2020 Hunting Bow Speed Test: Mathews vs. Hoyt vs. PSE vs. Bowtech vs. Prime

[@feralgrandad4429]

I feel PSE is one of the few in the industry that are pretty honest about their speed.

[@SuperSYMPATHIZER]

Couple bows you never see and are GREAT #1 Athens. The summit 6 is smoking. #2 xpedition. The Mx-15 will smoke them all and smooth and accurate

[@austinboswell4023]

Love pse just ordered me an expedite😈smoke that speed rating

[@garedjennings6509]

Commend PSE for actually being honest and not lying to the consumer. If I were to buy again I'd go pse just because they care enough not to lie to us.

[@fatherandsonarchery7382]

I’m actually in the process of buying a new hunting bow for the up coming season and two of the bows I narrowed my choices down to are in your reviews! So keep up the great reviews I always enjoy them and they are super helpful...btw you truly can’t go wrong with any of these bows but I’m down to the Revolt X and the PSE 33 EVO NXT ! They both felt amazing in my hand draws were both super smooth and little to nothing after the shot!

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

The regular Revolt (not the X) is very nice in comfort setting, but I found the second half of the draw cycle to be pretty stiff in performance. The NXT 33 has an incredible draw cycle. Top notch.

[@garretbellah8615]

You won’t regret the EVO NXT 33. I am in love with this bow. Just left Hoyt after 15 years!

[@thomasstanworth]

PSE makes very fast bows indeed, considering their designs. Super light limb tips and cams are likely the reason that bows like the Shootdown, at 37” and 7” brace are within about 3-4 FPS of bows like the 35” Prime Black 5, with stiffer draw cycle and 6” brace. I have both, and a TRX and it made me realise just how fast the PSEs are.

[@staypositive9563]

I love my Evo nxt.

[@lovesvanilla666]

Great vid Lucas! No suprises here... the two most technically sound companies are the two companies that have no interest in inflated numbers. PSE & PRIME need to make a baby....

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

My bows are saving themselves for marriage.

[@lovesvanilla666]

ArcheryTalk hahaha very good!

[@whoopdeedo83]

The VXR 28 went from 20 fps faster than the PSE down to 4 fps faster. Makes me feel better about buying a used PSE this year.

[@sametelvan6567]

İsnt both are same price?

[@Buran01]

@@sametelvan6567 The PSE is a bit cheaper.

[@2ndAveScents]

Have you shot the Mathews? It’s faster and it shoots so much nicer IMO.

[@whoopdeedo83]

@@2ndAveScents I have not but I buy used, typically online and usually its a 1-2 years old. Not really able to try them out beforehand.

[@MrGuitarStarter]

It would have been really interesting having the "Bowtech Realm SR6" and the "Hoyt Helix Turbo" in the shoot out. Both are the fastest bows of their companies.

[@MrLongrange308]

Thank you. You make some of the best archery videos on youtube.

[@whitetailmadness1376]

The Matthews VXR if you take the monkey tails off you gain almost an extra 10 FPS, but that’s where the VXR beats all other bows very accurate, consistent extremely well balanced and out of all bows ever created has the least amount of vibration without any kind of special dampeners

[@LuqmanHM]

Uhhh ok?

[@lonewolf4skinner]

I highly doubt less than 3# is going to make up 10fps on the bowtech I would think it would be around 3 -4.

[@Jerkscrew]

I would like to see the Bear Status EKO or Martin ADX6 in this lineup. These are both flagship model and in the ballpark for price point with the tested models. Why would you use two models from one manufacturer in a lineup of 6 bows when there are other offerings out there. Curious.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Mathews sent me two bows out of the blue. I asked Martin to borrow one and haven’t heard back. Bear has not been receptive to my requests the last 2 years.

[@jaysonallen3100]

Good video! I feel like people focus on speed too much tho. Especially bow hunters. These slight speed variances between manufacturers play no part in each bows performance characteristics imo.

[@fatheremmons85]

Thank you for doing this. I really want to try a PSE and a Prime when it comes time to get another bow. Being a lefty makes that a fairly big challenge. Still love my Reign 7 though.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

The Reign series was nice, though the new Bowtech technology is pretty outstanding.

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

I'm a righty but have always thought that (for target/3D) using a quiver on the right hip,...that a left handed bow would be easier to load. No more reaching over the bow to load the arrow.

