Compound Bow Comparator

The Hoyt Trykon Sport answers a narrow question well: what does a smaller-framed or shorter-draw hunter shoot when a youth bow is a toy and a full-size flagship does not fit? Hoyt's answer was to shrink a real Trykon rather than dress up a kid's bow, giving this buyer a machined riser, ZR12 split limbs, a 20-to-50-pound range, and a light 3.2-pound compact frame that draws down to 23 inches. The 2009 upgrade to the Cam and 1/2 Plus lifted rated speed from 265 to 290 fps and is the version to seek out if speed matters, though both configs share the same fit and forgiveness. It holds a firmer 75% let-off and a short 6.5-inch brace, so it rewards a shooter who stays engaged on the back wall over one who wants a soft modern draw. In my experience this class of bow earns its keep on maneuverability and fit rather than raw numbers, and the Sport is proportioned for the person drawing it in a way most hunting bows are not. With no launch MSRP ever published and a used-market price around $200 to $300 today, it is an accessible way into a genuine Hoyt for the right shooter. An excellent bow for the smaller-framed or short-draw hunter who wants a real hunting setup without a youth cap, and particularly strong as a light, growable ground-blind and treestand rig. Buyers prioritizing the widest possible adjustment range should also look at the Diamond Razor Edge, and those wanting a longer, more forgiving frame at full hunting weight should look at the Bear Truth. Read full review...

Designed with small to medium archers in mind, the Diamond Razor Edge is a universal bow known for a great blend of speed, forgiveness, and quietness. Ideal for the youth and women, this bow is also a great choice for many small to medium men. Experts say many shooters will grow with this bow without spending extra money. Read full review...

The Bear Truth is a quality bow at a very affordable price. While the factory strings might not last long and could be of better quality, this is a high-performing and quiet bow for the money. While it does not produce super fast IBO speeds, its single cam eccentric system delivers a smooth draw cycle and solid back wall but with a narrow valley. The Truth would fit average shooters who like smooth drawing rigs, are not very passionate about IBO speeds, and are used to narrow valleys. According to multiple reviews from archers and experts, the Bear Truth is a good value for money. Read full review...

• Real 20-50 lb draw-weight range on a compact adult-capable frame, not a capped youth toy
• Short 23-inch draw floor fits smaller-framed and shorter-draw shooters most hunting bows exclude
• Light 3.2 lb mass and 30-inch axle-to-axle make it easy to hold and maneuver in a ground blind
• ZR12 three-quarter-inch split limbs add lateral and torsional stability for a steady low-poundage draw
• Growable value platform on the used market today, often at a fraction of a new short-draw bow

• great universal bow for the youth or small/medium frame archers
• forgiving bow with low shock and vibration
• draw length can be adjusted without a bow press
• enormous application range - from training to serious hunting
• excellent value for money

• quality single cam bow with a smooth draw
• wide draw length range
• draw length can be adjusted without a bow press
• great value for money

• 75% let-off holds more weight at full draw than a modern 80-85% bow, so the valley stays shorter and rewards staying engaged on the back wall rather than relaxing into it
• Short-draw 2007-2008 buyers should confirm they are getting the faster 2009+ Cam and 1/2 Plus version if speed matters, since the two configs share a name but differ by 25 fps

• not suitable for large frame shooters

• factory strings could be of better quality
• narrow valley - not suitable for all archers