(Photo courtesy of Hoyt Archery)
January 11, 2024
By Brian K. Strickland
Hoyt Carbon RX-8Hoyt Carbon RX-8 Flexing their muscle in the compound bow space, Hoyt once again raised the bar with their REDWRX Carbon RX-8. Built around their hand-laid carbon riser, the RX-8 is not only buttery smooth, which has been Hoyt’s trademark for decades now, but it’s also the quietest bow they have ever developed. Coming in at a scant 4 pounds, the RX-8 is powered by the all-new HBX Xact Binary Cam system that not only delivers a zippy IBO speed rating of 342 fps, but also boasts three letoff options (75%, 80%, 85%), a pair of back wall stiffness options and quarter-inch draw length adjustments from 28.25 to 30 inches making the RX-8 their most customizable bow to date. Reducing vibration and enhancing balance is Hoyt’s legendary In-Line accessory mounting system, and with the new WireWRX Bow String with Holeshot V2 Silencers, string vibration is reduced by 25%. Other notable features are the comfortable and consistent Vital Point Grip, lower mounted 2.25” Short Stop stabilizer for a lowered center of gravity, and SL Sidebar stabilizer attachment for achieving perfect balance.
$1,949 | hoyt.com
Mathews LIFT Series Mathews LIFT Series Lifting the standard to a whole new level, Mathews once again takes speed, weight and efficiency to another level with the new LIFT series in 2024. Featuring everything you would expect in a flagship rig from Mathews, it sports the completely redesigned SwitchWeight X (SWX) Cam system that provides steady stacking with a solid backwall for an IBO speed touching 348 fps. That is paired with a new top-mounted axle system that increases the working surface of the limb for maximized performance and Mathew’s Resistance Phase Damping Technology that minimizes vibration at its source, while also minimizing cam oscillation for optimized speed and efficiency. Available in axle-to-axle lengths of 29.5 and 33 inches, the LIFT ’s new aluminum riser design cuts weight that is on par with many carbon riser bows, while also incorporating Mathews Bridge-Lock Technology for sight and stabilizer mounting, and the new micro-adjustable Ultrarest Integrate MX2 that is designed specifically for Mathews. Adding a level of technology to improve your accuracy, Mathews went a step further by incorporating the new Shot Sense module directly into the riser that electronically measures your movement throughout the shot cycle to provide the shooter instant feedback through the Shot Sense app.
$1,329 (29.5), $1,429 (33) | mathewsinc.com
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Bowtech Carbon One X Bowtech Carbon One X Building upon the success of the Carbon One last year, Bowtech launches the Carbon One X for the Bowtech faithful this season. Designed from the same platform as its predecessor, it sports a more stable axle-to-axle length of 33 inches and a mass weight touching 4.5 pounds. With an advanced carbon riser design coupled with Bowtech’s easy-tuning DeadLock Cam System with TimeLock technology and strategically positioned Orbit Dampeners, the Carbon One X is a breeze to tune and has a dead-in-the-hand feel with every drop of the string. Reaching IBO speeds of 339 fps, which is a touch faster than its predecessor, it has even more zip, and with other features like torque-reducing Clutch Performance Grip, consistent-delivering Dual Lock Pockets and Bowtech’s customizable FlipDisc system that lets shooters choose their draw cycle, it’s easy to see why the Carbon One X is taking the top spot in Bowtech’s lineup this season. The Carbon One X riser also features a machined integrated mounting system and Bowtech’s rotating modules that accommodate draw lengths of 25.5 to 30.5 inches.
$1,799 | bowtecharchery.com
Bear Persist Bear Persist Adding another gem to their Legend series, Bear Archery introduces the new Persist as their flagship bow this season. Dubbed the stealthiest rig in their lineup, it sports in-riser dampeners that are paired with an integrated string stop with built-in damping, KillerWave limb dampeners and a new Silent Shelf Technology molded onto the riser shelf to minimize noise when an arrow accidentally hits. Standing 31 inches axle-to-axle and a forgiving 6.5-inch brace height, the smooth and efficient EKO Cam system delivers an IBO arrow speed of 340 fps, as well as letoff capabilities of 75, 80, 85 and 90 percent. Enhancing your ability to trick-out your rig, the Persist sports Picatinny rail mount for a growing number of bow sights, an Integrate dovetail rest mount and integrated wrist sling mounting point. For an added touch the Persist also incorporates a dedicated loop for pulling your bow up the treestand, and a quick-disconnect shoulder sling.
