The most underrated, and best bow of 2019

[@haydentaylor3658]

Honestly you seem like the most underated KZbin channel of 2019 you deserve way more subscribers.

[@RobertKearl-Outdoor-Adventures]

I bought myself a new bow for the 2021 season shot a total of 5 shots out of it before ordering one. Prime Nexus 2 80 lb limbs . Just recently started shooting 100 yds with it and I'm in total aww

[@stick__shooter]

I'm curious, 4 years later, how you feel the Traverse compares to the newer Mathews bows (maybe not the Lift since it is so much different).

[@WestPennFeistHunter]

Brandon McDonald. I discovered your channel a week ago. Today is 11/25/2020. I''ll finish watching all of your videos tonight. This is some top tier content. Keep pumping them out and eat crow for this moment.11:06 Great pick for your 5 bow review.

[@jasonsmith8039]

I bought the vertix for the switch weight technology and I love it . Smooth drawing, awesome backwall and hits like a hammer . Only problem I have with it is a little heavy and you need a side bar to keep her level. Now my carbon defiant on the other hand lightweight and balances perfectly in my hand. I never even check my bubble. And the best part ,no side bar. Which as we know equals more weight. And warmer in the winter.

[@dylan-gh5ll]

This video quality is insanely good. Wow. Keep coming with videos I’ll subscribe for sure

[@breezyridgeranch]

Great video bud. We need to get your sub count up. Very nice quality. I have a old Mathews SQ2 that I've been shooting for 10 years at least. It kills deer but I've been thinking about getting a new bow. Not sure which I will go with but you sure made the traverse seem nice

[@Knifestories]

Brandon ...... At 11:07 the statement.....and here in this years video you chose to go with 31.5. Mathews must have the magic 😉. I am sticking with my Traverse, the Vxr has a stupid hard draw.... the Switch weight technology sounds cool until 1 understands it. You have to bend the limbs farther to get the extra draw weight out of them, hence the harsher draw. Once that draw weight is achieved, the string angle suffers. Also the string angle does not fit my 6'8" stature. My Mathews Traverse took 6 🦌 last season, cheers for at least 6 more this year!

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

6' 8"! Wow... You might need to start shooting the new 40" ata Mathews!

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I think I like the draw, wall and hold of the last two years of Mathews bows. I really want that Prime black 5 at 65 lbs I think it will be super nice.

[@GRNEVILWLX]

Brandon, how would you rate the Traverse, vxr31.5 and v3 31? I have a traverse and will never ditch it. Super forgiving and such a shooter. Do the other 2 compare?

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I like the other two more for the way they hold but for some reason I can still shoot tighter with the Traverse. Trust the pin float!

[@GRNEVILWLX]

Thanks for the response.

[@rudyeignor5981]

Brandon do you like your traverse better that the vxr

[@Calebreth]

Just got back from my local shop and shooting a few bows. I'm a beginner but was able to shoot 5 different bows from the top companies. The Traverse was by far my favorite as well. Being that I'm the same Height as you with a 30" draw length, I appreciate your review. It Pretty much solidifies what I thought in the first place. Now My question is what do I outfit it with? Sight, Rest, how much customization do I want to do. Being new to the whole bow thing I don't know much about the stings but did notice you said you were going to replace them. So I will be eager to see what you decide to go with. Thanks for the video, you earned a new Sub :D Looking forward to watching the rest of your content.

[@ob1488]

I'm just getting in to archery. Pretty set on the vxr. Would you recommend a starting weight? I won't be hunting this year.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Lighter will help with your form so I'd say 60 and drop the weight as far as the bow will allow. Literally I would shoot a 35lb bow to start if I could go back.

[@verificacionnecessario9190]

I ended up going with the RX3, but really like your content. Great personality for video making. I subbed!

[@aesopsoze]

I agree about the string. My string stretched and I had to have a new TopHat put in.

