Hoyt Helix Ultra Review

Editors' review

The Helix Ultra is an outstanding hunting bow that has the ability to be used for any style of archery shooters may want to participate in. The 34-inch axle-to-axle measurement is a good compromise of having a sturdy riser compact enough for most hunting conditions. The finishes available look great on the aluminum riser, and the new Shock Pods make this rig one of the most vibration free bows Hoyt has ever created. In addition to this, the Helix Ultra has the brand new ZT Pro cam system delivering speeds up to 334 feet per second with let-off up to 85%. The Helix Ultra does weigh a fair amount tipping the scales at 4.6-pounds before accessories are added, but that weight does help shooters hold steady on target. The price tag is also a bit pricey for an aluminum riser model with an MSRP of $1199. However, these are pretty nitpicky cons to a bow that can do everything shooters demand of it.

Finish

The Hoyt Helix Ultra is available in 17 different finish options, which all look amazing on the aluminum riser. Those interested in target colors will appreciate Hoyts blackout riser with colored limbs available in purple, white, red, orange, green, or blue. There was a time with target colored rigs for Hoyt meant a colored riser, but the colored limbs is a cool look. For shooters wanting a hunting finish, there are many options to choose from including: Gore Optifade Elevated II or Optifade Subalpine, Kuiu Verde 2.0, Realtree Edge, and Under Armour Ridge Reaper Barren. For those wanting a limited edition series rig, Hoyt is offering the Cameron Hanes - Keep Hammering package and the Bone Collector models.

Riser

The aluminum risered series gets a longer axle-to-axle rig again for 2019. This 34-inch model is a true do it all bow with the ability to be used for every kind of shooting an archer would want to participate in. However, with a longer axel-to-axel also comes extra weight. the Helix Ultra tips the scales at a barebow weight of 4.6-pounds. Several years ago, this barebow weight would have been outrageous. However, in 2019, an over 4-pound bare weight is fairly typical. Most shooters are willing to tote around a couple extra ounces for the added stability and lack of hand shock after the arrow is released.The offset stabilizer mount continues to be a staple of the Hoyt rigs. However, a rear mounted stabilizer bushing is also included on the Ultra, which adds a benefit to the offset as well. The top of the riser also has a bit of a cage design as well, which strengthens up the riser even more. The brace height is 6 3/4-inches, which is pretty forgiving while still maintaining a decent amount of speed. As a bow able to be used for every style of shooting, the Helix riser is designed to handle anything skilled archers can demand from it. The Shock Pods are an added bonus of the riser design for 2019. There is an incorporated dampener added to the bottom of the riser where the pockets connect to keep vibration contained away from the shooters hand. The roller cable guard remains a stationary system like last year as well with the ZT Pro cam design causing no lean needing to be corrected with a flexible cable guard. The Stealthshot string stop system is brand new for 2019 as well to make sure the Helix Ultra is as quiet as any bow they have ever made.

Grip

The new X-Act grip gets a new shape and contours through some pretty significant research and development. The result is what staffers feel is the most well rounded grip offered from the Hoyt camp. The overall feel is slimmer and narrower than previous models, with a pretty flat back to keep the grip in the perfect spot for shooting. The new shape feels awesome, but going away from a wooden grip gives the bow a less premium look overall. From a feel and performance standpoint, the X-Act grip is outstanding. For comparison sake, the side plate Hoyt grips, the new grip will feel more similar to that than the one-piece wooden grip felt.

Limbs

Hoyt limbs have always been bulletproof, which is proven in the 1500 dry fire test and the million draw cycle tests. The split limbs are available in many configurations with the standard 10-pound increments. The maximum draw weights include 40, 50, 60, 65, 70, and 80-pounds. This range is one of the largest on the market, and to have the 65 and 80-pound maximum weights is outstanding for providing shooters the configuration they demand. The limb pockets are also redesigned, and provides the best securing mechanism from Hoyt to guarantee a firm connection point with no movement during the draw cycle. This zero tolerance design makes sure the Helix Ultra can withstand a great deal of abuse without being compromised.

