Compound Bow Comparator

The Hoyt Double XL is one of the few compounds ever built around a long draw rather than apologizing for one, and that single decision defines it. From 2017 to 2021 it grew from a 340 fps, 36 3/4-inch DFX-cam hunter into a refined 345 fps IBO, 35 7/8-inch rig on Hoyt's HYPER ZT Cam, splitting along the way into HTG hunting and TGT target trims on one shared chassis. The 2018 HTG launched at $1,199 MSRP per Lancaster Archery, putting flagship-grade Hoyt engineering - the zero-torque cam, the split-cable system, the shoot-through TEC riser, the Shock Pod damping - in reach of a long-draw shooter who had run out of options. What I keep coming back to is what owners say about the shot: a smooth cam into a solid wall, and a bow that sits dead and quiet in the hand even without a stabilizer. It is not the fastest bow in any given year, and it was tuned for steadiness over headline velocity - but for the archer it was built for, that is exactly the right trade. An excellent bow for the tall, long-draw hunter or target shooter who needs a true 32-34 inch draw and a forgiving, quiet hold, and is particularly strong as a steady big-frame rig for treestand hunting and 3D alike. Buyers who want a new bow with the same long-draw reach should look to the Bowtech Revolt XL or to Hoyt's current LD-suffix models that succeeded it. Read full review...

The Hoyt Katera XL is a well balanced quality bow that covers a wide range range of draw lengths. While it could be a bit faster, the Katera XL is a great shooting rig as noted by many shooters. Experts agree that the draw cycle is smooth on both Z3 and Cam & 1/2 Plus systems. At 36 inches from axle to axle, this bow holds very well. According to many Hoyt shooters, the Hoyt Katera XL is one of the best Hoyt bows ever. All in all, the Hoyt Katera XL will be a very good rig for many shooters, especially those with longer draw lengths. Read full review...

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• Long-draw fit most bows can't match - the 32-34 inch range serves tall archers and big wingspans that mainstream hunting bows leave stranded at 30-31 inches
• Smooth ZT Hyper Cam draw that rolls over peak weight into a solid back wall, a draw cycle owners repeatedly rank among the smoothest they have pulled
• Quiet and dead in the hand - owners report it settles still after the shot even without a stabilizer
• Long axle-to-axle paired with a generous brace height makes it forgiving and steady to hold on target
• Tunes easily and shoots accurately - the zero-torque cam and split-cable system keep nock travel straight, and owners call it a tack driver

• smooth draw cycle and comfortable valley
• adjustable eccentric system (Cam & 1/2 Plus)
• impressive draw length range

• Built for stability over raw speed rather than chasing a top IBO number - long-draw shooters chasing maximum velocity should weigh the 345 fps rating against shorter speed bows first
• Some owners have noted the ZT cam settles into a fairly short valley - staying firmly into the back wall handles it, and a buyer who wants more forgiveness on holding can shoot one in person before committing
• Discontinued after 2021 and only found on the used market now - long-draw buyers who want a new bow should look at Hoyt's current LD-suffix models that replaced it

• could be a bit faster
• non-adjustable eccentric system (Z3 Cam)