mathews s2

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BOW REPORT BY JOE BELL

MATHEWS S2

This bow does it all—from smooth shooting, t o n o - r e c o i l , t o a m a z i n g a c c u r a c y. bout 10 years ago, while doing a field review for another magazine on the Mathews MQ-1—a new bow at the time—I experienced something I had never felt before. I witnessed a revelation in archery, a bow that was so light, so fast, so smooth, and so accurate it was almost scary. With each shot, a slight “dunk” was all I heard as my

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Unlike the hot new Mathews DXT and Drenalin, the S2 is a non-SlimLimb model. For this reason, it’s slightly heavier, a trait many bowhunters actually prefer for increased aiming stability. It has the same smooth shooting and accuracy qualities of the Drenalin, along with a 7-inch brace height and 33-inch axle length, but for about $100 less. It’s fast, too, with an IBO speed of 318 fps!

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arrows laid into the target with amazing proficiency. I even had the bow sightedin from 20 to 60 yards in a matter of minutes—another first for me. To this day, when I look at new bows with “innovative” features, I think about the MQ-1. In many ways, that bow was responsible for several inventive changes in bow design. It created standards for what the industry uses today. Now, more than a decade later, Mathews keeps belting out this same level of innovation and engineering excellence that I found to be true in the MQ-1. The perfect example is the new Mathews DXT. At 29 3/4 inches long, and only 3 3/4 pounds, how do you make a bow so small, so light, yet so smooth-shooting with a 322-fps IBO speed? Mathews once again answers with bow-making mastery. Many serious archers I know already have one and love it because it is a killer, feather-light weapon. However, this review is not on the DXT, and for this I am to blame. My tastes usually steer toward slightly longer bows, such as last year’s Drenalin or this year’s S2. Because I don’t currently use a bow quiver, and I like to build as much precision into a hunting bow as possible, I favor stability. This quality always proves beneficial on longer shots, especially the ones I always run into out west. For that reason, I ordered the S2 and not the DXT. This bow measures 33 inches axle-to-axle and has a 7-inch brace height, specs that

are on par with the popular Drenalin. However, the S2 is different; it comes with standard-size limbs, limb pockets and a machined riser, which makes it heavier, of course.

SWITCHBACK LEGACY LIVES ON Those well acquainted with Mathews’ bows will notice that the S2 is really nothing more than a next-generation Switchback—a now discontinued model—only with the latest bells and whistles. To me this is really good news, considering the Switchback was perhaps one of the best-shooting, most speed-balanced (It blends speed and forgiving qualities perfectly.) hunting bows in archery history. At 4 1/4 pounds, the S2 is an average-weight bow. Like most Mathews’ compact bows, it tips a bit forward when you hold it at arm’s length. To make it hold plumb, the fix is easy; simply add a counterweight to the string side of the riser. I use a 3inch Doinker Chubby Hunter, which quiets the bow, as well. Equipped this way, even with a 4- or 5-inch stabilizer, the bow holds well.

DRENALIN VS. S2 To get a feel for the S2 I decided to shoot it side by side with the Drenalin, a proven performer in today’s market. Of course I had already shot the Drenalin a bunch of times since I own one—what a precise little bow with skinny little limbs. The Drenalin is as accurate as any bow I’ve ever used, given it is set up with extra counterweight to increase aiming

performance. I’ve always been amazed how the SlimbLimb bows don’t emit any limb twist at full draw, even though the bottom limb doesn’t use a split-yoke cable. This is a quality I don’t find in many bows, even those with limbs nearly twice as wide. After hours of shooting, I felt the Drenalin and the S2 performed very similarly in terms of accuracy, smoothness and quietness. Only the Drenalin was about 4 feet per second faster. Both will make great hunting bows. Again, it depends on personal preference. With a bow quiver on the bow, I’d give the nod to the Drenalin—the extra 1 or 1 1/2 pound of weight will make for a nice overall package. If

shooting without a quiver on, I like the S2. The added weight is nice for aiming steadiness.

GREAT VALUE Really, with the S2 you get the

same smooth draw, same easy tuning, same accuracy, and same low-recoil performance you have in the Drenalin, only the S2 costs about $100 less. Overall, this makes it absolutely perfect in my mind.

BOTTOM LINE: Here’s a bow with ideal hunting-bow geometry— the perfect blend of speed, forgiveness, and norecoil, no-noise performance. Shoot it, and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

SPECIFICATIONS Model: S2 Manufacturer: Mathews Inc., Dept. BAH, 919 River Rd., Sparta, WI 54656; (608) 269-2728; www.mathewsinc.com Peak Draw weights: 40 to 70 pounds Draw lengths: 25 to 30 inches (25.5 to 29.5 available) Axle-to-axle length: 33 inches Limbs: solid, V-Cup limb pockets Riser: machined-aluminum Grip: Inline wood grip Eccentrics: StraightLine C1 Cam Brace Height: 7 inches Mass Weight: 4.25 pounds Advertised IBO speed: 318 fps Suggested Retail: $759 Color: Realtree AP

PERFORMANCE RATINGS True Speed: 267-fps, 27-inch draw, 69 pounds, string loop, Tru-Peep, Easton Super Slim 400 with 100-grain point, Blazer vanes—total arrow weight: 380 grains.

NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS: ■ Silky-smooth draw from start to finish. ■ Plenty of shootability and speed, all with the lowest shot recoil in the industry. ■ StraightLine C1 Cam features a comfortable valley and distinct firm wall. ■ Mathews’ innovative features, such as the String Suppressors and Harmonic Dampers, add to the bow’s incredible shooting nature.

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