(Photo courtesy of Bear Archery)
January 08, 2025
By Christian Berg
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The bottom line is this: Whether you’re shopping for a budget bow that offers a lot of bang for your buck or a top-of-the-line flagship model with the latest features and technologies designed to wring every ounce of accuracy out of your setup, there is no shortage of great options. And you can make your purchase with confidence that — regardless of the price — your new hunting rig will be leaps and bounds better than the one it replaced.
Bear Archery Persist 33 Bear Archery Persist 33 With an advertised speed rating of 340 fps, the highly efficient EKO cam system and plenty of adjustability to suit your personal preferences, Bear Archery’s 2025 flagship Persist 33 is a hunting bow that combines precision with power. The Persist 33 measures 33 inches between the axles, has a 6.25-inch brace height and letoff that is adjustable among four positions — 75, 80, 85 or 90 percent. Accommodating draw lengths from 26.5-30.5 inches, the Persist 33 is available in draw weights of 45-60 or 55-70 pounds. A silent shelf and integrated string stop system help maximize shooting stealth, while features such as an Integrate-compatible rest mount, Picatinny sight-mounting rail and built-in pull-up rope attachment make it easy to build your bow for perfect balance in your hand and convenience in the field. Finish options include Mossy Oak Bottomland, Mossy Oak Roots, Olive and Stone.
$1,249.99 | beararchery.com
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Mathews LIFT X 29.5 and LIFT X 33 Mathews LIFT X 29.5 (left) and LIFT X 33 (right) The LIFT was a huge hit for Mathews in 2024, and for 2025, the company is taking the LIFT platform to new heights in performance, customization and tunability with the LIFT X. Available in two axle-to-axle length models — the LIFT X 29.5 and LIFT X 33 — both rigs incorporate a trio of new Mathews technologies designed to make these bows more user friendly and shootable than ever. Tuning the LIFT X is a breeze thanks to new Limb Shift Technology that allows micro-tuning of the bow simply by turning a screw to change the limb balance and load within the limb channel. ARC7 Limb Technology is the result of a new, multi-step limb-building process the produces the most durable, consistent and efficient limbs in Mathews history. And the new BOND Grips give shooters a choice of four configurations to achieve the perfect fit, feel and angle for unbeatable consistency and accuracy. The LIFT X 29.5 weighs 3.99 pounds, has an IBO speed rating of 348 fps, 6-inch brace height and accommodates draw lengths of 24.5-30 inches. The LIFT X 33 weighs 4.26 pounds, has an IBO speed rating of 343 fps, 6.5-inch brace height and accommodates draw lengths of 26-31.5 inches. Both models are powered by Mathews’ SWX cam system, offer adjustable letoff of 80 or 85 percent, come in peak draw weights of 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 and 80 pounds and are available in 11 camouflage and solid-color finish options, including GreenFade (pictured).
$1,359 (LIFT X 29.5), $1,469 (LIFT X 33) | mathewsinc.com
Hoyt Carbon RX-9 Hoyt Carbon RX-9Hoyt’s new Carbon RX-9 is a high-performance bow that offers shooters more customization options than ever, thanks to a new HBX GEN 4 binary cam system and a multitude of accessory-mounting options. Measuring 30.5625 inches between the axles, the RX-9 weighs 4 pounds, has a 6.125-inch brace height and an IBO speed rating of 342 fps. The HBX GEN 4 cams accommodate draw lengths from 25-30 inches, in quarter-inch increments, via a series of five modules designed to optimize performance at all settings. Shooters can also choose among three letoff settings — 75, 80 or 85 percent — and two back wall stiffness settings — hard and hardest. The RX-9’s reflex TEC Lite riser is constructed of hand-laid carbon that significantly deadens shot noise and vibration while offering a warm-to-the-touch feel on cold days afield. The bow is also compatible with Hoyt’s In-Line accessory-mounting system that, in addition to standard mounts, includes a dovetail mount for Integrate-compatible arrow rests, a section of Picatinny rail on the front of the riser for compatible bowsights and the SL Sidebar attachment placed lower on the bow for improved bow balance. Hoyt also includes a 2-inch Short Stop 2.0 stabilizer placed lower on the riser, offering the same benefits as a 6-inch stabilizer placed in the typical mounting location. The RX-9 also features Hoyt’s Vital Point grip for optimal hand placement and reduced riser torque and ultra-durable AXL split limbs that meet Hoyt’s standard stress test of one million shot cycles and 1,000 dry fires. The RX-9 is available in peak draw weights of 50, 60, 65, 70, 75 and 80 pounds and 12 camouflage and solid-color finish options, including Bourbon (pictured).
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$2,099 | hoyt.com
Bowtech Proven 34 Bowtech Proven 34 Bowtech says its new Proven 34 offers a deadly combination of tunability, balance and stability that yields deadly accuracy in the field. Measuring 34 inches between the axles, the Proven 34 weighs 4.7 pounds, has a 6.625-inch brace height and an IBO speed rating of 331 fps. The rig is powered by Bowtech’s DeadLock cam system that allows for easy cam tuning with the simple turn of a screw. TimeLock allows further tuning of cam timing, with just an Allen wrench, making this one of the easiest-to-tune bows on the market. Great bow balance is easily achieved via the second-generation CenterMass bowsight system that allows you to mount the sight along the centerline of the riser, while consistent, accurate shooting can be found by customizing your grip angle with built-in GripLock technology. The Proven 34 accommodates draw lengths from 25-30 inches and is available in peak draw weights of 50, 60 and 70 pounds. A Long Draw version of the bow is also available, covering draw lengths from 27.5-33 inches, with a 7-inch brace height. The bow is offered in eight camo and solid-color finish options, including Sandstone (pictured).