[@TruffulaSteve]

Dig your channel man. You’ve probably already heard this from the masses, but you really should’ve gotten your hands on the PSE EVO NXT or NTN this year. It’s the only bow that I’ve drawn that smoother than the Traverse. But the Traverse is still the bees tits of the Mathews lineup IMO

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I wanted one... Just need a better shop to carry them!

[@voxpopuli905]

I think the Mathews traverse is one of my favorites. I was really attracted to the Realm SS and SR6 but I keep coming back to this Mathews it’s just quality defined

[@gorankorovljevic810]

Traverse vs Kure,wich would you rated as better bow?

[@SuperSYMPATHIZER]

I think 2021. Traverse 6” brace height. Great video

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

That would be cool. I was shooting it today set at 65lbs and it was smooth as butter.

[@daemon1143]

Thanks quality for the review. I'd be seriously interested in this bow if it had the switchweight system the Vertix has, for the same reason you liked the idea, but in the absence of that the Bowtech Reckoning is still looking and feeling like a very nice longer A to A bow at this stage and no primitive shims, tops hats or yolk twisting.

[@aesopsoze]

The Bow Tech saw my Traverse Hanging on the range rack. He said who's bow is that, It's BadA**! Then he remembers he sold it to me.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Still love that bow

[@GhillieFrog]

Awesome video and bow review. I second your video editing skills. Top notch.

[@donovanstockton44]

Good video editing bossman I'll tell you what. I done got the Vertix but that's cuz I already have the H32 and Triax. Plus I'm gonna hunt next year mainly from a dang tree saddle and want a little more maneuverability. I will look at the 2020 Traverse when and if they come with the switchweight mods. I have heard only good things about the Traverse. Seems like the dark horse this year. I do like the integrated QAD rest - this is big deal. No more moving all about, that doohickey is really seated tightly on it. What sight you using? Would you recommend it after having it? And what's your thumb trigger? Asking as I've thought about single pin sight and moving to a thumb release (why? Because a lot of guys on KZbin use them).

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Donovan Stockton The vertix is awesome too. I’m jealous of the mods... maybe next year! I’m using the Spott Hogg fast Eddie xl. It’s all aluminum, so I’m not worried about breaking it. Since it’s the dovetail bar I can just unscrew it from the riser, stick it in a bag and I’m off. I’m a fan but sites are something I should shoot a few more of. I’m a single pin fan. Slows me down a bit longer when a deer comes in. I have to make sure I’m dialed in and it helps me not rush. My release is a Stan Perfex, it’s the best thumb release I’ve ever used. I’ll be doing a review of releases in a bit. I’ve shot about 10 different thumbs in the last year. I can’t recommend this particular one enough. Stan and Carter are my two favorite brands to shoot.

[@donovanstockton44]

@@brandonmcdonald6121 - It's an expensive release. But go big or go home is my motto. Life is too short. Thank you for saving me the time of trying to find the best one! Sounds like my next trip to LAS will mean a new sight and release!!

[@ashmerch2558]

APA now offers there 370fps IBO (70lb 30" draw) King Cobra with optional 90lb limbs that we can get 94lb-95lb draw weights out of... we've launched 665gr arrows at 312fps @ 29" at 94.6lbs, we have yet too attempt a light arrow. That said it feels every ounce of 95lbs and with a 5" brace height, drawing it feels like wrestling a Grizzly Bear. Mathews had a stellar line up this year

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

HOLY CRAP! Sounds like a shoulder wrecker, but i want to try it! My goal next season is to try out some of the boutique brands that people really seem to like. 5" brace on a 95lb bow... thats insane.

[@lukeafax2011]

"gonna go after mammoth, tyrannosaurus rex, bald eagles..." I'm dead!

[@Knifestories]

Great vid. I have an all real tree traverse and love it. One question. Where did you get the spacer for the quiver so that the cable controlling a limb driven rest does not interfere? Thanks and keep up to good work.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I've had the quiver for almost 5 years. The bracket is one solid piece. I'd call your local dealer and tell them what you're looking for. I'm sure they'll have something.

