Compound Bow Comparator

The Mathews TRX 38 G2 is the Gen 2 refresh of the bow that anchored the middle of the TRX target ladder -- the same forgiving 38-inch platform, now driven by the C3X Crosscentric cam and carrying the new-for-2021 75% let-off mod the original 2018 bow never had. Launched at $1,849, it pairs a 329 fps IBO speed rating off a 7-inch brace with a humpless C3X draw, a rock-solid back wall, and the minimal hand shock and quiet shot that are the Mathews signature. What I keep coming back to is how planted this bow holds -- the long, stiff bridged riser is the biggest in the family, and it lets the pin sit still through a long scoring round in a way the shorter platforms cannot quite match. The three-mod let-off system lets a shooter choose the valley from the short, alert 70V to the more forgiving 75% and 80%, with the 75% the middle most target archers settle on, and the shared C3X cam means it tunes and feels exactly like its bigger and smaller TRX siblings. It is a bare bow at that price, so budget for a rest, sight, and bars on top, and be ready to carry 4.87 pounds of long target rig over a full round. An excellent bow for dedicated target and 3D archers who want maximum hold stability in a long, quiet, forgiving frame. Buyers who want the same length and mod flexibility at a lower launch price 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...

• Long, stiff bridged riser that holds rock-steady on the pin - the family's most stable target platform
• Humpless C3X draw with no sharp speed hump to break over, backed by a rock-solid back wall
• New-for-2021 75% mod adds a more forgiving middle-ground hold between the aggressive 70V and the max-let-off 80%
• Minimal hand shock and a firm hold - the pin comes down and sits solid on target
• QAD Integrate dovetail rest mount tunes fore-and-aft for torque with no burger-hole bolt

• 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

• Some owners find the Engage grip round-backed and prone to torque - a flat aftermarket grip or side plates ($30-75) is an easy drop-in fix
• The 70V mod runs a short, aggressive valley - archers wanting a more forgiving hold should choose the 75% or 80% mod

• Not the best looking bow
• MSRP of $1699

• The sticker price is $1899