Compound Bow Comparator

At its $999 launch MSRP, the AlphaBurner was Hoyt's statement that a speed bow did not have to shoot like a short, twitchy one. It backs the 340 fps IBO rating with a real 338.9 fps chronograph reading, stores deep energy for heavy-arrow authority, and does it on a long 34 3/4-inch platform that holds steadier than most bows built purely for velocity. The 180 grip's torque resistance and the Pro-Lock pockets' consistency are what let that speed turn into accuracy in the field. The honest catch is the cam: a short valley and low let-off mean it wants forward pressure and rewards discipline, and it carries a touch more shot jump and noise than a mild bow - both manageable with a stabilizer and good form. What I keep coming back to is that this is a rig that shoots as well as the archer behind it demands. An excellent bow for the speed-first hunter with steady form who values a flat arrow and a stable, target-style hold. Buyers who want comparable velocity with a more forgiving brace and an easier hold should also look at the Bowtech Destroyer 340, while those chasing the outright fastest arrow should look at the Mathews Monster. Read full review...

The Destroyer 340 is an excellent shooting speed bow with minimal shock, vibration, and noise at the shot. This lightweight and well balanced bow has a smooth (but relatively stiff) draw cycle for a speed bow. While the eccentric system is modular-adjustable, a bow press is needed to adjust the draw length. Although this is not the best bow for beginners (unless you are willing to put the time and effort into learning how to shoot this rig well), the Destroyer 340 is a great choice for average and experienced shooters who like quality rigs with great performance and aggressive styling. Read full review...

The Mathews Monster is a fast and aggressive bow with a stiff draw cycle. While its short valley is something many archers will have to get used to, the back wall is very solid. While this is a super fast bow, it does have a notable hump closer to the end of the draw cycle. Being a very fast and aggressive bow, the Monster is definitely not an all-around bow and, therefore, will not fit everyone. It is not the best choice for beginners or someone who only shot smooth single cam bows. Conversely, this rig is a good choice for those shooters, who like fast bows, don't mind aggressive draw cycle, and have a good form. Read full review...

• Measured chronograph speed lands right next to the 340 IBO claim - 338.9 fps at 70 lb, 30-inch draw, 350-grain arrow, one of the fastest hunting rigs of its year
• Long 34 3/4-inch axle-to-axle builds a stable, settled shooting platform that most short speed bows give up
• The one-piece 180 grip resists hand torque well at full draw and stays comfortable in cold weather
• Excellent fit and finish - tight machining tolerances and a near-flawless anodized finish across the pockets and eccentrics

• One of the best top quality speed bows
• Accurate rig with a forgiving brace height
• Smooth bow with a nice valley and a solid back wall
• Extremely quiet bow with little hand shock and vibration
• Modular-adjustable eccentric system (bow press is required)

• Extremely fast and powerful bow
• Surprisingly quiet for the speed
• Modular adjustable eccentric system

• Short valley and low let-off make it want to creep forward - shooters who like to relax on the wall should plan to stay actively engaged on the back wall
• Some post-shot jump and light riser buzz come with the speed - buyers stepping off a flagship-quiet bow may want to run a front stabilizer, which modestly trimmed the noise in testing
• Changing draw length means a new cam and string, not a quick module swap - on the used market especially, confirm the bow already matches your draw length before buying

• Relatively stiff draw cycle with a little hump at the end
• Plastic grip looks cheap for a top-quality bow (can be replaced)

• Aggressive and stiff draw cycle
• Short valley