Mathews Switchback XT Compound Bow

This is my first compound bow I've owned. After getting my draw length measured and/or finding the formula online to calc myself and trying a couple manufacturers' bows, I found Mathews bows were smooth and fit me well. I found the used Mathews Switchback on eBay and got the package for at least $500 less than a new Z7 package (i.e. sights, drop away rest, Mathews quiver, dampeners, etc.) From the time I received my bow until I could start consistently putting arrows within 4" circles at 18 yds. was about 2 months of shooting in my basement 5-6 days per week. I still have a ways to go before I feel confident to hunt deer with a bow. However, I have found this bow to be smooth, quiet, accurate and well made. It's also adjustable from 70-60 lbs with the right Allen wrench, which I did adjust down 2 full turns to approx. 62 lbs. to gradually build up chest / arm muscles needed as a new bow hunter. I'd recommend Mathews bow (i.e. Switchback) to others looking for a quality bow with these characteristics.

First of let me say I own and operate my own archery shop. Nothing large but I am a bit of a techno nerd in archery. I own and use a Matthews Switchback xt for deer and hog hunting and own and use a switchback ld for competition. The switchback xt is one of the most forgiving bows with a 7.5” brace height. My ld has an extra forgiving 9” brace height but suffers from a 2” longer an ATA and a tad slower than and not nearly as parallel as the xt. The shorter ATA of the xt leads to a string angle at full draw of less than 45 degrees at a full 29.5 inch draw witch allows better target acquisition at less than perfect stands in a tree stand. I do not use a kisser button on either bow but use a hand to chin land mark for shooting. I also know of several individuals that use they xt on the competition circuit I participate in as they prefer the shorter ATA as well as the slightly faster speed. I’m in no way a Matthew fanatic as my wife shoots a PSE and my daughter a bow tech diamond razor edge. I believe fitting a bow to ones body and draw dimensions is more important to speed or ATA. This bow is practically illegally silent and dead (no after shock) in the hand.

I studied various sites listing bows from different manufacturers. I decided on a Mathews Switchback XT because most of the reviews were good. I know that not everyone has the same opinion and I did find some reviews that liked different bows better, but most of the reviews were reviews. I am not dissatisfied. When I took it to an archery shop and had it tuned, etc. I was told that I had an excellent bow.

The Switchback XT, is from my view still Mathews best bow.
I love the smoothness and the comfortable 7.5 brace height.
The shorter axle makes it perfect for hunting in the stand.
Also plan on blowing right through anything you shoot at.....ha.........ha

Mathews Solocam
"Catch Us If You Can"

I must say it will be sad for me to part with my Switchback XT. It was my first big investment into bow hunting. Man what a great investment! The first year I shot two "Robin Hood" arrows(1st at 30yds and the other @ 40yds). Then I was hunting from the ground with my new bow and 4 doe walked in, I picked the closest one which was at 30 yds, put the pin on her and pulled the release...I know some will not say this is not ethical, but during the flight of the arrow the doe behind her must have "jumped string' and darted forward, my arrow passed through both doe! One ran 25 yds and dropped, and the other ran about 45 and dropped too. I felt bad but was thrilled at the same time. Between the Switchback, the Maxima 350 arrow, and the Rage broad head it was an impressive afternoon. I now own a Z7, and if times weren't as tough as they are I would hang on to it FOR SURE!!!

Semper Fi Mathews!

Cpl Drum