Hoyt Carbon Spyder 34 - reviews?

[tlbradford]

I am picking up one of these bows on Wednesday and wanted to know how people are liking them after using them for a few years.  I did a search and didn't find anything too current, just the opinions of those right after they came out.  I heard they can be a little temperamental with the 2 cam system.  I needed a wheel bow that I could pick up and center punch animals from 30-50 with very little practice.  I have been hunting with a longbow for many years but have to limit my shots to 25 yards with the amount of practice I am getting, so I thought it would be nice to have another option.  I will probably have to figure out this whole release crap as well.  So much for keeping things simple.  Thanks in advance.

[KFhunter]

I started out shooting compound bows with 3 finger tabs, the release is more accurate.  I suggest a t handle caliper release instead of a hook style or wrist strap since you already have plenty of finger strength.  I don't use the knurled knob, it unscrews. 




As for the bow, I'm jealous     I wanted one of them pretty bad but it's not far enough up my priority list.  I shot one and freaking loved it, stupid easy to shoot.

[tlbradford]

Thanks KF.  I should have probably gone to the bow shop and tried out several models to see what I like.  I figure for the price I am picking this up for, I can try it and sell it if I dislike it.  I'm pretty sure my initial review will be, "Holy Crap this thing is loud!," followed by, "Holy Crap this thing shoots fast and flat."  I guess I know that going in and we will see how it goes.

[Jellymon]

I love mine. IMO it's a better bow than anything Hoyt has made since. It has a great valley for a Hoyt and very smooth draw all the way back, no humps to get over. It tunes very easily as well. Just a pleasant shooting bow.

Any cam system is as tempermental as the strings that are on the bow, get a good set of strings and the cams will be maintenance free after initial break in. Mine cams have stayed in synch, timing good, and poundage stayed the same for 2 years so far with only one small adjustment needed, and I shoot often.

Only negative I have is Hoyt's finish isn't the greatest. At least Hoyt was smart enough to make the layer under the paint black on my black bow for when the finish wore at the grip.

If it's a good price and fits you I would pick it up. You would be getting one of the best compounds made IMO.

[tlbradford]

I love mine. IMO it's a better bow than anything Hoyt has made since. It has a great valley for a Hoyt and very smooth draw all the way back, no humps to get over. It tunes very easily as well. Just a pleasant shooting bow.

Any cam system is as tempermental as the strings that are on the bow, get a good set of strings and the cams will be maintenance free after initial break in. Mine cams have stayed in synch, timing good, and poundage stayed the same for 2 years so far with only one small adjustment needed, and I shoot often.

Only negative I have is Hoyt's finish isn't the greatest. At least Hoyt was smart enough to make the layer under the paint black on my black bow for when the finish wore at the grip.

If it's a good price and fits you I would pick it up. You would be getting one of the best compounds made IMO.

Good to hear Jellymon.  Thanks for the reply.  If finish is my biggest worry, than I will be happy.  This one is black so, it will probably get some vet wrap anyway.  I will look at the strings and take your advice.

[highside74]

I have no experience with Hoyt except to know that they are one of the top companies producing bows today. But that isn't enough to know you can accurately shoot it. I feel I am a really good shot but I have owned at least one bow that I had to sell because I just couldn't be as accurate as I felt I needed to be with it.

Your comment about very little practice and center punching an animal at 50 yards may have been meant a different way but,

A 50 yard shot on a live animal takes more than a little practice no matter what bow you are shooting. Don't be that guy that thinks hitting a paper plate at 50 yards constitutes being ready to hunt.

Enjoy your new bow.

[2MANY]

I have a used one in excellent, like newish shape.
If you want to save $$$$$ shoot me a PM.

[tlbradford]

I have no experience with Hoyt except to know that they are one of the top companies producing bows today. But that isn't enough to know you can accurately shoot it. I feel I am a really good shot but I have owned at least one bow that I had to sell because I just couldn't be as accurate as I felt I needed to be with it.

Your comment about very little practice and center punching an animal at 50 yards may have been meant a different way but,

A 50 yard shot on a live animal takes more than a little practice no matter what bow you are shooting. Don't be that guy that thinks hitting a paper plate at 50 yards constitutes being ready to hunt.

Enjoy your new bow.

Agreed. I'm only comparing the amount of practice time associated with being accurate with a bow for traditional archery versus modern.  I pass up most shots that others will take due to distance, animal awareness, angles, etc.  I won't change that mindset if I end up using a compound.

If I can't get consistent accuracy I will sell it as well.  That is a good point you make. 

[tlbradford]

I have a used one in excellent, like newish shape.
If you want to save $$$$$ shoot me a PM.

Thanks 2Many.  I already made a handshake deal.  I appreciate the offer though.

[2MANY]

No problem.
You will enjoy the bow.

[elkchaser54]

Been shooting the same 2010 Hoyt CRX32 since it first came out and have zero complaints about Hoyts, the bow is way more accurate then I could ever hold it steady enough to shoot bullseyes.  My only feedback is the limb "creak" .  They tend to make a cracking noise as you pull back, makes it sounds like its about to crack but it never does.  I have googled it and asked a bowsmith and it just is a weird thing Hoyts do but doesn't affect performance in any way

[Jellymon]

Been shooting the same 2010 Hoyt CRX32 since it first came out and have zero complaints about Hoyts, the bow is way more accurate then I could ever hold it steady enough to shoot bullseyes.  My only feedback is the limb "creak" .  They tend to make a cracking noise as you pull back, makes it sounds like its about to crack but it never does.  I have googled it and asked a bowsmith and it just is a weird thing Hoyts do but doesn't affect performance in any way

My crx did the same. The limb pockets need lubed where the limbs contact them, most use lithium grease. This requires disassembly though. That creak was fixed in 2012 with the vector bows. Hoyt cut out areas of the limb pockets so they didn't contact the limb as much.

[tlbradford]

I picked up the bow today.  I wa hustling between meetings so I didn't have time to test it out, just an examination of everything.  It's amazing what technology has brought to bowhunting.  I will post up my personal review after I get a chance to shoot it.  It was fully loaded with a 5 pin site, drop away rest, small stabilizer, quiver, and he tossed in his release.  I will probably take it to Spokane Valley Archery and have them give it a once over and show me the best way to maintain it.  We shall see how it goes!