2011 Hoyt Carbon Element
Hoyt made big waves last year with the introduction of the Carbon Matrix and its crazy looking carbon tubed riser. They are back at it again this year with the Carbon Element. The Carbon Element is basically a 3″ shorter Carbon Matrix with a slightly shorter brace height and lighter weight. This translates into a moderate increase in speed of about 5 FPS.
2011 Carbon Element Specifications
Speed 323 FPS
Draw Length 24.5-30”
Draw Weights 40-80 lbs.
Brace Height 7”
Weight 3.6 lbs.
Axle to Axle Length 32″
MSRP $1199
The price is still significantly higher than a standard, top-of-the-line bow with and aluminum riser, but $400 cheaper than last year’s Carbon Matrix. That’s quite a large drop in one year’s time and I wouldn’t expect to see that big of a drop next year, but it’s nice to see the price come down. Hopefully the trend will continue into the following years as well.
As can readily be seen, the Carbon Element is a scaled down version of the 2010 Carbon Matrix bow. The ATA is a 3″ shorter and the brace height is reduced by 1/4″ from the Matrix. Riser, limbs and cams are all very similar to the Matrix though the rated speed of the Element bests the Matrix by 5 fps.
The weight of of bow is extremely light at 3.6 lbs. and almost doesn’t feel real as a bare bow. I prefer a heavier bow and starting with a light base is an excellent way to be able to add the weight where you want.
2011 Carbon Element Features
Inline roller guard
The 2011 Carbon Element features a few changes to last year’s Carbon Matrix besides it’s reduce ATA. Like last year’s Maxxis, the Element makes use of the inline roller guard, a feature that also made it’s way onto the 2011 Carbon Matrix Plus.
2011 brings a few other changes to both bows in Hoyt’s carbon series. The Carbon Element and Matrix Plus use the new offset stabilizer that many of the 2011 Hoyt’s utilize. Basically the stabilizer hole is off center to the opposite side of the accessories. This is a great design as it allows for more easily compensating for the weight of the bow sight, quiver and arrow rest.
Hoyt's offset stabilizer mount
Other features include a rubber-coated shelf (Silent Shelf Technology), built-in string damper (Stealth Shot) and the ubiquitous Alpha Shox to match Hoyt’s split limbs.
First impressions
Like the Carbon Matrix, the Carbon Element is a stunner to look at. Whether you are stunned by it’s good looks or stunned by how funky it is, regardless of your good or bad opinion, it certainly makes a statement. From the brownish/bronze anodizing on the aluminum parts to the Realtree AP camouflage, the bow I reviewed had no visible flaws.
Fuel Cam
Upon first picking the bow, my first thought was that it almost feels like a toy because of its lack of weight. Everything about the bow feels of quality workmanship, minus the grip. I was definitely disappointed in the feel of the rubberized grip, especially after having owned many Hoyt’s with either the full grip or side-plates made of wood. I realize that the reasoning behind this is to help reduce any felt vibration and to insulate the shooter on a cold day hunting, but nonetheless it detracts from the overall quality of the bow.
Before shooting the Carbon Element for the first time, I took some quick measurements to check the specs. The ATA and brace height were both within 1/16″ of spec and the draw length came in at 29 3/16″ (this is a 29″ bow). Peak holding weight was just shy of 72 lbs.
The Fuel Cam has a similar feel to Hoyt’s famous (infamous?) Spiral Cams though it rolls over with a slightly different feel and has a slightly longer valley, and ends in a very solid wall. I have long been a fan of Spiral Cams and continue to shoot them on my target/3D bows and felt at home with the Fuel Cam fairly quickly.
Limb pocket detail
Just a few shots were enough to show me just how vibration free this bow is. While I rarely harp about how “smooth” a bow is or worry too much about jump (I do worry about vibration and the noise it causes) it was quite shocking just how little is felt on shooting the element.
Shooting and performance of the Carbon Element
For the initial testing I started with the bow set right at 70 lbs, 29 3/16″ draw, 350 grain arrow and nothing on the string but a d-loop. This resulted in an average speed of 322 fps. The bow is rated at 323 fps at 30″ of draw, so the test unit is coming in about 7-8fps faster than Hoyt’s own ATA rating. With a well-tuned bow, this is pretty typical of Hoyt bows in my experience.
