Matrix 380 on a Diet

[racking up points]

So as the title suggests, I was looking at cheap ways to reduce weight from my current setup while making improvements. I read some of Enormous' postings on the topic and he was far more successful than me in Excalibur's version of Biggest Loser.

Removing the MunchMount entirely and switching out the heavier XB30 for a lighter scope would go a long way to reducing mass, but those options are off the table. I really like the mount and a scope upgrade isn't in my plans this year. Here's what I did and gained:

MunchMount w aluminum posts = 225g
MunchMount w plastic posts= 162g
*Saved 63 grams

Stock trigger unit= 220g
Trigger Tech= 211g
*saved 9 grams

Stock limb and riser bolts= 59g
Titanium limb and riser bolts= 33g
*saved 26 grams

Excalibur 30mm rings= 63g
Leupold rifleman rings= 50g
*saved 13 grams

Removing x-Factor limb dampeners
*saved 25g

Total weight loss= 138g = about 5oz

So overall, not a whole lot! However, I picked up some speed by removing the limb dampeners, (chrony to verify later), have a much better trigger and improved scope rings. I really like the titanium bolts. They'll never strip or rust and they are four bolts that are likely to be removed over the life of the bow.

[vixenmaster]

Sounds good on savin weight. My Vixen bare weighs almost 6 1/2lbs, she is chubby wid scope mount-rings-scope at 8lbs

[Pinesap]

Where did you get titanium bolts and how much are they?

[racking up points]

Check math!

My bad, 136g. Which is exactly 4.797oz for the metrically challenged.

[racking up points]

Where did you get titanium bolts and how much are they?

Can't remember exactly...about $25 for all 4. Check ti64.com. If Norm reads this, he could probably remember the bolt sizes off-hand. The riser-mainframe bolts are longer than the limb-riser bolts.

[racking up points]

Measurements are in grams and are for all 4 bolts, Dan.

[racking up points]

Measurements are in grams and are for all 4 bolts, Dan.

The 136grams represents the sum of all changes, not just the bolts.

[racking up points]

No worries, I started to question my math! Now I see what you saw. In the end, I wouldn't really recommend making these changes for the pure sake of saving weight. I guess it's a fringe benefit.

My bad! I put my glasses on, grams to ounces is correct! That's a significant loss!
Sorry for rattling you!

[Normous]

Thanks for the report Derrick.

[Boo]

Derrick, it looks like you have the Norm bug! There may not be an antidote!

[Normous]

I told Derrick we need a Doctor

[Oppie]

Where did you get titanium bolts and how much are they?

Can't remember exactly...about $25 for all 4. Check ti64.com. If Norm reads this, he could probably remember the bolt sizes off-hand. The riser-mainframe bolts are longer than the limb-riser bolts.

Interesting, just might have to get some

[lovelight]

I like the idea of corrosion proof, strip proof fasteners for obvious reasons. The trigger upgrade is naturally something to consider for more pleasant and more accurate shooting. I'm just not sure that weight will make a huge difference. The new matrix line is so light and shoots so nicely that it seems like a very slight difference. Even after a day of carting one around I can't imagine it being noticeable.

This isn't to say it is a bad idea. I'm just not convinced of the benefits based on weight alone.

[Normous]

Custom titanium countersunk screws:

http://www.ti64.com/category_s/110769.htm

(2) 5/16" - 18 1 1/2" limb to riser
(2) 5/16" - 18 1 3/4" riser to mainframe

[racking up points]

I like the idea of corrosion proof, strip proof fasteners for obvious reasons. The trigger upgrade is naturally something to consider for more pleasant and more accurate shooting. I'm just not sure that weight will make a huge difference. The new matrix line is so light and shoots so nicely that it seems like a very slight difference. Even after a day of carting one around I can't imagine it being noticeable.

This isn't to say it is a bad idea. I'm just not convinced of the benefits based on weight alone.

It would take many small changes to achieve any really noticeable difference to reduce the mass of these bows. The cost/benefit is not balanced. You can see with the changes I made, the benefit is minimal.

I could go further though and get close to a pound of reduction, (remove guardian, cheek piece, lighter stirrup, lighter scope, more Ti bolts etc...) I'm just not going to go there. I'm really happy with the way this bow is set up. I just want some decent weather so I can get outside and shoot it!