So I've been shooting my Mathews Z7 since it came out, and don't have any real complaints about it. However, I'm getting an itch to get a new one. I'm not sold on the tiny ATA Triax, but do like the Halon 32. I have also shot the new Prime bows and if I were ever to go away from Mathews, it would be a prime. Is the Halon 32 or the Prime that much better of a bow than my OG Z7?
If you try out the Halon, shoot the Triax as well. I've heard people complain about the size and then after shooting it, are surprised by the it. The size intrigues me for packing in and out of a woods. Better bow is a subjective term They will be different than the z7. If I choose to upgrade, I will definitely compare the 3, but my gut tells me I won't go away from the solo cam line and might lean towards the z3.
The triaxis is a great bow, the biggest flaw is it’s size. I shot it and the bottom just always felt like it wanted to kick out and tip over. I feel like Mathews has been playing catchup for a while now. They used to be top of the line with the solo cam concept but technology improved and they stuck with the solocam and got passed. Now dual cams are the way to go, obviously since even Mathews is essentially only producing them now. Small companies like Elite have GREAT bows at a much lower price and there are others. You can get an Elite impulse 31, pretty fast bow and just as smooth as you can want and it won’t cost but $800 or so but compare that the 1200+ you’d spend for a competitors bow with the same qualities. The no cam is the closest bow I’ve shot to the smoothness of most elites but you would pay an extra $400 and it really isn’t that fast. For my money it’s Elite. But I just posted a thread and I’m prolly going with a Hoyt next. As far as prime bows, I just thing they’ve terribly over complicated the compound bow. I haven’t shot one in years and don’t know about their newest products but I’m fairly confident if you compared any decent bow to theirs it would be better or at worst equal. I’m just not a fan. Shoot the halon, shoot a few elites, and shoot some Hoyt bows. I wouldn’t really waste time with anyone else. One of those three manufacturers will have something in your price range you will love.
My brother-in-law has a Chill X, set to 60 lbs I believe due to a shoulder problem. I shot it the other day and was blown away at how quiet and vibration free it was. Not sure that I would go that route, but thought I would mention it.
Chill is a good bow, probably not the best but a good bow. I wouldn’t even get a new bow if I was you and already have the z7. I have an uncle that shoots one and it didn’t seem a lot better than my old Z7. When I look at bows, which is a lot, I look for a solid back walls, nice smooth draw, no major humps and something I can hold full draw for at least a solid minute without it wanting to jump. Don’t pigeon hole yourself into just A brand or two though. Visit every shop around town. Shoot every bow you want in your price range. Heck you can even look into used bows. The shop people will a lot of times, especially if you aren’t 100% on a particular bow try and sell you a “great bow” that has probably been on their shelf for a year or so. Don’t buy on your first trip, make a couple rounds shoot them all a couple times on different days and then make a decision.
I currently own a Z7 @ 26.5 draw at 65 LBS. I shot the TRIAX and the Z7 side by side; The TRIAX is faster and a bit quieter (both not by very much), but bows weigh about the same. My opinion, if your bow is in good shape (and kept tuned), there is no need to upgrade.
I got a Z3 this season and I really like the bow. I found a good deal at my local pro shop and paid $500 for mine. Just the bare bow of course.
Just got my new elite impulse setup yesterday got a good dealon it and also shot the new Ritual and it is very smooth. As for Prime im tryin to get rid of a bow to buy one to me they are the most accurate bows. It may be all in my head but they shoot realy nice and with center grip technology your jus dead on all the time. Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
I always have to wonder about some of the negative thoughts with prime bows. People say over complicated or they have 4 cams and it’s more stuff to go wrong. From a engineering standpoint what they have done has corrected a lot of tuning issues that can come about in older designs. There are still only two cams, they just happen to be 2 pieces bolted together, yes they have 4 string tracks but you are gaining a wider platform and having the cables run down the center of the cam instead of off to the side offering less cam lean and a more stable cam system at the end of the limb. I have a shift currently with a logic waiting for me at the local shop, after paper tuning my shift I’ve been able to shoot any broadhead out of it without any extra tuning. Plus what’s not to like about the warranty? Pretty much no questions asked and free strings every two years for as long as you own it, who else is doing that? Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
