I went carbon a few years back, and don’t plan to ever change. The grip temp to me feels drastically different. I know the “plan” is to not be hanging onto it, but who knows how deer move. You might be hanging onto it longer than planned if the deer are not moving how you planned.

 

Have shot both those specific bows. In your situation- as you describe it - the decision comes down to money, weight, and feel. Last two are personal preference and somewhat subjective

The cams on the bows are the exact same, so draw cycle is similar. Carbon is 1/4 pound lighter, 1” longer A-A, and 1/8” BH shorter. (Or close enough on those specs).

Here is a link to one thread discussing carbon vs aluminum; there are likely others.

 

I’m biased-voted for the ax-2 cause that’s what I got haha. It’s a little shorter and has a tiny bit more brace height, though I doubt that’s actually noticeable to 98% of us. Price is obviously better on the aluminum, so you could save some $$ or put that money into better accessories/arrows/strings/tags what have you.

 

Thanks so much for the feedback guys!! This is exactly what I’m looking for. Carbon is definitely winning right now. And just for conversation sake, I’m not truly worried about the money difference between the two bows. I’m wanting the better of the two if there really is such a thing. Haha

 

I’m wanting the better of the two if there really is such a thing. Haha

"Better" is only something you can decide. Both bows will kill anything in North America.

 

I’m left handed also and know we don’t get to shoot the new offerings like the right handed folks. I have an RX8 and love it. I haven’t shot the RX9 but people who I respect their opinion have stated the draw cycle was just little stiffer than the RX8. If you have the funds I’d buy the RX9 imo.

 

I went in thinking I'd get the AX2 and actually left with a RX8. I didn't care for the hand feel of the aluminum hoyts, and after shooting the carbon models it was game over. My wife said she could see the difference in my face shooting the two.

 

No wrong choice with either. Both are excellent bows. Whatever one you like better that fits your budget!

 

At that DL I’d be looking really hard at the RX9-SD.

 

At that DL I’d be looking really hard at the RX9-SD

Can't go wrong with either but if cost isn't a factor, I bet this one would be outstanding at your draw length.

 

Honestly the only thing that concerns me on the SD is the brace height is really really low. I’m pretty sure the RX-9 SD is 5 5/8” brace. But it would pick up some serious speed for me I bet

 

Rx9 has a slightly better feel. You would be happy with either

 

I would shoot them both. Carbon for me 100%

tougher and lighter. Both important for backcountry elk hunting

Carbon Has a certain feel, I get less fatigued shooting my Rx8 than my alpha x

 

Between those two I'd go with the AX2 and save some money. For me personally if I was to buy a new Hoyt this year it would be the RX9U because I want the little bit extra length it offers over the aluminum bows and with the new mod system there isn't the speed penalty for us short draw guys.