2025 Carbon Bow Showdown – Hoyt RX-9 Ultra vs Prime FORM vs Elite Carbon EON vs PSE Mach 33 DS

[Zach Herold]

(Mathews Lift X 33 & Bowtech Proven 34 Included for Aluminum Riser Comparison)

It’s time for the 2025 Carbon Bow Showdown, and I’ve got four of the top carbon flagships lined up for a no-nonsense, side-by-side comparison. If you’re a bowhunter looking for real-world feedback—not just marketing hype—this one’s for you.

The Carbon Contenders:​

• Hoyt Carbon RX-9 Ultra
• Prime FORM
• Elite Carbon EON
• PSE Mach 33 DS

Also included for performance reference:

• Mathews Lift X 33
• Bowtech Proven 34

While not carbon risers, these two are highly anticipated 2025 models and will be referenced throughout the test to provide added context for hunters considering both material platforms.

Test Categories (all tested side-by-side in one full video):​

1. Out-of-box bow weight
2. Draw Cycle Feel and Transition Into Back Wall
3. Back wall
4. Arrow speed (same draw length, weight, and matched arrows)
5. Shootability (how forgiving the bow is and how consistent it is)
6. Sound (measured decibels + real-world impressions)

Initial Impressions (Out of the Box):​

All the carbon bows were noticeably warmer to the touch than the aluminum risers—something any cold-weather hunter will immediately appreciate.

Hoyt Carbon RX-9 Ultra​

• Grip: Feels good in the hand
• Finish: Clean and high quality
• Balance: Does not hold upright without tilting (bare bow)

Prime FORM​

• Grip: Unique look, but grip feels good—similar to RVX
• Finish: Solid overall
• Balance: Holds upright with little to no movement (bare bow)

Elite Carbon EON​

• Grip: Excellent feel
• Finish: Pristine
• Balance: Holds upright with no movement (bare bow)

PSE Mach 33 DS​

• Grip: Feels great—well-contoured
• Finish: Slightly rougher texture, but durable feel
• Balance: Tilts when held upright—does not stay balanced (bare bow)

Also on Hand for Comparison (Aluminum Risers):​

Mathews Lift X 33​

• Grip: Feels great—typical Mathews feel
• Finish: Clean and well-executed
• Balance: Holds upright with no movement (bare bow)

Bowtech Proven 34​

• Grip: Very comfortable in hand
• Finish: Nice, smooth
• Balance: Tilts when held upright—does not balance on its own

What’s Next:​

1. Setup Process:
   I’ll be breaking down how easy or difficult each bow was to set up (center shot, timing, tuning, etc.).
2. Full Test Breakdown:
   Then each bow will go through every test listed above, side-by-side.
3. Video Release:
   The full breakdown video will be posted here around June 15. You don’t want to miss this review.

Want to Catch Up on Previous Years’ Head-to-Head Bow Tests?​

2022 Head-to-Head Bow Test​

• Part 1 Video: Watch Here
• Part 2 Video: Watch Here

2023 Head-to-Head Bow Test​

• Part 1 Video: Watch Here
• Part 2 Video: Watch Here
• Rokslide Thread: 2023 Forum Thread

2024 Head-to-Head Bow Test​

• Video: Watch Here
• Rokslide Thread: 2024 Forum Thread

2025 Head-to-head Bow Test

• Video: Watch Here

@robby denning

 

[Wheels]

One suggestion, could you include MSRP price on all the bows tested?

 

[Zach Herold]

Quick update for everyone following along:

I've spent a lot of time getting each bow properly set up, and I'm now well into the testing phase. All of the bows are shooting well—but I’ll say this:

• The PRIME FORM really stands out. It’s a unique design, draw cycle, and comfort are top notch.
• The Elite Carbon EON feels awesome—balanced, smooth, and extremely comfortable to shoot.
• And the Mathews Lift X 33 is just as impressive as you’d expect. It holds and shoots great.

I’m just about wrapped up with all 6 tests. From here, I’ll be moving into the video edit. Once that's finalized, I’ll send it over to Robby and Justin to get everything ready to launch.

Stay tuned—we’re getting close to the full breakdown release!

 

[Zach Herold]

UPDATE!

I have one test left to finish then I'll edit the video! Looking forward to getting the results out to everyone!

 

[Zach Herold]

Thread Update – Testing Complete!

The 2025 Head-to-Head Bow Test is officially wrapped up!

All six tests have been completed, and the video has been edited and finalized. I’ve sent everything over to @robby denning and @Justin Crossley , and once they finish up their side of things, the full video will be published on Rokslide.

It’s a packed test with results you won’t want to miss—including a few surprises.

Stay tuned—should be live very soon!

 

[robby denning]

Thread Update – Testing Complete!

The 2025 Head-to-Head Bow Test is officially wrapped up!

All six tests have been completed, and the video has been edited and finalized. I’ve sent everything over to @robby denning and @Justin Crossley , and once they finish up their side of things, the full video will be published on Rokslide.

It’s a packed test with results you won’t want to miss—including a few surprises.

Stay tuned—should be live very soon!

All right! We're excited to see this too.

Justin's in Africa, so hold tight a few days everyone...

 

[Justin Crossley]

The 2025 Head-to-Head Bow Test is live!

Video

 

[NXTZ]

Thanks for doing this, great work Zach! Thought it was a really well done test and you offered a ton of useful comparisons for folks considering one of these bows. Probably one of the most objective bow reviews I’ve seen yet.

 

[robby denning]

Thanks for doing this, great work Zach! Thought it was a really well done test and you offered a ton of useful comparisons for folks considering one of these bows. Probably one of the most objective bow reviews I’ve seen yet.

Agreed. @Zach Herold you put a ton of hard work in this man and it shows. These just keep getting better and better


Spoiler alert but I couldn’t wait to see the results of that shootability test. Go Hoyt go Mathews!

The 70 yard indoor test was brilliant idea.

Videos definitely worth the watch, even if you’re not in the market for a new bow, just to see how they all perform against each other.

 

[Zach Herold]

Thanks for doing this, great work Zach! Thought it was a really well done test and you offered a ton of useful comparisons for folks considering one of these bows. Probably one of the most objective bow reviews I’ve seen yet.

Thanks I really appreciate that!

 

[Zach Herold]

Agreed. @Zach Herold you put a ton of hard work in this man and it shows. These just keep getting better and better


Spoiler alert but I couldn’t wait to see the results of that shootability test. Go Hoyt go Mathews!

The 70 yard indoor test was brilliant idea.

Videos definitely worth the watch, even if you’re not in the market for a new bow, just to see how they all perform against each other.

Thanks a million Robby I appreciate it! Yes a ton of work went into it, so I hope it is beneficial to people!