Post by BT on Feb 14, 2008 18:25:07 GMT -5
O.K. ... I am going to start and continue adding to this review as I work through this bow. 
[img src="http://www.randlarchery.com/img/2006%20Bows/Kobalt_Camo[1].jpg"]
Listed Specifications :
IBO Speed - 270 fps
Axle to Axle - 28"
Mass Weight - 3.1 lbs
Weight Range - 20 - 60 lbs
Cam - Cam & 1/2 Plus
Brace Height - 7"
Draw Range - 21.5" - 28"
Phase one :
#1: Removed Hoyt string/cables replaced w/18 stand winners choice.
#2: 250 Maxima w/ 100 gr. head = 318 grains
end result = 280 f.p.s.
Phase two :
#1: Saunders Hyper Slide
#2: reduce point weight to 75gr. = 293 gr.
#3: find speed nock location.
The information pertaining to specification on this bow seems to have a wide divergence (20fps) depending on where you see it listed.
The above specifications were off a dealer site and IMO are the true specs as shipped.
The bow shoots far better than my reflex as to hand position.
On the Kobalt I can fidget around and keep arrows in a 3" area at 30 yards.
Keeping hand position in any one place offers scary consistency for such a small bow
This is a light bow....very light.
Both my sons picked it up and commented repeatedly how light it was and how could it possibly be that light ;D
There is no rear stabilizer insert on the Kobalt.
Recoil is nothing more than a tap that has to be looked for to be noticed.
Biggest shortfall is the ATA which eliminates the use of all presses that I now own
Thankfully there is a shop close by and one coming that will be within 4 minutes of my home soon
Continuing on....
The Kobalt is dead in the hand and requires no wrist sling so far
With an open grip , two fingers laid lightly on the forward of the riser , the Kobalt stays in the hand every time on the shot.
Noise is IMO low and I have no desire to add anything aftermarket in the attempt to further reduce what little there is.
Balance is perfect and there is no need for any forward or rearward weight IMO.
Perhaps a 3oz. doinker on a 6" glass rod? ( to supply a good forward drop) ..... really not needed IMO but thats what I would do if I wanted it.
Timing is a snap....if you have a press that will handle a 28" bow
I used the Bowmaster press and it worked great.
And finally
After about 10 - 12 hours of shooting , the Kobalt definitely seems to be easier to shoot than some of the other bigger brothers which I have tried.
It's not amazingly easy....just seems to be more forgiving as to hand position.
All in all ..... I am (so far) very satisfied with this bow
Update :
The Kobalt would not do IBO spec.
The result of shooting a 300 grain arrow was as if it were being dry fired
4 times in total the string was shot off the lower cam and after talking with Hoyt Representatives and Hoyt itself.....there was no explanation or resolve offered.
It would seem as though the rebound of the limbs is such that it allows the limbs to jettison the string from either torque happening during rebound or just the simple fact of excessive rebound.
Whatever the case....IBO is not doable
I increased the arrow weight up 40 grains (5.7gpp) and after 100 shots , there was no further incident.
The Kobalt lost 5 yards off it's sight pin setting due to the arrow weight increase but it continues to shoot wonderfully
[img src="http://www.randlarchery.com/img/2006%20Bows/Kobalt_Camo[1].jpg"]
Listed Specifications :
IBO Speed - 270 fps
Axle to Axle - 28"
Mass Weight - 3.1 lbs
Weight Range - 20 - 60 lbs
Cam - Cam & 1/2 Plus
Brace Height - 7"
Draw Range - 21.5" - 28"
Phase one :
#1: Removed Hoyt string/cables replaced w/18 stand winners choice.
#2: 250 Maxima w/ 100 gr. head = 318 grains
end result = 280 f.p.s.
Phase two :
#1: Saunders Hyper Slide
#2: reduce point weight to 75gr. = 293 gr.
#3: find speed nock location.
The information pertaining to specification on this bow seems to have a wide divergence (20fps) depending on where you see it listed.
The above specifications were off a dealer site and IMO are the true specs as shipped.
The bow shoots far better than my reflex as to hand position.
On the Kobalt I can fidget around and keep arrows in a 3" area at 30 yards.
Keeping hand position in any one place offers scary consistency for such a small bow
This is a light bow....very light.
Both my sons picked it up and commented repeatedly how light it was and how could it possibly be that light ;D
There is no rear stabilizer insert on the Kobalt.
Recoil is nothing more than a tap that has to be looked for to be noticed.
Biggest shortfall is the ATA which eliminates the use of all presses that I now own
Thankfully there is a shop close by and one coming that will be within 4 minutes of my home soon
Continuing on....
The Kobalt is dead in the hand and requires no wrist sling so far
With an open grip , two fingers laid lightly on the forward of the riser , the Kobalt stays in the hand every time on the shot.
Noise is IMO low and I have no desire to add anything aftermarket in the attempt to further reduce what little there is.
Balance is perfect and there is no need for any forward or rearward weight IMO.
Perhaps a 3oz. doinker on a 6" glass rod? ( to supply a good forward drop) ..... really not needed IMO but thats what I would do if I wanted it.
Timing is a snap....if you have a press that will handle a 28" bow
I used the Bowmaster press and it worked great.
And finally
After about 10 - 12 hours of shooting , the Kobalt definitely seems to be easier to shoot than some of the other bigger brothers which I have tried.
It's not amazingly easy....just seems to be more forgiving as to hand position.
All in all ..... I am (so far) very satisfied with this bow
Update :
The Kobalt would not do IBO spec.
The result of shooting a 300 grain arrow was as if it were being dry fired
4 times in total the string was shot off the lower cam and after talking with Hoyt Representatives and Hoyt itself.....there was no explanation or resolve offered.
It would seem as though the rebound of the limbs is such that it allows the limbs to jettison the string from either torque happening during rebound or just the simple fact of excessive rebound.
Whatever the case....IBO is not doable
I increased the arrow weight up 40 grains (5.7gpp) and after 100 shots , there was no further incident.
The Kobalt lost 5 yards off it's sight pin setting due to the arrow weight increase but it continues to shoot wonderfully
