I want to start by saying that I just want to have a good old fashioned discussion about this and I don't want anyone to get upset. Maybe I could learn something that I didn't know.

I want to know what all the hype over Mathews bows is all about. I have been shooting a bow for almost 20 years. During the majority of that time I have heard Mathews this and Mathews that. I just don't get it.

Now, I will agree that Mathews has come out with some great technology. They are the inventor of the solo cam. The roller guard is a great idea. Harmonic dampeners...also good. But I think that too much credit is given to this company.

The solo cam was next to perfect when it was introduced in the early 90's. However (and yes I am biased because I shoot one) Darton Archery holds almost all patents that most current cams are produced off of. For example, Hoyt's cam and a half was based off of the CPS system. Today's hybrid cams have been proven to out perform Mathew's solo cam (speed, smoothness, string creep, etc).

Also, why does Mathews advertise that their extras (string dampeners and such) are brand new innovations. Types of harmonic dampeners and string dampeners have been around for years. Now I see that it costs $100 for the new Mathews detachable bow quiver (that seems to be all the rage). It's nothing new and not that special.

To go along with the quiver price, I am not sure that you are not just paying for a name. I think that it is absolutely ridiculous that I would have to pay $800 to $900 for a "base model" bow. I have looked at the specs between my Darton AS300 (and I am mentioning Darton again only because that is what I have handy) compared to several Mathew's bows. The specs are nearly identical but I would have to pay $150 to $200 more for the Mathews. Why is that?

One answer that I came up with was that fact that Mathews must have very high advertising costs. In every hunting Magazine and TV show Mathews is the bow of choice. Same goes with competitive archery. Is it because the bow is that great or is it the endorsement check is that great that all the pro shooters and pro hunters shoot them?

Now, before everyone tells me to go pound sand, or tells me "if you don't like it don't shoot it" let me tell you that I have shot several Mathews bows. I just don't see what the hype is all about. I have shot almost every make of bow that is out there. I have found several that out perform Mathews. I can't be the only one. And yes, I have shot some Mathews bows that I liked...do don't think I am being completely biased against the product.

Lastly I shot the Mathews Reezen 7.0 this last deer season. Not bad, but I didn't think it felt right in my hand. Also, the cams seem to creep forward very easily. The bow belonged to my friend and he agreed with me. You don't hear any of that on the advertisements or in the bow reviews.

Now, like i stated in the beginning I do not intent to degrade the product and/or upset people. Lets have a good discussion about this. I could be wrong with some of my information and if that is the case correct me. Maybe you will make me a believer.