After the initial testing, I shot my set of 466-1425 grain arrows used for KE and momentum testing. The following chart shows the results:
KE and Momentum of the 2011 Hoyt Carbon Element
While it certainly isn’t the fastest bow on the market nor in Hoyt’s own lineup, the flagship Carbon Element is no slouch in producing KE and momentum.
Final thoughts on the Carbon Element
Hoyt has taken the highly successful Carbon Matrix and shrunk it down 3″ while giving it a minor speed boost and has made and excellent bow for those looking for a short ATA. For some people the crazy look of the three carbon tubes making up the riser will be a big turn on, others will think it’s the ugliest thing they’ve ever seen that shoots arrows. I personally like it because it is unique, though I stop short of calling it beautiful.
In the end I base my opinions not on looks, but performance. The Carbon Element is a worthy shooter that isn’t the fastest bow on the market, but it holds its own. The consistent feel of the draw and the hard back wall that allows little creep are big pluses for me.
What I like about the Carbon Element
- Unique styling
- Excellent feeling draw and back wall
- Extremely quiet and vibration free
- Consistent, accurate shooter
What I don’t like about the Carbon Element
- Too short of ATA for my draw length, I prefer the longer Carbon Matrix Plus
- $$$$ Still very expensive when compared to similar performing bows!
- Cheesy rubber grip
Other posts you may enjoy:
- 2012 Hoyt Bows – Vector 32, 35 and Turbo and Carbon Element/Matrix with new RKT cam
- 2011 Hoyt Bows – Carbon Element, Alpha Elite, CRX, Rampage and more
- Hoyt 2010: Carbon Matrix, Maxxis, AlphaBurner, Vicxen, Contender Elite
- 2013 PSE Archery – Dream Season DNA, Hammer, Drive, Phenom, Prophecy, Sinister
- 2011 Winchester Archery
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{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
What is so great about this bow? It’s no faster, quieter, or more forgiving than many bows out there.
Just a funky design to entice buyers. Who cares that you can run it over with a truck, how many archers has that happened to? Just another marketing ploy that really is (exspensive) to the consumer.
Have you shot this bow? The bow is very light in your hand and is shot free when you shoot it. And yes this is the quietest bow of all of them that I shot. I went and shot a bunch of bows and this one kept making it to the top of my list. I have shot all the top end bows and I think Hoyt’s fit and finish is better the most. If you you look at the prices of the top end bows they are all up there. I paid $260.00 more then top end Mathews. In the grand scheme of what we spend, I don’t think that is that much for a bow that is different then the rest.
Yes, I have shot it, nice bow, no getting around it. I also shot the Maxis which I liked better. It’s smooth quiet and a little heavier. I don’t particuarilly care for real light bows, had a Mathews Hyperlite, great bow but to lite. I’ve shot Hoyt, Martin, PSE and Mathews. It came down to a choice beyween Mathews Z7 and Monster 7. Went with the Monster 7 …….quiet, smooth, fast, and just the right weight. In my archery shop the the Hoyt Matrix was $1599…….. the Monster 7 wasr $800. I couldn’t see $800 difference between the two bows. The Hoyt was no quitier, no faster, etc. I patronize no particular company, my loyalty is to my wallet!
Good to here that you shot them all. The Carbon Element was $1060.00 in the shop I go to. I just sold my Mathews Reezen. I wasn’t a fan of how loud that bow was. I am also not a fan of the fact on the Mathews you need to change the cam to change your draw length. I wasn’t a fan of the draw cycle on the Monsters. I am some one who is not brand loyal. I think most of the top end bows are great now days. I do like the fact of how light the carbon element is. My target bows are set up on the heavy side buy for hunting I like the light bows.
Hey Ken……..Haven’t shot the element, but I’m sure it is a nice bow………..definitely a lot less $. Never cared for the Reezen, but know a few guys in the shop that have them, and shoot them well. When you get in to the top end bows, it comes down to what feels best and personal preferences. They are all good bows with many similarities. Mathews shook up the archery world in 1992 when they introduced the solo cam, and archery hasn’t been the same since………… so many new innovations that really benefits all of us. Most guys ( including myself) kept their bow for several years……now everyone I know seems to making changes no later than 2-3 years. Obviously all these new innovations helps to make us better archers both on the range and in the woods……….. Shoot em in the middle!
