(Photo courtesy of Prime Archery)
January 07, 2021
By Christian Berg
A Fine Line — Prime Inline Series Prime Inline Series The new Inline bow series from Prime Archery aims to take accuracy and feel to a whole new level. The Inline 1, Inline 3 and Inline 5 — featuring axle-to-axle lengths of 31, 33 and 35 inches — are powered by Prime’s all-new Inline Cam System. Much like Prime’s Parallel Cam technology, the Inline Cam is designed to create an equally loaded cam throughout the draw cycle. Prime accomplishes this on the Inline Cam by bringing the cable track in line with the string track for perfect alignment. Prime says this Inline binary system results in the most accurate compound bows ever made. In addition, the Inline Cam System provides a smooth, easy draw without sacrificing speed, as the Inline bows feature IBO speed ratings of 332 fps for the Inline 1, 337 fps for the Inline 3 and 343 fps for the Inline 5. Other highlights include limb dampeners to quiet shot noise and vibration, an extremely stiff, center-balanced 82X aluminum riser for shooting stability and Prime’s Nanogrip with NASA-developed Aerogel that won’t get cold even in extreme winter weather. Like all Prime bows, Inline models come with free strings and cables for life. Brace heights and mass weights for the three models are 7 inches and 4.3 pounds for the Inline 1, 6.5 inches and 4.4 pounds for the Inline 3 and 6 inches and 4.5 pounds for the Inline 5. All three models accommodate draw lengths from 26-30.5 inches and draw weights of 30-80 pounds. $1,199 (Inline 1 and 3) and $1,299 (Inline 5) | g5prime.com
The Best Never Rest — Mathews V3X Mathews V3X Building on the overwhelming success of last year’s V3, Mathews continues to up its game in 2022 with the new V3X, a bow that incorporates several exciting new features on models available in your choice of 29- or 33-inch axle-to-axle lengths. Like the original V3, the V3X maintains a long riser-to-axle-to-axle ratio for industry-leading stability and accuracy. The V3X 29 has a 6-inch brace height, mass weight of 4.47 pounds, accommodates draw lengths of 25.5-30 inches and has an IBO speed rating of 340 fps. The V3X 33 has a 6.5-inch brace height, mass weight of 4.67 pounds, accommodates draw lengths of 27-31.5 inches and has an IBO speed rating of 336 fps. Both models feature adjustable letoff (80 or 85 percent) and come in peak draw weights of 60, 65, 70 or 75 pounds. Perhaps the most notable new feature on the V3X is Bridge-Lock Sight Technology that allows dovetail sights to be mounted directly to the bow through a hole in the riser, eliminating the need for a traditional mounting bracket for a more streamlined bow profile, better balance and reduced vibration. Though many popular dovetail sights on the market will work with the system, Mathews also teamed with Axcel to create the new Bridge-Lock Fixed 5-pin Sight that allows the user to micro-adjust windage, elevation and each .019-inch pin with extreme precision. A second new feature is compatibility with a new Mathews line of LowPro Quivers designed around the geometry of the V3X to place arrows closer to the riser while improving overall bow balance and reducing vibration. Third, Mathews is introducing its new Stay Afield System (S.A.S.) on the V3X. Specially modified cams, paired with a minimalist, orange servicing cable, allow hunters to safely remove or repair the bowstring and cables in the field, without the use of a bow press. This ultra-lightweight, compact system is the ultimate emergency bow kit to keep backcountry archers in the hunt. Finally, this year Mathews is offering a new Granite solid-color finish option (pictured on the V3X 29) along with seven other solid-color and camo options. $1,199 (V3X 29) and $1,299 (V3X 33) | mathewsinc.com
Next Generation Carbon EXT — Hoyt REDWRX Carbon RX-7 Hoyt REDWRX Carbon RX-7 Hoyt’s new REDWRX Carbon RX-7 represents the next generation of carbon-riser technology — the culmination of several years of behind-the-scenes design and testing that has yielded major benefits for bowhunters. For starters, the RX-7 is lighter than Hoyt’s previous carbon bows with a slimmer profile and 29 percent less vibration. Also new is the Vital Point Grip with enhanced comfort and a flatter angle that focuses hand pressure in the center for reduced hand torque. Hoyt also upgraded last year’s HBX cam and created the HBX Pro Cam System that is even easier to tune, while still offering just two modules to cover the entire draw-length range. Other highlights include an enhanced, In-Line Accessory Mounting System with a Pictatinny rail for clean sight attachment; included Shortstop Stabilizer; front and side stabilizer mounts; and a full set of noise- and vibration-dampening accessories such as Shock Pods, Limb Shox, Holeshots and the Stealth Shot string suppressor. The RX-7 is available in a standard 30-inch axle-to-axle model and 34-inch axle-to-axle Ultra model. The standard RX-7 has a 6-inch brace height, IBO speed rating of 342 fps, 3.9-pound mass weight and accommodates draw lengths from 25-30 inches. The RX-7 Ultra has a 7-inch brace height, IBO speed rating of 334 fps, 4.4-pound mass weight and accommodates draw lengths of 27-32 inches. Both models are available with draw weights from 30-80 pounds in your choice of nine solid-color and camo finish options. $1,849 | hoyt.com
