Top 5 Mathews Bows for Hunting: Expert Review

Imagine the perfect shot: the quiet draw, the steady aim, and the satisfying thud as your arrow finds its mark. What tool helps you achieve that moment in the field? For countless hunters, the answer lies with a Mathews bow. These bows are legendary for their smooth draw cycles and incredible accuracy. But here’s the tricky part: when you look at the lineup, which Mathews bow truly fits your hunting style and budget?

Choosing the right equipment matters greatly when you are deep in the woods. A bow that doesn’t fit well can lead to missed opportunities and frustration. Many hunters worry about investing in the wrong model or not understanding the specific technology behind each Mathews design. You want reliability when it counts.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best Mathews bows for various hunting scenarios, explaining what makes each model unique. By the end, you will know exactly which bow offers the performance you need for your next successful hunt. Let’s explore the world of precision archery and find your perfect Mathews companion.

Top Mathews Bow For Hunting Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1
Mathews Archery with Bow Hunter Male - White Hunting window decal sticker
  • White Decal
  • Approx Size 9 inches Longest Side
  • MAKE A STATEMENT and Protect Your Car Tire Cover. We have Cool Tire Covers including dog tire covers, paw tire covers, girl tire covers, american flag tire covers.
  • CHECK YOUR SIZE On The Sidewall Of The Tire. Common sizes 245/75r17 (32"), 255/70r17 (32"), 255/75R17(32"), 245/75r16 (31"), 225/75r16 (29"), 30x9.5 (30") 215/75r15 (28"), 225/75r15 (28").
  • GOT A BACKUP CAMERA - Your going to need the JL tire cover with the camera hole cutout. Find a cool tire cover - dog tire covers, paw tire covers, girl tire covers, american flag tire covers.
Bestseller No. 2
Mathews Archery Logo with Whitetail - White Hunting window decal sticker
  • Durable Vinyl Material: Crafted with high-quality vinyl, ensuring longevity and resistance to outdoor elements
  • Modern & Rustic Style: Blends seamlessly with various decal themes, offering a unique touch to your space
  • Perfect for Outdoor Use: Ideal for windows, vehicles, or other outdoor surfaces, withstanding weather conditions
  • Mathews Archery Logo: Showcase your passion for archery with this iconic, embellished logo
  • Easy Application & Removal: Powder-coated finish and single-use design for simple application and clean removal
Bestseller No. 3
MATHEWS SCS Bow Rope- Single
  • Mathews Silent Connect System (SCS) Rope
Bestseller No. 4
Mathews Lowpro Fixed Quiver
  • Ultra-Low Profile Mounting – Sits tighter to the riser than any previous Mathews quiver for enhanced balance and reduced lateral torque.
  • Mathews-Specific Integration – Engineered to perfectly fit Mathews V3, V3X, Phase4, and other compatible flagship bows.
  • Fixed One-Piece Construction – Solid, non-detachable design eliminates movement, rattle, and vibration in the field.
  • Silent Arrow Retention – Rubber arrow grippers and soft-lined hood provide quiet, secure arrow hold and removal.
  • Broadhead-Compatible Hood – Safely accommodates fixed and mechanical broadheads while protecting blade edges.
Bestseller No. 6
Bestseller No. 7
SKB Cases 3i-4318-MPL-M: Mathews Iseries Shaped Bow Case, Od Green
  • Waterproof, MIL-SPEC construction
  • 4 hook-and-loop straps to secure bow
  • Storage for 12 arrows below the bow
  • Lid storage for quiver and two accessory boxes (part# 3i-0702-1; sold separately)
  • Unconditional lifetime warranty
Bestseller No. 8
HME High-Quality Durable Reliable Versatile Easy-to-Install Universally Mountable Hunting Tree Stand Bow Holder - 360 Fork Rotation, Rock solid attachment
  • 360 FORK ROTATION - The bow holder features a fork that can rotate a full 360 degrees; This exceptional rotation capability allows it to accommodate virtually any bow limb and riser curvatures - so your bow fits securely, regardless of its unique design
  • COMPATIBILITY - The HME Universally Mountable Bow Holder is designed to fit ladder or climber tree stands; It is adaptable to various types of tree stands, making it a versatile solution for hunters who use different stand configurations
  • SLIDE-N-LOCK MOUNTING SYSTEM - The bow holder is equipped with a special Slide-n-Lock mounting system; This system simplifies the installation process, eliminating the need for tools; It allows for quick and easy attachment to your tree stand
  • SECURE 4-POINT CONTACT - The side mount lock on the bow holder provides four points of contact with your tree stand; This robust attachment ensures that your bow remains securely in place, even during hunting scenarios where stability is essential
  • ROCK-SOLID ATTACHMENT - This Hunting Tree Stand Bow Holder offers a rock-solid attachment that instills confidence in hunters; It provides a stable platform for your bow, ensuring that it is readily accessible and dependable when you need it most

Choosing Your Perfect Mathews Bow for Hunting: A Buyer’s Guide

Mathews bows are famous among hunters. They make strong, accurate bows. Buying the right one helps you succeed in the field. This guide helps you pick the best Mathews bow for your hunting trips.

