2023 Bow Buying Test Review!! 3D & Hybrid Hunting Bows

2023 Bow Buying Test Review!! 3D & Hybrid Hunting Bows - Tim Connor shoots and reviews the best contenders for 2023 in the 3D, target, and hybrid bow category. In this video with ‪@podiumarcher3447‬ we go through Hoyt, Bowtech, and Mathews 36" bows. This is a complete test review of the Hoy Altus 35, Bowtech Reckoning Gen 2 36, and the Mathews TRX 36 bow.
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[@TimConnor13]

What do ya'll think of the hybrid bow concept? I can totally see myself doing an open country hunt with this bow.. maybe not bang it around in the bush, but I'm really pretty pumped on the idea of a crossover bow.

[@bmook019]

This test is difficult because you are only shooting short range. You don't really know until you start shooting scores on targets.

[@hellcatoutdoors]

Definitely excited for this build. Open country hunting would be a dream with a larger bow. I run a evo 34 and it’s great for bear and moose in the open but a little harder for a blind

[@heathhenry6083]

I am really surprised how the Bowtech fit and shot for you, along with all the tech. adjustable advantages. I have never shot a Bowtech, but I think you definitely need to add it to your collection. I would like to see a follow up video to this after you made your decision and hunted/shot with the bow for a season. Would you stay with a hybrid bow or go back to a hunting bow?

[@TimConnor13]

@@bmook019 you should do the test and shoot on targets

[@TimConnor13]

@@heathhenry6083 i agree there's a lot to learn yet, and I'm just in the honeymoon phase

[@bigz5262]

JJ: it’s a good thing that the bow wants to jerk forward Tim: Hoyt gets an L for jerking forward Fun video though!

[@derricknalley3053]

Great information like always, glad to see you back in the SVA shop. You and MFJJ make a great video everytime!!!! 👍

[@littlemechanicshop]

Its really cool MFJJ and you are still working together.

[@TimConnor13]

He’s my G

[@chadcousins2563]

The Bowtech has so many great features it’s hard to beat what they offer. The adjustable grip and incredible tuning ability of their cam system is unmatched.

[@TimConnor13]

Yeah features are really rad for the at home DIY guy

[@PoeOutdoors]

Tim, your assessment was fair and the result was expected. I bought a Gen2 36 a few weeks ago and it is the best bow I’ve ever owned. It aims and shoots so well and nobody even comes close to the fine tuning capability and adjustability. The Grip lock feature means no more aftermarket grips to buy. Best part is it can all be done with an Allen key. Mathews makes a great shooting bow, but the top hat system and replacing mods are outdated tech. Enjoy an exceptional bow! 👍

[@loganct5]

Already 9.19k subs. You got this, buddy. Keep these great videos pumping, and you'll be there. We are here for you.

[@TimConnor13]

Thank you my dude 🙏

[@5MinuteMaj0r]

Looks like you gave MFJJ a camera lesson before this shoot. That's a good trade for his bow shooting lessons. We knew that additional posts on this channel would be hitting the ground while running. Great content. Videos like this are certainly going to help the channel hit 100K quickly.

[@jaretsmith3700]

Awsome video, thank you guys for opening the door and lifting the stigma that target bows can not be crossover bows!

[@TimConnor13]

I can see myself totally bringing it out into the field for a hunt

[@brianmorro2831]

This video is exactly where my headspace is right now...what to buy for a 3D, outdoor setup without changing my target setup. Thanks, Tim/Josh!

[@TimConnor13]

Me too 🤙

[@brendawells7025]

Hey Tim glad to see u and Josh still working together was wondering since u are looking at target bows could you do a video with Josh explains lenses and magnification I struggle with my hunting bow seeing target at 30 yards . Can’t wait to see your bow build vid!!

[@joshbritcher1404]

Thank GOD we can finally get some content with a non-mathews bow!

[@gibsonlife573]

BowTech hands down

[@GamingwithRonneling]

Interesting, nice to see you tap into a wider variety of bows!

[@TimConnor13]

yeah I am pretty pumped to be trying something of the target variety!

[@5peatAZ]

I’m rocking the Bowtech SS34 and I’m loving it so far! Checks all the boxes!

[@TimConnor13]

Noted!

