Frank is right, the MQ1 was released prior to the Durango. But, neither one of those models were a true "parallel" design or marketed as such, altho they did have shorter limbs with more angle. If we look at that aspect, the original Conquest released in 1997 had short, stiff limbs with an increased angle and lesser recoil, and was really the first bow to offer this. Mathews didn't start actually advertising the parallel limb design until the release of the Q2 and the Q2XL. Bowtech, of course, offered their parallel design with the release of the Patriot. Both designs offer low shock.

According to Kevin,(Strother, co-owner and designer) the new Patriot twin cam will have less shock and vibration than the original Patriot with solocam! IF this is indeed true, then it would definately be a bow to look at IMO, because if quieter, I feel it could then compete with the Mathews for quiet and low recoil, and even beat it if you add the higher tuning attributes of a twin cam into the mix! This would also be enhanced if they offer the newly-designed grips, which they have promised to update for 2003. I'm very interested in shooting one at the AMO show to see for myself what the deal is.

But then again, Mathews and other manufacturers won't be releasing their new offerings until the AMO show, so who knows what they will bring to the table? We all must remember that we are looking at only a few of the "2003" models, and cannot totally make accurate judgements on anything as far as "who's on top" until we see the full lineups from all manufacturers.

I've heard though the grapevine that there will be a few other "surprises" coming also from various manufacturers,(we hear this every year, but it seems to be greater hype this year) and I think personally I'm going to wait to see what develops in the next couple of months and what is released at the show. The show will tell all, and this could be a year of many exciting new developments from alot of different manufacturers if what I hear is any indication. Just my own thoughts, Pinwheel 12