Mathews MR7 Review

Editors' review

To many people's surprise, Mathews found a way to improve on their highly toted 2010 Monster 7 (M7) design. Already considered one of, in not the, premiere shootable speed bow, Mathews has taken the M7 to new heights with the 2011 version, the MR7. With reported arrow speeds up to 344 fps, only two seconds faster than last year's model, it isn't an increase in speed that sets the MR7 apart. The MR7 has improved shootablilty. This bow with its 7 inch brace height, hence the MR7 moniker, now draws smoother and has most, if not all, the hand shock and vibration removed from the shot. Although most thought the M7 couldn't get any better, it certainly did with the MR7.

Riser

Machined with several cutouts to reduce weight and add strength, the Grid Lock Riser on the MR7 look flawless in finish. That is not surprising at all giving the extreme quality control measures Mathews utilizes with its products. The riser has two elastomer wheels placed near each end of the riser where Harmonic Dampners or Harmonic Stabilizers are fitted. The MR7 riser is not as radically reflexed as the other two MR Series bows for 2011. This helps this particular model to be more stabile and forgiving, while providing a longer brace height.

Limbs

The MR7 utilizes Quad VLock Limb System. With this system, the limbs are double locked into a zero tolerance position so the limb remains consistent from shot to shot. The Quad VLock Limbs cycle longer which reduces stress on the limb through the draw process as the pressure is spread out more evenly over a larger surface area of the limb.

Grip

Equipped with the standard SlimFit Grip, the MR7 should be comfortable for most shooters. This narrow grip, made of walnut, has the centerline of the bow layered into it. The wood is very attractive and warm to the touch in cold climates. There are two other grip options which include the wooden Classic Grip, featuring a higher wrist sitting. The other grip is the unique Focus Grip. This narrow grip made of polymer forces the hand pressure to the center of the grip, thus minimizing hand torque.

Double Dampner Roller Guard

The Double Dampner Roller Guard design on the MR7 reduces friction to the entire system as the cables pass on a roller instead of a traditional harness on a carbon rod. This results in a smoother shot sequence. Include within the roller arm are two small Harmonic Dampners that help to remove any vibration on the shot.

AVS Eccentric System

The MR7 utilizes the AVS Eccentric System which allows for modular adjustments in half inch increments between 26.5" and 32". The AVS Eccentric for 2011 is slightly different than the 2010 model, causing the bow to be smoother during the draw cycle.

Draw Cycle

Utilizing the AVS Eccentric System, the weight ramps up quickly at the beginning of the draw on this speed bow and is pulled through the center of the cycle until reaching the valley. The most notable part of the draw cycle is that it lacks any noticeable hump while drawing. The draw cycle is stout but is to be expected for a speed bow. Once at the backwall, there is a slight bit of creep allowed. Overall the draw is very smooth and the back wall is solid. The bow balances perfectly in hand throughout the shot sequence. There is no noticeable vibration or recoil at the shot. Like all Mathews bows, the MR7 is very quiet, even if it is a dual cam speed bow. Couple all of this with the 7" brace height and Mathews has produced a very fast, forgiving bow that is highly accurate.

Silencing Package

Standard in the silencing package of the MR7, as well most other bows in the 2011 lineup, is the Harmonic Dampner placed in the top elastomer wheel in the riser and the Harmonic Stabilizer placed in the bottom elastomer wheel. During the shot, these two accessories help to absorb recoil and residual vibration. The MR7 also comes standard with a Dead End String Stop, which is mounted opposite the stabilizer bushing. The Dead End String Stop dampens vibration by stopping the string at the end of the shot. Located on the string near each cam are String Grubs. They help to reduce vibration at the shot so the bow picks up more speed. Reduced vibration is reduced noise.

Comparison

Bow	Mathews MR7	Mathews Monster 7.0
Version	2013	2010
Picture
Brace Height	7 "	7 "
AtA Length	33 "	33.5 "
Draw Length	26 " - 32 "	26 " - 31 "
Draw Weight	50 lbs - 80 lbs	40 lbs - 80 lbs
IBO Speed	344 fps	342 fps
Weight	4.4 lbs	4.35 lbs
Let-Off	65% or 80%	65% or 80%
Where to buy Best prices online	$60 to $69.99 Compare prices	$682.99 Compare prices
	compare more bows

Comparing the 2011 MR7 to the 2010 Mathews Monster 7.0, there are many similarities, but also a few improvements over lasts year's model. Visually inspecting both bows, the look of the riser and limbs haven't changed much. The limbs do look to be less preloaded on the MR7 than the M7. Overall the ATA of the MR7 at 33" is .5" less than last year's model. From a weight perspective the MR7 is slightly heavier the M7, but cannot be distinguished when the bow is in hand. The MR7 has the Dead End String Stop install as standard, whereas it had to be purchased separately for the M7. Both bows balance extremely well in hand and are highly accurate. The MR7 boasts a smoother draw cycle than the M7 of last year as the MR7 doesn't seem to have the slight hump towards the end of the draw cycle. The most notable difference is that the amount of vibration and hand shock produced on the shot. They have been greatly reduced on the MR7, which makes it even more enjoyable to shoot. This is amazing considering the fact how shootable the M7 is.

Summary

The Mathews McPherson Series MR7, which retails for $999.00, sets the bar high for a shootable speed bow. Many shooters flocked to the M7 last year with the characteristics that set it apart from other bows, even the other bows in the Monster Series. The MR7 still has the blazing speed, the forgiving brace height, the great balance, but it is what it doesn't have that makes this bow that much better. Gone is the slight hump in the draw cycle and, even more importantly, so is the hand shock and vibration. This bow easily has its place on the 3D course or in the woods due to all its great features. Mathews states that the MR7 has power and control in one package, they are absolutely right.