I agree with you on that Buc. I bought a bunch of the earlier Mathews bows, also a few of the newer ones. I think they are great bows. In fact
in the last six years I have had three Hoyt’s and three Mathews bows. I don’t think you can buy and better single cam bow then Mathews. One of the main reasons I keep going back to Hoyt is that I love their grip. Like I said in my last post the fact that you can now change the draw length with out buying a new cam is nice for me. I tend to shoot them a year or so then sell them. It helps for the resale of them. It was nice talking to you and I hope you have years of great luck with your Monster. The reason there is so many bows on the market is everybody has their own likes. I don’t think you can go wrong.
The best part of the market today is that not only are there some quality bows being made, but there are a lot of great choices. Everybody should be able to find something that suits them well!
Fuel cam similar to Spirals?
What do you smoke?
They are clones of xtr cams, but have nothing in common with the spirals!
Please go read that part again. I said they have a similar “feel” to the Spiral cams, I did not say they are “similar” to the Spirals. And I surely wouldn’t make a blanket comment that they “have nothing in common” spirals either
Recently I shot the complete line of bows from Hoyt and I was most impressed with the CRX35. I liked the draw cycle and it had the no hand shock. The Matrix was certainly better than the Element due to the longer ATA. Although the riser design of the Matrix is unique and a little lighter, I do not believe it can overcome the shootability of the CRX35 and the extra dollars. I was fortunate to also get to shoot the complete line of Elite and Matthews bows in the same venue. My overall favourite was the Elite Pure. The grip, draw cycle, and solid wall made it my favourite. The 36″ ATA does not make me want to use for hunting but I believe it will be a great 3D bow. I will probably use my Maxxis 31 or my Darton 3800 for hunting this year.
I have recently shot the Hoyt CRX35 and the Carbon Element and the CRX35 has nothing on the Carbon Element. On the shot the Carbon Element is absolutely dead in the hand. I cant say that about the CRX35. The way I see it there was no comparison. Whats an extra $400 to buy a better shooting bow that your going to keep for probably 2 years 0r more? It’s definitely worth the extra money
I have had the same Hoyt bow for about ten years now. It has been a great bow. I went looking at bows yesterday and shot the Carbon Element and the CRX 32 several times. I shot both bows very consistent ; however, the element was dead in hand, perfectly balanced, and very quiet. They both seem like great bows. Being one who does not buy a new bow every year or two, i spent the extra money and bought the element. Can not wait until this year’s deer season.
I have been using this bow in for about 3 months. Price wasn’t an issue for me, but if it is than you should probally look for another bow. If is very vibration resistant. I didnt realize that until I picked up another comparable bow and easily could detect its stronger vibration than the Elemnet has.
Guys I just picked one up yesterday for the up coming CT, NY season. This bow is serious I have owned plenty of bows from fred bear to other Hoyts, and this blows anyone of them out of the water. Forget all the marketing talk and price BS your just sound pissed cause you cant afford one. But seriously i shoot a single pin sight and axis 400 arrows with a 2 blade Rage broad head and when I can sight in at 20 yards move back to 40 yards and not move the pin up and still group my arrows! yea thats a serious piece of equipment. I get it its expensive but when hunting or target shooting DONT BE CHEAP! im sure most of you have went cheap and had regrets but on another note you should take what feels good to you and thats what hoyt did they made a bow that feels amazing in your hand to everyone for that matter and it looks amazing.
I owned a Bowtech Guardian 4 seasons ago from finally making the decision to upgrade my handed down PSE from 1992. Killed a few deer with the guardian. Not really a big enough difference to just say “wow”. Next season went to the Bowtech SWAT. Killed a few deer, better feel but just not sweet enough. Changing bows again looking for that sweet spot and purchased the Mathews Monster. Really nice bow, little heavy and large but smoking fast, big change from bow tech. Now I’m on the right path. Bought the Z7 to finally convince myself vie found my PSE replacement. Fast, quiet, light, popular, all the kids are doin it. Killed a few deer and now I’m happy. I shot my buddies Element, bought one immediately! Haven’t harvested any wild game yet other than a few tame geese, birds, cats, squirrels, etc and I got say; this is the baddest bow on the planet hands down. For me any way… I’ve shot a variance of bows and feel like I’ve met the mate to my addiction. It’s pricey, but it’s light, no recoil, dead in your hand after every shot, smooth, and consistent. Just “wow” is my thought every time I release. Not the fastest bow but that’s the only flaw. Still lightening speed and stealthy. I recommend the Element to any one who is as addicted to bow hunting as I am.
