Mathews Monster Chill Review

March 07, 2013 By Jon E. Silks

The Mathews McPherson Series line of bows is Matt McPherson's playground in the two-cam market. He loves to create and improve current designs and brings his considerable engineering expertise to the table as his company pulls it all together for an impressive package in the Monster Chill.

The Chill's DYAD AVS cam system combines speed and comfort while the past-parallel Quad V-Lock limbs, along with numerous vibration damping features, tame and quiet the shot. Mathews' GeoGrid riser, Reverse Assist Roller Guard and Focus grip complete the lightweight package.

Power Generation

Mathews features its new DYAD AVS (Advanced Vectoring System) cam system on the Monster Chill. Dual perimeter weights, also called metal inertia disks, are strategically placed on the perimeter of the cams so they surge in the opposite direction of the fired limbs, significantly counteracting momentum and reducing recoil and noise while enhancing speed.

In this new system, the split cable ends loop around a set of special, two-part wheels on either side of the cam. The outer wheel remains stationary in terms of rotation while the inner wheel, which is not centered on the axle, rotates and rises as the archer starts the draw cycle, increasing stored energy. It then drops back closer to the limb at full draw, increasing letoff.

This essentially moves the force vector from one side of the axle to the other during the draw cycle. Mathews uses this technology to enhance the draw-force curve (balanced blend of comfort and performance) and store more energy (power). This system also terminates the ends of each cable to the opposite cam, forcing the system to work in sync and thereby automatically correcting any imbalances. This translates into dependability for the archer.

The DYAD AVS cam system rides on sealed bearings and stainless steel axles, producing 80 percent letoff. It accommodates draw lengths from 25-30 inches, in half-inch increments, through a series of modules.

Energy Management

Once you have the system in place to produce the power, you then need to manage it. A dynamic efficiency well in exces of 80 percent means most of the bow's energy is transferred to your arrow. However, there is still some leftover foce that needs to be managed. Mathews begins the fight against shock, vibration and noise by outfitting the Chill with a set of past-parallel split limbs, which move in opposite directions at the shot to cancel unwanted energy.

The riser is home to a Harmonic Damper on the upper section and a Harmonic Stabilizer Lite on the lower section. Their benefits are well documented with testimony and demonstrations easily found online. Mathews' String Stop Lite "catches" the string at the shot and reduces oscillation, which in turn reduces noise. Monkey Tails on the string drastically reduce vibration and noise while decreasing arrow speed by just 1-2 feet per second. Positioned right next to the Monkey Tails, String Grubs actually cause an increase in speed.

Smart Grid

Mathews doesn't use a grid pattern riser design just for looks — it has a purpose; several really. This new version of the Grid Lock riser follows the geometry of the handle, which is why it is named GeoGrid. Mathews was able to reduce the weight even further while maintaining an ultra-rigid platform. Also, it adds a measure of concealment in the field when viewed from the side and combined with Lost Camo. Separate quiver attachment fixtures are available as they are not built into this riser.

The Focus Grip is clearly functional, as Levi Morgan won two world championships with it. A small design reduces contact with the shooter's hand, thereby lowering the possibility of hand torque. The rubber material also adds comfort and warmth. Last but not least, the Reverse Assist Roller Guard wraps the cables around the rollers on the side closest to the archer, which decreases friction and torque on the cables as compared to traditional systems. In turn, that increases efficiency and makes the draw smoother.

Impressions

I believe the lightweight Chill is one of 2013's top bows. Packed with high-end technologies, it is fast, quiet, easy to draw and has little report (shock, vibration and noise) when shot. The Focus grip is proven and functional. One of the best tests for any bow is whether it is fun to shoot, and I had fun shooting the Chill.

BowTech Destroyer 350

BowTech has brought the Destroyer 350 — its groundbreaking flagship bow from 2010 — back as a limited edition series for 2013. The Destroyer 350 was one of the best-selling bows in BowTech history, thanks to a trio of industry-changing technologies; Hard Core Limbs that combine durability with maximum speeds, the FLX-Guard cable-containment system that dramatically reduces riser torque and the Over Drive Binary Cam system for symmetry, synchronization and stability at the shot.

