probably won't shoot one of them. I'm open minded when it comes to bows but I'm not when it comes to bow shops, sorry guys I'm faithful to shop.
From: TD
20-Nov-18
Do those new Mathews still have that "top hat" system? If you work on your own bows, tuning and such, personally I'd stay away from them. Helped on tuning a couple of them now and they are a PITA. Seems hit or miss, some folks get a bow out of the box fairly well set up. Others, not so much. If you just have your shop work on them, make sure they will work with you when time comes for tuning with fixed blades. Out of tune bows are a big reason they sell so many mech heads. I've heard what some shops tell folks when they come back bow in hand telling them FBBHs are all over the place......
From: APauls
20-Nov-18
While all bows may be "quiet enough" to kill, I'd go with quieter is better every time. I don't care if you shoot a hunting arrow at 300fps, a whitetail can still duck you at 25 yards if he feels so inclined. Get rid of noise and you get rid of the reason to duck. It would still be right up there in my priorities buying a bow. If you're primarily hunting elk, and not whitetails below freezing with no leaves or noise cover than noise may not be all that important.
From: Buckaroo
20-Nov-18
I’m still shooting my MQ1, bought new in 2000
From: Shaft2Long
20-Nov-18
If you have a press the top hat system is not difficult at all. Nowhere near as convenient or quick as yokes but not difficult.
From: 12yards
20-Nov-18
I doubt that any bow is so quiet that a deer won't react to the noise. I don't care how quiet it is. Except maybe a tradbow. Best way to quiet a bow is shoot a heavy arrow. I agree with the comment that most bows are pretty darn good and quiet now days. The main characteristics I look for at my age and shoulder condition are smooth easier draw and lighter mass weight. With a bad bow shoulder, a lighter weight bow is nice to hold. I suppose you could throw speed in there, but most are fast enough too and it seems fast often goes against smooth drawing.
From: McCree
20-Nov-18
12yards. I don't know about them all but the Hoyt (30") RX3 weighs 4lb 8oz. The 30" Mathews Vertix is 4lb 14oz (aluminum riser).
From: chasintheslam
20-Nov-18
For me it was the mathews traverse I've shot many brands over last few years typically what feels best to me I'm not a fanboy. Last mathews I owned was in 2013. I prefer a longer ata, I dont care about speed. And the top hat comment how can something as simple as a Allen screw and bushings be a pain? Cause it's not as convenient as yokes maybe but I bet those top hats hold a tune alot better
From: 12yards
20-Nov-18
The RX3 is 4 1/2 pounds? I thought it was 3.9 pounds. Anything around 4 pounds would be nice IMO. I hunt with an Elite Synergy now and wish it was a bit lighter.
From: Franklin
21-Nov-18
I was a long time Hoyt shooter....I currently shoot a Elite and a High Country .
From: papadeerhtr
24-Nov-18
I been Elite guy for years but last year bought aPSE with evolve cams. Elite is now back up the PSE is just plain better in every way for me. Try a PSE before you buy.
From: altitude sick
24-Nov-18
Just bought the Vertix Set up with 75# 29” mods. Shoots 724 grain arrow 240fps 92FP Ke 947 grains 211 FPS 95 KE
From: drtumolo
25-Nov-18
I just shot the TX5 at my local dealer and I like this bow but have a question. (60lbs, 26.6" draw 350 grain arrow @282'/sec) When I go online to do a custom build I selected the Realtree edge riser but it doesn't give me that option for Realtree edge limb color. Does anyone know if the Realtree edge available on the limbs?
From: Trial153
25-Nov-18
I plan on picking up a handful of new offerings and seeing what if any I like. Last year none made the grade. I am down to two bows and honestly I think I would like to stay at two rather then carry three or four like I have some years. This year these are the bows that interest me. PSE Evoke 31, PSE Carbon Stealth, New Breed BX2, and Elite Ritual 30......... zero interest in any thing Mathews, Bowtech is still on limb vacation for another year, the Hoyts are terrible in more ways then one. No interest in Obsessions new inflated offerings, now Xpedetions retreads.
From: Ucsdryder
25-Nov-18
Trial, Don’t forget the prime bows! I did the same last year, and ended up with the prime centergy hybrid.
From: ELKMAN
25-Nov-18
I agree with TD the top hat system is just not user friendly when compared to bows with at least one yoke. The Bowtechs with the dual yokes are by far the best tuning system across all draw length ranges.
From: altitude sick
25-Nov-18
Drtumolo. Yes
From: Mulehorn
25-Nov-18
Thanks for the comparison, I have my heart set on a Hoyt but I’ll shoot them all. The questions you get asked are not relevant when you’re testing. Good report, thanks!
From: Trial153
25-Nov-18
I stay clear of prime for a several reasons. First DLS cams are no go, I have no use for them. I am not swaping cams if I need to give or take a 1/2 inch of draw lenth. Selling them, forget it...you take a beating. Last DLS bow I sold I ended up doing the cam swap to get the bow sold. I dont have time or patience for deals like that at this point. Next The primes i have shot have all had distinct metallic twang to them on the shot. I don't care for it. Lastly the mass weight is prohibitive for me with only the centergy air coming in at reasonable starting weight. I do like their looks and the fit and finish is fantastic. I wish they suited me better though.
From: Buffalo1
25-Nov-18
Franklin would like your opinion/comparison of the Elite Ritual vs the Mathews Vertix.
I shoot the Ritual and I did not believe Elite could build a smoother bow than the Synergy, but they did.
From: longspeak74
26-Nov-18
The Prime bows are great to shoot. Steady as they come...
From: McCree
27-Nov-18
So I went back to the shop and spent another 3 hours shooting an array of bows last night. I shot all the previously mentioned bows several more times in addition to a few others. I did shoot a couple Elites but I also shot the Bowtech Realm SS and Realm X. I must say I'm kinda liking the Realm X. I will be shooting that one more and I'd like to hear any other opinions on that bow.
From: altitude sick
27-Nov-18
I agree the Realm X is hard to beat. I liked the SS and SR6 also. But bought the Vertix. The draw was better on the Bowtechs.
From: Zbone
27-Nov-18
Try a stickbow...8^)
From: Hawkeye
27-Nov-18
Some of the Realm X's had a 'click sound half way through the draw. I owned a couple and both of them did it. Liked the bow but drove me crazy. Eventually Bowtech realized this and fitted all the new ones with a new flex guard piece which has resolved the issue. The regular Realm did not have this issue--which is what I shoot now. I only bring this up as I bought a used Realm X and the owner didn't tell me about the 'click' until I brought it up. After a lot of leg work I got it figured out so if you get a Realm X make sure to check that.
From: kota-man
27-Nov-18
Thanks for that Eyad. I've been seriously looking at the Realm X and will probably just order a new one.
From: MW66
27-Nov-18
I'm still waiting for a bow as light as my Drenalin with specs that are far superior. A few years ago I bought a new Prime, but eventually hung it up and went back to the Drenalin.
From: McCree
27-Nov-18
Zbone I have several and I love em! Actually shoot my recurve almost every night in the basement. Just picked up a Great Plains Rio Bravo not long ago and have been getting acquainted with it. I don't discriminate as long as the limbs are vertical.