2011 matheWS Z7 Xtreme

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http:// /gettag.mobi gettag.mobi http:/ Mathews is to archery like Michael Jordan is to basketball. It’s just that simple. Since bursting onto the scene in 1992, Mathews has been a force to be reckoned with. Archers across the globe have fallen in love with the company’s innovation, “People first and business second” motto and, of course, the ingenious Solocam. Today, it’s easy to look at the monstrous Mathews warehouse, its massive ad campaigns and over 300 employees and forget the company’s humble beginnings. In its infancy, Mathews had only two employees, but it was the vision of Matt McPherson and his first employee Joel Maxfield that paved the way for what it has become. Much has changed during Mathews’ tenure in the archery industry, but its commitment to people, excellence and innovation and its undeniable ability to meet and exceed archers’ expectations has been a constant. That is something to admire. In 2010 Mathews sent chills through the archery world with the unveiling of the Mathews Z7. The Z7 was a different bow with a different look. Archers craved its stylish design and marveled at the bow’s smooth feel, stealth, speed and accuracy. The distinctive red line down the center of the Z7 Xtreme’s grip The bow’s Grid Lock Riser was distinctive indicates the exact centerline of the and gave the bow character. Newly added bow, and that indication aids meaMonkey Tails hushed string and cable surably in bow setup and tuning. noise. Then there was the revolutionary Reverse Assist Roller Guard, which created a smooth, friction-free draw. Now, in 2011, things are already shaping up to be another banner year. Mathews has released an all-new Z-Series bow lineup. Archers are already abuzz about these bows and are piling into bow shops to test and purchase Located in the lower Harmonic Damper on their favorites. Speed freaks the Z7 Xtreme is a cutting-edge Harmonic will be awestruck by the new Stabilizer. This small, integrated stabilizer 2011 Mathews Z7 Magnum. further dampens shot vibration and noise Measuring 32 inches from while better balancing the bow.

2011 Mathews Z7 Xtreme

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axle to axle (ATA), this rocket has a 340 feet-persecond IBO Rating. Long-armed archers will appreciate the 2011 Mathews Z9, which can accommodate draw lengths up to 32 inches. This smooth machine has a generous brace height and a 312 IBO Rating. The 2011 Mathews eZ7 serves up a smooth draw and boasts a respectable 321 IBO Rating. Last but definitely not least is the sweet-shooting 2011 Mathews Z7 Xtreme. Born from the original Z7, the Xtreme is notably more compact at just 28 inches ATA. This bow is an eyepopper packed with innovation. Like its predecessor, the 2011 Mathews Z7 Xtreme will serve as the company’s flagship bow, and that’s a good ship to be on.

Why Go Compact?

As a bowhunter I appreciate the benefits that stem from a compact bow. Honestly, I can’t think of a hunting situation where a short design doesn’t come in handy. At just 28 inches from axle to axle, the 2011 Mathews Z7 Xtreme is in a word…handy. The ultra-compact design will prove beneficial whether one is high in a tangled tree, stalking in rough terrain or concealed in a ground blind. During field-testing I found the Z7 Xtreme could overcome any situation I threw at it. It was easily maneuverable inside of a ground blind, traveled well through thick buck brush, slid effortlessly between tree limbs to achieve once impossible shooting lanes and fired flawlessly from awkward body positions. Game should fear this bow. Weight is another big concern for bowhunters. Fortunately, the Z7 Xtreme eliminates that concern. This compact rig weighs just over 4 pounds. This bow will travel well in the depths of the backcountry and pull effortlessly in any treestand.

Smooth Operator

I’ve always been a short-bow fan. I love the way they travel with me while hunting, and I seem to shoot them more accurately. The 2011 Mathews Z7 Xtreme has only increased my love affair with short bows. Some will argue that short axle-to-axle bow designs hinder performance, and I agree that there are some examples of poorly performing compact bows. However, the Z7 Xtreme is not one of those bows. This bow is a nail driver. The rock-solid riser is stable and promotes great balance at all times. Drawing the bow is so pleasing it’s almost poetic.

