Hoyt Klash Review
from $500
Pros
- Lightweight at 3.5lbs bare bow
- Extremely Adjustable DL and DW
- Inexpensive for performance
Cons
- Slow with an IBO of 300 fps
- Shallow valley in draw cycle
Video
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Editors' review
Hoyt Archery has been known for producing high quality compound bows since its start in 1931. In recent years, the trend has thrived towards highly adjustable and extremely efficient models, designed to grow with the beginning archer; the all new Klash sets the standard higher than the rest. With a modest 300 fps IBO rating at 70lbs, highly adjustable draw length and draw weight settings, and a low price point at $429 with the accessory package, this is a bow to check out for 2017.
Finish
The Klash is available in many color options from the factory. In their "Shred" target options, this bow features a black riser, cams, and limb pockets, and the limbs and strings are accented in any of the following six colors: red, purple, yellow, green, blue, and orange. For hunting, an archer can choose a fully blacked out setup, a Realtree Xtra camo version, and even two Vixcen versions with either pink or purple accented Fuse strings.Riser
Along with a whole new look for 2017, the Klash features a machined Tec-lite aluminum riser with a dozen cutouts to both minimize weight and maintain stiffness. As one of Hoyt's preliminary features, the bridged riser allows for hand bracing and added structural support near the central axis of the bow. Featuring a short 28" axle-to-axle and a reduced 7" brace height, this compound is built with the beginner in mind, which in turn makes it excel in limited treestand applications.Limbs
With two near parallel, split limb options built from their ZR 200 composite, the archer gets a choice of a 50# or 70# max draw weight. Although both limbs can be decompressed for shooting down to 15#, the lighter limbs will be more efficient at their max draw weight compared to turning down the heavier limbs multiple turns; this introduces slack in the strings and reduces arrow speed and valley in the draw cycle significantly.Grip
This bow features a slim molded grip that is both aesthetic at it is comfortable in the hand. Although a bit "blocky", it allows for good placement in the palm. If it isn't working for a new archer, they have the option to switch it out to any of Hoyt's Pro-fit grip designs and colors available.Eccentric System
Based off of the Ignite cam system, the new Klash Cam not only maintains the 11" of draw length adjustment by a press-free rotating module, but incorporates a larger string-actuated draw stop surface to stiffen the feel of the back wall. Adjustable from 18" to 29", it fits most draw lengths from young, smaller individuals all the way to regular framed adults. Although it only is rated to reach a mere 300 fps at its max draw weight and draw length, this bow still would generate enough kinetic energy for target, backyard 3D shooting, and close-distance hunting. Similarly, this cam system features a standard 75% letoff like many other models on the market.Draw Cycle/Shootability
With the extreme range of adjustability, the Klash puts on many different personas when adjusted to various specifications. When the draw weight and length were each lowered significantly from their max positions, the draw cycle was noticeably less optimized, with a short valley and a fairly rough initial pull. However, closer to or at the maximum specs, the draw cycle was as it should be for a compound at this pricepoint, with a generous valley, nice initial pull, and firm back wall. The very wide split limbs allow for stability at the shot, even though the somewhat smaller axle-to-axle gives a bit more room for aiming error. The 3.5lb mass is quite pleasant to shoot with, and allows for archers to place weight in the front (or back) depending on their shooting style without making the bow too heavy to shoot many arrows with it repeatedly. Overall, with it properly adjusted and at a higher setting, the draw cycle was on par with its counterparts.Silencing Package
Although modestly quiet out of the box, likely due to its somewhat average speed output, much more can be done to reduce the sound output of the Klash. From limb, riser, and guide rod dampeners to string silencers and suppressors, lots of options are available that also customize the look and improve the vibration output on this bow.Comparison
| Bow | Hoyt Klash | Hoyt Ignite |
| Version | 2020 | 2016 |
| Picture |  |  |
| Brace Height | 7 " | 8 " |
| AtA Length | 28 " | 28 " |
| Draw Length | 18 " - 29 " | 19 " - 30 " |
| Draw Weight | 15 lbs - 70 lbs | 15 lbs - 70 lbs |
| IBO Speed | 300 fps | 300 fps |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs | 3.6 lbs |
| Let-Off | 75% | 75% |
| Where to buy Best prices online | ||
| compare more bows | ||
Compared to its predecessor, the Hoyt Ignite, the Hoyt Klash has some definite noticeable improvements to mention. Along with the newly styled and redesigned riser, the engineers at Hoyt gave this compound a new cam system with a much more solid draw stop, improving the feel of this bow at the back wall; this was the answer to the largest issue of the Ignite. Similarly, the brace height was reduced by an inch to keep the speed in check, and a tenth of a pound was removed, likely just by the design of the new riser. Although an archer could likely find the older, more forgiving Ignite at a cheaper price, the Klash does provide a lot of new features that affect both performance and appearance, and it rivals many other compounds in its $400 price range.