[@steve8828]

Nice review. I agree, the 2019’s are awesome. I had a Halon 32. I thought the Traverse would be my bow, but I kept going back to the Vertix, mainly because the Traverse was slower than my old Halon 32. I am also a tall guy and I hope this works. I have never had a 30” ATA bow before. Next year they will make a Vertix 32 anyway.

[@DiepBlueC]

Great review, I like the style and delivery. I am a tall guy like you, I'll check out the Traverse.

[@markuswells69]

I have the same bow and love it, but my peep is started to turn really bad. What string did you change to if any?

[@olehemlock]

Very well done review. The specs of the bow makes this a must shoot for me but every time I go the dealer they are sold out. Lots of vertix’s. Did you get the new Mathews specific QAD also.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

olehemlock I did. I’ve had really good luck with them in the past. I never had issues with the size of the older unit but the new one being more integrated into the riser is really slick. But... it’s expensive! Might be worth going with the other style if the budget is tight! If you’re in the market for a new bow, make sure you shoot the Traverse!

[@optimuscrime608]

Brandon Mcdonald Hamskea Trinity for me!

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

@@optimuscrime608 Haven't shot one of those. I think next year Im going to make it my goal to shoot smaller/ boutique brands as well.

[@optimuscrime608]

Brandon Mcdonald Hamskea has been around for awhile. It’s what all the pros use

[@dbeardsley0]

I've got the Vertix at 70#. I absolutely love it, easiest shooting bow I've ever shot. It's so forgiving, I can shoot the 70 all day. Best purchase I've ever made

[@imc2cavu]

Whatcha thinking about for replacement strings? I got about a season left on my Halon 32 Zebra’s. Been looking at GAS, ABB, VaporTrail (tho I’ve had bad luck with my most recent set of VT’s on my TRX’s) maybe Dudley’s Nock On brand? Fun vids dood. Thanks!

[@donovanstockton44]

So....I have a VXR 31.5 - love the bow. Harsh draw though. My back up is a Vertix. Found someone who will trade their Traverse straight up for my Veritx. I'm pretty excited to get a Traverse. I like the longer ATA. The Traverse I'm getting is stone riser with Sitka Elevated II like yours. Any issues with that combo for resale or anything else?

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I was shooting mine yesterday and it still looks great after two years and lots of use.

[@Bigdancustomknives]

Awesome review! I went with the traverse as well, 4 to 6 weeks out though. Due to my 32" draw length my choices were limited. I really wanted to like the hoyt helix ultra but the grip was terrible. I also went with the QAD integrate. It just seems like the way a rest should be mounted. I bought the fast eddie xl 3 pin sight. Can't wait to start sending some arrows down range with this bad boy!

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I’ll be really curious what speeds you’ll be getting with that draw length. They’re going to be fast as hell!! What arrows are you going to shoot?

[@Bigdancustomknives]

I'm going to be shooting the Gold Tip Kinetic Pierce Platinums in a 250 spine.

[@Bigdancustomknives]

I finally got my bow! I'm shooting 506 grain arrows at a whopping 296fps. 98.42 foot pounds of energy.

[@thewoodshedbarber]

Is it worth upgrading to the VXR? I’ve got the traverse and it’s great but didn’t know you opinion now?

[@Andrei-gr1wc]

I just discovered your channel, absolutely love your approach! Please please, if possible, take a look and hopefully get your hand on a Shadow Pro 34 or 36 from Carbon Tech (Win&Win), it's such a sleeper and so elusive on the internet that i think your charming take would really shed light on this potential gem. Thanks! PS: also their Hurricane c6 is worth a check, brilliant little wonder nobody heard of, maybe a little old, but just as new since it's so obscure. Thank you!

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I've wanted to do some of the smaller companies. I'll look into it. Thanks for recommending!