[@jamesjgill]

Probably the best summary about the difference between target bows and hunting bows. Although I find target bows are typically 15 fps less than hunting bows, but MFJJ is correct with what he said. The dude is solid. Super impressed the shop has got a selection of target bows and hunting bows, and can ship online. Proper. The bowtech has the ability to be adjusted in many ways without a bow press. Bowtech is a good choice.

[@TimConnor13]

Thank you dude ✊

[@joshuabates4759]

Looked like you ranked the Hoyt back wall exactly opposite how Josh was explaining it to you. The Hoyt would make you be more consistent because the valley is shorter, not allowing you to have variance in your hold, especially further into a day when fatigue sets in. The other 2 would allow you to relax more while still shooting, thereby creating more variance shot to shot.

[@tbflaten]

I thought I was losing my mind after seeing that. Josh literally said that’s what you want it to feel like and he gives it a big L. Even in my hunting bows I’m always looking for no slop and want it to try and rip my arm forward. That’s a good backwall! Tim almost had the comparison nailed until that.

[@joshuabates4759]

@@tbflaten yep. Guess Josh could have made the comparison to why recurve shooters shoot off the clicker. Old school target compound used to do that as well. Old lady from my church showed pics of her shooting in 80s I'm guessing. Fingers round wheel clicker. Consistent draw length and release point.

[@vancejohnson1778]

Sweet video Tim, it would be interesting for u to have a shoot off between this and your hunting bow after its built to see how much it improves your shot👌

[@TimConnor13]

this is an excellent idea! thank you

[@wesleymaples1928]

Come on Tim! Let’s make this one huge!

[@d123avek1]

Mfjj looks like he plays in System of a Down! 🤘🤘 (that’s a compliment) 😂

[@TimConnor13]

haha yeah he's one of a kind character, appreciate him!

[@TheArrowsEdge]

You overlooked the PSE Shootdown Pro... which is a hybrid bow. It's exactly what you're looking for!

[@Jory623]

I think the PSE Shootdown pro with se2 cams would have been a good addition to this video, too bad JJ doesn't like PSE

[@Illustrator76]

This video is so funny to me (in a good way), because it validates everything that I had going on in my mind. I'm glad that you are spreading your wings and doing your own thing. Keep it up bro!

[@swordinstone2k7]

I started shooting in local leagues a couple years ago and have slowly put together a full target rig buying used gear. Great people and good times in the target archery community! I think you made the choice I would have. If I could make a recommendation, start bare shaft tuning once you get that bow built. It will be incredibly easy with that Bowtech. Play around with the draw length and holding weight as well. Coming from hunting bows it took getting used to higher holding weight, but it should make you more consistent.

[@TimConnor13]

Thanks dude

[@Hollerboy_69]

I am 100% Matthew's through and through but wtf that hoyt was crazy quiet...I've been playing this video over and over cause I can't believe how quiet it is, awsome video Tim...keep it up brother

[@jasonbrady7861]

Great video Timmy!.. couldn't help but envision Dan's eye roll when you picked the Bowtech!😂... Loved the unbiased approach though!. The adjustability of the Reckoning G2 is unmatched!.. fully support your pick!.. looking forward to following your journey!

[@justinjackson6696]

A truly great honest hands on comparison. Keep it up man. Loving what you're doing.

[@AmyCurtis-dn4bd]

Tim, I really enjoy watching your videos! I really appreciate that you approach your views from a normal archer and not an opinionated expert. Great to have JJ compliment your thoughts from an expert guide! keep it up man!

[@sinepari9160]

I had to mentally tune out my little grunt into the valley years ago. I didn't even know I was dong it until someone told me. Now I'm cognizant of it after my buddies told me I do it with an aggressive draw. That could be the difference of a successful hunt or not. I still watch vids and many of the 'pros' do that. These new bows that don't require that dump are nice.

[@aaronmcwilliams7014]

Just talked to my bow shop and I am going in to try out longer bows. Funny the timing. Great job. Keep up the good work!!

[@dudleybaker6565]

Funny this video dropped today, this the exact conversation my boy and I were having at the archery range yesterday! Target or hunting bow for shoots like a TAC or just the local 3D shoots. Great information guys. Keep up the hard wok Tim you will make it my friend.

[@Aspade17]

Just received in my reckoning g2 36. I also had the gen 1 35. The amount of adjustability in the bowtech is light years ahead of the other 2. Something I noticed Josh didn’t say was you can adjust your let off on the bowtech just by loosening the mods and moving those to your preference for holding weight. Other than swapping out the original strings and cables mine hasn’t been in the press since.

