Compound Bow Comparator

The Hoyt Vantage Elite is a purpose-built target bow that does one thing exceptionally well: it holds still and lets a disciplined shooter aim. Built as the flagship of Hoyt's 2009 target line and carried into 2010 with an added 30 to 40 pound draw-weight option, it pairs premium XT 2000 limbs and a 41-inch axle-to-axle frame with its defining Shoot-Through Technology riser, the stiffer, longer riser that owners repeatedly compare to shooting off a bench rest. Buyers choose between the smoother Cam and a half Plus at 301 fps IBO and the crisper, faster Spiral X at 308 fps IBO, tailoring the draw and back-wall feel to how they like to shoot for score. It is easy to tune, forgiving across a wide range of shooters, and backed by real competition results from the archers who ran it. What I keep coming back to is that steady sight picture, the trait that separates a bow you fight from a bow that flatters your form. A firmly dated launch-era price point is the 2,344 Australian dollar dealer listing from 2009, reflecting a premium flagship position; Hoyt did not publish a US list price. An excellent bow for the spot, field, and FITA archer who prizes a still hold and a choice of cam personalities. Buyers who want a shorter, faster target rig should also look at the PSE Supra, and those who prefer a single-cam draw in the same length class should look at the Mathews Conquest 4. Read full review...

The 2013 PSE Supra Max is a redesign of the Supra (2011) and the Supra ME (2012). With new technologies in the riser, cams and limb pockets, this rig is a common sight at any archery competitive event. The cutouts in the riser reduce the weight by approximately 20 percent, yet continue to offer a very strong and solid platform. The redesigned limb pockets reduce the weight slightly, but not only look nice, the also provide a solid housing for the split limbs while eliminating any slippage or limb twist. The redesigned Mini Evo cams offer a shorter power stroke, smooth draw, and plenty of speed. The limbs and this new cam system will definitely perform and launch an arrow at or near IBO with the accuracy one would expect from a competition bow. This rig is commonly found at most competitions. Although the Supra Max has a 37 1/4" ATA and a very forgiving 7" brace height. The split limb system also comes in a variety of weight from 40# - 70# peak weights, and each set are adjustable in 10# increments. If the shooter is looking into getting into competition shooting, the Supra Max is affordable enough to get started, yet possesses the quality that even the most experienced completion shooters seek. Read full review...

In short, the Mathews Conquest 4 is a high end target bow with the long ATA and good brace height that is very capable of putting up great scores in stiff competition. Also one of Mathews' lightest competition rigs it isn't a bare to walk around the ranges all day. It is very customizable to the specific needs of most shooters; whether it is smooth drawing, fast shooting or forgiving as possible. A little on the noisy side but this bow is practically dead in the hand at the shot. With a good stabilizer this bow will become even more comfortable for most shooters and it is balanced very well at full draw so it won't take much before you can start pin-wheeling some targets. Read full review...

• Holds dead still at full aim, with owners comparing it to shooting off a bench rest thanks to the long axle-to-axle and stiff riser
• Stiff Shoot-Through riser cuts hand torque and stays consistent even when hand placement isn't perfect
• Easy to tune and set up, with owners calling it one of the simplest target rigs they have dialed in
• Spiral X cam builds a rock-solid back wall and a crisp, repeatable shot for score shooters
• Forgiving across a wide range of body types, draw lengths, and poundages, not just one build

• Easy to tune and shoot
• No noticeable vibration
• Quiet
• Easy to tune
• Solid shooting platform

• A very forgiving bow
• Pretty low amount of vibration in your hand
• 3 different cams make this a very customizable bow
• Conquest family has won more competitions than any other bow

• The Spiral X is picky about exact draw length and timing, so buyers should have a shop set it precisely and roll the cams slightly long to tame it
• Short valley punishes creeping forward, a genuine target trait that rewards disciplined form rather than a flaw to fix
• Cam and a half Plus wall can feel soft if the cams drift out of time, which a routine timing sync restores

• Spongy back wall; recommend changing the factory stop and re-adjusting

• Choosing a cam can be a little bit confusing
• Draw length is cam specific - new cam needed for each draw length
• Lightest in the lineup but still feels a little bit heavy