Mathews Prima Level 1 Package: Specs, Review, and Who It Fits

The Mathews Prima is a compact compound bow built from the ground up for short-draw shooters, rather than a big bow cut down to fit. With a 30-inch axle-to-axle length, a draw range that tops out at 27.5 inches and a mass weight under four pounds, the Prima bow gives smaller-framed hunters a true Mathews shooting experience that actually fits them.

This guide covers verified Mathews Prima specs, how the Level 1 package is typically put together, what the draw cycle and handling feel like in practice, and who should consider the Prima compound bow. It is sometimes searched as “Matthews Prima” or simply “Prima bow,” but it is the same bow throughout.

Try the free Draw Length CalculatorEstimate your draw length from wingspan or height.

Mathews Prima Specs

These are the published Mathews Prima specs. If a listing quotes different numbers, check whether it is describing a different model or a different setting.

Design Philosophy Behind the Prima Platform

Most short-draw bows start life as a longer-draw design with smaller mods bolted on. The Prima was designed for short draw lengths from the start, so the geometry, grip and cam are matched to the archers who will actually shoot it.

The 30-inch axle-to-axle length keeps the bow maneuverable in blinds and treestands without feeling twitchy at full draw. At 3.93 pounds bare, it is light enough to carry all day and hold for long periods, which matters more than raw speed for many hunters. Grip shape and riser proportions are aimed at smaller hands, helping you find the same hand position shot after shot.

What the Level 1 Package Includes

The Mathews Prima Level 1 package is typically a dealer-assembled, ready-to-shoot setup. Because dealers build these packages, the exact components can change from shop to shop. A Level 1 package usually adds:

Ask whether arrows, a release and sight-in are part of the deal. Many packages leave out the release because it is a personal choice. For more on how dealers put these bundles together, see our guide to Mathews compound bow packages.

Cam System and Draw Cycle Performance

The Prima is built to feel smooth from the start of the draw to the valley, with a defined back wall that makes it easy to find the same anchor every time. An 80% let-off means you hold only a fraction of the peak weight at full draw, which helps when you have to wait for a deer to step clear.

Mathews Prima Mod Chart and Draw Length

Draw length on the Prima is set with draw length mods (modules). The Mathews Prima mod chart lists which mod and position matches each draw length across the 21.5- to 27.5-inch range. Use the chart from Mathews or your dealer for your specific bow rather than a forum screenshot, and have a pro shop make the change if a bow press is needed.

Once the mod is set, the rest of the fit falls into place. Your peep should meet your eye at a natural head position, your D-loop should let your release hand settle into a repeatable anchor, and your bow arm should have a slight, relaxed bend. If any of those feel forced, revisit draw length before blaming the bow. A half-inch change in the wrong direction can make a well-designed bow feel awkward, while the right setting makes a short-draw bow like the Prima feel calm and steady at full draw. Shoot several dozen arrows at a new setting before deciding whether it is right.

Weight, Balance, and Handling Characteristics

At 3.93 pounds bare, the Prima is light, and a package will add weight once the sight, quiver and stabilizer are mounted. That is normal. The stabilizer helps balance the sight and quiver so the bow settles on target rather than tipping to one side. If the setup feels front-heavy, try shooting with the quiver removed before changing anything else.

Accuracy and Forgiveness

A 5.5-inch brace height sits in the moderate range, which tends to forgive small form errors better than very short brace heights. Pair that with a correct draw length and a repeatable anchor and you have a bow that rewards good habits. Arrow choice matters too: have your dealer match spine to your draw weight and draw length.

Noise, Vibration, and Shot Feel

Mathews has a long reputation for quiet, dead-in-the-hand bows, and the Prima continues that approach. A package stabilizer and properly installed string accessories help keep shot noise down. If you hear a buzz or rattle, check that every accessory screw is tight and the quiver is seated firmly.

Adjustability and Longevity

The Prima is offered in 40, 50 and 60 lb peak weight options, and draw weight can be turned down from peak within the limb range. Combined with the mod system for draw length, that lets the bow adapt as you get stronger or as your form changes. Keep the string waxed, inspect cables and limbs before each season, and have a pro shop replace strings when they show wear.

Mathews Prima Year and Buying Tips

The Mathews Prima was introduced for the 2021 model year, according to retailer listings. If you are shopping for a Mathews Prima for sale, new or used, keep these points in mind:

• Buy through an authorized Mathews dealer when possible so you get setup support and warranty help.
• On a used bow, confirm the serial number, and inspect limbs, cams and the string.
• Confirm the draw length mod installed and the peak weight option (40, 50 or 60 lb).
• Check current price with local dealers; pricing changes with season and package contents.

Hunting Applications

The Prima was designed as a hunting bow, and its compact size and light weight suit treestands, ground blinds and spot-and-stalk hunts. Kinetic energy depends on draw weight, draw length and arrow weight, so a shorter-draw shooter should pick an arrow heavy enough for the game being hunted. Check your setup with our kinetic energy calculator.

Try the free Kinetic Energy & Momentum CalculatorSee if your setup has the energy for your game.

Fixed-blade broadheads that fly well at moderate speeds are a sensible match. A sharp fixed-blade broadhead and a good broadhead target for practice should be on your list before season.

Target and Recreational Shooting

The same traits that help in the field work on the range: a stable draw, a solid back wall and a forgiving brace height. For 3D shooting you might add a longer stabilizer or a single-pin sight later. The Prima is a hunting bow first, but it is plenty of fun in the backyard.

Who the Mathews Prima Level 1 Package Is Best For

The Prima fits women, younger adults, and smaller-framed hunters with draw lengths up to 27.5 inches who want a premium Mathews instead of a budget youth bow. At Better Outdoors we see it as an especially good choice for someone who wants one bow to learn on and hunt with for many seasons.

If you want to compare it with another short-draw-friendly option, read our Bear Archery Persist review.

Resources for Deeper Technical Context

For anything not covered here, go to the source. Mathews publishes specs, owner’s information and mod charts for its bows, and an authorized dealer can look up details for your bow from its serial number. Our bow finder can also suggest alternatives if your draw length or budget falls outside the Prima’s range.

Final Perspective

The Mathews Prima proves a short-draw bow does not have to be a compromise. With a 30-inch axle-to-axle length, a 21.5- to 27.5-inch draw range, 40 to 60 lb options and an 80% let-off, it gives smaller-framed hunters a bow that truly fits. Measure your draw length, confirm exactly what the Level 1 package includes, and let a good pro shop handle the setup.

Frequently Asked Questions