Key Features to Look For

When you look at a Mathews bow, check these important parts. These features affect how well the bow shoots and how long it lasts.

  • **Draw Weight and Length:** These must fit your strength. A lighter draw weight is easier to hold steady. Draw length affects your anchor point and accuracy. Always get measured for the correct draw length.
  • **Speed (IBO Rating):** This tells you how fast the arrow flies. Faster speeds mean flatter arrow trajectories. This makes hitting targets easier at long distances.
  • **Brace Height:** This is the distance from the grip to the string when the bow is uncocked. A shorter brace height is more forgiving if your form is slightly off.
  • **Limb Design:** Mathews uses different limb styles. Parallel limbs often reduce vibration, making the shot smoother.
  • **Cam System:** The cams (wheels) control the let-off. Let-off is how much weight is reduced when the bow is fully drawn. High let-off (like 80% or 85%) makes holding the bow at full draw easier while you aim.

Important Materials in Mathews Bows

The parts Mathews uses matter a lot for performance and toughness.

Riser Material: Most Mathews risers are made from strong aluminum. Aluminum is light but very stiff. This stiffness helps the bow shoot accurately and resist bending.

Limb Material: Limbs are usually made from high-quality composite materials, often layered carbon or fiberglass composites. These materials handle stress well. They return to their original shape quickly after shooting. This ensures consistent performance season after season.

String Material: Modern bowstrings use advanced synthetic materials. These strings resist stretching and wear. A good string stays tuned longer, saving you trips to the pro shop.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Bow Quality

Quality comes from how well the parts work together.

Factors That Improve Quality:
  • Tight Tolerances: When parts fit together perfectly, vibration goes down. This makes the bow quieter and more accurate. Mathews is known for precise machining.
  • Advanced Dampening Systems: Mathews often includes technologies like Harmonic Dampers. These small rubber pieces absorb shock. They make the bow feel much better right after the shot.
  • **Finish Quality:** A good finish protects the metal from scratches and weather. It keeps your investment looking good.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Things to Watch Out For):
  • Improper Tuning: Even the best bow shoots poorly if it is not tuned correctly for the specific arrows you use.
  • Wear and Tear on Cams: If the cam bearings are dirty or worn, the draw cycle feels rough. Always keep the cams clean.
  • **Using Cheap Accessories:** Cheap sights or rests will hurt the accuracy of a high-quality Mathews bow.

User Experience and Use Cases

Mathews bows offer different experiences based on the model you choose.

For Treestand Hunters: You need a shorter bow. Shorter bows are easier to maneuver in tight spaces like a tree stand or ground blind. Mathews often has compact models designed for this exact purpose. They are light to carry all day.

For Open Country/Spot-and-Stalk Hunting: Longer bows usually offer better stability and a smoother draw cycle at full draw. This stability helps when you must hold steady for a long time waiting for the perfect shot opportunity.

The Shooting Feel: A well-engineered Mathews bow feels “dead in the hand” after the shot. This means very little hand shock or vibration transfers to your arm. This smooth feel builds confidence in the hunter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Mathews Hunting Bows

Q: Are Mathews bows too loud for hunting?

A: Modern Mathews bows use many dampening systems. They are generally very quiet. Proper tuning also helps reduce noise.

Q: What is the typical lifespan of a Mathews bow?

A: With basic care, a Mathews bow can easily last 10 to 15 years or more. The limbs and riser are built extremely tough.

Q: Do I need a specialized bow press to tune a Mathews?

A: Yes. Because of their advanced cam systems and limb design, you must use a proper bow press designed for Mathews bows. Do not try to change strings or cables without one.

Q: Which Mathews model is best for a beginner?

A: Look for models known for forgiveness, like those with higher brace heights or adjustable cam modules. They let you grow into the bow without buying a new one right away.

Q: How often should I wax my bowstring?

A: You should check your string every few weeks during the hunting season. Apply wax when the string starts to look dry or fuzzy. Usually, waxing once or twice a year is enough for casual use.

Q: Can I use the same Mathews bow for 3D archery and hunting?

A: Absolutely. Many Mathews bows perform very well in both target shooting and hunting. You might need to swap out sights or stabilizers for competition use.

Q: What does “let-off” mean on a Mathews cam?

A: Let-off is the percentage of holding weight that disappears once the bow is fully drawn back. An 85% let-off means if you draw 70 pounds, you only hold 10.5 pounds while aiming.

Q: How important is the sight on a Mathews bow?

A: The sight is very important. It transfers your aiming point to the arrow. Investing in a high-quality, micro-adjustable sight improves accuracy significantly.

Q: Are Mathews bows heavy compared to competitors?

A: Mathews bows are generally designed to be lightweight for carrying comfort. However, adding accessories like stabilizers and premium rests can increase the overall weight.

Q: Where should I buy my Mathews bow?

A: Always buy from an authorized Mathews dealer. They will ensure the bow is measured, set up, and tuned perfectly for you before you take it home.