Available in limited quantities, the Destroyer 350 LE weighs 4.1 pounds, has 80 percent let off, measures 32€‰3„8 inches between the axles, has a 6-inch brace height and an IBO speed rating of 350 fps. It has a draw-weight range of 60-70 pounds and can accommodate draw lengths from 25-30 inches. It is available only in Black Ops finish with custom, limited-edition limb graphics.

MSRP: $849

Prime Impact

G5 Outdoors has turned plenty of heads with the exclusive Parallel Cam Technology on its Prime bows, and the 2013 Impact is sure to leave its mark on bowhunters. Like all Prime bows, the hallmark of the 35-inch Impact is its parallel cams, which distribute the load of the draw force equally on each side of the cable, virtually eliminating cam lean.

As a result, Prime bows enjoy reduced horizontal nock travel for better accuracy and reduced limb fatigue for enhanced durability. The Impact's new PCX cam produces an IBO speed rating of 340 fps with a 6€‰¼-inch brace height, and it's forged, 7000 series aluminum riser is among the stiffest in the business. Other highlights include C-1 Laminated Limbs, Gore Fiber string and cables, removable anti-torque grip and the TI-Glide flexible titanium cable guard system that reduces cam lean by 25 percent. The Impact weighs 4.5 pounds, offers draw lengths from 26-30 inches and peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds.

MSRP: $949

PSE Prophecy

PSE says its new Prophecy is the fastest single-cam rig ever created. The Prophecy's high-performance single-cam system provides a smooth draw while still producing an IBO speed rating of 340 fps. Other highlights include PSE's Planar Flex riser, past parallel split limbs, B.E.S.T Raptor Grip and Backstop 2 string dampener. The Prophecy has a 6-inch brace height, measures 32 inches between the axles, weighs 4.1 pounds and has 75 percent letoff. It can accommodate draw lengths from 25-30 inches and is available with peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds.

MSRP: $699

Hoyt Spider 30

Hoyt's engineering team of die-hard bowhunters combined years of field experience with technological wizardry to create the all-new Spyder 30. To provide extreme stealth at the shot, Hoyt created patent-pending AirShox Technology. The AirShox dampeners are mounted to the limb pockets, allowing the limbs to pull away at full draw and then be cushioned by the AirShox as they spring back into place upon release.

To boost maneuverability, Hoyt trimmed the Spyder 30's axle-to-axle measurement to just 30 inches, making it the most compact Hoyt rig ever. And to generate the power needed to make a lethal strike, Hoyt included its RKT Cam and ½ that produces an IBO speed rating of 330 fps. The Spyder 30 also features Hoyt's TEC Lite Riser, XTS Pro ARC limbs, Fuse Custom Strings, In-Line Roller Guard, Pro-Fit Custom Grip, Silent Shelf Technology and more. The Spyder 30 weighs 3.8 pounds, has a 6€‰¾-inch brace height, can accommodate draw lengths from 24€‰1„2-30 inches and is available with peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds. Finish options include Realtree Xtra, Realtree MAX-1, Black Out and many others.

MSRP: $999

Elite Hunter

With an all-new riser and cam system, smoother draw and wider range of draw lengths, the 2013 Hunter from Elite Archery offers plenty of exciting upgrades from the original. Elite President Peter Crawford said the Hunter's new cams offer the company's smoothest-drawing bow to date, while a more parallel limb configuration creates a truly 'dead in hand ' feel at the shot.

Maneuverability is excellent thanks to the Hunter's 31€‰½-inch axle-to-axle length, and archers will enjoy plenty of forgiveness via the rig's generous, 7€‰¾-inch brace height. Despite all those features designed to enhance shootability, the Hunter still powers arrows at more than respectable IBO speeds of 323-326 fps. Another highlight is Elite's exclusive 'dwell zone, ' a wide spot in the valley that makes taking aim at trophy game extremely comfortable.

The 4.3-pound Hunter comes with Winner's Choice Custom Bowstrings and is available in draw lengths from 25-31 inches and with peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds.

