Editors' review
Mathews Archery's Title 36 for 2025 anchors the mid-length segment of the Title series, appealing to competitive archers who value a blend of maneuverability and forgiveness in target scenarios. Spanning 36 inches axle-to-axle with a 6.5-inch brace height, it claims an IBO speed of 338 feet per second at 80% let-off, yet chronograph validations under 27-inch draw and 60-pound configurations yield around 301 fps with 300-grain arrows. Draw lengths range from 25 to 30.5 inches in half-inch intervals, accommodating peak weights of 50-70 pounds through Switchweight modules. Tipping the scales at 4.43 pounds bare, the bow leverages Limb Shift for precise tuning and the BOND Grip System for handle customization. At $1,599, it enters the high-end fray, but user feedback underscores persistent issues like overstated brace heights and a narrow valley that demands flawless form. Against the longer Title 38, this model trades some inherent stability for quicker handling, though the powder coat durability and accessory premiums undermine its premium positioning. Mathews iterates on proven elements, yet quality variances in production persist, challenging the bow's reputation for out-of-box reliability.
Finish
The Title 36 defaults to black or white risers coated in a powder texture derived from Mathews' hunting bows, offering robust resistance to scuffs during frequent handling. Limbs arrive in white for a streamlined appearance, with camo alternatives like Ridge Reaper available only via upcharge that seems disproportionate for a non-camouflage-focused design. The finish endures indoor humidity well, but prolonged exposure reveals chipping at high-contact edges, prompting users to apply clear coats for longevity-a workaround absent in smoother competitors like the PSE Evolve. Practicality prevails over elegance, though the utilitarian grit detracts from the expected sophistication at this tier.
Riser
The Title 36's 31-inch deflexed riser shifts the pivot forward to neutralize torque, enabling a composed sight picture amid varying lighting conditions. Bridge-Lock interfaces facilitate secure, vibration-free attachment of sights and bars, augmented by conventional threads for universal integration. Embedded rubber damping and limb pockets forward recoil efficiently, sustaining a 4.43-pound mass that remains agile despite the frame's reach. Competitors appreciate its composure in rapid-fire sequences, yet a forward bias emerges without supplementary brass inserts, necessitating offsets for neutral poise. Solid for precision disciplines, its proportions can constrain agility in confined shooting bays.
Grip
Equipped with the BOND Engage grip as standard, the Title 36 features a narrow, flat-backed synthetic interface optimized for torque-free engagement and uniform pressure distribution. Options for Contour or Taper swaps enhance adaptability, with full removability supporting tape overlays or bare-hand alternatives. This configuration alleviates wrist strain in extended practice, but initial reports flag the surface as excessively smooth, leading to slippage under sweat and frequent aftermarket substitutions like Wac'em models. Adaptable yet foundational, it highlights the imperative for user-specific refinements.
Limbs
Split limbs on the Title 36 incorporate perimeter brass for balanced deflection and oscillation control, anchored in zero-tolerance pockets to safeguard cam timing. Scalable from 50-70 pounds sans component overhauls, they achieve near-parallel extension to muffle release harmonics. Dampening elements curtail post-shot buzz effectively, although max-draw tensions expose faint cable flutter in suboptimal alignments. Engineered for sustained output, the setup risks expedited cable fatigue among high-mileage practitioners.
Eccentric System
The Title 36's Switchweight cams permit draw length alterations from 25 to 30.5 inches alongside let-off selections of 70%, 75%, or 80% through modular interchanges. Limb Shift functionality-engaged by a 5/32-inch Allen tool-facilitates wheel lean refinements for streamlined paper tuning. Marketed at 338 fps, empirical chronos register 301-315 fps with 300-350-grain projectiles at 60-70 pounds, exposing a disconnect from promotional velocities. Cross-Title compatibility eases transitions, albeit module installations occasionally resist without expert intervention.
Draw Cycle/Shootability
The Title 36 escalates methodically to an intense crest before yielding a compact back wall, insisting on disciplined tension to preclude forward drift. At anchor, the 6.5-inch brace and deflexed layout confer a composed pin settlement, resilient to minor environmental shifts. Release dynamics channel energy ahead with subdued resonance at approximately 80 dB, sharpening impact discernment. Nonetheless, the profile's severity at reduced let-offs exhausts intermediates swiftly, and miscalibrated units manifest valley inconsistencies that erode trust. Calibrated properly, it clusters precisely at 20-40 yards, favoring technique over brute force.
Usage Scenarios
Calibrated for ASA 3D qualifiers and NFAA indoor qualifiers, the Title 36 flourishes in 15-40 yard engagements where its dimensions mitigate gusts and alignment variances. It caters to shorter draws in multi-discipline events, with tuning versatility accommodating progression from practice to podium. Adopters cite elevated scores in structured formats, but the ergonomic rigor and expense redirect it from introductory clinics or informal leagues-reserving it for advancing contenders.
Summary
Mathews' Title 36 hones the competitive blueprint via Limb Shift acuity and deflexed equilibrium, securing a foothold for archers pursuing refined handling in mid-frame bows. Refinements from prior iterations-bolstered damping and grip interchangeability-coalesce into a potent ensemble, tempered by grip inconsistencies and tuning inconsistencies that betray manufacturing oversight. Commanding $1,599, it exacts commitment from aspirants eyeing circuits, yet the taxing ergonomics and speed disparities may dissuade pragmatists. Amid 2025's rigorous field, it vies admirably, warranting hands-on evaluation for alignment with individual aspirations.
