The riser on the 31.5 is the same length as their flagship target bow the TRX36. To have that kind of stability in a hunting bow is something that I think we will start to see a lot of companies do in future years. Remember stability comes from the riser, not ATA length. What a awesome bow and I’m shooting mine so good that I’ve sold my traverse and I’m going to use this as my 3D bow for this year
I just bought this bow a few weeks over the Hoyt Ventum 33 and I have been a Hoyt guy for the last 15 years. What length and weight stabilizer and sidebar are you running with this setup?
Both are great bows and both would probably work for you! With a little bit of a longer draw length at 29" the 31.5 VXR might fit you a better at full draw with a better string angle cause of it's longer axle to axle. The best thing you can do is go shoot them both and see which one feels more comfortable. Best of luck Bruce!
Thanks for the review Trail. How does it compare to the older Triax? My local shop won't be able to get one in for awhile yet. Just curious if I should go ahead and get new strings on my current bow or it is worth getting a new bow. Thanks 👍👍
Hey Aaron. The ATA and more importantly the riser length on the VXR is noticeably longer than the Triax. Which, for me at a 30” draw length equates to a much more stable and accurate bow. The string angle on the Triax was too steep for me to comfortably find my anchor consistently. At your draw length, it may or may not be an issue, but for me it was. The VXR 31.5 that I have allows me to find a consistent anchor point without any movement of my head. The VXR holds steadier than the Triax due to it’s longer stiffer riser. It holds as well as several longer ATA bows I’ve owned. The VXR is also really really quiet. It’s the quietest bow I’ve ever shot and that’s not smoke and mirrors. I genuinely believe that. Draw is going to be very similar to the Triax. Speed is going to be similar. Overall, I’d suggest you shoot the VXR and see for yourself. For me, the VXR 31.5 is going to be more accurate, it’s quieter, and shock free than the Triax but should shoot it and see what you think! Glad you enjoyed the review! Trail Kreitzer goHUNT Research Manager & Gear Expert
Thank you again Trail. I do have a 30 inch draw length which is shorter than I was with my previous bow, the shorter draw length made it easier with the Triax for me to be more consistent shot to shot. I will definitely try out the VXR 31.5 when I can, again I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question and make this video. 👍👍
@@aaronwilder9992 You are very welcome! If you have any other questions. I'd be more than happy to help you out. One thought would be great to take your Triax and bring it with you when you go to a shop. That way you can do a side by side test. Both are great bows and each year it's amazing how a few new features, can make a bow even better. We live in a great age for bow technology! Trail Kreitzer goHUNT Research Manager & Gear Expert
Great review, I was curious. I have a 31 inch draw, do you think the string angle would be an issue with such a short ATA? It's a blessing and a curse on those long draws
My draw length is 30" and I feel really comfortable with the string angle on this bow. In saying that, this is the shortest bow I have ever owned that I felt that way about. At 31" I would encourage you to visit a local pro shop and shoot it. You may find it comfortable without moving your head down and into the peep but I have suspicions that it might be a smidgen too steep at that length. I would also encourage you to shoot the Traverse. Hope that helps!
Trail, Great review. I’ve noticed in several of your videos some type of grip device you’re using. The blue thing that attaches to your thumb and middle finger and wraps around the grip. Is that for torque, or is it something else? Do you have a video discussing it, and is it available in the store? Thanks
Hi Brody, yeah that's just a finger sling. I use it Instead of a traditional wrist sling that most bowhunters are familiar with. It goes from your thumb, around the front of the riser, and then attaches to your middle finger. Same as a wrist sling, it's to ensure that you don't drop your bow when executing proper follow through. Essentially you want to deaden that bow hand, let the bow sit without any tension in your grip, and then allow the bow to jump forward and do it's thing on the shot. Let it follow through and the finger sling just helps so you don't drop your bow. I don't like the feel of a wrist sling and I also like that the finger sling keeps me connected to my bow even when I'm hiking and carrying my bow. We sell them in our gear shop, link below. shop.gohunt.com/collections/archery/products/aae-super-sling-finger-sling
It's an Outdoor Vision Ridgeline harness and the Sightline rangefinder pouch. shop.gohunt.com/collections/gear/products/outdoor-vision-ridgetop-binocular-harness
You didn't mention that Mathews offers side plates for those who want to shoot off the riser rather than use the full Engage grip. Side plates look a little nicer than athletic grip wrap or tape. Nice review, though.
