When is it time to upgrade?

Joined
Aug 2, 2024
Messages
71
For what its worth, I just upgraded from a Hoyt Carbon Element RKT I bought new in 2013 to a Hoyt RX7. Overall I am happy with my decision to upgrade but a little disappointed in the speed. I was getting 258-260fps with a 476gr arrow setup at 28.5" draw and 65lbs. That same arrow, DL, and weight in the RX7 is also right at 260fps. Figured 10 years worth of evolution should have helped with speed but I was wrong. Dropped to a lighter setup and I am getting 271fps now out of the RX7 at 65lbs and 28.5" DL. The RX7 has less vibration in the hand and a slightly smoother draw cycle than the Carbon Element RKT but overall very similar in performance.
 

dan33

FNG
Joined
Mar 14, 2024
Messages
49
Location
In your walls
I had to upgrade unwillingly this year. Last week my cable started fraying all of a sudden. Was told it would be 2 weeks to get a new set of strings put on. Not ideal when deer season starts in 2.5. I snagged an elite exalt and I'm really digging it.
 
Joined
Oct 1, 2024
Messages
10
I upgraded to an rx7 ultra from a bowmadness and love it. Dead in the hand and shoots effortlessly for me.
 

Pclaunch

FNG
Joined
Jun 1, 2022
Messages
11
I recently went from a vxr28 to fortis 33 with the ec2 cam. I needed a longer draw length. The bows are 3 years apart and performance wise, very similar. The fortis is much much more enjoyable to shoot though. You just have to go shoot some bows and see if June feels worth the cost to change.
 
Joined
Oct 28, 2021
Messages
849
The best time to upgrade is every November. Shiny new stuff is a force I’m unable to resist. Put a deposit today on a bow that hasn’t even dropped. I got just enough intel to know I want it in hand on launch day.
 

Luked

WKR
Joined
Apr 3, 2014
Messages
1,197
I was planning on upgrading also after this season.
But for a bit of a different reason and that was Dealer network. Just in case I have any warranty issues.
Now I am looking at jsut keeping what I have as I dont Bowhunt as much as I used to and am getting where I would rather rifle hunt than bowhunt.
 

Super 91

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jun 2, 2015
Messages
127
Location
Roanoke, VA
I don't know that you would be "upgrading" moving to a new bow, but for me, I always like to try the new stuff and end up buying something I really don't need. My 2017 PSE carbon Air 32 ECS would suit me and I won't sell it because I shoot it very well, it's super light for those out West hunts, and it just works for me. Yeah, I got a PSE Mach 30 as well and really enjoy it, but in all reality I did not need to spend the money on it. I think if your bow is doing great for you now it will for years to come. I like to try the new stuff but I certainly don't "need" a new bow every year.
 
Joined
Aug 23, 2014
Messages
5,392
Location
oregon coast
Wondering what your guys opinion is on when is it time to upgrade your bow. I used to be a buy a new bow every year or two guy but stopped that several years ago. I currently have a Mathews Halon 6 that I bought new in 2016. I shoot the bow well and really do like it, but with having a few bigger back country hunts planned the next couple years am wondering when it’s time to upgrade to something newer. I change out the strings every few years and check everything over frequently, but with the bow getting older there always that what if something breaks that worries me, not that it couldn’t happen with a newer bow. Just looking for your guys opinions
I don’t think reliability is a big factor with bows, they are pretty tough weapons

I don’t really consider it upgrading either, because bow specs haven’t changed much in the past 15 years, it’s more of wanting something different to me, and it will seem like an upgrade because your mind wants to see it that way

Keep your current bow as a backup, because if you don’t like the new bow after the honeymoon, you can go back to old trusty, and if something goes wrong with the new bow, you still have a familiar weapon
 

CMF

WKR
Joined
May 8, 2019
Messages
895
Location
Mississippi
Had a Mathews DXT for 13 years, always had trouble getting a perfect broadhead tune. Never liked how far the quiver hung off the bow. I shot the new displays every year. I didn't upgrade til the V3X came out. Mostly the tight-fitting quiver pushed me over the edge. I do miss how the DXT was shorter and lighter.
 

Rcycs24

FNG
Joined
Oct 14, 2024
Messages
11
I got the same feeling as you and upgraded from my Creed XS to a Traverse, then a V3. The V3 is great, but every year I break out the Creed (I kept it as a backup) to practice and wonder why I needed the change. I never had any performance issues and always had passthroughs. I’m actually considering going back because the Creed is so much lighter and compact. Plus it shoots lights out at 50yds. Also, I thought I heard one time that Mathews keeps spare parts for all of their previous model bows. I’d keep the Halon 6
 
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