February 14, 2020
By Jon E. Silks
Hoyt is an industry leader in carbon technology, and its carbon-riser bows have forever changed the way we think of riser materials. For 2020, this archery pioneer is expanding its RX line by adding the Alpha (shorter axle-to-axle length), Ultra (longer axle-to-axle length) and Turbo (maximized speed) RX-4 models. Our test bow, the Alpha, features Hoyt’s Hollow Carbon Tube riser construction, ZTR Cam & ½ system with 3-D Shift Technology, Custom-Tune grip, Integrate rest-mounting plate and other exciting features.
3-D Performance Hoyt’s new ZTR Cam & ½ system is built on the shoulders of its ZT Series, which is known for producing fast arrow speeds while maintaining a smooth draw. The company’s patent-pending Split Cable system uses a unique yoke and split ends that connect to wide-stance modules to balance the load evenly on either side of the lower cam, resulting in reduced cam lean. A spiraled groove on the bottom cam’s module causes one side of the split cable to move closer to the centerline of the bow during the draw cycle, resulting in Hoyt’s 3-D Shift Technology, which is designed to eliminate inherent torque and, therefore, the need for a flexing cable guard.
Hoyt’s engineers created a more solid back wall by replacing an adjustable draw stop with a machined module foot that creates greater surface-area contact with the cables. Two base cams and a rotating module offer draw lengths from 25-30 inches, in half-inch increments. Cam #2 covers 25-28 inches, while Cam #3 offers draw lengths of 28-30 inches. No bow press is required to adjust the module within the range of the base cam. Standard system letoff is 85 percent, with an 80 percent option.
Why Carbon? A significant advantage of carbon is its strength-to-weight ratio. Hoyt’s carbon rigs are noticeably lightweight and, as proven in the company’s well-documented extreme testing (1,500 dry fires and 1 million shot cycles), amazingly strong, rugged and durable. Using O-Tec Technology, Hoyt is able to fashion its Hollow Carbon Tube structures into complex shapes that flow in concert with one another to create the overall platform. Hoyt’s all-new Parallel-Track Hollow Carbon Tube riser design offsets the structural tubes in a horizontal plane, which creates a wider stance and, in turn, a notable increase in rigidity and stability.
Advertisement
The RX-4 is built on three independent tubes specifically formed and engineered to eliminate noise and vibration. Hoyt’s signature Tec-Lite strut is created when one of the three tubes separates from the handle and loops behind the grip. Also featured on the new rig is the company’s patent-pending offset-riser design, which employs Hoyt’s Perfect Balance stabilizer-mounting insert to allow for the counterbalancing of accessories.
Riser-Ready Several other components call the RX-4’s riser home, including the new Integrate Rest Mounting System. Hoyt specifically added this system to accept the new QAD Integrate rest. This rest-mounting system features a dovetail bracket that precisely positions the rest in a level stance when clamped down, offering a solid, consistent platform for easy adjustments and precise tuning. Standard mounting is also available for all other rests.
Hoyt’s Custom-Tune grip is designed to allow for small lateral adjustments through a three-position plate anchored to the handle. The various positions are intended to maximize alignment based on the shape of the shooter’s hand and pressure points. Each one-piece grip is molded from a polymer material and formed to create a neutral wrist position.
Advertisement
The RX-4’s assortment of riser-based vibration killers includes the Silent Shelf Pad that quiets arrow and rest contact, the adjustable Stealth Shot string stop that quickly reduces string oscillation at the shot and Shock Pods mounted on a tab near the bottom limb pocket.
Front and rear stainless-steel stabilizer-mounting inserts and a semi-inline Roller Guard cable-management system round out the package. Hoyt offers its bows in a wide array of target and hunting finishes; visit hoyt.com for a complete list.
Balance & Power RX-4 Hybrid Limbs are laminated in a process that allows for full contour and Hoyt’s Uniform Stress Distribution design while avoiding cutting through critical stress fibers, a source of failure for some limb designs. Hoyt’s design creates enhanced energy storage, increased speed/power and a limb that can withstand 1 million shot cycles and 1,500 dry fires with an 80-pound draw weight and 30-inch draw length. The wide stance of the limbs increases lateral and torsional stability. An asymmetrically wider bottom pocket and outside limb width, which Hoyt calls Offset Weight Distribution Technology, keeps the vertical center of mass at the grip for exceptional balance. Matched into sets based on deflection values, limbs are available in peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds.
Impressions Hoyt’s Carbon RX-4 Alpha is a super-compact, highly maneuverable bow ideal for tight-quarters situations such as hunting from a ground blind or treestand. The bow has only a quick bump in the grip at the shot, with no detectable vibration. One of the RX-4’s many outstanding qualities is its excellent balance at rest, full draw and after the shot. The draw cycle is firm, with no abrupt transitions for a consistent experience, and the Custom-Tune grip is comfortable and functional. Draw-length adjustments are quick and simple.