$1,449.99 | bowtecharchery.com
Prime Archery Form Prime Archery Form When shopping for a new hunting rig, it’s easy to get caught up in the aluminum vs. carbon debate. Well, the sharp minds at Prime Archery by G5 Outdoors took a third path and combined the best of both worlds into the all-new Form. Thanks to Advanced Structures Technology (AST), Prime was able to build the Form using carbon and aluminum, deploying both materials where most appropriate to create a bow that is lighter, stronger, stiffer and more precise than a rig made entirely of one material or the other. The end result is a truly unique look and a 34-inch axle-to-axle bow that weighs just 4.1 pounds while offering a 6.25-inch brace height and IBO speed rating of 336 fps. The Form’s riser also features Prime’s Center Grip design for great balance and accuracy, while the Core Cam System offers draw-length specific mods for peak efficiency and a smooth draw at every setting. The Form also offers a Picatinny rail sight mount and Integrate-compatible rest mount, in addition to standard mounting options. The Form accommodates draw lengths from 26.5-30.5 inches and is available with peak draw weights from 40-80 pounds and in a wide array of finish options.
$1,595 | g5prime.com
PSE Mach 33 DS PSE Mach 33 DS Featuring a riser made from PSE’s Dead Frequency Carbon, the new Mach 33 DS is a fast (335 fps IBO) rig that delivers a quiet shot that is deadly in the field. Building on the success of last year’s Mach 30, the Mach 33 features the Precision Bow Tuning System to make tuning a breeze, not to mention the Full Draw Stability System that uses the perfect string angle to make the bow even more steady on target and forgiving at the shot. The Mach 33 also features an Integrate-compatible rest mount and a Picatinny rail sight mount, in addition to standard mounting options. Powered by the EC2 cam system, the Mach 33 weighs 3.9 pounds, measures 33 inches between the axles, has a 6.625-inch brace height, adjustable letoff from 80-90 percent and accommodates draw lengths from 25.5-31 inches. It is available in peak draw weights of 50, 60, 70 and 80 pounds in a variety of camo and solid-color finish options.
Price Unavailable | psearchery.com
Xpedition Xlite 32 Xpedition Xlite 32 Xpedition Archery continues to build out its popular Xlite bow series for 2025 with the new Xlite 32, a rig designed to bridge the gap between a silky smooth draw cycle and blazing speed. With an IBO speed rating of 342 fps, the Xlite 32 is the fastest Xlite model to date, thanks to a cam system optimized for maximum efficiency throughout the bow’s 25-30.5-inch draw-length range. Measuring 32 inches between the axles, with a brace height of 6.125 inches, the Xlite 32 weighs 3.8 pounds and — like all Xlite bows — features a riser machined from Magnite, a proprietary alloy that is lighter than aluminum yet stronger than carbon. Also new on the Xlite 32 are a more ergonomic grip design with 17- and 19-degree angle options and a new Picatinny rail for mounting compatible bowsights. The Xlite 32 is available in peak draw weights of 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds in your choice of five solid-color and camo finish options.
$1,899.99 | xpeditionarchery.com
Elite Archery Artus Elite Archery Artus Elite Archery’s compact new Artus measures just 30 inches between the axles yet is a stable, forgiving bow capable of generating IBO speeds up to 340 fps. Featuring Elite’s new SP2 Cam System, new VX Mods to adjust letoff and new R.A.C. (Rail Accessory Connection) System that offers Picatinny rails on the riser and limb pockets for easy accessory integration, the Artus provides the latest advancements in customization. Add in the Precision grip, S.E.T. Technology for easy cam tuning and a draw-length range of 25-30.5 inches and you have a rig that offers a ton of adjustability to achieve your ideal setup. The Artus weighs 4.7 pounds, has a 6.875-inch brace height, adjustable letoff up to 90 percent and is available in peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 75 pounds in your choice of 20 solid-color and camo finish options.
$1,299.99 | elitearchery.com
Darton Archery Sequel 35 ST² — Folds of Honor Special Edition Darton Archery Sequel 35 ST² — Folds of Honor Special Edition Darton Archery’s new Sequel 35 ST² Folds of Honor Special Edition is a limited offering that gives archers an opportunity to purchase a high-performance bow while also helping provide educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen and/or disabled military personnel and first responders. As for the bow itself, the Sequel 35 ST² is a powerhouse that features a smooth draw cycle via the BBS Dual Sync Cam system and incorporates numerous features that allow for precision tuning, including the groundbreaking Perfect Timing adjustable yoke hangers and Perfect Tune Adjustable Limb Pocket System. The Sequel 35 ST² measures 35.125 inches between the axles, weighs 4.75 pounds, has a 6.3-inch brace height, adjustable letoff from 75-85 percent and an IBO speed rating of up to 341 fps (with optional 75 Percent Letoff Module). It accommodates draw lengths from 26-31.5 inches and is available in peak draw weights of 50, 60, 70 and 80 pounds. The Folds of Honor Special Edition features a MultiCam camouflage riser and Folds of Honor logo limbs.
$1,299.99 | dartonarchery.com
APA Archery Summit APA Archery Summit APA is taking performance ever higher with the all-new Summit, a hunting bow built to provide great performance and manuverability in the field. Built on APA’s new Pro Lite riser, the Summit is packed with innovation, including APA’s Pro-Connect Sling, Pro-Connect Stabilizer and all-new Shift Tune Technology. This new Shift Tune Technology allows the archer to tune their bow effortlessly with no tools required. The Summit weighs just 3.4 pounds, measures a compact 28 inches between the axles, has a 7.375-inch brace height, up to 80 percent letoff and an IBO speed rating of 340 fps. The bow accommodates draw lengths from 25.5-30.5 inches and is available in peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60 and 70 pounds.
$1,099 | apaarchery.com