[@johnreynolds6291]

I Hope you Didn't sell the Traverse for the VXR

[@roblc11]

I absolutely love my Traverse!

[@brettb4452]

I bought a Traverse. A smidge smoother than the vertix. Damn good feeling and shooting bow and fast. Here's a tip for beginners...typically, you want a bow with a longer axle to axle than your draw length.

[@tylergoralski8728]

So a guy keeps his quiver on when he shoots but takes it off when he is handling it inside.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

There’s probably no rhyme or reason to it. When I was making the video I was taking the bow apart and putting it back together a few times during the week.

[@GBBLGBL]

As much as you loved this Traverse AND how well you shot it in previous videos....do you like your current 31.5 better? Pluses and minuses to both? Do me a favor and measure the riser lengths between those two...if you still own the Traverse. Thanks!!

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I'm going to do a shootoff with them both. I've had a few people ask. I'll measure it up and talk about the cam differences. Im actually more accurate with the traverse right now because I know exactly what arrow setup it likes. Still digging in with the vxr

[@andyw237]

Awesome video! The traverse has some nice specs, i think it would make a great hunting bow based on the reviews i see from owners. i want to shoot one just to compare it to my Centergy. i will be looking for a dedicated 3D/target bow soon, the Traverse and the logic Ct5 are my two top choices so far. i can forgive the weight if it is smooth.

[@michaelbell2897]

I agree that the traverse is the bomb. It’s what I’m shooting right now. But the prime ct5 is really tempting me. Of all the brands you mentioned, yiu didn’t mention prime, any reason?

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

It’s on my list for this year. They don’t have distribution in Tennessee so I’ll have to make a special trip to the dealer, 4 hours away! I didn’t realize they didn’t have a dealer here or I would have made time at the TAC events.

[@michaelt6265]

Yeah I wanna go Whooly mammoth hunting with my Vertix so bad😁😆..That would be awesome though😊.. I noticed you took out the harmonic damper.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

It fell out! Those bastards are expensive too. They make a difference. Tons of hand shock with it out.

[@RidgeCoPlumbing_NJ]

I am a Mathews fan. I think they have great value and technology. I bought a triax last year which was a good bow but I agree with the short axel to axel and just bought a prime logic ct3. You should check them out.

[@dusty_leatherworks]

The VXR that much better than the Traverse???

[@katrinasherryshow]

Man you kept me pinned through the whole video. Seems like a great bow,can’t wait to try it out.R u in sales?? You just sold me 3 of them and I only needed the one. Good job your hired. I subbed

[@stasiekspasiek7250]

All bows are tested with 29 draw and yours is 30 and that way is similar.

[@LuisSanchez-lu4cu]

How does Halon X and 32 compare to Traverse? How is the balance on each one? I was looking at a No Cam Htr which are out there new for $699 but since started considering these.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

The x is more of a target bow, but I know guys that hunt with it. The Traverse is closest to the 32 but a bit more refined. I think it's 10% better. Quieter, better balanced and the grip is better. If you're focused more on target, the x is great.

[@chrishogan9110]

I noticed in the first video section shooting the bow the bottom vibration dampener is removed. Were you just checking how the bow reacts without the dampener?

[@Lordinvdious]

I've got the Triax and two Halon 32s and I'm happy with them...... My next bow will be the Mathews VRX 31.5.........

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Ive got one coming too. Excited to see how it holds up. I said Id never buy a bow that was shorter than 32", so naturally Mathews goes 31.75"....

[@CraftY727]

Well, What strings did you settle on? i hadnt seen a video about it.

[@danielschauer334]

The traverse is one of my finalist so far . I do have a question for ya . The shops around me don't seem to know anything about the 75% let off option and I cant find anyone reviewing it at 75 or any shops that can set one for me . Some of the places I hunt limit you to 80% or less . What can you tell me about the difference between 85 and 75 Let off on this bow ?

