I shoot a Matthews Feathermax Bow that they discontinued around 2000 I think. Its IBO rating then was 310fps, had a 36" axle to axle, and weighed only 3 1/4 lbs. I love the bow because at the time it was compact AND it was especially light.

I was looking at a Matthews Reezen 7.0 and noticed that while its IBO rating is a little faster at 325fps, and its slightly more compact at 32" but weighs more than my current bow by almost a full pound.

Has technology really come that far that I shoud at least entertain upgrading my bow? Not that I am unhappy with my bow, I'm happy with it, but I always want a weapon that produces the cleanest most effective kills possible, and at that point, am I missing something by not upgrading?

Also, for you technicians out there, I have a 29" draw length and shoot 100 grain Montec G-5s. Any guesses as to how fast my bow is? I also have a fall away rest.

If you want to see how technology has improved in the archery industry do yourself an favor and go and shoot an Destroyer 350 from Bowtech.

Not sure how heavy your complete hunting arrow are.

Would say hunting speed would be around 275fps to 280fps...

I cannot disagree with Gerhard, the Bowtech line is fast and smooth.

But...

Check my post here on my new Matthews Monster 7. No tuning, still shooting the bow in before tuning starts. 60lbs, 301/4" draw, 410gr arrow 300fps. 308gr 332fps.

What is your arrow weight?

Rich

Lots of great bows to choose from these days -- go to a bow shop and go home with the one that works best for you!

quote:

Originally posted by Woodmnctry:
Lots of great bows to choose from these days -- go to a bow shop and go home with the one that works best for you!

Best advise...

Biggest thing that you will find is the difference in the hand shock from your older bow compared to these new rigs. They are a pleasure to shoot!
I have always felt the best bow out there...... is the one that fits you.

Matthews has a harmonic dampener in each limb pocket. No hand shock.

Rich

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
Matthews has a harmonic dampener in each limb pocket.
Rich

Rich,

So thats the reason Matthews Bows are so slow...

Limp pockets with holes in...

Gerhard,

you best be nice to me or I might have to tell everybody here what sort of little present I brought you three weeks ago...




Rich
DRSS

I to bought a Mathews bow rite around the same time frame
I bought a Z-Max but what actually brought me to Mathews was the Featherweight
I do believe that Bow technology has come in strides since then
Mathews has done wonderful things
I have gone the total opposite direction and went with a trad recruve bow but you can't go wrong with any of today's bows just buy what you like and try it out hopefully

Bows really have come a long way in the past 10 years -- engineering of today's bows is far superior -- better materials and design.

Personally, I'm fond of Elite, Bowtech, and over the years a Mathews or two. But, the beauty of todays market is that you can go to a pro shop that deals in different brands, try them out, and see what fits you best.

So, just go and try a couple out and see if you like any better than what you're currently shooting -- Bet you will!

That's the danger...

Rich

Gerhard, jou ou Bow Slet!



I'm inpressed with the bow....but will not trade it for my Mattewis DXT, holes in it or not.....

Can say one thing, Gerhard is deadly with MBogo!

nicht slet!
Bow Whore.
Slets do it for free.

Rich
Monster 7
Shot mine yesterday at 60lbs with a 314gr 30" long arrow. 329fps.

Rich,

Thats fast, but you need to add at leas another 125gr to the arrow for hunting plains game.

Personally I prefer a bow that is silent compare to fast.

If I can shoot a 450gr arrow at speeds between 275 to 285fps I am happy...

The 303 fps hunting speed will be a new experience for this season.

Yes, I am expecting to shoot a 450gr hunting arrow at least 275. I have ten pounds of draw weight to go. I was just pleased to see the Monster 7 get within 13fps of advertised speed and an IBO legal set up.
You always have this notion that they will match advertising specs, but many do not for the average 3D/bowhunter. They claim "Up to 342fps IBO.". That is at 70lbs with a 350gr arrow. I can shoot 3D this summer and work up gradually.

regards,

Rich
DRSS

I am already missing SA and the von Tondens

Thats the best way to do it.

Focus now to shoot accurately and get all the little habits working again before working on heavier draw weights.

You will have enough in the tank to hunt with a 65# bow.

