Mathews V3X: the platform that defined Mathews hunting from 2022 to 2024

The V3X dropped in late 2021 for the 2022 model year as Mathews's hunting flagship. It came in two axle lengths — V3X 29 (29" ATA) and V3X 33 (33" ATA) — both built on the same cam and riser philosophy. The platform anchored Mathews's hunting lineup for three model years before being replaced by the Phase4 (2023, as a parallel platform) and then the ARC family (2026).

If you're shopping the used market or trying to identify a friend's bow, the V3X is one of the most common Mathews compounds in circulation. Hundreds of thousands shipped over the platform's run.

Specs at launch

V3X 29:

• 29 inches axle-to-axle
• 6 inches brace height
• 26.5"-30" draw length
• 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 lb draw weights
• 342 FPS IBO
• 4.32 lbs mass weight
• MSRP $1,399 at launch

V3X 33:

• 33 inches axle-to-axle
• 6 inches brace height
• 26.5"-30.5" draw length
• 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 lb draw weights
• 345 FPS IBO
• 4.45 lbs mass weight
• MSRP $1,499 at launch

Both shared the SwitchWeight cam and Crosscentric geometry — Mathews's two signature design pillars.

SwitchWeight and Crosscentric

SwitchWeight let you change draw weight via module swap rather than the limb bolt. Each module was rated for a specific peak weight (60, 65, 70, etc.). You could rotate down ~10 lbs via the limb bolt within a module, but to drop a full category required a module change.

Crosscentric is Mathews's cam geometry where the cam axis is offset from the limb pocket center. The pitch: more consistent nock travel, less torque-induced cam lean. The design has been a Mathews fingerprint since the V3 (the predecessor to V3X).

What made the V3X popular

Two things, mostly:

1. The 6-inch brace + 33" ATA combination on the V3X 33 — fast (345 FPS), forgiving enough for most archers, and stable for Western hunting. The geometry hit a sweet spot.

2. The SwitchWeight system — competition target archers and multi-discipline shooters loved the ability to change peak weight without re-rounding the limb bolt. For an archer who shoots indoor 40-lb in winter and outdoor 60-lb in summer, the V3X removed a press visit.

Where the V3X fell short

Mathews iterated the platform over three years and resolved most launch-era critiques:

• Initial grip torque issues — solved with the FlatBack Bridge and later the Bridge-Lock systems.
• Mid-range cam lean on heavier modules — addressed in 2023 modules.
• The "soft" back wall vs Hoyt's HBX — softened further in late-production V3X modules.

The honest weakness that persisted: at $1,499, the V3X 33 was an excellent value, but at retail it didn't include the Bridge-Lock stabilizer system that became standard on later Mathews bows. Aftermarket Bridge-Lock components were $200+ to add.

V3X in the 2026 used market

The V3X 33 trades for $700-$900 in clean condition. The V3X 29 trades slightly below — $650-$850. At those prices, it's one of the best value-per-dollar flagship compounds available used.

What to inspect before buying:

• Cables and string for fraying or excessive twist
• Cam timing marks (Mathews uses laser-etched indicators)
• Limb tip wear at the cable guard
• Module type — confirm it matches your draw length

How it compares to current 2026 Mathews

The ARC platform (ARC 30 and ARC 34) is mechanically a clean break from V3X. New cam (SWX-2), new riser geometry, new limb pocket design. If you own a V3X and like the feel, you'll need to handle an ARC before deciding whether to upgrade — they're different bows.

The Phase4, which slotted between V3X and ARC chronologically, is closer to V3X in cam philosophy. If you want a V3X-feeling upgrade without the ARC's learning curve, a used Phase4 is the bridge.

FAQ

V3X 29 vs V3X 33 — which one? 29 is for spot-and-stalk hunters and treestand archers who value handling. 33 is for Western open-country and target-leaning hunters who want more stability.

Is the V3X still under warranty? Yes, to the original owner. Mathews's lifetime warranty doesn't expire by model year.

Can I tune a V3X without a press? Not fully. The V3X requires a press for cable and module changes. The Phase4 added some press-free adjustments; ARC and TITLE have full press-free tuning.

V3X vs current ARC 34 for hunting? ARC 34 is the modern platform — better tuning, refined cam, lower vibration. V3X is the proven, broadly compatible, lower-price option used. Both are legitimate hunting bows.

Specs from Mathews 2022 product pages (archived) and Lancaster Archery's launch coverage. Updated May 22, 2026.

Watch the launch coverage

Introducing the NEW 2022 Mathews V3X | Bow Review — Lancaster Archery Supply's first-look. Worth watching alongside this write-up for the spec walk-through and draw-cycle commentary.