2020 Target Bow Shootout: Mathews vs. Hoyt vs. Bowtech vs. Prime

[@thorout8377]

BOWTECH RECKONING all the way! Amazing bow...

[@billybobb1448]

Love your reviews! Really one of the few that sets the standard for testing.

[@HoldunReed]

LOVE that you've done a target bow comparison!! Please do more. I'm really interested in seeing how the 2023 Bowtech Reckoning 39 compares.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I just got the Hoyt Stratos in. Hoping to get one or two more target bows this year. Fingers are crossed.

[@iaincope5531]

Great choice. I am taking my Black 9 into the UK 3D Season this year and, fingers crossed, my Black 5 to the Total Archery Challenge in Utah next year!

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I still haven't tried a Total Archery Challenge event. One day I'll give it a shot.

[@ryanreynolds3679]

I didn’t really understand the deadlock cam system at first. Now I see why Gillingham talks them up so much, might have to check one out!

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I can't say enough good things about it. It's just works. And no running back and forth to the bow press...if you are lucky enough to have one.

[@thomasmn66]

I went with the Invicta, just can't beat those SVX cams for keeping you honest on the back wall. The bow is also super smooth!

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I really like the Invicta. My first experience with Spiral-style cams from Hoyt and I can't see myself going back. If I absolutely needed to shoot a 10 and only had one arrow to do it, the Invicta would probably be the bow I'd choose.

[@xBobby]

Always amazing reviews, thank you for continuing to keep up the great content.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Ray Yarberry Thabks for watching

[@sametelvan6567]

ArcheryTalk is mathews vxr good for beginners?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

@@sametelvan6567 I think it's a good bow for anybody, but I'm not sure I'd recommend a expensive, flagship level bow to a beginner. It's a lot of money to spend if you decide you don't really like archery. But if that is not an issue, then yes, this a great hunting bow. If you are just interested in target archery, I'd have some different suggestions.

[@sametelvan6567]

ArcheryTalk Thank alot What is the your suggestions ?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

@@sametelvan6567 For a target bow or a hunting bow?

[@franka7691]

Thanks for this video. I can't wait to see your upcoming 2021 video. Could you please make a video reviewing more affordable models of target compound bows?

[@mdayne1142]

I would love to see some reviews on the Martin Anax and Nxt target bows. They are making a comeback.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I tested a Martin target bow maybe three years ago. Tried to reach out the past couple of years, but they don't seem interested.

[@qaswara76]

Great video

[@TORREX-A.D.]

My Invicta chipped horribly the first day I had it. I got the cheap powder coat

[@xlcenturion]

i like so much archery

[@nopaincrossfit3436]

I really enjoy your videos and I think you’re doing great things for the sport! I would love to see a Hoyt Altus vs. Invicta 37, 3D purpose comparison.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I’d love to get an Altus in. Will certainly try.

[@outdoorlifewithdougb]

Enjoy your reviews and info sharing. I was just wondering if you've ever did a review of any of the APA bows?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I reviewed an APA hunting bow a few years ago - the Mamba 34TF. I like a lot of the features on that bow, but had some trouble with the string stretching.

[@asrealasitgets765]

In pointing out unique features, he seemed to not mention the one's on the Prime Black 9. The Parallel cams, Centered grip, & Flexis AR cable guard do more for performance & tuning than any of the other 3 in the comparison.

[@5jjt]

Non of the attributes you mentioned help the owner tune the bow.

[@asrealasitgets765]

@@5jjt You definitely need to educate yourself on the fundamentals & tuning process of a compound bow. Both the Parallel cams & the Flexis AR attribute to eliminating cam lean. Which is the # 1 contributor to tuning issues.

[@sethedwards1757]

I'd love to see you review some Darton bows. So underrated.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Seth Edwards Darton has never returned any of my emails. I’ve stopped sending them, as I don’t want to pester brands. If any bow brands want to take part, I am very reachable.

[@jasonnester9514]

See I like that on prime u have to remove solid shims to tune less moving parts and each prime bow comes with a ship kit

[@maxjordan8484]

I have a trx 36 and I have noticed that most long draw shooters can’t shoot it that well

[@hannibalthe1st565]

Help! I need a new compound bow. What's the best hunting bow I can get for a budget for a beginner? I have a 26 inch draw.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

The PSE Brute would be a good place to start.

[@hannibalthe1st565]

@@ArcheryTalkVideo what about bear bows? I'm willing to spend 600

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

@@hannibalthe1st565 I haven't shot a Bear bow in a few years, but the will definitely have some good options for you at that price point. The draw length on the last Bear I shot ran quite long, so just make sure you find with with enough draw length range.

[@Sertao2013]

Would you go back in time and do a target bow shootout for the year 2013 . I would like to get the best target bow for that year because the prices of the bows that were 1,500 + new are now selling in the 500.00 range and thats about all I can afford for local shooting matches for fun .

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Go find a Bowtech Fanatic 3.0, PSE Supra, or Hoyt Pro Comp Elite. You can find all of those for $300-500. All are outstanding.

[@vedang_vertHX]

This is the video humanity neded

[@ujjawal..720]

Bro is richer then😂 😢

[@danielfetchak1865]

How long have you been shooting competition archery do you think technology has reached it's peak?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I am a decent local shooter - not a high level national/international archery competitor. So I think this question is better directed to one of the pros. As for my two cents on the topic - I think the bows I've shot the past couple of years are better than the ones I shot 5-6 years ago. Just not by a lot. Evolution has been slow.

[@danielfetchak1865]

Thank You 😊

[@john4141]

Fantastic review as always! I have a Prime CT9. How do you think the draw cycle and accuracy compares to the Black 9? Worth the upgrade?

