Hoyt Carbon Element Question

[SabineRR]

I've been looking at carbon elements for a bow for quite a while I've been back and forth on buying one. Well here is the deal. The 2011 and 2012 are exactly the same except for the new RKT cams, right? I could get a 2011 element for $700 vs a 2012 for $1300. Keep this in mind. I've heard of people putting the RKT cams on their 2011 elements but I have a few questions.
1. Would I have to get new strings if I did this?
2. How much would it cost?
3. If I can get a 2011 element for $700 would it save me money?
4. Could any local dealer set it up for me if I did the swap? (switch/ order cams, restring(if needed), etc?)
5. Is this too many questions?

[splitbeam145]

You could easily spend $300-400 for new cam,strings, and labor to put on. I personally wouldn't worry about changing cams. You looking at 5-7 fps difference which isn't worth the extra $ IMO. The RKT does draw a little smoother than the Fuel cam which is the main difference between the two. I shoot the Fuel cam right now and like them a lot.

[HoytEZahn]

You could easily spend $300-400 for new cam,strings, and labor to put on. I personally wouldn't worry about changing cams. You looking at 5-7 fps difference which isn't worth the extra $ IMO. The RKT does draw a little smoother than the Fuel cam which is the main difference between the two. I shoot the Fuel cam right now and like them a lot.

This is right on....I have the matrix with fuel cams and I like it just fine....not worth the extra money IMO

[SabineRR]

Thanks. The only reason I like the RKT cams is because most people say the fuel allow very little creep and arent as smooth. I guess it may be cheaper to stay with the fuel cams...

[Double L]

You could easily spend $300-400 for new cam,strings, and labor to put on. I personally wouldn't worry about changing cams. You looking at 5-7 fps difference which isn't worth the extra $ IMO. The RKT does draw a little smoother than the Fuel cam which is the main difference between the two. I shoot the Fuel cam right now and like them a lot.

Totally agree with this^.

I have the 2011 with the Fuel Cams. I went and shot a 2012 with the RKT cams and then shot my bow. Went back and forth for several arrows and honestly couldn't tell much difference.

[Thumper07]

Don't switch cams buy one or the other. Is the 2011 used or new for 700? Shoot them both you might find a new element with RKT cams is worth the extra money.

[SabineRR]

Don't switch cams buy one or the other. Is the 2011 used or new for 700? Shoot them both you might find a new element with RKT cams is worth the extra money.

It's new. I check AT daily for elements being sold. I just missed a 2012 element in perfect condition for $800. I posted I'll take it first but he sold it to another guy because he offered more........ Some people........

[rlk123]

Don't switch cams, you probably will have a different draw weight due to a different deflection limb at the least. Do a search on the other site, there have been several try this. With the deals out there it would be much cheaper to go with a 2012.

[YLEKeyeOT]

Thanks. The only reason I like the RKT cams is because most people say the fuel allow very little creep and arent as smooth. I guess it may be cheaper to stay with the fuel cams...

Keep in mind, when folks compare these and say one is "smoother" than the other etc. they're really splitting hairs. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate reviews and other people's opinions, but when you are comparing two really good options, you have to say why you think one is better than the other.

"Smooth as a baby's butt" or "Smooth as glass" ...which is smoother?

[txdukklr]

i wouldn't buy a bow to change the cams. if you want rkt bite the bullet and buy the 2012.

personally i like the rkt cam better then the fuel

[BOWtechnicianTX]

Each (11,12) are gonna be more than great bows. To me i prefer the RKT cams over the fuel cams mainly for the deeper valley after let off. You also gain some feet per second while getting a smoother draw cycle which is rarity with most bows. On the looks side, the 2012 has a lot more of the red accents than the 2011 (to most that's not a huge deal) but i like it. As for price,try not to look at the retail prices. Realistically your looking at 700-800 for a used 2011 or 1000-1100 for used a 2012. so really your looking at a 200-300 dollar difference vs a 500-600 dollar difference. to me i can justify spending an extra 300 for few good upgrades that you get with a 2012. Thats my two cents. Hope this helps.

[DoubleGArchery]

Get the new one. Don't try to change the cams. The roller guard is different also. Good luck.

[XC450]

Buy a new one and enjoy the piece of mind that you own the warranty.

[Mac...]

I asked the same question to the shop guy at CCR and he told me I'd be looking at about $150 to convert... That was him shooting me an answer on the fly tho...

[Centraltexan]

Get the new one. Don't try to change the cams. The roller guard is different also. Good luck.

This man knows his stuff!! You won't be disappointed!