Liquidating a Guardian, SWAT and a custom Monster if anyone interested. Z7 went today rigged out for $650.
Cheers..
the carbon element is an unbeleivable bow i went and shot the z7, monster, crx32, and the carbon element. The carbon element just blew the rest away. Its dead in hand every time you shoot, the draw is very smooth and the bow is just quite. And plus it looks sweet. Hoyts got it goin on man. Get Serious, Get Hoyt
I have shot alot of bows out there and i mean alot i bought the mathews z7 last year and it was a good bow but the minute i picked up the hoyt carbon element mathews never crossed my mind agian i bought the carbon element and gave the mathews to a buddy of mine but thats just a personal oppion you have to shoot what feel comfortable to you and like it or not if yoour gona shoot a high end bow you gona have to pay for it whats a couple hundred bucks when it comes down to it but i recomend HOYT ALL THE WAY BABY
FYI ……………
I just bought a Hoyt Element, I saved up for quite a while. To me, everything about it was positive except the price. I set up for hunting. 65lb, 28″ draw, 418g carbon arrow & tip. Upon taking the first few shots through my chronograph I was shocked as well upset, 268fps is all it would do. I removed the 125g field tip and sent a few arrows through the chronograph, 293g @ 311fps. Set up the same my eight year old Hoyt Ultratec was only nine fps slower & darned near as quiet, just heavier. I returned the Element a few hours ago & thank God my faithful old Hoyt Ultratec trade-in had not been sold yet. I have $1200 back in my pocket & have been reunited with my trustworthy old bow. Speed isn’t everything but I expected more out of the Element.
I’ll keep looking for an upgrade, 2012 models are just around the corner.
Hold Steady
When i finished tuning my Element, I went to an indoor range to sight it in. Three guys shooting Mathews (including the Z7) nearby came over because the Element was putting out half the sound of their bows. They could not believe how much quieter it was than their bows…about half as loud! Don’t tell me the Element isn’t quieter…once tuned they are a whisper.
just recently bought a carbon element and for all you guys bashing it u really need to go shoot it i worked at an archery shop for 3 years as a bow tech and ive shot em all every brand old and new and there is not a bow out there that even competetes with the element its the quietest smoothest bow out there hands down i shoot archery tournaments every weekend and 99 percent of the top shooters in there shoot one o the carbon series bows mathews are poorly made and limbs crack in limb pocket easily ive seen pse bows blow up several times at full draw ive seen bow techs blow up ive seen every bow on the market blow up not due to user error but made poorly but ive never seen one single hoyt carbon bow or a hoyt in general come in blown up or need any type of repair other than new strings and cables so go shoot em for urself before u go bashing it
You are wrong Jim
WOW,ALOT OF OPINIONS OUT THERE,WELL I HAVE ONE AS WELL.I LOVE MY Z7 EXSTREME AND SHOT ALOT OF ANIMALS AND 3DS WITH IT AND STILL LOVE IT.AND SAYING MATHEWS IS JUNK IS WRONG,IVE NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN TO A MATHEWS BOW BEFORE.BUT WAS IN A BOW SHOP ONE DAY A GUY CAME IN WITH A Q2 MATHEWS 10 YEARS OLD ASK THE MAN COULD HE BUY A LIMB FOR IT.THE SHOP ASKED IS THIS YOUR BOW AND IS IT REGESTERED IN YOUR NAME. HE SAID YES SIR, BUT ITS MY FAULT THE LIMB SPLINTERED.HE SAID HOLD ON.HE CALLED MATHEWS THEY SAID THEY WOULD SEND NEW LIMBS AND IF THEY DIDNT STILL HAVE THEM THEY WOULD SEND A NEW BOW,I THOUGHT WOW HOW GREAT OR MORE CAN YOU ASK.I LOVE MY Z7 BUT LAST WEEKEND SHOT THE 2012 CARBON ELEMENT,WOW AGAIN,THOUGH I LOVE MY Z7 I HAD TO HAVE ONE ITS FAST LIGHT SMOOTH AND QUIET AND ACCURATE.SRY I LIKE THEM BOTH…
Whoa there Don, please refrain from typing in all caps. No need to shout and it’s very hard to read, let alone take a post seriously when typed like that.
Both Mathews and Hoyt make great bows and some people will like one over the other; everyone is entitled to their opinion.