Mathews TITLE 36: the competition-line target bow, broken down
Mathews's TITLE platform is the dedicated competition bow line. TITLE 36 runs 36" axle-to-axle, 6.5" brace, 333 FPS IBO, and Limb Shift micro-adjustment without a press. MSRP $2,129.
The TITLE 36 is the mid-axle entry in Mathews's competition target lineup, slotting between the TITLE 34 (shorter, more handling) and the TITLE 38 / TITLE 40 (longer, more stability). It runs 36 inches axle-to-axle, 6½-inch brace height, 4.49 pounds, and 333 FPS at IBO. Available let-off is 70%, 75%, or 80%. MSRP $2,129.
Mathews's positioning line: "The TITLE is the best performing bow ever created for the competition archer." It's marketing, but the underlying design choices are real.
What separates TITLE from ARC
ARC is hunting. TITLE is target. The platforms don't share cams, risers, or grip systems. If you're shooting indoor Vegas, outdoor Lancaster, USA Archery field, or NFAA Field, TITLE is the line. If you're hunting, ARC.
The competition-specific design choices in TITLE 36:
- Longer axle-to-axle (36" vs 34" on the ARC 34) — more forgiving on string angle at full draw, more inherent stability.
- Lower IBO (333 vs 343) — target archers don't chase speed; they chase forgiveness. Trading FPS for a smoother draw cycle is the right call here.
- Lower let-off range (70/75/80%) — competition archers often shoot lower let-off (70%) for harder back wall and reduced "drift" on long holds. Hunting bows skew higher (85-90%) for less holding effort.
- Bridge-Lock Carbon Target Bars — Mathews's integrated stabilizer mount system. Quoted at 36% reduced wind drag vs traditional V-bars.
Limb Shift Technology (LST)
LST is the standout feature. It's Mathews's micro-adjustment system that lets you tune horizontal nock travel without a bow press. The mechanism sits in the limb pocket and shifts the limb laterally in fine increments via a hex adjustment.
For target archers who tune frequently (after string changes, rest swaps, or weather-driven micro-adjustments), this is meaningful — it cuts a 20-minute press session to a 2-minute hex-key adjustment.
The Hoyt analog is XTS, launched on the 2026 hunting lineup. The TITLE family had LST first.
Switchweight + Perimeter Weight Technology
The cam system is Switchweight (the 2024-era Mathews cam) with Perimeter Weight Technology — small weights at the cam perimeter that tune rotational moment. The effect: smoother shot cycle, less cam-flip torque transmitted to the hand.
Switchweight modules let you change draw weight via module swap rather than limb bolt — useful if you want to drop weight for indoor (low-poundage 18 m) vs outdoor (higher poundage for arrow speed across 70 m).
Bond Grip System
Mathews's ergonomic grip is shipped on TITLE in two variants: standard and slightly thicker. Grip torque is one of the largest accuracy errors in target archery; the Bond design narrows the contact patch and shifts pressure to the lifeline of the bow hand, which most form coaches want to see.
If you've been shooting an aftermarket grip on your V3X target or TRX, the Bond is the stock option that competes with the popular Shrewd, Stanley, and Bowtech aftermarkets.
Who it's for
USA Archery NFAA-classified competition archers shooting indoor (Vegas-style) and outdoor (Lancaster, World Archery field). Specifically, archers who want longer-than-hunting ATA for stability but not so long that handling at indoor 18m gets unwieldy. The TITLE 38 and TITLE 40 are better for pure outdoor; the TITLE 34 favors indoor handling. The 36 splits the middle.
FAQ
TITLE 36 vs Hoyt Concept X 37 — what's the difference? Different cam philosophies. The TITLE 36 uses Switchweight + LST press-free tuning; the Concept X 37 uses HBX Pro cams and Hoyt's traditional shim system. Most competition archers settle on one brand because the muscle-memory of the back wall feel is platform-specific.
Can I shoot hunting arrows out of the TITLE 36? Mechanically yes; practically no. Target bows are spec'd for target arrows. Hunting arrow spines won't tune cleanly. Use the ARC family for hunting.
Is LST available aftermarket on older Mathews bows? No. LST requires the limb pocket geometry shipped with the TITLE platform. It's not a retrofit.
Is 333 FPS enough for outdoor 70m? Yes. At 333 FPS IBO, a typical target arrow at 60 lb draw runs 280-290 FPS — plenty for 70m within reasonable trajectory. Speed isn't the bottleneck at that distance; it's the archer's consistency.
Specs verified against mathewsinc.com/products/title-36 on May 22, 2026.
Watch the launch coverage
2024 Mathews TITLE | FULL BREAKDOWN — Lancaster Archery Supply's first-look. Worth watching alongside this write-up for the spec walk-through and draw-cycle commentary.