Thinking about upgrading from my Switchback(which I'm totally fine with but .......), after looking on here I asked my bud about the Destroyer 350.....he's the archery manager at a big SG store out west.....he said to get the Z7 instead.

Haven't gotten a chance to get the reasons why from him yet. We splittin' hairs here......or is there a significant difference?

Norton,

just to have a clue, I shot a Z7 alongside my Monster 7 yesterday, about twenty arrows from each. Rotated every three arrows.
Matthews has put a lot of engineering effort over 2009 in the Z, it is very smooth and fast. Solocam technology is great. The Monster is faster, 15-18fps with any arrow weight. But, any twin cam bow is going to be harsher to shoot. Not as smooth, the let off starts a bit later, and the hold valley is shorter; even though they have the same draw length and poundage.

The Monster 7 is very popular here in Idaho with Elk hunters. A large percentage shoot the 60-70lb model set about 65-67 pounds. That was at a big 3D shoot Sunday. Over 400 shooters, nearly 80 with Monsters. These guys regularly practice out to 80 yards and the Monster 7 delivers at that distance.

It's a cop out, but you need to shoot both side by side. I did, and I'm still glad I got the Monster 7.

Rich
Matthews Monster 7

Thanks Rich......funny, the impetus for thinking about the new bow is my MT hunt.....I drew another big game combo.....now I have to hope I draw one of the good archery elk zones. If I draw one of them then a new bow is in order(just for the hell of it cuz I'm sure the 70# Switchback would do fine).

I need to find a place around here that will let me demo one.

Like Rich said...

Go and shoot them both and then decide what suites you the best for your shooting style.

Gooday to all,
Im new to this forum but have hunted extensively with rifle, shotgun, bow, knife, spear and even slingshot!
As far as bow technology goes, yes we have had many advances in recent times, but i dont personally think we have made any great gains since about the time the parallel limb bows came out.
Every year i think of upgrading my Mathews Switchback, but realistically i wont get a smoother shooting bow. About all ill gain is 25-fps extra. I cant remember off the top of my head what that translates to at 40yds in hold over, which is my max distance on red deer. Recently i discovered rangefinders so the guestimation factor is no longer in the equasion.
BTW, i do like the new Bowtechs but like i said, i personally dont think id gain much for what i shoot out to 40 yards.

2004 ain't that new, Flatshooter! And I believe you're right.....I love my Switchback. Unless there's a quantum leap in how it feels when I get around to shooting a new one I'll probably stick with it.

We haven't started tuning the Monster 7 yet, just getting used to the different type of draw. Sixty-three pounds and a 30-inch draw, and a 400gr arrow is 300fps this afternoon. I plan to shoot it at seventy pounds, and I think it will shoot my target 450gr with broadhead around 305 maybe 310.

Speed kills, especially if you can crack 300fps with a 450gr arrow for penetration and a flat trajectory.

Rich
M7

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:

Speed kills

Now Rich, speed doesn't kill, you know better.
Your infected with chronographititis
(when someone wants to shoot faster and faster and faster so they crank up the draw poundage)

Shot placement, sharp broadheads, and knowing my limitations have worked for me, long before I started shooting over 300 fps 20 years ago.


I shoot about 280 and have no itch to ever shoot 300+ ever again.

Speed does indeed kill! The faster you can accurately shoot a hunting arrow with a sharp broadhead, the more penetration you get and the faster the game dies.

Besides, the more poundage I shoot, the faster the speed; and the more impressed the babes are.
THAT's what it's all about anyway, isn't it?



Rich
M7

quote:

Besides, the more poundage I shoot, the faster the speed; and the more impressed the babes are.

Hahahaha, they call that the small penis syndrome down under mate. :-)

Seriously no offence, just couldnt help myself!

Cheers

That kind of poundage increases ALL of your muscle size and tone!!!

Rich
Matthews M7

quote:

That kind of poundage increases ALL of your muscle size and tone!!!

I cant argue with that!

quote:

Personally I prefer a bow that is silent compare to fast.

It's been years since I had a mechanical bow. I know they're fast and very accurate, but are they louder or quieter than the newer mechanical bows? My Martin and Black Widow make very little noise.