Editors' review
Mathews Archery's Title 38 for 2025 slots into the middle of the revamped Title lineup, bridging the gap between compact and extended models for target enthusiasts seeking reliable precision. With a 38-inch axle-to-axle span and 7-inch brace height, it posts an IBO rating of 330 feet per second at 80% let-off, though chronograph testing reveals more modest 315-320 fps outputs under standard 30-inch draw and 70-pound setups. Draw lengths adjust from 26 to 31.5 inches in half-inch steps via Switchweight cams, supporting peak weights of 50-70 pounds in five-pound increments. At 4.56 pounds bare, the bow integrates Limb Shift for on-the-fly tuning and the BOND Grip System for ergonomic swaps. Priced at $1,599, it targets serious competitors, but forum users frequently note discrepancies in factory measurements-like overstated brace heights or inconsistent let-off-requiring pro shop visits for fine-tuning. Relative to the shorter Title 36, this model offers superior torque resistance through its deflexed riser, yet the demanding cycle and accessory upcharges dilute its value for casual users. Mathews advances the series with thoughtful modularity, but execution flaws in stock components temper enthusiasm in a crowded premium market.
Finish
The Title 38 standardizes on black or white risers with a durable textured overlay adapted from Mathews' hunting bows, ensuring scratch resistance during transport and storage. Limbs ship in white for a minimalist profile, with optional camo upgrades like Optifade incurring extra fees that feel unnecessary for a target-oriented design. While the coating withstands humidity in indoor ranges, the rough texture draws criticism for lacking the polished sheen of rivals such as PSE's Evo series, potentially trapping lint over time. This functional aesthetic suits tournament functionality but falls short of the premium polish expected at this price tier.
Riser
Crafted as a deflexed 33-inch riser, the Title 38 positions the pivot point rearward to inherently counter hand torque, fostering a steadier sight window during critical shots. Bridge-Lock ports allow flush-mounting of sights and stabilizers to dampen lateral wobble, complemented by universal threaded inserts for legacy gear. The Enhanced Harmonic Damping employs embedded rubber and limb pockets to redirect energy forward, maintaining a featherlight 4.56-pound mass despite the extended frame. Archers praise its rigidity for high-volume sessions, but some experience a subtle nose-heaviness without added brass weights, complicating balance in dynamic stances. This robust foundation excels in controlled environments, though its bulk can hinder quick maneuvers in field courses.
Grip
Mathews outfits the Title 38 with the inaugural BOND Engage grip-a slim, flat-backed synthetic panel engineered for low-torque contact and repeatable hand positioning. Modular compatibility extends to Contour and Taper variants, all detachable for custom wraps or minimalist bare-riser shooting. The design encourages a relaxed wrist, reducing fatigue in marathon rounds, yet early adopters decry the Gen 1 version as overly slick and undersized, prompting swift upgrades to aftermarket options like those from UltraView. While versatile, the stock offering underscores a need for personalization to match diverse hand sizes.
Limbs
The Title 38's split limbs feature perimeter weighting for uniform flex and reduced oscillation, secured in zero-tolerance pockets that ensure cam synchronization. Adjustable across 50-70 pounds without hardware swaps, they align near-parallel at draw to quiet the release and preserve arrow flight. Built-in dampeners effectively tame harmonics, though prolonged use at max tension reveals minor string slap in unoptimized setups. This configuration prioritizes endurance, but the high preload can accelerate wear on cables for archers pushing volume limits.
Eccentric System
Switchweight cams on the Title 38 facilitate draw length shifts from 26 to 31.5 inches and let-off tunings at 70%, 75%, or 80%, all via simple module exchanges. Limb Shift integration-using a 5/32-inch Allen key-permits precise wheel lean corrections for paper tuning, a boon for range-side adjustments. Officially rated at 330 fps, field chronos consistently dip to 315-320 fps with 350-grain arrows at 70 pounds, highlighting a gap between lab ideals and practical velocity. The system's interoperability across Title models streamlines upgrades, though initial module fitting can prove finicky without guidance.
Draw Cycle/Shootability
The Title 38's progression ramps steadily to a pronounced peak before easing into a solid back wall, demanding focused back tension to avoid creep. Full-draw alignment benefits from the 7-inch brace and deflexed stance, yielding a rock-steady pin float even in fatigued states. Post-release, damping keeps vibration negligible at around 81 dB, with forward energy transfer aiding follow-through clarity. That said, the cycle's intensity at 70% let-off fatigues novices quickly, and untuned examples exhibit erratic valleys that undermine confidence. Once dialed, it groups tightly at 30-40 yards, rewarding skilled form over raw power.
Usage Scenarios
Optimized for NFAA indoor leagues and ASA Pro-Am circuits, the Title 38 shines in 20-50 yard target disciplines where its length bolsters forgiveness against wind or form lapses. It accommodates mid-to-long draws in Vegas-style rounds, and modular tuning suits seasonal tweaks for field archery. Enthusiasts report personal bests in controlled venues, but the setup complexity and cost steer it away from youth programs or casual 3D trails-better for circuit veterans than weekend warriors.
Summary
Mathews' Title 38 polishes the target archetype with Limb Shift precision and deflexed poise, carving a niche for competitors chasing incremental edges in stability. Evolutions from the inaugural Title-refined damping and grip modularity-accumulate into a cohesive performer, yet persistent grip gripes and tuning hurdles expose lingering quality control gaps. At $1,599, it commands investment from podium aspirants, but the aggressive ergonomics and velocity shortfalls may alienate value seekers. In 2025's elite arena, it competes fiercely, though discerning archers should demo thoroughly before committing.
