On the hunt for a new backcountry bow

[rds1865]

For the last 5 years, my backpack backcountry elk hunting has been done with my 2016 PSE Drive R - 70#, 28" draw. It has gone 4 of 5 on elk, all under 20 yards on 4 shots. Before this season, one of my limbs splinted 2 weeks before the season opened. I had previously purchased an extra set of limbs, so got it back in service in time.

It's been a great bow, near ideal for my use - lightweight (3.8# bare), plenty accurate, plenty powerful (336 IBO and gets 330), compact (30" ATA) etc.

There isn't a place to shoot all the potentially fitting bows, so I'm trying to narrow the field and then get to stores that carry them for testing.

If I keep a bow similar in spec to what I have, the following would be good fits:

- Mathews ARC 30
- Hoyt RX-10
- PSE Mach 30
- Xpedition NexLite 30 (intrigued by this bow, never held one or any magnesium/magnesium blend for that matter)
- Bowtech Alliance 30

If I stayed in the budget category which the Drive R was, I'd look at:

- Darton Consequence SD (only goes to 60#, if it went to 70#+ I'd probably buy it if it tested good for me)
- Find a used Drive R (boring, but smart & effective)
- Bear Whitetail Int or Resilient

If I opted for a longer ATA for a wider range of western hunting applications, these are on the list:

- Mathews ARC 34
- PSE Mach 33 or Sicario
- Xpedition NexLite 33
- Bowtech Alliance 33
- Prime Divide 33

I'd default to Mathews, although I've never owned one, just due to having parts availability and resale value should I need either. Otherwise, I'm open to feedback. While I'll spend time testing bows I can get my hands on, I would prefer to limit the list before doing in person shopping. I'm hours away from full service shops with reasonable inventory.

Specs I'd prefer, sub 4.25#, shootable over speed (although both are a bonus and I don't mind going up in draw weight), packable, reliable. Have full service shop at my house. So tuning and other features are great, but not deal makers or breakers. If you have experience with these in your own quest, would love to hear the feedback.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

The pse carbon bows are my favorites.

 

[sf jakey]

I just spent some time with the pse, the Hoyt and the Mathews. All very close, Hoyt being the heaviest. Honestly, I find the Mathews hard to beat, same weight as pse. About the same speeds and much less expensive. Mathews was much more quiet and dead in hand, but that was a bare bow vs bare bow. FWIW, I really want to justify the PSE, but really can’t.

 

[rds1865]

I just spent some time with the pse, the Hoyt and the Mathews. All very close, Hoyt being the heaviest. Honestly, I find the Mathews hard to beat, same weight as pse. About the same speeds and much less expensive. Mathews was much more quiet and dead in hand, but that was a bare bow vs bare bow. FWIW, I really want to justify the PSE, but really can’t.

Which Mathews and which PSEs did you shoot 30s and/or 33/34? Makes sense on the carbon.

 

[fatlander]

I don’t think carbon is worth the squeeze. They’re louder, finishes never hold up, and they’re stupid expensive.

Buy a year old lift x or Hoyt AX and put the difference into a really good rest, sight, and quiver. You’ll get a fully rigged out bow for a little more than the price of a bare new bow.


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[Wirrex]

I’m no real help because I lug around a 36” Mathews title. If I were you I would buy what fit the best and felt the best on the shot.

 

[swavescatter]

I think it would be wise to visit a pro shop with most of these bows in stock to shoot back to back.

I went cold turkey to a shop with zero bias. I had heard of Hoyt, Bear and Mathews but didn’t appreciate any differences. I shot several bows not having ever pulled back a compound. When I shot the Mathews last my jaw dropped at how quiet and refined it seemed. The tech knew to give me that bow last and was already smirking.

 

[rds1865]

I think it would be wise to visit a pro shop with most of these bows in stock to shoot back to back.

I went cold turkey to a shop with zero bias. I had heard of Hoyt, Bear and Mathews but didn’t appreciate any differences. I shot several bows not having ever pulled back a compound. When I shot the Mathews last my jaw dropped at how quiet and refined it seemed. The tech knew to give me that bow last and was already smirking.

Hear this about Mathews with regularity. I'll make sure the shop has them in stock or prioritize at least one shop visit that does.

 

[rds1865]

I’m no real help because I lug around a 36” Mathews title. If I were you I would buy what fit the best and felt the best on the shot.

Don't those long bows point and hold great though? Good advice, thanks.

 

[Wirrex]

Don't those long bows point and hold great though? Good advice, thanks.

They sure do! Confidence is everything.

 

[sf jakey]

Which Mathews and which PSEs did you shoot 30s and/or 33/34? Makes sense on the carbon.

All 3 30” and carbon in the Hoyt.

 

[Dirtbag]

The pse carbon bows are my favorites.

Will second this. The Mach 33 has been one of the best shooting bows I’ve had. Although I did put an Arc 34 on order just for fun.

