For the past three months, I’ve been shooting the Mathews VXR in the 28-inch configuration. This new for 2020 bow is every bit as impressive as last year’s Vertix, and dare I saw even nicer.
In fact, from outward appearances, there doesn’t seem to be much that separates those two bows. However, after weeks of shooting the new VXR, I’ve definitely noticed differences, even though the end result (accuracy) is about a wash.
First, let’s look at the specs on the new Mathews VXR:
IBO Rating: Up to 344 feet per second
Length: 28 inches (axle to axle) also comes in a 31.5-inch version
Brace Height: 6 inches
Weight: 4.44 pounds
Let-Off: 80% or 85% options
Draw Weight: 60, 65, 70 and 75 pounds
Draw Lengths: 25.5 inches to 30 inches
Cam: Crosscentric with Switchweight Technology
Grip: Engage Grip for consistent hand placement and reduced torque
Compare this with the specs of last year’s Mathews VERTIX:
IBO Rating: Up to 343 feet per second
Length: 30 inches (axle to axle)
Brace Height: 6 inches
Weight: 4.67 pounds
Let-Off: 80% or 85% options
Draw Weight: 60, 65, 70 and 75 pounds
Draw Lengths: 26 inches to 30.5 inches
Cam: Crosscentric with Switchweight Technology
As you can see, just a few minor differences between these two bows. And honestly, if you stripped all the logos and names off these two bows and shot them side by side, I would defy the average archer to tell the difference. It’s really hard. But either way you go, you’re going to be shooting a very quiet bow, a very accurate bow and one that requires very little adjusting once you have it set up and paper tuned.
Stability has also been the key component to Mathews bows dating back more than 20 years. In fact, I vividly recall shooting my first Mathews (an MQ-32) in the late 1990s. One of the real eye-openers for me was when I traveled to New York and stayed with my late, great friend Charlie Alsheimer. While taking a few practice shots at his archery targets in his back yard, I couldn’t help but notice the wide smile on Charlie’s face the first time he heard that bow go off. He shook his head in disbelief while turning that wide smile toward his son, Aaron, who was practicing with us. “Can you believe that?” Charlie said. “That’s technology for you.”’
And, yeah, that was many years ago. Not much has changed — unless you consider the blazing speeds these bows have today compared to the “unheard of” 300 fps of rigs back then. But I digress. My rig for this year will be the VXR (28 version) along with 4/6 mm Easton T64 FMJs and 100-grain SEVR broadheads. One thing that has aided my accuracy is that I now shoot Bohning Blazer vanes almost exclusively. I do this because I really like them. Granted, I’m using the QuickFletch versions, but they do the job for me and my needs. Yes, I’m fully expecting some comments from the peanut gallery on how “real” do-it-yourself vanes are better. They might be — if you’re shooting 60, 70 yards and even beyond. I’m still not that type of bowhunter. Anything less than 40 yards is good enough for me.
With this rig, any deer standing broadside or slightly quartering away at that distance is completely in my uber-confident range. Anything less than 35 yards, and it’s pick a spot, bury the pin, and let it fly NOW time. The Mathews Engage Grip is something that really helps with shot-to-shot consistency. Essentially what it does is puts your hand in the same spot time and time again. This grip design also helps greatly with reduced torque.
I should also note that I’m shooting a new sight (for me, anyway) this year as well. I’ve opted for the “pinless” Covert Pro from APEX Gear. This sight features the PWR•DOT, which is adjustable with a sliding, one-hand adjustable feature. It runs off a coin battery and provides one easy-to-acquire dot that can be used in green or red mode. I’ve got mine dialed dead-on at 30 yards, which covers me down to 20 and up to 40 with instinctive shooting techniques. Adjusting it for longer distances only requires a simple flip of a locking lever and slight slide of the distance indicator.
The new Mathews VXR is compatible with the company’s new Silent Connect System kit and all custom bow accessories. Mathews Genuine Accessories are designed to enhance the performance of your Mathews bows. In this regards, the VXR is perhaps the most versatile bow Mathews makes. You can customize this thing in so many ways; it just depends on your personal preferences. (Hint: Check out the rear-facing stabilizer option. It’s pretty darn cool.)
Eight finishes are available, including that super-attractive Ambush Green that you see on the bow I’m shooting in the accompanying photos and video.
The new Silent Connect System kit (SCS) also enables you to attach our exclusive Mathews bow rope and sling in the field quickly and silently. The 2020 VXR is SCS compatible with two threaded attachment points between the limbs. This is only available for the VXR.
FIND A MATHEWS ARCHERY DEALER NEAR YOU.
Note: Please forgive my spoken error in the video where I say “Focus” grip. This new bow actually has the Mathews Engage grip.