Mathews VXR Bow Review & Speed Testing

[@tylerhughes6792]

I've never shot a Mathews but they sure do look good. Best looking bows on the market in my opinion.

[@roetru]

I can't believe how quiet it is didn't even hear the bow go off all I heard was the arrows hitting the bag very impressed

[@thesouthernnortheast4991]

I just shot a deer in front of another deer and the second deer didn’t even know what happened looked at me for a minute and slowly walked off

[@substi9766]

“Personally i’ve been a stoned guy these past couple years”. Lol dude me too.

[@justinzarr7877]

LOL! Close, but not quite.

[@detroitsurvivor4989]

@Rusty Shackleford why do you think they like to hang out in the woods all day? 😆

[@detroitsurvivor4989]

@Rusty Shackleford 😂

[@shannondaugherty5431]

Another great review Justin. I look forward to them every year.I love my vertix.Might have to test drive a 31.5 vxr

[@bennyboom63]

Been a Mathews guys for many yrs and I always say I’ll keep this one for a long time cause what else can be done but this is a slick little piece I gotta go get one now.

[@HedzOutdoors]

One thing i did notice on your video Justin, is how whisper quiet it is when you shoot it. Great looking bow.

[@markcochran3325]

That bow was insanely quiet, and was steady. I don’t think I saw any shock or movement. I love my Halon, but this VXR looks great. - miss the lost camo

[@RZRKuntry]

After 12 years, I upgraded from a Hoyt Katera to a Mathew Vertix. Also switched to a HHA5519 single pin. My accuracy improved significantly. I wondered what would be on the horizon but I don't see enough to peak my interest. Gonna slap a custom string on the Vertix and continue using what I'm confident with.

[@mdr-hs3yv]

what string, cable and serving colors did you have on that vxr super sexy

[@whitewiskerz2577]

What a great review ! Well done

[@bowhuntordie]

Thanks!

[@Growbrojay]

I've always been a hoyt guy but this year I'm going with the vxr I shot the rx4 and vxr today at my local shop and man that vxr is nice and shoots very well.

[@Growbrojay]

@Rusty Shackleford I had the vertix and rx3 but I'm selling both now to get the vxr lol. I was going to keep my rx3 but I prob won't use it so im selling both to fully fund my new bow.

[@Growbrojay]

@Rusty Shackleford yes I didnt care for traverse at all and I dont like how it doesnt have the new technology I got the vertix specifically for the switch weight technology.

[@Bamamike223]

SAME HERE. I still shoot my 2005 Hoyt Vtech. Tack driver and built like a tank. Can't lie...this will be my next bow!

[@SellsZac]

It seems as though these flagship bows have capped out on modern tech. Same speeds, small ATA adjustments year to year. Same weight. This is basically a vertix with a sling attachment.

[@Chris-iz4bs]

Seems the industry has reached it's potential and isn't progressing further. no real reliable speed gains, etc.. To me seems like they can't move anything further then what it has reached. Just a bunch of marketing to sell!

[@jjdoutdoors]

Zac Sells totally agree! Same thing every year! I still shoot my Z7! Love this bow! When it’s not broke don’t fix it.

[@SellsZac]

I get it, they gotta produce a "new" bow every year to keep pace with competitors and drive profits, but to say I'm underwhelmed would be an understatement. I'll hold onto my Vertix and maybe look towards Bowtech or Hoyt for a new backup bow.

[@robwalters9695]

I couldn't agree more, last year I went and shot the Vertix to compare to my Halon... grip was nice but not worth the 1K price tag for a new bow. Ill do the same this year and will most likely come up with the same opinion. My Halon still shoots lights out and is dead in hand, only thing Id like to have that new bows have is the Cams with the switch weight to shoot 75lbs. May Franken my Halon with a set of Vertix cams this summer.

