I don't know whether or not they are paying royalties, but from what I understand from a pretty reliable inside source is Darton was "not very happy" with Hoyt blantantly using their product design without even so much as a call asking them, thinking they could just do whatever they want because they are an industry giant, one of the "big three".

When Merlin decided to go with their version of the CPS/cam and a half, they immediately contacted Darton and discussed everything before any new Merlin designs were ever drawn up, and after the discussion "shook hands" and everything is fine between them. In fact they were discussing more things at the ATA show,(owners of both Merlin and Darton) and laughing and joking over who knows what. That's all it takes if you do things the way they are supposed to be done! Hoyt seemingly didn't do things quite that way I guess and is why the grumblings continue, at least as of the beginning of the ATA show anyway. Hopefully they will get everything straightened around between them.

The new Merlin Omega system offers the best attributes of both the CPS and the cam and a half, and will grab more than it's share of the market once it starts getting out there, I feel confident about that after seeing and drawing the prototypes. Mine are only about 4 weeks away from arrival, and I can't wait to run them through the testing mill to see how they match up having already tried both the CPS and the cam and a half. Ben from Merlin promises good things as he has both over there to compare the Omega to also. Have to wait and see.

Hybrid, anyone? <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> Pinwheel 12



Edited by - Pinwheel 12 on 02/06/2003 05:19:13