Reflex vs Hoyt
 

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and just started getting into bowhunting about a year ago. I'm looking into buying a new bow, hopefully something that I can use for a long time. I have been looking at some Hoyt's and I really like the way the feel and the way they shoot. They are a bit pricey, however. I was wondering if there was much difference in quality between Hoyt and the Reflex bows that they also make. From what i've observed on the website, the Reflex Super Slam seemed pretty comparable to the Hoyt Vtec, and the Reflex Highlander seemed comparable to Hoyt's longer axle-to-axle bows, like the Protec and Ultratec. Does anyone have experience comparing these bows? If they were similar quality, I would probably buy a cheaper Reflex. If there was a difference in quality or performance however, I would be willing to fork out a little more cash for the right bow.

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

Welcome to the forums, elkbane! :)

I shoot a brand new 2006 Reflex Highlander and absolutely LOVE IT!!! Read my review about it on the "Bowhunting gear review" forum.

Or better yet, just click here:
http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1449496

Reflex and Hoyt are made by the same company (Hoyt)in Salt Lake City, Utah. Hoyt is the top line bow and the Reflex is the secondary line, but still an outstanding bow. Someone posted once about the difference with Hoyt and Reflex and put it into perspective like this:

Think of Hoytlike a professional baseball team
Reflex is the AAA farm team for Hoyt.

I shot a Hoyt ProTec once and though I had died and went to heaven. They are incredible! But they cost serious $$$$... So I found the next best thing. I found Reflex bows which is essentially a Hoyt but not all tricked up.

The biggest different in Reflex vs Hoyt is the Hoyt's "Cam & a half" system can be adjusted in 1/2" increments. Reflex "Slam & a half" system can only be adjusted in 1" increments. (29" draw length cam on Reflex. 29 1/2" draw length on a Hoyt.

Either way, both bows are incredible! I love my new Reflex Highlander and feel that it is in every sense a "poor man's Hoyt Ultra Mag" :D

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

The two bows have very similar design. Where they differ is in things like limbs, the Reflex have solid glass and the higher end Hoyts have laminated. Obviously there will be some performance differences like vibration and speed but the Vtec basically uses a cam 1/2 just like some Reflex bows do. They will feel very similar in draw cycle. Some Reflex risers are also cast magnesium vs machined aluminum from the Hoyts. Will a beginning archer shoot any better with a Hoyt worth twice as much as a Reflex, thats debatable. When I got back into bowhunting after a 15 yr absence I studied what was available and bought a Reflex Grizzly. I would take the money you save with the Reflex and buy good sights, rests and arrows with it.

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

In fact, most Reflex bows are former Hoyt bows no longer in production. They make some cosmetic differences, paint Reflex on the limbs, and VOILA! The best I can describe is like Chevy and GMC. One in the same. The Super Slam is one incredible piece of equipment, as is the Highlander and the Excursion.

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

Hoyt still builds bows?:D

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

One thing I notice was the reflex has no locking bolts in the limb pockets. There a good bow well worth the money, well worth the money. They'reare the same bow, but not (not sure the hoyt is worth the tag they put on them:D). People should be proud to own one, but not as proud as a hoyt owner. Hope that's not to muddy.:D

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

shot a reflex for a week and was not impressed... it was a grizzley, slow, it "kicked" and it was heavy....[:'(]

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

The main difference between the reflex and hoyt line is just think a hoyt with the previous generations technology. When they come out with something new it goes on the high end hoyts. The previous design gets moved to the lower end hoyts and reflex line. Absolutely nothing wrong with them unless you want the newest cutting edge technology, which to be honest isn't that much better if any at all than what it replaced.

I actually like the Versa Cam hoyt had on the cybertecs but they replaced it and phased it out. I really wanted a cybertec with the versa cam, but by the time I scraped up the money to get one they didn't make them anymore[&o]. That's ok, I like my bowtech just as well.;)

Paul

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

yup hoyt made reflex bows

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

Can the Slam & a half really only be adjusted in 1" increments? I was checking the super slam out on huntersfriend.com and the draw lengths came in 1/2 inch increments.

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

Hmmmmm....I'd call Hunters Friend and ask them direct. I just looked on Reflex's website and looked up their tuning charts. The "Slam & 1/2" cam is in 1" increments for draw length.

http://www.reflexbow.com

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

I shoot a reflex and my buddy shoots a hoyt a lot of things are similiar except for the limbs. Reflex is the way to go if you dont got deep pockets.

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

cool, thanks for the advice guys. this has been very helpful. It sounds like a reflex will do the job for me. now I just need to decide super slam or highlander....

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

So I went to the pro shop that sold hoyt's and reflex. A lot of the hoyts were out of my price range. I shot some of the more affordable hoyts (lazertec and powertec), and then shot the reflex super slam. I actually ended up liking the reflex much better than the hoyts. It felt better to shoot, it had less vibration, and shot very fast. I can't tell you how impressed I was with the super slam. End of story, I ended up taking it home and i'm very happy with it.

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

Same bows. Just released different years and a little different limbs.


ButchA
I see you are now shooting a reflex. I assume this is the one you replaced your blown up bow with? Not a bad choice at all. Now if you could getdown to Texasyou could give her a trie on a hog.;)

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

That's right.... Here is my baby:

This bow is simply AMAZING!!! I can't believe how well it feels, draws, shoots, etc... I really truely feel I have a $600 Hoyt, but yet I paid $349 for it and it happens to say "Reflex Highlander" instead of "Hoyt UltraSport". ;)

I would LOVE TO try hunting hogs with it. That would be sweet! [8D]

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

Looks mighty fine Butch.

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

Nice set up..

RE: Reflex vs Hoyt
 

I agree with TerryM