Hoyt Faktor 30 Review

July 30, 2014 By Jon E. Silks

Hoyt Archery consistently produces top-notch bows. The company's 2014 line covers a wide range of interests and price points. You and your whole family can confidently rely on Hoyt for quality, performance and customer service. The new Faktor hunting line includes the 30, 34 and Turbo models.

Our test bow, the Faktor 30, is powered by Hoyt's new Z5 Cam & ½ system and also features Hoyt's Tec Lite Riser, XTS Pro Arc limbs, Pro-Lock X-Lite limb pockets, Pro Fit grip, In-Line Roller Guard, Shock Rod and AirShox limb-silencing system.

Fast & Smooth

Hoyt designed its new Z5 Cam & ½ system with an eye on combining speed with a super smooth draw cycle. This cam system produces an advertised 332 fps IBO speed rating on a 6€‰3„4-inch brace height, with an approximate letoff of 75 percent. The draw-force curve from the test bow shows an aggressive climb on the front end, followed by rounded transitions to and from peak draw weight. The cams ride on stainless steel axles and sealed inner-race bearings that reduce friction and boost efficiency.

Depending on the draw length required, the bow will be set up with one of three base cams. Cam 1 covers from 24-25€‰1„2 inches, Cam 2 from 26-28 inches and Cam 3 from 28-30 inches. Each cam also has a series of modules that cover that cam's draw-length range, in half-inch increments. While each cam requires a bow press and different strings to change, individual modules within each cam's range do not.

Silencing System

The stealth of our equipment is of prime importance while hunting. With that in mind, bow manufacturers make a significant effort to keep their rigs as quiet as possible. Hoyt shows a significant focus in this area on the Faktor 30 with its Shock Rod Technology, AirShox Limb Suppressors, Stealth Shot string suppressor, Silent Shelf Pad, Sims Cable Leech and parallel split limbs.

All-new Shock Rods consist of six rubber dampeners seated into either end of the riser, strategically placed to consume excess vibration. Hoyt also targets unwanted energy in the limbs with AirShox Technology. AirShox are rubber cushions that "catch" the limbs upon release, quickly deadening vibration. Joining the fight against shock, vibration and noise is the riser-mounted Stealth Shot string stopper and a single Sims Cable Leech, which rapidly halts string oscillation. The Silent Shelf Pad prevents arrows from rattling on the shelf.

Counteracting forces of the past-parallel XTS limbs work to reduce noise from the shot by eliminating excess vibration. The 5-Layer laminated limbs are contoured and pre-loaded in a way that eliminates potential failure areas, while the Pro-Lock X-Lite pivoting limb pocket provides a precise limb-to-riser interface.

Support Central

Hoyt's Tec Lite riser adds its own value to the Faktor 30. The thin truss that loops behind the shooter's bow hand gives this rig instant brand recognition while also acting as a shock absorber. Lite, in this case, means just that — a lighter version that results in an overall bow mass weight of only 4 pounds in our test.

The In-Line Roller Guard system employs precision rollers, sealed bearings and a high-strength, fully machined housing to reduce torque, friction and overall stress. This is achieved by placing the cables in a natural, in-line position, with an end result aimed at increasing accuracy, speed and silence. Also attached to the riser is Hoyt's Pro-Fit Custom Grip System, which is designed to promote proper hand placement and form. It's available in four grip styles that share a common mounting platform.

A stainless steel stabilizer mounting insert is offset approximately three quarters of an inch to the opposite side of the riser than that of the accessory mounting holes. This Perfect Balance Stabilization System helps the weight of your stabilizer counterbalance the weight of your sight and quiver.

Finish options for the Faktor 30 include Realtree Xtra, Realtree Max-1 and Black Out.

Impressions

I enjoyed shooting the Faktor, with its smooth draw and minimal shock, vibration and noise. In short, it is a typical Hoyt. If you're not sure what that means, it's a good thing! Hoyt is a consistent producer at the highest level of bow manufacturing, and the Faktor 30 fits right in.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Hoyt Archery, 801-363-2990

Model: Faktor 30

Cam System: Z5 Cam & ½

Weight: 3.9 pounds (advertised); 4 pounds (as tested)

Brace Height: 6€‰3„4 inches

Axle-To-Axle length: 30 inches

Letoff: 75 percent

Draw Weights: 40-, 50-, 60-, 65-, 70- and 80-pound peak

Draw Lengths: 24-30 inches on three base cams and individual modules, in half-inch increments

Riser: Tec Lite, Reflex, Aluminum

Limbs: XTS Pro Arc 5-layer lamination, past-parallel split limbs