Hoyt RX-9 Ultra review

Verdict: The RX-9 Ultra is Hoyt’s most refined carbon rig to date: whisper-quiet, dead in the hand, and repeatably accurate past 40 yards. If money is not the constraint and you want the least aftershock available, this is it.

What real users are saying

Below are pulled quotes from Archery Talk, Rokslide, and hands-on reviews. Attribution links to the original thread or article.

The RX-9 Ultra consistently produced sub-1-1/2-inch groups from 40 yards. Three-shot average dB reading of 63.1 with a sound meter, which is whisper quiet.

Outdoor Life field test, 2025 (outdoorlife.com/gear/hoyt-rx-9-ultra-review/)

One of the most accurate bows we’ve tested for 2025. Virtually no aftershock, holds on target like a dream.

Field & Stream Carbon RX-9 review (fieldandstream.com)

Nicest-shooting carbon Hoyt ever, but at $2,149 you are paying flagship-of-flagships money for what most hunters will not out-shoot on the RX-8 or Ventum.

Nock On Archery 2025 RX-9 Ultra review (nockonarchery.com)

Real specs

Type	Compound (carbon flagship)
Axle-to-axle	33.5 in
Brace height	6.375 in
IBO / speed	340 fps
Draw weight	40-80 lb
Draw-length range	26-31 in
Physical weight	4.3 lb
Cam system	HBX Gen 4 (four-track)
Let-off	80-85%
MSRP	$2,149

How it compares on specs

Ranked against the eight compound bows in the Hunting AXS catalogue, using manufacturer-published specifications verified on 11 August 2026. We rank on published specs only and deliberately do not publish an overall score — see how we compare.

• Speed — 340 fps IBO: 4th of 8 (set range 310-350 fps)
• Forgiveness — 6.375 in brace: 5th most forgiving of 8 (set range 6.0-7.0 in)
• Carry weight — 4.3 lb: joint-3rd lightest of 8. Note the carbon riser buys less weight saving than the price implies.
• Draw-weight range — 40-80 lb, a 40 lb spread: 3rd widest of 8
• Draw-length range — 26-31 in, a 5 in spread: joint-narrowest of 8

What it is good for

• Elk hunters walking 8-10 miles a day who value the carbon riser weight savings
• Whitetail hunters shooting from ladder stands who want zero hand shock
• Target-into-hunting crossover shooters who want a forgiving 33.5 in axle-to-axle

Honest complaints from owners

Every bow has trade-offs. These come from forum threads, not marketing pages.

• $2,149 street price. Owners on Archery Talk repeatedly note the RX-8 shoots almost identically for $600 less
• Carbon riser doesn’t like being clamped in a soft-jaw press without the correct fixture, several owners have voided warranty by pressing at home
• Draw cycle is on the firm side of smooth. Not harsh, but not the butter of a Mathews Lift

Who should consider it

The hunter who has already owned two or three flagships, shoots 200+ arrows a week off-season, and knows a 33.5 in axle-to-axle fits their form. Not a first-flagship buy.

Similar bows to compare

• Mathews Lift X 29.5 ($1,299)
• Hoyt Ventum Pro 30 ($1,299 street)
• PSE EVO EVL 34 ($1,249)