Hi guys. I'm new to the forum and new to bow hunting, although I've hunted a few times with rifles. I'm in the market for a new bow and not surprisingly the Bowtech Assassin and Hoyt Rampage XT made it to my shortlist. It's quite hard to distinct between the two and both stores tell you that their product is better because of "blah blah technical jargon blah blah", but I still don't know what it should mean to me as a novice bow hunter. I can get the Rampage XT in a kit with the following accessories: Trophy taker SL drop away rest TruGlo Bright Sight with 5 pins and light Scott Caliper Economy release NAP shockblocker stabilizer Peep Loop 6 Easton ST Excel carbon arrows Bow bag Wax Hex key. The Bowtech Assassin, just as is without arrows, bag, hex key, release etc, will cost me R5500 (South African Rands) where the Hoyt Rampage XT with all accessories R7300. The Rand/Dollar exchange is at about R6.50 for every 1$, just to give you an idea. Now what I want to know from you guys is, which bow is the better bow? I have shot both, shot the Assassin a lot more though cause the Bowtech agent is close to my work, and still not have a preference for either one. Now I assume all the Bowtech owners will say Assassin and Hoyt owners will say Rampage XT, but why and which would suit me the best. My draw length is 27.5". Thank you, looking forward to your responses.
Probably not the answer you're looking for, but that is a choice that you have to make. A "better" bow is completely subjective in any comparison. You truly have to decide which feels better to you... maybe one is lighter, maybe you like the grip better on one vs. the other, etc. I personally don't think you can go wrong with either one, the assassin was built similar to the Allegiance which lots of people will argue was one of the best bows ever made. Welcome to the forum and good luck!
Having been in your situation not long ago I can feel your pain. After having gone through the whole process and trying out different bows to me it came down to grip and what the draw felt like. All the bows made today are really great you just need to find the one that "fits" and go with that. I went with the Assassin myself because of how the grip rested in my hand, some of the others felt like they had pronounced pressure points that weren't quite comfortable and I thought may be painful after prolonged use (I shoot a lot). And the draw on the Assassin is perfect for me, lets you know it's there but has a nice smooth pull (again, this is all for me) Both bows are very capable and both make a great product. If they both felt the same to you it just comes down to stats and dollars (ok, Rands) Take the one that seems like a better deal to YOU. Because at the end of the day, you are the one that needs to be happy with your purchase. The only thing besides that I can say is, COME ON! Somebody has to be able to sell this man a bow and ship it for a heck of a lot cheaper than what they are charging! I got mine for $750 (4875 Rand) out the door with 6 arrows, release, target, and case (sight, quiver etc comes on the Assassin). They are charging $100 more without the accessories. Ouch! Hope you find a less expensive way to get your bow on!
faced the same decision not long ago, same two bows, I ended up tight the bow tech, likeed the way it rested in my hand better, the draw seemed smoother to me, wall felt more solid, seemed to move into the valley nicer, nothing against hoyt, excellent bows, the bow tech just fit me better, shot both as much as you can, pick the one that feels best..... have fun
u have to shoot each one and see how they feel to you. That will tell you which fits you best. But do take a look at some other things like how each company handles customer service, what is the guarantee behind the bow, etc. Of course I'll recommend Bowtech.
I own neither brand and I am in the same boat. I have chosen the Hoyt. There are a few things that won me over. The Hoyt has all metal limb pockets is the biggest one. On top of that I know people that have had issues with both brands, nothing major but, I have heard the customer service and parts are a little easier to obtain if needed. Although I do like the Bowtech Assassin it was the plastic limb pockets. I know this has been used for years but when I purchase a new bow I won't do it again for a good 8 years or until the 400fps mark is hit. Which ever comes first.
Thanks for all the messages. Today is a public holiday, so will try to shoot both again tomorrow. As for importing, it will be a lot cheaper, but import duties can really kill you. Sometimes it will work out more after you add all the import duties, clearance fees and value added tax. The only way to get things in cheap is if you have a friend abroad and he can send you a package marked as a gift. I have a friend in Canada, he lives close to Edmonton and his father in Calgary, will speak to him.
Tons of info on the limb pockets. Sorry not plastic. I have heard the XT is a great bow but I know first hand the Assassin is. Good luck.
Looks like I'm going with the Hoyt. The whole package is R700 more expensive, but I prefer how the Hoyt draws and how it sits in my hand. The components on the Hoyt also makes it a better deal for me. Thank you all for the help, hope to be part of this forum for years to come.
