Mathews’ DXT spans only 29.75 inches between the axles and shows off the company’s new Lost Camo pattern designed specifically for their hunting bows. Outfitted with parallel limbs and a host of vibration and dampening accessories the DXT is designed to provide Mathews’ signature no-kick performance.

Every Mathews rig is powered by single cam technology, which has always been the cornerstone of Mathews Inc. All of the new-for-2008 models house many of the innovations that have made the company the power that it is. Features like parallel limbs, harmonic dampers, Zebra bowstrings, perimeter weighting on the cam and the Mathews roller guard are found on each new model.

The new DXT is the company's lightest bow yet with their SlimLimb technology, a super short axle-to-axle length and the SphereLock pivoting limb lock system coupled with their new Limb Turret. Also featured on the DXT is Mathews' exclusive Lost Camo pattern. Mathews also slimmed down their popular InLine grip for 2008 as well.

Basics
The DXT is centered on a 227⁄16-inch riser, which, coupled with the parallel limbs, keep the axle-to-axle length under 30 inches. From a side view the riser has a distinctive look, as each end flares to approximately four inches. Instead of the traditional limb pocket Mathews uses the riser's extended-width ends in conjunction with their SphereLock Limb Lock system and Limb Turret to support the limbs. The DXT has a strongly reflexed riser geometry which is designed to increase the archer's power stroke and in turn the speed of the arrow. Other features on the riser include Mathews' signature InLine walnut grip with defined centerline, threaded brass stabilizer insert, and their popular CNC machined aluminum Roller Guard. The end of the Roller Guard bracket is cut out into a U-channel and angled toward the centerline of the bow. This is done to match the natural tension and movement of the cables. The U-channel is home to two machined wheels that ride on a stainless steel axle and sealed ball bearings. A "Double Damper" Harmonic Damping system is seated in the Roller Guard bracket.

Mathews outfits the DXT with their next generation SE4 Composite SlimLimbs. Limbs are solid (not split), straight (not recurve) and measure approximately 13.9 inches in length. Limbs are available in 40-, 50-, 60- and 70- pound peak weights with 10 pounds of adjustment down for each. The SphereLock Limb Lock system and Limb Turret handle the critical limb-to-riser interface. This system is designed to do the job of a traditional pocket with much less material and play its part in keeping the overall mass weight to a minimum.

Muscling the DXT to advertised IBO speeds reaching 322 fps is the new StraightLine perimeter-weighted DXT Cam. StraightLine refers to the straight-line nock travel produced by the system. The cam's single perimeter weight is designed to increase speed while reducing vibration at the shot. Eccentrics, cam and idler wheel, ride on a combination of bushings and sealed bearings for reduced friction and maintenance free operation. DXT cams are draw specific, which means they offer no on-board adjustment in draw length. Cams are available from 24 to 30 inches in whole sizes and 24.5 to 29.5 in half sizes.

Mathews offers many solutions to noise and vibration with their Harmonic Dampers, Roller Guard, perimeter-weighted cam, String Suppressors and parallel positioned limbs. The Harmonic Dampers, which can be found on the riser, Roller Guard and String Suppressors employ suspended weights secured by a web of damping material.

The DXT embodies the super performance we have come to expect from Mathews in a much lighter package.

Editor's Note: Petersen's Bowhunting standardized testing includes the use of the same equipment and test methods. For more detailed information on the testing parameters go to www.bowhuntingmag.com and look for the "bow testing" link.