Eccentric System

The ZT Pro cam is a sweet shooting system, although the technology remains unchanged from the 2018 models. The split cable, and removal of the yoke on the bottom cam eliminates any cam lean, and makes tuning exceptionally easy to do for anyone with a bow press. Although the main design points are unchanged from 2018, the cams feel entirely redesigned given the improved draw force curve. When paired with the Ultra's 6 3/4-inch brace height, the ZT Pro flings arrows an IBO rated 334 feet per second. Hoyt also stays with the two cam configurations on the ZT Pro as well. The first cam includes a draw length range of 27-30-inches, which is adjustable in half-inch increments without the need of a bow press. The second cam is offered in 29 all the way out to 32-inches, which can accommodate even the largest of shooters.The split cable system allows for the cams to be perfectly matched for side to side load, which eliminates cam lean. This design also eliminates the need for a flexible cable slide system, so Hoyt is able to simplify the roller guard because of the cam design. As a byproduct of all this engineering, the torque was minimized, while keeping the nock travel optimal. All in all, the ZT Pro cam creates a sweet shooting experience, combined with the highest let-off Hoyt has ever offered. Fans of Hoyt will love the improvements to the ZT Pro, and those coming from another model have a lot to love about the system too.

Draw Cycle/Shootability

The Helix Ultra is a perfect bow for doing anything shooters demand of it. The 34-inch axle-to-axle measurement allows a great deal of stability while holding on target, especially at longer distances, and the added weight is as close to perfect as it can be in regards to balance side to side and front to back. Although it does feel heavier than the carbon rig, the added stability is well received by most shooters. The draw cycle of the ZT Pro cams is improved from the 2018 Hoyt cams by virtually ever tester having shot both. The cams draw smoothly, have better weight distribution, and meshes extremely well with the higher let-off modules. After the shot, the Helix Ultra is amazing as well giving off virtually no felt vibration and very little noise, which confirms Hoyt's claim of producing the quietest hunting bow in their history. For those wanting a longer hunting bow, capable of doing all styles of shooting, the Helix Ultra is a welcomed addition to the Hoyt lineup for 2019.

Usage Scenarios

Every once in a while, a new bow comes to the market that can truly do more than it was designed to do. For 2019, the Hoyt Helix Ultra is that bow. Although it is a designed hunting bow, this rig can truly do anything thrown its way, and the specifications are pretty favorable for doing everything as well. From a bowhunting perspective, the Helix Ultra's 34-inch axle-to-axle measurement is relatively long. With that being said, the one inch shorter rig compared to the over 35-inch Double XL from last year is a bit closer to the sweet spot for most shooters. The Helix Ultra is a hunting bow, but shooters will be pleasantly surprised with its ability to do it all.

Hoyt Helix Ultra vs. Hoyt REDWRX Carbon RX-3 Ultra

Bow	Hoyt Helix Ultra	Hoyt REDWRX Carbon RX-3 Ultra
Version	2019	2019
Picture
Brace Height	6.75 "	6.75 "
AtA Length	34 "	34 "
Draw Length	27 " - 32 "	27 " - 32 "
Draw Weight	30 lbs - 80 lbs	30 lbs - 80 lbs
IBO Speed	334 fps	334 fps
Weight	4.6 lbs	4.1 lbs
Let-Off	80% - 85%	80% - 85%
Where to buy Best prices online	$699 to $900 Compare prices	$700 to $805 Compare prices
	compare more bows

Hoyt Helix Ultra and Hoyt REDWRX Carbon RX-3 Ultra are identical in paper specifications with the major difference being the riser material and the price tag. For many shooters, the price tag will be the major deciding factor, with the Helix Ultra being a much more favorable cost. However, there are other shooters, who will not return to an aluminum riser after owning a carbon rig. There may be more dual purpose ability with the aluminum risered Helix for those interested in one bow doing everything for the 2019 archery season as well. Both rigs are true upgrades from the 2018 offerings from Hoyt, and the size of the buyers budget will more than likely be the deciding factor of which bow each person decides to take home with them.

Summary

The Helix Ultra has the ability to be shot for the entire year as it makes for a great hunting rig, 3D bow, or perhaps even a spot bow for the right shooter. The color options are fantastic, and the aluminum risers look great in each pattern. The new grip is one of the best feeling grips from Hoyt, possibly ever according to early reviews, which is saying a lot considering how popular some of the other grips have been. The ZT Pro cam system has really nice draw cycle characteristics, with higher let-offs and faster speeds than any other cam system from Hoyt. With all the upgrades made to the Helix Ultra, those needing a new hunting bow who did not pull the trigger on a Hoyt last year have a harder decision this year. Even those upgrading their bow last year have a lot to consider based on everything that is better for 2019. However, the MSRP of $1199 is getting pretty pricey for an aluminum riser hunting bow; even if the new bow does have a long list of new parts and updated technology. From a shooting perspective, the Helix Ultra is a great rig, but some may not be willing to pay the expensive Hoyt premium.