Compound Bow Comparator

The Helix Ultra has the ability to be shot for the entire year as it makes for a great hunting rig, 3D bow, or perhaps even a spot bow for the right shooter. The color options are fantastic, and the aluminum risers look great in each pattern. The new grip is one of the best feeling grips from Hoyt, possibly ever according to early reviews, which is saying a lot considering how popular some of the other grips have been. The ZT Pro cam system has really nice draw cycle characteristics, with higher let-offs and faster speeds than any other cam system from Hoyt. With all the upgrades made to the Helix Ultra, those needing a new hunting bow who did not pull the trigger on a Hoyt last year have a harder decision this year. Even those upgrading their bow last year have a lot to consider based on everything that is better for 2019. However, the MSRP of $1199 is getting pretty pricey for an aluminum riser hunting bow; even if the new bow does have a long list of new parts and updated technology. From a shooting perspective, the Helix Ultra is a great rig, but some may not be willing to pay the expensive Hoyt premium. Read full review...

To earn the RedWrx badge, the RX-3 Ultra had to endure and withstand the 1500 dry fire test and the 1,000,000 draw cycle test at 80-pounds and 30-inches of draw. So, not only does the engineering team do their homework in producing a great shooting bow, it is also put through a rigorous testing cycle to do as much abuse as possible and still have a functioning bow in the end. Those on the market for a target bow have come to the understanding a carbon riser is going to cost more than an aluminum riser. However, aluminum riser bows are staying pretty close to the same price point, and the models are growing relatively quickly. The MSRP of $1699 is expensive for anyone buying their own bows, and many shooters are going to have to ask themselves if a carbon Hoyt is worth it. However, price aside it is hard to find fault with the RX-3 Ultra, and any negatives are nitpicky. The IBO rating could be faster, but the ZT Pro cams have high let-off and the brace height is almost 7-inches. The carbon could be more lightweight than it is, but that could compromise how vibration free and stable the bow is. The Ultra is a shooter, and deserves a test shot for anyone on the market for a new do it all bow. Unfortunately, the price of this rig is going to turn a lot of people away who would absolutely fall in love with the RX-3 Ultra if is was more reasonably priced. Read full review...

• 34-inch axle-to-axle bow can do everything
• New cams and new grip feels outstanding
• Designed as one of the most dead in hand bows Hoyt has produced

• Redesigned everything to give carbon every edge imaginable
• The lowest shock carbon bow Hoyt has ever made
• Forgiving 6 3/4-inch brace height

• MSRP of $1199 is a pricey aluminum riser bow
• 4.6-pounds may be too heavy for some

• The 4.1-pound bare bow is a quite a bit heavier with all the dampeners
• 334 feet per second is pretty slow for 2019 standards
• An MSRP of $1699 is borderline outrageous