Hoyt Launches 2023 VTM

When you look at, shoot, and experience the new VTM 31 or 34, Hoyt wants you to think high performance, integration, flow, system, alignment and synergy. All of those qualities and attributes were purpose-built into their new aluminum flagship bows while anticipating the addition of an inline accessory system. The result? Reports from company testing, which we will get into, point to a big win for the design and engineering teams!

Along with some of their tried-and-true technologies like the Tec Riser and wide-stance limbs, Hoyt decks out the VTM with new and recent technologies and accessories. A new version of the company’s Hole Shot string dampener, built-in front-to-back structure enhancing riser flares (top and bottom), lower profile grip, specialized riser cutouts for accessory integration, HBX pro Cam, and much, much more find their home on the new VTM.

The Platform

Hoyt outfits the VTM with its well-known Tec Riser design, which features a section of the riser that loops behind the grip. This strut channels vibration away from the main body of the bow, bypassing the grip and shooter’s hand while also adding strength and generating instant brand recognition.

Beyond that, there have been some notable changes in the riser’s structure. First, the team set out to make the platform stiffer, which they accomplished by adding width at the top of the riser with two flared, front-to-back, structural chambers (one on the top half and one on the bottom half), slot cutouts, and strategically placed cross-beams. Bringing everything into centerline was a core focus of the design team, and as you may expect they outfitted the VTM with their machined-in Picatinny In-Line sight-mount as well as the Integrate Rest mount. Side mounted accessories add weight and bring imbalance where the opposite is true for in-line accessories. In addition to weight reduction and better overall balance, these connections are also more secure, repeatable and precise, giving the shooter a further edge.

The company’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 Bow Sight (powered by Garmin.) With this system in place, Hoyt reports a 59-percent reduction in residual vibration and an 11-percent reduction in sound as compared to the bare bow. Hoyt’s riser design also moves the center of gravity lower for better stability and performance. Part of this strategy is moving the stabilizer location lower and further forward, which increases the effectiveness of the included 2.25-inch Short Stop Stabilizer to that of a 6-inch stabilizer. The SL Sidebar fixture mounts through the riser to keep the weight below the shooter’s hand while providing super lockdown power so your stabilizer stays in place. Its size and weight were also reduced for a more streamlined connection. A tic-mark on the edge of the mounting hole allows the archer to track rotational positioning.

Hoyt's popular VitalPoint grip makes a return on the VTM, with a change in the handle machining to make the front of the grip match the RX-7 version. Hoyt reports that their grip, with its lower angle and soft material, was tested to show increased accuracy, comfort and vibration dampening. And we aren’t done yet — there's more. Hoyt added a cutout in the Tec strut to allow an Integrate Rest cord to pass through, which reduces friction and wear. Another cutout, the Tunnel, is located on the front of the riser just above the shelf. This is designed to feed an electronic sight trigger cord through, like the Garmin, to keep it out of the way but still optimally located.

The Power

Hoyt outfits their VTM with the HBX Pro Cam, which was designed to have an improved vibration profile, a smoother draw and easier tunability while also weighing less than its predecessor. This cam style anchors each cable to the opposite cams forcing them to work together and automatically compensating for small system imbalances. The hub was also designed to position the string for an optimal center shot and sight picture. The string weight configuration was shifted to maintain speeds with the 1-inch longer axle-to-axle lengths. Two different rotating modules cover the full draw-length range, while maintaining optimum performance at every draw length.

The VTM 31 Mod #2 covers draw lengths from 25 to 28 inches while the #3 Mod produces 28.5- to 30-inch draw lengths. Add an inch to each of those lengths for the VTM 34. Speed is rated at 342 fps ATA for the VTM 31 and 334 fps for the VTM 34. Letoff is adjustable from 80 to 85 percent. Hoyt outfits their new cam system with Fuse Custom X-99 string and cables.

The Pursuit

Hoyt understands that bowhunters want a perfectly stealthy rig. To that end, they have tricked out their aluminum flagship with technologies and accessories in pursuit of that goal. 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 that Hoyt limbs have in the industry for durability and reliability and you have a double winner. The Hole Shot V2 adds a center stud to the mix, which is engineered to specifically target higher frequency vibrations and sounds that deer and other game animals rely on for safety.

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Additionally, Hoyt outfits the VTM Series with their proven Limb Shox situated between both sets of split limbs, their optimally placed Shock Pods, Short Stop Stabilizer and Stealth Shot String Stop, which now uses two set screws for a no-slip lock down. When all is said and done, the Hoyt designs and features were tested and reported as a 31-percent reduction in hand shock vs. the Ventum Pro!

The Perception

At the range I found the draw of the VTM to be exceptionally smooth — 65 pounds felt more like 50. The grip size, angle and shape all worked toward comfort and utility while the bow readily steadied at full draw. There was no fight necessary to keep it locked on target. There was a small bump in the handle at the shot with almost no detectable vibration. Overall, I had a very pleasant shooting experience.

Test Bow Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hoyt, 801-363-2990; www.hoyt.com
• Model: VTM
• Riser: Tec riser, machined aluminum, reflex
• Grip: VitalPoint
• Limbs: Hybrid EXT, 11-inch, Split
• Draw Weights: 30-40, 40-50, 50-60, 55-65, 60-70, 70-80
• Cam System: HBX Pro Cam
• Letoff: 80-85 percent
• Draw Lengths: 25-30 inches (VTM 31), 26-30 inches (VTM 34), rotating mod
• String and cables: Fuse Custom, X99
• Brace Height: 6 inches (VTM 31); 6.25 inches (VTM 34)
• Axle-to-Axle Length: 31 inches (VTM 31), 34 inches (VTM 34)
• Weight: 4.6 pounds (VTM 31, as advertised and tested); 4.8 pounds (VTM 34, as advertised and tested)
• Finish: Sitka Optifade, Sitka Subalpine, Sitka EVII, KUIU Verde 2.0, Realtree EDGE, Origin Raptor Highland, Blackout, Buckskin, Wilderness, Bourbon, Bone Collector EDGE, Bone Collector Blackout, Keep Hammering Blackout, Keep Hammering Buckskin, Keep Hammering Origin Raptor Highland
• Advertised ATA Speed: 342 fps (VTM 31), 334 fps (VTM 34)
• Suggested Retail Price: $1,399 (VTM 31), $1,449 (VTM 34)

Speed & Energy

• Arrow Speed: 303 fps (375-grain arrow), 286 fps (425-grain arrow)
• Kinetic Energy: 76.47 foot-pounds (375-grain arrow), 77.21 foot-pounds (425-grain arrow)
• Dynamic Efficiency: 85.22% (375-grain arrow), 86.04% (425-grain arrow)