2011 Mathews Z7 Xtreme ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Axle-to-Axle Length

28 inches

Brace Height

7.4 inches

Grip Throat Circumference 4.1 inches

arrow speed

2011 Mathews Z7 Xtreme set at 29 inches (by factory) and adjusted to 70 pounds

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 28-Inch Test Arrows

Shaft Gr/In

Arrow Weight

Kinetic Energy

Arrow Speed

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Easton XX78 Alloy 2512

10.3

448 gr.

78.6

281 fps

Easton Full Metal Jacket 400

10.2

426 gr.

78.5

288 fps

Carbon Express Aramid KV 350

9.8

415 gr.

78.5

292 fps

9.5

411 gr.

78.9

294 fps

Test Bow Mass Weight

4 pounds 7 ounces

Carbon Tech Whitetail 65/80 Carbon Express Maxima Hunter 350

8.9

398 gr.

78.5

298 fps

Test Bow Letoff

80%

Easton ST Axis N-Fused 400

9.0

392 gr.

78.4

300 fps

Beman ICS Hunter Elite 400

8.4

390 gr.

78.4

301 fps

Gold Tip XT Hunter 55/75

8.2

385 gr.

78.0

302 fps

8.1

376 gr.

77.7

305 fps

Draw Lengths

24 to 30 inches

Draw Weights

40#, 50#, 60#, 65#, 70#

PSE Radial X Weave Hunter 300 Gold Tip Ultralight Pro 400

7.4

361 gr.

77.1

310 fps

Colors

Lost Camo, Black or Tactical

Carbon Tech Cheetah 400

6.4

346 gr.

76.3

315 fps

Easton FlatLine 400

7.4

344 gr.

76.3

316 fps

High Country Speed Pro Max

5.5

303 gr.

75.1

334 fps

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For more information, log onto mathewsinc.com or call Mathews at (608) 269-2728.

The Z7 Xtreme comes back with a smooth, gentle ease before breaking over into a perfect letoff. The bow is equally easy to let down. As a hunter I truly value this fact. Letting down in the field is common, and I detest when the bow all but pulls my shoulder out of socket. Speed is always a hot topic amongst bowhunters. Some shorter bows lack speed, but with the 2011 Mathews Z7 Xtreme, it’s part of the package. Check out the included Arrow Speed Chart for proof that speed is not compromised with this bow. Most importantly, the pinpoint accuracy Mathews is legendary for is found in the Z7 Xtreme. This bow is balanced, quiet and vibration-free—making it the perfect ally for any hunter. Whether I was shooting at 10 yards or at 80 yards, spot-on accuracy was easy to achieve. The groundbreaking innovation and attention to detail in the Mathews Z7 Xtreme will lead to the demise of many game animals in the coming months. With every shot, limb-tip-mounted Mathews String Suppressors grab and dampen the bow’s bowstring for a quieter, more vibration-free shot.

Draw weight measured with an Easton Digital Scale, and all tests conducted with a Spot-Hogg Hooter Shooter Portable Shooting Machine and a Competition Electronics Pro Chronograph.

Classic Mathews

Mathews leaves nothing to chance when developing its bows. Everything has a purpose and a reason. Take, for instance, the stylish, airy Grid Lock Riser on the Z7 Xtreme.Yes, it looks like an advanced checkerboard, but the purpose is to enhance strength while reducing weight. In typical Mathews fashion, the riser is stable, which helps promote that coveted Mathews accuracy. This is the age of thin limbs, and each year Mathews seems to make its limbs thinner and even more durable. How is this revolutionary act achieved? The answer comes in the form of the SE5 Composite Slim Limbs on the 2011 Z7 Xtreme. They are both ultra-thin and ultra-tough. In fact, the SE Slim Limbs are Mathews’ thinnest limbs to date, but thanks to the composite material, the limbs are also extremely tough. Combine this amazing limb technology with the SphereLock Pivoting Limb Cup System and things really get interesting. This is a limb-pocket design that keeps the bow’s slim, sleek appearance while locking the limbs in perfectly. In 1992, when the Solocam first hit the industry, it turned countless heads. Well, nineteen years later, that still hasn’t changed. The Z7 Solocam eliminates synchronization issues and promotes easy, quick tuning. It also adds

