Editors' review
Mathews has created a target bow to fit the needs of every single target archer on the market, and the 40-in axle-to-axle TRX 40 is the largest of the bunch. To say this bow was built for spot shooting is an understatement. Everything about this bow from the super long riser to the forgiving 7-inch brace height is well thought out for spot shooting or even for 3D archers wanting a longer rig for some increased stability. The IBO rating of 325 feet per second is pretty legit as well considering the overall size and forgiveness the TRX 40 also comes with. There are some downsides to the TRX 40 as well. For starters, Mathews makes three versions of the TRX bow in different axle-to-axle measurements to meet the needs of every target shooter. The 40-inch model may be too long for some shooters to consider, but they will no doubt appreciate the smaller models in 36 or 38-inches. Mathews also only offers the Crosscentric cam on the TRX 40 in only 2 let-offs, which include the 70V mods, which offers a bit more valley than the previous 70% mods did, and 80%. Granted, these two choices are by far the most popular, but many target bows have a sliding stop to allow shooters to customize their let-off within a defined range. The TRX 40 is only offered in five finishes as well, and for $1849, shooters should arguably have a lot more options to choose from. For those wanting the longest, most stable target bow Mathews offers, the TRX 40 is a no brainer. For those wanting something a bit more compact, the other two models in the TRX lineup may be more appealing.
Finish
As mentioned earlier, the finish options are pretty limited on the TRX 40 rig. The end product looks awesome, and there are no complaints from those owning the TRX 40 because of the high end finish completed at the Mathews factory. However, for the price, shooters should be able to choose a custom color from more than the five available options. Nonetheless, shooters can opt for Stone, White, Black, Red, or Blue. EAch of these have been Mathews target bow staples for a long time, so there is no major shock factor with any of the options available. Again, each option is well done, and looks great, it would just be nice to see more options to choose from.
Riser
The riser can be simply described as long. The TRX 40 has a 40-inch axle-to-axle measurement, and the riser eats up most of that measurement making for a rock solid platform to start with. The riser features some bridge technology above and below the grip area to help beef up where accessories are mounted and the riser may experience a little more flex than usual. As a result, Mathews created a riser to be as rigid and sturdy as possible. Where the sight is mounted, and where the cable guard meet above the grip is wider, and down below where the front and rear bars meet are also more beefed up. With all that added material, on an already massive riser, it would be reasonable to think the TRX 40 would be a boat anchor, but that is not true either. The advertised bow weight on the Mathews website advertises only 4.93-pounds, which is really impressive considering the hunting bows are 10-inches shorter and weigh basically the same amount. The riser, paired with the tried and true Crosscentric Cam System also makes a forgiving 7-inch brace height as well.The technology in the riser is fairly standard from Mathews as well. There are front and rear mounting stabilizer mounting locations for shooters to add their stabilizers however they choose. The reverse roller guard system is the same as previous model years as well, and performs as well as it did years ago when it was first introduced. The Dead End String Stop System also brings the string to a stop and helps transfer any unwanted noise and vibration from the string elsewhere. The riser also has the highly effective 3D dampening technology seen on the hunting side of the Mathews lineup to eliminate vibration from the riser. These dampeners can also be swapped out for a variety of colors as well.
Grip
Mathews went with the Engage frip again, which shooters tend to either love or hate. There was a lot of input on the Engage frip from some of the best shooters in the sport of target archery, but many shooters struggle to get it comfortably in a repeatable spot. In addition to that the Engage grip has a weird notch that contacts the grip hand thumb, and that may become uncomfortable after a while for shooters flinging lots of arrows. Mathews also sells side plates for the TRX 40 as well. The original grip can be removed from the riser, and the side plates can be added on either side of the riser. Finally, shooters can remove the Engage grip altogether, and just shoot grip tape straight off the riser. The Engage grip is not necessarily bad enough to force shooters to look at a different bow, and it is the only option for anyone wanting a Mathews bow, but it is something some struggle with. Mathews also has a giant following, and there are aftermarket grips shooters can use as well.
Limbs
For the Mathews target lineup, the split limbs are king. They are super well built, have some really nice generic graphics, and are created to withstand the number of shots target shooters will use their rigs for. The limbs are available in maximum draw weights of 60, 60, and 70-pounds, and that should cover everyone interested in the TRX 40. It would be cool to see a 65-pound maximum draw weight limb as well, but that draw weight can still be achieved with the 70-pounders for those wanting that fairly popular draw weight. The TRX is pretty dead in the hand, although this is not as desired of a trait as hunting bows. There are no limb dampeners installed from the factory, but they can be added easily enough if shooters are interested in doing so. The machined pockets are perfect for holding the tightest tolerances possible in securing the limbs to the riser. The engraved Mathews logo has a classic look as well, and screams premium.
