Hoyt Nitrum 30 Review

Editors' review

The newly designed Nitrum 30 offset riser provides a stiff platform for those wanting a short axel-to-axel bow. The Zero Torque Cable Guard System adds a new degree of tunability minimizing cable-induced torque placed on the riser while the bow is drawn. The Z5 cam is unchanged from 2014, and although a pleasure to shoot, but at 332 feet per second, it may not produce the speeds many are interested in. The overall mass comes in at 3.9-pounds, and the 30-inch axel-to-axel measurement is what many want out of a hunting bow. Overall, the Hoyt aluminum series bow will meet the demands of any hunter wanting a new compact rig for hunting and willing to pay the price for a flagship model from a giant in the archery industry.

Finish

The Hoyt Nitrum 30 is a hunting bow, but it is being offered in tons of color options for those not wanting one of the traditional camo patterns. All patterns look great and can be paired with a color kit for a more individualized look. It is nice to see a large variety of offerings from Hoyt in this department. RealTree has been the brand of choice for Hoyt's finish for a long time now, and it continues to be this way for 2015. RealTree Xtra, RealTree Max 1, Realtree AP Snow, and RealTree AP Pink are all offered for 2015. In addition to this, shooters can go all black with the black out option, or mix black and camo to have the riser and the limbs finished differently. Hoyt has also released the brand new Harvest Brown color, which looks pretty great as well when paired with RealTree camo coated limbs. Hoyt also offers special packages with unique graphics for the Bone Collector edition, the Vixcen edition, and the American Heritage look. In addition to the different finish options, Hoyt also offers the rubber dampeners in color kits as well, and the one-piece wooden grip to match. The dampener colors are available in black, blue, green, orange, pink, purple, red, white, and yellow.

Riser

Hoyt claims this years aluminum riser is the strongest, stiffest, most advanced riser they have produced. It also includes two really neat designs that are sure to create a more shootable, more accurate platform in the long run. The Nitrum 30 is a shorter bow, but the longer riser design helps make it feel a bit more sturdy while holding on target. The axel-to-axel measurement plays a role in the feel of a bow, but the length of the riser factors into the equation as well, and it is often overlooked. Although not new for 2015, the perfect balance stabilization system is a really great feature from Hoyt. Sights, rests, and quivers are all added to the same side of the bow, and although none of the accessories are very heavy on their own, when all added together, there is a substantial amount of weight added to one side of the bow. Add arrows and broad heads, and the sight level can be tough to keep in the middle while at full draw without fighting it get it centered. The offset front stabilizer hole helps counter this side load and helps with vertical balance making it easier to keep the level centered. This mounting hole is also located directly in front of the Stealthshot string stop system off the back of the riser, which will also help transfer the strings vibration to the stabilizer instead of the riser and the shooter's hand. There are three main changes to the riser design for 2015, the Offset Riser Structure, the Cage, and the Zero Torque Cable Guard System. Each adds strength and stiffness, but when combined in the same package, the Hoyt Tec Lite Riser Design becomes one of the best aluminum risers Hoyt has ever made. The Offset Riser Structure is located at the top of the riser above where the sight is mounted. It features a widened tunnel and a slight angle to place the string toward the centerline of the bow. In addition to this, it also stiffens the riser and lessens the torque from the cables being drawn. The Cage located at the bottom of the riser is a page from the Hoyt target series bows. This is something they have done in tournament archery before, but the first time it has been added to a hunting bow. Again, the cage stiffens up the riser and helps minimize the effect torque has when placed on the riser. It also adds a pretty unique look to the bow as well. Despite the extra aluminum used to create the new riser, it still tips the scales at a lightweight 3.9-pounds.The final new addition to the riser is the Zero Torque Cable Guard System. As the bow is drawn, the cable guard pulls in toward the arrow. This moving piece minimizes the torque normally transferred to the riser by allowing the cable to pull toward the arrow, which it is normally restricted from doing. Although this does not necessarily feel any different in the draw force curve, the results with improved accuracy will be appreciated.

Grip

The Nitrum 30 comes with four unique grip choices from the factory, with the one-piece wooden grip being the most seen option in pro shops. Hoyt also offers side plates as well for those wanting a slimmer feel. It is hard to give a review on the grip because the four configurations are all different in how they feel, and meet the needs of different shooters and what they prefer. Each of the grips are designed to match what shooters want as a personal preference and help with placing the grip hand in the proper spot time after time. Those wanting a more customized look can also purchase a color kit with the grip matching the color chosen for the rubber dampeners in the AirShox and the Shock-Rods.

