The reality is that there are only two differences between the V3X and P4. The P4 has the split limbs with dampener in them and the cutout for the BridgeLoc stabilizer. That's it. Other than the stab cutout, they are identical risers. And they use identical cams. So, at this point most customers haven't been able to tell a difference in vibe or noise between the two. So it all comes down to whether the cutout for a $250 stab is worth the extra $100 that the P4 costs.

 

So I assume with cams being the same the draw cycle is very similar if not identical. I haven't pulled specs but is the weight similar as well?

 

Correct. The are nearly identical bows.

Which is the only issue I have with the P4. As a dealer, we can usually count on many Mathews buyers upgrading to the next year's bow. But this year has been different. Because the bows are identical in spec to last year's models, there is much less there to justify buying a new one. Had Mathews made the P4s in say 30" and 34", then it would be easier to justify that "upgrade". But really, if a person has a V3X 29, there really is no reason to buy a P4 29, unless they really "have" to get that $250 BridgeLoc stabilizer.

 

I had planned on a new bow this year but after shooting a bunch of bows including the P4 I decided to keep my V3X for at least another year.
In my opinion there just isn't enough "improvement" or even difference with the P4 to warrant the extra cost.

 

Thanks for the input. I'm thinking im going to try and find a used v3x since I can pick one up quite a bit cheaper.

 

I have a Halon X 2018 its the same cam system, nothing new

 

I have a Halon 32. This year I went into the bow shop looking to upgrade. I left with the V3x 33 because the dealer gave me a deal on it. It really comes down to preference. For me, the cheaper price tag was the biggest factor in my purchase. They are dang near identical.

 

Are you liking the v3x?

 

What about the new "top secret" thing on the phase 4. Has it been revealed yet? When I ordered my V3x 33 a few months ago, I could have purchased the phase 4 the same day, but im not sold on the idea of rubber in between the limbs. I think the price was 1098 for the v3x 33", while the phase 4 33" was 1298.

 

You have one of the best bows Mathews put out already. No need to upgrade as it really isn't an upgrade unless you just want the integration capability. I am biased though as my Halon 32-6 draws as smooth as butter and shoots just as fast if not faster than any of the newer models.

 

I really like my halon as well its just a chore carrying it around the mountains!

 

Same bow, but one has more gimmicks. I'll be honest I've shot my traverse next to several v3x33s. The draw is harsher not bad, but you do get the sw with different LO options. It's a wash honestly & the traverse is probably a wash compared to the 32-7. I'd find the best deal on a v3x33

 

They are SO different how could you even try to compare them?!

 

I have a V3X 29 and have wondered how the dampener material between the limbs will hold up over time (just wondering about the degradation of the rubber or polymer) and also maintain adhesion to the limbs for tens of thousands of shots. Time will tell.

I also saw one P4 owner who had posted on AT that the rubber dampening material had been deformed by their bow vise, I don't remember who that was but that would suck on a new $1200-1300 bow.

 

The dampener material isn't adhered to the limbs. We actually were sent a set of P4 limbs when the bows first came out (asked our rep for some to be able to show people). All you have to do is remove one of the screws on the bow press pockets and you can pivot one limb away and the dampener just sits between them. It is very flexible, but I also wonder how it last after a few years in hot, cold and wet conditions.

 

Any reasons not to consider a v3 31 as well?

 

I just bought a leftover v3 31 brand new in box for 850. 31 is kind of the goldilocks ata for these Mathews with the crazy long riser imo. The riser is a good bit longer than that of the traverse.

 

The Halon 32 is one of my favorite Mathews bows. I have owned both a Phase 4 33 and a V3X 33 at the same time. I still have the V3X if that says anything to you, to me the only benefit to the phase 4 is if you want to run their stabilizers other than that I personally don’t see anything better about the bow.

 

i like the v3x more than the phase 4. very similar though

 

It kind of reminds me of the Consumer Cellular commercial when they show the coverage of the two maps.

 

looks like ill be getting a v3x instead of spending all that cash on a 4