Estimated studying time: 9 minutes
I get connected to issues, particularly compound bows. In my line of labor, that’s not a very good trait.
Why?
Yearly, when a brand new compound crop is launched, I construct, take a look at, and tinker with a number of fashions. Two of my favorites in 2024 have been Hoyt’s RX-8 Carbon and aluminum-riser Alpha X 33.
Two Nice Bows
Within the spring of 2024, I used the sunshine, quick, and easy-to-maneuver RX-8 to lop the heads off a number of toms. The bow was ultra-accurate, quiet, dead-in-hand, and carried properly. Within the fall, I switched to the rig with extra size between the axle pins. As a Western hunter, I favor the added stability an extended axle-to-axle bow offers. The Alpha X 33 hit paydirt 3 times, as soon as on a 72-yard pronghorn and twice on a pair of less-than-20-yard whitetails. I fired six arrows at animals between the spring and fall of 2024. All six arrows resulted in fast, one-shot kills.
Hoyt RX-9 Extremely First Ideas
Although there was a lot hype constructing as much as Hoyt’s 2025 bow launch, I used to be a bit bummed. I wasn’t able to relinquish my 2024 killers. Nevertheless, after I pulled the 33-1/2-inch axle-to-axle RX-9 Extremely from the field, my melancholy angle was changed with quick pleasure.
Out there on GunsAmerica Now
HBX Gen 4 Cams for the Win
An axle-to-axle size between 32-1/2 and 33-1/2 inches hits a shootability candy spot for me, and I instantly took discover of some new-for-the-year options. The HBX GEN 4 cams are a win. Making certain most shooter customization, the GEN 4 cams have 5 completely different draw-length modules to permit for 1/4-inch draw-length adjustability throughout the vary set for every module. I used to be thrilled to see the trio of let-off settings nonetheless out there and the choice to decide on between a Exhausting or Xtra-Exhausting backwall. I favor a let-off of 80 % and a backwall that permits me to drag onerous right into a valley, and this cam system permits this.
Hoyt payments the GEN 4 as its most superior and environment friendly cam system. Other than offering velocity boosts as much as 18 fps when shot head-to-head towards 2024 Hoyt fashions, the cam system’s design ought to cut back shooter torque and improve the archer’s pure level of purpose.
Riser Design
Riser design additionally shifted for 2025. The riser’s new geometry let Hoyt make the riser of the RX-9 Extremely stiffer, lighter, and shorter than the RX-8 Extremely. The RX-8 Utra measured greater than 34-1/2 inches between the axle pins. The RX-9 is a exact (I measured it) 33-1/2 inches. The brand new limb pockets are large, skinny, and sturdy, and the struts are narrower than the struts on the RX-8. The slim struts have been made to just accept the all-new TXL Limbs, that are shorter and extra sturdy. These shorter limbs work with the riser and GEN 4 cam system, giving archers a critical velocity bump.
RX-9 Extremely Customized Choices
After all, the RX-9 Extremely is accessible in a plethora of stable, colour and customized colour builds, and In-Line Accent mounting creates accent attachment factors that cut back accessory-mounting {hardware} to create a balanced, mild, and ultra-quiet taking pictures expertise. I used to be glad to see the Combine Mounting System (dovetail slits) behind the riser for back-riser-face-mounted drop-away arrow relaxation attachment. The small front-riser-mounted Picatinny rail is again as properly. This rail eliminates the necessity for a sight rail and mounting block and allows you to connect your bow sight to the entrance of the bow’s riser through a Pic sight mount clamp.
Set Up the Hoyt RX-9 Extremely
After taking a number of measurements to verify the axle-to-axle size, brace top, and draw weight, it was time to arrange and tune the RX-9 Extremely.
Accent attachment is a breeze, and the bow pressed with out subject. Inserting the peep sight was straightforward. After making a number of minor relaxation changes and swapping shims, my four-fletch Easton X10 Parallel Professionals shot completely by means of paper.
Pace
Generally, you shoot a bow, and it feels quick. The RX-9 Extremely is that manner, and I wished to see if Hoyt’s declare that the new-for-2025 bow lineup—carbon and aluminum—is as much as 18 fps quicker than 2024 builds.
Measured at a draw weight of 68.98 kilos on a Luoyer Digital Bow Scale and taking pictures an arrow grain weight of 417.6, Hoyt’s RX-9 Extremely set at a draw size of 28-3/4-inches produced a three-arrow FPS common of 288.
Quicker than the RX-8 Extremely? Sure.
