Did you end up upgrading?

 

The guy I bought my CS from has the RX3. He likes it, but has also said he really likes the one he sold.

I love mine. Cant see myself selling it. I have a Defiant also. I would sell it to get something else. But I wont sell my CS.

 

This thread has a little dust on it and I just thought I would knock it off. . .

A coworker has a `14 Carbon Spyder 30 Z5 cam - I have not shot this bow. And I have been eyeball'n an RX3 left over at my bow shop - which I have shot and it feels pretty damn good!!! I know we're talking a 5 to 6 year difference in bows, but my question is -to those who have shot/owned both- is it worth the extra $675.00? I have seen and drawn the Spyder, just haven't shot it, and it feels pretty sweet. I've prepared myself for the $1350.00 price tag on the RX3. . .or by the Spyder at $675.00? I'm leaning in the direction of the RX3, but have always liked/wanted a Spyder and in specs they are close; 10% let-off and 10fps difference.

 

Both of those prices seem really high.... '14 Carbon Spyder should sell between $350-450 depending on condition. RX3 I think we've already talked about but I can't see spending more than $800-900 for a used for a RX-3. Bare bow pricing, anyway.

And, to answer the actual question , I've had both, along with a bunch of other Hoyt's. The Carbon Spyder was just a special bow. It has great cams, they overachieve, it tunes easy, and is of the carbon era where the bare bow weight is advertised correctly . The '14 also has the pre-ZT cable guard which is preferred by most over the ZT. The only drawback of the Spyder line was you have to pay attention to the strings, they can wear excessively on some due to the string rubbing against a post on the cam. It will be obvious if you look a the string near the cam, there's a few threads on it as well.

The RX-3 was a similar breakthrough - great cams, maybe not overachievers like the CST but they met IBO and pulled very smooth. Carbon is a bit heavier than advertised, and they did have the sight plate debacle. But it's still a fantastic bow, and probably Hoyt's best since the Spyder/Nitrum lineup. The RX-4 makes minor improvements on the RX-3 making it even better.

Personally I would (and did) choose the RX-3 over the Carbon Spyder Turbo. But the CST is still a great bow at normal pricing ie around $400. Factor in you prob would need to replace strings if not already done so add another $80-100. At $675 I would pass though, they pop up in the classifieds and on ebay pretty regular for less.

 

I have a 15 CST and have the question is upgrading to a RX4 really worth it?

 

Honestly, IMO not really, unless your CST is in rough shape, or ill fitting, having issues drawing the turbo cams, etc. Bang for buck you can't beat a CST. The RX4 is nice, no doubt. But the 14/15 CST's were just special. Overachieving cams, no vibe/shot issues, published weight was spot on, no sight plate or plastic yoke issues, takes sideplates - just an all around good shooter. Just have to watch serving around the cams, on some they will show excessive wear there, about an inch or so above the cam.

I've noticed a few TV show shooters (that are not on Hoyt Payroll, thus not forced to shoot newest model) still shooting them recently as well. Martin from DD has been on a few shows this season with that "pull up the rope" buck and he's still shooting an older Spyder. I also saw a CST on another 2020 show recently, but the name escapes me.

Honestly even though I shot rx3 last year and rx4 this year, if I find a nice shape CST in my DL for a decent price I might snap one up just to have one again.

 

Not sure if there is mich diifrence

 

I formerly owned a Carbon Spyder which was a great bow, but I now own an RX-4 Alpha --- #3 cam ! The RX-4 is smoother, quieter and quicker and I prefer it much more than the CS ... The cam is just so good on the RX-4 !

 

 

Try to test fire one of the new bows. If you can’t tell a difference, stick with what you got.

 

I am looking to buy a 15 CST I had one but due to hard times I had to sell. Anyone have one for sale reasonable?

 

It’s a testament to the CS and CST series that we are still talking about them.

It’s like the 2005 Suzuki GSXR-1000 Sportbike, the lightest one they ever made. If you buy an older Sportbike, that is a really good one. Sounds like the CS series is similar.