I just jumped on the band wagon....

[Jacob Huffman]

I had an offer I couldnt refuse last night...A buddy of mine was visiting a local archery shop last night.He called me when he left around 8 p.m. They had an offer I just couldnt refuse....A 2006 Matthews Switchback, new except for store use (people test shooting it) less than 100 shots...get this $350...:yikes: I couldnt get it quick enough.I had been thinking how nice it would be to get one and then this one almost falls into my lap..I can't wait to shoot it.The only problem is now I have a new bow I just bought in october that I need to get rid of,but a couple of people are interested in it.It is a 2006 Fred Bear Element,rh,29" draw,70lbs.I have a quick tune 2000 drop away,string loop,string leeches,wrist strap and stabalizer I was thinking about asking $300 for it....Any Matthews shooters I am open to any advice you can offer about the bow...Thanks

[bigcountrysg]

I would keep the Fred Bear and Sell the Matthews. But this is just my opinion.

[FISH]

i second what bigC said. but shoot both and see which one shoots and feels best for you. remember the name doesn't make the bow. but thats a STEAL N A HALF!!

[bigcountrysg]

You could sell the matthews and get another fred bear fully decked out. Then you would have two real nice fred bear bows.

[Oct.1]

Gee,
Why not make the guy feel as though he made a big mistake.
I know many guys that shoot the Switchback and love it.
You will have to make the decision on if you like it or not.
You asked for advice so here goes.
Hope the shop you bought it from will set it up to your specifics.
Draw length, poundage, that kind of thing.
Let you shoot it before you bought it.
Also hope they gave you a new bow warrantee.
Have fun.

[bigcountrysg]

Gee,
Why not make the guy feel as though he made a big mistake.
I know many guys that shoot the Switchback and love it.
You will have to make the decision on if you like it or not.
You asked for advice so here goes.
Hope the shop you bought it from will set it up to your specifics.
Draw length, poundage, that kind of thing.
Let you shoot it before you bought it.
Also hope they gave you a new bow warrantee.
Have fun.

I just don't care for Matthews, I think they are over priced. He got a heck of a deal though a switchback for 350 even if it was a test bow from a pro-shop. That is a great deal. If I could buy one for 350. That is if I had 350 to spend on a bow.

[Jacob Huffman]

I am not sure which I will keep the Matthews or the Bear.I will probably keep both as advised just to have a back up.The price was the determining factor in the purchase.I am going back today and get it set up.I did test it out before I bought it just to see if it fit me and it did.They are pricey(sp) but like I have said I could'nt pass it up,if I like it what a steal but if I dont someone else will get a great deal on it when and if I sell it...;)

[Joe Archer]

What is the axel to axel on the Fred Bear Element? Is there anything wrong with it and what kind of shape is it in?
My oldest son needs a new bow.
<----<<<

[HunterHads]

$350:SHOCKED: I sure wish I could find that deal!.... Give ya $400 for it.:lol: :D

[KalamazooKid]

Funny how he doesn't buy someone else's "choice" of bow and he gets crap for it!:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Give me a break!

I absolutely LOVE my original switchback and if I was you I'd deck it out just like mine (pic in gallery)! Cause you know, it's the ONLY way to do it - any other way would just be WRONG!:lol:

(Yes, sarcasm INTENDED!)

[sullyxlh]

$350:SHOCKED: I sure wish I could find that deal!.... Give ya $400 for it.:lol: :D
I second that,I'll give ya $450:lol: ,no but seriously sell the bear and don't look back,the SB is top dog for a reason...

[bigrackmack]

You know its all about which bow you like better, shoot the Mathews and if ya like it, which I'm sure you will....dump the Bear and set up the Switchback....I used to shoot all Hoyt Bows over the years....until I picked up a Mathews and it was like night and day.....Still have my Hoyt ultratech for a back up,but I would have a hard time shooting it now....I love my Switchback, and at a time I thought Mathews were a little expensive.....But its worth every penny when it comes time to punch a hole in a bucks pump station.....Hey Bigcounty wasn't that you that had a post about some old Browning bow that you were attached too? a "02" was it?....Been alot of changes since then....get out and try some knew stuff before you start bashing it....Have you even shot a Mathews because if you have I don't think you would be bashing them like you are....jusy my 2 cents......Mack

[Michihunter]

Keep em both!! They're both great bows in their own right. And besides, a man can never have too many toys!!;)

[DirtySteve]

I don't really agree with you about having to shoot it to bash it. THere is alot more to how the bow feels... I think mathews bow shoot nicely. THey are very quiet as well. I just think the money and materials that mathews puts into there products is inferior to the competition. I think they get away with it because the built a name on the solo cam and they dump more money into advertising than any other company. THey are seling you a $400-500 bow for $700+. That is the reason I am not a big fan. They have a lot of design flaws in their bows...mostly materials. They make up for it by adding "harmonic balancers" and "String Suppressors" to make the bow feel good and sound quiet to the customer. The problem is the vibration is there before it is dampened and you lose energy efficiency.

THe bows are accurate and they feel good...that I would agree. But you are getting the performance of a bow that costs several hundred dollars less.


THat being said i think that Buying a switchback for $350 is a great deal and I would have purchased it as well. I think their bows are worth about $400. And the mathews name has great resale value if you ever want to sell it.

[TnRidge]

You did good on the Mathews , and I'm not a Mathews shooter .;)

[archerjustin]

Keep them both! I'ts always good to have a backup bow if you're a seroius hunter. You'll love the Mathews, trust me, nice pull at $350.00!!

[spotkiller]

keep them both, i've been dedicated to pearson bows for 20 years and if ida ran across that deal on the mathews I'd own it!!! CONGRATS ON THE NEW BOW!! KEEPEM IN THE KILL,SPOTKILLER

[plugger]

I have always been kinda anti mathews, over priced, over hyped ect. Two years ago I picked up a switchback at the local shop and shot it just goofing around. After I shot the bow there was no question it was the bow for me. I am impressed with the bow.

[don]

I don't really agree with you about having to shoot it to bash it. THere is alot more to how the bow feels... I think mathews bow shoot nicely. THey are very quiet as well. I just think the money and materials that mathews puts into there products is inferior to the competition. I think they get away with it because the built a name on the solo cam and they dump more money into advertising than any other company. THey are seling you a $400-500 bow for $700+. That is the reason I am not a big fan. They have a lot of design flaws in their bows...mostly materials. They make up for it by adding "harmonic balancers" and "String Suppressors" to make the bow feel good and sound quiet to the customer. The problem is the vibration is there before it is dampened and you lose energy efficiency.

THe bows are accurate and they feel good...that I would agree. But you are getting the performance of a bow that costs several hundred dollars less.


THat being said i think that Buying a switchback for $350 is a great deal and I would have purchased it as well. I think their bows are worth about $400. And the mathews name has great resale value if you ever want to sell it.
It's kinda Cadillac vs Chevy. Both get you there.Just a matter of how you like to arrive. Keep the Mathews,you wont regret it.

[swampstand]

Go ahead, shoot both. I GUARANTEE there will be no comparison. Switchback is oh so sweet.

Welcome to the dark side.

You got a hell of a deal and I'm jealous.

[greatprohunter]

I can not resist.... Sell them both and buy a real bow.........
HOYT

[chrisu]

I can not resist.... Sell them both and buy a real bow.........
HOYT

I was thinking the same thing! :lol: I have a 9 year old Hoyt I'd sell for $300!

You got a great deal on a solid bow - enjoy whichever one you take game with!

[glockman55]

Good deal, I would keep the Mathews, twice the bow the bear is..:lol:
Enjoy it.