Limbs

Hoyt has done a great job making the Nitrum meet the demands of just about every size shooter within the draw length range. With 50 pounds of adjustment, the Nitrum 30 has six different maximum poundage limb choices each adjustable by about ten pounds below that maximum number. Draw weights are offered in 40, 50, 60, 65, 70, and even 80-pounds. It is nice to see the 30-40 pound limbs, which will allow lightweight draw shooters the option to own a high-end bow. 65-pound limbs have become increasingly popular as well because it hits the sweet spot many shooters prefer while still allowing them to bottom out their limb bolts and not back them off. Although performance is fine with today's limb technology backing them off the maximum weight range, some still prefer to shoot the maximum weight allowed. Finally, 80-pound limbs are also a welcomed addition for some of those comfortable pulling the extra 10-pounds. Hoyt has done a phenomenal job making the Nitrum shootable by just about anyone, and those in the market for a new bow appreciate it. The multilayered split parallel limbs are designed to endure tons of shooting and perform very well. They are held to the riser with the Pro-Lock Pockets, which connect in two spots to the riser with near zero tolerance. The pockets serve a huge function, but it does not take away from the overall look and design of the bow in any way either.The Nitrum 30 is quiet and the AirShox system is a large part of the reason why. These are slightly different in 2015 with the ability to be fine tuned and adjusted for a better fit. The AirShox system is a stationary dampener and is not connected to the limbs in any way. The limbs are drawn away from the dampeners to full draw, and after the shot, return back to rest where they contact the rubber dampeners transferring vibration and ultimately noise to the rubber instead of the rest of the bow. These work well, and can also be customized to a variety of colors if shooters are interested in doing so.

Eccentric System

The Z5 cam is unchanged from 2014, but with the addition of the increased riser strength and the Zero Torque Cable Guard System, a new cam and a half system is not necessarily needed to create a buzz about the aluminum riser Nitrum series bows. With six inches of overall adjustment ranging between 24-30-inches in half inch increments, the Z5 cam comes in three draw specific ranges, which can then be changed with a module system. The number one cam ranges between 24-25.5-inches, the number two cam ranges between 26-28 inches, and the number three cam goes from 28-30 inches. Powering the Nitrum 30 up to an ATA measured 332 feet per second, the 30 may not be the pure speed some people are hoping for, but still proves to be plenty fast.

Draw Cycle/Shootability

Hoyt advertises the Z5 cam as "Buttery smooth and deadly fast," and that is a pretty good assessment of the draw cycle. The weight seems to stack up pretty quick during the draw of the bow, but transitions nicely into a decent valley before hitting a pretty solid back wall. At full draw, the bow settles in very nicely and holds well on target for a short axel-to-axel bow. The string angle may be a bit steep for some shooters with a longer draw length, but that is to be expected with the specifications on a shorter 30-inch axel-to-axel bow. Although it is not great form to do so, shooters should feel comfortable relaxing a bit at full draw without the string wanting to jump forward. After the shot, the bow does have some vibration felt in the shooters hand without accessories added, but it is pretty quiet. The speeds as Hoyt indicates are deadly, but it will not set any records either. The stiffer riser and the integrated Zero Torque Cable Guard System are hard for shooters to notice in terms of having a different feel, but the improved ease of tuning and the effect on accuracy will be appreciated even if they are not necessarily felt at the shot. The AriShox system and the Zero Torque Cable Guard all seem like they are going to be pretty noisy since the moving parts need to return and make contact in order to rest again. However, these are not noisy, and the bow is quiet after the shot. Those nervous about the shorter axel-to-axel configuration are able to switch to the same technologies in a Nitrum 34, which is a little longer, or even the Turbo model, but that will feature a different cam system in addition to a shorter brace height. Overall, those wanting a more compact hunting bow have a great option in the Nitrum 30.

Usage Scenarios

The Hoyt Nitrum 30 is hands down designed for hunting. The bow will be accurate enough to target shoot and 3D with, but most serious competition shooters prefer different specifications and a longer axel-to-axel measurement.

Nitrum 30 vs. Carbon Spyder ZT Turbo

Bow	Hoyt Nitrum 30	Hoyt Carbon Spyder ZT Turbo
Version	2016	2015
Picture
Brace Height	6.75 "	6 "
AtA Length	30 "	33 "
Draw Length	24 " - 30 "	24 " - 30 "
Draw Weight	30 lbs - 80 lbs	30 lbs - 70 lbs
IBO Speed	332 fps	350 fps
Weight	3.9 lbs	3.8 lbs
Let-Off	75%	75%
Where to buy Best prices online	$400 to $600 Compare prices	$1100 Compare prices
	compare more bows

The bows (Hoyt Nitrum 30 and Hoyt Carbon Spyder ZT Turbo) are basically the same specifications with the major difference being the riser material. Although Hoyt has spent a lot of time on research and development with the new aluminum riser, the carbon riser model is still stronger and has less hand shock and vibration. Although the carbon riser may be more desirable for some, it still may not be worth an extra $450. The final decision is up to each shooter, but both rigs are going to be great shooters.

Summary

The Nitrum 30 is a well-designed bow that shoots like a dream and supplies a great deal of kinetic energy for hunting situations. The Nitrum's vibration after the shot is corrected with the added weight of accessories and a stabilizer, but when shooting bare bow there will be a little ring in the shooters hand. The Zero Torque Cable Guard System is a neat concept as well, and when paired with the riser cage and a bit of an offset in the top of the riser, the Nitrum should be easy to set up as well. With Hoyt, shooters will always be able to posted speed rating straight out of the box, which is great news for those on the market. Although 332 feet per second (ATA) is a decent speed number, those really wanting blistering speeds may be a little disappointed. Overall, the final decision is a personal choice, but the Nitrum 30 is a great shooter and backed by one of the largest names in archery.