They do indeed offer side plates and it's a nice option although not the same as shooting off the riser itself. The side plates on the shelf side of a right handed bow still pushes out away from the riser similar to the engage grip. That's the portion of both the side plates and the grip that I don't love, it feels to me like it pushes my hand out away and I prefer the feel of getting up into the grip. Hope that helps!
Trail was using the Mathews Flatline stabilizers during this video. He recently got back from hunting in Wisconsin for whitetails with the VXR, and for that hunt he was using a 12” Bee Stinger MicroHex stabilizer with 3 oz of weight on a 10-degree quick disconnect and a 10” Bee Stinger MicroHex back bar with 7 oz of weight on the Mathews Adjustable V-Bar bracket. Both stabilizers are great on this bow!
The traverse has a better angle given that it's 1.5" longer ATA but even at my 30" draw length I had no issues finding my anchor points without moving my head down into the string with the VXR 31.5. I still have nose to string, string to corner of my mouth, and my release hand anchor is still comfortable and easily repeatable.
My Vertix is very top heavy and wants to lean to the right at full draw, so I'm constantly fighting to keep it level, even with a backbar. Have they fixed the top-heaviness with the VXR?
I personally feel like the Vertix balances very well and feels great compared to the Halon series when I tested those a few years ago. They felt very top heavy to me. Everybody has a very subjective opinion about how a bow "feels" to them and is just something you need to find out for yourself.
Al Bundy I used a 10” Mathews flatline in the front with a bee stinger quick disconnect (makes it about 1.5” longer) and the 6” flatline in the back, using Mathews new adjustable rear mount (you can swing it in/out and up/down, which helps you balance the bow exactly). Make sure you do a second and third axis leveling to get your sight bubble exactly level first, then use the stabilizer to balance the bow left to right while at full draw. The end goal is to get the bow to balance level (using the sight bubble level) at full draw with a relaxed hand on the bow grip. Balancing the bow will remove any hand torque on the grip and improve shot accuracy.
@@jakeharper6557 defently true I never ran a rear stabilizer before on any of my bows and the vertix balances pretty well without any stabs on it for me anyway but I like to try new things out I got 3 beestingers already just need to get that bracket have you tried the counter slide stabilizer thought about buying one of those
It’s a binocular pouch in the middle and on the side Im assuming it’s a pouch for a range finder they can go as cheap as 30$ and up so look up archery chest pack
That is the Outdoor Vision Bino Harness with Leica Noctivid 10x42 binos. You can check them out here: shop.gohunt.com/products/leica-noctivid-10x42-binocular shop.gohunt.com/collections/outdoor-vision
In my opinion it sits almost dead level at full draw. At rest it is ever so slightly heavier at the top with a light lean forward. I would say the VXR is not heavy, it's on par with most other bows out there of a similar size. Personally, I find a heavier bow holds better and is quieter.
Not this bow.mathews has a great history of being top heavy but this bow, well the 28 is balanced perfectly. Mines on order and my wife orders hers Tomm.
It's an Outdoor Vision Ridgeline harness and the Sightline rangefinder pouch. shop.gohunt.com/collections/gear/products/outdoor-vision-ridgetop-binocular-harness
So, I am confused. Twenty seconds into the video you said you have shot the bow for about a month but at the 3 min. 14 sec point you state that you haven't had a chance to shoot it to see how fast it shoots? I enjoyed the rest of your review, just confused by the conflicting statement.
Right, thanks for the feedback. I have been shooting the bow for the month but I haven't shot it through a chrono to see what kind of speeds it was getting. I also wasn't given the full set of specs when I received the bow. I can tell you now that it IBO's at 344 FPS. Hopefully that answers the question...all the best!
Hi there, we had a chance to play with a set of the Mathews Flatline stabilizers and they are really nice. Like most stabilizers you have the ability to add weights and the dampening technology is a nice touch to quiet them down. My own personal stabilizer setup is a Beestinger Micohex 12" front bar with 3oz of weight on a 10 degree quick disconnect. I also shoot a Beestinger Microhex 10" backbar with 7 or 8 oz of weight, mounted from a Mathews adjustable v-bar mount. Hope that helps.
