Hoyt Rampage Review
from $300
Pros
- Very smooth and easy drawing bow
- Extremely adjustable cam system - no bow press or modules are needed to adjust draw length
- Good value for money - very affordable
Cons
- Could be faster
- Could have less hand shock and vibration (needs a silencing package)
Video
content from YouTube
Editors' review
While it's not one of the top-end Hoyt bows, the Rampage is a good shooting bow for the price. Although it's not as quiet as many high quality bows out there, it is a very easy drawing bow with an extremely flexible eccentric system: the draw length can be easily adjusted without using a bow press or extra modules.
Limbs
The Rampage comes with the new ZRS 12 solid glass split limb system. While this technology is different compared to the XT series laminated limb system used on more expensive Hoyt bows, it's still very reliable: Hoyt successfully used similar limb technologies on many compound bows in the past.Eccentric system
Although not a speed monster, the Rampage comes with the proven, very smooth, and extremely adjustable M4 Cam system capable of reaching IBO speeds of 306 fps. This eccentric system comes with a rotating module that allows for adjusting the draw length without using a bow press or extra modules. The draw length can be tuned within a range of 25-30 inches in half-inch increments. This bow has a pretty comfortable valley and a good (but not extremely solid) back wall. The let-off is 75%.Draw cycle / Shootability / Quietness
Due to a non-aggressive design of the M4 cam system, the Rampage is an easy drawing bow with a very smooth draw cycle. Many archers say this bow draws notably easier than the Alphamax 32 and other faster high end Hoyt bows. However, when it comes to vibration, this bow is not a top performer: many shooters agree that a good stabilizer is needed to make this rig quiet and eliminate unwanted vibration. We agree with those archers who say a bare Hoyt Rampage has more vibration and is louder than its more expensive Hoyt brothers like Alphamax 35 or Maxxis 35. All in all, this bow is reported to be a good shooting rig when equipped properly. In fact, while it's not the best shooting bow, its shootabilty characteristics are very impressive taking into account a very low price tag.Hoyt Rampage vs. Hoyt Rampage XT
| Bow | Hoyt Rampage | Hoyt Rampage XT |
| Version | 2012 | 2012 |
| Picture |  |  |
| Brace Height | 7 " | 7 " |
| AtA Length | 34 " | 32 " |
| Draw Length | 23 " - 30 " | 24.5 " - 30 " |
| Draw Weight | 30 lbs - 70 lbs | 30 lbs - 80 lbs |
| IBO Speed | 306 fps | 323 fps |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs | 4.0 lbs |
| Let-Off | 75% | 75% |
| Where to buy Best prices online |
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When it comes to technologies, the main difference between the Rampage and Rampage XT are the limbs and cams. While the standard Rampage comes with the new ZRS 12 split limbs, the XT is outfitted with the XTS Pro Arc limbs that are also new for 2011. Speaking about eccentric systems, the Rampage is equipped with the proven and smooth-drawing M4 Cam that is easy to draw but a bit on the slow side. On the other hand, the XT comes with the new stiffer-drawing Fuel cam which generates faster speeds but is stiffer to draw. While the Fuel cam seems to be very popular due to its faster speeds, some archers like the M4 cam much better because it's easier to draw.With different technologies, the Rampage and Rampage XT feel different on the shot. While the former draws smoother, the latter is faster, quieter, and has less vibration. Also, the XT is more expensive as it is a better quality bow similar to the top end CRX 32 model (which is even more expensive than the XT).While many people agree the Rampage XT is a great value for money, the standard Rampage is a very good bow with a lower price tag. So, it really boils down to what you prefer: if you are on a budget or like shooting easier drawing bows, the standard Rampage is a very good choice. On the other hand, you may want to consider the Hoyt Rampage XT - a higher quality and faster bow at a very affordable price.
Hoyt Rampage vs. Alphamax 35 / Maxxis 35 / CRX 35
| Bow | Hoyt Rampage | Hoyt Alphamax 35 | Hoyt Maxxis 35 | Hoyt CRX 35 |
| Version | 2012 | 2010 (XTR Cam) | 2011 (XTR Cam) | 2012 |
| Picture | |  |  |  |
| Brace Height | 7 " | 7 " | 7 " | 7 " |
| AtA Length | 34 " | 35 " | 35 " | 35 " |
| Draw Length | 23 " - 30 " | 27 " - 31 " | 27 " - 31 " | 25.5 " - 31 " |
| Draw Weight | 30 lbs - 70 lbs | 40 lbs - 80 lbs | 40 lbs - 90 lbs | 40 lbs - 80 lbs |
| IBO Speed | 306 fps | 316 fps | 318 fps | 318 fps |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs | 4.1 lbs | 4.2 lbs | 4.2 lbs |
| Let-Off | 75% | 75% | 75% | 75% |
| Where to buy Best prices online |
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The Rampage is sometimes compared to one of the other three Hoyt models: Hoyt Alphamax 35, Hoyt Maxxis 35, and Hoyt CRX 35. While the Rampage is extremely affordable and is easier to draw, the 3 aforementioned rigs are definitely better shooters: they are faster and quieter (but a bit stiffer to draw and more expensive).