My Outdoor Zone

Bow choice for small-framed bow hunters?

Hey y'all.

I'm bouncing between the PSE Bow Madness XS and the Mathews S2.

The PSE retails at $499, has a 28 1/2" axle-to-axle length, IBO speed of 316-308, and a weight of 3.7 lbs.

The Mathews S2 (Switchback 2) retails at $759, has a 33" axle-to-axle length, IBO speed of 318 max, and a weight of 4.25 lbs.

Both have great reviews. Smooth, steady.. Obviously the Mathews is a favorite among most. I'm just wondering if it's worth paying the near $300 more, for a longer axle-to-axle length. Myself, being 5'2" and a 25" draw length (will be pulling 50# with these). I have heard perks on longer lengths versus shorter lengths for petite hunters such as myself.

Any opinions? All would be appreciated :-) Any other options I should look at? I won't be purchasing until August. Have a long time to make that choice.

Amanda

Tags: bow, female, girl, hunter, lady, madness, mathews, petite, pse, review

Attachments:

mathewss2.jpg, 26 KB
psebmxs.jpg, 56 KB

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by John Lucchesi on June 26, 2009 at 1:11am: Hey Amanda,
I cannot give you a definate bow choice but I agree with you about the Mathews being a fav among so many, and I have heard good things about the switchback. I shoot a Proline Corsair, nothing super fast or fancy, but it gets the job done at half the price of the Mathews.
What I do know for sure is that you should shoot the Maniac broadhead if you are not already. The Maniac EX (expandables) are great for all ages and especially for those that pull lighter poundage. They take only 33 pounds to deploy and fly like field tips. The Maniac 100 (fixed blade) is awesome too, with cut on contact and incredible penetration. No matter what bow you pick, the Maniac can handle the fast speed. The bow is not the only weapon in the arsenal. You want a good killing broadhead and good shot placement. Those two things will work with any bow.
Good luck and let me know what you choose.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Amanda Aldridge on June 26, 2009 at 1:45am: I haven't shot the Maniac broadhead. Will have to do that with the new bow.
Really looking forward to it, but haven't decided yet.
I guess the only thing I am nervous about is the length between axles. My Nova has a rather large length, but I want to see what the smaller length will give me.
Will be getting to a bowshop soon to play around ;-); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Paul Biggs on June 26, 2009 at 7:24am: Look at the Hyperlite: http://mathewsinc.com/mathews-bows-11252-44-ViewProduct-1475-324.as...

I think it would be a great bow for ya.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Paul Biggs on June 26, 2009 at 7:27am: Or the Martin Leopard: http://www.pickaspotarchery.com/product/Martin-Leopard

Just some thoughts; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Paul Biggs on June 26, 2009 at 7:29am: Not sure on this one but I've heard good things: http://www.limbsaver.com/2009/dz30.php; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Scott Turner on June 26, 2009 at 7:43am: Have you looked at the Mathews Prestige? It is specificly designed for short draw and smaller people. The IBO on the bow 322fps @ 29". The grip is made for smaller hands, it only weights a little over 3lbs. It may be a little longer than what you are looking for its around 35.5" long. But this bow is super accurate and forgiving. Right now mine is a 27" draw but I need it to be 26.5, but @ 27" and 60lbs it will shoot a 320 grain arrow 284 fps. I just thought I would give you another option to look at. Good Luck; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by BOWMEN7 PROSTAFF (LRP) on June 26, 2009 at 9:36am: If it was me I would spend the money and go with Mathews, 300 is alot of money but at least you know what you getting and won't be sorry down the road and as far as broad heads I would stick with a fixed broad head and say away from the open on impact heads, it's just another thing that can go wrong. Check out the G5 striker you will have no problem getting good fight out of that head.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by ambushunter lostriverproductions on June 26, 2009 at 10:09am: Remember those are retail prices. They will prob be cheaper in the shop. But I would go with the mathews, the 33" won't be to big and will be more forgiving for you.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Amanda Aldridge on June 26, 2009 at 1:10pm: Paul: I looked at the HyperLite -- good pick. The Martin is an alright bow, even tho the speed is a bit slower than what I'm wanting.
Scott: The Prestige is not really what I'm looking for. The price is well above what I'm planning on spending (otherwise I'd just buy the DXT or the X Force).. And it is a bit too long as well. But a good-looking bow :)
Bowmen: I have been eying those G5s and have heard so many good things about them. Sure are a sexy little broadhead. And no, won't be going to the expandables. I like fixed broadheads. That's what I'm shooting now.
TJ: thanks. I'm still gonna go shoot both of them! LOL... Gotta feel the difference. I'm thinking the 28 1/2" on the PSE might be nice.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Own the Zone TV on June 26, 2009 at 1:15pm: Can't believe you guys are pushing something besides the Maniacs. They are our main backer. Where's the love and support.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Amanda Aldridge on June 26, 2009 at 1:21pm: LOL I am no blind man. (or woman)
Gotta keep my options wide open. So many great things out there.
But no one said Maniac wasn't an incredible broadhead!; ▶ Reply to This