Mathews Reezen 6.5 Review

Mathews Reezen 6.5

Average user rating

out of 14 user reviews
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Pros

  • very fast single cam bow
  • solid back wall
  • axle removal system makes replacing cams easier
  • good shooting bow when equipped properly

Cons

  • has relatively stiff draw cycle
  • new cams are required for adjusting the draw length

Video

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Editors' review

When the Reezen 6.5 entered the market in 2009 it was the fastest single cam bow ever. While it has a less forgiving brace height than its 7.0" brace height brother from the Reezen series, it is 5 fps faster. When equipped properly, this is a good shooting bow capable of launching arrows faster than previous Mathews bows.

Quietness and vibration

When it comes to vibration and recoil, there seems to be two different camps out there. While some people say this bow has notable vibration and shock, others insist it's a great bow with little recoil and hand shock when tuned properly. While researching different opinions we even saw hunters changing their opinions having tried different set ups of the same bow. We agree with those archers and experts who say that installing silencing components such as stabilizer and dampeners will definitely make this rig quieter.

Eccentric system

Mathews' new Reezen Cam system powers the Reezen 6.5 to advertised IBO speeds reaching upwards of 340 FPS. This system offers draw lengths adjustable over a 24"-30" range in half-inch increments. Also, this is a cam-specific eccentric system, meaning that a new cam is required for adjusting the draw length. To make it easier to adjust the draw length Mathews engineers designed a unique and effective Quick Change Axle (QCA) system. The let-off is 80%.

Draw cycle

Many hunters strongly agree the Reezen's draw cycle is harsher compared to other single cam bows manufactured by Mathews. Some archers who never shot speed bows dislike the draw cycle on the Reezen 6.5. They also note that the draw cycle feels a few fps heavier than it really is. However, speed bow shooters insist the Reezen's draw cycle is not bad at all. Almost everyone agrees, though, that the draw cycle is relatively stiff and not very smooth because it's a speed bow.

Reezen 6.5 vs Reezen 7.0

BowMathews Reezen 6.5Mathews Reezen 7.0
Version 20102010
PictureMathews Reezen 6.5Mathews Reezen 7.0
Brace Height6.5 "7 "
AtA Length32 "32 "
Draw Length24 " - 30 "24.5 " - 30.5 "
Draw Weight40 lbs - 70 lbs40 lbs - 70 lbs
IBO Speed340 fps335 fps
Weight4.15 lbs4.1 lbs
Let-Off80% 80%
Where to buy
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Many archers like to compare the two bows from the Reezen series. While the draw length ranges and mass weights are almost exactly the same, the Reezen 6.5 has a less forgiving brace height (6.5" vs. 7.0") but is a bit faster (340 fps vs 335 fps). Shooters who can handle stiff draw cycles say there is almost no difference between the two bows in terms of shootability. On the other hand, if a smoother draw cycle and a more forgiving brace height is what you want the most, consider getting the slower Mathews Reezen 7.0 instead.

Reezen 6.5 vs Mathews Z7

BowMathews Reezen 6.5Mathews Z7
Version 20102011
PictureMathews Reezen 6.5Mathews Z7
Brace Height6.5 "7 "
AtA Length32 "30 "
Draw Length24 " - 30 "24 " - 30 "
Draw Weight40 lbs - 70 lbs40 lbs - 70 lbs
IBO Speed340 fps333 fps
Weight4.15 lbs4.0 lbs
Let-Off80% 80%
Where to buy
Best prices online
compare more bows

A lot of loyal Mathews fans were disappointed when the Reezen 6.5 came out. Specifically, they did not like its stiffer draw cycle because Mathews bows had always been known for their silky smooth draw cycles before this fast rig was released. The Mathews Z7 was engineered to effectively bridge the gap between speed and smoothness. Many shooters agree that Mathews addressed all their concerns related to the Reezen when coming up with the new Z7. While the Z7 is just 8 fps slower, it's considered to be smoother, quieter, and a better shooting bow. Although there is no doubt the Z7 is a better shooting rig, it may not be affordable for everyone. Therefore, if you are on the budget and want to shoot a speed bow the Reezen 6.5 could be a better choice for you.

