Jerry,
Yuo know where I stand on this one!
Hey and I actually like Mathews bows.
I'd definitely shoot both if I could......they should actually be pretty close in "Feel". They have similar designs......well riser/limb configurations anyway. ANd they have the same ATA length and near identical brace heights.
I think I'd wait to see how the whole "Roller Guard Thingamajiggy" pans out for Mathews first......that idea didn't make it before when it was tried, plus I'm not sure how it would react in the harsh climate you hunt in.
SOmething to think about.
I would check everything VS the other .....draw weight and length (don't just assume it's a 29"
, shoot em' thru a chrono and check speeds.......if Mathews is saying 308, it better do pretty near 296-298at 29" for you with just a brass nockset.
The BowTech WILL do advertised speed.....or it doesn't ever leave the factory. They advertise 312-320, so expect an IBO of about 315-316 on average.......that will mean 305fps or so at 29".
I find it odd that BowTech still continues to be the ONLY bow manufacturer to let people shoot thru a chronograph at the AMO show? They measure the draw length, weight, and brace height......then let you shoot it thru the chrono to SEE the speed.
I guess the others don't need to prove anything huh?
Again check them.......I've owned Mathews bows, they shot nice and I liked them a lot, but none has shot the speeds advertised.....even with a little longer draw length than advertised.
Speed isn't EVERYTHING.....but it translates into more KE for those "Bunnies and squirrels" you hunt up there.<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
BowTech uses the finest strings and cables in the industry....."Winners Choice". They are top of the line, will not stretch (pre-stretched before installation)and will help you keep the Patriot in tune easier than the Mathews.......As an example my Mathews Ultra Max's string stretched out almost a full inch in a few months.....this caused me to have to lower the draw length by switching to the last 'Peg' on the cam, which cost me the original speed and efficiency that I had purchased.
With the Winner's Choice stuff.....you buy a 29", and it STAYS a 29".
The Patriot also has a lifetime warranty on their bows except on string/cable, and finish.
You're gonna have to make the decision for yourself......I just think the Patriot has the edge in every way over any bow Mathews has in their line-up. Quality of components, Fit and Finish, Speed.....How you rate them side by side is gonna be personal.
Here's a link to a write up describing the Patriot when it was first introduced.....
http://www.bowhunting.net/eMagazine/...h-Patriot.html
I'm hearing nothing but rave reviews for this bow all over from people who shot it at the AMO show......and to be honest I haven't heard anything positive about Mathews offerings, not saying that their isn't(and maybe I'm not looking
......but the word is that this Patriot may be the bow to beat this year.
I don't think you could go wrong either way.....Their both quality bows,I'm just convinced that BowTech is a BETTER made and BETTER performing bow.....plus like I said I'd be a little leary of that "Roller" deal for a bit.
If I were you I'd almost compare the "Patriot" to a "Q2".....I know the Patriot is also a "First YEar" offering, but it just sounds like more potentially go wrong with the Lagacy VS. the Q2 or the Patriot.
It'll be an interesting choice......I'll be anxious to hear the results.
Edited by - Matt / PA on 02/01/2002 20:11:20