Hoyt Vs. Mathews

[clayton86]

I guess this would be the bow hunting equivalent of the Abu vs Shimano debate but which do you shoot or like. Personally I like the Hoyt line up most of my friends and family shoots Hoyt. I'm in the market for a new bow and I want a Hoyt nothing brand new just a season or 2 old. My wife wants me to get a Mathews because there the "best" I like the Mathews but i like the Hoyts more mostly because there cheaper and adjustable where the Mathews bows are not without buying new cams if I'm not mistaken. So whats your guys takes on these two company's or if you think one is better then these two please share.

[kylek]

I don't shoot anymore but I was always a huge Hoyt fan. I owned most of them at one time or another. I did buy a Matthews switchback when they first came out but could never get comfortable with the grip they use. They are both great bows in my opinion.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I prefer the Hoyts, but Matthews is a great bow also. For me Hoyts always shot more smooth.

[fishingkidPA]

i think hoyts shoot, look and feel better. Matthews are a good bow dont get me wrong, but i think they are overpriced. Plus they look like waffle makers....IMO

[Capt.Bob]

Both no doubt good bows, but I have bow hunted for nearly 30 years, and in those 30 years Hoyt is all ever owned. I bought my last of 6 new Hoyts over the years, in 2002, it and a Mathews were the two I had the Pro Shop set up to decide, the Mathews shot as good as the Hoyt but no better, and was heavier, so it was the Hoyt yet again. One thing I never got to find out though, is how is there customer service???? I never in all those years had a chance to find out, as I never ever had an issue, even with the Havoc Tech I dropped 25 feet out of my stand, so I guess I would say Hoyt!!

Last year at 57 with 11 busted vertebra I had to go with a crossbow or give it up, if Hoyt made one of there bows with a crutch on it, I would have had to try it. Now we will see how Parker and Excalibur fair, I have both in my new adventure and can't decide compound (narrower, much more compact and as accurate), or recurve (simpler, less maintenance, as accurate, but wider)?? this season will tell.

[fishingkidPA]

Both no doubt good bows, but I have bow hunted for nearly 30 years, and in those 30 years Hoyt is all ever owned. I bought my last of 6 new Hoyts over the years, in 2002, it and a Mathews were the two I had the Pro Shop set up to decide, the Mathews shot as good as the Hoyt but no better, and was heavier, so it was the Hoyt yet again. One thing I never got to find out though, is how is there customer service???? I never in all those years had a chance to find out, as I never ever had an issue, even with the Havoc Tech I dropped 25 feet out of my stand, so I guess I would say Hoyt!!

Last year at 57 with 11 busted vertebra I had to go with a crossbow or give it up, if Hoyt made one of there bows with a crutch on it, I would have had to try it. Now we will see how Parker and Excalibur fair, I have both in my new adventure and can't decide compound (narrower, much more compact and as accurate), or recurve (simpler, less maintenance, as accurate, but wider)?? this season will tell.

most of the compound xbows make me nervous. I've heard to many stories of them exploding/strings coming off/limbs breaking, especially with parker and barnett. Not saying there bad brands but if i were to get a compund xbow, it would be a ten point. But i would get a recurve Excalibur. They seem top notch.

[Capt.Bob]

most of the compound xbows make me nervous. I've heard to many stories of them exploding/strings coming off/limbs breaking, especially with parker and barnett. Not saying there bad brands but if i were to get a compund xbow, it would be a ten point. But i would get a recurve Excalibur. They seem top notch.

I have 2 friends that have had Parker Crossbows for several years, never one Problem and the one is on his second, a Cyclone, the same one I have, FANTASTIC!! I can easily put all my smokin fast arrows (336 fps. @ 415 grain) in a 2 1/2" group at 50 yards, and will ruin arrows if I try that with 4 or 5 shots, same hole often. I have a buddy I hunt with down in southern Ohio who is good friends with one of Ten Points district reps. and as I have never hunted with him myself, but we have been around the same campfire more than once, he would love your remarks, he knows I think they are a great bow, but more money than they are worth, You can buy a compatible bow for much less. Of all the people I know that have crossbows from many different makers I have never had one experience a string fly off or a limb explode unless they made a mistake, but they are willing to admit their mistakes, if you know where I am coming from!!

Parker bows require a bolt with a capture knock and must be used as they instruct, if it is not completely on the string when fired you will have problems, if you don't check your arrows every time you shoot one and is nicked cracked or damaged in any way no matter how slight, it can cause a "partial dry fire" and that can cause strings to come off, limbs to explode and injury to the shooter!! Use it the way it was designed and I know three old men that are very happy with them.

