I get attached to things, especially compound bows. In my line of work, that’s not a good trait.
Why?
Every year, when a new compound crop is released, I build, test, and tinker with multiple models. Two of my favorites in 2024 were Hoyt’s RX-8 Carbon and aluminum-riser Alpha X 33.
Two Great Bows
In the spring of 2024, I used the light, short, and easy-to-maneuver RX-8 to lop the heads off multiple toms. The bow was ultra-accurate, quiet, dead-in-hand, and carried well. In the fall, I switched to the rig with more length between the axle pins. As a Western hunter, I prefer the added stability a longer axle-to-axle bow provides. The Alpha X 33 hit paydirt three times, once on a 72-yard pronghorn and twice on a pair of less-than-20-yard whitetails. I fired six arrows at animals between the spring and fall of 2024. All six arrows resulted in quick, one-shot kills.
Hoyt RX-9 Ultra First Thoughts
Though there was much hype building up to Hoyt’s 2025 bow launch, I was a bit bummed. I wasn’t ready to relinquish my 2024 killers. However, when I pulled the 33-1/2-inch axle-to-axle RX-9 Ultra from the box, my melancholy attitude was replaced with immediate excitement.
HBX Gen 4 Cams for the Win
An axle-to-axle length between 32-1/2 and 33-1/2 inches hits a shootability sweet spot for me, and I immediately took notice of some new-for-the-year features. The HBX GEN 4 cams are a win. Ensuring maximum shooter customization, the GEN 4 cams have five different draw-length modules to allow for 1/4-inch draw-length adjustability across the range set for each module. I was thrilled to see the trio of let-off settings still available and the option to choose between a Hard or Xtra-Hard backwall. I prefer a let-off of 80 percent and a backwall that allows me to pull hard into a valley, and this cam system allows this.
Hoyt bills the GEN 4 as its most advanced and efficient cam system. Aside from providing speed boosts up to 18 fps when shot head-to-head against 2024 Hoyt models, the cam system’s design should reduce shooter torque and enhance the archer’s natural point of aim.
Riser Design
Riser design also shifted for 2025. The riser’s new geometry let Hoyt make the riser of the RX-9 Ultra stiffer, lighter, and shorter than the RX-8 Ultra. The RX-8 Utra measured more than 34-1/2 inches between the axle pins. The RX-9 is a precise (I measured it) 33-1/2 inches. The new limb pockets are wide, thin, and durable, and the struts are narrower than the struts on the RX-8. The narrow struts were made to accept the all-new TXL Limbs, which are shorter and more durable. These shorter limbs work with the riser and GEN 4 cam system, giving archers a serious speed bump.
RX-9 Ultra Custom Options
Of course, the RX-9 Ultra is available in a plethora of solid, color and custom color builds, and In-Line Accessory mounting creates accessory attachment points that reduce accessory-mounting hardware to create a balanced, light, and ultra-quiet shooting experience. I was glad to see the Integrate Mounting System (dovetail slits) in the back of the riser for back-riser-face-mounted drop-away arrow rest attachment. The small front-riser-mounted Picatinny rail is back as well. This rail eliminates the need for a sight rail and mounting block and lets you attach your bow sight to the front of the bow’s riser via a Pic sight mount clamp.
Set Up the Hoyt RX-9 Ultra
After taking a few measurements to confirm the axle-to-axle length, brace height, and draw weight, it was time to set up and tune the RX-9 Ultra.
Accessory attachment is a breeze, and the bow pressed without issue. Inserting the peep sight was easy. After making a few minor rest adjustments and swapping shims, my four-fletch Easton X10 Parallel Pros shot perfectly through paper.
Speed
Sometimes, you shoot a bow, and it feels fast. The RX-9 Ultra is that way, and I wanted to see if Hoyt’s claim that the new-for-2025 bow lineup—carbon and aluminum—is up to 18 fps faster than 2024 builds.