Imagine Greatness — Elite Envision Elite EnVision Elite designed its new EnVision to be a bow that will enhance an archer’s overall shooting experience with increased confidence, accuracy and stealth in the field. The result is a target-inspired bow design reimagined into a compact bowhunting rig with wide limbs and a longer, straighter riser that produces incredible bow balance and stability. Featuring Elite’s exclusive SET (Simplified. Exact. Tuning.) Technology, the EnVision is easily tuned to optimize performance for your shooting style, while the nearly 7-inch brace height offers accuracy-enhancing forgiveness. The EnVision is powered by the ASYM Tri-Track Cam System with Versa Performance Mod, allowing for micro draw-length adjustment in quarter-inch increments and customized letoff between 70 and 90 percent. The system also produces an IBO arrow speed of 334 fps. New VRT (Vibration Reduction Technology) combined with VibeX blocks stifles noise and virtually eliminates residual vibration. The EnVision measures 31 inches between the axles, accommodates draw lengths from 23.5-30.5 inches, has a 4.45-pound mass weight and is available in peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 or 75 pounds. $1,199 | elitearchery.com
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Refined Performance — Bear Refine EKO Bear Refine EKO Bear Archery’s Refine EKO offers a host of features that combine to create a bow that is extremely accurate and fun to shoot. Measuring 33 inches between the axles and with a 6.375-inch brace height, the Refine EKO produces an IBO speed rating of 342 fps along with the ability to choose among four letoff settings — 75, 80, 85 or 90 percent. The Refine EKO also sports a new GRIZgrip for a more relaxed, natural feel along with the popular VERSAGRIP as a second option. Shot noise and vibration are tamed thanks to a new-for-2022 Vibration Reduction System (VRS) that includes KillerWave limb dampeners and an integrated string stop. The Refine EKO accommodates draw lengths from 26.5-30.5 inches, has a mass weight of 4.4 pounds and is available in peak draw weights of 60 or 70 pounds, each with 15 pounds of downward adjustability, in your choice of eight camo and solid-color finishes. $999.99 | beararchery.com
One For All — Xpedition MX-32 Xpedition MX-32 The new MX-32 from Xpedition Archery is a high-performance bow that accommodates archers of all sizes thanks the LVR 2.0 Cam system that features three separate rotating modules for short, medium and long draw lengths. Boasting an IBO speed rating of up to 348 fps, the MX-32 accommodates draw lengths from 26.5-31 inches on a rig that measures 32.5 inches between the axles, along with a forgiving, 6.5-inch brace height and 4.4-pound mass weight. Other highlights of the MX-32 include a forged, 6061 aluminum riser for extreme durability and new mounting holes to accommodate the Hamskea Epsilon arrow rest with COR (Center of Riser) mounting system; X-Lock limb pockets that eliminate lateral limb movement for maximum accuracy; and Xpedition’s proprietary Energy Transfer System (ETS) roller system that pre-loads the cables for increased performance. The MX-32 is available in peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65 and 70 pounds. Finish options include Molten Black, Ops Green, Tactical Sand, Realtree Edge and Realtree Excape. $1,099 | xpeditionarchery.com
Fast & Forgiving — APA Black Mamba 31 APA Black Mamba 31 With an IBO speed rating of up to 350 fps and a 6.75-inch brace height, APA Archery says its 2022 flagship Black Mamba 31 is one of the fastest, most-forgiving hunting rigs on the market. At 31.25 inches between the axles and with a 3.8-pound mass weight, the Black Mamba 31 is also compact and maneuverable. Add in APA’s exclusive Fang Riser and built-in tool center with broadhead wrench, blade sharpener and locking cams that allow you to change the bowstring and cables in the field without a bow press, and you have a very versatile, high-performance partner in the field. The Black Mamba 31 has 80 percent letoff, accommodates draw lengths from 25-31 inches and is available in peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 70 or 80 pounds. $1,199 | apaarchery.com