[@scatpack1381]

Prime seems like a good choice but for the ease of tunability. I think the BowTech would work for me. Great review.👍

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

If money was no object, I'd be torn between the Bowtech and Hoyt. But the Prime being $500-650 less is hard to ignore. That's a lot of leftover money for arrows.

[@scatpack1381]

@@ArcheryTalkVideo that's true you have a point. I was just thinking maybe for a used bow. It might be a good deal.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

@@scatpack1381 Agreed. I imagine you can already find all of these used.

[@ultimatejay]

You never have to shim Primes- at least I haven’t

[@TheCompoundBowHunter]

What type of scope sight magnification do you use on especially indoor and outdoor target ranges? Would you normally have been able to take/make the same shots without scope lens magnification from 50 all the way to 100 yards?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I use a 6X scope for most everything except for 3D, where I prefer a larger 4X scope. But I’ve found my scores to be comparable between 4/6 magnification with a variety of scope sizes.

[@TheCompoundBowHunter]

@@ArcheryTalkVideo Do you prefer a brand type of scope sight with lenses

[@TheCompoundBowHunter]

@@ArcheryTalkVideo reason why I ask I have just made an order purchase 8 - 10 week waiting time here in Australia for a VRX 31.5 stone going through the motions and decisions on the add-ons especially for a new sight as i currently would like a stronger built sight leaning towards a React one pro, React trio pro or hotwire. Any thoughts?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

For a hunting bow, I wound not use magnification. I’ve got some react sites are they work well. But if I needed one sight that needed to last, I’d go with Back Gold. Awesome products.

[@emmax60]

Nice review

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Thank you.

[@kccrosston9544]

Where’s Elite ?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

I ask every year. The past two years they said they'd send me one for testing. Have yet to receive one.

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

Out of all these I chose,....the.... PSE NXT 31.

[@ultimatejay]

That’s not even a target bow 🤦‍♂️

[@tyskinner6952]

Next comparison video removed the string dampeners from the Matthews or add them to the other Bows . That is a comparison...

[@tyskinner6952]

Hand shock in the mathews with out monkey tails...

[@lisaclark7603]

Elite Rezult??

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

Elite was supposed to send me some bows for testing this year, but I didn't hear from them after COVID hit.

[@lisaclark7603]

Thanks for responding, I always enjoy your reviews. Keep up the good work.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

@@lisaclark7603 Thanks for watching.

[@Stayhard21]

Sir give away ???

[@xoshooter]

Are there any mid-level 3D/target bows? Or am I left to use a hunting compound? $1200 is still a fair amount of money with no accessories. Maybe in this category of bows it’s all or nothing? Maybe I’m asking the wrong question?!?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

There are some options, but this category is a little thin. As target bows don't hold their value very well, a lot of folks buy used. For example, you can get the last generation Hoyt target bow for around $600 right now in the ArcheryTalk classifieds. But if you want new (and the dealer support that comes with it), here are some options. Athens Peak 38 ($900), PSE Lazer ($800), Bowtech Specialist II ($750), Bear Revival ($700). There may be others, but that is what comes to mind.

[@xoshooter]

@@ArcheryTalkVideo Thanks for the fast reply! Will look at those. Don’t have enough posts yet for the classifieds but also still too new and probably need full dealer support. I’m in NYC area so it’s a little thin. Lancaster is a pretty good drive but may be worth it.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

@@xoshooter Using a local dealer is definitely the best choice when possible. I have no idea about any NYC dealers, though. Good luck.

[@colindearing1770]

Mathews💪🏻💪🏻

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

As much as I loved the TRX 38, the 36 and I have not really gotten along yet. It's bugging me, as I can't figure out exactly why.

[@marcusadler3079]

@@ArcheryTalkVideo great review! I can’t get along with my trx36 either.... I think Im going to change to a bowtech reckoning 38. Im a target shooter.

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

@@marcusadler3079 You could do worse than the Reckoning. It's a great bow. It's been a few months since I shot this video, but the Hoyt Invicta has really taken over for me. It's the one I reach for most of the time now, though the Reckoning is the one I have set up for indoor (fat arrows).

[@marcusadler3079]

@@ArcheryTalkVideo thanks! What is the big differences between Invicta and Reckoning in your opinion? Do you have Invicta 40 or 37? Svx or Dcx?

[@ArcheryTalkVideo]

@@marcusadler3079 I've got the Invicta 37 SVX. I wouldn't say it's better than the Reckoning 38. Both bows are outstanding. I just tend to reach for the Invicta more these days. I've beat some personal bests with it, so I want to shoot it more. Something about that SVX cam keeps me pulling through the shot a little more consistently than I normally do. That said, if I put the Reckoning in performance mode and bring the draw stops in further, I'm sure I could get a similar feel out of the Reckoning. Those moveable draw stops are a huge bonus.

[@sgtcaboose5407]

I've heard the same critique from you about Mathews with pretty much every video I've seen you do about a Mathews bow. " A top hat kit should come with the bow." You should be able to fix most tuning issues though with the factory included top hats. The factory included top hats come with a thin top hat and a thick one already installed on each cam, shimming the cam to one side of the axle or the other. By simply flipping the factory included top hats on one or both cams, you can correct a wide range of paper tears. The included top hats should be more than capable of correcting most tuning issues. Generally if you need to use other top hats it's most likely an issue with form, i.e. Excessive face pressure or excessive grip torque.

[@jasonnester9514]

Bows are becoming soooooo expensive

[@joshpitts7256]

Hoyt