Switch to Martin

[ouchfoss]

I've been a little curious about possibly changing to a different bow this year and was wondering what people have to say about Martin. The new Martin Silencer Nitro Hybrid seems like a good bow but it might be too new to know if anyone on here has used one yet or not. I'm just wondering about some reviews from people who have used a Martin ( new or old) and if they are well built bows or junk or what. It would be kinda nice to get a bow that is actually made here in Washington and has lots of dealers in this state as well.

[sirfunkeybut]

I love my martins! Personally I won't shoot any other brand. I just bought the 2011 excite last year and coudnt be happier, I kept my old Martin magnum as a back up since I put new limbs on it last year as well. They're lifetime warranty is great and Martin customer service is awesome as well. Every person has thier own opinions on whatever bow, maybe try out one at a local archery shop if you can and see for yourself. I can't give any comments on the bow you specified, but martin(dot) com has a good forum with a lot of people who give reviews all the time on bows.   

[BowBender87]

why limit yourself to one brand? shoot em all and find the best fit...there is good bows from every manufacturer

[RadSav]

Sims is made here as well.  Their Proton is quite good.  The DZ-32 is in my top 5 hunting bows if not top three.  Heavy and unbalanced, but it just flat out shoots.  Sims claims, "It's all about shootability."  In the DZ-32 they are 100% on the mark.

Martin bows are built well and they shoot just fine.  Nothing that really gets you excited and nothing that you should really stay clear of.  Ugly as all hell, but they get the job done.  Two problems I have had in the past have been squeaks and unmatched limbs.  I try to shoot most of the new bows out there, but Martin has not been on that list for me in some time.  So I can not give you any real good information about their new stuff.

My only beef with Martin is one of possibilities.  They have the means, equipment and ability to make the very best bow on the planet.  And yet they don't.  Whether that is greed, complacency or  what I could only guess.  But it drives me absolutely crazy.

When I started using archery equipment in the late 70's and early eighties Martin was as high quality as it got.  At one time the best shooters in the world shot Martin.  They had it all - looks, quality and performance. Very few even came close.  And I was damn proud to own one.  Now if I owned one today I would still have a feeling of confidence.  But, my pride in ownership would be well below what it was when I got that first Cougar Magnum.

You probably can not go wrong with Martin.  However, for a price you can probably go better.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  Only you can decide if it is the right bow for you. 

Whatever bow you choose just make sure you get it properly fit by a qualified shop.  The best bow in the world isn't worth much if it doesn't fit you.

[Dr. Death]

Martins are good bows, as most are now adays....they have good QA and if you do have any issues they will fix it faster than anyone. Like RadSav said beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and they do  have some good looking bows that are light and hold great... I have probably 12 Martins/Ryteras and they've all been good shooters. I've been shooting their Rytera line the last 4 years and have a XT on its way. If you'd like to know more about them PM me.

[724wd]

other than a bear recurve, i've never owned a bow that wasn't a martin.  started with a Damon Howatt Martin youth recurve, then a Martin Little John compound when i was 8 or 9 (still have it), then my '04 phantom II, '09 MOAB, '07 Slayer... thinking of selling my MOAB, phantom and slayer to buy an Onza III.  the phantom is an indoor bow, bright green bass boat metal flake.  indoor is alright, but i'm kinda over target archery for the moment.  the '07 slayer was gonna be my 3D bow, but i hardly shoot 3d or tournaments at all for that matter, so i might move it down the road.  My MOAB has been great.  I did have a limb failure but took it to Walla Walla and they had me fixed up in 20 minutes.  it's a nice bow, but there's something about the Onza that i really like!   

[ouchfoss]

I have heard of a few different times where the limbs have broke/split but any bow has a possibility of the limb breaking so I am curious if this is a common problem or its just the fact that there is a lot of people who own Martins and thats why.
One of my selling points on a bow is bow weight and the new Martins are pretty light so if they are a smooth, fast, accurate and lightweight then thats what I'm after.

[ouchfoss]

What about the Firecat? That seems like a decent bow and the newest model of it has been around for a few years so someone has got to own one and know the pros and cons on it.

[724wd]

limbs were a problem in '09-'11.  haven't heard about them as an issue in '12.  if you get a firecat, do make sure to get the updated limbs. 

[CoachNemo]

My buddy bought a Firecat 360 last year and really likes it.  I have shot it and like it as well.  It's fairly quiet, pretty forgiving (especially for us newbs) and it does just fine.  I ended up with a Bowtech Assassin, but would have bought the Firecat if I never tested the Assassin. 

Just my 

[Dr. Death]

Ouchfoss, the firecats are good like all their bows, I have 2. Never had any issues, fast and hold good, they are also small/light and have a good brace height. As, coachnemo said they are also pretty forgiving for being a pretty fast bow, my boys now shoot them and do fine with them. One nice thing about them is you can adjust the modual to change the draw quite a bit, as I did for my sons. The new single cam system also changes draw and weight alot. You Tube them, you can see alot of reviews that way also.