Hoyt Carbon Matrix Review
from $450
Pros
- One of the best shooting bows in 2010
- Modular-adjustable eccentric system
- Very lightweight bow
- Well balanced
- Draw cycle is very smooth
- One of the quietest bows
Cons
- Expensive
- Could be a bit faster
Video
content from YouTube
Editors' review
The Carbon Matrix is an extremely quiet bow with excellent shooting characteristics. While it's not the cheapest bow out there, its innovative design and proven technologies make it one of the best bows in 2010.
Riser
With the new and innovative carbon riser, the Carbon Matrix is an extremely quiet and lightweight bow. This high-tech, hollow carbon tube riser is crafted to stand out from typical aluminum risers on other rigs. It's designed to deliver great performance without much noise, shock, and vibration. As noted by many shooters, even a bare Carbon Matrix is dead in the hand. Also, this design allowed Hoyt engineers to significantly reduce the overall mass weight of the bow. At 35 inches from axle to axle, this rig weighs only 3.8 lbs. Experts say you can put the extra weight anywhere you want to achieve better balance and hold.Limbs
Another interesting enhancement introduced by Hoyt in 2010 is the new XTS laminated limbs engineered using Hoyt's new ARC Limb technology. Capable of exceptional bend, the new limbs are designed to go to past parallel angles at full draw. The limbs are highly pre-loaded and therefore help to reduce recoil and increase speeds. Due to this design, they act in opposition to each other to reduce vibration, shock, and noise.Eccentric system
The power for the Carbon Matrix is the XTR Cam & 1/2 eccentric system capable of generating IBO speeds of up to 318 fps. The draw length can be adjusted from 27 to 31 inches in 1/2 inch increments without using a bow press. Actually, there are two cams: the XTR2 cam covers a range of 27" to 29", and the XTR3 cam is used to adjust the draw length from 29" to 31". Also, with adjustable draw stops, you can choose the type of valley you prefer.Draw cycle / Shootability
A lot of shooters strongly agree the Carbon Matrix is a great shooter. Not only is this rig extremely smooth to draw, but it also has a firm back wall, it's balanced very well, and is extremely quiet on the shot. Admittedly, it's a great shooting bow from the start of the draw cycle until releasing the arrow. Experts agree, this is one of the best shooting bows in 2010.Quietness and vibration
We were overwhelmed with the amount of feedback indicating that even a bare Carbon Matrix is dead in the hand and has little to no vibration and hand shock. With the innovative riser design and high quality limbs, this rig is one of the quietest bows out there.Carbon Matrix vs Maxxis 35
| Bow | Hoyt Carbon Matrix | Hoyt Maxxis 35 |
| Version | 2013 (G3 cam) | 2011 (XTR Cam) |
| Picture |  |  |
| Brace Height | 6.75 " | 7 " |
| AtA Length | 35 " | 35 " |
| Draw Length | 25.5 " - 31 " | 27 " - 31 " |
| Draw Weight | 30 lbs - 80 lbs | 40 lbs - 90 lbs |
| IBO Speed | 327 fps | 318 fps |
| Weight | 3.8 lbs | 4.2 lbs |
| Let-Off | 75% | 75% |
| Where to buy Best prices online | ||
| compare more bows | ||
While some archers say the Carbon Matrix is almost identical to the Maxxis 35 and is too expensive, others insist it's a better shooting bow and is worth every penny. Although the majority of technologies and specs are exactly the same, the Carbon Matrix has a few advantages. With its innovative carbon riser, this bow is slightly smoother, quieter, lighter, and has a warmer feel.When it comes to justifying the price, it really is up to you. If you are on the budget, the Hoyt Maxxis 35 will be a better choice because it's almost as good as the Carbon Matrix. On the other hand, if money is not an issue and you want to get a better shooting bow the Carbon Matrix might be a better option.