[@dewetrobertson1752]

What cam was on the Hoyt axuis alpha,everyone know there are a 10ft difference between the two cams

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

The larger cam. It's the only one that goes to 30 inches.

[@stick__shooter]

No Bear Status EKO or Divergent EKO in there? They are listed at 344 FPS.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Bear hasn’t loaned me a bow in a couple years now

[@lovesvanilla666]

Makes me feel good that the flagship bow for prime is the 35 and not the 33, if you had run the 35 I feel like it would win the hunting bow of the year challenge

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Speed is just a small part of the bow of the year. Many other considerations. The Black 3 is the bow Prime chose to send. Outside of some vibration, it is a delight to shoot.

[@jimputnam7539]

Where was the Darton bows?

[@Cparchery...]

Would love to see the xpedition mx16 in the lineup this year its a very under rated bow it beats my vxr 31.5 and my black 3 in speed, draw cycle and noise and vibration

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I was supposed to get a bow from Xpedition, but it never arrived. I’m guessing a COVID/production issue.

[@Cparchery...]

@@ArcheryTalkVideo that sucks its an amazing bow and I think it would really help get there name out ill make a post on the xpedition page maybe I can get a response from someone in charge

[@dgriswold93]

There's no way 2.5 lbs on the Revolt would account for 10 fps. At best it would likely be 4 fps.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

You could be right. I just did some very basic math. 321 divided by 67.5 lbs is about 4.75 fps per pound and then rounded down to 4 fps per pound. But I have not tested this theory at all. Just a guess.

[@thomasstanworth]

ArcheryTalk approximately 2fps per pound tends to be very very close, at least with my three bow brands

[@UrMom_says]

I was gonna say 5 but yeh. Still makes it the fastest bow regardless

[@Dbienv]

Was the Revolt in performance mode, and was the ATA measurementbwithin spec?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

@@Dbienv Bow was in Performance mode. I'll have to check the ATA.

[@Bigtrain1]

Enjoyed the video, results on the matthews 31.5 is simular to mine. 2 1/2 lbs on my bow is a max of 6fps.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I appreciate that info.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I just did some very basic math. 321 divided by 67.5 lbs is about 4.75 fps per pound and then rounded down to 4 fps per pound. But I have not tested this theory at all. Just a guess.

[@Bigtrain1]

Smart, this may sound a little off center but I try to keep my arrow speed between 275/280. This is where I'm most accurate, my arrow weight is between 470 /534 depending on where and what I'm hunting, around 500 is for elk. Whew, I adjust the poundage of the bow to keep speeds between these areas. Works for me with very little adjustments out to 80 yds

[@ashleysmith4191]

Interesting since my VXR 28 is 29” 70.8# with a 500gr(weighed) arrow is shooting 1-3fps over ibo. I averaged 280-282 over 3 different chronos.

[@NoName-bg2om]

Thats because all bows tend to be more efficient with heavier arrows

[@jaimedevon6213]

Honestly the speed specs on a bow dont matter. They are always measured with an arrow weighing under 400grains which nobody shoots when hunting. Always measured at 70ibs which a lot of people don’t shoot especially if your a short draw and a smaller person, and it’s always measured at 30in draw. For me the best hunting bow I’ve ever had was the Hoyt nitrum 30. At 27in draw, 60ibs draw weight, and a 403 grain arrow I was getting 265 which is fast for a short draw.

[@mussersbowsboatsandscience6610]

wow! makes almost absolutely no difference in real world speeds among the flagship speed bows. It is amusing to see that 322 FPS IBO rated PSE is nearly as fast as 345 rated IBO bow from other major manufacturers. My next purchase is an 80 lb PSE EVO NXT!

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

It’s got a fantastic draw cycle.

[@mussersbowsboatsandscience6610]

@@ArcheryTalkVideo and a 7 inch brace height, should be a shooter

[@michaelmcdaniel9864]

How about the PSE Xpedite???

[@goduntouchablegoduntouchab3976]

hey i´m new in the compoundshooting business and i have a question. why is there so much difference between the rated and the measured speed ?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Every archer who has ever shot an arrow through a chronograph has asked that same question. There aren’t any good answers except that speed sells and that leads to some brands being liberal with their advertised numbers.

