Editors' review
The Monster Wake has a ton of highly sought after features bundled in one high performance package. The beloved perimeter weighted AVS cams power the Wake to an impressive speed of 352 feet per second with a high let-off of 85%. The newly designed riser highlights features of the new TRG target bows by reinforcing the riser above and below the arrow shelf. The downside of the newly designed riser is the bare bow mass weight of 5.38-pounds, and the impressive speeds come with a short brace height measuring only 5-inches. The Wake is a mean looking bow and could be used for 3d or hunting for those wanting a high performance bow with lots of appeal. However, the bow comes with a $1699 price tag. Only the shooter can decide if the money is worth the design and specifications offered in the Wake package.
Finish
One of the most simplistic things about the Monster Wake is the finish. Mathews will be offering this bow in black only. The black looks great, and can be used on the range or in the woods, but there are no other options available. Take it or leave it, but black is the only choice.
Riser
The Wake riser is legit in regards to quality and stability. It is reinforced below the arrow shelf and above the sight mount for added strength and will be sturdy enough to withstand the torque caused by the cables while the bow is being drawn. However, this reinforcement comes with a trade off, and that is a very heavy mass weight of 5.38-pounds. The riser measures over 32-inches of the overall 35-inch axel to axel measurement though, and will provide a solid base for shooters to use when holding on target. The concept of the Wake riser of using a target influenced design on a hunting bow is unique, and creates a nice shooting bow.The Monster Wake riser features a mounting hole for harmonic stabilizers, which will absorb vibration from the limbs transferring to the riser. It also features the rear assist roller guard, and the Dead End string stop system. Shooters wanting to add additional weight to the bow can do so with the stabilizer mounting hole on the front of the riser below the arrow shelf.
Grip
The grip is integrated into the riser, instead of using the Mathews signature wooden grip or the popular Focus grip. There is an oval shaped Mathews inlay made of dark stained wood, but it is much different that what Mathews has historically used. The grip reminds most shooters of a target grip with its slender design and integration into the riser itself instead of side plates or a one piece grip. This part of the bow is always based on shooter preference, but the feel should be relatively easy to get used to.
Limbs
The split limbs are short in design to give the bow a 5-inch brace height to help generate a little extra speed. However, they are beefier than the limbs used on the No Cam HTR because of the short design. The Monster Wake limb decals pop on the all black limbs, and add a little style to the look of the bow. Limbs are available in maximum draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 70, and even 80-pounds. The 50-pounds of draw weight is greatly appreciated and makes the top of the line bow available to virtually everyone interested in a bow of this design. The limbs are similar to the ones featured on the No Cam HTR and the TRG series, allowing the same tight tolerances in years past with the more compact limb configurations.
Eccentric System
The cam choice for the Monster Wake is a recycled option in the highly popular Perimeter Weighted Dyad AVS cam used on the Chill Series bows. This cam system offers module draw length adjustments in half-inch increments between 25-30-inches. The module system is handy because shooters will not have to purchase new cams, and it helps keep the overall weight of the cam system to a minimum when compared to systems that have a moveable module. The let-off is also adjustable so shooters can choose 75% or 85%. The top speed is advertised for 352 feet per second with the 85% let-off modules, which is a great number for those wanting the highest performance possible.
Draw Cycle/Shootability
The draw cycle on this bow is remarkable for the speeds it produces. The integration of the target riser design mixed with a hunting cam system works really well to create a bow that is high performing, but well refined. Although the 5-inch brace height may scare some people, the arrow is away from the bow fast enough to not compromising how forgiving the bow is. The draw cycle is very comparable to the Chill Series bows with a decent stack up of weight before leveling off and going in to a decent sized valley. There really is not much of a hump to speak of as the bow rolls over into the let-off. The transitions from start to finish are smooth, and the back wall has a pretty solid feel to it. The bow holds steady on target and balances decently, but it does feel heavy. As a hunting bow, it may burden a shooter to carry it all day. For those shooting 3d targets with the bow, it might get to be too heavy at the end of the course and impact the shooter's score if they are not used to the added weight. Overall, the bow feels great, and is a pleasure to shoot.
Usage Scenarios
The Monster Wake would make a great multipurpose bow for those wanting to do some 3d shooting and hunting. The cost of the bow is steep, and being able to use it for everything may be the justification needed for some to make the purchase. However, it is possible to buy 2 bows or even one bow and set it up with the top of the line accessories for the same price as the Wake bare bow price. No matter how it is used, the Monster Wake will not disappoint.
Summary
The Mathews Monster Wake has the specifications many shooters dream of. The longer 35-inch axel to axel measurement with the slightly reflexed riser measuring at a little over 32-inches, the Wake has a lot of potential to win the hearts of many archers. Combined with the speed of the AVS cams, and the target style riser, the Wake is a great shooter and can be used effectively as a do it all bow. However, the 5.38-pound bare bow weight is scary for some, and the $1699 price tag means shooters are more than likely not going to see one in person before buying. That price is a hard number to be comfortable with when many will have to purchase the bow sight unseen and not properly tested before buying. Is it a great shooting bow? Absolutely, but is it worth the price, or the risk of buying it without trying it out and then not liking the bow? Only the shooter can make that decision. Many people like the specifications of the Monster Wake, and it shoots great, but the price alone will turn a lot of potential buyers away from purchasing this bow.
