Hoyt’s new REDWRX Carbon RX-7 changes the game with a lighter, two-tube, all-carbon riser. Smooth transitions and additional length open up the sight window, while the new HBX Pro Cam system optimizes performance.
October 24, 2022
By Jon E. Silks
Hoyt Archery’s focus for its 2022 REDWRX Carbon RX-7 , was developing a rig that is lighter, quieter and better aligned than ever.
The company brought a Zen-like focus to the RX-7, with an In-Line system that demonstrates a higher level of integration, options and small tweaks that bring great reward.
Hoyt's refined approach to carbon-riser technology, in both structure and content, plays well with the In-Line features to bring a significant reduction in overall weight, while a host of other technologies and accessories have calmed and quieted this rig by an impressive 24 percent. In addition, the HBX Pro Cam vibrates less, rotates faster and is positioned better to expand the sight window and tune easier.
Riser Revamp It takes courage not to leave well enough alone when you have a good thing going, and Hoyt definitely had a good thing with its carbon-riser bows. Thus, it was not without risk when the company took a look at its flagship model with fresh eyes and ideas and decided it could do even better!
Most noticeable in the revamp is the use of two carbon tubes rather than three to make up the riser, resulting in reduced material and weight. Another visually evident change is in the sight window, which is nearly an inch longer than the company’s RX-5 and transitions much less abruptly back to the centerline. Perhaps not as apparent on first glance is the change Hoyt made from a carbon/metal hybrid construction to an all-carbon unit — another move with significant weight-reduction benefits. In earlier models, each end of the riser would transition into an aluminum cap that interfaced with, and supported, the limb pockets. At the base level, Hoyt employs its Hand-Laid Hollow Carbon Tube technology to create a reflex riser in its proven and popular Tec Riser design.
Hoyt goes all-in with its In-Line system on the RX-7. The company offers both standard and In-Line mounting options for both the sight and rest. The riser is shaped and formed around the In-Line Picatinny-style mount for the sight and the dovetail plate for the Integrate Rest, giving the rig a more finished look. The new VitalPoint Grip was set with a 4-degree angle reduction to focus hand pressure near the middle of the grip rather than at the heel, reducing negative palm pressure and, in turn, resulting in less hand torque and increased shooter performance. A majority of the grip is wrapped with molded Versaflex, an advanced, soft elastomer that adds comfort and has a non-slip surface.
Hoyt attacks vibration and noise with its In-Line Short Stop Stabilizer, which is 2.25 inches long and located low and forward on the riser to lower the center of gravity for better effectiveness and less vibration. Shock Pods, strategically placed in the upper and lower limb bolt dowels, are designed to destroy shock and vibration in the riser. A soft-rubber String Stop mounted just below the grip is adjustable for optimized performance.
A stainless steel stabilizer mount and side mount for a side rod offer multiple balancing options, while the short, low-profile roller guard manages the cables. The quiver-mounting fixture is designed to adjust in and out in relation to the riser so the archer can draw it as close to the bow as possible. Last but not least, the RX-7 is available in nine camo and solid hunting colors; see hoyt.com for the full list.
Pro-Level Power Hoyt promoted its HBX Cam to the pro level with a few upgrades. The HBX Pro System reportedly offers an improved vibration profile, has a smoother draw and is easier to tune, all while weighing less than its predecessor. It also positions the string to create a better center shot and enhanced sight picture.
The Hoyt Binary Cam anchors each cable to the opposite cam, forcing them to work together and auto-compensating for small system imbalances. Two rotating modules cover the full 25-30-inch draw-length range while maintaining optimum performance at every draw length. Letoff is adjustable from 80-85 percent, and Hoyt outfits the new cam system with Fuse X99 string and cables.
Tested and Proven Hoyt employs the company’s Split Limb Technology and Uniform Stress Distribution to produce its Hybrid EXT limb design that passed a brutal test of 1,000 full-on, dry-fire cycles at 80 pounds with a 30-inch draw. The multi-layered fiberglass/laminate limbs are available in peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds. Precision-machined limb pockets are given the critical assignment of perfectly aligning the limbs to the riser to ensure consistent downrange performance, while the installed Limb Shox reduce vibration and noise.
Impressions The lower weight of the RX-7 was immediately evident and, when shot, the bow was exceptionally quiet, had zero detectable vibration and only a slight jump in the handle. When drawing the bow, it climbed steadily to peak before gently dropping into a firm — but not harsh — back wall where the shooter can relax into the shot. The grip is semi-soft and has a flat back for comfortable and functional performance.
Test Specialist Chad Smith and I both agreed on this one — this is Hoyt’s best bow to date, aluminum or carbon. It's truly an impressive rig!
The Specs Manufacturer: Hoyt, 801-363-2990; hoyt.com Model: REDWRX Carbon RX-7Riser: Hand-Laid Hollow Carbon Tube, reflexGrip: VitalPoint, molded elastomerLimbs: Hybrid EXT, splitDraw Weights: 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds peakDraw Lengths: 25-30 inches, in half-inch increments; two base modulesCam System: HBX Pro SystemLetoff: 80-85 percent, adjustable; 84.77 percent (as tested)String: Fuse Custom, BCY X99, 57.75 inchesCables (x2): Fuse Custom, BCY X99, 33.85 inchesBrace Height: 6.25 inchesAxle-to-Axle Length: 30 inchesWeight: 3.9 pounds (advertised); 3.95 pounds (as tested)Finish: Nine camouflage and solid color options.Advertised IBO Speed: 342 fpsMSRP: $1,849Comments: High marks in every category!Speed & Energy Arrow Speed: 300 fps (375-grain arrow), 283 fps (425-grain arrow)Kinetic Energy: 74.96 ft./lbs. (375-grain arrow), 75.60 ft./lbs. (425-grain arrow)Dynamic Efficiency: 84% (375-grain arrow), 84.72% (425-grain arrow)Shot Noise: 91.4 dBA (375-grain arrow), 90.6 dBA (425-grain arrow)
