Here's my thoughts on some of the bows I shot at my proshop today. I went in with expectations, and left very surprised at my findings. These bows were all shot at 29"/70 lbs, no stabilizer or other dampeners than what came from the factory, and I shot each 6-8 times. No peep was installed on any, just a 2 prong rest and a D-loop. For the record, I don't think anyone out there makes a bad bow anymore. All were enjoyable to shoot in their own way. Some more so than others. I am a Mathews fan, and my comparisons are made in regards to how they stack up against each other, and the Z7xtreme that I currently shoot. Remember these are just my opinions, not gospel, no bashing. Mathews ZXT: eh is all I can say. Relatively smooth draw, very dead in the hand after the shot, quiet but not silent by any means. Finish on the bow was top quality, and I enjoy the new slimmer Mathews wood grips. For me this bow shot very similar to my z7x, I'm sure with a stab and dampeners it would be even more similar. Would I sell my current setup to get this bow, no. Mathews creed: my main feeling after shooting this bow, was that the draw cycle seemed remarkably harsh compared to its predecessors heli-m, and z7x. It has great balance, is very light, upgraded slim wood grip, quiet, and is vibration free. The new split limbs seem to work aesthetically, I'm not sure the advantage they serve over previous Mathews limb designs. Would I sell my current bow to get this setup, no. G5 Prime Defy: all I can say is wow. This bow surprised the heck out of me! I'm still dreaming of the smoothest 70 lb draw I've ever felt. No harshness whatsoever, just buttery smooth until you reach a very solid backwall. Dead in the hand on the shot, very quiet, comfy grip, and well balanced. I would sell my current setup to get this bow (my wife already said no, but it's worth a try). If you haven't shot one, give it a try. Hoyt spyder: a solid bow, quiet, light, well balanced, good backwall, and a nice draw cycle. The downfall for me was in the new airshox system, or whatever they're calling those limb dampeners. I was very aware of when they seperated from the limb while coming to full draw. I'm sure over time I'd become used to this, but I found it very distracting during the otherwise smooth draw cycle. Would I sell my current setup to get this bow, no. Bowtech experience: for an aggressive dual cam powerhouse of a bow, it was suprisingly steady at the backwall and not jumpy like other high ibo dual cams (pse's in particular). The grip was thin and very comfortable, it was my favorite grip of all I shot. The bow was quiet, well balanced, vibration free due to some very gnarly looking factory dampeners, and the draw cycle I found to be smooth throughout. This shouldn't affect the shooting experience, but this bow also just looks mean and awesome! I wouldn't sell my current setup to acquire this bow, but for guys in the market for a powerful dual cam this bow was impressive. It is quite a shooter! Elite answer: this was probably my least favorite of what I shot. It just seemed to be average in comparison to all the others I shot. It had a smooth draw but not the smoothest, it was quiet, but not the quietest. There was much to be desired after shooting it. The grip was mediocre, backwall was just ok. I was most excited about shooting my first elite, and afterwards felt like I'd been missing nothing. Also, in terms of looks alone when compared to the others, it just doesn't stand up. In closing, my list of favorites from most to least favorite shooting experiences with these would be: 1.G5 prime defy 2. Bowtech experience 3. Mathews ZXT 4. Mathews creed 5. Hoyt spyder 6. Elite answer
I bought a G5 last year for the very reasons you mentioned. Like you said there aren't any bad bows out there, but some just feel better in the hand.
I have been a Hoyt shooter for 20 yrs. I purchased a 2012 Centroid last year. It is the best shooting bow I have owned to date. (5 to 6 different brands) You really notice the accuracy of this bow at 40 yards + . I have now problem shooting a 1.5" fixed blade broadhead at 60 yards.
Great review Jeff. I purchased the Helim at the beginnig of last hunting season and have been very happy with it. I shot the Creed yesterday for the first time and to be honest I like the Helim better. I am sure some of this had to do with the fact that mine was setup properly for me and the Creed wasn't but with so many choices these days and so many truely great bows it is almost impossible to go wrong with any bow.
Good review Jeff. In my opinion, the helim is one of the best bows on the market, still... Great ATA, not too long, not too short. Lightweight, especially after accessories. Has the smooth draw of the z7x. It is not the fastest, but it is the most accurate.
I have been a did hard brand loyal Mathews shooter since I've been shooting a bow.. That is until today... I'm the owner of a G5 Prime Defy now! And the funny thing is I went to the shop to pick up my z7x that I just had restrung! Can't wait to start shooting this new Defy!!
