New bow, whats it to be?

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Liam
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Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 12:43 pm Post subject: New bow, whats it to be?

I'm in the market for a new bow and have cut the choice down to 3 or 4 now (I think) Merlin XV BowTech 82nd Airbourne BowTech 101st Airbourne BowTech The General I like the idea of sticking with Merlin and the fact that they are just down the road from me may swing it, but the BowTechs are drawing me in, didn't like the look of any BowTechs a year ago but they have grown on me. I have never used a BowTech as yet but do have plans to try them out before spending any cash. Comments please boys and girls, I'd like to hear from anyone who has shot any of the above bows _________________ Why not?

Club: Long Eaton Field Archers
Bow: Karel Osage Orange Hungarian Reflex Bow 50lb @ 28"
Sight: Not Brilliant
Arrows: Sitka Spruce 11/32's @ 31"
Accesories: 2 Funny gloves with not enough fingers on them

Ratfighter
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Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 1:19 pm Post subject:

Before you buy, you have to ask yourself.... Why bowtech??? Then you have to ask yourself, what would go nicely with your Merlin Triad stabiliser? Then you have to ask yourself why Bowtech? Then you have to ask yourself, hmmm what pretty fancy colours these Xv's come in. And Wow what pretty SDM strings are on these XV's Then you have to ask yourself, what was that question about Bowtechs? _________________ MERLIN ARCHERY CLUB GETTING RATTIER BY THE MINUTE

Club: Merlin Archery Club
Bow: Merlin XS x2
Sight: Axcel 3000 Viper Scope
Arrows: Navigators & Gold Tip Ultralight Pro's
Accesories: Apollo launcher, CC Porter release, Merlin Triad stabiliser

Bows now sporting my own strings!!!! yummy!!

Ratfighter
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Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 1:24 pm Post subject:

Joking aside, The Bowtech is a popular choice, but not one that I would make again. The XV is really a quality bow, the back up is on your doorstep and it is a shooter. The new colours are really good, I can't really think of a downside. Also on offer and to balance the argument Mathews, Martin and Hoyt also make bows Thenew Martin range boast 350fps The mathews is a consistent and popular choice and Hoyt make bows too. We can chat off line if you like! _________________ MERLIN ARCHERY CLUB GETTING RATTIER BY THE MINUTE

Jabberwocky
Bowman

Posts: 275
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Location: Wolverhampton, UK

Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 1:29 pm Post subject:

Personally I prefer Mathews bows, but then you may have guessed that already But I know a few people using BowTechs and they love them. If it were me I would got for either the 82nd or more likely the 101st as I don't like look of the "General". And was not too keen on how it drew and felt to aim in the shop although I did not get chance to actually shoot it. But if my heart was set on several bows then I would go with an open mind and try them all before making any decision, and whatever you do don't make a decision in the shop but think about it overnight at least.

Club: Wolverhampton C of A and Severn Valley Yeoman Foresters
Bow: Samick Masters(target), Mathews Switchback(field)
Sight: Sure Loc
Arrows: X10 (target) ACC Superlite (field)
Accesories: Lots of Beiter Stuff

JimN
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Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 1:37 pm Post subject:

I don't shoot wheelie-bows, and know next to nothing about them, but if I did I would avoid BowTech like the plague just because of the names of their bows. There's a distinct mall ninja air about the whole thing. May as well just call the "Big mother-effin elephant killa"! I can see it now: Bod 1: That's an interesting bow, what sort is it Liam: Why, this is a 101st Airborne Bod 1: Oh right, used by the US military then? Liam: Errr, don't think so skulks off _________________ Jim Bring me my Bow of burning gold; Bring me my Arrows of Desire;

Club: Black Arrow Field Archery Club
Bow: Internature Viper AFB (45# @ 28")
Sight: Staring maniacally
Arrows: 31" POC
Accesories: Silver patent leather slingbacks

Ratfighter
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Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 1:40 pm Post subject:

Alternatively Bod1 what that bow Liam The general Bod1 That's what I call my manhood Liam [skulks off] _________________ MERLIN ARCHERY CLUB GETTING RATTIER BY THE MINUTE

Liam
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Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 2:28 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the comments thus far, the Merlin is a front runner because of the after service and assistance etc etc, not keen on Hoyt's heard too many bad things about them, doesnt make them a bad bow I know but not sure I'd feel 'happy' with a hoyt. As for Matthews I just dont like the look of them (sorry) I know cosmetics arn't everything but I've got to like the thing. I will be activly seeking to try out as many choices as possible before I go and buy one, for now the above are the front runners, I will keep you posted on my progress and thoughts as it will be January before I actually hand over my hard earned £££'s _________________ Why not?

kathyg
Bowman

Posts: 260
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Location: Willcox AZ USA

Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 9:47 pm Post subject:

oh my, steve b will be so disappointed you didn't include his commander. they look so trendy, and are a real hit around these parts, but it's your choice. my steve decided against it due to lack of support in this part of the state, then went and ordered something completely unavailable except by mail. honestly, you men... _________________ Man may plan, but God laughs.