[@RedStag86]

I don’t think you listened to Josh on the back wall thing- he was saying that the “aggressive” back wall on the Hoyt was a good thing, and the fact that the Matthew’s and bowtech had lots of slop in the back wall was bad. I think you wanted bowtech to win, and went with what you are comfortable with.

[@goldtip34]

I have usually hunted with longer bows just for the stability and the fact that I could get used to the feel of one bow and use it for everything

[@nathanieldykxhoorn2883]

So stoked for the next video! love the new gen 2 36!

[@trigger_pull]

Happy to see the subs going up! Keep the vids coming!

[@adrianwhite277]

I have to say i was surgical with my mathews q2xl i bought new out of the catalog, it was long and fairly slow but i can say I only missed one deer in the more than 10 years i owned it.I love longer ata bows because I have a 31" draw length and they absolutely just fell better. Im pulling for you and your channel bud,best of luck

[@billjones9708]

Great video, guys. I believe you can adjust the letoff within the module for the reckoning. The new Gen2 is sick. I have the original Reckoning 35 and love it. The Gen2 36 is definitely my next purchase. I'm not surprised at all that you went with the Bowtech Tim. I'm excited to see you with that in hand!

[@the_sharp_carpenter]

Love it, watching the tip of the arrow as you were shooting that reckoning definitely seemed to sit a bit more still. That bottom cam led forward movement is how I've always liked a bow to move on the release. Would love to see how you like the Prime in the new cam and a 36" if they come into SVA. Keep up the good work

[@minncrew]

Would love to see more about your editing style and how you flow your videos so well! 🔥

[@TimConnor13]

thanks dude.. I'll try to drop some tips on the gram'

[@zhickman338]

Really liking the content. I think you missed the boat with the back wall on the Hoyt, but Josh made it kind of confusing anyway.

[@TimConnor13]

Thanks G, and I make mistakes too

[@Bobbydoesarchery]

Welcome to the Reckoning Family!

[@jim1769]

for the algorithm. good luck tim

[@TimConnor13]

My dude!

[@jakedublya15]

I really like what you're doing with your channel. Was curious about the A3 bowstring you put on your mathews.

[@Grant-hj1cd]

great video tim! Joshes knowledge and your curiosity is a great combination.

[@TimConnor13]

Thank you my friend

[@scottcarter7046]

I really like the bowtech grip out of all bows

[@tsa2191]

Love this target bow series! Especially with MFJJ knowledge drops! Glad to see different bow reviews

[@aaronfelthousen4255]

I got a PSE EVO NXT 35 last February and I use it for 3D and hunting. I hunt Whitetail in Georgia from tree stands and ground blinds.

[@TimConnor13]

Rad!

[@scottcarter7046]

Love the target bow content

[@mattthadd4663]

Dang I wish the Elite Verdict was in the running

[@calt9777]

Its nice to see true reviews and not sponsored crap that is always leaning one direction. New channel Subed

[@toddnachreiner9040]

Can u do something about the old i get eye sights not as good. What a person should do to shoot better. Like I am far sighted I can see target fine but have hard time seeing my pins

[@MainelyArchery]

Awsome video Tim! Really like these comparison videos.

[@acohen5267]

Great video Tim! Thorough and to the point on the important stuff. First bow was Realm X then V3X and back to Bowtech SS34.

[@TimConnor13]

Thanks dude!

[@jonesboyshunting8673]

Great job to the both of you. Yes keep the name fire side chats I think that would be a good podcast. Keep up the great work.

[@brianclark785]

I am changing from the Mathew’s Triax to the Mathew’s Phase 4 33 because of the draw length. Going from 30 to a 31. Given my draw length, I will pretty much be using this hybrid concept due to the riser being 33” compared to the 28” of the Triax or the 29” of the phase 4 or V3X. Just have to be picky with where I choose to hunt from.

[@Thewyoguy]

Can’t wait to see what kinda speed you can get out of it.

[@ImperiousArchery]

Love the train of thought and branching out into every day shooting. I have a small collection with each it’s own purpose to the purpose of shooting year round.

