The bow has many patents to its name and it is far from easy to manufacture; part of the problem was that Hoyt put the bow through a complex trial and error program which was designed to get all aspects of it feeling right and shooting well, in particular to make sure it flexes and the center of gravity is right.

Hoyt Carbon Element and Carbon Matrix String Suppressor $29.95 Time Remaining: 4d 4h 34m Buy It Now : $29.95

HOYT Custom 180 Grip Red CRX 32 Carbon Element Matrix $21.99 Time Remaining: 13d 1h 36m Buy It Now : $21.99

NEW 2012 Hoyt Green Skull Cap Hat Match Vector Carbon Element Matrix Bow $14.50 Time Remaining: 9d 4h 30m Buy It Now : $14.50

Bow String for Hoyt CRX 32 CRX 35 Carbon Matrix $75.00 Time Remaining: 27d 8h 30m Buy It Now : $75.00

Bowstring Hoyt Carbon Matrix CRX Carbon Element $75.00 Time Remaining: 18d 4h 44m Buy It Now : $75.00

NEW 2012 Hoyt American Bowhunter Cap Hat Match Vector Carbon Element Matrix Bow $14.50 Time Remaining: 9d 3h 31m Buy It Now : $14.50

Custom Bow String Set for Hoyt Carbon Element or Matrix $59.00 Time Remaining: 14d 1h 39m Buy It Now : $59.00

MEANVS CUSTOM STRING SUPPRESSOR FOR HOYT CARBON MATRIX $39.00 Time Remaining: 10d 19h 1m Buy It Now : $39.00

Even when the trial and error was completed, the bow was still put to the test and Hoyt ensured that is was dy fired over 3000 times which resulted in noted problems or sign of damage. When firing the bow, it's design - which is somewhat different to most others compounds - means there isn't any forward jump when you are shooting it. You would feel comfortable shooting this without a wrist strap.

Its axle-to-axle is longer that some newer bows, at 35 inches, which is good for anyone looking for something a bit longer. Many of the 2011 bows look to be smaller than this.

Packed full of features, this bow can is also really smooth. the high-enery fuel cam on the bow isnt the fastest, though it is capable of 318FPS. Hoyt have used a carbon fiber riser in this bow and this has helped to keep its weight under 4lbs. Anyone that is concerned over the strength of the bow need not worry; it is rumoured that in testing the riser was run over by a truck and was still able to fire dead straight.

One major drawback to the Hoyt Carbon Matrix is the price tag.... It is available for a whopping $1600 at retail. It is worth bearning in mind that this is a highly sought after compound bow that is made in limited edition, so this goes some way to justify the price tag. It is also very smooth, efficient, lightweight and quick. There are quicker bows on the market but this does offer a complete "top-of-the-range" bow. If you have money to burn, you could do a lot worse, and of course if you are able to get one from the above listings you can probably knock a few hundred dollars off that price too.

If you would like some more information, check out this 2011 Hoyt Carbon Matrix Video;

Technical specifications:

Axle-to-axle: 35 inches
Brace height: 7 1/4 inches
Mass weight: 3.8 pounds
Draw length: 27-31 inches (1/2-inch increments)
Draw weight: 40-50 pounds, 50-60 pounds, 60-70 pounds, 70-80 pounds
Speed: 318 feet per second (+/- 2 fps)

The simple answer is: Yes. You can.

[Ed: But you may find yourself tire quicker if you dont use a sight!]

However, in more depth, it depends on the circumstances. If you are aiming to shoot competitively then it depends on the tournament, the NFAA rules are quite strict on this matter.

If you are shooting a compound bow barebow style then the chances are you will not get away with using a sight anyway, so this is worth considering. If you can get more used to the bow without a sight then you are going to be a much more natural shooter than someone who has learnt only to use one.

With a sight, the arrow does not sit on your finger but on the sight itself. This may have some benefits it a tournament allows it but a lot of archers and of course hunters much prefer to not use one since it means the experience is much more solid.

Consider this; if you practice day in, day out with a sight and then try to shoot at a random distance, you will find it very, very hard to actually hit the target. However, if you practiced without using a sight then you would probably have a better gauge on the distance.

Tools and gadgets are all very well, but you shouldnt look at using something just because joe random does. Instead, consider what you want out of your sport or hobby. If you want to use a sight, then remember that you can almost always hit a static, same distance target better than an instict shooter. However, you may have to suffer if the distance changes just a few metres. There are pros and cons to any sport - know your limitations.

The compound bow also has an interesting characteristic. The weight or the tension one feels when they pull the bow string back is not uniform. At one point, the tension reduces and it becomes easier to hold it back. This is known as the let off. A compound bow is much easier to use than the recurve or the long bow. However it still needs a lot of skill and practice.

While you are trying to aim a compound bow, stand so that you are perpendicular or at ninety degrees to the target. Space your feet so that they are spaced, shoulder width apart. Lift the bow easily and hold it up. Do not rotate or adjust your shoulder. Let it find a relaxed and natural spot. There should be no extra effort in maintaining the shoulder in its position. Do not point the bow above the target. This is commonly used in the recurve and long bow archery. However it must be avoided with a compound bow. Take care to ensure the bow is perfectly vertical and perpendicular to the ground. A slant bow affects the aim adversely.

Place the arrow in the nock and draw it back in a single fluid motion. Nocking is simple, similar to the long bow or the recurve bow. Place the nock at the end of the arrow on to the bow string. The different coloured fletching should be placed such that it does not touch the bow on the way forward. Make sure the arrow is horizontal.

Once this is done, pull the arrow back in fluid and strong motion. Try and use your back muscles to pull the arrow back. Using the back muscles to pull the arrow back ensures that the release is smooth and not sudden or jarring. The arrow is released smoothly in this case and ensures the target is not missed. The uniqueness of the compound bow is visible in these situations. Pulling the bowstring back completely reduces the tension and eight needed to hold it back. Thus one can relax a little and aim easily.

Check the angle of the bow and make sure it is still perpendicular and aim the arrow tip right at the target. Some compound bows have sight pins. These are very helpful in aiming. Focus the end of the appropriate sight pin at the target to aim properly. Release the arrow. Take to ensure that the pressure is taken by your bow arm and completely absorbed by the wrist of your bow arm.

Note down the point where the arrow hit. Compare notes and think of adjustments that can be made to increase your accuracy. Fire subsequent shots with these adjustments, to improve your aim.

This process helps you become a better archer and make use of the advantages a compound on has to offer.