[@justinzarr7877]

I've had this discussion just about every year for the last 10 years or so.....you're correct, the "on paper" specs of flagship bows haven't changed much in the last decade or more. For all intents and purposes we've been shooting bows that shoot 330-350 fps, weigh 4-4.5 lbs and measure 28"-33" long for quite some time now. Physics isn't going to change - you can only produce as much speed as energy you can create when the bow is drawn back. So unless we all want to hit the gym and start pulling 80 lbs or more, you're never going to see excessive speed gains in compound bows. While many companies have tried making faster bows - say 360 fps or more - they've had a hard time making them easy to shoot, easy to tune and stay together for extended periods of time. And people have found that having the extra speed isn't all it's cracked up to be. It typically makes the bows more difficult to draw (shoulder problems, anyone?), more difficult to tune, and overall not as fun to shoot. It simply is what it is. Like I said - physics isn't going to change. Now, what has improved dramatically, is the way these bows feel when you shoot them, how stable and accurate they are, how well built they are, and how easy they are to set up, tune and remain tuned. While "on paper" a bow from today may look similar to one from a decade ago, when you shoot them side by side there is more than a noticeable difference. That's the real key takeaway from all modern bows - not just the ones from Mathews. You may see some variances in cam technologies or minor improvements in riser designs, but they're all basically the same specs on paper. The key is to pick them up, shoot them, and then decide for yourself.

[@jakeharper6557]

The major improvement for stability is the riser length. The longer the riser, the more stable it gets (weight away from the grip). That’s the main new feature this year. Didn’t mention that.

[@pennmcmichaelequipmenttrad2600]

Looks like its coming in 15 fps short of IBO using 29", 70 lbs, 430 grain arrow, 20 grain on string and 343 IBO.

[@whitetailmadness1376]

Penn McMichael well you lose 5 FPS for each monkey tail so that’s 10 right off the bat and depending on the peep sight you have that’ll make it 15

[@northerntimberoutdoors9319]

Mathews always are very optimistic with there speed ratings. Their last great bow was the Halon imo

[@northerntimberoutdoors9319]

@Boxing 101 so you shoot a 350 grain arrow with a 77 pound bow lol yeah ok. Yes I shoot a Helix Ultra at 80 pounds and 29 inches with a 440 grain arrow and get 309 fps

[@judefuselier]

How about IBO speed comparison at each lbs mod, and subsequent arrow weights 400, 450 & up to about 500? Thanks for the review!!

[@GeddonAdventures]

Man now im gonna be broke again

[@quicknicksolis]

What was the draw length and poundage for the speed tests?

[@JustinZarr]

For our tests we used 29" draw and 70 lbs. For IBO speed ratings they use 30" draw, 70 lbs and 350 grain arrow.

[@quicknicksolis]

@@JustinZarr seems a little below IBO to me. Only 306fps with a 360 grain. Do you think the 10 grains and 1inch of draw length could make that much difference?

[@carlosgaztelucabral8061]

@@JustinZarr slower than the new Elite e n k o r e

[@henningradasewski6172]

Hi Justin. I would love to get the 28" model as I prefer a compact setup as I often hike in in thick brush. I have a 28.5" draw lenght. However, I am concerned about the steep string angle that I would get with my draw lenght and the 28" ata. Any recommendations?

[@bowhuntordie]

Having owned and shot both the Triax and now the VXR, I wouldn't be worried about it. The string angle isn't bad at all. Everyone we've talked to that's been worried about it immediately realizes it's not a concern as soon as they pick one up and shoot it.

[@henningradasewski6172]

@@bowhuntordie thanks buddy, appreciate it.

[@williamsonkm20]

I am extremely happy with my current bows, Mathews Avail & Prime Logic but DANG this thing is QUIET.... Nothing compares to how quiet that VXR is wow.

[@williamsonkm20]

@Rusty Shackleford I beg to differ

[@williamsonkm20]

@Rusty Shackleford still trying to figure out why you care so much about my comments lol I think what I think and you think what you think. Move along and have a great Monday! :)

[@williamsonkm20]

@Rusty Shackleford :)

[@theklutzyoutdoorsman5265]

That new vxr is quite!

[@stephenkelly7192]

What color are those strings? Flo orange and yellow?

[@bowhuntordie]

Those were Flo Orange and Buckskin

[@Eightball2516]

You get a new bow every year what did you do with your vertix

[@justinzarr7877]

It's currently my backup bow. At some point, I'll likely hand it down to a friend, teammate or family member who needs a new bow.

[@rickdudzik9281]

im still shooting the no cam and dont need a new bow evey dam year. the no cam is a good one for me speed bows ah ill pass.

[@terrydriggers5217]

No joke. Smoothest bow I've ever shot, including the new ones.

[@troutbum8699]

I feel like the bow market has turned into the golf market. Club makers claim 10 yards further every year. By now I should be driving par 5s. Same holds true for bows. Physics can only be pushed so far before you are just left with either quieter or deader in hand. All others options are just leather vs cloth interior.

[@paulcrave3112]

I don’t get it. The demonstration arrows didn’t come close to 344 FPS.

