Matlock Bows

[Jim Parsell]

Can any of you folks give me some feed back on Matlock Bows, particulary the Predator X3 ??  I have never shot any of his bows and don't know much about them..  Thanks very much,  Jim

[vermonster13]

Pre-illness bows are excellent. Can't speak for the newer ones as for I haven't shot one yet.

Good amount of preload on them, very fast.

[Colotrad]

Jim:
I had his Predator X Carbon Custom (PXCC) in a TD., but have tried a bunch of Matlocks bows.  They are very fast and a tad unforgiving.  My PXCC was labelled 50.5#@28" though like most Matlocks, it pulled 3# heavier.  I heard that Bill used to get teased about his scale reading light, but he swore it was right and all the other scales were wrong ; -)
I don't know for sure, but I believe Matlocks are not quite center cut.  I could not get a carbon arrow to fly true out of my PXCC.  I have a 29.5" draw and the only arrows that would fly true were woodies spined 65-70#.  I loved the bow and shot it for many years.  They are definitely one of the fastest, hardest hitting longbows you will find (which made it very hard to pull my arrows out of the target).  
I recommend patience when searching for the right arrow and tuning the bow.  Once you find and tune the right combination, you will love the Matlock.

[Jim Parsell]

Thanks David and Steve, I really appreciate the information on the Matlock, you have been very helpful...  Jim

[Cupcake]

I have a Matlock Predator, Hill style bow.  Not R/D like the X models but pretty impressive for this style bow.  I shot a few arrows from a Predator X last fall and was impressed.

[Jim Parsell]

Thanks Kevin, I appreciate your input..  Jim

[Homan]

I've got two. An old Predator II and a Predator X Carbon Custom.

Outstanding bows. I find that the Carbon is a touch unforgiving as Colotrad mentioned, but once you get in the groove with it you'll be very happy. I had a heck of time getting arrows matched as well. I had to go 10# over what you would normally expect for that draw weight, even given the R/D profile.

I think the older Predator II (I think it is marked "Predator Too") is one of the best all around longbow designs ever made. I have shot that bow thousands of times and it feels like an extension of my arm. It isn't quite as quick as the Carbon, but it is more accurate for me and a lot more forgiving.

I don't know how many Bill made or if he still makes that model (is he still making bows?) He's a great guy.

[Bob Barnes]

I've owned the X, x2, and x3 models...some in carbon...I really couldn't tell the difference in the x2 and x3.  One of my biggest regrets is letting the x3 t/d with cobra skins that Bill used for his website pics go...seems like it was marked x2 and he said it was really an x3...I have an X now and it shoots as hard and fast as any bow I've ever owned.
Bob

[tippit]

I have few Matlock bows and they are right up there with all the newer designs as to speed.  I've never had problems with arrow flight using carbons.  They seem to shoot the lighter spined carbon 500 series rather than the 400 series.  Doesn't make sense but that's what works for me...Doc

Bob, them cobra skin bows are hard to find!

[Dave Bulla]

A couple of years back the Matlock Predators were all the rage with anybody interested in speed.  Kinda like the ACS bows a year or two ago.  I shot some of both and while they were both nice bows I think I liked the Matlock a bit better.  Not nesc. a speed thing, just fit me better and I liked the looks.  Don't know that I'd buy either one for retail but I'm a tight SOB....  I'd jump on either one at say a yard sale.

[Lost Arra]

Any Matlock fan should have the "instruction manual"      

[fishone]

Lost Arrow- I have one just like that. I use his sheet on different bows I have had (way too many) to keep track of brace height, nocking pt, arrows, bop, field gr pts etc. It is a very good book to have. Craig

[oberon]

How about some pic's of those Matlock bows?
Oberon

[oberon]

Where could I pick up a copy of the "Matlock Field Guide to Tuning and shooting Traditional Bows"  ?
Oberon

[AkDan]

Is Bill building again?

I also have the tuning guide, good stuff!

[BONES in Virginia]

My X-3 on the right.

[John Nail]

If anybody has an old Matlock Aztec (D-style) I'd buy it!

[Sacred mt]

check your mail