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2011 Mathews Z7 Xtreme to the vintage smooth draw Mathews is renowned for. The (QCA) Quick Change Axle also make the bow a snap to work on. Could it get any better? Historically, the Mathews grip has been thickthroated. History has changed. The SlimFit InLine Wood Grip on the Mathews Z7 Xtreme is smaller through the throat. It also boasts a slimmer palm-swell area, which helps remedy shot torque. The vibrant red line parading through the center of the grip easily identifies the The soft, wide bumper of the Mathews Dead End String Stop captures and stops centershot of the bow. This allows the archer to adjust the bowstring at the shot to eliminate residual string vibration. Monkey Tails their arrow rest in and out until the arrow on the rest silencers further dull shot noise. and the bowstring line up with the red line. I told you this bow was a snap to tune. Hand-shock simply was non-existent. This is something I Roller guards are fascinating. The Reverse Assist Roller Guard truly value in a bow. It simply makes for better accuracy and adds on the Z7 Xtreme is mind-blowing. Customarily, roller guards enjoyment to each shooting regimen. It’s obvious that Mathews were developed to pull the bow’s cables inward, which creates has hit another home run with the new 2011 Z7 Xtreme. tension on both the cables and the rollers. The Reverse Assist The “hush effect” the Z7 Xtreme achieves is due in great part Roller Guard does just the opposite. As the bow is drawn, the to the bow’s Parallel Limb Design. The more parallel a bow’s cables push outward, ultimately creating less tension. This minilimbs, the more they are able to cancel each other out at the shot. mizes overall system friction and makes for a silky-smooth draw. As the arrow is released the top limb ascends in an upward motion while the bottom limb descends in a downward motion. Was There Ever Any Doubt? This results in an equal-but-opposite reaction, ultimately Several of my hunting buddies have invested in the new Mathews canceling each other out. Z7 Xtreme. They all love it, but what amazes me is that they keep Mathews has taken noise-and-vibration technology to new regurgitating the same question: “Can you believe how quiet and heights. Not only does the Z7 Xtreme have striking parallel shock-free this bow is?” My reply has been a simple, “Yes, I can.” limbs, but it also has a plethora of other noise-and-vibration Mathews has been an innovator in this arena all along, and to suppressing gadgets. me it’s just standard operating procedure. That being said, I would Located at the top and bottom of the riser are the signature like to note that the Z7 Xtreme has achieved a new level of Mathews Harmonic Dampers. The purpose of these nifty devices stealth. During field-testing I fired an array of arrows through the is to crush vibration before it reaches the archer. This is accom2011 Mathews Z7 Xtreme. Regardless of the brand or weight of plished by the weights that float in the soft elastomer wheel. On the arrow, the results were the same—deadly silence. the bottom damper we find an even heavier and larger Harmonic Stabilizer. The heavier Harmonic Stabilizer has a two-fold purpose. First, it silences noise and vibration, and second, it helps to better balance the bow after an arrow has been released. Limb-tip-mounted String Suppressors harness the string of the Z7 Xtreme, and the bow’s String Grub, located just above the bottom cam, also reduces string vibration while it springs the string forward for increased arrow velocity. Below the bow’s grip is the Dead End String Stop. This effective stop is virtually a wide sponge, which grabs the speeding bowstring, eliminating residual vibration and promoting a clean release of the arrow. The name is intriguing, but the Monkey Tails really serve an effective purpose. Added by Mathews in 2010, the Monkey Tails further hush any whisper the bow may create. One of the things I’m most impressed with is their durability. I have put the Z7 Xtreme through several rigorous workouts, and the Monkey Tails handled them with ease. Unlike other roller guards, the Mathews Reverse Assist Roller So it seems my hunting buddies—and the rest of us—have Guard pushes the cables outward so that there is less tension plenty to rave about. Was there ever any doubt? K on the cables and rollers when the bow is drawn.

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