Best Hybrid Setup

Tanner.L5

FNG
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Jan 27, 2019
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I’ve been shooting my Hoyt Alphamax 32 for going on like 10+ years now. Finally looking to upgrade. Want to get everyone’s thoughts on the best hybrid setup for both hunting and 3D. In the next year or two, I will look to take down my first elk with a bow. However, I want to be competitive when shooting 3D targets. Please provide your thoughts below.


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Any bow will do both well. Bows with longer ATA and larger brace height tend to be more forgiving on the shot, also a bow with more mass weight will hold more steady. I personally prefer a bow with over 32" ATA, 33-34" is a good ATA while still being maneuverable in the woods. Target bows are typically 36-40" ATA and over 7" brace height.

That Alphamax is a great bow!! The new Hoyts are very nice as well, If you like the grip and how your bow shoots I would recommend sticking with Hoyt. I shot a Maxxis for several years and then switched to Prime, then Strothers and neither was as comfortable as the Hoyt. I've been back shooting a Hoyt since 2014 now and don't plan on changing anytime soon. The new bows are great but I haven't found one from any brand including Hoyt that has made me want to upgrade from my 14 Carbon Spyder with Z5 cams and I have shot every bow they have made sense.
If you plan on keeping it as long as you have kept your AM then I would suggest going with a well known high-end company, a lot of companies have come and gone since you have owned your current bow. Personally for me if I had my bow stolen and had to go buy a new bow it would most likely be a RX3 Ultra. If your not wanting to spend that kind of money you could stick with the aluminum version.
 
For 3D use the biggest things to consider are going to be draw weight and arrow speed. Most 3Ds guy will shoot a lighter draw weight so that you can practice/shoot more arrows in a day.

That and arrow setup are to of the biggest disadvantages to an all in one bow.

Personally I shoot my hunting bow for 3D but I also don’t compete. I use 3D for hunting practice.


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Mathews Halon 32 seems to fit the bill perfect, the new hunting bow with almost identical specs would be the Mathews Traverse. Bowtech Realm SS, Realm SR6, Realm X. All similar setups as well.
 
Another vote for the Prime CT5, best of both worlds in my opinion. I don’t understand the trend of shorter ata hunting bows, longer ata will generally always be king. Plenty of trad archers shoot 60-64” bows in tree stands, ground blinds, spot and stalk with great success. All the mean while generally having to get closer to game to harvest them. That’s why I don’t understand the trend of the short ata bows. Get you something 34-36” that can do double duty for an outstanding 3D rig and hunting.
 
Another vote for the Prime CT5, best of both worlds in my opinion. I don’t understand the trend of shorter ata hunting bows, longer ata will generally always be king. Plenty of trad archers shoot 60-64” bows in tree stands, ground blinds, spot and stalk with great success. All the mean while generally having to get closer to game to harvest them. That’s why I don’t understand the trend of the short ata bows. Get you something 34-36” that can do double duty for an outstanding 3D rig and hunting.

Agreed. My current bows are a Hoyt Nitrum 34 and a Rx-1 Ultra. Both are shooters for sure.


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I’ve been looking at either the CT5 or Elite Ritual 35 to use for a hybrid setup. Honestly any bow is going to be an upgrade compared to the one I have just because the tech has gotten so much better I think. Was curious to get some backcountry guys thoughts on the subject. Thanks for all the input.


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you will get a lot of comments, “ mine is best”

The truth, all major bow lines are good now-a-days and plenty fast/smooth/efficient. Try a bunch and compare is the best strategy, you will find one that is a favorite- or two or three.

Personally, i want my hunting bow quiet and efficient... then can use a lighter arrow for 3d if i want more speed just swapping sights.

..
 
I believe the Bowtech Reckoning was designed specifically to fit this niche.
Went to the bow shop to get a new broad head target and shot all the new stuff for fun and that Reckoning was by far the one that stood out. Sweet sweet bow. Wish I had one. Should be perfect for 3D and hunting

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I'm shooting a CT5 this year. 35 A to A, adjustable letoff, and faster than my RX1 Ultra when set up apples to apples. Easy option for mounting a rear bar if you want.
 
Don't sell that alphamax until you are absolutely loving your new bow. IMO one of the best bows Hoyt made. I shoot a 2014 Hoyt CS 34 and love it. I've thought about upgrading but there's nothing wrong with my current setup and it shoots great. If I were to buy a new bow I would more than likely get a new breed. I've heard really good things about them and its all coming from regular Joe's not guys that are on the prostaff.
 
Upgrade your alphamax to RKT cams and use it for another 10 years :)

You can probably buy something that is as shootable and 10 fps faster, but you wont find a bow that will shoot better than an alphamax. Esp with the hours you have behind it.

Something to be said for a bow you have some history with.

Good advice above regarding not selling it unless you KNOW you are in love with a new bow. Even then -- find a way to keep that classic as a back up, its worth the $250 you would get for it.
 
What Dan said is really good. I've had a Maxxis 35 and a Carbon matrix with RKT cams on them and they were both really good shooters. The only reason I sold them was I had too many bows and just didn't shoot them. That matrix was a dream with those RKTs.
 
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