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$1,249.99 | beararchery.com
Prime RVX Series Prime RVX Series Prime is another brand that never disappoints, and their all-new RVX series is just their latest example. With three rigs in the lineup to choose from, Prime says it’s their most tunable and accurate bow to date that offers an ultra-smooth feel from start to finish. With axle-to-axle configurations of 32, 34 and 36 inches, each rig sports Prime's Core Cam System that delivers an IBO speed rating of 340, 342 and 332 fps respectively, while also providing letoff adjustment from 75 to 85% and fool-proof Quick Tune technology for easy right and left cam adjustment without removing the axle. Prime’s RVX line features a center grip riser that is designed with Swerve Technology for reduced riser torque while also improving stability so you can more effectively aim throughout the draw cycle. For enhanced balance, the RVX riser also features a new Picatinny rail sight mounting option and an Integrate dovetail mount for arrow rest, and the comfortable and consistent Nano-Grip is designed with NASA-developed Aerogel technology to ensure a warm-to-the-touch feel when the temperatures start to dip.
g5prime.com
PSE Nock 30 ES PSE Nock On 30 ES Designed with the same level of perfection as the original Nock On Carbon Levitate, but with even more innovation, PSE adds another gem to their carbon lineup with the new signature Nock 30 ES. John Dudley inspired, it sports an axle-to-axle measuring just 30 inches so it screams maneuverability, and with an IBO speed rating of 342 fps, speed is not compromised either. With PSE’s smooth E2 cam system, draw lengths stretch from 27 to 31 inches so long draw hunters aren’t left behind, and with the natural capabilities of a carbon riser, coupled with PSE’s Killshot 2.0 riser mounted dampener and limb dampers, hand shock is non-existent and vibration is kept to a minimum. And for added stability and overall ease of tuning, the Nock 30 ES also incorporates PSE’s Full Draw Stability System, which actively counters induced torque at full draw, while the EZ.220 Snap Spacer System simplifies tuning and cam lean adjustment to ensure a crisp and accurate shot with every drop of the string. Additional tuning is achieved with their Precision Buss Tuning System for micro tuning performance, and with its integrated mounting system for both the rest and quiver, and Picatinny sight mount, adding accessories is seamless.
psearchery.com
Elite Ethos Elite Ethos Touted as the “perfect hunting bow,” the new Ethos from Elite Archery takes over their flagship position in 2024. Incorporating Elite’s signature Dual-Cage Riser design with customizable performance, Ethos sports an axle-to-axle length of 33 inches, a forgiving brace of 6.75 inches, and with their SP Cam system it can reach IBO speeds touching 340 fps. Not only does the SP Cam provide some zip, but when coupled with the third-generation Versa Mods, shooters can fine-tune their holding weight between 70 to 90% letoff, and draw lenghts ranging from 25.5 to 31 inches. While Elite’s Performance Mods come standard, shooters can also customize their rig with Smooth and 75% Mods as well. And when it comes to achieving perfect arrow flight, Elite’s micro-adjust S.E.T. technology (Simple, Exact, Tuning) makes finding that sweet spot a breeze while the Ethos wide limb design and strategic weight distribution enhance the shooter's aiming ability and overall platform.
$1,299.99 | elitearchery.com
Xpedition Xlite 29 & 35 Xpedition Xlite 29 & 35 Building upon the success of the popular Xlite series from last year, Xpedition Archery adds a pair of new models to the mix with the 29 and 35 Xlite this season. Completing the series with these new bookends, they are designed with the same proprietary alloy Magnite riser that is both 33% lighter than 6061 aluminum, as well as stronger and stiffer to ensure shooters have the most stable platform possible with significantly less vibration. With a sub-30 inch axle-to-axle platform and new smooth-drawing XB29 Dual Cam System, IBO arrow speeds top 340 fps with this compact 29 Xlite rig, and with an overall mass weight of 3.65 pounds, it’s a breeze to carry as well. Draw lengths are also adjustable in half-inch increments from 24.5 to 30 inches while also having an adjustable 80% letoff. Built for bigger spaces and bigger frames, the Xlite 35 sports a longer riser design of 35 inches but with the new XB35 Dual Cams, IBO speeds still top 340 fps with a mass weight of under 4 pounds. Draw lengths are also adjustable from 26 to 32 inches so big dudes can easily find their sweet spot.
$1,949.99 (Xlite 29), $1,999.99 (Xlite 35) | xpeditionarchery.com
Athens Axxis Athens Axxis Whether you like your bow to excel in tight spots or prefer what a longer rig offers, Athens Archery’s new Axxis series can get you dialed in. Available in three models based on your preference in axle-to-axle lengths — 31, 33 and 35 inches — all feature the all-new, patent-pending Accu-Tune Cam Technology, which provides lateral cam adjustments with a simple turn of an Allen key and without the need of a bow press. Additional tuning can also be achieved with the TCS roller guard, and with all three models sporting a forgiving 7-inch brace height and their RT-X3 Cam and module system, speed is not compromised either with IBO ratings of 335, 330 and 325 fps respectively. The all-new Limb-Lok 2.0 pocket coupled with 1-inch wide split limbs ensures solid limb and riser interface while providing increased stability and overall less weight, and with all models sporting both Picatinny rail and Integrate mounting option, tricking your rig out with top-notch accessories has never been easier. Each comes standard with vibration-killing low-profile X-Out limb dampeners and adjustable letoff of 70 to 90 percent, while draw lengths steadily increase from 25-31 inches, 25.5 to 31.5 inches and 26-32 inches respectively.
$1,399 | athensarchery.com