Shot a bunch of new bows today... WOW
 

OK,I broke down and shot some of the new bows today. Shot the Hoyt Vectrix andthe Bowtech Guardian and Commander. For comparison swapped back in forth with a Darton Maverick exactly like my present bow and threw in a Mathews Switchback. All set at the same poundage and close to the same draw length. There were three of us that stop in to harrass Len from time to time. We kept him busy adjusting poundage and draw lengths so he didn't get to play with us. All were set at 65 pounds. We shot all with lighter 409 grain arrows and also 451 grain arrows. All were also run through the chronographer for speed test. The fastest was the Guardian, then the Hoyt, Commander and the Darton and Mathews both the same. There was a 10 fps spread at our weight, 28plusinch draw length etc. So basically, all the bows sling an arrow quite well with a definite edge going to the Guardian.

Now where there's really a difference. Draw the bows. I bought my Darton because the first time I pulled it back my jaw dropped, my eyes popped wide open and I said something like, "HOLY SH__!" It felt that much better than the 8 year old PSE I had been hunting with. Well draw the new Vectrix or the BowTechs and you'll say the same thing. I was even pleased with the Mathews Switchback, but not like the Bowtechs. They're definitely the cats MEOW. Now for the sight picture. The Bowtechs are just rock solid when at full draw. The bow settles in and doesn't move. If we'd had sights on them I'm sure the pin wouldn't have moved off the dot. And then the shot. With NOTHING on the bowtechs the things are so quiet. We even put on a good quality sound dampening stabilizer after a few dozen shots just to see how much better it could get. With our ears we couldn't tell a difference. These BowTechs are som kind of quiet right out of the box. And they have no harmonic dampeners or limb savers or anything like that on them. Nor do the need them. There is no bow I've been around that's close to these for quietness and we had NOTHING on them.

The SHOT, it just goes off and the bow doesn't move. There's no shock, jump, vibration, or any sensation except the arrow going TWACK. They really are sweet folks. That's about as untechnical as I can say it. Yes I'm probably going to buy one. I just got to get this house done first. I've about used up my toy allotment this year with a new Omega and scope, new Big Bertha Irons, new driver andTight Lies 3 woodetc etc. When I sell the house I'm in I guess I'll have to break down. I want one Mommy... I want one. Can I pleeeeeeeesssssse .... purdy pleeeeeeesssssssse. If you're a Hoyt fan you'll not be disappointed with the Vectrix either. The Mathews was OK but not my cup of Tea. The Hoyt and the BowTechs especially are so much better.

I went in with my old theory that the longer axle to axles were always better. If you're long I suspect it more critical. Me with my 28 inch draw lenght I've decided the faster Guardian is the bow for me. It's just great in my hand. Len is a long armed rascal and has decided his choice was the Commander. But that's just us. All the bows are in the same price range. OH I almost forgot, the grip. They've retooled grips since I bought a bow, but these grips just settle in so comfortably. They're nice and small and rock solid in your hand. No torguing going on here folks.(that's the Bowtechs and Hoyt)

RE: Shot a bunch of new bows today... WOW
 

Dave good report now dont worry about askin mommy just go and get one she will never know the difference:D

RE: Shot a bunch of new bows today... WOW
 

Isn't it just amazing at how radically bows change every year? They just get better and better. You can only wonder at what's in store for the next 5 years...amazing!

Great report bud. Sounds like ya'll had a good time as well.

RE: Shot a bunch of new bows today... WOW
 

We did have fun. We were laughing and cutting up. We were shooting on Lens short range because his big range was taken upfor the last two dayswith an NFAA Instructors Course. The one guy is a little short and missed the bail completely(3 times)trying to shoot through the taller chronograph.(no sights helped him do that I gues) He stuck his arrows in the back up blast wall made out of 2 x 4's. We finally forbid him to shoot through the machine. Besides that, he was running out of arrows.[8D][8D] We did gather a couple other folks who were interested in our testing. Everyone of them said something along the line of "Holy Crap those are quiet". One comment was, "Well not totally, I heard his release let go of the string that time".LOL Len is a gracious host that let us do our thing with his stuff. At one point someone told him, "Len, you should have... and you won't believe how... yada yada yada". Len's comment, "I know, I just wanted you to find out on your own". Fun time. That's the one thing I'll really miss about Maryland, my proshop owner.

RE: Shot a bunch of new bows today... WOW
 

So.......... does this mean that there is going to be a Guardian in elk camp in the furture?[&:][8D]:D

RE: Shot a bunch of new bows today... WOW
 

I'm afraid so.[&:]

RE: Shot a bunch of new bows today... WOW
 

DM, it's easier to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission!:D

RE: Shot a bunch of new bows today... WOW
 

I Currently Elk hunt with a TomKat, however I am going to by a Hoyt to Antalope hunt with. I love my Tomkat I bought it in Oct 04 and Have taken 4 Elk, 2 Mules, 2 Mt Lions, A Oryx and 2 Black Bears with mine. It shots So fast and so Quite.. I will FOREVER whot a Bowtech during Elk Season.

RE: Shot a bunch of new bows today... WOW
 

-OR-

Do you mean its easier to be forgiven than get permission? I may have to adapt that as my motto when it comes to new equipment.:D

Nice review dm. I am drooling to try out a few new bows but have been staying away from the shops due to other needs for the time being. I am afraid if I pay a visit I'll figure out some way to buy one and throw my budget out of whack along with my marriage!!!!;)

RE: Shot a bunch of new bows today... WOW
 

Good review David, wish i could have been there having fun to, thats what it is all about right?
Dan