38 PETERSENÕSBOWHUNTING 09 • 20 19
Hoyt’s 2019 Helix is compact, measuring a maneuverable 30^1 ⁄ 2 inches between the
axles. Those axles support Hoyt’s popular ZT Hyper Pro Cam & ½, which is advertised to
zip arrows downrange at speeds of up to 342 fps IBO. Hoyt’s X-Act grip works with its
Perfect Balance stabilizer system and a riser designed with Weight-Forward and Offset
technology to give archers enhanced control and improved accuracy. A simplified roller
system manages the cables, while the parallel position of the Hybrid Split Limbs and a
variety of vibration-dampening accessories work to tame the shot.
Hoyt Helix
BY JON E. SILKS
TECHNICAL
BOW TEST
H
oyt is famous for build-
ing high-performance
hunting and target bows
that can withstand tons of
abuse and still keep on keeping
on. The new Helix, loaded with
innovative and iconic features,
continues that proud tradition.
Torture-Tested Tec
Hoyt outfits the Helix with a
version of the company’s Tec Lite
riser, which is highlighted by a
vibration-channeling strut that gives
Hoyt bows instant brand recogni-
tion. The company subjects all its
riser designs to an incredible 1,500
dry fires and 1 million cycle tests!
The Helix has been designed
with more of its overall weight for-
ward of the grip to maintain balance
throughout the draw and shooting
cycles. This results in less move-
ment, reducing kick and improv-
ing consistency and accuracy. The
Perfect Balance stabilizer mounting
system works to equalize weight
distribution by placing the stabi-
lizer mount on the opposite side of
the centerline from accessories such
as quivers, sights, arrow rests, etc.
You can see Hoyt’s patent-pending
Offset Riser design, which creates a
stiffer platform via a wider stance, if
you look head-on at the Helix’s ris-
er above the sight window. There,
you’ll notice a flare/shift in the back
of the riser as compared to the front.
Hoyt focused a great deal on the
Helix’s grip, as it is critical to shooter
performance and experience. Years
of shooter input and engineering
research resulted in the X-Act one-
piece molded-polymer grip, which
was fine-tuned in width, shape and
angle to produce a hybrid hunting/
target design. Consistent and prop-
er hand placement are joined with
comfort and a neutral wrist position
for enhanced performance.
3-D Power
Hoyt’s Helix is powered by the ZT
Hyper Pro Cam & ½ eccentric system,
advertised as generating speeds of
up to 342 fps IBO. A patent-pending
split-cable system, which balances
the load side to side, is coupled with
a 3-D shift engineered into the bot-
tom cam with a curved groove in the
module that moves the cable closer to
the bow’s centerline near the end of
the draw cycle. This is advertised to
reduce lateral nock travel and torque,
allowing for Hoyt’s Roller Guard
cable-management system.
Two base cams, each with a rotat-
ing module, cover the entire draw-
length range of 24 ½-28 inches, in
half-inch increments. No bow press is
required to adjust the module within
the range of the base cam. In addition
to the standard 85 percent letoff, Hoyt
offers an 80 percent option.
Wide-Stance Stability
The Helix features Hoyt’s Hy-
brid Split limbs, which employ the
company’s patented Split Limb
Manufacturer:Hoyt Archery,801-363-2990;hoyt.com
Model: Helix
Riser: Aluminum, reflex, weight-forward design
Grip: X-Act, molded polymer, one piece
Limbs: Hybrid Split, parallel
Draw Weights: 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and
80 pounds peak
Cam System: ZT Hyper Pro Cam & ½
Letoff: 80 or 85 percent (82 percent as tested)
Draw Lengths: 24 ½-30 inches, in half-inch
increments; rotating module
String: FUSE, BCY X99, 56.88 inches
Cables: FUSE BCY X99, 33.63 inches (Control),
32 inches (Buss)
Brace Height: 6 inches
Axle-to-Axle Length: 301 ⁄ 2 inches
Weight: 4.3 pounds (as advertised);
4.45 pounds (as tested)
Finish: Realtree Edge, plus many more options
Advertised IBO Speed: 342 fps
Suggested Retail Price: $1,199
Comments: A well-built bow that scores
good marks across the board.
SPECIFICATIONS
