Bow Review: Mathews V3 27

Mathews continues its relentless pursuit of perfection and designing the ultimate hunting bow with the new V3 Series.

Featuring two models — the 27 and 31 (designating axle-to-axle lengths) — the series introduces the company’s all-new Centerguard Cable Containment System and the highest riser length to axle-to-axle length ratio in Mathews history. Other components/technologies include the Engage Grip, Integrate Rest Mount, Nano 740 3D Harmonic Damper, Crosscentric Cam with SwitchWeight Technology and more.

Bridging the Core

Mathews outfits the V3 bows with the popular Extended 6-Bridge Riser, a reference to six cross holes that pass through the riser in the direction of the shooting plane. The bridging, flared sections of the riser and numerous cutouts are intended to add strength to critical areas while cutting overall mass weight. Perhaps the most notable feature about the V3 riser platform is its length in reference to the axle-to-axle length — the longest ever designed by Mathews. Company testing has pointed to the riser length, not the axle-to-axle length, as more critical to creating stability. The V3 27 riser is the longest of any “compact” hunting bow they have made, and Mathews says it matches the stability of a 30-inch axle-to-axle rig.

New for 2021 is the Mathews Centerguard Cable Containment System that angles down from above the rest mount — for the first time, the company places the rollers directly in line with the Berger Button and in the center of the bow. This positioning equalizes the cable angle coming off the top and bottom cams and causes the cam mods to hit the cables at the same time for perfect timing, with added vane clearance too.

Another V3 riser feature is the innovative 3D Damping Technology that, based on complex computer modeling, is designed to reduce vibration in three axes from the point of the grip. Mathews’ testing showed that maximizing the distance of the Harmonic Stabilizer from the grip in all three axes gave them the best results. The V3 Series features an all-new Nano 740 Harmonic Damper designed specifically to eliminate post-shot vibration and noise for the unique vibration profile of the V3 Series. The extended position of the damper also adds balance at full draw.

Rounding out the riser-based features are the Engage Grip, Integrate Rest Mount, string stop and metal stabilize insert. The Engage Grip has more thumb clearance, textured rear surface, optional side plates for a thinner grip and is designed to produce a neutral wrist position. A dovetail mount on the back side of the riser securely and precisely anchors QAD’s Integrate arrow rest line, improving balance and tunability. A string stop mounted below the grip quickly damps string oscillation and noise, while a metal stabilizer-mounting insert ensures a hassle-free connection.

Fire and Silk

The Mathews Crosscentric Cam system has two personalities that combine to create a fast, efficient and tunable system. One half of the cam is perfectly circular, while the other half is configured to bring the speed. The company’s Advanced Vectoring System (AVS) Technology mounts two discs offset to the axle, forcing them to rotate non-concentrically and thereby shifting the force vector. It stores energy on the front end and increases letoff on the back end. Modules offer specific draw lengths from 25-29.5-inches; draw weights of 60, 65, 70 and 75 pounds through their unique SwitchWeight Technology; and letoff of either 80 or 85 percent. Unlike some rotating modules, the V3 modules are individually designed to maximize performance at a specific draw length, weight and letoff. The machined aluminum eccentrics are custom-tuned through the Mathews Tophat shim system that works in conjunction with the Zero-T (zero tolerance) axles to move the cam to one side or the other based on your arrow flight. V3 27 IBO speeds are advertised at 342 fps. Mathews outfits the V3 Series with its proven Zebra string and cables and Monkey Tails silencers.

Complete Redesign

With the move to an increased riser length to axle-to-axle length ratio, Mathews had to totally redesign its split limbs and limb pockets. The pre-loaded limbs, which are made with industry standard Gordon Composites materials, were made lighter and tougher while having even more pre-load applied. Pockets are machined from aluminum and black anodized. Mathews also made the pockets lighter and smaller for 2021. The Silent Connect System (SCS) is attached directly to the pockets and provides a unique and silent attachment fixture for the company's bow rope and bow sling.

Impressions

Mathews’ designers once again hit the mark with the V3 27. It offers an excellent blend of compactness/maneuverability and better-than-it-should-be stability. Plus, you get top-notch quality, fit and finish from cam to cam.

---

There is little report at the shot, with only the slightest of jumps in the handle, virtually no detectable vibration and an impressively low level of noise. The grip was functional and sufficiently comfortable, while the draw was smooth up front with some buildup before breaking over to a solid back wall. After the shot, the bow sits still for a moment before slowly falling away from the shooter.

The Specs

• Manufacturer: Mathews Archery, 608-269-2728; mathewsinc.com
• Model: V3 27
• Riser: Machined aluminum, reflex
• Grip: Engage Grip Interface
• Limbs: Past parallel, split
• Draw Weights: 60, 65, 70 and 75 pounds peak
• Draw Lengths: 25-29.5 inches, in half-inch increments; modular
• Cam System: Crosscentric, with SwitchWeight Technology
• Letoff: 80 or 85 percent (advertised); 81.6 percent (as tested)
• String: Zebra, BCY 452X, 58.625 inches
• Cables (x2): Zebra, BCY 452X, 25.938 inches
• Brace Height: 6 inches
• Axle-to-Axle Length: 27 inches
• Weight: 4.3 pounds (advertised); 4.35 pounds (as tested)
• Finish Options: Realtree EDGE, plus seven other camo and solid color options
• Advertised IBO Speed: Up to 342 fps
• MSRP: $1,199
• Comments: Compact, powerful and fast.