Club: N/A
Bow: Browning Micro Midas III
Sight: none
Arrows: Carbon Force
Accesories: stab and release

Blackheart
Apprentice Bowman

Posts: 107
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Location: West Midlands

Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 10:15 pm Post subject:

Liam I know what you mean about looks - personally I liked the look of the Archery Research bows - don't know how they shoot, though. having said that, I would have to go for the one that is most comfortable to shoot, having bought a Reflex Grizzly without trying it. Lovely bow, but a 38" axle length and a 30" draw off fingers wasn't a good combination....

Club: Frankley Bowmen
Bow: Martin Cougar III Elite - 50# @ 30"
Sight: Toxonics K9-5 Pin Sight
Arrows: x7 Eclipse - 2214
Accesories: 12" Super-Stix Ultra-lite stabilizer

Steve B
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Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2007 6:30 am Post subject:

Liam, I shoot the Commander and I can tell you that unlike the merlin it has NO hand shock, I feel the XV will be a great performer Like the XT was, but you need to shoot all the bows that you have picked , to decide which "fits" you best. My only comment would be that the limbs on the Merlin bows leave a bit to be desired. We have three at our club two Max 3000 and my XT... to date we have 7 broken sets of limbs...... 3 of those being from my XT, Sorry but I shoot Bowtech cause Merlin don't have their act together with Limbs and seem to conveniently forget about you if you are half way around the world. I am I being harsh , to you guys you would probably think I am to the Aussies that have had problems with their limbs on the Merlin's we are all feeling the same. It took 5 months for one set of limbs to get here...sorry service like that is not good. (gets off soap box) Liam, just make sure you shoot all bows on your list and don't you think the 82nd and the General are a little on the short side , maybe to small Axle to Axle ?

Club: Phoenix Field Archers of Sale. Victoria , Australia
Bow: Bowtech Commander
Sight: Copper John Ants
Arrows: Gold Tip Pro's
Accesories: Carter Just-B-Cuz

Liam
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Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2007 1:22 pm Post subject:

I'm gonna be an archery shop 'tart' over the next few weeks geting out and and about to try as many as possible. I too share your concern over the Merlins limbs, heard of far too many failures over the past 12 months, but I wont let that put me off the XV, I have the convinience of being 15 miles from their doorsteep so they wont forget about me and they do offer the benifit of being my local practice ground so plenty of assistance available when setting the bow up for me. I have decided on a buying a brand new bow so it will be set up perfectly for yours truly, I made compromises for my max3000 and feel this would have affected the overall performance, I love my max3000 but have never felt as though its 'mine'. Steve, I've been bowled over by the appearence of the 82nd & 101st, you could be right, when I get my hands on the things they may be no good for me to shoot at all, I'll make sure I try a commander And for you Matthews supporters out there I shall also give them a try _________________ Why not?

Berniethebolt
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Posts: 2011
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Location: Gilford, N.Ireland

Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2007 2:13 pm Post subject:

* sits quitely in the corner and agrees with everyone and yet says nothing* _________________ Don't look down on anyone unless your helping them up. P.S Bernie is short for Bernadette lol

Club: Ballyvally archers, Banbridge, Co.Down
Bow: Barebow Challenger Craft
Sight: none
Arrows: Easton Nav
Accesories:

segolden
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Location: Willcox, Arizona, USA

Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2007 2:26 pm Post subject:

(Agrees with Bernie, inaction leads to direct action; didn't know nice Irish girls read Lao Tzu, however. ) _________________ "For I have drawn Judah taut and applied [My hand] to Ephraim as to a bow." Zech. 9:13 http://www.freenations.freeuk.com/ http://www.melaniephillips.com/

Club: none
Bow: Quinn Comet XL, Grozer Horsebow, KG ELB, Two Rivers R/D
Sight: DAS Kinetic SRF
Arrows: Easton X7 Eclipse 1916's, GT XT Hunter 3555's
Accesories: Sims SRS stab, enhancer & Limbsavers; Dawgware side-quiver

Awaiting MBLLC Phoenix bow

Berniethebolt
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Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2007 2:29 pm Post subject:

eh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! _________________ Don't look down on anyone unless your helping them up. P.S Bernie is short for Bernadette lol

Club: Ballyvally archers, Banbridge, Co.Down
Bow: Barebow Challenger Craft
Sight: none
Arrows: Easton Nav
Accesories:

segolden
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Location: Willcox, Arizona, USA

Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2007 2:48 pm Post subject:

Relax, Lao Tzu is a Chinese philosopher, not the author of the Kama Sutra. BTW Liam, you probably won't like the grips on the Mathews, so keep in mind a custom set if you decide on one. Nobody here uses stock grips unless modified. _________________ "For I have drawn Judah taut and applied [My hand] to Ephraim as to a bow." Zech. 9:13 http://www.freenations.freeuk.com/ http://www.melaniephillips.com/