It really is a "borrowing" game when we're speaking of innovation in archery. You can trace a lot of the "advancements" within each manufacturer back to another older, albeit now improved, design. Cam styles, riser design/configuration, ergonomics, etc., may change a little or swing back and forth, but there is very little true ground breaking innovation every year. There definitely are periods where a bow company really hits something home that sticks (carbon risers for instance), but year in and year out, it's about fine tuning. I liken it to the microprocessor market. Intel actually has a product release cycle that has a new architectural release one year, and then improvement cycles for a few years after that. Then a new architectural release, then improvements, etc., What does this all mean? What I tell everyone looking for bow advice. Shoot what fits you best and works for you best. THAT is who is leading the way.
My personal view comes from owning several different brands over the years. Really isn't a "best bow company" they all put out quality equiptment. My local pro shop who also happens to be my relation sells PSE and doesn't support hoyt and say's that hoyt and mathews are overpriced. Well its funny because the PSE DNA was like 900 to 1000 when it came out and the full throttle is now 1200 or so... in my opinion they are priced right their with the rest. They may offer more budget bows than hoyt and mathews and thats okay, thats their choice. I have owned four different PSE models, XI, Ross and currently just purchased a 2012 Hoyt Vector 32. My main reason for going to Hoyt was their innovation and tecnology in their bows. Naturally big advertising draws you in but once you actually shoot one you make up your mind pretty fast. I could have had the same thing happen if I had shot a new Mathews. Bottom line is I know five people who just got the PSE DNA and I didn't want the same bow that all my buddies are shooting so I went and shopped Hoyt. I'm super happy with it and thats what matters. Cant wait for my turkey season to start so I can judo chop a long beard in the face on may 7th ! #getseriousgethoyt Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Which brings in the arrow subject ! Carbon Express, wanna shoot bettet get a better arrow ! I bet as long as you have the proper spine for your setup it dont make a difference if its express or beman or easton or bloodsport etc Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Leading the way in which category? If you look at in the technological stance, I would say a company like elite has gained the most in the shortest time. Bowtech does seem to be putting out winners lately, but if you look at what they're doing year to year, it's not ground breaking. All companies are really pushing their own envelopes. Mathews is leading the single cam technology, hoyt is pushing the carbon bows, bowtech is on the speed end, pse makes them unbelievably fast but impossible to shoot. Yes it seems like bowtech is putting out winners lately and to a point I agree. But I've also never shot one I was in love with more than my single cam mathews. Sure a bowtech may be faster, but it's not all speed.
You answered your own question, all of them are leading in different categories. Just to point out though, most companies show off their speed, not just Bowtech. I do think Bowtech is on top though. Elite might be close but they just don't have the recognition yet.
Well this was interesting to read. I will stick to the consensus that the shooter shoots what is best for them. I didn't stick with Mathews becasue they are a big company. But rather, when I drew the bow it was perfect for my draw length, less moving parts (in the cams), It was forgiving to me, dead in my hand etc etc etc. It's like that song "its about me, its about I" etc etc. Not one bow company can make the perfect bow for everyone. But rather, you have to choose what is best for you. Technology wise it looks like everyone has all the bases covered, every company now has a "light bow," a "speed bow," a "target bow," and ofcourse a "bow for finger shooters." So it always will boil down to personal preference and budget.
I made the switch from Diamond/Bowtech to Mathews last year. Why? Well when I went to the Elite/Hoyt/Bowtech shop, they didn't have the bows set up when I called a day in advance. I didn't feel comfortable shooting any of these bows because they weren't set for me. Next day I went to the Mathews shop and started looking at the Creed and Chill. Shop owner walks over an hands me his personal creed to go mess around with at the range. It felt perfect, and he gave me a great deal. Besides that, it has been the best customer service. I've even called him for help when I was in the middle of no where needing some advice. Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
That's how it was when I went to Lancaster Archery. The guy brought out his personal Bear target bow and let me shoot it. Doesn't seem like a big deal but it tells you a lot about that person. Customer service is very important when it comes to bow shops, just wish some of those big headed owners would realize that.
I really like some of the innovations that Hoyt has put out recently and believe they give the best bang for your buck right now. However, the bow shop that I use pushes Bowtech. The owner believes in shooting whatever fits the shooter, but a lot of the people I have spoken with there (one who was sponsored) were quick to trash all other bow brands since Bowtech is apparently "5 years ahead of all other brands." That alone drove me to find another shop that sells many brands to find the one I like, and I fell in love with the way my Hoyt shoots. I find the brand loyalty found among archers very funny, as I was then given a lot of crap when I went back to the other shop to get some arrows and mentioned my recent purchase. I understand that each company excels at something, but does anyone honestly believe the technology on one major company is five years ahead of another? Especially considering the price difference of the bows in question ($600 Charger vs $800 Destroyer). And of course you like the bow company if they give you two free bows each year to shoot since they sponsor you...
I agree with what fits the shooter. For me its PSE & Hoyt. I have no issue shooting the shorter brace height bows PSE puts out. To me....I like they shoot great and like the speed and power they put out. Also, I love the way Hoyt's feel and shoot as well. That new Faktor 30 will be my next bow hopefully.
The shop I shoot for let a customer use his own personal bow to hunt with when theirs had a limb failure. Made a customer for life. He's traded in used bows that had issues on new ones of another brand as well. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk
Bowtech hasn't touched PSE yet. From what I have heard from archery talk and my shop, the full throttle in average shoots a couple of fps above IBO and the rpm 360 is a couple of fps short. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
yeah, I have to agree. I've seen both shot with a 350 grain arrow 30" DL and 70lb. I really like the RPM 360, but it was closer to 350 in reality. At least from I seen. The Full Throttle was pretty much spot on at 370 to 371. Bowtech's are very nice bows though. The RPM 360 was pretty consistent at 354fps. I did see it hit 355 once. IMO, both bows are very nice. As soon as I get my new string on my D350, I'm gonna shoot it through mine with a D-Loop only and see what it hits. I just gonna find a 325gr. arrow. Mine has 65lb max limbs on it.