Summary

To summarize, while the Reezen 6.5 is a very fast single cam bow, it is often described as a bow with a relatively stiff draw cycle. While a bare bow could have less shock and vibration, installing silencing components help to improve shootability significantly. Many shooters say this bow is an excellent choice provided it is tuned and adjusted properly. Not ideal for beginners (due to its aggressive eccentric system), the Reezen 6.5 is a much better choice for experienced shooters who like speed bows and are used to stiffer draw cycles.

User Reviews

  • 14 reviews
  • ( out of 14 reviews for all versions)
Another great mathews

Version: 2010 Mathews Reezen 6.5

Rating:

Pros: I was a PSE guy,a proshop bow "Flash" a fairly fast hard hitting bow, upgraded to a DXT, absolutely love it, I bought this reezen 6.5 as a spare, $80, I truly love this bow,faster,quite and a joy to shoot

Cons: like it all...no cons

Full review:

this bow has that original Mathews hidden camo with a matte finish, it has a very smooth stiff draw that i believe gives it that incredible speed, it is truly a killing machine. This bow is a fine shooting compound single cam bow, I would recommend it to anyone.

Very fast and accurate

Version: 2010 Mathews Reezen 6.5

Rating:

Pros: I like the quickness, the wall. Very impressed.

Cons: It's little noisy.

Full review:

My 6.5 is my second favorite, it is my backup. That said, I like it's speed I got the 60# version I shoot a One pin Sight ( impact archery ) ,whisker biscuit-arrow rest. The arrows are 3-49 Easton's it shoots about 293fps. I took most of the noise out with LimbSavers products: solid limb ultra quad bow dampeners, and an old STS string stop.

Great bow, super fast

Version: 2010 Mathews Reezen 6.5

Rating:

Pros: Fit and finish are good, shoots very quiet when dampened properly, super fast, love the past parallel Limbs for tree stand hunting.

Cons: Could be a little better draw cycle.

Full review:

I thoroughly enjoy shooting this bow. I will agree that the draw cycle could be better, but that just don’t bother me like it does some people. For a super fast, deadly accurate bow, this is as good as it gets!!

Solid performer

Version: 2010 Mathews Reezen 6.5

Rating:

Pros: It is fast
accurate
and tough all the way around

Cons: draw cycle is stiffer than the pull weight might indicate
took a while to "learn"
proper form is a must for those itty bitty groups
easy to get torque from bow hand
tuning "can" be finicky

Full review:

I bought a new 6.5 to replace a very low budget "first bow" that sounded and felt like a shotgun. So to say I was happy is an understatement. However, even shooting that dinosaur I had multiple trophies and a few dead animals (saying I was fairly experienced by this point) it took quite a few shots before the bow and I figured each other out. Still hunt with it and shoot 3d. Have faster and smoother bows now, but I still take a looooong look at the reezen 6.5 every time I want sling some arrows

Fast and Accurate

Version: 2009 Mathews Reezen 6.5

Rating:

Pros: Fast, Accurate

Cons: Not the Quietest, Little bit of Shock/Vibration

Full review:

I've been shooting this bow for a little over a year now, paired it with a Trophy Ridge Cypher 5, QAD Dropaway rest, Trophy Ridge Static 9 Stabilizer, Carbon Express Mayhem 250 grain arrows with 100 grain field tips, set at 60 pounds. Not sure how fast for sure but definitely a pretty quick bow. I can shoot 3 arrow groups the size of a quarter and hit arrows on demand. Overall a good bow for the money.

My first Mathews, I love it.