Be careful who you listen to on the internet. There are many who never do anything wrong, but they are the ones with the problems, the people who have been using crossbows for years don't seem to be the ones having problems, but when they do, they admit or understand what they did wrong and don't blame the bow to make them selves look like know it all. Strings coming off and limbs breaking are usually shooter error, a leaf in the way of the cam is all it takes, you have to be aware if things that can contact a string or cam, as well as the limbs, and keep them clear. Between me and my two buddies we have over 12 years combined and I believe over 20 deer taken with Parker crossbows, and many arrows down range, too many to count, we have had one limb failure, the one guy left his limb hit the tree he was in trying to shoot behind it. Many new hunters bring on problems because they think all the little things shouldn't matter, and blame the bow instead of taking blame for being know-it-alls.

Lastly My Southern Brother ( what I call my huntin bud from southern Ohio ) don't even know how to shoot a compound bow, or any Vertical bow, he has never used anything but crossbows the same with most of his buddies. They all have taken 100's of deers over the years, I know many of them personally, they don't have any more problems than the guy's I know and hunt with that use or, USED, vertical bows, Like I said don't believe everything you read, if Parker made junk, they couldn't stay in business, that much you should believe! and No manufacturer in the crossbow industry makes a more durable bow than Excalibur, they are bomb proof, and have fewer problems that any crossbow made. I just hate the 35" tip to tip width, but I think for the security and durability and accuracy and low maintenance and weight and LIFETIME TRANSFERABLE warranty, I will keep the Excal, Exomax, I am liking it more and more every time I shoot it.

[Capt.Bob]

No manufacturer in the crossbow industry makes a more durable bow than Excalibur, they are bomb proof, and have fewer problems that any crossbow made. I just hate the 35" tip to tip width, but I think for the security and durability and accuracy and low maintenance and weight and LIFETIME TRANSFERABLE warranty, I will keep the Excal, Exomax, I am liking it more and more every time I shoot it.

Forgot to mention, that Excal love affair would probably end if Hoyt ever decides to build crossbows, but I don't see that EVER HAPPENING!!

[South FLA]

I shoot a Mathews, but grew up shooting Hoyt, both are good, shoot both back to back and see what you like. Most of today's bows are technological marvels and most shooters can't do their bow justice.

[BASSHUNTER1961]

My dad was an avid bowhunter, and I started shooting at age 5 with a longbow. I switched to compounds in the early 90's and have owned every bow out there, and Hoyt has alway been my favorite.

[backcast88]

Hoyt and Mathews make a very good bow and between the 2 I would take a Hoyt.

But if your open to other brands look at Athens Archery. I have shot a bunch of different bows in the past 3-4 years before shooting an Athens 2 years ago and will only be buying there bows from now on. IMO Athens has better fit and finish and shoot great. Feel free to PM me about Athens if you want a little more info.

[clayton86]

I'm going to pick up my Hoyt Rampage XT today! Gotta love craigslist and awesome deals.

[endless]

I have 2 friends that have had Parker Crossbows for several years, never one Problem and the one is on his second, a Cyclone, the same one I have, FANTASTIC!! I can easily put all my smokin fast arrows (336 fps. @ 415 grain) in a 2 1/2" group at 50 yards, and will ruin arrows if I try that with 4 or 5 shots, same hole often. I have a buddy I hunt with down in southern Ohio who is good friends with one of Ten Points district reps. and as I have never hunted with him myself, but we have been around the same campfire more than once, he would love your remarks, he knows I think they are a great bow, but more money than they are worth, You can buy a compatible bow for much less. Of all the people I know that have crossbows from many different makers I have never had one experience a string fly off or a limb explode unless they made a mistake, but they are willing to admit their mistakes, if you know where I am coming from!!

Parker bows require a bolt with a capture knock and must be used as they instruct, if it is not completely on the string when fired you will have problems, if you don't check your arrows every time you shoot one and is nicked cracked or damaged in any way no matter how slight, it can cause a "partial dry fire" and that can cause strings to come off, limbs to explode and injury to the shooter!! Use it the way it was designed and I know three old men that are very happy with them.

Be careful who you listen to on the internet. There are many who never do anything wrong, but they are the ones with the problems, the people who have been using crossbows for years don't seem to be the ones having problems, but when they do, they admit or understand what they did wrong and don't blame the bow to make them selves look like know it all. Strings coming off and limbs breaking are usually shooter error, a leaf in the way of the cam is all it takes, you have to be aware if things that can contact a string or cam, as well as the limbs, and keep them clear. Between me and my two buddies we have over 12 years combined and I believe over 20 deer taken with Parker crossbows, and many arrows down range, too many to count, we have had one limb failure, the one guy left his limb hit the tree he was in trying to shoot behind it. Many new hunters bring on problems because they think all the little things shouldn't matter, and blame the bow instead of taking blame for being know-it-alls.

