Compound Bow Comparator

The Hoyt Vantage X7 is the original 2008 Vantage target bow - the shorter-brace, faster half of Hoyt's X7-and-X8 debut, built on a machined-aluminum TEC riser with XT1000 laminated limbs and the Cam & 1/2 Plus. Its headline is a 41-inch axle-to-axle platform that still rates 305 fps IBO, and its real-world speed backs that up: one owner chronographed 297 fps at a reduced 55.5-pound, 27-inch, 330-grain setup, which meets the rating at full spec. Hoyt sold the X7 through dealer quote rather than a published MSRP, so a buyer today should get a shop quote or watch the used market, where Jade and Red Ember X7s still surface with their anodizing intact. What owners return to again and again is the hold - a 41-inch bow that settles on the target far more steadily than its length suggests, which is exactly what a spot, field, or 3D shooter is chasing. In my experience the X7 is the kind of bow that wins you over the moment you aim it, and owners describe precisely that reaction. It is an excellent bow for the competition archer who wants a long, planted, genuinely fast platform for indoor spot and outdoor field or 3D. Buyers who want a shorter, more maneuverable competition rig should also look at the PSE Supra, and those who prize a soft-touch grip finish in a shorter, faster frame should look at the Bowtech Specialist. 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...

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...

• Steady, planted aim for a 41-inch bow - owners are struck by how quietly it holds for its length
• Real chronograph speed lives up to the 305 fps rating even at reduced draw weight and length
• Cam & 1/2 Plus reads better on this long target platform than on Hoyt's shorter hunting rigs
• Machined-aluminum TEC riser plus XT1000 laminated limbs give a rigid, repeatable shooting base

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

• 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

• Some owners have noted the 40-inch-plus axle-to-axle needs shoulder room - short-draw spot shooters may want to try it on the line in person first

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

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