Let’s Dive into Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355
The Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355 is a testament to minimalist design meeting practical functionality. Crafted by Mathews, a name synonymous with high-performance archery equipment, this quiver promises to securely hold six arrows while keeping weight to an absolute minimum. It’s a quiver aimed squarely at the archer who values speed, agility, and a streamlined setup.
I was constantly battling the weight of my fully-loaded bow when navigating dense brush. The bulky quiver I used felt like an anchor, slowing me down and impacting my shot stability, so I needed a lightweight and reliable quiver. The Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355, with its focus on weight reduction, immediately piqued my interest.
Unboxing the quiver, I was immediately impressed by its sleek design and the evident quality of the carbon fiber rods. The mounting brackets felt robust and precisely machined, indicating a commitment to durability despite the lightweight construction. It exuded a feeling of purpose – a tool designed for the hunt.
I considered other quivers like the TightSpot Quiver, known for its adjustability, and the Apex Gear Reactor Quiver, known for its budget-friendly price. However, the Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355 won me over with its promise of minimal weight and the Mathews reputation for quality. I was hoping for a quiver that felt like an extension of the bow, not an add-on.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited by the potential weight savings, but also slightly concerned about the quiver’s ability to securely hold my arrows in demanding terrain. I hoped it would live up to the Mathews name.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place during a week-long elk hunt in the rugged mountains of Colorado. The varied terrain, from steep inclines to thick timber, provided an ideal environment to assess the quiver’s performance. Weather conditions ranged from crisp, dry mornings to damp, drizzly afternoons.
The Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355 performed admirably in all conditions. The arrows remained securely in place, even when scrambling over rocks and pushing through dense undergrowth. The lightweight design was immediately noticeable, allowing for quicker and more fluid movements.
The quiver was incredibly easy to use; the intuitive design allowed for quick and silent arrow retrieval. I did not experience any rattling or unwanted noise, which is crucial when stalking wary game. It practically disappeared on the bow.
The only minor issue I encountered was a slight difficulty in seating some of my larger diameter arrows initially. Once I adjusted the arrow grippers, the problem was resolved. This might be something to consider if you use thick-shaft arrows.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355 has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of equipment. It has endured numerous hunts, target practice sessions, and even a few accidental bumps and scrapes without showing any significant signs of wear and tear. The carbon fiber rods remain stiff and strong.
The finish has held up well, with no noticeable fading or chipping. The mounting brackets are still secure, and the arrow grippers continue to provide a firm hold. The design is simple and robust.
Maintenance is a breeze; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes to keep the quiver clean. I periodically check the tightness of the mounting screws, but they have not required any adjustments. The Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355 has far exceeded the performance of my previous, heavier quiver.
Breaking Down the Features of Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Mathews. This is a key indicator of quality and design expertise.
- Model: 1401355. Knowing this specific model number will help when searching for information and accessories.
- Weight: 7 oz. This is the defining feature and a huge selling point for archers looking to minimize bow weight.
- Arrow Capacity: 6 Arrows. A standard capacity that should suit most hunting and target shooting needs.
- Color: Optifade Elevated II. This popular camouflage pattern blends effectively in elevated hunting environments.
- Hand: Right. Designates that the quiver is made to be mounted for a right-handed archer.
- Material: Ultra-stiff carbon fiber rods and precision machined mounting brackets. These materials are chosen to provide rigidity and durability while keeping weight minimal.
The lightweight design directly translates to improved bow handling and reduced fatigue during long hunts. The Optifade Elevated II camouflage is effective for concealment, enhancing the hunter’s stealth. The quiver is designed for a specific user, and in this case, right-handed archers only.
Performance & Functionality
The Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355 performs its job exceptionally well, securely holding arrows while minimizing weight and noise. Its functionality is simple and effective.
Its strengths lie in its lightweight design, secure arrow retention, and quiet operation. Its only potential weakness is the limited adjustability of the arrow grippers, which may require some fine-tuning for different arrow diameters. It exceeds my expectations, especially in terms of weight savings and noise reduction.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with high-quality materials and precise machining. The quiver is lightweight and well-balanced, adding minimal bulk to the bow.
The Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355 is user-friendly, with an intuitive design that requires no learning curve. The arrow retrieval is quick and easy, even with gloved hands.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the quality of the materials and construction, the Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355 should last for many years with proper care. The carbon fiber rods are resistant to bending and breaking.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and inspection. Replacing the arrow grippers, if necessary, appears to be a straightforward process.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355 comes with the necessary mounting hardware for attaching it to compatible Mathews bows. There are no included accessories, but it can be customized with aftermarket arrow grippers to accommodate different arrow diameters.
The quiver is designed to be compatible with most standard Mathews bow mounts. While Mathews offers a range of compatible accessories, third-party arrow grippers from brands like Bohning can be used for customization.
Pros and Cons of Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355
Pros
- Incredibly Lightweight: Significantly reduces bow weight, enhancing maneuverability and reducing fatigue.
- Secure Arrow Retention: Holds arrows firmly in place, even in demanding terrain.
- Quiet Operation: Eliminates rattling and unwanted noise, crucial for stealth hunting.
- Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials for long-lasting performance.
- Sleek Design: Aesthetically pleasing and complements modern bow designs.
Cons
- Limited adjustability of arrow grippers may require fine-tuning for some arrow diameters.
- Higher price point compared to some other quivers on the market.
Who Should Buy Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355?
The Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355 is perfect for serious bowhunters who prioritize minimizing weight and maximizing maneuverability. It’s also ideal for competitive archers who demand top-tier performance and reliability.
Hunters using elevated blinds or stands will also greatly benefit from the Optifade Elevated II camouflage. This product may not be the best choice for beginners or archers on a tight budget.
A must-have modification would be a set of aftermarket arrow grippers if you plan on using arrows with significantly different diameters. Consider a bow stabilizer to help counteract the minimized bow weight.
Conclusion on Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355
The Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355 is a premium quiver that delivers on its promise of lightweight performance and secure arrow retention. It’s a well-designed and well-built piece of equipment that will enhance your archery experience.
While the price is higher than some other quivers, the investment is justified by the quality, durability, and performance. This quiver isn’t just an accessory; it’s a tangible upgrade to your entire archery setup.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355 to any serious archer looking to minimize weight, maximize performance, and experience the Mathews difference. If you’re ready to elevate your archery game, give the Mathews Q-Lite Quiver 1401355 a try – you won’t be disappointed.