Mathews FX Review

Editors' review

The Mathews FX is an older Mathews bow that was manufactured from 2000 until 2004. This rig comes with two different cam systems covering a very wide range of draw lengths. While the FX is not as quiet as some modern bows, it is pretty forgiving and smooth to draw. Also, the FX is not a speed bow, but it has plenty of speed for many hunting scenarios. Admittedly, this is a very good bow for the money.

Riser, Limbs, and Grip

The Mathews FX is different to many modern bows in that it has a straight riser and non-parallel limbs. The bow is equipped with the Mathews Competition grip. While some archers like this grip, others say it is not as comfortable as they like. So, this really is a matter of personal preference.

Eccentric system

The FX comes with the option of two different eccentric systems that are both smooth to draw. While the original MaxCam covers a range of 27"-31" draws, the Mini MaxCam was designed specifically for shorter-draw-length shooters and is adjustable from 23" to 28" draws. Both cam systems are capable of producing IBO speeds reaching 308 fps.The original MaxCam system is adjustable from 27" to 31" draws and is reported to be smooth. An Insertia Disc (made from tungsten carbide) is placed on the perimeter of every MaxCam. This design helps to lengthen and strengthen the cam's power stroke resulting in increased speeds and reduced recoil. Draw length is adjustable on the cam a maximum of 1 inch down (in 1/2 inch decrements) from the peak draw length. To adjust the draw length, move the string loop to any of 3 adjustment posts on either side of the cam. The number 1 post is used for the longest draw length for a particular cam. To shorten the draw by 1/2 inch the string needs to be moved to the number 2 post on both sides of the cam. Similarly, the number 3 post is used to shorten the draw length by 1 inch. The MaxCam is available with 65% and 80% let-off.The Mini MaxCam system was designed specifically for shorter-draw-length shooters (23"-28"). It can be adjusted down from its peak draw length by approximately 1/2 inch. This is accomplished by moving the string loop to the number 2 post on the cam. The Mini MaxCam is available only with 65% let-off.

Draw cycle / Shootability

The FX is reported to be a good shooting bow for the money. While it is not as good as some modern bows, the draw cycle is pretty smooth. Although it's not the quietest bow on the release, the majority of shooters say it's quiet enough for their hunting needs. At a forgiving brace height (7.5") and measuring 34" from axle to axle, the Mathews FX is quite forgiving to shoot. With such specs, it can even be used for 3D shooting.

Silencing system / Quietness and vibration

With a straight riser and non-parallel limbs, the Mathews FX is not the quietest bow out there. However, installing a stabilizer and other silencing components (limb savers, leeches, etc.) make it fairly quiet and helps to reduce shock and vibration.

Short sight window

While this is a good quality bow, some archers find a sight window a tad short. When such shooters move the sight to lower than twenty yards and draw back, some of the sight is obstructed from view by the riser. While this is a problem for some hunters, others never complain about it.

Mathews FX vs. Mathews Drenalin / Switchback / Reezen 7.0

While the FX is a good quality bow at a very reasonable price (at the used bow market), with today's technology, you can get a better quality bow with better performance at lower draw weights. So, if money is not an issue, consider other Mathews bows with similar specs: Mathews Drenalin, Mathews Switchback, or even Mathews Reezen 7.0. While these rigs are more expensive, they are also more enhanced and deliver better performance. However, if you are on the budget, a good quality used Mathews FX should serve you well.

Bow	Mathews FX	Mathews Drenalin	Mathews Switchback	Mathews Reezen 7.0
Version	2004 (MaxCam)	2009	2007	2010
Picture
Brace Height	7.5 "	7 "	7 "	7 "
AtA Length	34 "	33 "	33 "	32 "
Draw Length	27 " - 31 "	25 " - 30 "	25 " - 30 "	24.5 " - 30.5 "
Draw Weight	40 lbs - 70 lbs	40 lbs - 70 lbs	40 lbs - 70 lbs	40 lbs - 70 lbs
IBO Speed	308 fps	320 fps	318 fps	335 fps
Weight	3.3 lbs	3.85 lbs	4.34 lbs	4.1 lbs
Let-Off	65% or 80%	65% or 80%	65% or 80%	80%
Where to buy Best prices online	$125 to $175.99 Compare prices	$65 to $650 Compare prices	$500 to $585 Compare prices	$399.99 to $600 Compare prices
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Summary

To conclude, the Mathews FX is a quality hunting bow at a very reasonable price. While the FX is not the quietest bow out there, installing a decent silencing package will make it quiet enough for hunting. Admittedly, the FX is a good shooting and accurate hunting bow. However, it is not as good as some of the modern (and more expensive) rigs. Despite being discontinued, this bow is still considered as a very good value for the money at the used bow market. Overall, it's a good choice for beginners who want to get a quality bow, save money, and don't mind sacrificing speed.