Compound Bow Comparator

The Mathews TRX 38 was the bow that brought the 40-inch TRX target platform down to a more manageable 38 inches for 2018 -- the same long dual-bridge riser and mini-Crosscentric cam, now in a shorter, lighter frame splitting the brace height between the original TRX 7 and TRX 8. Launched at $1,799.99, it pairs a 328 fps IBO rating off a forgiving 7.5-inch brace with a smooth, humpless draw, a firm cable-stop back wall, and the new-for-2018 70-Valley mod that deepened the hold. What stays with me is the shot: this is a remarkably quiet bow that sits still in the hand, and the long riser holds the pin planted through a full scoring round in a way shorter platforms cannot quite match. Its honest limitation is that even the 70-Valley keeps a fairly short valley -- this is a demanding target cam, and archers who want a lazier hold should spec a lower peak weight or the 80% mod. It is a bare bow, so a used-market buyer should budget for a rest, sight, and bars on top and be ready to carry 4.86 pounds of long target rig over a full round. Discontinued and now a used and clearance find, it remains a genuinely stable, quiet long-riser target bow for the price. An excellent bow for dedicated target and 3D archers who want maximum hold stability in a long, quiet frame at the shorter end of their draw-length comfort. Buyers who want the same length with Bowtech's damping tuning should look at the Bowtech Reckoning 38, and those who prefer a heavier 65% target hold should look at the Hoyt Invicta 37 SVX. Read full review...

The BowTech Reckoning 38 is an awesome bow, with possibly the most and easiest adjustments ever designed into a compound bow. Any archer will appreciate the level of customization the 38 allows for, but the ease of making the adjustments is probably the best feature. No bow press, no fancy tools, just some Allen wrenches and a little knowledge on what each adjustment actually does, and shooters can be well on their way to perfectly customizing their new bow and how it feels during the draw cycle and after the shot. The price is competitive for a target bow, but it is far from cheap with an MSRP of $1699. Although many shooters at the target level are sponsored, those just getting started, or needing to purchase their own rigs need to save up or plan on winning a lot to help offset the cost of the bow. The Reckoning 38 is a little goofy looking, and could have some additional color options. However, other than those two minor issues, it is really hard to find anything that would keep a target shooter from buying the Reckoning 38. It is an awesome bow, a great shooter, and well worth the investment for any serious archer. Read full review...

An MSRP of $1899 is a ton of money to spend on any compound bow, regardless of the style of archery or brand. The Hoyt Invicta 37 SVX is expensive, and for some shooters may be really hard to justify. For others, having a Hoyt target bow designed to put shooters in the best possible position to win tournaments and prize money, the confidence and dependability from a really trusted company may be worth the cost. After the initial sticker shock, which again is a sizable amount, the Invicta 37 is an outstanding bow. There is a finish option for every shooter, the specifications allow shooters to use this model for indoor or 3D leagues, and the draw weight range puts this bow as a contender for anyone on the market for a high end target rig. There is a ton of technology packed into this model, a fair amount of customization to specifically match individual setups, and the modular grip are all areas providing shooters with a great overall experience. This model will more than likely not be a staple at the local bow shop to try out before buying. Shooters will more than likely need to trust Hoyt and the design team on hitting a homeroom, or attempt to attend a shoot where some models may be located to take a test shot with. As a true target bow, the Invicta 37 SVX has a great deal to offer the serious archer needing the edge to earn a few more points to get on more podiums. Read full review...

• Smooth mini-Crosscentric draw that rolls straight to the wall with no sudden drop into the valley
• Firm cable-stop back wall you can lean into - a defined wall, not a soft slope
• Strikingly quiet, dead-in-hand shot with almost no recoil for a bow this long
• Long dual-bridge riser and wide, near-parallel limbs hold the pin planted on target
• New-for-2018 70-Valley mod adds a deeper, more forgiving hold than the prior TRX 70% module

• All new target bow platform
• Deadlock everything - cams, pockets, cable containment system
• Tons of cam adjustability to make the bow exactly what shooters want

• Modular grip options
• Technology driven platform with proven success
• Fully designed target bow from a major company

• Even the 70-Valley mod runs a fairly short valley - target archers who want a lazier hold can drop to a lower peak weight or fit the 80% mod for more let-off

• Not the best looking bow
• MSRP of $1699

• The sticker price is $1899