Mathews Creed XS Compound Bow Specs

Does a combination of lightweight, compact, and quiet sounds like an ideal hunting bow? If so, the Mathews Creed XS may be worth your consideration, especially if you tend to hunt in smaller spaces.

Released in 2014 as a compact version of the Creed, Mathews created the Creed XS as a smaller, lighter version. As a hunting bow, the XS offers an incredibly quiet release and plenty of forgiveness in one compact package.

Mathews Creed XS Buying Guide

Fans of Mathews bows may appreciate the updates to their popular Creed. The Creed XS is shorter and lighter than its predecessor but packs plenty of function. You even get some customization choices, too (read.. Mathews Heli M Buying Guide).

With a shorter, compact design, the Creed XS is easy to maneuver in tight spots and delivers a smooth, quiet release for a fun shooting experience.

Expect speeds up to 321 fps and limited vibration due to the design and built-in dampening technology. The Creed XS has the unique look that Mathews has embraced for years (read.. Mathews Z7 For Sale).

Pros:

• 7.5-inch brace height provides a lot of forgiveness
• Shorter bow offers more stability and balance
• Smooth release with limited shock vibration
• Compact, lightweight design

Cons:

• Slightly slower speeds than similar bows
• Hefty price tag

Mathews XS Specifications

• Brace Height: 7.5 inches
• ATA Length: 28 inches
• Draw Length: 26 to 30 inches, half-inch increments
• Draw Weight: 50, 60, and 70 pounds
• IBO Speed: 321 fps
• Mass Weight: 3.8 pounds
• Let-Off: 80% but adjustable down to 65% if desired

Finish

Mathews offers five finish options for the Creed XS, including the unique Lost Camo pattern.

Alternatively, you can choose the Tactical Pattern (black and carbon fiber), solid black, Black Crimson (black and crimson), or Desert Tactical (solid gold-yellow color).

Even with the complex design, Mathews manages to fully cover every nook and cranny for a chic effect.

Riser

Like all Mathews bows, the Creed XS embraces the unique GeoGrid Lock riser that minimizes the weight without compromising the strength, stiffness, and durability (read.. Mathews Switchback Review).

To limit vibration, Mathews added three dampening devices, including the Dead End String Stop Lite and harmonic stabilizer lite.

Grip

Another trademark feature of Mathews bows is the stock walnut grip, and they include it with the Creed XS. Slim and comfortable, the wooden grip feels great.

However, if a wood grip isn’t your thing, it’s easy to substitute the Focus grip if you prefer the feel of rubber.

Limbs

Mathews chose a parallel, split limb design for the Creed XS. This particular design balances the stress of a draw better than solid limb bows.

It offers a quiet release despite having no factory-installed dampeners.

However, if the Creed XS is too noisy for you, it’s possible to add dampeners if you want them.

Performance

The Creed XS may be better for hunting than targets because of the smaller, compact design. It offers plenty of forgiveness with the 7.5-inch brace height and delivers a surprisingly quiet shot.

At 321 fps, it may not be the fastets bow, but the Creed XS is sufficient for most archers.

Comparison: Mathews Creed XS vs. Mathews Creed

At first glance, the XS may look exactly like the Creed:

However, if you look closer, you’ll notice that the Creed XS is two inches shorter than its predecessor, making it easier to maneuver, especially in tight spots.

The XS also boasts a 7.5-inch brace height compared to the Creed’s 7-inch brace height, making it a little more forgiving. Yet, the Creed XS is a bit slower at 321 fps compared to the 328 fps of the original model.

Customizing Your Mathews Creed XS

Making your bow your own is important, but there’s not a lot to customize on the Creed XS.

Sure, you can choose from five different finishes, but that doesn’t give a lot of room to flex your style and personality.

That said, the bow is functional, and you can update or upgrade some components, including the grip, to suit your preferences.

And since the bow is discontinued, you probably will have to stick to what is offered on eBay and locally selling sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.

Summary

Mathews’ Creed XS is a lighter, smaller, slightly slower version of the 2014 Creed.

It outperforms its predecessor in maneuverability and matches it in most aspects of performance, other than speed.

Most hunters should be able to forgive the minor drop in speed, given that the XS is quite forgiving and delivers a quiet shot.

While it may not be the fastest shooting bow on the market, it makes up for speed in other ways, including an impressive draw cycle.

Since the Creed XS is shorter and lighter, it’s easy to squeak around tight spaces, a possible perk for tree stand hunters.

If you can swing the price, the Mathews Creed XS may be a solid choice, especially if you crave a more rewarding experience.

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