FAQ

What arrows does Mathews recommend?

The minimum arrow weight is 5 grains per pound, beyond that please contact your authorized Mathews Retailer or arrow manufacturer for specific questions.

Are there any Mathews products I can buy direct?

All bows, accessories, Zebra strings and cables, and Officially Licensed Products are ONLY sold through Authorized Mathews Retailers.  Mathews logo wear is the only product available for purchase online (mathewsinc.com) and at your Authorized Mathews Retailer.

Can I get parts on your discontinued bows?

Yes, you can get almost any part manufactured on older bows that are discontinued.  This warranty coverage is good only to the original owner purchased by an Authorized Retailer.  Visit your Authorized Mathews Retailer for more details.

Can I put a Harmonic Stabilizer on any bow?

Yes, you can put a Harmonic Stabilizer on any bow that has a Harmonic Damper hole.

Do I need to change the string and cable on my bow when I change my draw length?

No, you do not need to change your string and cable when you change your draw length unless you have one of the following bows: -MQ1-Q2 -Q2XL-MQ32-SQ2-Conquest Series

How are Mathews bows registered?

Registration of your Mathews bow is your Authorized Mathews Retailer's responsibility.  If you would like, confirm your bow registration with your retailer you purchased your bow from.

How far down can I adjust my limbs?

Five full turns is the maximum amount of turns you can back your limbs down.  Five full turns equals approximately ten pounds.

Is there a benefit to two vs. one Harmonic Stabilizers in the riser?

The Harmonic Stabilizer is purposely tuned to be out of phase with the longer riser Reezen bow, and can dampen more than 75% of residual vibration.  When placed in the bottom Harmonic Damper hole on the Reezen the Harmonic Stabilizer will give optimum performance.  Another Harmonic Stabilizer can be purchased and put in the top damper hole for added weight but little is gained in post residual vibration.

Can I get a Barracuda string for my older Mathews bow?

Yes. We make the Barracuda string for all different models in a variety of colors. Visit your Authorized Mathews Retailer or www.zebrastrings.com for color options.

Can the roller-guard system be added to bows that have cable rods?

The roller-guard system cannot be added due to the extra machining that is done to the risers to get the roller guard into place.

Can the string-suppressor arms from the Switchback XT be fitted to any other bow?

They cannot be fitted to other bows due to the different geometry of every bow's riser pitch and limb angles.

Does Mathews make any high-poundage bows?

The Monster and Monster XLR8 is available in 80-pound draw weights.

Does the T-Series quiver come in right- and left-handed models.

Yes it does.  It's the same quiver.  All you have to do is move the mounting bracket from one side of the quiver to the other side along with the anti-back out screw, and a right becomes a left.  There are both options available as we manufacture right and lef hand models of all our bows.

I am using a sight that has an adjustment knob on it. Is there any type of spacer that will push the quiver out to gain clearance?

Yes there is. The quiver comes with a 1-inch spacer. Through your local Mathews retailer you can get a wider spacer (1 1/2 inch) to provide the clearance you need. It will not make the quiver any noisier.

Is the let-off adjustable on Mathews bows?

No. let-off  is specific to the cam on the bow.

What arrow weight should I use for IBO and AMO speed tests on my bow?

We test IBO speeds with bows set with 70-pound draw weights and 30-inch draw lengths with a 350-grain arrow. The AMO test is done with a bow set at a 60-pound draw weight and 30-inch draw length with a 540-grain arrow. (Tests are conducted with nothing added to the bowstring).  For any other arrow information please reference the arrow manufacturer's website or contact them.

Will the HD roller guard fit any other Mathews bows?

Yes. The HD roller guard can be ordered for the Outback, Ovation and LX models. These are the only other bow models on which it will work. The roller guard can be ordered as an extra, but it will not be installed at the factory.

Will the Switchback roller guard fit other Mathews bows?

Yes, it will interchange with the Ovation, Outback and LX.

Can I put the V-Lock limbs and limb cups on an older model bow?

The V-Lock Limb System will not fit older Mathews models. The risers that come with the V-Lock System are designed differently than the older models.

Can I take the string suppressor arms off and still shoot my bow?

No, this would not be a safe thing to do. To incorporate the suppressor arms, the limbs must be drilled and the arms put on and then screws installed. If removed, it could make the limbs weak and could possibly cause damage to the bow and/or personal injury.

Can the Harmonic Damper weights be interchanged?

