Compound Bow Comparator

The Mathews ARC 34 is the long-axle half of the 2026 ARC platform, and it answers a different question than its compact sibling: how much stability can a hunting bow borrow from the target world without giving up the weight and speed a hunter needs. The answer is a 34-inch axle-to-axle aluminum bow that still weighs 4.3 pounds and chronographs 337 fps from a 350-grain arrow at 30 inches and 70 pounds, dropping to 300 fps with a 450-grain hunting shaft and 280 fps at a realistic 29-inch, 65-pound setup. The SWX-2 cam with perimeter weight, the integrated Silent Connect and Bridge-Lock side-rod mounts, and the choice between a fast standard mod and a butter-smooth SWX-Z Comfort mod are the real upgrades over the prior Lift X 33. Independent decibel readings put it among the quietest bows of the year, and what stays with me is how still it sits in the hand at the shot for a bow this long. The launch MSRP of $1,569 places it in the flagship tier, and the only real fork is the mod choice - the standard cam stacks firm into the wall, so a shooter who wants a gentle draw should order the Comfort mod from the start. An excellent bow for the taller shooter, the Western hunter, and anyone who wants target-grade stability in a bow that still hunts hard. Buyers who want nearly the same Mathews chassis for less should also look at the Mathews Lift X 33; buyers set on a carbon riser and the most forgiving brace should also look at the Hoyt REDWRX Carbon RX-4 Ultra. Read full review...

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The RX-4 Ultra is the third installment of the REDWRK branding from Hoyt, and it is arguably the best carbon model Hoyt has ever produced. The changes to the cam system, although somewhat minor, have really made a better shooting experience with a smoother draw, firmer back wall, and quieter shot. The bow balances super well, the cams have a 5-inch draw length range, and a 50-pound draw weight range makes sure just about anyone interested in a Hoyt carbon hunting can get outfitted with one. Despite no major changes, everything about the RX-4 Ultra is well thought out and is built to withstand the most extreme hunting conditions shooters put it through. The largest negative about the carbon lineup from Hoyt continues to be the price tag, which got larger again this year. A bare bow price of $1749 is expensive. Of course carbon costs more than aluminum, and of course shooters have an insane amount of confidence shooting the best of what a giant like Hoyt has to offer, which comes at a price. However, even shooters with an unlimited budget to purchase a new bow will have to take a long hard look to justify an additional $500 when compared to the 2020 aluminum Hoyt hunting bow, and potentially $750 when compared to other brands aluminum flagship models. The 2020 RX-4 Ultra is an amazing bow, but the price tag is getting ridiculous, and that alone will cause many shooters to look elsewhere. Read full review...

• SWX-2 cam with perimeter weight holds real speed on a long, forgiving chassis - chronograph testing reads 337 fps with a 350-grain arrow at 30 inches and 70 pounds on a 34-inch, 6.5-inch-brace bow
• 34-inch axle-to-axle and a 6.5-inch brace deliver a steady, settled hold - owners describe it as pointing and aiming noticeably better than the prior 33-inch Lift X
• Silent Connect anchor and a Bridge-Lock side-rod mount are machined into the riser, not bolted on - fewer brackets, less rattle, and a rigid, quiet platform
• Among the quietest, most dead-in-hand shots of the 2026 class - minimal post-shot vibration even with no monkey-tail dampeners on the string
• SWX-Z Comfort mod turns the draw butter-smooth with no back-end dump for five fps, while the standard SWX mod stays fast - one bow, two draw characters

• Subtle improvements on a solid RX platform from 2019
• The draw stop and draw length module are connected to each other
• Good match of longer 6 3/4-inch brace height and 334 feet per second
• Noticeably quieter than last year

• The standard SWX mod is fast but stacks a touch firm right before the valley - shooters who want a gentle, rolling draw should plan on the SWX-Z Comfort mod, which smooths the cycle for a small speed trade
• Draw weight starts at a 55-pound floor - lighter-draw and youth shooters are better served by the Lift platform, which drops to 45 pounds
• At 4.3 pounds and 34 inches it is a bigger carry than the compact ARC 30 - backcountry hunters counting every ounce may prefer the shorter sibling

• Lots of negative buzz regarding not changing much from previous models
• The moveable grip may be more gimmicky than useful
• Another price increase for Hoyt brings the RX-4 Ultra to a suggested price of $1749, making it the most expensive carbon bow ever produced