Editors' review
Hoyt has always been a serious target archer's bow, and the newly designed Hoyt Invicta 37 SVX is the next level of target archery for Hoyt. Hoyt offers a ton of colors, the comfortable modular grip, stabilizer mounting hole choices on the back of the shoot through riser, and speeds up to an ATA rated 330 feet per second with the SVX cam system and a 7-inch brace height. Everything about the Invicta 37 screams accuracy, and is a great axle-to-axle length for spot shooting and diehard 3D shooters alike. Literally anyone looking at a high end compound target bow should consider this new model from Hoyt. Although it is an awesome bow, the Invicta 37 SVX has an MSRP of $1899, which is serious cash for anyone, no matter how serious the archer is. Granted, many people at this level of competitive archery are getting equipment for free or reduced rates, but those buying this rig brand new will need to have a fairly large savings to dish out for the new bow.
Finish
Hoyt target colors are on point, both in how they look and the variety of options available. In any configuration, the limbs come blacked out, which does look nice in all color configurations, but it could add a little extra flair if the limbs were available in the same color options as well. Color choices include: Championship Red, Jet Black, Orange Torch, Electric Teal, Silver Ice, Rally Green, Gold Medal, Slate, Cobalt Blue, and Perfect Pink. Each of these finish options come in what Hoyt calls a Satin Finish, which has a bit of a glossier sheen, but truly looks phenomenal. The colors are popping and vibrant, but are not in your face or over the top in any way. Upon first glance, it is clear everything about the fit and finish on this bow is top notch. Hoyt spared no expense on delivering how this bow looks, but that cost is handed straight on to the consumer with the bare bow price of $1899.
Riser
The Invicta 37 has the shoot through tec riser design Hoyt has been known for from their target lineup for a long time. The Invicta riser happens to be the longest and most sturdy target riser Hoyt has ever created, and it is almost a 1/4-pound lighter than the previous Hoyt target lineup. The bare bow weight on the Invicta 37 SVX tips the scales at a reasonable 4.7-pounds. This fairly lightweight bow allows shooters to stack weight wherever they need it to help the pin settle down, without creating a boat anchor in the process. Hoyt also claims the Invicta has 48% less vibration than previous target models as well, which is a really huge cut and should make for a better shooting experience for shooters as well. The torque reducing cable guard and Stealthshot System both work to create a good shooting experience as well. The Stealthshot is a tried and true Hoyt design, and will eliminate unnecessary string vibration and help deaden the feeling transferred to the shooter's hand. The Torque reducing cable guard bar is an adjustable cable slide system, which gives shooters the ability to play with the angle of the slide as it connects with the cables. This will allow shooters with all types of different arrow and vane configurations the ability to fine tune their set up to a perfect tuning experience. The adjustments are easy to make, and have some markings for referencing the precise setting. The riser also integrates two rest mounting holes to make sure the arrow rest is securely fastened to the riser with less chance of moving from a bump on the range. Shooters are also free to use either of the rear facing stabilizer holes for a higher or lower bar location to fit shooter's needs. Although that is not too unique to Hoyt, they have also created a Hard Lock Rear Stabilizer Bracket, which will allow shooters to further lock down the bracket to make certain it is going to stay where shooters want it.
Grip
The Hoyt Invicta series target lineup receives a modular grip design, which allows shooters to swap out a rubber insert on the back of the grip to get the feeling they love. These grips have three angles, which include a 0, 4, and 8 degree offset. The grip also has varying thicknesses, which will allow shooters to fine tune their draw length in ⅛-inch increments along with the cam adjustments. This modular grip system is awesome in creating a perfect feeling grip to match the shooter's natural hand placement and perfect the draw length for the best accuracy and consistency possible. With all this integrated into the grip, the feeling is going to be great as well. The size is just about perfect for most shooters, and the angle and thickness adjustments will more than likely create the perfect grip shooters are looking for. Outstanding job from Hoyt creating a grip people can fine tune to meet their personal preferences, while also helping create a more personalized draw cycle. Maybe something like this can be carried over into the hunting lineup in the future?
