First shots/impressions of Matrix 380

[fishn711]

Finally got out today and flung a few.

In a not-so-scientific analysis:

1. Cocking- It felt a little stiffer(?) than my Vortex, but that's about it. I'm 57, and in reasonable shape, and it really wasn't an issue.

2. Noise- I kinda giggled after the first shot. It is NOT "quiet". It sounds.....FAST . It is a sharp, quick, thwang. I'd say not louder than my Vortex, just "quicker" with less vibration.

3.Trigger- In technical terms, the trigger was "just fine." Anyone finding fault with it was probably a sniper in a prior life.

4. Accuracy- There was a fairly constant crosswind, but this thing was shooting 1" groups easily at 20 yards. The Diablos, 400gr on my scale, were at 356-357fps. I shot some 20 inch GTII's with 100gr Slick Trick Mags, 4" Duravanes, that weighed 418gr and they flew at 352fps. Last, I shot some 20" GTII's with target points and 2 inch Blazers that weighed 398gr and flew at 355fps. I shot single arrows and pulled them, except for ONCE, and boogered up the knock on the one sitiing in the target. Very happy with the consistency. I found zero reason yet not to use the 20 inch arrows, at least until I can cut down some GTII's to play around with.

5. Scope- Back to the technical terms...."not so good." I got it dialed in quickly and easily, but getting a quick, clear field of vision was tough. I doubted I would find anything "wrong" with the scope, but I think it will be become a "back up" on my "back up." Might change my mind, but I don't think I'd be comfortable hunting with it.

6. String/serving- I had a fairly spastic moment when I went to tighten up the string after a dozen shots. Between the rope cocker, stringing aid and the anti dry fire mechanism, I can't really say what happened, but it got resolved quickly. Just something new to someone who doesn't always excel with "new".

The string serving showed almost NO sign of use. That surprised me, because the materials used on various Vortex strings I have would shown some flattening or something similar after far fewer shots.

Overall, I am beyond pleased with the purchase and performance to date. Looking forward to stretching it out a little and getting more combinations to play with, but since it is so fun to shoot, it won't be a "tough" job.

Have a good night,
Bob

[Hester0305]

Thanks for the review and congrats on your Matrix. I may have to sell my Vortex and try one out someday.

[hikerman]

Great review, can't wait to check one out. I hope they come out with peep sights for it.

[Hoagy]

Sounds like your getting comfortable with your 380. Thanks for the review & keep us updated, Hoagy

[mr meat]

Good review! congrats on the 380

[JT of PA]

Thanks for sharing.

Wonder if the serving material used for the Matrix strings will work on the regular strings from Excalibur?

[Big John]

I'm curious as to your title "Matrix 380". The speeds your posting are the same as my "Matrix 355". All of mine through Chrony as well. Can you clarify for us. Otherwise thats quite slow for a 380. Diablo's should be pushing 380 fps out of the Matrix 380 easily.
Just check please.

Big John

[fishn711]

Big John,
Not sure, but I am assuming it's because the "380" speeds were based on 350gr arrows, and the Diablos are 400gr. Everything else I shot was heavier than that. The battery may have been low on the chrony, but I'll check next time out. 25 mph gusts here in Maryland today, so it won't be this afternoon!

Bob

[Big John]

I'm questioning only because I was shooting 400 to 416 gr, and getting only 5-10 fps slower than advertised. Your's is showing 20 fps slower for the same?

Big John

[fishn711]

Well, ran out a few minutes ago and set things up to check, and the Diablos were right at 356fps. Don't know what to tell you. Lol, guess I got a "slow" one

[robertyb]

Thanks for sharing.

Wonder if the serving material used for the Matrix strings will work on the regular strings from Excalibur?

Not sure but I would think that they are serving both of them with Angel Majesty. Boo will probably know.

[Boo]

One thing Matrix owner's have to keep in mind is that these limbs are far more efficient so brace height and therefore string travel makes more speed per inch than the long limbed bows. So when you are comparing speeds make sure you have the same brace height. I think that 1/4" can make a big difference. Strings also make a difference, when they are new they can loose a couple of ft/sec. Also chronographs easily vary by a few feet per second depending on the machine and conditions.

[Big John]

I thought I'd better clear this up a bit. My point was that his (OP) speeds seemed a little off. Not a big problem. I am saying this though, The effeciency of the 355 Matrix is a little better.
This after many chrono shots. Many weights of arrows.

Example:

The 355 Matrix shooting a 350 gr. arrow comes out at 360-366 fps.
The Matrix 380 shooting a 350 gr. arrow comes out at 378-382 fps.

Then moving up to a 390 gr. arrow the Matrix 355 shoots them through at 354-356 fps
The Matrix 380 shoots the 390 gr. arrow through at 365-369 fps.

As you can see the Matrix 355 will still hold the advertised speed of 355 fps even with a 40 gr. heavier arrow.
However the Matrix 380 will drop 10-14 fps off the advertised speed using a 40 gr. heavier arrow.

I am simply trying to figure it out as to why?
Boo is right on with some of it, however some of it leads me to believe The 355 is a more Effecient bow.
I am putting this on here to show people buying the New Line what they have to offer. Some may see that for 10 fps slower with a 390 gr. arrow, Matrix 355 is extremely good to start with. Not because I own one, but because I like to pursue the correct answers for the people asking, and the weight of arrows to match, when they are asking for a certain speed.

Big John

If anyone wants to chrono arrows from either Matrix, I would Love to hear the results by PM.

[Normous]

John, is it possible your crony that you used may be reading on the high side regarding speed?

[Big John]

Norm:

Maybe, maybe not. Shot both through the same chrono. So the results are the same. Both would be high or both low. The point is the difference of speed drop with the same weight of arrow, verse's advertised speed. I will shoot again soon and post the results again of both. I suspect the same results will occur.

Big John