The 31-inch Mathews V3 31 features the company’s “longest riser to axle-to-axle ratio” bow to date. A rough calculation estimates the riser’s length is 90 percent of its axle-to-axle length. Strictly for comparison, a decade-old Mathews Drenalin — collecting dust on my bow rack — riser length is 77 percent of its axle-to-axle length. I would estimate that the ratio for most recent bows is 85 percent. The bottom line: The long-riser V3 31 maneuvers well in hand, much like that of a shorter bow. (FYI: Also new for 2021 is the ultra-compact 27-inch Mathews V3 27.)

Out of the Box

As you might imagine, as I removed the bow from the box, the V3 31 appears longer than it is. Again, this is the case because of the length of the riser. Adding to the affect are the large Crosscentric cams. The new Centerguard cable containment angles downward, putting the cable’s furthest distance from the bow’s riser directly to the side of the arrow’s path. It’s easy to see how this will aid in maximizing vane clearance. The new Green Ambush finish is nicely textured on the riser and sleek on the limbs. Overall, the bow’s fit and finish is exceptional.

 

Setup

To begin, I mounted and leveled a Whisker Biscuit arrow rest and then tied on a D-loop. Next, I bolted on an HHA Optimizer sight and 8-inch Bee Stinger stabilizer. I fiddled with the sight’s fit to make the bow as close to balanced, top-to-bottom, as possible. The bow was fitted with a 27.5-inch draw module, and the 65-pound bow’s limb bolts were maxed out, drawing near 69 pounds.

 

Test Results

Familiar with Mathews bows, I picked up a properly spined arrow that weighed close to 350 grains. I immediately fired a set of three arrows through the chronograph. It showed an average speed of 308 fps, which is impressive. To check the bow’s IBO-rated performance, I turned to an online calculator for assistance.

A quick calculation estimated that I added about 15 grains to the string with the D-loop. The IBO-equivalency for the 27.5-inch draw bow at 60 pounds shooting a 348-grain arrow should have been 311 fps, and my chronograph measured it at 308 fps. With that in mind, I estimate that shooters will approach 99 percent IBO efficiency with the V3.

Even at the short-draw bow settings and with a 398-grain arrow, the V3 creates incredible energy amounts. At 286 fps, a 398-grain arrow generates 72.22 foot-pounds of kinetic energy (KE) and 0.50 slug-feet/second of momentum (M) at arrow release. The energy produced is more than enough to take any big game animal.

Just as their recent bows have, the Mathews V3 31 draws smoothly with a concrete anchor wall. When fired, there is little felt vibration and minimal noise. Mathews has really focused on making their bows super-quiet and vibration-free; its all-new Nano 740 3D Damping technology appears to be doing its job well.

Audience

The Mathews V3 31 is a good fit any archer with a draw length up to 30.5 inches. Its long riser but shorter overall length will draw looks from a broad range of archers and bowhunters. The Centerguard cable containment system and the continued use of the dove-tailed mount for the QAD Integrate MX series rests will likely pique interest from several directions, too. Above all else, the V3’s noise- and vibration-reduction capabilities, coupled with its shootability, will make it a contender for almost any archer.

 

Mathews V3 31 Features

New Centerguard Cable Containment

Equalizes the angle of the cables during the draw cycle for optimal cam timing while providing additional vane clearance.

 

New 3D Damping

The all-new Nano 740 is calibrated and tuned to the specific harmonics of the bow to control post shot vibration and noise. The new extended position also provides added balance at full draw.

 

New Extended Bridged Riser

Stability is key to accuracy — taking a strategic approach to the riser design led to a platform that cut weight while maximizing length and rigidity in critical areas. The V3 sports the longest riser to axle-to-axle ratio Mathews has ever built.

 

New Limbs and Limb Cups

The all-new deflected limbs and past-parallel geometry, paired with a redesigned limb cup, cuts weight while increasing performance and efficiency.

 

New Nano 740

Stealth remains a top priority on the new V3. The new riser platform and limb geometry also increased cam efficiencies and enhanced the effects of 3D Damping for less noise and vibration than ever before. The V3 deploys the all-new Nano 740, which is calibrated and tuned to the specific harmonics of these models. This new extended position also provides added balance at full draw.

 

SwitchWeight Technology

Allows shooters to change peak draw length and draw weight in 5-pound increments via the cam’s module instead of changing limbs. Available in 60, 65, 70 and 75-pound peak weights, each set of mods are programmed for an incredibly smooth draw and maximum efficiency. Mods are available in 80 or 85 percent let-off for further customization.

Silent Connect System (SCS) Introduced in 2020, the Silent Connect System is compatible with the V3. This optional kit enables hunters to attach Mathews’ Genuine bow rope and bow sling in the field quickly and silently, and is available in stores and online.

From Mathews

“The 2021 V3 features our longest riser to axle-to-axle ratio to give hunters a more compact, maneuverable rig while maintaining industry-leading accuracy. The New Centerguard cable containment provides optimal cam timing, while the all-new Nano 740 damper enhances vibration control, resulting in a stealthy, agile hunting bow that has never met a situation it can’t handle.”

Contact: www.mathewsinc.com; MSRP: $1,199

 

Sidebar: How We Test

Each bow is carefully inspected out of the box for fit and finish and for any visible defects in workmanship. Axle-to-axle length, brace height, mass weight and draw length are measured and compared with stated specifications.

Bows are set-up utilizing a Last Chance Archery EZ Green Bow Vise. Peak draw weight and holding weight are established using a Last Chance Archery Draw Board and digital Bow Scale 2.0. All bows are pressed with a Last Chance Archery EX Green bow press.

Speed testing is conducted by hand-firing test arrows, Easton Hexx (348-grains), Gold Tip Air Strike (398-grains) and Carbon Express Triad (469-grains) through a Caldwell Ballistic Precision G2 Chronograph into a Block Range Target backstop.

Kinetic energy, momentum and additional speed data are projected using Western&Whitetail’s Archery Calculators.