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Daniel schauer I’ve got the 75% on mine so it’s a tad faster. I had to order my bow since they weren’t stocking them yet.

[@wayneeden8769]

As the caption says. ,misunderstoud bow ,i was in to archety a few yrs before mathews came out ,i dont give a one hundred ,thousand, million ,trillion f--- dams to hell n back ,my biggest reason as to why i consider hoyt a better bow than mathews is quite simply this ,i have been watching youtube ,the topic of world cup archery ,"""" compareing the of amount of world popularity seems to me seems to be a much !!! Absolutely better hoyt bow ,you wanna debate about it ,some times you need a super dam good reason for jumping off the clift ,thats my opinion and i God dam well gonna stick with my f--- opinion ,and as far as their slogan is condered ,i feel that mathews has been caught several !!! Times ,and in my opinion ,we are all our own individual selves and personal choice makes all the difference in the world ,and if n when i do decide to buy a mathews is completely 100% my f--- choice ,no one but no one will ever attempt to shove a mathews down my throat ,you will probly get a losing fight on uour hands ,just remember this its not wise to go against some ones elses opinion ,i do believe they call it browsing,reseraching,shopping ,i also conder mathews an over rated bow ,now if any one else wants to argue with me please dont bother just save your breath ,i ve heard the bullshit wind blow before ,[e-mail]

[@gabrielhouston5660]

Awesome Video!

[@hcr1248]

Trying out Twisted X strings in my RX1, just bought a Halon 32” 5, first Mathews bow. I shoot a 28.5 dL and was wanting a Vertix but I might pick one up next year. THEN, I think I’ll be good on bows for a very long time! 😆

[@gregdonaghy2303]

I have the Triax and I absolutely love it

[@jcpc9864]

Orderd 6 weeks ago.. called Mathews today and they estimated 3 more weeks until it ships.... im going crazy

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Joe Chiumiento yeah, from what I’ve heard at a couple of shops, Mathews underestimated Traverse sales so they’re behind. It’ll be worth it!

[@Hoytshooter]

6 weeks damn was told I should get mine in about a week or 2

[@jcpc9864]

Called Dealer.. will be here 4/1/19 = 8 weeks and 2 days

[@ross7684]

Got my Traverse a bit over a week ago. Mine was shipped by Mathews 6 weeks to the day from when my shop ordered it. My shop told me 3-4 weeks when I ordered it but I knew it was going to be 6-8 weeks so I was happy it ended up being 6.@@Hoytshooter

[@Hoytshooter]

@@ross7684 did you customize yours I just got mine all black and was told a week or two they didn't have any in shop because the didn't think it would sell as well as it did compared to the vertix Wich they had a bunch of laying around

[@campbelljoshua724]

I would have bought the traverse this year but until Mathews makes a bow that will match the speed of my carbon spyder turbo I don't think I will buy a new bow, like you said the hoyts are expensive and loud compared to the new Mathews. with my 2014 bow I'm getting 290fps with a 486gr FMJ,

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

If I was going to buy a used bow, the CST would be on that list. That bow had some magic in it.

[@campbelljoshua724]

@@brandonmcdonald6121 it sure does, I'll have to make a video of me shooting it and send it to you maybe you can give me pointers haha, I've only been shooting for 6 months or so

[@optimuscrime608]

The tophat system is great. It’s better than elite or Obsession shims! Yokes are nice too, but they ALL require a bow press...

[@gagedirisio2950]

Great video.

