Compound Bow Comparator

The Mathews TRX 40 is the target bow for the archer who decides the trade in favor of the hold - the known-distance, field, and long-range 3D shooter who would rather have a rock-steady aim than a bow that swings fast. Launched at $1,849, it pairs an up-to-329 fps IBO rating with the smooth, humpless C3X draw and the dead-in-hand shot that is the Mathews signature, all wrapped around the longest, heaviest, most forgiving frame in the TRX target line: 40 inches axle-to-axle, a 7-inch brace, and 4.93 pounds of dead-straight riser. What I keep coming back to is how still it holds - come to full draw, settle on the mark, and the pin simply parks and stays. The two-mod let-off system lets a shooter pick between the higher-holding 70V and the firmer, slightly faster 80%, both available in every draw length, and the top-hat tuning stays put once it is set. It is a bare bow at that price, so budget for a rest, sight, scope, and bars on top. An excellent bow for known-distance and long-range target archers who want the steadiest possible hold in a compact-brand, no-compromise platform, and it is particularly strong for the long-draw shooter set at 31 or 32 inches. Buyers who want more speed and a quicker-swinging bow should look at the shorter TRX 36, and those prioritizing maximum brace-height forgiveness or an adjustable let-off should also weigh the Hoyt Invicta 40 SVX and the Bowtech Reckoning 38. 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...

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...

• Dead-in-the-hand shot with no felt vibration, thanks to the front-mounted 3D damping and a dead-straight riser
• Long, stiff 40-inch bridged riser that parks the pin and holds rock-steady for known-distance and long 3D
• Smooth, humpless C3X draw that stayed easy to pull to the back wall through a long practice session
• Two let-off mods in every draw length - the 70V for a higher hold, the 80% for a firm wall and a hair more speed
• Top-hat cam tuning locks in and stays put, so once it is paper-tuned it holds through a long tournament season

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

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

• The 70V mod runs a soft, spongy valley with no solid back wall by design - shooters wanting a firm wall should choose the 80% mod, which also gains a couple fps
• The C3X draws a touch aggressive for a target bow, and some owners find the rounded Engage grip easy to torque - the factory flat side plates pop in as a simple fix

• $1899 is getting ridiculous

• Not the best looking bow
• MSRP of $1699