News

Jul 26, 2023

New Bows for 2022

(Photo courtesy of Prime) A legacy brand that continues to flex its muscle in

(Photo courtesy of Prime)

A legacy brand that continues to flex its muscle in the compound bow space, Hoyt exceeds expectations once again with the new REDWRX Carbon RX-7 and RX-7 Ultra. With 30" and 34" axle-to-axle lengths respectively, they earn the top spot in Hoyt's flagship position for many reasons. First off, the RX-7 features a squared-off carbon frame that helped shave a full half-pound off compared to its predecessor, while also reducing vibration a whopping 29% at the same time. Furthermore, its slimmer profile incorporates the all-new Vital Point Grip for a better, more consistent hold. Plus, with Hoyt's next-generation HBX Pro Cam the RX-7 is even easier to tune, has a silky smooth draw, and an IBO speed rating of 343 fps. Other unique enhancements to the RX-7 duo is the In-Line Accessory Mounting System for improved balance which offers features like a Picatinny rail that keeps the weight of your sight off of the side of your bow, Short Stop Stabilizer that lowers the bow's center of gravity, adjustable quiver mount, and the popular Integrated Rest Mounting System.

Continuing to build on the success of last year's V3, Mathews makes the franchise even better with the new V3X. Incorporating several new features that are sure to grab the attention of the Mathews faithful, the V3X comes in axle-to-axle lengths of 29 and 33 inches that accommodate draw lengths of 25.5-30 inches and 27-31.5 inches. It also has an impressive IBO speed ratings of 340 and 336 fps respectively. Although speed is nice, performance is better, so to enhance that Mathews developed the all-new Bridge-Lock Sight Technology that lets a dovetail-style sight be mounted through the bow's riser, eliminating the side weight of an external mounting bracket. Their new LowPro quivers also help by providing a tight fit to the riser, and when the Mathews QAD Integrated MX Rest is added to the mix the quiver moves arrows 56% closer to the riser to enhance balance and reduce vibration even more. Last but certainly not least, their innovative Stay Afield System (S.A.S) offers modified cams paired with the minimalist Flo-orange servicing cable that allows hunters to safely remove the strings and cables without the use of a bow press.

Upsetting their applecart completely, Prime moves away from their signature parallel cam system to deliver the new Inline series of compounds this year. Featuring single cams to achieve the same benefits that the parallel cams did, the Inline series offers three bows (Inline 1, Inline 3 & Inline 5) with this simpler cam design that ultimately delivers less weight, a quieter delivery and exceptional accuracy. Available in axle-to-axle lengths of 31", 33", and 35", Prime's new Inline Cam System is the first of its kind that creates an equally loaded cam throughout the draw cycle by bringing the cable track in line with the string track for perfect alignment. Not only is this touted as the most accurate compound bow ever designed, but with IBO ratings topping 332 fps, 337 fps, and 343 fps respectively, speed isn't compromised either. Other notable features is a lighter, more stiff aluminum riser with a new balanced design, a Nanogrip that incorporates a NASA-developed Aerogel to keep the grip from getting cold, and limb dampeners that deliver ultra-quiet performance with a "dead in the hand" feel. And like all Prime bows, these come with free strings and cables for life.

Expanding their Legend Series this year, Bear Archery unveils its flagship compound with the new Refine EKO. I’ll admit, I enjoyed shooting Bear's Redemption EKO last season, but after taking the new Refine EKO for a test drive a few weeks back, it's a step up from its predecessor. First off, the 33" axle-to-axle Refine produces an IBO speed rating of 342 fps, and with the "Refined" all-new Vibration Reduction System that includes KillerWave limb dampeners, it is the quietest, dead-in-hand compound bow Bear has ever produced. With the EKO cam system, it has an adjustable draw length from 26.5 to 30.5 inches and a letoff between 75 and 90 percent. Plus, with the bow's overall weight topping 4.4 pounds and the new and more comfortable GRIZgrip TM grip, the Refine EKO is a pleasure to shoot.

Integrating a target-inspired bow design into a compact hunting rig that is deadly accurate, Elite Archery delivers the new EnVision. Designed with wider limbs and a longer, straighter riser with weight strategically placed over the grip to create more balance, the 31" axle-to-axle EnVision truly does live up to its name. Featuring Elite's exclusive SET Technology (Simplifies. Exact. Tuning.), tuning is a breeze, and with a brace height just shy of 7-inches, it delivers the forgiveness and accuracy you’d expect from a target bow. Powered by their ASYM Tri-Track Cam System with Very Performance Mod, the EnVision produces an IBO arrow speed up to 334 fps, and with the micro-adjust draw length in 1/4-inch increments and a letoff between 70 and 90 percent, the EnVision sets up to your precise shooting style. Plus, with the newly incorporated Vibration Reduction Technology combined with VibeX, unwanted noise is reduced and residual vibration is virtually eliminated.

Engineered to be the most accurate and comfortable shooting speed bow ever developed, Bowtech launches its new flagship design for 2022, the SR350. Powered by their optimized DeadLock Cam System, this forgiving, 33-inch axle-to-axle gem generates an IBO speed rating of 350 fps. In addition to its blistering speed, the DeadLock Cams are the most tunable and reliably Bowtech has ever developed. When you consider its silky smooth draw, you’ll be comfortably slinging arrows with tick-driving accuracy before you even break a sweat. The SR350 accommodates draw lengths from 25 to 30 inches and is also equipped with Powershift Technology, which allows shooters to choose between "comfort" or ‘performance" draw cycles simply by flipping the modules. And like previous Bowtech hunting compounds, the SR350 is equipped with a pair of Orbits at the top and bottom of the riser to absorb vibration.

With detailed input from professional archer John Dudley, PSE has raised the bar in carbon bow innovation with the new Nock On Carbon Levitate. Designed around its proprietary Dead Frequency Carbon Riser, it comes in at just 3.6 pounds and because of its advanced design, noise and hand shock seem to be a thing of the past, easily earning the Dead Frequency logo. The 32.25-inch axle-to-axle Carbon Levitate has a new wider limb pocket and split limb design to deliver better stability, plus with the new smooth drawing E2 Cam System, it's an extremely efficient bow that delivers a blistering IBO speed rating of 348 fps. Other notable features are PSA's Precision Buss Tuning System, which allows you to make incremental adjustments to cam lean for better tuning, and a new Lock Down Cable Guard System that reduces friction while enhancing consistency.

Touted as one of the fastest, most-forgiving hunting bows on the planet, APA launches the new Black Mamba 31. With an axle-to-axle length of 31.25 inches and weighing a scant 3.8 pounds, it certainly meets the compact and maneuverable standard. Plus, with its IBO speed rating of 350 fps and a brace height of 6.75 inches, the speed and forgiveness boxes can also be checked off. With its slimmed-down Fang Riser design, it has a great natural feel, and by taking advantage of its Mass Transfer Module and Weight Distribution System, you can achieve better bow balance by adding customizable disc weight in key locations. Also, with the riser's built-in tool center that includes a broadhead and nock wrench, as well as blade sharpener, plus APA's innovative Cam Lock Technology that lets you replace cables and string and make other adjustments without a bow press, the Black Mamba 31 won't let you down in-field when repairs are needed.