[@justinzarr7877]

IBO speeds, which is what bow manufacturers publish, are calculated using a 30-inch draw length, 70 lbs draw weight and a 350-grain arrow. It represents essentially the -maximum safe speed you can get from a bow with the longest draw, highest poundage and lightest arrow. Most archers never come close to IBO speed with their setup as we're shooting 28-29 inch draw lengths with much heavier hunting arrows. The purpose of the test was to show what most hunters can expect to get from their setup.

[@maxinpains6937]

Choose Matthews it will be the right answer all the time Everytime.

[@russellshealy9395]

BHOD BABY !!!!!!!

[@Jay_Michael]

Sooooo.... Its a Vertix?? No quick tune cam?? Just a teet to pull your bow up for an extra $100??

[@duckman5849]

Way below the advertised speed of 344fps. False advertisement!

[@kadenfletcher8095]

Your a bum they put fps at highest rating they've found

[@loganlittrell945]

344 fps is the IBO speed. IBO speed is tested with with a bow spec'd at 80 lbs, 30 inch draw length, and a much lighter arrow than you would use for hunting or target archery. No bow on the market is actual going to shoot the advertised IBO speed in real world situations.

[@duckman5849]

Kaden Fletcher no your the bum falling for the scam. Its almost 15 percent off the “ advertised “ FPS. Come on it’s not even shooting over 300fps. I’m not the one bragging it shoots 344.

[@kadenfletcher8095]

Fuck your fps I want penetration power but it's okay I harvested a bear that made pope and young and my now isn't a fps setup some boys never learn 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@duckman5849]

Kaden Fletcher wow aren’t you a tuff guy. Kudos

[@zairemrenthlei9478]

Not enough change to upgrade from vertix

[@mustang268]

@Boxing 101 lol I think he can form his own opinions and agree its not a major improvement and last years bow is just as accurate so chill out there Mr archery people like you is why the sport isn't as big as it can be bashing others and calling them casuals or idiots like stfu and do the archery world a favor

[@mustang268]

Defently not

[@davelangley6304]

I will keep my switchback xt

[@matthewhoward5822]

Nothing wrong with ol faithful! Lol👍

[@warren3665]

I see no need to upgrade from my Halon 32.

[@asrealasitgets765]

Add in accessories like cable guard, string silencers, etc. will put this bow over 5 lbs. WOW

[@jeffdoty8303]

They already have string silencer on them. I don't add anything but rest, stabilizer, quiver. No need for anything else

[@asrealasitgets765]

@@jeffdoty8303 Unfortunately, Mathews does not include factory accessories such as silencers in their calculated weight. Also, once you add aftermarket accessories this bow will be close to 7lbs. 4.6lbs for a 31" bow is extremely high. There are 35" bows available that weigh less. The additional 4" overall length is a huge advantage when it comes to forgiveness & accuracy.

[@davidjones8070]

Why don’t they just make 12” a to a so the string angle is so acute that no one can shoot them.

[@jeffdoty8303]

Get mine Tomm. Love my triax but this 28 is awesome

[@dazduncan6733]

That’s old news now no one cares

[@grizzledmillennial4765]

Can anyone chrono one of these at 30 inches, 75lbs and with 500 grain or more arrow? I'm a big boy that links to send hammers.

[@justinzarr7877]

I could but I'd have to go find a set of 30 inch, 75 lb mods. Probably not too common.

[@PrivilegedBowhunter]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYOufn2hjJ1mrq8 I did a speed test the 75lb mods and arrows 465-625 grains

[@jerryrobinson3923]

I shoot a 415 g arrow at 300 out of a now 3 year old bow Sounds like Mathews guys still need to catch up

[@4290122]

I'm shooting a 2013-14 bow with 362 grain arrow at 342 sounds like they all need to catch up to pse

[@LifeOfMateusz]

My dad has this bow.

[@ghost38901]

You know you are running out of ideas for your flagship bows when one of your two key selling points is a button you can put a sling or a pull up rope on. Such a great feature for a 1100$ naked bow! A even bigger joke is that this extra option is going to cost you a extra 60$ for four screws, 2 brackets that anyone with a hacksaw and a drill can make, and a 30' "Mathews exclusive" paracord rope. This option doesn't even come with the sling which is another 90$......Obviously you don't have to buy these options but my point is, this bow only has 2 new "key" features, one of which you have to pay extra for just to benefit from it....these bow companies are ripping people off left and right. Go buy you a 400$ bow, practice your form, practice shooting, and you'll kill just as many deer.

