(Photos courtesy of Mathews Archery)
November 12, 2025
Mathews Archery today unveiled its new-for-2026 ARC, a speedy bow the company designed with enhanced stability, efficiency and versatility in a lightweight, high-powered platform. Available in two models based on axle-to-axle length — the ARC 30 and ARC 34 — both bows are built using Mathews’ most advanced riser to date and feature a second-generation SWX-2 Cam with Perimeter Weight Technology, redesigned limb cup and limb geometry and a host of other new technologies.
“Every bow we’ve made was built for one reason: to give you an edge,” said Mark Hayes, Mathews Design Engineering Manager. “We spend every year chasing every ounce of performance to stack the odds in the bowhunters’ favor”.
The ARC 30 ($1,459) has an IBO speed rating of 348 fps, along with a 6-inch brace height, 3.99-pound physical weight and draw-length range of 25-30.5 inches, while the ARC 34 ($1,569) has an IBO speed rating of 343 fps, along with a 6.5-inch brace height, 4.3-pound physical weight and 26.5-32-inch draw-length range. Both bows feature adjustable letoff of 80 or 85 percent and are available in peak draw weights of 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or 80 pounds. Finish options include your choice of 13 camouflage and solid-color options, including the new-for-2026 Kodiak Brown and Kodiak Brown to Black pictured in the accompanying bow photos.
Let’s take a closer look at some of new features the ARC offers.
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SWX-2 Cam
The second-generation SWX-2 cam system features Perimeter Weight Technology to reduce felt recoil at the shot while helping to maintain arrow speed.
This second-generation of Mathews’ popular SWX Cam systems incorporates Perimeter Weight Technology to both reduce felt recoil while retaining speed — even when fully set up with a peep sight and nocking loop that traditionally reduce velocity. According to Mathews, side-by-side comparisons with previous Mathews bows show that when configured in typical hunting setups, the ARC produces higher arrows speeds, giving hunters flatter trajectories and more forgiveness in the field.
Another new twist for 2026 is the optional SWX-Z mod system. Compatible with 2024 and newer Mathews hunting bows, the SWX-Z mod produces an ultra-smooth draw cycle, with only a modest tradeoff in speed, for archers who want to ultimate in shooting comfort.
Limb Changes
Optimized limb geometry and a redesigned limb cup on the ARC maximum shooting efficiency and stability. The limbs also feature Limb Shift Technology that makes it easy to tune the bow for perfect arrow flight simply by turning an Allen screw and without the need for a bow press.
One noticeable feature of the ARC is the bow’s relatively short split limbs. Mathews says limb geometry on the ARC optimizes the equilibrium point, creating a perfectly parallel limb path to enhance feel, increase efficiency and decrease post-shot vibration. Paired with a redesigned limb cup, the ARC limb assembly reduces overall bow weight while adding stability for consistent, accurate shooting.
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Reinforced Riser
The ARC 30 (left) and ARC 34 (right) are available in 13 camouflage and solid-color finish options, including new-for-2026 Kodiak Brown and Kodiak Brown to Black pictured here on the ARC 30 (Kodiak Brown) and ARC 34 (Kodiak Brown to Black).
The ARC also features a reinforced riser that provides added strength and rigidity where it matters most while removing material where it is not critical to shed weight and maximize the maneuverability of this rig.
Another notable aspect of the ARC riser is that it’s designed to accommodate a vast array of Mathews-branded bow accessories that make bolt-on connections for bowsights, arrows rests and stabilizers a thing of the past. From Bridge-Lock mounting ports to all-new integrated Silent Connect Anchors, a modular grip system and streamlined quiver profiles, the ARC riser pairs perfectly with purpose-built Mathews accessories to produce a complete shooting platform that maximizes bow balance and performance.
Visit the Mathews website or your local Mathews dealer for more information about the ARC and a host of new-for-2026 accessories, including the Engage ARC Limb Legs, Defender Series String Protector, Bridge-Lock 7° Angled Stabilizer and more.
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