Version: 2010 Mathews Reezen 6.5

Rating:

Pros: Fast, flat trajectory, comfortable grip, it's a Mathews

Cons: Very shiny (not good for hunting), has a healthy kick, was pretty loud

Full review:

After 18 years with the same bow, figured it was time for an upgrade. After MUCH shopping around & research, I found a Reezen 6.5 on Craigslist for $300. My thoughts are that if you can get one of these for a good price, DO IT. I took it up to the local Mathews dealer, he said I got a good deal & that it was a "top of the line" bow, I agree with him. First off, it is a speed bow, so if it is your first it will take some getting used to. My old bow, a Parker super mag 35, had a bigger cam, more kick and less brace height at 5 3/4".
So for me, this bow was a serious upgrade in most areas. It is faster, it is actually a bit shorter axle to axle to axle than my old bow, though it seems like it should be bigger, probably due to the large riser.
Once I got it dialed in, I love it. Very tight groups, very accurate, and a joy to shoot.
The drawbacks are that it was way too loud and way too shiny for hunting. My first time out, I would swear I was busted by the deer looking right at my shiny bow & sight. I dusted it all over with some camo spray paint & it is much duller now (and better). Also spent a few bucks on a good stabilizer (SST) and played around with several string silencers. The archery shop put on these monkey tail things, but they let go in short order. I am using old school cat whiskers and the do the job. Now it is a deadly hunting machine.
In October I got a nice a deer, the most amazing part is that I was surrounded by deer and none of them knew where the shot came from, which tells me that noise & shine are now acceptable.
For the first time, I am shooting out to 60 yards and getting smaller groups by the day. From 30 yards in, I can shoot off nocks.....
Look around & you can probably find a good deal. And much less expensive than a brand new bow.
Thanks to Steve at Ed's archery in Clio for hooking me up!!!!
Cheers!!

Mathews switch back and the Reezen 6.5 I can say are the best Bow for my hand. catch me if you can

Version: 2010 Mathews Reezen 6.5

Rating:

Pros: I own two of these bows one with 60 lb limbs the other with 70 lb. limbs

Cons: that i can only shoot one at a time

Full review:

27' draw 60lb.pull IBO is 288 rampage arroow. shot through crono at wileys in decatur Al.I also have an encredable shot on my go pro with my Reezen. I split two pine trees at 15 yards to hit the target at 52 yards you should see the video.

Hard Hitting deadly accurate

Version: 2009 Mathews Reezen 6.5

Rating:

Pros: I hunt single pin and with the flat trajectory and power made by REEZEN it makes it alot easier and more forgiving for bad range estimate's

Cons: none some say harsh draw but I like feeling the draw

Full review:

deadly easily tuned. 5y's killing with it and no Reezen to change yet not seen anything else that catches my eye. sure are some faster but more finicky I feel. haven't done anything to this bow in years except hunt and kill with it. many deer and elk have fallen to this. I would hate to change bows

Great bow, been shooting it on regular basis since I bought it new.

Version: 2010 Mathews Reezen 6.5

Rating:

Pros: I like everthing about it, it is blazing fast and very accurate providing you have it tuned properly.

Cons: None

Full review:

29 inch draw, @ 62 pds. shooting 270 fps which is plenty for every deer I have taken. They all Decided to fall in less than 100 yds, so I am very satified with this bow. I just cannot see any REEZEN to change to the Creed or Creed XS. Yes I can afford the creed, just don't like the split limbs or the problems i have heard associated with the limbs. Not bashing the creed by any means because I have not shot it. Just love my REEZEN. Maybe fine tune the REEZEN a little more in 2015 and have another great bow from Mathews.

Love it! Shooting my best groups ever!

Version: 2010 Mathews Reezen 6.5

Rating:

Pros: Fast, fairly quiet and very accurate.