In my opinion it sits almost dead level at full draw. At rest it is ever so slightly heavier at the top with a light lean forward. I did end up with a 10 degree front disconnect and a 12" bar with 3 ounces of weight and then a 10" backbar with 7 ounces of weight and a bit more down turn on that back bar to balance it out.
Dont get me wrong i have a Hoyt RX4 an love it. But i also love the competition. And im in love with that cool sling feature. Smart innovation. That draw seems so smooth.
The riser on the 31.5 is the same length as their flagship target bow the TRX36. To have that kind of stability in a hunting bow is something that I think we will start to see a lot of companies do in future years. Remember stability comes from the riser, not ATA length. What a awesome bow and I’m shooting mine so good that I’ve sold my traverse and I’m going to use this as my 3D bow for this year
I just bought this bow a few weeks over the Hoyt Ventum 33 and I have been a Hoyt guy for the last 15 years. What length and weight stabilizer and sidebar are you running with this setup?
I’m a 29” draw length should I go with the 31.5 over the 28?
Both are great bows and both would probably work for you! With a little bit of a longer draw length at 29" the 31.5 VXR might fit you a better at full draw with a better string angle cause of it's longer axle to axle. The best thing you can do is go shoot them both and see which one feels more comfortable. Best of luck Bruce!
Thanks for the review Trail. How does it compare to the older Triax?
My local shop won't be able to get one in for awhile yet. Just curious if I should go ahead and get new strings on my current bow or it is worth getting a new bow. Thanks 👍👍
Hey Aaron. The ATA and more importantly the riser length on the VXR is noticeably longer than the Triax. Which, for me at a 30” draw length equates to a much more stable and accurate bow. The string angle on the Triax was too steep for me to comfortably find my anchor consistently. At your draw length, it may or may not be an issue, but for me it was. The VXR 31.5 that I have allows me to find a consistent anchor point without any movement of my head. The VXR holds steadier than the Triax due to it’s longer stiffer riser. It holds as well as several longer ATA bows I’ve owned. The VXR is also really really quiet. It’s the quietest bow I’ve ever shot and that’s not smoke and mirrors. I genuinely believe that. Draw is going to be very similar to the Triax. Speed is going to be similar. Overall, I’d suggest you shoot the VXR and see for yourself. For me, the VXR 31.5 is going to be more accurate, it’s quieter, and shock free than the Triax but should shoot it and see what you think!
Glad you enjoyed the review!
Trail Kreitzer
goHUNT Research Manager & Gear Expert
Thank you again Trail.
I do have a 30 inch draw length which is shorter than I was with my previous bow, the shorter draw length made it easier with the Triax for me to be more consistent shot to shot. I will definitely try out the VXR 31.5 when I can, again I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question and make this video. 👍👍
@@aaronwilder9992 You are very welcome! If you have any other questions. I'd be more than happy to help you out. One thought would be great to take your Triax and bring it with you when you go to a shop. That way you can do a side by side test. Both are great bows and each year it's amazing how a few new features, can make a bow even better. We live in a great age for bow technology!
Trail Kreitzer
goHUNT Research Manager & Gear Expert
Great review, I was curious. I have a 31 inch draw, do you think the string angle would be an issue with such a short ATA? It's a blessing and a curse on those long draws
My draw length is 30" and I feel really comfortable with the string angle on this bow. In saying that, this is the shortest bow I have ever owned that I felt that way about. At 31" I would encourage you to visit a local pro shop and shoot it. You may find it comfortable without moving your head down and into the peep but I have suspicions that it might be a smidgen too steep at that length. I would also encourage you to shoot the Traverse. Hope that helps!
If you have a 30” draw the Atlas would be the way to go
Trail,
Great review. I’ve noticed in several of your videos some type of grip device you’re using. The blue thing that attaches to your thumb and middle finger and wraps around the grip. Is that for torque, or is it something else? Do you have a video discussing it, and is it available in the store? Thanks
Hi Brody, yeah that's just a finger sling. I use it Instead of a traditional wrist sling that most bowhunters are familiar with. It goes from your thumb, around the front of the riser, and then attaches to your middle finger. Same as a wrist sling, it's to ensure that you don't drop your bow when executing proper follow through. Essentially you want to deaden that bow hand, let the bow sit without any tension in your grip, and then allow the bow to jump forward and do it's thing on the shot. Let it follow through and the finger sling just helps so you don't drop your bow. I don't like the feel of a wrist sling and I also like that the finger sling keeps me connected to my bow even when I'm hiking and carrying my bow. We sell them in our gear shop, link below.