[@justinzarr7877]

Not saying that you're wrong, but having the best costs money. A Ford F150 XL with rubber floors and a no power windows will get you to work and to your hunting spots the same as a decked-out Platinum F-150 will. But a lot of people still choose to spend the extra money because they want something nicer. The same goes for bows. As they say - to each their own.

[@ghost38901]

@@justinzarr7877 This is why you and dan richardson are my favorites on the show. You are correct. Even myself I go for the nicer things in life. While I understand your analogy the difference however is that you don't buy a new truck every single year (at least I can't lol) like you can with these bows. Put the vertix and the VXR on a scale from 1 to 10. If the vertix scores a 8.5, and the VXR scores a 8.7 (these scores are completely arbitrary by the way). While nicer, is it worth another 1100$? To some? sure it is. But to most people, they wouldn't spend that much money for such little gain. The point I'm trying to make is that if you are going to come out with the newest and greatest thing every year. Make it quite a bit different then the last. Just one man's opinion here.

[@justinzarr7877]

@@ghost38901 I completely get it - but it's difficult to come out with massive, groundbreaking changes every year. It puts tremendous strain on companies to try and do this while also shortening the amount of time they have to R&D a product. So you end up with companies releasing products that aren't ready for market, or don't live up to the hype. Both of which can have disastrous consequences for the manufacturer. Just like with trucks - they don't release a brand new F-150 every single year. There are minor incremental changes and improvements for a few years until a new model is released. That's what you're seeing here. The VXR is incrementally better than the Vertix. And while not all Vertix owners are going to jump to get a VXR, there are a lot of folks who will upgrade simply because they want the latest version or because they've been waiting a few years in between bow purchases.

[@ghost38901]

@Boxing 101 Seeing as you instantly jumped to insults this will be my one and only reply to you. Don't worry, I was equally as hard on Hoyt when their bow was reviewed. P.s it is fairly easy to cut and drill holes through metal. Diy projects are fun, you should give them a try. Have a nice day.

[@mustang268]

Right

[@Life-of-Bluegrass_Music]

Bows slower my triax gets better speeds with a 28" draw. I want that bow in 28 axle

[@mustang268]

@Boxing 101 I know you're not giving him shit on posting on other videos bragging about his triax lol of all people I see you everywhere talking shit to people saying Hoyt sucks you copy Mathews etc etc and how great your Mathews is and everything else sucks lol 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 get a life

[@Life-of-Bluegrass_Music]

@Boxing 101 You're full of shit. with 85% mods. I'm getting a little better speeds. The 28 VXR is a faster bow. This bow 31 isn't rated any higher IBO. Then the Triax.

[@kykrazy6050]

Why don't all ya'll get together in a parking lot and beat each other with your purses to see who is right.

[@mustang268]

@@Life-of-Bluegrass_Music lol wtf are you talking about wasn't even talking to you dumbshit how about reading my comment again and remind yourself on what a idiot you are 😂😂😂😂😂😂 and see its @boxing101

[@russellshealy9395]

Trying to talk me into a new bow huh 🤔

[@cdp50359]

So, you didn't shoot a hunting arrow. Something over 500 grains. Not that feather weight junk

[@bowhuntordie]

The 460 grain arrow was the arrow that Justin is hunting with.

[@cdp50359]

@@bowhuntordie seriously, get over 500 grains. It's worth it. "Put a hole in a animal will kill it, but put a hole through a animal and you'll find it." CDP author

[@rrr3r2]

I hunt elk with 425 grain arrows and have pass thru’s on them.

[@jca7579]

344 ibo You shot 306 fps Add 10 fps for the 29 in. draw Add 3 fps for 10 grains over 350 in arrow weight. That's 319 fps IBO. That's 25+ fps slower than advertised!! SMH

[@orangeade5]

jordan amon if it’s a 360 grain arrow you would add 3 FPS rather than subtract right? Still pretty far off though, would be nice to see a true IBO test

[@jca7579]

@@orangeade5 ...yes sorry. That's what I meant. 👍

[@MacDonaldElaine-v2q]

Hernandez Scott Harris Michael Martinez Mark

[@raydenzel8573]

Hey

[@dazduncan6733]

Long way off 344 lol

[@bowhuntordie]

@Boxing 101 IBO also uses a longer draw length and lighter arrow than any of the one's we tested.

[@silasroberts3299]

By to no