Matthews Choice

[Max]

I’m getting on reasonably well with my second hand Hoyt Pro Elite, but getting a bit fed up with the shoot through riser when knocking arrows (I’m normally fairly dexterous, but find it a real pain). I have been considering changing to a Matthews later this year, but not sure about the choice. The Conquest Apex 7 is a BIG bow, very expensive and (as at around 28” I don’t need a long draw length), it might not offer any advantages over less expensive models.

The Switchback is nice, reasonably priced, looks great and has that wide solid wooden grip. Normally, the Switchback would get my vote, but the new Prestige with Apex 7 cams has come along. On the face of it, the prestige looks just a shorter version of the Conquest and a bit cheaper.

Any thoughts on the relative merits of these bows?

[Max]

Originally Posted by Max

I’m getting on reasonably well with my second hand Hoyt Pro Elite, but getting a bit fed up with the shoot through riser when knocking arrows (I’m normally fairly dexterous, but find it a real pain). I have been considering changing to a Matthews later this year, but not sure about the choice. The Conquest Apex 7 is a BIG bow, very expensive and (as at around 28” I don’t need a long draw length), it might not offer any advantages over less expensive models.

The Switchback is nice, reasonably priced, looks great and has that wide solid wooden grip. Normally, the Switchback would get my vote, but the new Prestige with Apex 7 cams has come along. On the face of it, the prestige looks just a shorter version of the Conquest and a bit cheaper.

Any thoughts on the relative merits of these bows?

Sorry folks - typo on the Prestige! I do realise the bow has Prestige cams. not the Apex 7, although they do look very similar.

[sky_high30]

I've tried an 06 switchback. Was very nice...much smoother than my browning and a nice solid wall to pull into.

[Max]

Originally Posted by sky_high30

I've tried an 06 switchback. Was very nice...much smoother than my browning and a nice solid wall to pull into.

Thanks Sky - how did you find the grip? It looks a lot bigger than the Hoyt or the Conquest - did it feel likely to increase torque?

[geoffretired]

Talking of bow grips,Max.I saw the helix grip in Quicks today. My racing bike saddle was narrower? MMmmmm?

[Adam]

Chris White claims the Prestige is easier to shoot than the Switchback. That said, he was having problems getting it tuned to his liking and is still shooting the Switchback - or at least he was at the 1st GP.

It's my understanding that the Prestige was originally intended as a short draw/womens bow but, if it works with your draw length, all well and good.

Adam

[sky_high30]

It had quite a low grip, from what I remember, which I don't really like. It was better than the *I think* Outback that I tried a few weeks ago - there was no support for the rest of my hand. It was a while ago though (November last year I think).

[timppa]

I have A7 and I like it. My draw is 27,5".
Grip is very good for my hand.

[Marcus26]

I would take the Switchback, it's lighter than the Apex 7 and you can get it with 80# letoff if you like.
However with it I always remove the wood grip and replace it with the Shrewd one and always remove the rubbers from the string suppresors. These are a terrible thing for target shooters as they are an area of inconsistancy. Had them rob me 20 points at 90m during a FITA once, never used them again. Bow still feels fine.
If I shot a Switchback again it would be a black one custom ordered without the string suppresor brackets.

[sky_high30]

The one I shot was rigged for hunting so had a pin sight with the supressors. It also had the wooden grip at a funny angle that was tolerable but not what I like.