LEFT: RX-4 // RIGHT: Eclipse // Bow holder by Raxx, Inc. // Bino harness by FHF Gear
After 8 years of shooting Hoyt, it’s no surprise that both of my bow setups for the 2020 season were also Hoyt! Many people have requested a breakdown of each setup. They’re extremely similar in terms of accessories and they have the same speed, but they’re 2 very different bows. Let’s dive into an overview of my RX-4 Alpha and the all-new women’s Eclipse!
HOYT RX-4 Alpha
Axle-to-Axle: 29½"
Brace Height: 6⅛"
Mass Weight: 3.9 LBS
Cam: ZTR
Draw Lengths: 25-28", 28-30"
Draw Weights: 30-40#, 40-50#, 50-60#, 55-65#, 60-70#, 70-80#
PERSONAL rx-4 Alpha SETUP
Pattern: Storm
Draw Weight: 56lbs
Draw Length: 26”
Speed: 260fps
Sight: HHA Sports - Tetra Max 4 pin modified to be a 3 pin
Arrow: Easton Axis 400 spine with Iron Will inserts/collars
Broadhead: Afflictor Fixed EXT
Stabilizer: Option Archery Quivalizer
2020 Success with this setup: Arizona Mule Deer, New Mexico Bull Elk, Idaho Bull Elk, Texas Hogs
HOYT ECLIPSE
Axle-to-Axle: 29"
Brace Height: 6¾"
Mass Weight: 3.7 lbs
Cam: Eclipse Cam
Draw Lengths: 23.5-25.5", 26-28"
Draw Weights: 20-30#, 30-40#, 40-50#, 50-60#
PERSONAL ECLIPSE SETUP
Pattern: Under Armour Forest
Draw Weight: 56lbs
Draw Length: 27” (for some reason 26” was simply too short)
Speed: 260fps
Sight: HHA Sports - Tetra Max Single Pin
Arrow: Easton Axis 400 spine with Iron Will inserts/collars
Broadhead: Afflictor Fixed EXT
Stabilizer: Option Archery Quivalizer
2020 Success with this setup: Texas Whitetail Buck
Which one would I choose?
Due to the fact that I have a LOT more time in the field with the RX-4, I would choose it right now. It has a smoother draw to it and my confidence with that setup is pretty high due to the success I had throughout 2020. I realize that when you spend enough time with anything, it becomes more natural, and the Eclipse doesn’t “turn me off” in any way. I actually love the slimmer, more compact design of the Eclipse and it still feels damn good in my hand. I just need more time with it, as I’ve only shot a whitetail with it in 2020.
When people ask me about what bow to start with, I will always, ALWAYS respond that you should let the bow pick you. I stand by everything I said in another article I wrote several years ago titled, “6 Things to Keep in Mind while Shopping for Your First Bow." All that being said, there’s no way I’d spend money on an RX-4 as a newbie. The Eclipse is pretty high up there too, but it beats the RX-4 in terms of price point. It also isn’t as bulky, so in my opinion it’d probably feel much better to women in general.