Compound Bow Comparator

The Hoyt Trykon XL is the base Trykon built for reach and stability - a 36-inch axle-to-axle frame, 7.5-inch brace, and draw length out to 32 inches, riding the same proven Zephyr Cam & 1/2 hybrid and XT500 limbs as its shorter sibling. Its rated 314 fps IBO gives up just two feet-per-second to the standard bow, a price no hunter will feel in exchange for a steadier hold and more sight radius. Hoyt never published a mass weight or an MSRP for this model, so the honest frame is a used-market find, and a rare one - the XL lasted a single 2006 model year before disappearing from the catalog, its role later filled by the 2008 Katera XL. On a tuned example the module let-off choice and the long, planted frame add up to a forgiving, versatile shooter; in my experience the extra length and mass reward the archer who lets the pin float and breaks the shot clean. Buy a used one with an eye on the strings, and budget for a fresh set - a quick, cheap step that turns a fifteen-year-old bow into a quiet, honest hunting and crossover rig. An excellent bow for the long-draw hunter who wants a steady, forgiving hold from a treestand and a comfortable crossover for casual 3D, particularly strong when a dead-still aim matters more than the last few feet-per-second. Buyers prioritizing the quietest single-cam shot should also look at the Mathews Switchback XT, and those who want the most speed and the firmest wall should weigh the Bowtech Allegiance. Read full review...

The Mathews Switchback XT is a superior quality bow from the Mathews Switchback series. This is a very quiet, compact, and forgiving bow. When it comes to shootability this rig is even smoother than the original legendary Switchback. A short 31" axle-to-axle length makes it the ideal bow for both tree stand hunting and blind hunting. Read full review...

The Bowtech Allegiance is a high quality all around bow with an easily adjustable shooting style. Each Allegiance bow is available in smooth or fast modules to deliver extremely smooth draw cycle or faster speeds. In addition, the let-off can be adjusted easily from 65% to 80%. No bow press is required to change the draw length or adjust the let-off. When it comes to shootability, the bow has a smooth draw cycle and is pretty quiet on the shot even with the speed modules. Ideal for hunting, the Allegiance can also be used successfully for 3D shooting and indoor competitions. Read full review...

• Long 36-inch axle-to-axle frame holds steady on target and forgives small form errors - reach that suits taller shooters and open-country hunters
• Draw length runs out to 32 inches, so long-draw archers get a real fit instead of maxing out a shorter riser
• Module-selectable let-off of 65 or 80 percent lets one bow serve a firm-wall target shooter or a hunter who wants to hold longer on an animal
• XT500 limbs carry the full 40-to-80-pound draw-weight span, covering everything from a lighter target draw to a heavy elk setup
• Older Hoyt hybrid that responds well to a fresh string set and a couple of damping accessories - a cheap path to a quiet, tuned shooter today

• smooth and fast single cam bow
• low noise and vibration
• high maneuverability
• great value for money

• Easily adjustable shooting style: fast or smooth modules + adjustable let-off
• Very solid back wall
• Quiet bow for the speeds it generates
• Modular-adjustable eccentric system (except 2005 version)
• Draw length can be adjusted easily without using a bow press (except 2005 version)
• Great hunting bow also suitable for 3D shooting

• This is a heavier bow than the compact hunters that followed it - treestand and spot-and-stalk hunters who count ounces may want to shoulder one first, though many owners find the extra mass steadies the aim
• Single-year 2006 model sold used only now - buyers should have the strings and cables inspected and likely replaced, since a 2006 bow is well past original string life

• non-adjustable eccentric system

• Draw length specific eccentric system in 2005 (2006-2008 versions are adjustable)
• The grip on the 2005-2006 modifications could be a bit narrower