Lastly My Southern Brother ( what I call my huntin bud from southern Ohio ) don't even know how to shoot a compound bow, or any Vertical bow, he has never used anything but crossbows the same with most of his buddies. They all have taken 100's of deers over the years, I know many of them personally, they don't have any more problems than the guy's I know and hunt with that use or, USED, vertical bows, Like I said don't believe everything you read, if Parker made junk, they couldn't stay in business, that much you should believe! and No manufacturer in the crossbow industry makes a more durable bow than Excalibur, they are bomb proof, and have fewer problems that any crossbow made. I just hate the 35" tip to tip width, but I think for the security and durability and accuracy and low maintenance and weight and LIFETIME TRANSFERABLE warranty, I will keep the Excal, Exomax, I am liking it more and more every time I shoot it.

I have a Parker crossbow as well and though I love my crossbow. The capture knock bolts can be pricey especially if only needing one or two and you can only get them in the 6 pack bundle.When I bought Tomahawk(Thunderhawk now) it came with 4 bolts. I shot one in the woods target practicing and had to buy the bundle to replace the one. Good side of it I have extras now. What I love about my Parker is the warranty and Green Top here in Va carries out their warranty. I never tried their compound bow but I have seeing some Mathews that I like. I haven't look at a Holt. My uncle has a Holt crossbow. The Legend I think and my cousin has Barnett Wildcat that he likes. Both are big crossbows so I take my Parker over them, lol. Though I do prefer my weight and size of the Parker over theirs.

[RoryO]

Shoot a bunch of different bows. Don't get something because of the name, get one because it fits you and feels right.

[OkeechobeeAngler]

Neither. Elite bows here. 

[Redlinerobert]

Hoyt Carbon Matrix.   I love mine! 

[sarcazmo]

I feel like most bows from a reputable company are almost the same.  By that I mean a quality unit.  I also NEVER EVER listen to people who tell me Hoyts are the best or Matthews.  I went to a shop 30 miles from my house to see if I could shoot some Elite bows as I was curious.  Guy said "If you're gonna spend that much money just buy a Hoyt or a Matthews..."  Needless to say I just walked out.  Its a kin to someone telling you Shimanos are the best... That close minded attitude is really a disservice to consumers.  Its sad that elitism is so prevalent in all hobbies.

 

When bow shopping I tend to focus on the things that I can quantify vs who makes the bow.  IE ATA, Brace Height, Cam system (single, binary, dual etc), back wall, grip, noise, customer service etc.  Most people dont do this... They start looking @ manufacturer and go from there which to me seems quite backward.

 

Once I figure out what I'm looking for I'll shoot as many manufacturers bows as I can in my desired spec range.  I could give a hoot who makes it.  If I shoot it and like it I'll buy it. 

 

For the record, I shoot a hoyt rampage xt.  Just bought it.  Brand new left over 2012... Cam with a QAD rest, 10 carbon arrows, 5 pin sight, quiver, Hoyt case... 475 dollars.  Only reason I bought it was because of the smoking deal.

 

I'm already looking for another bow.  Specifically the Athens Recluse or a new breed archery eclipse.

[clayton86]

I'm waiting for mine to get out of the shop I picked up a used Hoyt Rampage XT I'm having them put a new full capture drop away on it and had a doz arrows made up.

[BassAddict1911]

HOYT ALL THE WAY!!!!

[BassAddict1911]

Hoyt Carbon Matrix.   I love mine! 

 

The only way to go!

[CKFishin]

Mathews Z7 Magnum here...

[deputybc]

BOWTECH, Hands down. I shot all the new bows when I went to buy a new one and the Bowtech out shot them all.

[OkeechobeeAngler]

BOWTECH, Hands down. I shot all the new bows when I went to buy a new one and the Bowtech out shot them all.

Elite was that way for me. My son tried them all and preferred the Diamond.

[gripnrip]

I'm a Matthews guy personally.  I have never shot a Hoyt.  I bet it is a great bow though.  I have debated with myself on going to another bow.  Then I read an article on the Matthews owner in a bowhunting magazine.  I like that he is a Godly man and gives enormous amounts of money to ministries and charities.  Just my 2 cents.

[Stouty]

Mathews, Catch us if you can!