Draw Cycle & Transition To Let-Off
I’ve bone spurs within the shoulder of my draw arm, so I adjusted the RX-9 Extremely down barely in draw weight. The limb bolts turned clean. There was no popping or chatter, a sure-fire signal of a superb limb-to-pocket-to-riser construct.
Nonetheless hovering close to the 70-pound draw weight mark, this carbon-riser bow attracts simply. Draw weight builds shortly and easily, and the transition to let-off will not be abrupt. This permits the archer to remain clean and fluid, even in high-pressure taking pictures situations.
With let-off set to 80 %, I might simply crawl into my two-part anchor, pull onerous into the bow’s valley, and execute crisp photographs.
Pure Level Of Intention
What’s a pure level of purpose? The pure level of purpose is the spot on the goal the bow naturally factors when an archer closes his/her eyes and settles into their anchor.
I concentrate on the spot I wish to hit earlier than I draw my bow, whether or not taking pictures dots, spots, 3-D vitals or an animal. How properly a bow naturally gravitates to the place your eyes are trying is how properly that bow does or doesn’t increase your pure level of purpose.
I’ve shot many compound bows through the years. None boosted my pure level of purpose like Hoyt’s RX-9 Extremely. The place my eyes look earlier than I draw is the place the pin goes after I begin my shot execution course of. This is invaluable. It permits for quicker goal acquisition and permits you the flexibility to settle into your taking pictures place and begin your shot execution course of instantly.
What A Maintain
Too typically, when a brand new “something” is examined, it will get overly excessive opinions. This is very true if the tester is happy in regards to the new product.
Was I excited in regards to the RX-9 Extremely? Sure. That’s why I didn’t pen my first assessment till I had over 400 arrows by means of the bow. I didn’t need my pleasure to trump what the bow is.
The excellent news for me, and also you: The bow’s efficiency trumped my pleasure. Whenever you hit full draw and crawl into your anchor, the RX-9 Extremely holds the place your eyes are targeted. The maintain boasts an uncanny steadiness I can’t clarify. In the event you want to expertise this sort of taking pictures perfection, it’s essential to head to your nearest supplier and provides this 4.3-pound, 6-3/8-inch brace top bow a take a look at drive.
Over a month, I’ve shot the RX-9 Extremely standing, kneeling, flat on my butt, and from an elevated treestand. The bow’s steadiness is simple no matter physique place or angle.
However Is It Correct?
The RX-9 Extremely affords accuracy in spades, which, mixed with its velocity, steadiness, and at all times warm-to-the-touch riser, makes the bow price its $2K-plus price ticket.
From 20 yards to 120 yards, in crosswinds, headwinds, and tailwinds, the RX-9 Extremely put my Easton arrows the place I wished them. All you may ask for in a compound bow is that it permits your arrow to affect the spot you’re feeling it ought to in case you do your job and execute an awesome shot. This bow does that and extra. The lengthy however not too lengthy axle-to-axle size held higher in robust crosswinds, and the bow’s weight, even with connected equipment, is mild however not too mild. In a phrase, the RX-9 Extremely is PERFECT!
There is no such thing as a query that is probably the most correct, balanced, feel-good bow I’ve ever shot.
Did You Hear That?
No, you didn’t hear that. There may be no noise or post-shot vibration when the string drops on the RX-9 Extremely. The bow pops ahead barely within the hand after which sits, selling glorious follow-through and pure taking pictures pleasure.
A quiet bow is enjoyable to shoot, and the quieter the bow, the lesser the prospect a cagey big-game animal geese the string.
Learn Extra: Bowhunting Bucks on Public Land Through the Rut
Hoyt RX-9 Extremely Ultimate Ideas
General, Hoyt’s RX-9 Extremely is a premium compound bow that has taken my taking pictures confidence to a brand new stage. I’ve been sending aluminum and carbon shafts downrange at foam and conceal for near 30 years. As I’ve already penned, that is one of the best compound bow I’ve ever examined.
*** Purchase and Promote on GunsAmerica! ***
A hardcore western bowhunter, Jace writes for a number of media platforms. He’s the previous editor-in-chief of Bowhunting World journal and archery enterprise. Additionally a gear professional, Jace tinkers with and checks all the newest and best the archery business affords.
Past the archery world, Jace is keenly interested by firearms and pens quite a few rifle and shotgun opinions annually and how-to/tip-and-tactic articles.
Expertise:
-Former editor-in-chief of Bowhunting World journal
-Over 250 articles printed yearly.
-Completed full-time freelance out of doors author.
-Licensed bow technician.
-Aggressive archer and rifle (PRS) shooter
