Hoyt Ultratec vs. Hoyt Protec

[wtf]

Howdy,
I'm about ready to buy a new bow. I am interested in a forgiving bow primarily for Elk & Deer hunting but also 3D tournaments. I have been unable to find a shop that has both the Ultratec and the Protec so I can compare them side by side. The local shops here in Idaho have the Ultratec in stock but they do not carry the Protec. I've looked around for 6 months and am tired of waiting...

How forgiving is the Ultratec? How much less forgiving is it over the Protec? How does it compare to the Vortec w/the XT 2000 limbs?
thanks for the info,
WTF
ps-I shoot a release but may eventually try fingers
pps-Anyone know what type of TEC bows (& when) Hoyt will come out with in 2003?

[Eberbachl]

Hi wtf,

I think you'll find the UltraTec plenty forgiving enough for your use.The essential difference between the Ultratec and Protec is the amount of Reflex geometry found in the two bows, the UltraTec is slightly more radical, but having said that it really is a forgiving bow. Many of the worlds top archers are using the UltraTec very successfully, and also perhaps more importantly, many intermediate level arechers are using the Ultratec with excellent success also.

That's not to say that the Protec is bad of course, probably if anything a more stable bow to shoot, but only ever so slightly. The Ultratec will give you that extra bit of performance you'll need to be competitive on the 3D circuit, whereas the Protec will tend to be a little slow.

My advice would be to go for an Ultratec, XT3000 limbs and command cams. The XT3000 limbs are a little longer and slower than the XT2000's but a bit more stable - the longer length will be better for fingers, reducing fionger pinch, and the command cams will give you the best performance in the Hoyt cam range, whilst allowing a good platform from which to shoot fingers in the future if you choose to do so (in my experience, a dual cam bow is better suited to finger shooting than a solo cam).

Marcus on this forum shoots an UltraTec with that configuration, and it's a nice bow, I'm sure he'll tell you about it.

I hope this helps!

Cheers,

Luke. :D

[Marcus]

Don't know if there is much more to add.

If you were looking for an indoor bow I would say ProTec. However for hunting and 3D I would stringly suggest the UltraTec. Only problem with the UltraTec is that the 2002 model has shorter limbs than the 2001 model which is not great for fingers. If you are going to shoot fingers then consider trying to get a UltraTec with LXPro limbs.

As for forgivness, the UltraTec is more forgiving than the Mach 5 I shot last year. It's a good 20-25 fps faster than the Mach 5 and way more accurate.
I've shot some 3D's so far on courses where no distance rules are used and the UltraTec is fast enough that I only drop 3-4 out of the middle. With my 335 grain Doo Sungs at 53# it's doing 242 fps. With my ACE's it does 275.

I think you'll love the UltraTec. I don't think gemoetry matters too much. I've always shot straight risers for target (when others shot deflex) and they shoot very well. Dave Cousins, Dijar Sitar and Clint Freeman all shoot UltraTecs and are 3 of the best shooters in the world.
When you get it, up your brace height a little for increased accuracy and forgiveness.

Let us know what you get.

BTW The Vortec is great, but comes with crap limbs now. Last years World FITA Womens Target champion used one. Also they may change the UltraTec next year, however you won't get one in your hands till at least Jan-Feb so buy your bow now and enjoy it. I still shoot a 2001 model and love it. No need to change.

[wtf]

Thanks for the info.
I'm sold on the Ultratech, now which configuration...

How do you increase the brace height other than getting longer limbs? (by changing the string length?)

Marcus, I know you prefer dual cams but I prefer a single cam bow, because they are quieter and easier to tune. The two shops that have them in stock carry the VersaCam w/XT2000 limbs.

Which single cam model do you prefer, VersaCam or the ExcelCam?

With a single cam model the most forgiving (and quietest) setup I can get appears to be the XT3000 limbs with the ExcelCam, any thoughts? Do you know the brace height of this configuration?
thanks again!

[Marcus]

Hi wtf
I wouldn't say single cam is quieter, my UT is extremly quiet (it gets comments), especially with a shoot over rest. However The Hoyt Dual track idler wheel is great and I don't think you would go wrong with it.
I'ld be inclined towards the Excelcam myself. It's softer so it should be more forgiving while also being only 2fps slower than the Versacam.
To adjust the brace height make all he cables shorter. Usually you can add 10 twists to the cables and that will work. However this is something you should only do if you are experiance with bow strings etc. If you are not someone who messes with their gear then leave as is. A lower brace height will equal more speed.
I think the brace height of a XT3000 model is about 7 1/2". Mine is set to just under 8".

I'm impressed with the Hoyt Single cam and dual track idler, I might try one next year on a CyberTec.

[wtf]

I'm nearly self-sufficient as far as bow maintenance and tuning is concerned. I'm comfortable adjusting the string length.

I've shot the Ultratec XT2000/VersaCam configuration. What differences might I expect to feel with the XT3000/ExcelCam configuration? (hardly noticable I assume, perhaps slightly heavier)

[Marcus]

You should notice a softer draw curve and less angle on the draw string due to the longer limbs. That would be about all I can think of. I would guess slightly better grouping too, but then sometimes people group well with radical bows and not with soft bows.

[wtf]

I can't seem to find any info on how much you can adjust the ExcelCam's draw length. Will I be able to adjust the draw length when I switch from a release to fingers? What about the dual cams, are they more adjustable?

I was told by my local shop that they could special order the XT3000 limbs with the VersaCam (for more $), anyone know if there is a technical reason why Hoyt doesn't make this a standard option?

[marty]

You really can't adjust the Excel cam. You get some adjustability by playing with the string or cam length. The Versacam can be adjusted over a wide range, as can the dual cams.

[wtf]

Done. I have ordered my new bow, an Ultratec with XT3000 limbs and the VersaCam. It turns out that Hoyt has had so many requests for this setup that they have now made it a standard option (perhaps it will be in the 2003 catalog?) With any luck I should have it in my hands within 10 "buisness" days. Now, the question is do I use my Bodoodle pro rest or do I go with a drop away rest such as the NAP 4000? I will start a new thread!

Thanks to everyone for your advice and input!
I really appreciate it.

By the way, check out http://www.huntersfriend.com/bowspecs1.htm interesting & helpful information for anyone purchasing a new compound bow (along with this forum of course!)

[jm]

Just took delivery yesterday of a Protec (XT3000 and CC+).

In the past I have had a bad run with Hoyt, what with wrong specs. supplied, mis-matched limbs, cracked risers and unconscionable long replacement times (like nine months to replace a busted bow!).

I have to say though, that this new Protec is so quiet on the shot that it should possibly be declared illegal!

Some of my archery mates have the Ultratec but I decided on the Protec as I already have an excellent easy-shooting field bow (Darton Cyclone RC) which gives me all the speed needed for that discipline.

Any archer not liking either of these two Tec bows should maybe consider another sport is all I can say.

jm

[wtf]

Well, it's been 15 working days since I ordered my ultratec, current word is that it will not be built until the 29th....

So, I have a dozen arrows i wanted to cut to fit my 30" draw length w/release for the Ultratec AND, if possible my Buckmaster. My current arrow length is 28.5", anyone care to venture a guess as to what length i will need for the Ultratec? (I would wait but Elk season starts the 30th!!!)

I may seem cheap but after spending $700+ on a bow I'm trying to conserver money...
thanks!