Compound Bow Comparator

The Tempest E 3D LD launched at $799.99 in target colors as the long-draw member of Darton's 2021 Tempest E line, built on the same forgiving 7075 and E-System chassis as the standard 3D bow but fitted with the adjustable Maverick-XT cam to reach a true 27 to 32.5-inch draw. Its reason to exist is specific and real: it fits the long-draw 3D and field archer the rest of the family cannot, and it does so in a notably light 3.9-pound package that is easy to carry across a long round. In my experience the firm Maverick-XT draw stop is what keeps that long draw from feeling vague, and the shared E-System keeps the platform forgiving. The light mass is the one thing to plan around - add stabilizer weight if you want a heavier hold - and the painted finish asks for ordinary care. An excellent bow for the tall, long-draw 3D and field archer on a budget, particularly strong where its compact length and light weight make a long course easy to walk. Buyers who want a longer, heavier, flagship-finished long-draw bar should also look at the Hoyt Invicta 40 SVX or the PSE Supra Focus XL. Read full review...

The Invicta platform is an awesome target bow specifically designed for the most serious archers on the planet. Everything about the bow and the re-engineering was done to provide target shooters the most stable and forgiving platform possible. The SVX cam is a tournament favorite for Hoyt pro staffers and it is no secret why it is such a trusted cam system. The 40-inch model will more than likely be the option for those interested in a spot shooting bow, but some 3D guys like a longer model also, and the Invicta 40 may find itself as a summer 3D bow too. The modular grip is one of the best ideas in target archery, and the ability to adjust the angle and draw length is a genius move. Many companies have alternative grip options for purchase, but to have all the options included with the bow for no additional charge is a great move by Hoyt. The Invicta 40 SVX is a really great design for shooters wanting a longer bow for their target setups. The largest downside of any Hoyt target bow, the Invicta 40SVX included, is the $1899 price tag. It has been mentioned a few times during the course of this review, but that amount of money is way too much for a compound bow. Will shooters pay for the Invicta 40 SVX? Of course, but that dollar amount is getting too steep and will most certainly push shooters to another model, which will be cheaper and arguably as feature packed. Read full review...

PSE has done a lot of engineering over the years into the Supra name, and the Focus XL is the next progression in a line of really awesome target bows. The 40-inch frame accompanied with a 7.5-inch brace height allows for shooters to maximize their bow size for a desired amount of forgiveness and shootability. The Supra Focus XL is unapologetically huge, and for shooters wanting a stable platform for a spot shooting bow, the XL is a perfect solution. The speeds are great, the letoff can be adjusted with different modules, and the speed is a perfect amount for those dedicated target archers. It would be nice if the limbs were available in more than the two draw weight offerings, and it would be nice to have all color options the same price. However, in terms of a target rig, this bow is pretty awesome. The deflexed riser adds a great deal of forgiveness to the overall system, and the cams feel exceptional. The price tag of $1199 is a fair amount of money, but when compared to other target models on the market, it is competitively priced relatively speaking. For shooters wanting a longbow, with a deflexed riser, the Supra Focus XL should be at the top of the list of bows to try. Aside from design preferences, there is nothing about the Focus XL that would steer shooters into another model. For those wanting a shoot through riser, obviously a different PSE model will be preferred. However, those wanting a large framed bow, with a deflexed riser, the Supra Focus XL is a remarkable offering for 2020. Read full review...

• Reaches a true long draw - 27 to 32.5 inches on the adjustable Maverick-XT cam, covering the taller and longer-draw archers the standard 3D and indoor Tempests cut off
• Draw length adjusts on the cam itself, so you dial or change the setting without ordering and swapping modules
• Firm, defined back wall - the Maverick-XT cam locks up with a solid draw stop to pull into, and a limb stop is available for an even harder wall
• Forgiving, stiff chassis shared with the target line - the E-System cable roller and machined 7075 riser carry straight over from the rest of the Tempest family

• Longest riser designed on a Hoyt target bow
• Most shock and vibration free target bow
• Modular Grip System is legit
• Color options look fantastic

• The XL is not joking around with this 40-inch axle to axle target model
• 7.5-inch brace height
• Great target bow price of only $1199

• Light for a target bow at a published 3.9 pounds - well under its five-pound-class siblings, so an archer who wants a dead-still heavy hold may want to build mass back with a heavier stabilizer and weight setup
• Paint, not anodize - the family's painted finish can run slightly or lift under repeatedly applied grip tape, so seat accessories cleanly and leave any grip wrap in place once it is on

• $1899 is getting ridiculous

• Not a shoot through riser, which some shooters really like for target archery
• Only offered in 50 or 60- pound maximum limb weights