2016 Women's Innovation Product of the Year: Mathews Chill SDX

by
posted on May 10, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
chill_sdx_gba.jpg

“Best in class” just about says it all. It announces to the world that you stand head and shoulders above your peers. To those companies whose products are featured herein, we say, “Welcome to the ‘best’ class.”

Women's Innovation Product of the Year: Mathews Chill SDX
AH Senior Editor Karen Mehall Phillips swore she’d never shoot another bow after she got the single-cam Mathews Jewel in 2012. Then came 2014, and the launch of the two-cam Chill SDX. “Now I’m a dual-cam fan,” she wrote online (“Drill the Target with Mathews’ Chill SDX for Women”). Designed for women, the compact 3.8-pounder is ideal for smaller-statured hunters who want to maximize arrow speed with a shorter-draw bow. It features Mathews’ DYAD AVS (Advanced Vectoring System), GridLock riser and Rock Mods for a solid back wall and shot consistency. It has 80 percent let-off, draw weights from 50-70 pounds and draw lengths from 22-29 inches. The AVS cam system features perimeter weighting for minimal post-shot vibration and delivers increased stored energy at the beginning of the draw cycle. Mathews’ Reverse Assist Roller Guard ensures a silky-smooth draw and decreases torque and cable tension. A 6-inch brace height offers ample forgiveness while the bow still attains an IBO speed up to 330 fps for impressive downrange energy. Wrote Mehall Phillips: “Any female bowhunter who hasn’t yet shot this bow will be quite a fan once she does!”

Editor's Note: Winning products must be tested by the editors, meet or exceed expectations on innovation, and provide hunters and shooters with value for their money. NRA Publications will present the annual Golden Bullseye Awards at an invitation-only breakfast during the 2016 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Louisville, Ky., May 20-22.

Latest

Fenson Deep Rooted Venison Stew (6)
Fenson Deep Rooted Venison Stew (6)

Recipe: Deep-Rooted Venison Stew

Several friends and I often circle back to the same campfire debate about which wild game makes the best stew. Mule deer usually leads the pack, with moose close behind, but any well-handled game meat can stand out when you build the right layers of flavor. The real magic starts long before the broth simmers. It comes from the vegetables and mushrooms you choose.

61-Year-Old Elk-Hunting Dream Fulfilled in Michigan

Michigan elk hunters faced challenging weather and storm-ravaged terrain to harvest 153 elk in 2025. That didn’t deter Bruce Nelson of Hastings, Mich. He applied for an elk license every year Michigan has held a drawing.

New for 2026: Blaser R8 Professional 2.0

The Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 promises to be the modern evolution of the iconic straight-pull rifle. The rifle features a new, ergonomically optimized vertical pistol grip for increased comfort and improved control when firing, and its ambidextrous palm swell fits both right- and left-handed shooters.

New for 2026: Leupold BX-6 Range HD Rangefinding Binocular

Leupold has launched its BX-6 Range HD rangefinding binocular. With fast, accurate ranging capabilities out to 6,000 yards, an advanced ballistics intelligence and precision GPS pinning, the BX-6 Range HD is looking to carve out a space for itself as a feature-rich rangefinding offering.

(Squirrel) Dog Days in the Delta

In the Deep South, Ringo and Max prove the sole purpose in the life of a feist is to hunt squirrels.

Primos Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Primos, now a Revelyst brand, will continue its 50th anniversary celebration throughout 2026 with a brand refresh, new product launches, storytelling initiatives and moments that honor the hunters and traditions that made the brand what it is today.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.