Well, it's long anticipated, and it's finally arrived. UPS delivered my AlphaMax 35 to my shop today. When I took it out of the box, the very first thing I noticed is the weight. Hoyt has defintely shaved off some weight, and it's certainly lighter. The camo finish looks awesome, and the machining is top shelf. It took me about an hour to set it up and get everything the way I wanted it. When I let the first arrow fly, I literally think my mouth fell open, as did several of the customers as well. I heard almost nothing at the shot. It is, simply, the quietest bow I've ever (not) heard. I've shot the General, and it's DEFINETLY quiet, but the AM35 rivals it for sure. As it should. The riser design is obviously similar. I knew simply looking at the pictures of the AM it was going to be a pleasure to shoot, and it did not disappoint. Super quiet, and I felt little to nothing in my bow hand. The draw is SUPER smooth, super solid back wall and you don't want to creep, that's for sure. While it's an aggressive cam, it's not so aggressive that it's rough to pull and hold. I was, however, disappointed with the speeds. My VectrixPlus, at 70#'s was shooting my 480 grain arrow at 292. The AM35, on 72#'s, is shooting the same arrow at 280. Not slow for a heavy arrow, and it is rated 4 fps slower.....I just wasn't expecting to lose that much. I shot a 390 grain arrow at 305, and the bow was equally as quiet. In fact, it seemed to shoot the lighter arrow more consistently, but that may have been the arrow or more likely.....Me. The bow is also very tunable. I had it shooting bullet holes and drilling X's in about 15 shots. In short, I am quite happy with it indeed. While I am a bit disappointed with the speed, I am certainly not upset about it. I believe I will be much happier with the longer ATA as well, and the lighter weight. In fact, I believe I may have found a bow I will keep for a few years.........LOL....ah, who am I kidding. I'll get a new one in 2010.....But I may just keep the AM35 instead of trading it.
THAT, sir.......is indeed the plan. And maybe even it's second....third....fourth....*voice trailing off* fifth....sixth.......LOL
I am VERY fortunate that I work part time in a pro shop. I trade my 1 year old bow in every year and a new one costs me very, very little. If it weren't for that, I wouldn't be able to. God has blessed me with that for sure.
I'm jealous. How'd lock in a deal like that? Man, imagine trying out any brand bow every year? Some guys have all the luck. Speaking of luck, good luck with your new killiing machine. By the way, you coming to the gtg in June?
Nice. Get some pictures up! Not that we haven't all seen them, I just like looking :D I'm very impressed with the Hoyt line. When the time comes for me to get my second bow to backup my 101st (or be a target rig), I'm still on the fence between Bowtech and Hoyt. I think Hoyt has a lot of attractive features.
I got my AM35 about two weeks ago. I love this bow!!!! IMHO, this bow has the best of everything. It has enough weight that it is easy to anchor, but not so heavy that it will wear you out taking it to the stand. I have shot every extreme of weight, from my High Country that weighed in just over 2lbs, to my Katera XL that weighs in at 4.6lbs. The AM35 at 4.1lbs is perfect! Super quiet, as mobow said, it might the quietest bow Hoyt has ever put out there. This is the one thing I disliked about my Katera XL, it is on the loud side and that has been corrected with the AM35. Speed wise; it is not as fast as the Kateras, but still plenty quick and the 7" BH make it super easy to shoot. I honestly think this is the best hunting bow Hoyt has every put on the market!!!! I just wish I did not have to wait 9 month to deer hunt with it.
I shot the AM 32 last week and was really impressed. I have never owned a Hoyt, but I have friends that do and I've shot some Hoyts at the shop over the years. The weight was the first thing I noticed too. Much lighter than I expected for a Hoyt. Smooth draw and little to no shock shooting it bare. I'm not a fan of the look of a Hoyt bow, but if I were buying a bow this year, I would have to seriously consider the AM. Performace is number one as looks can always grow on me.
