Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Archery Gear => Topic started by: Pathfinder101 on June 10, 2014, 08:15:25 AM

Title: Eclypse, Blade or Phantom X4...?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 10, 2014, 08:15:25 AM: I think it is time to upgrade to a new bow this year. I have already pledged (on this site and to everyone I know) that if Martin Archery stayed in business I would buy a new bow from them. I am trying to decide now between the 2014 Eclypse, Blade and the Phantom X4.
Does anyone on here have any experience with any (or all...?) of these 3 bows? I am about 5'6" with a 26" draw. I am partial to Whisker Biscuits for a rest, but I am not unmoveable on that. I shoot with the weight maxed out on my bows.

Thanks for any helpful input.
Title: Re: Eclypse, Blade or Phantom X4...?
Post by: 724wd on June 10, 2014, 12:29:12 PM: Eclypse is the Bengal riser. That'd be MY choice, but it's YOUR money. :tup: And It'd wear a QAD rest if it were me... :hello:

they're all single cam bows. is that intentional?
Title: Re: Eclypse, Blade or Phantom X4...?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 10, 2014, 03:21:38 PM: Quote from: 724wd on June 10, 2014, 12:29:12 PM
Eclypse is the Bengal riser. That'd be MY choice, but it's YOUR money. :tup: And It'd wear a QAD rest if it were me... :hello:

they're all single cam bows. is that intentional?

Single cam bows are more forgiving, right?
Why would the Eclypse be your choice? (To be honest, I am leaning toward the Eclypse, I just want some backup opinions because I don't know anything about the Phantom... I threw the Blade in there because it is $100 less and I am curious about it.)
I read in a review that if you have a short draw length that the Blade wouldn't be the best choice, but the explanation wasn't real clear.
Title: Re: Eclypse, Blade or Phantom X4...?
Post by: 724wd on June 10, 2014, 07:44:56 PM: The Bengal was a great bow - the flagship, and since the Eclypse is the same riser, with double the VEM's in the riser, that would be my choice. Brace height, ATA, and weight are all pretty much the same, so why not go with the best? :)

if it was ME, I'd probably be looking at the Lithium as it's the closest to my Onza, which i REALLY like! But I like dual cam bows... :tup:
Title: Re: Eclypse, Blade or Phantom X4...?
Post by: JODakota on June 10, 2014, 08:04:09 PM: Quote from: Pathfinder101 on June 10, 2014, 03:21:38 PM
Quote from: 724wd on June 10, 2014, 12:29:12 PM
Eclypse is the Bengal riser. That'd be MY choice, but it's YOUR money. :tup: And It'd wear a QAD rest if it were me... :hello:

they're all single cam bows. is that intentional?

Single cam bows are more forgiving, right?
Why would the Eclypse be your choice? (To be honest, I am leaning toward the Eclypse, I just want some backup opinions because I don't know anything about the Phantom... I threw the Blade in there because it is $100 less and I am curious about it.)
I read in a review that if you have a short draw length that the Blade wouldn't be the best choice, but the explanation wasn't real clear.

Have you thought about the nitro? Talk to firecrotch, he's on their pro staff
Title: Re: Eclypse, Blade or Phantom X4...?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 10, 2014, 08:29:03 PM: I looked at the Lithium at Steve's tonight. Not sure I can justify the extra cost though. Trying to stay within a budget...
I wanted to get the IQ bow sight to put on it, and that's gonna set be back another $180... plus all the other bells and whistles...
Title: Re: Eclypse, Blade or Phantom X4...?
Post by: RadSav on June 10, 2014, 08:41:37 PM: The Blade is a neat little bow. For the price it's quite the deal! I tend to rip off all the leather as soon as I get them, but other than that all those you've chosen are good bangs for the buck.
Title: Re: Eclypse, Blade or Phantom X4...?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 11, 2014, 05:21:16 AM: Quote from: RadSav on June 10, 2014, 08:41:37 PM
The Blade is a neat little bow. For the price it's quite the deal! I tend to rip off all the leather as soon as I get them, but other than that all those you've chosen are good bangs for the buck.

Leather?
Title: Re: Eclypse, Blade or Phantom X4...?
Post by: JPhelps on June 11, 2014, 05:40:50 AM: They have leather on the grip that will slide off on the first day over 75* and create a big sticky mess.
Title: Re: Eclypse, Blade or Phantom X4...?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 11, 2014, 06:14:35 AM: Oh, OK. I looked at an Eclypse last night. There was no leather on the handle. Maybe the dealer removed it.
Title: Re: Eclypse, Blade or Phantom X4...?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 12, 2014, 06:39:52 PM: Does anyone else have any input? At this point, I am probably leaning towards the Eclypse. The only thing I don't like right now is that with my short draw length (26") I can only get the bow maxed out to 60 lbs...
Title: Re: Eclypse, Blade or Phantom X4...?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 18, 2014, 04:55:47 PM: Well, I think I have decided on the Eclypse. Wish me luck... I'm goin' in... :archery_smiley:
Title: Re: Eclypse, Blade or Phantom X4...?
Post by: 724wd on June 18, 2014, 07:11:24 PM: Cool! :tup: and I wouldn't worry about 60 pounds... all my bows are 60 and I don't feel underbowed for ANYTHING.

heath
Title: Re: Eclypse, Blade or Phantom X4...?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on June 18, 2014, 08:15:09 PM: It's done. Bow is on the way... 8)

(on a side note; I learned how "best offer" works on Ebay. Note of caution: If you make an offer and it's accepted, you just bought it. I thought there would be more of a "dickering" process I guess. :chuckle: Got it for a good price though... :tup: )