[@goduntouchablegoduntouchab3976]

@@ArcheryTalkVideo thank you

[@steve8828]

I would love to see the PSE Mach 1 in this line up.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I've not asked for carbon bows for the past couple of years, as the price discrepancy vs. aluminium is too great.

[@christophermsmith5506]

Where is the Xpedition Mako?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I tested the Xpedition X33 last year. It's an excellent bow. If they are willing, I will likely reach out to them to see if they want to participate in the 2023 shootout.

[@vivasjimmy]

Hello , i want to buy a compound bow for mty 5 years old son. would you have a bow recommendation according to his age? thanks in advance

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

5 might be a touch young for a compound. I’d suggest you keep it simple and get him a basic stick bow. My kids both shot a Bear First Shot.

[@JS-ji5bl]

I would have liked to seen the pse 31 in the test, I feel like it would have did really good..

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I’m a fan of the 33-inch length, so that’s what I asked for.

[@JS-ji5bl]

That's cool, it just would been interesting to see how the 31 did in the speed test like up against say the Hoyt axius since that's the shorter faster Hoyt not the slower 34 ata ultra..

[@iwilrage]

Why would you not adjust the bowtech to 70?

[@stenny1970]

ArcheryTalk Which Bow do you like the best - Besides the speed

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

My hunting bow shootout video is coming fairly soon. Three of the five reviews are up now. One more will go up tomorrow, one the following week, then the shootout.

[@Pollyeverything]

I like your videos but the VXR has a 6" brace and most of the other ones have a 7" but nice stats

[@Cparchery...]

Ya hoyt and mathews are 6 prime 6.5 and the other 2 are 7 i believe

[@isaacheidi]

So Mathews shoulda had a better speed showing than it did. If I can shoot a 7 inch brace height bow and be getting comparable speeds I'll go 7 over 6 all day long.

[@ryancafin7892]

mathews makes the best shooting bows hands down..i have a no cam htx and love it

[@isaacheidi]

For you yes. Others no. Bows are all good these days. You gotta let the bow pick you. I don't shoot a Mathews well but I can shoot a bowtech and elite very well. They are what feels best to me.

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

Put the 80# limbs on the PSE 31 "with" the FAST letoff module, then talk about...... smooth SPEED.😝

[@tyskinner6952]

What's the revolt on the comfort cycle Or performance cycle

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Performance. Comfort setting was 9 fps slower when I tested it.

[@michaelficarro2591]

I'm just here for all the dudes arguing that their model should have been faster....

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

This is my life.

[@austinphillips9966]

No revolt x?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Bowtech sent me the regular Revolt. It was up to them.

[@Wild-nc1vz]

By Bowtech you mean Mathews right?

[@SuperSYMPATHIZER]

I’ll put my expedition Mx-15 against any of these. All classes. Speed,draw smoothness,hand shock, or accuracy. I shoot 28.5” draw 451 grain arrow@303 FPS. Watch the video on Sean’s outdoor adventures and see if I’m lying. He shoots specs and most honest reviews I’ve seen

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Xpedition didn’t send me a demo bow, unfortunately. I’m guessing COVID got in the way

[@SuperSYMPATHIZER]

ArcheryTalk they need to. So does Athens. I like the videos.

[@goldengang1019]

Not to sure you would get 10fps for 2.5#. Maybe 5 fps

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

You could be right. I just did some very basic math. 321 divided by 67.5 lbs is about 4.75 fps per pound and then rounded down to 4 fps per pound. But I have not tested this theory at all. Just a guess.

[@dangdang8106]

I'm a fan of bear bows I dunno but bear bowtech and diamond are my preferred brands and styles

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Lots of good choices out there. Shoot what makes you happy.

[@rikvah9817]

Are these with original strings?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Yes, as far as I know. I believe the Axius was a demo bow before Hoyt sent it to me, though.

[@ianmcgaughey1]

Was the Bowtech in comfort or performance mod?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Performance. Comfort was 9 fps slower in my testing.

[@doublelung5746]

Glad pse actually hits ibo why do bow companies lie about their speed. It's pretty simple take several bows off the line set them up with peep and d loop shoot through Chrono and take the average between several bows and use that as your ibo not impressed

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Prime was quite close and I think Bowtech would have been there if I could have gotten 70 pounds out of those limbs. It's also possible my chrono (ProChrono DLX) runs a little slow (I've heard that about this particular device). But you are correct, it's a bit frustrating to see such a disparity between advertised IBO and measured speed.