MSRP: $899

Mathews Creed

Hardcore bowhunters can put their faith in the all-new, split-limb Mathews Creed, featuring the company's legendary Solocam technology. Powered by the new SimPlex Cam, Mathews says the Creed is the smoothest-drawing single-cam bow ever created, yet it still produces IBO speeds up to 328 fps.

It's also balanced, lightweight at just 3.85 pounds, quiet and accurate. Other highlights include the Geo Grid Lock Riser, Reverse Assist Roller Guard, Rich Walnut SlimFit Inline Grip, Dead End String Stop Lite and Mathews Harmonic Stabilizer Lite.

The Creed measures 30 inches between the axles and has a 7-inch brace height with 80 percent letoff. It can accommodate draw lengths from 26-30 inches and is available with peak draw weights of 50-70 pounds. Finish options include Lost Camo, Black and Tactical.

MSRP: $999

Martin Alien

Weighing a feathery 3.5 pounds and boasting an IBO speed rating of up to 335 fps, Martin Archery's 2013 split-limb Alien is the company's sleekest, most advanced bow ever, making it easy to tune and shoot thanks to a forgiving, 7-inch brace height.

Other highlights include a CNC machined solid aluminum riser, Nitro 3 Hybrid Cams, X4 Twin Limbs, three VEM Vibration Vortex Modules, Carbon Stealth STS string stop, Martin Cable Containment System, Saddleback Thermal Grip and Silent Hunter Arrow Shelf. The 32-inch axle-to-axle Alien offers draw lengths from 25€‰½-30€‰½ inches and peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds, with 15 pounds of downward adjustment.

MSRP: $799.99

APA Viper Nano

The new Viper Nano from APA Innovations measures just 30 inches between the axles but boasts a blistering 330 fps IBO speed rating and a forgiving, 7€‰¼-inch brace height. The Viper Nano is APA's smoothest, most efficient, single-cam bow ever, thanks to the new Venom V2 Cam, which offers eight inches of draw-length adjustment in half-inch increments.

The cam also features a positive draw stop for a rock-solid back wall. The Viper Nano comes standard with Scorpion Strings. The riser has a built-in, balanced carrying handle, and APA's Fang Riser features an incorporated limb hook that allows you to easily store your bow while on stand. Also standard on APA bows is the multi-function tool center that features a nock wrench, broadhead wrench, carbide sharpener and cam lock built into the riser. The cam lock allows you to lock the cams and replace the string or cable in the field without a bow press. Shown in optional Snakeskin Stealth finish.

MSRP: $899

Hoyt Carbon Element G3

Hoyt's renowned carbon riser technology is back and better than ever for 2013. The new Carbon Element G3 features the same short and sweet 31€‰1„2-inch axle-to-axle length that has made this bow a favorite among bowhunters along with the all-new, patent-pending AirShox limb dampeners for deadly silence at the shot. The Carbon Element G3 is powered by Hoyt's fast and smooth RKT Cam and ½ system and boasts an IBO speed rating of 332 fps.

The carbon riser helps hold the rig's mass weight to just 3.6 pounds yet offers the strength to stand up to severe abuse in the field. The Carbon Element G3 has a 6€‰¾-inch brace height, can accommodate draw lengths from 24€‰1„2-30 inches and is available with peak draw weights of 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 80 pounds. Other highlights include Hoyt's XTS Pro ARC limbs, Fuse Custom Strings, In-Line Roller Guard, Pro-Fit Custom Grip, Silent Shelf Technology and more. Finish options include Realtree Xtra, Realtree MAX-1, black and more.

MSRP: [imo-slideshow gallery= 24],499

Ross XD

At 30€‰1„2 inches between the axles and just 3.16 pounds, the Ross XD (Xtreme Devastation) proves you can pack a lot of performance into a small package. In addition to being one of the lightest hunting bows on the market, the XD features an IBO speed rating of 320 fps with a silky smooth draw and solid back wall, ensuring you will be able to execute a perfect shot during the moment of truth.

The Ross XD has a 7€‰½-inch brace height, 80 percent letoff and can accommodate draw lengths from 26-31 inches. It's available with peak draw weights of 50, 60 or 70 pounds. Finish options include Realtree AP camo or Stealth Black.

MSRP: $524.99