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

For the last 5 years, my backpack backcountry elk hunting has been done with my 2016 PSE Drive R - 70#, 28" draw. It has gone 4 of 5 on elk, all under 20 yards on 4 shots. Before this season, one of my limbs splinted 2 weeks before the season opened. I had previously purchased an extra set of limbs, so got it back in service in time.

It's been a great bow, near ideal for my use - lightweight (3.8# bare), plenty accurate, plenty powerful (336 IBO and gets 330), compact (30" ATA) etc.

There isn't a place to shoot all the potentially fitting bows, so I'm trying to narrow the field and then get to stores that carry them for testing.

If I keep a bow similar in spec to what I have, the following would be good fits:

- Mathews ARC 30
- Hoyt RX-10
- PSE Mach 30
- Xpedition NexLite 30 (intrigued by this bow, never held one or any magnesium/magnesium blend for that matter)
- Bowtech Alliance 30

If I stayed in the budget category which the Drive R was, I'd look at:

- Darton Consequence SD (only goes to 60#, if it went to 70#+ I'd probably buy it if it tested good for me)
- Find a used Drive R (boring, but smart & effective)
- Bear Whitetail Int or Resilient

If I opted for a longer ATA for a wider range of western hunting applications, these are on the list:

- Mathews ARC 34
- PSE Mach 33 or Sicario
- Xpedition NexLite 33
- Bowtech Alliance 33
- Prime Divide 33

I'd default to Mathews, although I've never owned one, just due to having parts availability and resale value should I need either. Otherwise, I'm open to feedback. While I'll spend time testing bows I can get my hands on, I would prefer to limit the list before doing in person shopping. I'm hours away from full service shops with reasonable inventory.

Specs I'd prefer, sub 4.25#, shootable over speed (although both are a bonus and I don't mind going up in draw weight), packable, reliable. Have full service shop at my house. So tuning and other features are great, but not deal makers or breakers. If you have experience with these in your own quest, would love to hear the feedback.

I always shoot longer ata bows, so that will be what I lean toward.

I ordered an RX10 Ultra a week before the drop, as I have been shooting Hoyt carbon for years. Bought their new one every year and many years, a couple of them.

I was in the shop getting my new 10 tuned and ready to go and had a few minutes so I shot the Arc 34. I bought that bow that day and had them order me another one. I then sold the Hoyt. It is simply phenomenal. Especially with the SWX-Z mods. I bumped up 5 pound with those mods and can draw it slow, let it down slow, and it is banging out my arrows at 290 FPS.

If you get the chance, definitely shoot it. It might not be the one for you, but for me at least, it's quickly become my favorite bow I've owned, with the RX7 Ultra not far behind it.

 

[VarmintSniper30]

I have a 2022 Apa mamba 36 if your interested

 

[Huntnpack 2]

My recommendation is to definitely shoot a couple different models. My choice was the Arc 30 with the SWX-Z mods. Best fit for me of the bows I shot.

 

[rds1865]

Got a used Mach 1 on the way. I’ll play with it the next couple of months to see how it suits. Appreciate the feedback and do plan to go test some of the newer bows soon - ARCs, Mach30/33/Sicario, Hoyt RXs and anything else they stock along those lines.

 

[Trial153]

My Mach 1 been from the Arctic Circle to South America, and been a fantastic light weight rig for me, all fitter out with arrows in the quiver it a hair over 6 pounds. I
Shoot it a 74 27.5 and switch up arrows based on what the game and topography is. Since I got it I have had Mach 33 and 34, a truth 33, a mach 30 and hoyt rx9.
None have replaced the mach 1

I have Sicario on the way that plan on building and using on at least one of my four spring hunts. I have only about 50 shots on the Sicario and so far i liked it enough to order one.
I plan on trying an Alliance 33 and 30 also this spring

 

[rds1865]

My Mach 1 been from the Arctic Circle to South America, and been a fantastic light weight rig for me, all fitter out with arrows in the quiver it a hair over 6 pounds. I
Shoot it a 74 27.5 and switch up arrows based on what the game and topography is. Since I got it I have had Mach 33 and 34, a truth 33, a mach 30 and hoyt rx9.
None have replaced the mach 1

I have Sicario on the way that plan on building and using on at least one of my four spring hunts. I have only about 50 shots on the Sicario and so far i liked it enough to order one.
I plan on trying an Alliance 33 and 30 also this spring

Quite the testament for your Mach 1 and quite the adventures with your Mach 1.

 

[Trial153]

Quite the testament for your Mach 1 and quite the adventures with your Mach 1.

I dont think anyone has better back country platform then PSE carbon bows, the are durable and light. Pus the E cam everything is based around is the best cam ever designed through out its range for performance and feel.

 

[Huntnpack 2]

Mmmm….. Opinions differ for each individual.
I personally choose my Best Back Country Bow based on My personal preferences & criteria of a bows attributes. My choice may not be better for someone else.