How to Choose the Best Bow Sight for a Mathews Bow
Fixed pins or a slider? Mount style, pin diameter and adjustability for Mathews hunting bows.
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Key Takeaways
- Recent Mathews risers (V3X, Phase4, the LIFT series and others) have Bridge-Lock, a dovetail cutout that lets a sight mount directly through the riser with no side bracket.
- Bridge-Lock sights or dovetail kits are available from Mathews and from brands such as Axcel, Spot-Hogg, HHA, Black Gold, Trophy Ridge and CBE.
- You don’t need Bridge-Lock. A conventional bracket sight is still a solid choice, and it moves easily to a future bow from any brand.
- Fixed pins suit treestand and blind hunting; a single pin slider suits long, ranged shots out west.
- Pin size is a trade-off: .019 is brighter in low light, .010 covers less of the target at long range.
The best bow sight for Mathews bows is the one that fits how you hunt and how your riser mounts a sight. Mathews changed the sight question when it added Bridge-Lock to its newer risers, and now you have more choices than ever: Bridge-Lock dovetail sights, conventional bracket sights, fixed pins, sliders and hybrids.
This Better Outdoors buying guide explains what Bridge-Lock is, which brands make compatible sights, how to choose between fixed pins and a single pin slider, what pin size to pick, and which features are worth paying for. It is a buying guide, not a test report: we focus on the features and trade-offs that should drive your decision.
Try the free Bow Finder QuizSix questions to match you with the right bow.What Is the Mathews Bridge-Lock Sight System?
Bridge-Lock is Mathews’ integrated mounting system. Instead of bolting a bracket to the side of the riser with two screws, a Bridge-Lock riser has a dovetail-shaped cutout. A sight with a matching dovetail bar slides into that cutout and is held by a single setscrew recessed into the riser above the bar.
Mathews introduced it on the V3X and has carried it forward. A Mathews parts listing for the Bridge-Lock sight setscrew names the V3X, Phase4, LIFT series, ARC and TITLE series. If you shoot a newer Mathews such as the Mathews Lift 29.5, your riser almost certainly has it, but check the bow’s spec page or ask your dealer to be sure.
The claimed benefits are practical ones:
- No external bracket, so the sight sits closer to the riser in a more compact package.
- Better balance. Moving the sight’s weight toward the center of the bow reduces the side-heavy feel of a big bracket sight.
- Less felt vibration, according to Mathews.
- Simple to remove. Loosen one screw and the sight slides out, handy for travel cases.
Which Brands Make Bridge-Lock Compatible Sights?
Mathews says the Bridge-Lock riser accepts many popular dovetail-style sights, naming Axcel, Spot-Hogg and HHA. Retailer listings confirm several other brands offer Bridge-Lock versions or conversion parts. Here is what you will find:
| Brand | Bridge-Lock option | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Mathews | Bridge-Lock Fixed 5-Pin sight; retailers also list a Bridge-Lock UV Slider | The Fixed 5-Pin was developed with Axcel and uses .019" pins |
| Axcel | Bridge-Lock versions of sights such as the Driver Plus CK slider | Single-pin slider with a Bridge-Lock mount |
| Spot-Hogg | Dovetail sights on a 4-inch bar (for example HoggFather Pro DT and Boonie dovetail models) | Premium price; some include a standard bow mount too |
| HHA | Dovetail bars and dovetail versions of Tetra models | Some setups suggest an extra bracket for more windage range |
| Black Gold | 4-inch dovetail bar and base for Ascent sights | Converts an Ascent to fit Bridge-Lock |
| Trophy Ridge | Bridge-Lock brackets for React sights | Top-mount and front-mount versions for different models |
| CBE | Bridge-Lock dovetail kit | Fits several CBE hunting sights |
Fit can vary by model year and by which riser you own, so match the exact sight and kit to your bow. Mathews’ own product pages are not always consistent about which risers a given sight fits; one Fixed 5-Pin listing names only the Phase4, Image and V3X, for example. When in doubt, call the sight maker or your Mathews dealer.
Fixed Pin vs. Single Pin Slider for a Mathews
This choice matters more than the logo on the sight. Decide how you hunt first.
| Sight type | Best for | Strengths | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed multi-pin (3 to 7 pins) | Treestands, blinds, whitetail | Nothing to move when an animal appears; quick follow-up shots | Busy sight picture; pins can cover the target at long range |
| Single pin slider | Spot-and-stalk, elk, western hunts, 3D | One clean pin; dial any exact yardage | You must range and set the slider before each shot |
| Hybrid (multi-pin slider) | Hunters who want both | Fixed pins for close shots, slide for long ones | Heavier and more complex |
Fixed pins are the traditional whitetail choice for a reason. Deer appear fast, distances inside 40 yards are common, and you never want to fumble with a dial. A 5 pin bow sight is simple, rugged and easy to sight in.
A single pin slider shines when you have time to range. Western hunters, 3D shooters and anyone shooting past 50 yards often prefer one pin and an exact sight tape. If that sounds like you, browse a single pin slider bow sight with a lockable elevation dial and clear tapes.
Bow Sight Pin Size: .010 vs .019 (and Everything Between)
Pin diameter is listed in inches, usually .010, .019 or .029. The fiber optic is what you see glowing.
- .019: the middle ground most hunters choose. Bright enough at dawn and dusk without covering too much of a deer at 40 yards.
