Compound Bow Comparator

The Hoyt Podium X Elite 37 is a specialist's target bow that earns its keep at the tuning bale as much as on the line. At a $1,599 launch price it asks flagship money, and it answers with flagship control: an adjustable cable guard that sets cam lean, riser torque, and vane clearance without a bow press, a four-position modular grip for a dead-center hold, and a genuine choice between the smoother, let-off-flexible GTX cam and the faster, firmer Spiral Pro on the same 37-inch riser. It arrives with cam timing and alignment dialed and paper-tunes fast, then leaves the last three inches of the group in the shooter's hands - honest feedback that rewards clean form. In my experience a bow this transparent makes a disciplined archer better and frustrates a careless one, which is exactly the trade a competitor wants. It is not a hunting bow and does not try to be. An excellent choice for the indoor spot, field, and 3D archer with a draw of 29 inches or less who wants to fit the bow to their form; longer-draw shooters should look at the Hoyt Podium X Elite 40, and archers who prefer binary-cam simplicity should also consider the Bowtech Specialist. Read full review...

The Bowtech Specialist is a very high performance up and coming target bow. A long axle to axle, a good brace height and great IBO speed are all ingredients that make a great target bow that is very forgiving and capable of competing with some of the top target bows of the world. The Specialist uses a binary cam system making it a smooth drawing bow that is easy to adjust and has virtually no timing issues. Tuning may need to be done by a professional but once it is set up there should be no problems keeping it that way. With a number of color options to choose from, it's a bow that can look good while putting great numbers up on the score card. Read full review...

The 2013 PSE Supra Max is a redesign of the Supra (2011) and the Supra ME (2012). With new technologies in the riser, cams and limb pockets, this rig is a common sight at any archery competitive event. The cutouts in the riser reduce the weight by approximately 20 percent, yet continue to offer a very strong and solid platform. The redesigned limb pockets reduce the weight slightly, but not only look nice, the also provide a solid housing for the split limbs while eliminating any slippage or limb twist. The redesigned Mini Evo cams offer a shorter power stroke, smooth draw, and plenty of speed. The limbs and this new cam system will definitely perform and launch an arrow at or near IBO with the accuracy one would expect from a competition bow. This rig is commonly found at most competitions. Although the Supra Max has a 37 1/4" ATA and a very forgiving 7" brace height. The split limb system also comes in a variety of weight from 40# - 70# peak weights, and each set are adjustable in 10# increments. If the shooter is looking into getting into competition shooting, the Supra Max is affordable enough to get started, yet possesses the quality that even the most experienced completion shooters seek. Read full review...

• Adjustable cable guard dials cam lean, riser torque and vane clearance right at the range, no bow press needed
• Modular grip system (0, +2, +4, +6 degrees) tunes hand angle for a dead-center, low-torque hold
• Cam alignment and timing arrive dialed from the box, and it paper-tunes to a bullet hole quickly
• Two cams on one riser: GTX for a 65/75% let-off choice and smoother pull, or Spiral Pro for more speed
• Wide-stance target geometry and a firm draw-stop wall hold steady on the spot

• No timing issues after initial setup
• Virtually no riser torque
• Minimal Vibration
• No bow press needed to adjust draw length
• Smooth drawing
• Fast IBO speed rating

• Easy to tune and shoot
• No noticeable vibration
• Quiet
• Easy to tune
• Solid shooting platform

• Creep tuning rewards patience - a half-twist of the control cable can move groups at 50 yards, so budget setup time
• Spiral Pro's competition draw feels firmer than a recreational cam - occasional shooters may prefer the GTX cam or its 65% let-off setting

• Limited draw lengths (no option for longer draw shooters)
• Some shooters complain of small valley
• Limb color limited to black only

• Spongy back wall; recommend changing the factory stop and re-adjusting