Mathews Phase4: the 2023 platform that ran parallel to the V3X
The Phase4 (29" and 33") was Mathews's 2023 hunting flagship parallel to the V3X. Quieter, more dampened, less aggressive cam — for archers who prioritized post-shot feel over raw speed.
The Phase4 launched for the 2023 model year as a parallel hunting flagship to the V3X. Mathews ran both platforms simultaneously, positioning V3X as the speed-and-handling option and Phase4 as the dampened-and-quiet option. Two ATA lengths — 29" and 33" — same as V3X.
Specs at launch:
Phase4 29:
- 29" ATA, 6" brace, 26.5-30" DL, 60-80 lbs, ~340 FPS IBO, ~4.4 lbs, $1,499
Phase4 33:
- 33" ATA, 7" brace, 26.5-30.5" DL, 60-80 lbs, ~336 FPS IBO, ~4.5 lbs, $1,599
The Phase4 33 was the standout — the 7-inch brace was longer than anything else in Mathews's hunting line and substantially more forgiving than the V3X 33's 6-inch brace.
What Phase4 changed
The headline change versus V3X was the Centerguard cable system and the redesigned Crosscentric SwitchWeight cams. The Centerguard reduced lateral cable interference, which translated to less cam lean and quieter operation at peak draw. The redesigned cams shifted the draw force curve to a smoother peak — less aggressive than V3X, easier to hold steady at full draw.
The tradeoff: a few FPS of speed for noticeably better hand-shock dampening.
Why archers picked Phase4 over V3X
The Phase4 33 was Mathews's longest-brace hunting bow in a decade. 7-inch brace on a 33-inch ATA platform is forgiveness territory typically reserved for target compounds. Hunters who shot 3D, indoor, and field as well as hunting gravitated to the Phase4 33 because it doubled as a respectable target platform.
The Phase4 29 saw less standalone interest — it was very close to the V3X 29 in feel and slightly slower. Most archers chose V3X 29 if they wanted the short-axle Mathews.
Phase4 in the 2026 used market
Phase4 33 used: $900-$1,100 in clean condition. Phase4 29 used: $800-$1,000.
The 33's 7-inch brace makes it one of the few used compounds where target-curious hunters get a true crossover platform without sacrificing hunting compatibility.
FAQ
Phase4 vs V3X — same modules? Different cam family. Modules don't interchange.
Is the Phase4 quieter than V3X? Yes, noticeably. The Centerguard system and the dampening additions made the Phase4 the quietest Mathews hunting bow of its era.
Phase4 vs current ARC 34? ARC 34 is faster (343 FPS vs 336 FPS), runs the SWX-2 cam, and has the LST press-free tuning system. Phase4 is the legacy platform — well-tuned, well-supported, but two cam generations behind.
Specs from Mathews 2023 archived product pages and contemporaneous launch coverage.
Watch the launch coverage
NEW 2023 Mathews Phase 4 Review — Lancaster Archery Supply's first-look. Worth watching alongside this write-up for the spec walk-through and draw-cycle commentary.