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Speed To Burn — Bowtech SR350 Bowtech SR350 Bowtech’s new SR350 was designed to be the most accurate and comfortable “speed bow” ever built. Powered by Bowtech’s proven DeadLock Cam System optimized to produce maximum speed along with a smooth draw, easy tuning and tack-driving accuracy, the SR350 generates an IBO speed rating of 350 fps on a 33-inch axle-to-axle platform with a 6-inch brace height and 4.4-pound mass weight. The SR350 accommodates draw lengths from 25-30 inches via rotating cam modules and is available in peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds. $1,199 | bowtecharchery.com
Reaching Higher — PSE Nock On Carbon Levitate PSE Nock On Carbon Levitate The new Nock On Carbon Levitate from PSE is the latest and most advanced collaboration yet between legendary bowmaker and professional archer and bowhunter John Dudley. This 32.25-inch axle-to-axle rig is built around the new, handmade Dead Frequency Carbon Riser that is lightweight, extremely strong and designed to virtually eliminate shot noise and vibration. Meanwhile, a new, wider pocket and split limbs increase overall stability of the system, and the new E2 Cam System has been optimized for efficiency and a smooth draw cycle. The result is an IBO speed rating of 348 fps. Other highlights include a new Lock Down Cable-Guard System for reduced friction and increased durability, a new rear stabilizer mount and new black hardware and fittings for reduced glare and increased stealth in the field. The Carbon Levitate has a 6-inch brace height, accommodates draw lengths from 27.5-31.5 inches, has a mass weight of 3.6 pounds and is available in peak draw weights of 60, 70 or 80 pounds in your choice of eight solid colors and camo finishes. $1,899 | psearchery.com
Turning Pro — Hoyt Ventum Pro Hoyt Ventum Pro Hoyt follows up the success of its 2021 Ventum with the new Ventum Pro, a rig that maintains the overall design and geometry that made the original Ventum such a sweet shooter while shaving off a quarter pound of mass weight and adding several new features. Among them is the new Vital Point Grip, featuring a new material for added comfort and a flatter angle to focus hand pressure in the center of the grip for reduced torque. Hoyt also upgraded the HBX Cam and created the HBX Pro Cam System that is even easier to tune and offers an improved sight picture thanks to a slight modification to the hub design. On top of that, the new cams are lighter than the original and produce less vibration. Other highlights of the Ventum Pro include an enhanced, In-Line Accessory Mounting System with a Pictatinny rail for clear sight attachment; included Shortstop Stabilizer; and a full set of noise- and vibration-dampening accessories such as Shock Pods, Limb Shox, Holeshots and the Stealth Shot string suppressor. The Ventum Pro is available in two models — a 30-inch axle-to-axle version with an IBO speed rating of 342 fps and a 33-inch axle-to-axle version with an IBO speed rating of 334 fps. The Ventum Pro 30 has a 6-inch brace height, 4.45-pound mass weight and accommodates draw lengths from 25-30 inches. The Ventum Pro 33 has a 6.375-inch brace height, 4.67-pound mass weight and accommodates draw lengths from 26-31 inches. Both models are available with draw weights from 30-80 pounds in your choice of nine solid color and camo finish options. $1,349 | hoyt.com
Built For Bowhunting — Elite Terrain Elite Terrain Elite Archery created its new Terrain to be the ultimate bowhunter-friendly design, featuring a compact, 32.5-inch axle-to-axle measurement, comfortable draw cycle, rock-solid back wall, forgiving 7-inch brace height and 325 fps IBO speed rating at a price less than $700. The Terrain’s hybrid cam system covers draw lengths from 25.5-31.5 inches, in half-inch increments, to fit archers of all sizes, and 15 pounds of downward adjustability also provide plenty of draw-weight range with limbs available with your choice of 60 or 70 pounds peak weight. The Terrain has a mass weight of 3.9 pounds, and the machined aluminum riser features Elite’s exclusive Riser Cage for maximum stability along with a slim Precision Grip for excellent comfort and bow balance. VibeX Blocks and an integrated string stop keep shot noise and vibration to a minimum. Premium Winner’s Choice String and Cables and a lifetime warranty round out the package. $699 | elitearchery.com