Cons: Big grip

Full review:

I'm no archery guru but I have bow hunted for about 12 years now. I bought the Reezen to replace a Hoyt Vetrix that I bought new in 2007 so this is what I can say about it. I group better with the Reezen than I ever have before and to me it has a smoother draw cycle. I know that goes against most of the stuff you read about it but to me it is smooth and has a great backwall. It doesn't seem super quiet but I wouldn't go as far as to say that its loud either. I have always shot with a drop away rest but the Reezen had a wisker biscut on it when I purchased it and with the groups I'm getting I see no reezen to change anything. It is super fast wich is just a bonus to me because at the end of the day I'm more concerned about accuracy than anything else. (I would rather kill em slow than wound em fast) If I change anything out it might be the grip. The Mathews grip seems a little bulky compared to my old Hoyt but it doesn't seem to effect anything. Personally, I love this bow so far and cant wait to get in the woods with it!

OUTSTANDING BOW!

Version: 2009 Mathews Reezen 6.5

Rating:

Pros: - Fast
- Accurate
- Comfortable Grip
- Very Quiet
- Affordable

Cons: - Break-point a little stiff (cycle)

Full review:

I shoot a Mathews Reezen 6.5 with 28" draw @ 68lb with a Vital Gear Rest, Axion 5 Pin micro adjustable sight, PSE 300 Radial X Weave Arrows by Carbon Fiber,Blazer vanes and RAGE broad heads. This is my second bow, the first was a Browning, did not have it long. Did a lot of research prior to purchasing a bow and the Mathews was always on top when it came to compound bows. When I got my bow I FELL IN LOVE. I have been on two big bunts an came back with an Elk and a record AXIS buck. I am looking to purchase the new CREED, but there is no "REEZEN" to at this point. Good luck in your choice, but you will not be disappoint in this bow.

I really like it ! not my favoret of 18 bows I own.But a blast to shoot long range.

Version: 2009 Mathews Reezen 6.5

Rating:

Pros: Even though is says its a 70 lb bow it is so fast nothing else I own comes close !
I have it set on 60lbs and it is more than enough.

Cons: It takes time to get used to it.It is easy to not shoot it properly,so you really have to pay attencion with every shot.But ,that makes one better with time.

Full review:

I liked it well enough to add from the Matherws dealer a Boiesee rosewood grip,almost chocolate
brown,it really sets off the lost camo.I use a drop away rest,axion stabilizer,and five pin tru-glo
sight.Limb savers also.and do not find it a harsh bow to shoot.yes the draw cycle is stiff,but not nasty.It will flat out put arrows down range faster than you can see them ! and when the fullmetal
jackets hit the terget you will be impressed with the sound of impact at any range 20-80.

I have not hunted with it ,yet.And may choose my MQ32 instead.That,,is one fantastic little bow !

Best switch ever

Version: 2010 Mathews Reezen 6.5

Rating:

Pros: Every thing

Cons: A little longer axel to axel then I'm use to but I'm getting use to it

Full review:

Well after switching from bow to bow to bow and always being against Mathews bows I finally did I traded in my pse for a Mathews reezen 6.5 and boy am I glad I did my groups are tighter I actual increased my affective yardage that I can shoot by 20 plus yards all and all vary pleased

Everything I wanted in a bow. Fast, Compact, and Tuned.

Version: 2009 Mathews Reezen 6.5

Rating:

Pros: With whisker-biscuit and Carbon Express 350s, my Reezen 6.5 is tacking 3 inch groups with fields and Muzzys without changing the set-up.

Cons: Despite all the dampeners, it still has a good "snap" upon release. Though, this hasn't caused any misses. The string dampeners have broke off twice too. So I've taken them off for practicing and haven't noticed a difference.

Full review:

27.5" draw. Whisker Biscuit. Tru-Ball Axcel 4-pin sight. Tru-ball assassin release. Carbon Express 350s with 100g Muzzys.

I bought this bow after becoming tired of continuously tuning a finicky dual-cam. I wanted speed and thump. I'm very happy with my Reezen 6.5 that's now on it's second string. Supposedly less forgiving, I haven't witnessed this at the local indoor matches and outdoor 3D shoots. My only wish is that I would have gone with a 6-pin instead of 4-pin sight. I'm very comfortable at 50 yards and wish I had a 55 and 60.

Hats off the boys at Hoffman Archery in Warrenton, VA for taking care of me.

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