The new bows for 2021 are raising the bar for bowhunters everywhere. Here’s a look at the latest hunting rigs.
1. Mathews V3
The all-new V3 from Mathews is built on innovation. The company redesigned the geometry of modern archery to add more riser, all while keeping a compact profile. As a result, this bow packages both agility and stealth into the same unit. And it does so without compromising accuracy. Furthermore, the Centerguard Cable Containment system delivers optimal cam timing; while the new Nano 740 damper decreases noise and vibration. Overall, it is 27 inches axle to axle. It has a 6-inch brace height. The bow weighs 4.29 pounds. Peak draw weight options include 60, 65, 70 and 75. Draw length options range from 25-29.5 inches. Let off is 80 or 85%. And this bow sends arrows out of the gate at 342 fps (IBO).
MSRP: $1,199 | https://www.mathewsinc.com/
2. Hoyt Ventum 33
The Ventum 33 is Hoyt’s smoothest, quietest bow to date — and by a long shot. The bow features an all-new HBX cam system specifically designed for unparalleled performance. HBX comes in one cam size that covers the full draw length range by using two different module sizes, so you get the fastest performance across all draw lengths. The Ventum 33 features a 33⅛-inch axle-to-axle and a 6⅜-inch brace height. The bow weighs in at 4.7 pounds and is rated for speeds of 334 ATA. Whether shooting this bow in the yard, or carrying it afield, it’s a smooth shooter and one worth adding to the arsenal.
MSRP: $1,249.00 | https://hoyt.com/
3. Xpedition Archery X Series Bows
The team at Xpedition Archery is taking performance and efficiency to the next level. The X Series bows have been in development for the past two years, and they feature three new patented technologies. First, a proprietary material known as X-Loy by Magnite, is a blend of alloys, infused with carbon, to make a bow that is lighter than many of the carbon bows on the market and stronger than aluminum. This material is forged, and CNC machined, to create the best of all worlds. Second, the Lever Cam redefines efficiency, and allows archers to boost kinetic energy and momentum to higher levels. Third, the ETS (Energy Transfer System) patent pending cable system enhances the cable system dynamics, which increases performance and efficiency by pre-loading the cables and limiting the movement of them. Finally, this bow sports impressive (but different) specs, depending on the exact model (X30, X33 and X37). That said, it is 30-37.5 inches axle to axle. It has a 6.25- to 7.5-inch brace height. The bow weights 3.6-3.9 pounds. Peak draw weight options include 50, 60, 65 and 70. Draw length options range from 25.5-32 inches. Let off is 80%. And this bow launches arrows at peak speeds of 332-352 fps (IBO).
MSRP: $1,399-1,499 | https://xpeditionarchery.com/
4. Bear Redemption EKO
It wasn’t long ago that Bear unveiled the Status EKO, which incorporated the company’s highly-customizable let-off position cams. Now, the brand is back at it with the all-new Redemption EKO. This flagship model utilizes the company’s Vibration Reduction System (VRS) to reduce hand shock and vibration through the riser by up to 25%.
The VRS technology works in conjunction with the existing Shockwaves Dampening System, effectively reducing limb vibration, too. Furthermore, the Redemption EKO offers impressive specs – making it the perfect choice for the treestand, ground blind, or spot-and-stalk hunter. This 31-inch, 342 IBO bow has a 6 1/4-inch brace height and weighs 4.1 pounds. You can customize the draw cycle to your liking with four different let-off settings (75%, 80%, 85%, and 90%), optional limb stops, draw weight ranges of 45 to 60 pounds or 55 to 70 pounds, and draw lengths of 26 to 30 inches. Simply put, the Redemption EKO is a sweet shooter.
MSRP: $999.99 | https://beararchery.com/bows
5. Bowtech Carbon Zion
The new Bowtech Carbon Zion is a lightweight bow that sports accurate, tight groups. Made from quality materials, it offers premium performance and incredible accuracy. Carbon — which is one of the lightest (but strongest) materials known to mankind — lays the foundation for success, and other advanced features build up from there. With the Zion and Zion DLX, bowhunters can take to the woods, hunt from the ground, or target game from elevated positions. Regardless, make it happen anywhere with great accuracy, efficiency and speed. It’s aerospace-inspired carbon riser makes for a durable build, and the synchronized binary cams take it to new heights. Drilling down on specs, this bow is 31 inches axle to axle, weighs 3.3 pounds, and clocks in at 335 fps (IBO). It offers a 6.625-inch brace height, 25.5-30.5-inch draw length range, and 50-, 60-, or 70-pound peak draw weights.
6. Prime Nexus 2
The Nexus 2 from Prime offers 50% less vibration, and it’s faster and smoother than its predecessors. This bow is 32 inches axle to axle, weighs 4.25 pounds, and clocks in at 341 fps. It offers a 6-inch brace height, 23-30-inch draw length range, and 40-80-pound draw weight ranges (in 10-pound increments). It features the all-new NanoGrip, which is designed from a NASA-developed aerospace technology called AeroGel. It creates an insulated barrier between the aluminum riser and the composite grip, effectively combatting the undesirable feeling of holding a bow in colder weather. All things considered, this is a phenomenal piece of equipment, and it definitely gets high marks.
MSRP: $999 | https://www.g5prime.com/
7. Elite EnKore
Last year, Elite shook the archery industry with the release of first-ever technologies that allow archers to change the tune of their bow without ever leaving the shooting line or needing a bow press. This year, Elite Archery adds the S.E.T. (Simplified. Exact. Tuning.) Technology to three new models and offers Expanded Shootability. As a follow up to the wildly popular 2020 Kure, the new EnKore will satisfy the needs of many archers. It utilizes the ASYM Tri-Track Cam System and S.E.T. Technology to make tuning easy and frustration-free. A newly-designed Performance VersaMod System has 90% let-off, and generates increased speed. Offering the best of both worlds, the EnKore features the comfort and shootability that an Elite is known for, but with added performance. It is 33 inches axle to axle, has a 6-inch brace height, and weighs 4.55 pounds. Peak draw weight options include 40, 50, 60, 65 and 70. Draw length options range from 23-30 inches (in ¼-inch increments). Let off is 70-90% (with adjustable draw stops). It sends arrows at up to 340 fps (IBO measured at 80% let off).
MSRP: $1,099.99 | https://www.elitearchery.com/
8. Mathews Prima
The new Prima by Mathews is a very compact model, and provides women with a bow that meets their archery needs. Its Crosscentric cam leads to a smooth draw, consistent accuracy and impeccable overall performance. It also produces massive downrange energy, delivering speeds up to 321 fps with a 27.5-inch draw, and 346 fps with a 30-inch draw. The new CenterGuard Cable containment system optimizes cam timing while creating additional vane clearance. The bow also features the Engage Grip interface, which was designed to ensure consistent hand placement, effectively reducing torque. Drilling down, the Prima is 30 inches axle to axle. It has a 5.5-inch brace height. The bow weighs 3.93 pounds. Peak draw weight options include 40, 50 and 60 pounds. Draw length options range from 21.5-27.5 inches. And let off is 80%.
MSRP: $1,099 | https://www.mathewsinc.com/
