Compound Bow Comparator

The Carbon Defiant has been designed as one of the most ideal compact bows in regards to engineering a great shooter without compromise. Although Hoyt is not the first company to use highly pre-stressed limbs and cams to offer a more favorable string angle, they are marketing the benefits. The decent 331 feet per second is nothing to write home about, but combined with a 7-inch brace height and a smooth drawing DFX cam, many shooters will not be stuck on the mediocre speeds. Carbon bows have a feel all to themselves, and the Carbon Defiant continues this trend. $1449 is a lot of money to spend, and many shooters are experiencing much longer wait times to get their 2016 Carbon Defiants from the factory. However, those not able to give up the carbon feel after a test shot will be very pleased with the benefits the carbon model has on paper. Shooters wanting a completely redesigned bow with a lot of really great technologies and features owe it to themselves to give Carbon Defiant a test shot. Read full review...

The Defiant is taking some criticism for not being much different than the previous Nitrum 30 to warrant an upgrade. However, Hoyt has redesigned most major components on the Defiant to make it a new bow, with a better shooting experience. The Defiant has an option for cable stops of string stops, is offered in 50-pounds of draw weight adjustment, and features more highly stressed preloaded limbs for a better feel at full draw. The speed will more than likely not be a deciding factor one way of the other coming in at 331 feet per second, but it would be hard to say no to the Defiant if it added an additional 10 feet per second. The platform is great, the shooting experience is improved, but if shooters only look at the paper performance rating, it would be tough to justify $999 on a new Defiant. With that being said, those that feel the difference in how the Defiant shoots, will more than likely be impressed. Archery is all about personal preference, and the Defiant is no different. To know for sure, shooters should test shoot one for themselves. Read full review...

• Compact 31-inch axel-to-axel measurement feels like a longer bow
• Forgiving 7-inch brace height
• Carbon riser will not get cold even in the most extreme temperatures

• Newly designed riser, DFX cam system, limb pockets, and preloaded limbs
• Compact bow with longer axel-to-axel feel
• 3.6-pounds bare bow
• 7-inch brace height

• 331 feet per second is mediocre performance
• $1449 bare bow is hard to pay even if money is not an issue

• 331 feet per second is on the slow side in the speed department
• $999 although a comparable flagship price, is a premium price