Limbs
The split limbs on the Hoyt Invicta 37 SVX are available in a draw weight range of 30-70-pounds depending on the exact limb configuration shooters end up going with. The five options of maximum draw weights available include: 40, 50, 55, 60, and 70-pounds. The look and feel of the Hoyt limbs is similar in design to the hunting side of things, but specifically created for target models. The limbs are designed in a way to harness as much energy as possible, while still keeping things as noise and vibration free as possible. Although a target bow does not have as pressing of a need to be silent and vibration free as a hunting bow, it does make the bow feel a bit better to shoot when those things are considered. The pockets are the same zero tolerance strategy Hoyt has used for a while also. Hoyt has done target archery a long time, and the premier parallel target limb system used on the Invicta 37 lives up to the high standard of quality Hoyt shooters have grown to appreciate. The limbs, in combination with the rest of the Invicta technology has created a 47% quieter bow according to Hoyt test and produced marketing materials, which is a substantial amount considering the previous models were not terribly noisy themselves.
Eccentric System
The Invicta 37 model comes with two separate cam options depending on what shooters want. The SVX cam is the most popular amongst the pro staff shooters, and for great reason. This cam and a half system has draw length adjustments from 23.5-30-inches in half-inch increment adjustments. The SVX comes in four separate base cam models, and has a rotating modular system within each cam to further optimize the draw cycle and performance for every shooter no matter their set draw length. Cam number one has a draw range of 23.5-25.5, the number two cam is 26-27, the three cam is 27.5-28.5, and the four cam is 29-30-inches. The SVX cam has a hard back wall, and a set 65% let-off, and a little shorter valley when compared to the DCX version. This increased holding weight, and slightly smaller back wall will be sure to keep shooters fully engaged in the shot and properly pulling through in their execution. The speeds are decent as well considering the 7 1/4-inch brace height with an ATA rated velocity of 330 feet per second. The back wall can be adjusted to be a touch softer for those not wanting the solid back wall feel as well.
Draw Cycle/Shootability
The Invicta 37 SVX is a dream target bow for shooters desiring the typical higher holding weights. The riser is longer and lighter than previous models, which makes the Invicta 37 surprisingly light before accessories are added. This is not a bad thing, and will allow shooters to add more stabilizer weight, or just rock a lighter overall package. The cams draw well, settle nicely into the back wall, and has very minimal transitions to each section of the draw cycle. The valley is pretty short, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. The back wall right out of the box is firm, but there is a softer setting for shooters wanting to add a little bit of sponge to the back end. The rig holds on target really nicely as well. This can be fine tuned and even further eliminated with the stabilizers, but right out of the box it balances well and seems to stay on target pretty easily. After the arrow is shot, the bow is much quieter and has a lot less vibration than previous Hoyt target bows. It really is amazing how much different they feel from the previous model years with just a few changes. Overall, the shooting experience is a very pleasant one, and should fit the bill for the experienced target shooter.
Usage Scenarios
The Invicta 37 SVX model is unapologetically a competition bow. Although this model has amazing capability of being used for indoor spots and 3D shooting alike, the Invicta 37 has some really great appeal for those wanting one bow to do everything. If a shooter is interested in having a target model and a 3D bow, the 37 will more than likely be the bow of choice for 3D given the slightly smaller frame and slightly increased speed rating. It is highly unlikely this model will be used for anything outside of competitions, especially given the cost when compared to a hunting bow. However, in the rare case a shooter may want to hunt with this dedicated target rig, it could be used as a last resort, but there would be better models for a hunting bow within the Hoyt lineup.
Summary
An MSRP of $1899 is a ton of money to spend on any compound bow, regardless of the style of archery or brand. The Hoyt Invicta 37 SVX is expensive, and for some shooters may be really hard to justify. For others, having a Hoyt target bow designed to put shooters in the best possible position to win tournaments and prize money, the confidence and dependability from a really trusted company may be worth the cost. After the initial sticker shock, which again is a sizable amount, the Invicta 37 is an outstanding bow. There is a finish option for every shooter, the specifications allow shooters to use this model for indoor or 3D leagues, and the draw weight range puts this bow as a contender for anyone on the market for a high end target rig. There is a ton of technology packed into this model, a fair amount of customization to specifically match individual setups, and the modular grip are all areas providing shooters with a great overall experience. This model will more than likely not be a staple at the local bow shop to try out before buying. Shooters will more than likely need to trust Hoyt and the design team on hitting a homeroom, or attempt to attend a shoot where some models may be located to take a test shot with. As a true target bow, the Invicta 37 SVX has a great deal to offer the serious archer needing the edge to earn a few more points to get on more podiums.
