Heath Wood, article originally published on NABowhunter.
The Hoyt Carbon RX8 in Mossy Oak Bottomland is a standout choice for archery enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance and exceptional aesthetics. As a dedicated hunter and archer, I’ve had the opportunity to put this bow through its paces. In this in-depth review, I’ll cover everything from design quality and specs to performance and personal impressions, helping you understand why the Hoyt Carbon RX8 should be your next compound bow.
The Hoyt Carbon RX8 bow in Mossy Oak Bottomland after complete setup.
Upon the first details of receiving a new Hoyt bow to review, I couldn’t help but think of my young adult life and my first bowhunting experience. Like many hunters, I spent much of my time in a local archery pro shop. Even though the shop owner, Mr. Jerry Pulliam of Jerry’s Custom Archery, has passed on, I am forever grateful for receiving his guidance and knowledge in shooting a compound bow. As a longtime Hoyt dealer, Pulliam always had a display full of that year’s new bows. When I was twenty years old, I purchased my first-ever bow, which was bought with my hard-earned money. That began my passion for bowhunting and my first experience with a Hoyt. Twenty-two years later, I still love the sport of bowhunting and am fascinated with archery technology and the hunting industry. During that time, I have been blessed to review several different manufacturers and models of compound bows. While reviewing the new Hoyt RX8, my passion has flourished even more.
Hoyt Carbon RX8 – Design Quality and Bow Build:
The Hoyt Carbon RX8 impresses right out of the box with its sleek design and robust build. Crafted with precision using Hoyt’s renowned technologies, the bow feels incredibly lightweight, balanced, and solid in your hand. As a Mossy Oak pro staff member, I love classic patterns like the original Mossy Oak Bottomland. The RX8 I am reviewing came in Bottomland, which seemed to blend seamlessly with natural surroundings and much of my hunting gear and added a classic style touch.
To equip my bow setup, I elected to use the QAD MX2 rest, which I chose as one of my favorite new products at the 2024 Archery Trade Association show. Next, I selected Trophy Ridge’s React Pro 5 picatinny mount sights and the Trophy Ridge Hitman 6” stabilizer.
The pic rail mount on the Carbon RX8 is one of the factors in a well-balanced bow.
As for accessories, I attached Hoyt’s New Go-Stick 2.0 Bow Stand and Hoyt’s SuperLite 2-Piece Quiver. After a quick trip to my local pro shop to finish setting my draw length, installing the peep sight, and ensuring everything was balanced and shooting correctly, I was ready to begin reviewing.
Specifications:
IBO Rated Speed: 342 fps
Axle to Axle: 30 9/16”
Weight: 4 pounds
Brace Height: 6 1/8”
Draw Length: 25-26”/26.25-28”/28.25-30”
Draw Weight: 40-50#/50-60#/55-65#/60-70#/70-80#
MSRP: $1949.00
First Impression of the Hoyt Carbon RX8:
The Hoyt Carbon RX8 is lightweight, even with all accessories attached. The bow weighs a mere four pounds before accessories. With my recent fascination with backpack hunting with my bow, I know the importance of a lightweight bow when hiking into the deep woods or up and down rugged terrain. The wider profile limbs provide increased lateral stability for more accurate shooting. The design, including the pic rail-mounted sight and the VitalPoint Grip, seems to sit balanced in your hand when at full draw. Another great first impression for bowhunters is the warm feel that a carbon bow produces. When hunting in extreme cold, the bow stays warm to the touch, allowing bowhunters to make the shot, even in the harshest conditions.
Actual Performance of the Hoyt Carbon RX8
Everything looks exceptionally well on the Carbon RX8, but I was also interested in how it performed. When it comes to performance, the Carbon RX8 shines brightly. Hoyt’s innovative HBX Xact cam system boasts a smooth draw cycle, delivering consistent power and speed without sacrificing comfort. The unique cam system allows for ¼” draw length adjustments to customize your specific draw length like never before. Another great cam feature is the ability to adjust let off from 85,/80/or 75%. This new cam system is the most customizable ever produced.
When first researching the Carbon RX8, I discovered many shooters referring to Hoyt’s 70-pound draw, feeling like others 60-pound draw. I have always set my poundage at 62-65 pounds. When setting this bow to 70 pounds, I wondered if I was making a mistake and if I would let poundage back down after test-shooting a few arrows. However, their statements were accurate; after the first second of the initial draw, drawing 70 pounds is effortless.
Next was the forgiveness when shooting. With wider, shorter limbs and the new cam system, the Carbon RX8 makes grouping four to six arrows seem much more manageable. I have shot this setup for a month and a half and shot close to 200 arrows. Honestly, this is one of the most enjoyable bows I have ever shot.
Last, I did the speed test when shooting two different-sized arrows. First, I used Easton Archery’s FMJ 5mm arrows. With a 100-grain tip, this arrow weighed 468 grains and shot 275.3 FPS on the Garmin Xero C1 chronograph. Next, I used Easton FMJ 4mm arrows, which weighed 448 grains. Unfortunately, I only increased the speed to 278.3 FPS. In the past couple of years, speed has reached a plateau for many companies, letting the focus on shoot ability and other factors take over. The kinetic energy is still in the mid-eighties, which provides speed and knockdown.
Key Features of the Hoyt Carbon RX8:
- Cam System: The Carbon RX8 features Hoyt’s HBX Xact Cam System. ¼” draw length adjustments, 3,2,1 mod system for top performance with all draw lengths and 85/80/75% let off. This cam will be known for its efficiency and smoothness throughout the draw cycle.
- Grip: The ergonomic grip enhances comfort and control, promoting steady aim and reducing hand fatigue during extended sessions.
- Limbs and Riser: The split limb design and sturdy riser contribute to the bow’s durability and vibration-damping properties, ensuring a quiet shot.
- Adjustability: With customizable draw length and draw weight options, the Carbon RX8 caters to a wide range of archers, from novices to seasoned professionals.
- Extras: I love small details that make significant impacts on your equipment. One of those was the cam protectors on the top and bottom cams and Hoyt’s new kickstand, which protect your cams more than ever. With these small details, your cam never comes in contact with the ground, protecting it from dirt, mud, and unnecessary wear on your string. Another small extra feature is the V2 silencers on the string, which reduce string vibration by 25%.
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality and finish.
- Smooth and efficient draw cycle.
- Minimal vibration and noise upon release.
- Versatile for both hunting and target shooting.
- Highly adjustable to suit individual preferences.
Cons:
- A higher price point may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
- There is a slight vibration in the riser when shooting, yet it is not horrible.
Final Thoughts on the Hoyt Carbon RX8:
Overall, the Hoyt RX8 in Mossy Oak Bottomland is a top-tier compound bow that lives up to its reputation. Whether you’re stalking game in the woods or competing on the range, its combination of performance, comfort, and aesthetics makes it a worthwhile investment for serious archers. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, its quality craftsmanship and versatility justify the cost for those who demand the best. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to elevate their archery experience.
