Hoyt Alphamax 35 Review
from $574.99
Pros
- lightweight and well balanced bow with durable limbs
- very quiet and has little hand shock
- draw length can be adjusted without using a bow press
- has a smooth draw cycle and a solid back wall
Cons
- could be a bit faster
Video
content from YouTube
Editors' review
Having overhauled almost all their existing technologies, in 2009 Hoyt engineers brought the quality of their bows to the next level by introducing the new Alphamax 35. This bow is equipped with a lot of new and innovative solutions including the TEC LITE riser, ZT lock pocket system, XTR & 1/2 cam, and XTS 500 limbs.
Riser
The new TEC Lite riser looks similar to its 2008 predecessor but is much lighter. It is also slimmer, has more cuts, and absorbs shock effectively. Made from aluminum and machined into shape, the TEC Lite riser is very stable and significantly contributes to reducing the overall bow weight to 4.1 lbs.Balance, quietness, and vibration
The Alphamax 35 is a lightweight bow with minimal jump and vibration as proved by tests conducted by many archers. Having explored a lot of Alphamax reviews, we confirm that this is a very well balanced bow that sits nicely in the hand.Limbs-to-riser connection
Another technological improvement is the new ZT (Zero Tolerance) Lock Pocket system that connects the limbs to the riser. This pocket system was completely redesigned by Hoyt engineers to make this crucial connection as tight as possible. As a result, the Alphamax 35 offers improved accuracy and better consistency.Grip
The 180 Pro-Fit Custom grip system is another improved component on the Alphamax 35. This fully laminated one piece grip received a lot of great feedback from archers and is designed to further increase accuracy and deliver consistent shots.Limbs
At 5/8" wide, the new XTS 500 limbs are very light and durable. Made of a five layer laminated material, the limbs are designed to reduce the overall bow weight even further. While lightweight bows are something many hunters are very excited about, it's not always a good idea to reduce limbs weight to achieve this goal. This is because light limbs, when not designed properly, can affect durability significantly. The lightweight limbs on this rig are not a problem though. In fact, the new XTS limbs are extremely durable due to a very robust technology used by Hoyt to address this technological challenge. The results of tests carried out by Hoyt engineers clearly indicate that the new limbs can survive a minimum of 1000 dry fires at 80 lbs draw weight and 30" draw length.Eccentric system
Another design change includes the new XTR & 1/2 eccentric system that was introduced by Hoyt in 2009. This modular cam system does not require a bow press to change draw lengths from 27 to 31 inches. However, it has two different cams. The XR2 cam is used to adjust draw length from 27" to 29", while the XR3 cam covers a range of 29.5 to 31 inches. In addition, this eccentric system has adjustable draw stops meaning you can choose the type of valley you prefer. The bearings on the Alphamax 35 cams are sealed to protect the rig from rain, mud, and outside dirt.Draw cycle and shootability
Experts say the Alphamax 35 offers great shootability with little jump and hand shock. A lot of shooters also agree that the new XTR cam system delivers smooth and consistent draw cycle. They note that this bow has a very solid back wall and can be easily held at full draw. Although there is no absolutely quiet bow, the Alphamax 35 is one of the top rigs in this respect. It does have a little vibration that can be eliminated by installing a stabilizer.Hoyt Alphamax 35 Bone Collector edition
Some people ask what the difference is between the standard Alphamax 35 and Alphamax 35 Bone Collector edition. The main difference is that the latter has a camo riser and black limbs. This new edition was born with the help of a successful show called "Bone Collector" that is run by Michael Waddell. The Bone Collector edition also has Michael's signature on the limbs. These are the only differences between the two bows.Other recommendations
| Bow | Hoyt Alphamax 35 | Hoyt Alphamax 32 | Hoyt Maxxis 35 |
| Version | 2010 (XTR Cam) | 2010 (XTR Cam) | 2011 (XTR Cam) |
| Picture |  |  |  |
| Brace Height | 7 " | 7 " | 7 " |
| AtA Length | 35 " | 32 " | 35 " |
| Draw Length | 27 " - 31 " | 26 " - 30 " | 27 " - 31 " |
| Draw Weight | 40 lbs - 80 lbs | 40 lbs - 80 lbs | 40 lbs - 90 lbs |
| IBO Speed | 316 fps | 321 fps | 318 fps |
| Weight | 4.1 lbs | 3.9 lbs | 4.2 lbs |
| Let-Off | 75% | 75% | 75% |
| Where to buy Best prices online |
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If you have a shorter draw length, or prefer bows with shorter axle-to-axle length, have a look at the Hoyt Alphamax 32 bow. Built using exactly the same technologies, the Alphamax 32 has a shorter 32" AtA length and is adjustable from 26 to 30 draws. It's a bit faster though (321 fps) compared to the Alphamax 35 (316 fps). Alternatively, if you are not on budget consider getting the Hoyt Maxxis 35 that is considered to be the Alphamax's successor and features nearly identical specs.