Mathews Switchback XT

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The Switchback is the latest in a series of ever-improving, top-end Mathews bows. The Switchback line includes three models--including the 33-inch, 4.34-pound Switchback, 33-inch, 4.36-pound LD--and the XT, with a 31-inch axle-to-axle length, 7.5-inch brace height, and 4.25-pound mass weight. The XT bridges the gap speed-wise between the faster (318 fps) yet slightly less forgiving Switchback (seven-inch brace height), and the slower (295 fps) and more forgiving LD (nine-inch brace height), the latter made especially for shooters with longer draw lengths. Like other Switchback models the XT includes every bit of technology Mathews has introduced to date. This maneuverable bow has everything a hunter could ask for, what might prove the ideal tree stand or mountain weapon.

Mathews' XT Checklist

Check off the XT's coveted features: The most parallel of limbs of any Mathews bows to date; slim-line design with lifetime warranty; pivoting, Zero Tolerance V-Lock Limb Cup design limb pockets; riser-mounted Harmonic Damping System; string suppressors with Harmonic Dampers; Triple Damper Roller Guard and StraightLine XT (single) Cam with 80-percent letoff (65-percent available) and perimeter weighted technology. Mathews' handsome In-Line Grip and Zebra Barracuda Bowstring round it out.

At Home On The Range

I've seen a lot of Switchback XTs on 3-D courses lately but have not handled one until now. To be honest, I wondered why any serious 3-D shooter would choose so short a bow for competition. Standing four inches better than six feet tall, drawing 30 inches, I've never been a big fan of short bows. That's changed.

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SPECIFICATIONS
MANUFACTURER:	Mathews Inc.
MODEL:	Switchback XT
DRAW WEIGHTS:	40 to 70 pounds
DRAW LENGTHS:	25 to 30 inches; 25.5 through 29.5 in half sizes, cam specific to draw length
RISER:	Machined aluminum with heavy reflex
LIMBS:	Solid, one-piece with V-lock Limb Cup System
MASS WEIGHT:	4.25 pounds
LETOFF:	80-percent; 65-percent optional
GRIP:	Laminated hardwood IN-Line Grip
BRACE HEIGHT:	7.5 inches
AXLE-TO-AXLE LENGTH:	31 inches
FINISH:	Realtree Hardwoods HD
ADVERTISED IBO SPEED:	315 fps
PRICE:	$795
COMMENTS:	A compact, highly-maneuverable bow with forgiving shooting characteristics, built-in hunting silence, and complete lack of hand shock.

I've dealt with StraightLine cam technology via a Mathews Ovation I hunt with regularly, so the silky-smooth draw cycle of the same cam technology in the XT was no surprise. Bows so equipped pull through letoff without distracting bumps and include an accuracy-enhancing, rock-solid wall allowing you to relax during the shot without it trying to get away from you. The StraightLine makes it easy to draw smoothly on game without excessive, attention-grabbing movement.

I'm a stickler for bow balance, a bow that automatically sits level while at rest, and especially at full draw. I don't want to fight to coax a bow to sit up straight while I'm making an important shot. These are functions of geometry as well as grip design. Even without accessories the Switchback XT fills this bill perfectly.

After installing a popular drop-away rest and string loop I paused to fire some test shots, using a zippy 353-grain arrow (finished weight). Despite the light arrow, and no non-stock dampening accessories, there was a complete absence of hand shock or even perceivable grip vibrations on release. The bow is quiet enough to hunt with off the rack. But few of us proceed in this manner.

The Big Question

So, how fast is it? These answers nearly always illicit mail, but I'll stick my neck out yet again for my gentle readers. Test arrows constituted readily available, popular models, two "lightweights" cut to 29 inches to accommodate the "over-draw" created by the rest, the "heavy" 30 inches. The first had a finished weight of about 336.5 grains (Carbon Tech Cheetah 4570, and yes I understand this doesn't meet IBO standards), the second about 353.4 (Carbon Express Maxima 250; close to IBO standards), the heavy about 510.7 (Easton Full Metal Jacket 340). I say about because my precise reloading scales aren't government certified.

CRAFTSMANSHIP	GRIP ERGONOMICS	FINISH	DRAW CYCLE	RECOIL	SHOT NOISE	NOTES
Proven Mathews workmanship throughout.	Comfortable with high degree of repeatability.	Flawless and razor sharp.	Remarkably smooth for such performance.	What recoil? This bow is pure silk.	Out of the box hunting silence.	Better-than-expected shootability and performance from such a short bow.

The super-light arrow clocked an average speed of 305 fps, the light 299, the heavy 257. Keep in mind these are real hunting speeds, with string silencers, peep and string loop attached.

Conclusion

Mathews has done it again; in a package I wouldn't have considered had I not handled it myself. This compact little bow flat out spits an arrow out, but does so with a silky-smooth demeanor and highly forgiving nature.