shop.gohunt.com/collections/archery/products/aae-super-sling-finger-sling
Great review and bow. Which bino harness and rangefinder pouch are you wearing for this review? Thanks
They are Outdoor Vision. You can check them out here: shop.gohunt.com/collections/outdoor-vision
Hey gret vid! what harness were you wearing? Ive been looking for one and this one looks pretty good
It's an Outdoor Vision Ridgeline harness and the Sightline rangefinder pouch.
shop.gohunt.com/collections/gear/products/outdoor-vision-ridgetop-binocular-harness
You didn't mention that Mathews offers side plates for those who want to shoot off the riser rather than use the full Engage grip. Side plates look a little nicer than athletic grip wrap or tape. Nice review, though.
You are correct. Those side plates are pretty slick!
They do indeed offer side plates and it's a nice option although not the same as shooting off the riser itself. The side plates on the shelf side of a right handed bow still pushes out away from the riser similar to the engage grip. That's the portion of both the side plates and the grip that I don't love, it feels to me like it pushes my hand out away and I prefer the feel of getting up into the grip. Hope that helps!
Hey Trail, didnt you shoot a Halon X last year? If you did, how does this bow compare to the Halon X?
You are in luck, we are actually releasing a comparison video between the two bows today! Stay tuned!
Is the 31.5 heavy? I saw that it was 4.66 pounds, is that particularly heavy for a compound bow?
It’s standard for aluminum bows
Is there a noticeable difference between the vxr and the vertix in shooting
Shot one and it wasn't enough different in feel to the vertix
Definitely need to go test one out, what stabilizer are you using?
Looks like he is using a Mathews stabilizer
Trail was using the Mathews Flatline stabilizers during this video. He recently got back from hunting in Wisconsin for whitetails with the VXR, and for that hunt he was using a 12” Bee Stinger MicroHex stabilizer with 3 oz of weight on a 10-degree quick disconnect and a 10” Bee Stinger MicroHex back bar with 7 oz of weight on the Mathews Adjustable V-Bar bracket. Both stabilizers are great on this bow!
How about IBO speed comparison at each lbs mod, and subsequent arrow weights 400, 450 & up to about 500?
Thanks for the review!!
How does the string angle of VXR 31.5 compare to the Traverse ?.
The traverse has a better angle given that it's 1.5" longer ATA but even at my 30" draw length I had no issues finding my anchor points without moving my head down into the string with the VXR 31.5. I still have nose to string, string to corner of my mouth, and my release hand anchor is still comfortable and easily repeatable.
My Vertix is very top heavy and wants to lean to the right at full draw, so I'm constantly fighting to keep it level, even with a backbar. Have they fixed the top-heaviness with the VXR?
Brandon Maziarz get an adjustable rear stabilizer to balance it out. Did that on my traverse.
I personally feel like the Vertix balances very well and feels great compared to the Halon series when I tested those a few years ago. They felt very top heavy to me. Everybody has a very subjective opinion about how a bow "feels" to them and is just something you need to find out for yourself.
@@jakeharper6557 what length did you put in the back
Al Bundy
I used a 10” Mathews flatline in the front with a bee stinger quick disconnect (makes it about 1.5” longer) and the 6” flatline in the back, using Mathews new adjustable rear mount (you can swing it in/out and up/down, which helps you balance the bow exactly). Make sure you do a second and third axis leveling to get your sight bubble exactly level first, then use the stabilizer to balance the bow left to right while at full draw. The end goal is to get the bow to balance level (using the sight bubble level) at full draw with a relaxed hand on the bow grip. Balancing the bow will remove any hand torque on the grip and improve shot accuracy.
@@jakeharper6557 defently true I never ran a rear stabilizer before on any of my bows and the vertix balances pretty well without any stabs on it for me anyway but I like to try new things out I got 3 beestingers already just need to get that bracket have you tried the counter slide stabilizer thought about buying one of those
Where can i find the thing You got on your chest and what is it called
It’s a binocular pouch in the middle and on the side Im assuming it’s a pouch for a range finder they can go as cheap as 30$ and up so look up archery chest pack
@@fishingwitheddie1535 thank You bro
What kind of binoculars and range finder harness is that?
