I own both, bought the Z7 last year when it came out after shooting the Drenalin. I took 10 deer this past season with the Z7 --- and was pretty much die-hard Mathews. The Element (and previous Matrix) got my attention (thru the massive marketing) and decided to try it at my local range and really liked it. The draw cycles are totally different. The Mathews tends to feel like a deeper and quicker valley, the Element is a bit more gradual. The big difference is the wall at full draw, the Z7 is a bit more forgiving, the Element is tight. I like both appreciate the differences. I like having the option of a shorter bow for small ground blinds (Z7) and the slightly longer (and lighter) length in the Element for still hunting and tree stands. Also, the grips are wholly unique...Z7 has a thicker wood handle, Element is rubber and narrow, which feels different when wearing heavier gloves. Both are great bows, and I agree that the power of marketing and brand loyalty can have a powerful effect on our individual psyches. Both bows chrono about the same @ 70 lbs, I shoot a heavier arrow at 440 gr, but I get great speed @ around 280-285 fps. Try both, see what suits YOU, not what others say...your downed trophy doesn't know the difference.