Mathews TRX 38 Review

The Mathews TRX 38 was the first of the 2018 bows to arrive as part of ArcheryTalk's 2018 Target Bow Project. I've been shooting it for several months now to prepare for this final review.

I had a chance to spend a few months last year with the TRX 7, which shares quite a bit in common with this bow. On paper, the main differences are a two-inch shorter axle-to-axle length and a half-inch longer brace height. But the real difference for me is the new 70V 70% let off mod. This offers up a slightly deeper valley, though it's still not what I would call an overly generous valley. If you get lazy at full draw, this bow will still punish you. I've got myself into trouble more than once by not staying strong at full draw, but overall I've been better able to execute good shots consistently with the TRX 38 than I could with the TRX 7.

Like the TRX 7, the draw cycle is wonderfully smooth. There is zero noticeable dump into the valley with this bow – you just smoothly draw and end up at the wall. And though this bow uses cable stops, they offer up a fairly firm wall with just a touch of give, which is pretty much exactly what I am looking for.

Because the valley is still fairly short, I don't feel comfortable shooting this bow maxed out at 60 pounds. It's a little too aggressive for my shooting style with that much holding weight. I like it backed down a turn or two and shoot most consistently at 55 or 56 pounds.