Eccentric System
Diehard Mathews fans will appreciate the Crosscentric Cam System getting the nod again for 2020. This cam system has been really popular for a while now, and will give shooters a familiar shooting experience behind the TRX 40. This cam is based on a perfectly circular shape, and perfectly paired with the top and bottom cams to give the nock and timing the absolute best possible situation. The cams are modular based and have an adjustment range of 25.5-32-inches, offered in half-inch increments. In addition to the draw length adjustments, there are two let-off offered with the 70V and 80% options. The speed rating is also pretty great as well with a 325 feet per second rating, which is pretty great for a 7-inch brace height combined with a 40-inch axle-to-axle measurement. The cams are designed with a shim kit Mathews calls the top hat system, which can be adjusted with a press and removing the axles. The spacers can be moved from one side to the other to eliminate any left and right tears through paper. Moving the top hats from one side to the other is not difficult to adjust, but it is a bit more of a pain than simply twisting yokes or adjusting the limb pocket pitch like some other manufacturers have engineered. For most shooters, the Crosscentric Cams are going to be a great offering although they are not as feature packed as some of the other designs on the market.
Draw Cycle/Shootability
The Mathews TRX 40 is a monster of a bow with a 40-inch axle-to-axle measurement and a 7-inch brace height. Despite its overall size, the bow actually is not very heavy, and will easily be able to take stabilizer and accessory weight wherever shooters are interested in placing it to achieve the best balance for each shooter based on their individual preferences. The Crosscentric Cams are pretty large as well, which makes the 40-inch dimension even longer than it seems. The draw cycle is pretty aggressive for a target bow, but the performance is worth it. Shooters can opt for the 70V mods, which is a 70% let-off with a little more valley than the standard 70% mods. For those wanting less holding weight, there is also an 80% let-off option as well. Now, there are the two most popular let-offs, but ultimately it would be nice for shooters to choose a let off percentage within a range like some other top end target bows on the market allow. The draw cycle ends with a nice feeling back wall, which is not mushy, but not rock solid like limb stop bows tend to feel like. It actually feels pretty great for most shooters, and will allow comfort regardless of the type of release aid shooters decide to go with. The 40-inch version holds steadily on target as one would imagine, and the feeling after the arrow has been released in a typical target bow feel. Shooters will outfit the TRX 40 exactly how they want the bow to react after the shot, so that will all be based on personal preference and individual setups. Overall, the shooting experience is pretty outstanding. The 40-inch model may be too long for some shooters, but that is personal preference, and Mathews has a 36 and a 38 model those shooters may be interested in instead.
Usage Scenarios
The entire TRX lineup is well designed for target archers in mind for just about any archery style. The TRX 40 is the longest version of the popular series, and will more than likely be more popular on the line for Vegas style shoots or five spot leagues. The 40 could end up being a nice 3D bow as well, but most really serious 3D shooters will probably lean more towards the 36 or the 38. With that being said, the TRX 40 can do all things target specific really well, and is an excellent option for the super serious target archers out there looking to have the absolute best of the best from Mathews archery to help with the confidence required to shoot at such a high level.
Summary
This is the longest version of the popular TRX series of bows, and is going to be an amazing paper league rig. The TRX 40 is a high performance target bow with a forgiving platform and brace height to allow shooters the absolute best performance of forgiveness possible. For $1849, the potential buyers of the TRX 40 are going to be really serious about target archery, and when money and victories are on the line, it takes an exceptional bow to match the level of seriousness. The TRX 40 only has two let-off options, which is a bit disappointing when compared to the ranges available in the target world in 2020. The Engage grip is not the favorite grip of choice for some shooters, and the limited finish options available are all questionable decisions considering how expensive the bow is. However, Mathews is reasonable for some of the most top finishes and is going to be an amazing target bow for serious archers looking to take their tournament shooting to the next level. Although the TRX 40 is well suited for indoor paper leagues, the longer axle-to-axle and forgiving 7-inch brace height will also work pretty well outside on the 3D range as well. No matter the tournament style of archery chosen, the TRX 40 will perform well, and is sure to make a lot of happy shooters, as long as people can afford it.