Measured at a draw weight of 68.98 pounds on a Luoyer Digital Bow Scale and shooting an arrow grain weight of 417.6, Hoyt’s RX-9 Ultra set at a draw length of 28-3/4-inches produced a three-arrow FPS average of 288.
Faster than the RX-8 Ultra? Yes.
Draw Cycle & Transition To Let-Off
I have bone spurs in the shoulder of my draw arm, so I adjusted the RX-9 Ultra down slightly in draw weight. The limb bolts turned smooth. There was no popping or chatter, a sure-fire sign of an excellent limb-to-pocket-to-riser build.
Still hovering near the 70-pound draw weight mark, this carbon-riser bow draws easily. Draw weight builds quickly and smoothly, and the transition to let-off is not abrupt. This allows the archer to stay smooth and fluid, even in high-pressure shooting scenarios.
With let-off set to 80 percent, I could easily crawl into my two-part anchor, pull hard into the bow’s valley, and execute crisp shots.
Natural Point Of Aim
What is a natural point of aim? The natural point of aim is the spot on the target the bow naturally points when an archer closes his/her eyes and settles into their anchor.
I focus on the spot I want to hit before I draw my bow, whether shooting dots, spots, 3-D vitals or an animal. How well a bow naturally gravitates to where your eyes are looking is how well that bow does or does not boost your natural point of aim.
I’ve shot many compound bows over the years. None boosted my natural point of aim like Hoyt’s RX-9 Ultra. Where my eyes look before I draw is where the pin goes when I start my shot execution process. This is invaluable. It allows for faster target acquisition and allows you the ability to settle into your shooting position and start your shot execution process right away.
What A Hold
Too often, when a new “anything” is tested, it gets overly high reviews. This is especially true if the tester is excited about the new product.
Was I excited about the RX-9 Ultra? Yes. That’s why I didn’t pen my first review until I had over 400 arrows through the bow. I didn’t want my excitement to trump what the bow is.
The good news for me, and you: The bow’s performance trumped my excitement. When you hit full draw and crawl into your anchor, the RX-9 Ultra holds where your eyes are focused. The hold boasts an uncanny balance I can’t explain. If you wish to experience this type of shooting perfection, you must head to your nearest dealer and give this 4.3-pound, 6-3/8-inch brace height bow a test drive.
Over a month, I’ve shot the RX-9 Ultra standing, kneeling, flat on my butt, and from an elevated treestand. The bow’s balance is undeniable regardless of body position or angle.
But Is It Accurate?
The RX-9 Ultra offers accuracy in spades, which, combined with its speed, balance, and always warm-to-the-touch riser, makes the bow worth its $2K-plus price tag.
From 20 yards to 120 yards, in crosswinds, headwinds, and tailwinds, the RX-9 Ultra put my Easton arrows where I wanted them. All you can ask for in a compound bow is that it allows your arrow to impact the spot you feel it should if you do your job and execute a great shot. This bow does that and more. The long but not too long axle-to-axle length held better in strong crosswinds, and the bow’s weight, even with attached accessories, is light but not too light. In a word, the RX-9 Ultra is PERFECT!
There is no question this is the most accurate, balanced, feel-good bow I’ve ever shot.
Did You Hear That?
No, you didn’t hear that. There is no noise or post-shot vibration when the string drops on the RX-9 Ultra. The bow pops forward slightly in the hand and then sits, promoting excellent follow-through and pure shooting joy.
A quiet bow is fun to shoot, and the quieter the bow, the lesser the chance a cagey big-game animal ducks the string.
Read More: Bowhunting Bucks on Public Land During the Rut
Hoyt RX-9 Ultra Final Thoughts
Overall, Hoyt’s RX-9 Ultra is a premium compound bow that has taken my shooting confidence to a new level. I’ve been sending aluminum and carbon shafts downrange at foam and hide for close to 30 years. As I’ve already penned, this is the best compound bow I’ve ever tested.
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