Yes, they can be arranged for a custom fit and feel.

Can the Harmonic Dampers be added to my older Mathews bow?

The Harmonic Dampers cannot be added to an existing bow. The riser needs more material to hold the dampers. If you tried to add them to your older bow, it would weaken the bows structure and void the warranty.

Can the roller guard and string suppressors be added to older Mathews bows?

The roller guard system requires extra machining to the riser, which cannot be done to older model bows. The relationship of the string angle to the limbs are different on every bow, therefore, the suppressors would not work on existing models.

Do the string suppressors weaken the limbs?

On the contrary, the string suppressors actually strengthen the limbs.

Does Mathews make left-handed bows in all their models?

Yes, all of our bow models are available in left or right hand models.

Does Mathews offer any bows for longer draw length shooters (33 and 34-inch)?

Yes, Mathews offers the Prostar that will accomodate draw lengths of 31 to 37 inches with half inch sizes available.

How do I get center shot on my Mathews bow? Do I use a center-shot tool?

We recommend measuring off the side of the riser at the attachment hole to the center of the arrow shaft approximately 11/16 of an inch. Adjust the rest as needed for proper arrow flight. A center-shot tool is not necessary.

I want to introduce my children to archery, but I dont want to be burdened with buying a new bow every time they grow a few inches. What can I do?

The Mathews Genesis is the answer. Its a bow that fits virtually everyone. Its zero let-off design means there are no specific draw lengths. Anybody with a draw length between 15 inches and 30 inches can shoot the bow. So, as kids grow, they wont outgrow this bow! And, at 20 pounds, the Genesis will shoot an arrow with the speed of a 35-pound recurve!

Is there any warranty card to fill out when purchasing a new Mathews bow?

No, there is not a warranty card.  The Mathews retailer that you purchased your bow from is responsible for registering your bow for you.  Each bow is individually serial numbered. Any bow purchased from a non-authorized retail store is not covered by the lifetime warranty.

What advantage do the Harmonic Dampers provide?

The Harmonic Dampers greatly reduce vibration in the bow grip (riser) and provide a very smooth-shooting bow.

What is your most forgiving bow?

Your Mathews retailer would typically respond to that question by asking a few questions of his/her own. For example, what is your draw length? Will the bow be used for hunting or target shooting? For target shooting, we usually recommed Mathews bows with higher brace heights and longer axle lengths. Such bows include the Drenalin LD, Conquest 4, and the Conquest Apex. For hunting, any of our models will work great. If a shooters draw length is longer than 30 inches, we recommed the Drenalin LD or Switchback LD. For shooters with a draw length longer then 32 inches, we would recommend the Prostar.

What type of bow press should I use with my Mathews bow?

A dual-roller type works the best. Stay away from center pull presses. It may damage your riser.

Will the competition grip fit on my older Mathews model bow?

Yes, the grip will fit and can be ordered from your Mathews retail pro shop.

Can I order parts directly from Mathews?

Any part, under warranty or otherwise, can only be ordered directly through one of our authorized Mathews retailers. They can get parts to repair your bow. The Mathews retailer will initiate all repairs.

Can I put the Max-Cam on my non-Max-Cam bow?

No. Each bow is designed for the particular cam originally installed. The limbs, string, cable and idler wheel are specific for the particular cam. This alteration would void the lifetime warranty and could also cause damage to your bow and possibly even injury to the shooter.

How much draw weight adjustment do the Mathews bows have?

Each Mathews bow has a 10-pound adjustment range. In other words, if your bow is drawing 70 pounds, you can safely turn out the limb bolts to 60 pounds.  Ten pounds equals approximately 5 full turns  out of the limb bolts with an Allen Wrench.

I am having trouble obtaining the speeds that are listed for IBO. What could cause this?

IBO speed ratings are based on a 70-pound draw weight, 30-inch draw length and an arrow that weighs 350 grains. Any deviation from that will cause you to lose speed. This includes shortening draw length, reducing draw weight, adding items on the bowstring or extra arrow weight.

If I take a Pope and Young record-book animal with my Mathews bow with a 70 percent cam, will this qualify for the record books?