That is the Outdoor Vision Bino Harness with Leica Noctivid 10x42 binos. You can check them out here:
shop.gohunt.com/products/leica-noctivid-10x42-binocular
shop.gohunt.com/collections/outdoor-vision
Well great... now I want a mathews
haha it happens to the best of us buddy!
Isn't these bows heavy,top heavy for sure when he was carrying the bow even with a rear stabilizer,didn't Hoyt come out with that first???
In my opinion it sits almost dead level at full draw. At rest it is ever so slightly heavier at the top with a light lean forward. I would say the VXR is not heavy, it's on par with most other bows out there of a similar size. Personally, I find a heavier bow holds better and is quieter.
@@trailkreitzer9163 a Mathews trademark a little heavier,a little quieter.I have to say,their speeds are running faster than everybody so far too.
Not this bow.mathews has a great history of being top heavy but this bow, well the 28 is balanced perfectly. Mines on order and my wife orders hers Tomm.
You said you both 75% and 80% let off mods are available?
The VXR 31.5 is only avabile in 80% and 85% let-off. Sorry for the confusion.
Great review. What chest rig is that?
Outdoor vision ridgeline bino harness and the sightline rangefinder pouch
Off subject but what brand binocular case is it that he is wearing in this video if anyone knows?
Outdoor Vision. You can check it out here: shop.gohunt.com/collections/outdoor-vision
Great review thank you
Thanks for watching!
The bag you bring un the chest how do you called where you buy
It's an Outdoor Vision Ridgeline harness and the Sightline rangefinder pouch.
shop.gohunt.com/collections/gear/products/outdoor-vision-ridgetop-binocular-harness
Thnak you my Friends I Like your video
So, I am confused. Twenty seconds into the video you said you have shot the bow for about a month but at the 3 min. 14 sec point you state that you haven't had a chance to shoot it to see how fast it shoots? I enjoyed the rest of your review, just confused by the conflicting statement.
Right, thanks for the feedback. I have been shooting the bow for the month but I haven't shot it through a chrono to see what kind of speeds it was getting. I also wasn't given the full set of specs when I received the bow. I can tell you now that it IBO's at 344 FPS. Hopefully that answers the question...all the best!
Thank you for the speedy reply and clarification. And again, thank you for great delivery of info through your videos. Great job.
What’s the blue thing in your left hand?
It is a finger sling. It's similar to a wrist sling, just wraps around your fingers instead.
More info on your stabilizer setup. I see it's all mathews products?
Hi there, we had a chance to play with a set of the Mathews Flatline stabilizers and they are really nice. Like most stabilizers you have the ability to add weights and the dampening technology is a nice touch to quiet them down. My own personal stabilizer setup is a Beestinger Micohex 12" front bar with 3oz of weight on a 10 degree quick disconnect. I also shoot a Beestinger Microhex 10" backbar with 7 or 8 oz of weight, mounted from a Mathews adjustable v-bar mount. Hope that helps.
Is it top heavy?
In my opinion it sits almost dead level at full draw. At rest it is ever so slightly heavier at the top with a light lean forward. I did end up with a 10 degree front disconnect and a 12" bar with 3 ounces of weight and then a 10" backbar with 7 ounces of weight and a bit more down turn on that back bar to balance it out.
Keep hammering cam.
Haha always hammering!
What is the msrp
28" is: $1099
31.5" is: $1199
What are the stabilizers?
Those are the Mathews Flatline Stabilizers. You can check them out here: www.dropbox.com/sh/deteviguzno8h10/AACzcvMDs1So9LJzNVOZ32qpa?dl=0
Bad ass brother….
Bro said brand new grip continued over from last year.
I don't understand why you wouldn't take 5 minutes before filming to just shoot the bow.. You literally have a target next to you lol..
haha oh we shot the bow a lot!
So two take always to sum it up : it’s “cool” and it’s “little”. Probably said that 100 times.
lmao
It is a cool little bow!
I want this so bad can I have it
Second
That green is naaaasty
Very sharp!
It looks amazing
First
Dont get me wrong i have a Hoyt RX4 an love it. But i also love the competition. And im in love with that cool sling feature. Smart innovation. That draw seems so smooth.