[@StikmanN8]

Great video on showing folks some of today's "target rigs." The idea of taking the bow out for hunting that you'll be the most accurate with is the right idea in my opinion, regardless of what a manufacturer or shop labels your rig as being ("target" or "hunting"). In bow-hunting, are we not all supposed to be archers first? Meaning, I think, a person is responsible to use the most accurate , and ultimately most lethal bow they can when chasing critters. Miss an X in a high pressure situation on the target range once (which costs nothing more than $$), and tell me how that compares to the remorse you feel when you make a bad hit on a big game animal and have to watch it, or just know it suffered. If you've hunted long enough, you know exactly what I'm saying. Tim, great video and great job. I look forward to more from you. Let's see how that target rig launches 'em compared to your other setup. At the least you'll be shooting more and be a better archer for it, regardless of what rig you end up taking afield come fall.

[@thenameiwantedwastaken]

As a 6’4 shooter with a 32inch draw, I prefer somthing that’s a little more “target inspired” than your typical hunting bow. Anything over a 35 in ATA just feels better for me. The longer brace height is a plus too

[@david.6040]

Good stuff Tim, keep ‘em coming

[@TimConnor13]

Thanks, will do!

[@dylanhoude1091]

Nice work man just keep posting 👍

[@WM-jy9dz]

wrt the Reckoning: I can't feel a lot of difference between comfort mode and performance mode when drawing the bow - the difference is when holding the bow, especially when you already took a lot of shots and starting to get tired: in comfort mode any creeping is much easier to control, easier to let the bow down (important for 3D shooting) .... with all the other adjustment options the Reckoning is really a great bow ....a lot of $$$ but worth it IMO.

[@TimConnor13]

It’s a great bow!

[@kennethosborne6497]

Excellent compare/review ! I'm a target archer, confirms my initial untested impression re the new Bowtech Gen 2 . They certainly lead the way in ease of simple tunability to the point where now it's difficult to imagine any further features . I'm keen to test one myself.

[@elfidovigil3282]

I would’ve liked to see the Shootdown Pro added in here

[@TimConnor13]

Make a video with it!

[@ryanoneil6747]

Would have loved to see the elite verdict in this P.s 23k views only 9k subs come on guys let get his numbers up

[@TimConnor13]

Appreciate your support my dude

[@infirmi6440]

Yo your channel is gonna blow up. You got this

[@ghaugsness]

Bowtech Gen2 36 is pretty damn good with all the technology. As soon as you showed the bowtech, Bowtech will probably win!

[@MrRay645]

really great video, I shoot my target bow (39" a2a, long stabs with lots of weight and a longer brace height better than my normal hunting bow.... clearly better. I am amazed at how close really good archers are going back and forth between their hunting set ups and full blown target rigs (just dropping a few points) FYI I will blame TAC for it, but I recently built what I call a do it all bow (hybrid) Athens Vista 35, 18" front stab, 8" rear, slider sight, low let off. speedier than my target bow but still smooth easy to shoot over and over, super firm back wall but not libs stop.... nit picking I think I would want to try limb stops even though its super firm with cable stops. Doing MAF in Pa, TAC twice PA and Vermont, and Montage Archery Festival in PA.... going to be a good summer

[@greenbeanpro.3844]

Great video!! Just think you missed the best cross over bow, the pse shootdown pro

[@TimConnor13]

Thanks for the kind words, make a video about it.. I’d watch

[@mohawksniper79]

PSE is really kicking ass in competitions would love to see more of them. I know they are not selling at the price as the others but that's why a lot of people like them you get what you pay for unlike Matthews and Hoyt a lot is the name you're paying for.

[@gibsonlife573]

So proud of you bro it's only been a couple days and you jump 2000 scribers listen there's a sleeper right now and ss34 and holds just like my Reckoning 38

[@michaelkowalski5760]

Great video! Learned a lot from this video.

[@TimConnor13]

Thanks my dude

[@mikebarriga]

Right now I’m shooting a Phase 4 outfitted with my target bow furniture. My target bow was a TRX 38. The phase 4 bare bow was only 3 oz. lighter than the TRX. In my experience the TRX is more consistent. With my Mantis X I achieve a steadiness score of 96 or 97 constantly but I was able to hit a 98 with the Phase 4. Problem is that the next shot on the Phase 4 was a 94. My take away was that with a target bow you will find your “average” and with a hunting bow you simply have good shots and not so good shots. How much you practice determines the size of that window. Anyways, good video.

[@SpringRiverArchery]

Commenting for the algorithm!

[@Adamjmckay]

Super informative video.

