In typical Hoyt fashion, the bow maker launched two carbon flagships. Dubbed the RX-9 and RX-9 Ultra, both compounds wear the new HBX Xact Gen 4 cams that allow maximum shooter customization. Not only is draw-length adjustable in 1/4-inch increments so archers and bowhunters can achieve that just-right fit, but Hoyt expanded its cam modules from three to five so each inch of the draw is optimized for speed and efficiency while reducing torque and increasing the archer's natural point of aim.
Hoyt also kept the easy-to-adjust draw stop arms, which allow let-off options of 70, 75 and 80 percent. Plus, a simple flip of the draw-stop arms allows bowhunters and archers to switch between backwall settings of Hard and Xtra Hard.
A smooth draw with a seamless transition to let-off allows the archer to acquire their anchor points quickly. Quicker anchor points mean increased target acquisition, and because the RX-9 Ultra seems to point exactly where the eyes are looking, the archer can settle in and start the shot execution process.
I found the 33-1/2-inch axle-to-axle bow light (4.3 pounds), maneuverable and deadly accurate. Recently, trailing behind a pack of remarkable hounds, my good buddy Jay Waring and I put a mountain lion up a tree. The shot was close, but the angle was steep and the window to thread my arrow through was less than baseball-sized. I've never shot a bow that promotes the shooter's natural point of aim like the RX-9 Ultra; my arrow was accurate, and the lion's death sprint was short.
I don't geek out over speed, but I will take as much of it as possible if it doesn't compromise accuracy. Hoyt bills its RX-9 Ultra up to 19 feet per second faster than the RX-8 Ultra. Currently, I'm pulling 69.32 pounds at a draw length of 28-3/4 inches, and my three-arrow speed test was faster than my three-arrow speed test, shooting the same arrows from my RX-8 Ultra. You get it all with the RX-9 Ultra: speed, a smooth draw and undeniable accuracy.
The riser is stronger, lighter and stiffer, and the limb pockets are wide yet thin. The struts are narrower than the struts on the RX-8. Hoyt engineers crafted narrower struts to accept the all-new TXL limbs. The TXL limbs are shorter, which gives the RX-9 Ultra, even though it's 33 1/2-inches long, a more compact look and feel. The shorter limbs also help the bow achiever faster arrow speeds.
Hoyt's 6 3/8-inch brace height RX-9 Ultra is available in a litany of camo and solid color options. You can also log onto Hoyt's website and craft your custom build. The price tag is hefty—$2,149—making it the most expensive carbon rig Hoyt's ever offered. However, if you put a premium on durability, customization, speed and jaw-dropping accuracy, this bow doesn't disappoint.
For more information, visit hoyt.com.
