Ki Bo Bae, Kim Woojin, Lisa Unruh. Some of the greatest archers in history. Olympic Medalists. Just some of the most recognizable users of this legendary bow. Probably one of the most popular and sought-after ILF bows from Hoyt. Almost a decade after its release, you can still see archers looking for it in the secondhand market.
The GMX or Gold Medalist Extreme at the time of its release was Hoyt’s top of the line Grand Prix riser. Grand Prix being the name Hoyt gives their line of ILF risers and limbs. Being an ILF riser, it can be paired is any set of ILF or Grand Prix limbs. Made of aluminum, the GMX’s weight is pretty average for bows of this kind. It has unique versions of standard ILF features though. Take the limb bolts for example. Instead of using a solid bolt made of one piece of steel. It uses the pro-series limb bolts. A floating bolt head system similar to what you would see newer bows like the Hoyt Epik and Uukha Xpro. In this system, the head of the tiller or limbs bolts pivot on a ball/rocker to allow it to conform to the angle of the limb when attached. This allows for more contact between the limbs and the limbs bolts. I have however seen many archers replace these with solid limb bolts. I haven’t seen any fail so it could simply be a preference. I do think that this system adds to the more quiet sound profile of this bow. The GMX has the standard top, mid and bottom stabilizer mounts and an additional rear bottom mount famously used by Lisa Unruh for her unique stabilizer setup.
Another unique variation to the standard ILF features the GMX has is it’s shim or washer based limb alignment system. Like the system used by the Fivics Titan Ex, Sanlida Miracle, Decut Basha and I think the Hoyt Epik. Instead of turning opposing set screws to move a central block, this system uses a cylindrical limb block that you move laterally by adding or removing metal shims. This was specifically designed to make the limb alignment system virtually immovable once set. There are however draw backs to this system. First, it can be very cumbersome to use this system since you will need to unstring the bow to make adjustments. Second is that adjustments are limited to the size or thicknesses of the shims provided. There is a chance that the shims themselves might be a fraction thicker or thicker than what you require. Opposing set screw systems however have infinite adjustment possibilities since they are not limited to any fixed range. The riser also has the standard Berger holes, clicker mounts and sight mounts. This was before the time of the vertatune system, so the Berger holes are in a fixed position. Another unique feature this bow has is the lateral adjustments on the grip. Using shims or thin washers, you can customize the horizontal position of the GMX’s wooden high grip to suit your style and taste. The same grip system was adapted by the Sanlida Miracle. The Hoyt GMX had at the time, innovative features that have influenced many bows that have come since.
The GMX uses Hoyt’s RX Geometry which gives it a more balanced shot feel. More aggressive feel than its contemporaries from other brands but not as radical as succeeding Hoyt models. It uses a wood high grip. An earlier iteration of Hoyt’s performance grip. It feels slightly higher than the current Hoyt grips. It also has more rounded edges which to me feel a lot more comfortable than the more squared off edges of the current version. It feels more natural in the hand. Shooting the GMX feels very solid and reassuring. It feels very well balanced and stable. Shots feel quick and powerful without being jumpy. The feedback is a lot more muted than I expected. I could still feel good feedback but nowhere as clear and pronounced as with other metal risers like the Hoyt Xceed. I suspect the floating limb bolts has something to do with this. If it weren’t for the mass weight of the bow and the cold feel of metal, the vibrations almost feel like that of a carbon riser. It feels amazing to shoot. No wonder so many archers love this bow even to this day. Shooting the bow gave me a sense of confidence and control over my shot. It’s the kind of bow that you can feel you can trust.
The GMX’s look is a classic and has been the basis for the design of many newer bows like the Decut Basha and Sanlida Miracle. In my opinion though, I don’t think it has aged well. Looking at the bow side by side with risers from the last 5 years, you can easily tell the GMX is an older bow. The rounded edges, painted finish and overall profile of the bow is clearly from generations ago. If you look at the bow now, you wouldn’t know it was the top of the line years ago. It doesn’t look exciting.
In 2020, is the Hoyt GMX still worth getting? If you don’t mind the dated looks. YES. If you can get a good deal second hand, go for it. This bow performs incredibly. You may want to replace the limb bolts. Maybe not. But in terms for feel and performance, this bow is still well worth getting to this day. Are there better bows around? Yes. But like I said, if you can get this send hand and for less than 17k php, go for it.. You won’t regret it. It’s an awesome bow. Still relevant after all these years. Truly the bow of champions.
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