[@sodalines]

i dont feel hoyt makes a better bow, but i do like them more. I guess because iv shot them all my life from the viper on. The speed is nice from a hoyt too. I love Mathews bows too i still have my z7 from a few years ago. That thing shoots better than 90% of my hoyt bows. just not the rx3 carbon turbo. I do think they are getting carried away with the names...lol

[@ryanstrain4071]

Nice video bro is it strange that I'm 6'7" and I have a 30" draw? Anyways shot the vertix and didn't want to shoot anything else

[@Not_Andrew_Huberman]

I shot the traverse and really really liked it... then I shot the elite ritual

[@donovanstockton44]

How much better is the Traverse than the Halon 32? I sold my triax. Keeping my Vertix. And so the Halon 32 is clearly the top back up bow. Yeah, I'm all in on Matthews. I can get the Traverse tomorrow or Sat on sale for $899.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Donovan Stockton id say its 10% better. Tough to quantify that way, grip is better, a bit quieter.

[@donovanstockton44]

Brandon Mcdonald - that’s a good view. I’m gonna wait three months for the new Mathews lineup.

[@jordanhumphrey9615]

Shot the mathews i thought for 2019 there cams are stiff to draw almost as if your pulling 5 pounds more than you do on a halon i feel like they tweeked the draw cycle to where its stiffer than years past and not to mention the let off is worse this is just my experience with there bows for 2019 i am not a brand supporter i simply go with the best bow of the year and the bow tech sr6 has got them all beat for 2019 in my honest opinion the grip on the mathews is definetley the best for 2019 and vibration

[@ross7684]

Something seems amiss in your chrono test...your 376.8 gr arrow chrono'd 311fps, your 436.2 gr arrow chrono'd 303 fps, and your 403.2 gr arrow chrono'd 292 fps...I don't know how to get a 436 gr arrow to fly 11 fps faster than a 403 gr arrow... Otherwise, good review.... Thanks

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Ill look back through. Theres a chance I messed up the order of the edit! Thanks for the feedback. Obviously, the heavier arrows went slower!!

[@jasonbarnes3188]

Mathews makes the zebra strings have for over a decade but I agree they are not good

[@blindsquirrel3123]

Well done!

[@minkmink410]

Stealth is lethal

[@hamartime17]

Great video. Makes me wanna shoot my Mathews right now at 10pm. And I agree. VERY underrated bow.

[@jonmiller555]

How is it with my traverse I shoot a 473 grain fmj at 292 but you shot a 470 at 282

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

JON MILLER not sure? I did accidentally swap the speeds of the spartan and the gold tip in the video but the FMJs are both right.

[@campbelljoshua724]

Jon, what's your draw length compared to his? That makes a difference

[@galuhrichata6148]

What is your opinion compared it to the Vertix?

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Galuh Richata if my draw length was shorter I would have gone vertix. I really wanted it to work, but since I’m a 30” draw it just didn’t fit.

[@galuhrichata6148]

Brandon Mcdonald .Ah I see.. so the features and performance are pretty much equal, so it is only the matter of size. Thanks for the explanation. I am still relatively new to archery. I already have a Hoyt Klash & Bear Species, and I am thinking to get a new bow with a higher level of specs. I have been doing my research, and so far the one that I am so interested in is the Vertix. Thanks again for the explanation and the great videos.

[@karlpreston5124]

Bowtech reign and realm all the way. I can't find any negatives with those two bows. Some people with the grip on the reagn series.

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

I shot the realm Sr6 and it was probably number two on my list. Great bows.

[@jordanpowell228]

I have a reign 6 and shot all the flagships this year to see if anything was worth upgrading to. I love the versatility of the vertix with that switch weight system but its super heavy and not a fan of its draw cycle. The sr6 was sweet but i didn't think it was a major improvement from my reign..... the bows i liked the most aside from my own were the hoyt helix, pse evoke 31, and i kinda likes the tx5 as im a shorter draw shooter but my reign 6 out performed them all, imo.....

[@SuperSYMPATHIZER]

Rx1 sucks period. Loud and you have to lock tight every screw

[@drested1793]

Yep, would have to agee

[@theHammr88]

🤣😂 @ "awkward dance move"

[@Husick420]

the only people that will talk more bs than hoyt is mathews followers lol

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

What do you like? I shot a bunch of bows and am open to a different one!