- .010: very fine. Covers less of the target at long range, so it suits target shooters and long-range hunters, but it is dimmer in low light.
- .029: the brightest and easiest to see in dark timber, but it covers more of the target farther out.
Many sights mix sizes, such as a .019 top pin with .010 lower pins, so your close pin is bright and your long pins are precise. Longer fiber wraps also gather more light. Check your state’s rules if you are considering a sight light, as some states restrict them during certain seasons.
Features That Matter in the Best Bow Sight for Mathews Hunters
Once you know your mount and style, these features separate a good sight from a frustrating one.
| Mount | Bridge-Lock dovetail for a compact, balanced fit; standard bracket for flexibility |
|---|---|
| Adjustment | Tool-less or micro-click windage and elevation make sighting in easier |
| Axis leveling | 2nd and 3rd axis adjustment helps on steep and long shots |
| Pins | Individually adjustable pins; consider mixed sizes |
| Housing and level | A bubble level you can see easily without breaking form |
| Durability | Metal construction and protected fibers for hunting abuse |
| Weight | Lighter sights help keep a short hunting bow balanced |
Third-axis adjustment is worth paying for if you hunt from steep treestands or mountainsides. Micro-adjust pins make the gang-and-gap sight-in faster. And a sight that ships with clear instructions and spare fibers will save you headaches.
Package Sight or Upgrade?
Some Mathews bows are sold through dealers as packages that include a sight, rest and quiver, while others come bare. If you are weighing those options, read our guide to understanding Mathews compound bow packages.
A package sight is usually fine for starting out. Upgrade when you notice a specific limit: pins that are too dim at last light, no 3rd axis adjustment for long shots, or a bracket that makes the bow feel side-heavy. At Better Outdoors we recommend upgrading for a reason, not just for a new look.
Bow sight options for Mathews owners
5 Pin Fixed Sight
Fixed pins for 20 to 60 yards. Simple, fast and nothing to adjust when the moment comes.
- Easy gang and gap setup
- No moving parts during the shot
Single Pin Slider Sight
One pin and a sight tape for exact yardages. Popular with western and 3D shooters.
- Clean sight picture
- Precise at long range
Bridge-Lock Bow Sight
Dovetail sights and kits that mount through Bridge-Lock risers on recent Mathews bows.
- Compact, balanced fit
- One-screw removal
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Mounting and Sighting In Your New Sight
For a Bridge-Lock sight, clean the dovetail, slide the bar in to the position you want, and tighten the setscrew to the recommended torque. Don’t over-tighten. For a bracket sight, use both mounting screws and a dab of blue thread locker.
Then level the sight on all three axes and sight in from 10 yards out. Our step-by-step guide on how to sight in a compound bow covers gang and gap adjustments, slider tapes and the broadhead check.
If you travel with your bow, a Bridge-Lock sight is quick to remove and reinstall. Mark the bar position with a paint pen so it goes back in the same spot, and confirm your 20-yard pin after every trip. A protective bow sight cover also helps shield fibers in transit.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Bow Sight for Mathews Bows
Start with your hunting style. Treestand and blind hunters do well with a fixed-pin sight and .019 pins. Western and long-range hunters often prefer a single pin slider with finer pins and 3rd axis adjustment. Then choose your mount: Bridge-Lock for the cleanest, most balanced fit on a recent Mathews, or a conventional bracket if you want a sight that moves easily between bows. Get those two decisions right and almost any quality sight will serve you well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bow sight for Mathews bows?
It depends on how you hunt. Fixed-pin sights suit treestand and blind hunting, and single pin sliders suit longer, ranged shots. On a recent Mathews with Bridge-Lock, a dovetail sight gives the most compact fit, but a standard bracket sight works well too.
What is a Mathews Bridge-Lock sight?
Bridge-Lock is Mathews’ integrated mounting system. A dovetail sight bar slides into a cutout in the riser and is locked by a single setscrew, so no external bracket is needed.
Which Mathews bows have Bridge-Lock?
Mathews lists the V3X, Phase4, LIFT series, ARC and TITLE series for its Bridge-Lock sight setscrew. Check your specific bow’s spec page or ask a dealer to confirm.
Which brands make Bridge-Lock sights?
Mathews makes its own Bridge-Lock sights, and Axcel, Spot-Hogg, HHA, Black Gold, Trophy Ridge and CBE offer Bridge-Lock versions, dovetail bars or kits for certain models.
Do I have to use a Bridge-Lock sight on my Mathews?
No. Bridge-Lock is optional. Many owners use conventional bracket sights. Confirm your riser’s standard sight holes or ask your dealer before buying.
What is the best sight for a Mathews Lift?
For most whitetail hunters, a compact fixed-pin sight with .019 pins keeps the short, light Lift balanced. Western hunters often choose a single pin slider. Either can be Bridge-Lock or bracket-mounted.
Fixed pin vs. single pin slider: which is better for hunting?
Fixed pins are faster because nothing moves before the shot. A slider gives a cleaner sight picture and exact yardages, but you must range and dial before each shot.
Should I choose .010 or .019 bow sight pins?
Choose .019 for bright pins in low light and general hunting. Choose .010 if you shoot long distances and want less of the target covered. Mixed pin sizes give you some of both.
We research gear specs, manufacturer data and owner feedback so you can choose with confidence. Every Better Outdoors guide is checked against manufacturer specs and updated as models change. How we review gear.
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