The 70-percent Straightline, Straightline 2 and Straightline 3 cams do fall within P & Y guidelines for entry into the record books and is legal in all states. The Archery Manufacturers and Merchants Organization measures actual let-off and doesn't calculate hysteresis, the slight lag in let-off. When you draw a bow and settle in to a more comfortable shooting position in the valley of the cam, you experience less holding weight at draw. *Starting January 1st, 2004, the Pope and Young Clubs record book began accepting entries for big-game animals shot with compound bows whose let-offs exceed 65 percent, but is designating the entries with an asterisk. The change is retroactive, meaning animals harvested before 2004 can be submitted for review and possible acceptance into the book.  Also, the draw lelength must be at or below 30" to be accepted into the record book.

On my bow, I notice some serving separation on the cable by the cam. Is this normal, and is it safe to shoot my bow this way?

Some serving separation is normal and doesn’t hinder performance or safety. This is a common occurrence with any bow. If the serving breaks in this spot, then reserve that area or replace the cable. If any of the individual strands are broken, it is time to replace the cable and or string. This is virtually the only maintenance required on your Mathews bow.

What are the advantages of a perimeter-weighted cam vs. a similar looking cam?

By adding a specific weight (a tungsten carbide Inertia Disc) to a precise location on the cam, our MaxCam™ creates a flywheel effect that lengthens and strengthens the cams power stroke. This perimeter-weighting increases arrow speed while reducing recoil and noise. Many cams on the market look similar to a perimeter-weighted cam. But if they dont have the weight, they dont provide the same benefits. For a cam without weight to perform like a perimeter-weighted cam, it would need an arm approximately 12-inches long. Or, it would need six aluminum discs the size of our single tungsten carbide Inertia Disc.

What arrow does Mathews recommend for its bows?

After determining your draw length, draw weight and rest type, measure the finished arrow length and determine the point weight you want to use. Then, follow the charts from the arrow manufacturers for the proper spine arrow for your setup.

What cam should I choose when using the Easton arrow selection chart?

We recommend the hard cam column, and either the A or B spine within their specifications.

What is the minimum arrow weight I can safely shoot with my Mathews bow and still not void the lifetime warranty?

Five grains per lb of draw weight would be the minimum.

What is the warranty on Mathews bows?

Mathews bows include lifetime warranties for original owners. Strings, Cables and String Suppressors are exempt from this lifetime warranty.

What makes Zebra ZS Twist bow strings different from other two-colored strings?

Other two-color strings twist both bundles of colored strands in the same direction. As the string is drawn, it rotates in the direction of the twist. Of course, this means the peep sight twists with it, creating a need for rubber tubing or other alignment devices. But alignment devices affect the speed of your bow. Or worse, they break at a critical moment when you need them most. Zebra ZS Twist strings consist of two counter-twisted bundles of colored strands. In a sense, as the bow is drawn, the strings cancel each other out. Theres no unwanted twisting. The peep comes to the same aligned position shot after shot, without the need for an alignment device.

What material are Mathews limbs made from?

The limbs are manufactured using a lamination process of carbon and glass. Our limbs have proven strong and consistent.

What rest does Mathews recommend for its bows?

We recommend the Mathews DownForce Arrow Rest.  The revolutionary arrow rest that guides arrows longer, and retracts faster. The DownForce stabilizes the arrow longer and the spring-loaded cradle retracts up to five times faster than conventional drop away rests.  A Harmonic Damper absorbs vibration and noise. 

What weight arrow should I use for IBO and AMO speed tests on my bow?

We test IBO speeds with bows at 70-pound draw weight and at 30-inch draw length with an arrow that weighs 350 grains. The AMO test is done with a bow at 60-pound draw weight and 30-inch draw length with an arrow that weighs 540 grains. Nothing added to the bowstring.

Where do I start my nocking point when setting up my new Mathews bow?

As a starting point, place your nock point level to 1/8 inch high of center.

Which bow is recommended for the beginning archer and how can the draw length be increased when necessary?

Any of our models would be a good choice for beginners. The Ignition is our premier youth bow; while the Passion is the ultimate bow for the female shooter.

While paper tuning, I am getting a left tear through the paper. What is wrong?

This problem usually means your shooting with incorrect arrow spine. Use a stiffer arrow shaft, lighten the point, then try a more limber arrow shaft, or increase point weight if possible. Be sure to use proper shooting form and a proper grip. An improper grip could put unnecessary torque on the bow riser, causing poor arrow flight.

Why does the fletching on my arrows hit the cable on my bow?

Its possible your center shot is not set right. Measure 13/16 inch from the button hole to the center of the arrow, or eyeball the string through the center of your arrow. Then, tune the bow by completing a paper-tune test.