[@ObelixCMM]

Why, because it looks good on the paper. Only small portion of potential buyers will check out unbiased, factual reviews as this one.

[@garedjennings6509]

@@ArcheryTalkVideo did you have 60lb limbs?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

@@garedjennings6509 70 lb limbs for everything (though the Bowtech maxed out at 67.5.)

[@garedjennings6509]

@@ArcheryTalkVideo that's odd

[@piterex7]

One bow is missing out there a Bear species 70lbs

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Bear has not come through with a loaner in a couple years.

[@piterex7]

Noooooooooo I been looking for to see a review!!!!!

[@albeyalbert5937]

I'm not a speed freak. All bows today will do the job. For shits and giggles I'd like to see the obsession bows with how much they inflate their numbers.lol

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Check out last year’s speed test. Had 2 Obsessions in it. The Lawless was rated 18 FPS faster than the next fastest bow...and it did not beat it.

[@loki8284]

Why not just put the Bowtech in a press and put a few twists in the cables to bring it to 70#?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Unfortunately, my club has been closed due to COVID-19 and I have had very limited access to a bow press.

[@Smoothy38]

@@ArcheryTalkVideo Lucas, if you were here in Vancouver I'd say come use mine lol...no help I know but, seriously my best purchases were an ez green and archery design draw board. Worth every penny imo

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

@@Smoothy38 All of that is at my club (though the draw board is currently not working), but I just haven't been able to get there. But it's opening up fairly soon.

[@Smoothy38]

@@ArcheryTalkVideo gotcha

[@Dbienv]

Its interesting, as my Revolt X was also a 3 lbs short of 70. However, ATA was out of spec, when I added a few cable twists to get the correct ATA, the poundage came right in line.

[@2ndAveScents]

Shoulda shot an Obsession to get some seriously laughable numbers on that last slide.

[@adamhall3933]

Was the Revolt on the comfort or performance setting?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Performance. Comfort was 9 fps slower when I tested it.

[@MrBhowren]

Curious why no Carbon Bows in this???

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Haven't had a carbon the past two years. Mostly because there is too big of a price gap between carbon bows from Hoyt/PSE and their aluminum counterparts. I'm also at the mercy of what the manufacturers want to send. For instance, I didn't ask for two Matthews bows this year. They just showed up one day.

[@UrMom_says]

They perform identical to their aluminum counterpart. Hoyt rx series and axium perform the same

[@retchiejohnmedina2017]

seriously these new bows line up are the best of these year's line up.... but should you we really focus on speed rating.... I mean every single bows no matter the brand are still able to kill an animal... I mean come on lets be honest there are hunters use a traditional recurve bow and still manage to harvest a big game with it.... why bother comparing about speed bow.... jeez.... and here I am using a Mathews TX-5 and manage to kill quite a few pigs with it.... just pick the bow that's right for you rather than what's best out in the market.... bills and whistle are way too overrated.... A bow is a bow regardless of its speed.... Accuracy and consistency is the most important when it comes to hunting with bows.....✌✌✌

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I do the speed comparison because people like it. Always one of the top five videos I do every year and definitely the one with the most comments. Like yours, for example.

[@retchiejohnmedina2017]

@@ArcheryTalkVideo thanks.... it's just that everytime I research about a compound bow most people now a days focus on speed and power....

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I will have long-term review videos and a full shootout video coming.

[@lspostma]

So why didn't you just put all of them at exactly 70#, and exactly 30" draw length measured since you have all the tools to do that? The Revolt would've been fastest and had the second lowest deviation from IBO. HMMM...

[@robertcrazycyclinggrampa5360]

Who cares ,,,,Most people can’t handle fast bow,less forgiving and all they do is just miss quicker ,,

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Many, many people care. If you don’t care, you don’t have to click play.

[@dewetrobertson1752]

You should know that 2.5 pound is 5 ft. I'm disappointed in your lack of knowledge while making a video

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

How am I supposed to recover form your disappointment? Now I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight.

[@dewetrobertson1752]

ArcheryTalk Why don't you rather admit your error,instead you're trying to be sarcastic. Nothing wrong to admit when you make a mistake

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

@@dewetrobertson1752 I do my best not to listen to the advice of people who feel obliged to leave pissy comments on KZbin videos.