Hoyt’s new VTM is the company’s flagship aluminum bow for 2023, boasting a 31 percent reduction in hand shock compared to the Ventum Pro.
October 10, 2023
By Jon E. Silks
When you look at, shoot and experience the VTM, Hoyt wants you to think high performance, integration, flow, system, alignment and synergy.
All those qualities and attributes were purpose-built into the company’s new aluminum flagship bow — available in 31- and 34-inch axle-to-axle models — while anticipating the addition of an inline accessory system. The result? Reports from Hoyt testing, which we will get into, point to a big win for the design and engineering teams!
Along with some of Hoyt’s tried-and-true features, such as the Tec Riser and wide-stance limbs, Hoyt decks out the VTM with many new and updated technologies, such as an updated version of the company’s Hole Shot string dampener, built in front-to-back, structure-enhancing riser flares (top and bottom), a lower-profile grip, specialized riser cutouts for accessory integration, HBX Pro Cam and more.
The Platform Hoyt outfits the VTM with its well-known Tec Riser design, easily identified by the section of riser that loops behind the grip, channeling vibration away from the shooter’s hand. The design team also added width to the top of the riser, flared structural chambers, top and bottom, slot cutouts and strategically placed crossbeams to enhance stiffness and strength.
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A primary focus for Hoyt engineers was to bring all major components into the bow’s centerline. To this end, Hoyt built a Picatinny In-Line sight mount and Integrate rest mount directly into the VTM riser. Hoyt’s complete In-Line Accessory System consists of the Hoyt Integrate Ultrarest by QAD, SL Sidebar Mount, Superlite Quivers, Pro Series Stabilizers and Hoyt Picatinny Xero A1i laser-rangefinding bow sight from Garmin. When using a complete array of bow accessories from this system, the company reports a 59 percent reduction in residual vibration and an 11 percent reduction in shot noise when compared to results from the bare bow. Hoyt has also improved balance and stability on the VTM by lowering its center of gravity with a lower, more forward placement of the stabilizer mount. This allows the company to achieve the benefits of a traditional, 6-inch stabilizer with the included 2.25-inch Short Stop stabilizer.
The VTM also features Hoyt’s popular VitalPoint grip, with a change in the handle machining to make the front of the grip match the company’s RX-7 carbon bow. Hoyt also added a cutout in the Tec Riser strut to allow an Integrate rest cord to pass through, which reduces friction and wear, while another cutout called the Tunnel on the front of the riser is designed to accommodate the cord for the activation button on the Garmin sight, keeping the wire out of the way and allowing for optimal placement of the trigger button near the bow’s grip.
The Power Hoyt outfits the VTM with the HBX Pro Cam that features reduced vibration, lighter weight, easier tuning and a smoother draw than its predecessor. This cam style anchors each cable to the opposite cam, forcing the cams to work together and automatically compensating for small system imbalances. The cam hubs were also designed to position the string for an optimal center shot and sight picture. Hoyt outfits the new cam system with Fuse Custom X-99 string and cables.
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Two rotating modules cover the full draw-length range while maintaining optimum performance at every draw length. On the VTM 31, the mods cover a draw-length range from 25-30 inches, in half-inch increments, while the same modules on the VTM 34 cover a draw-length range of 26-31 inches. Hoyt advertises IBO arrow speeds of 342 fps for the VTM 31 and 334 fps for the VTM 34. Letoff is adjustable from 80-85 percent.
The Pursuit Hoyt understands that bowhunters want a stealthy rig, and to that end it has tricked out the VTM with multiple technologies designed to quell noise and vibration. One of the most critical is the past-parallel position of the Hybrid EXT, 11-inch split limbs. Parallel and past-parallel limbs have an inherent ability to reduce shock, vibration and noise. Add to that the excellent reputation Hoyt limbs have for durability and reliability and you have a double winner. The Hole Shot V2 adds a center stud engineered to specifically eliminate higher-frequency sounds deer and other game animals use to detect danger. Additionally, Hoyt outfits the VTM with its proven Limb Shox situated between both sets of split limbs, along with Shock Pods, the aforementioned Short Stop Stabilizer and Stealth Shot String Stop that now uses two setscrews for a no-slip lockdown.
Taken as a whole, Hoyt reports that its internal testing showed the VTM exhibits a 31 percent reduction in hand shock compared to the Ventum Pro!
The Perception While shooting our VTM 31 test bow at the range, I found the draw cycle exceptionally smooth. In fact, the 65-pound draw weight felt more like 50 pounds!
The VTM’s grip size, angle and shape worked together to achieve a comfortable fit in my hand, and the bow was notably steady while at full draw; there was no extra effort required to keep my sight pin steady on the target.
Upon release of the arrow, I noted a small bump in the hand but almost no detectable vibration. All in all, the VTM yields a very pleasant shooting experience along with Hoyt’s legendary durability and a host of hunter-friendly features.
The Specs Manufacturer: Hoyt Archery, 801-363-2990; hoyt.com Model: VTM 31Riser: Machined aluminum Tec Riser, reflexGrip: VitalPointLimbs: Hybrid EXT, 11-inch, splitDraw Weights: 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds peakDraw Lengths: 25-30 inches, in half-inch increments, via two rotating modulesCam System: HBX Pro CamLetoff: 80-85 percent, adjustableString: BCY X99, 58.65 inchesCables (x2): BCY X99, 34.65 inchesBrace Height: 6 inchesAxle-to-Axle Length: 31 inchesWeight: 4.6 pounds (advertised and as tested)Finish: 14 camo and solid-color options, including new Battle Worn Gray and Bourbon (pictured).Advertised IBO Speed: 342 fpsMSRP: $1,399Comments: Smooth to draw, steady to aim and speedy to the target!Editor's Note: All of our Bow Tests are conducted using the same standardized procedures and professionally calibrated testing equipment. Bows are tested with a draw length of 29 inches and a draw weight of 65 pounds, unless otherwise noted. Speed & Energy Arrow Speed: 303 fps (375-grain arrow), 286 fps (425-grain arrow)Kinetic Energy: 76.5 ft./lbs. (375-grain arrow), 77.2 ft./lbs. (425-grain arrow)Dynamic Efficiency: 85.2% (375-grain arrow), 86.0% (425-grain arrow)Shot Noise: 90.5 dBA (375-grain arrow), 90.1 dBA (425-grain arrow)
