Hoyt Alpha AX-3 29 Compound Bow

The Alpha AX-3 29 is the compact aluminum hunting flagship for shooters who want carbon-tier speed without the carbon price, launched at $1,499. It holds right at its 340 fps IBO rating on the chronograph, delivers about 279 fps in a realistic 65 lb / 29 inch / 450 grain hunting setup, and finishes the shot dead in the hand around 81 dB with no felt vibration. The defining upgrade is the XTS tuning system - Hoyt finally delivering press-free left/right and high/low tuning built into the limb pockets, which is what makes this feel like a complete bow rather than a carry-over. What I keep coming back to is the back wall: firm, defined, and adjustable to a dead stop, it is exactly the kind of anchor a hunter wants under pressure, and the short 29.5-inch riser makes the whole package quick and maneuverable in tight cover. An excellent bow for the short-to-mid-draw whitetail hunter who values a compact, quick-handling treestand rig with flagship speed and finally a real tuning system. Buyers who prioritize the lowest price in the class should also look at the Mathews Phase4 29, and those chasing maximum raw speed should look at the PSE Mach 30 DS... read full review