I went the opposite route. I was strictly trad for the last 5 years. Had a few compounds in between but didn’t shoot a ton. Got the itch to get back into. 3 kiddos under 3, limited time in the woods and the stick bows really limit my range to 20-25 yards and in. Falling back on the compound crutch where I can double / triple my distance for pigs and deer.
Went and shot the sacario, the new dartons, lift x, last year Hoyt’s, bowtechs, everything my local shop has. They are the largest Mathew’s and Hoyt dealer in South Carolina. They were my factory dealer when I was on staff for bowtech and elite.
Nothing really “ wowed” me. Honestly a lot of the new bows draw terrible imo, the Switchweight cams feel 5-7lb heavier, super stiff, nasty hump even at 26 inches.
I start shooting some old stock bows he had in the back. 2010-2020 models of bowtechs, Hoyt’s, Mathews. That’s when I found it…
Dear sweet Jesus I understand what all the hype is about.
I left with a new in box switchback xt. 26 inch, 70lbs. Yes they are slow, I don’t care. Never had speed since my draw length is so short.
Being on bowtech staff for over a dozen years I never really got the mess with the completions bows much.
Hands down this is the smoothest, easiest drawing bow I’ve ever owned. Holds on target incredible for a 31 ata bow, and the 7.5 brace is crazy forging.
I shoot a 300 17x first night in the shop on a Vegas face, with basic Goldtip xt hunting arrows, stupid accurate.
Latest and greatest isn’t always the best imo. If Mathews would reintroduce these as a legacy or special run they would sell a boat load of em. Sooo glad I found one after all these years. Finally see why people say it’s the greatest hunting bow Mathews, or anyone for that matter has ever made.