Editors' review
The Hoyt Ignite is new to the 2014 lineup. This rig is built on an aluminum riser with parallel split limbs, and the new Ignite Cam System that provides a ton of adjustability. With 28" ATA, 8" brace height, up to 30" draw length, and up to 70# draw weight, this bow will be with the shooter for as long as they wish. This bow was designed to grow with the archer, and will definitely fit the bill.
Finish
This rig comes in three standard hunting colors: Realtree Xtra, Realtree Max-1, and Blackout. For those looking for a little more variety, the bow can be ordered with a black riser and Realtree limbs, or a special Michael Waddell Bone Collector color pattern.
Risers/Limb
The foundation of this rig is the machined aluminum Tec riser. The Tec riser has a truss that runs down the riser behind the bow hand. This in turn makes the riser a little wider at its widest point than most other bows and helps reduce torque and enhances center shot. This also allows the aluminum to be machined thinner without losing any strength while absorbing more vibration and shock than the standard style riser. The Ignite comes with a pair of parallel ZR125 split-limbs that allow the bow to be very adjustable; 15# - 70# draw weight, without having to change limbs. The max draw weight is dependent on the draw length and the limb bolt adjustments. These limbs do provide a stable shot, although they are a little stiff. The draw weight is determined by a combination of the limb bolt adjustment and the draw length. The draw weight can be adjusted in a range of approximately 15# at each draw length, with the max weight of 70# only achievable at 30." The limb bolt can be turned out a maximum of eight turns allowing for the 15# adjustability.
Other Components
The bare bow package is exactly that...bare. It comes with the riser, limbs, low-torque grip, and the standard cable guide. The bow can be purchased with an Ignite Package that includes FUSE ProFire 3-pin site, FUSE Vector 4-arrow Quiver, and a Whisker Biscuit Arrow Rest. It can also be ordered with a Ready to Hunt Package for an additional $150 - $200.
Eccentric System
Hoyt uses the new Ignite Cam System, which gives this bow the vast range of adjustability. The rotating modules are used to adjust the draw length in one inch increments from 19" - 30" to fit almost every shooter. This is done simply by removing the screws that secure the rotating module, sliding the module into place, and tightening the screws back in place. The owner of this rig must realize that the maximum draw weight will be directly affected by the draw length. For instance, the max draw weight at 19" is 35# while the minimum draw weight at 30" is 48#.This cam system is said to give the shooter a respectable 300 fps, but don't be surprised if it doesn't produce quite that much. It will, however, come close at max draw weight and length. The speed of this bow will be based on the relation of the adjustments.
Draw Cycle/Shootability
This bow has a decent draw cycle but not the best. It has a stiff draw cycle (relative to the draw weight) with a little bounce at the back wall since it does not have a draw stop, and will be felt regardless of the draw weight. The experienced archer will initially find this bow is not very good for hunting because of the perceived awkwardness of the draw cycle, but can be easily persuaded otherwise after a few shots. It is a good training bow for the beginner, because it forces the shooter to use proper back tension techniques.The bow is surprising to shoot, especially to those experienced shooters, because it is quiet and accurate. It has a decent draw cycle, and once they overcome the "bounce" at the back wall, it does have respectable speed when adjustments are maxed out, but it is still slower than average by modern bow speeds. The bow is quiet, and has minimum vibration. It is also accurate. These traits make it a good bow for the young shooter to grow with.
Silencing Package
The Ignite is quiet out of the box and comes with no additional silencing features. Because this rig is designed as a beginners bow, it does not need any real silencing beyond those inherent in the design of the bow. For those shooters with a little more experience, and are a little older, adding some additional components would be a good idea, to include a stabilizer to eliminate any residual vibration and noise.
Grip
The grip on this rig is a one-piece composite bow grip. It is a little smaller to fit smaller hands, and has a low-torque quality that enhances the constancy and accuracy of the shot. Comparisons[VS]hoyt-ignite,diamond-infinite-edgeThe Hoyt Ignite is a beginner's bow designed to grow with the shooter. This design is a lot like the Diamond Infinite Edge. Both bows are very adjustable, and both are touted as "the last bow you will have to buy." The Diamond offers an additional 10# draw weight adjustment, and six more inches of draw length than the Hoyt, along with an extra 10 fps. Both are adjustable using rotating modules, making them easily adjusted.The Diamond has a more solid back wall and can be fine-tuned by using the draw stop. Both of these bows provide good speed respective of the draw length, and are pretty smooth for the shooter. As advertised, they are both versatile and will grow with the shooter and last a long time. The Hoyt retails for $299 bare bow, while the Diamond retails for $349 in the same package.
Usage Scenarios
This rig was designed for the young archer, and to grow with them. It is designed to start as a target bow as the young archer learns about technique and shooting in general. It can grow with the shooter and move from basic target shooting to the 3D course and even to a hunting blind or stand. This bow will definitely grow, and move, with the shooter.
Value
This bow is new to the Hoyt lineup for 2014 and is very adjustable and will grow with the shooter. It also has an affordable price tag of $299 for the bare bow package. It can also be purchased in a Ready to Hunt package for an additional $100 - $150, but it is not necessary as an entry level bow.
Summary
The Hoyt Ignite is a new bow in the 2014 lineup. It was introduced to provide a more economical avenue for young shooters to get involved in archery and grow with them so they don't have to buy new bows every couple of years. This rig will be with the shooter for years. Although this bow is an entry-level rig, it offers the shooter decent speed, and excellent accuracy at any draw weight and length. It is easy to shoot from the lowest draw weight and the shortest draw length, all the way up to the maxed out specs.This rig is very economical and is a good beginner bow. With a 28" ATA, an 8" brace height, and only 3.6 pounds of mass, it will fit almost any shooter looking to break into archery. With the ease of adjustability, this is a good vow to start on.