[@NommyTox]

all in all, I'm sad that you weren't able to try the elite verdict. It's an amazing bow.

[@TimConnor13]

You should make a video about it

[@Makka316]

Yep Elite Verdict would have been a great inclusion. I believe Aron Synder from Kifaru hunted with one when the prototypes came out? I own one and it feels like it could be used for hunting - albeit I'm not a hunter (yet?)

[@douglasvaughn9530]

Good to see you look at other options besides Mathews. Mathews makes a nice bow but there are better options imo. It will be nice to see some unbiased reviews now that you don't have to shoot what the Elk Shape guys shoot.👍👍

[@ckkone]

Great content, I know lots of guys that hunt with “Target” bows.

[@mikefutrell4224]

Great vid. Glad to see you and Josh still tinkering around.

[@justtl5885]

Nice work, Toivo. Nice work. 👍🏻

[@TimConnor13]

Thanks TL ✊🤙

[@timbow50]

One of MY favorite all time hunting bow is the PSE EVOLVE 35. No problem in a tree or in a pop up. And it’s fast for me285fps, 460 grain @ 62#’s. Quiet and smooth draw. Tim, this is a really well done video for real. I am rooting for your new channel.

[@TimConnor13]

Thank you my dude 🙏

[@OHtard]

Solid choice. I love mine.

[@scottcoon905]

Love the content and how you are changing up what you are showing and the comparison on the bows and what you like. Give the camera guy a 5 too

[@leviglass871]

You don’t understand how tempted I am to fly out to y’all from southern Indiana and have Josh build be a reckoning 36 gen 2! That would be so damn cool!

[@TimConnor13]

Send me a message on IG if you’re serious about that

[@mathiasmair776]

Great review Tim. Would be great, if you could to another one for 2024, with the Prime RVX 36, the Mathews Title 36, the Reckoning Gen 2 36 as the winner from last year and maybe the Shootdown Pro from PSE ;-)

[@damianhartigan4]

I tend to agree with the idea of the hybrid bow. Other than size or needing crazy high speed. I see no reason why some target bows could not be used to hunt also. With more adjustability, better stability and smoothness. A more forgiving and acurate bow surely would be great to hunt with. I think the bowtech was the best choice. There is not a more adjustable and tunable bow out there. I belive it would be more than capable to hunt with too.

[@TimConnor13]

I feel this 🤙✊

[@damianhartigan4]

When iz the new bow build and set up comming... made keen

[@marlonorsburn4345]

Freaking cool video!! Really enjoyed it!

[@ernestroger3326]

I can only imagine what it must have cost to stock up all that inventory ! ? Incredible !

[@TimConnor13]

No doubt! He’s been hard at it for a while

[@dekutslive]

Great video 👊😎

[@TimConnor13]

Thank you dude ✊

[@TomWWood]

I love this comparison. Would love to see this with just for target bows. Specifically the bowtech reckoning gen2 39 and hoyt stratos 40. You'd be the first.

[@stevecrader3479]

Really happy to see the video's start rolling as fast as you did Tim, great job. Including the legendary MFJJ was a nice bonus as well. My "hybrid" went down a different alley! 🤣I setup one V3X 33 as a backup to my TRX40 for ASA season (same arrows, same draw weight), then it'll convert to backup for my "hunting" V3X 33. Some days I REALLY like doing target with my V3X more than my TRX, strange.

[@dustin.barrett]

Awesome idea for a video! Super excited to see how this build pans out.

[@mattgoin]

Bro that is my dream bow! Can't wait for the next video! Your the man.

[@mattshanks2604]

Bad ass video!! I loved the comparison and the hybrid hunting/target bow!!

[@mayhem035]

Awsome video, I am looking to buy a new high end 3d bow. Was looking at the bowtech ss34 and this rekoning 36 might be an option. As we have no reliable shops here, the adjustability that you can do on a bowtech without a bow press is cool.👊👌👍

[@ethanmcalpin8052]

These new videos and quality are insane love the target content!

[@SheepdogConservation]

Super cool I've always had bowtech's and really want to get one with the camlock technology! It is cool to now get to see even more sides of MFJJ than we would see on ElkShape too, honest win-win for everyone!!

[@tkodnz]

Time to try a new brand of hunting bow too!!!!

[@maverickg9296]

Will Dan be in any of your videos or will you be in anymore of his? Are you guys still friends and on good terms?