Testfires - Hunting products tested by experts. |
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Testfires - Hunting products tested by experts. |
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Mathews Z7 Extreme Bow In 2010 Mathews launched the Z7 bow, it became a hugely popular bow world-wide and broke all previous sales records for them. For 2011 Mathews released their new line of single cam bows. Five new bows were introduced and all are variations on the Z7. The Z9, a long draw bow (27-32”), the eZ7, the Z7 Magnum (the fast one at 338fps), the Z7 Extreme Tactical and the bow tested, the Z7 Extreme. All five bows are similar in appearance (perhaps with the exception of the Tactical, available only in a black and carbon finish) as they share the features which made the Z7 such a big seller. Instantly recognisable is the Grid Lock riser and beyond parallel limb design giving the range a unique look. Film dipped in Mathews unique Lost Camo pattern and fitted with striking red and grey Zebra Twist strings the Z7 Extreme looked impressive when it was unpacked. The Z7 Extreme is named so because of its short axle-to-axle length of 28”. This was noticeable the first time I picked the bow up. A walnut slimline grip was fitted to the bow. The grip has a red vertical inlay in it marking the centre-shot. Drawing the Z7 Extreme the new SE5 Slim Line limbs and ZX Cam combined for a smooth draw cycle and were very smooth on the shot. The brace height was a little greater than on the Z7 at 7 3/8”. A feature which helps you shoot any bow a little better. The Z7 Extreme utilises several devices to create an extremely effective silencing and vibration reducing package. Harmonic Dampeners in the riser, a Dead Stop string stop, String Suppressors, Monkey Tails and String Grubs make the bow quiet and virtually vibration free when shot. A Reverse Assist Roller Guard is fitted to the Z7 Extreme making the bow smoother to draw by reducing the friction on the buss cable and string. Shorter than the Z7 by 2 inches, SE5 Composite Slim limbs provide the power in the bow. They are held in place by the tried and true Sphere Lock Pivoting limb fittings which ensure the limbs are positively held in place. If limbs are able to move the accuracy of a bow is compromised. The Z7 Extreme is IBO rated up to 330fps, 2fps less than the Z7. The fractionally lower IBO rating is primarily due to the 7 3/8” brace height. As has been the case with all of the Mathews bows tested the Z7 Extreme produced straight and near level nock travel on the drawing machine. The bow tested was a 70lb model set to 28” and 30” draw lengths. The reason why two draw lengths were tested was to see how the bow performed with a common draw length, 28”. From the factory the peak weight measured 72.45lbs @ 30”; this was adjusted to 70lbs for the testing. The new ZX cam has a little more bite to it than the Z7 cam but I would regard it as being smooth. The bow held well at full draw with the 80% let-off providing a comfortable valley. For the speed testing two hunting weight arrows were used. Just an upper nocking point was tied on for the testing. Arrow Weight Speed There was no discernable difference in noise generated by the bow when using arrows of different weights. Like the Z7 little noise or vibration was noticeable when the bow was shot. The kinetic energy levels were consistent with the different arrow weights indicating an efficient design. Conclusion As far as compact and lightweight hunting bows go it is hard to go past the Z7 Extreme. Its short axle-to-axle length makes it easy to slip through the bush and weighing in at just under the 4lb mark it shouldn’t be too taxing carting it around the hills. It feels light and compact in the hand when carried. The silencing package which comes standard with the Extreme ensures it is one of the quietest bows on the market. The new ZX cam stores a tremendous amount of energy while maintaining a draw cycle which is user friendly. Overall the bow was easy to tune, easy to shoot and virtually vibration free. The Z7 Extreme is distributed by Advanced Archery New Zealand. |
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