Kevin,

Most of my comments were of a general nature, not directed at anyone in particular, but I’ll address a few of your points, since you made some good ones.

Yep everyone makes mistakes. EVERYONE. However the difference is HCA has a history of mistakes that have gone on considerably longer than a bad production run. The Ultra Extreme was built for a few years (and I know you had the same experiences I did w/ that bow). The cable guard, limb problems, and bushing wear have been constant thorns in their side since the company’s inception.

Most of the examples you cited were more along the lines of “whoops, we F#$%&D up”. (though I know there are few who would take exception in the case of PSE’ limb probs have been solved, hee hee).

Singlecam cable serving wear was a problem long before the SL2 cam came out. In fact theThe SL design in general was a big improvement. Yes, some of the SL2’s were very bad. The problem was fixed by the middle of the production year (though bows w/ the prob still sat on shelves). I owned an original Q2XL bought in April 2000 that never exhibited the problem some had. Since that time I’ve owned probably 8 or 9, maybe even more SL 2 ,Sl3, and Concentric cam bows from Mathews proper w/ nary a problem other than serving discoloration. The finish problem was a fairly isolated circumstance (final coat was not applied on a few different batches of risers). New fiishes don’t exhibit the problem (though again how good a Mathews finish is is debateable among some)

Merlin’s problem w/ the Omega, again an isolated prob, and fixed.

Hoyt’s original camo redline cams chewed up cable servings too. Replaced w/ the Black cams by mid-summer. They had their disaster in 1999 w/ a bad batch of glass from Gordon. Limbs coming apart left and right, now they have what is largely thought to be the lowest failure rate on the market, percentage-wise. Bowtech’s earlier model finish problems, and even this years problems with bushings on the duals. These things were caught, and rectified.

HCA’s problems have been in many cases, year in, and year out. The cable guards have been a problem since the Excalibur. How many mid year changes have they done to that alone: there was the low mount w/ steel. Then the low mount w/ Carbon. Then the high mount with carbon. Then the High mount w/ an angled carbon rod. All in one and half year’s time! The angled rod increased bushing wear (which is what the low mounts were doing w/ the 14” limb bows). So then the bushings started to change every six months to accommodate the poor cable guard design. Then they changed the Cable guards again in 1999. And based on what is on my 2002 model, they still do not have it right: My 3-49’s deflect less

I won’t even get into the limbs. They have been a common problem since the old “flared” models from the very early 90’s

Make no mistake, Id’ LOVE to see HCA get their ducks in a row, and start putting out some CONSISTENTLY good quality products! I’d be first in line to buy one, because as you & I well know, If you get a good one, and they shoot wonderfully.

Absolutely the Evolution continues. HCA played their part, and unless they pull a Hat Trick, I don’t see them playing any mentionable part in the future other than perhaps for inspiration. Their most dedicated and loyal team member (and some would argue the man that put them on the map, as far as 3D goes), Burley Hall, finally gave up and went his own way. That particular action speaks volumes, IMHO.

I just don’t think HCA is the company to shake things up, and certainly is not the model for a safe durable bow manufacturer at least in this point in time. Most people are finding it hard to take them seriously, which as you mentioned is going to be a problem for Mathews after their recent advertising campaign (I agree, stupid move, regardless if there is some legitimacy in those claims or not).

Safety is my concern here. Only because HCA has a (very deserved) bad reputation for all kinds of trouble running the gamut from poor fundamental bow design to “experimental” tech. I personally have not seen the improvement based on my own 2002 model purchase last summer, and the bows I’ve seen in various shops in my travels.

Doesn’t mean HCA cannot whip themselves into shape, but they have not only shot off their own two feet, they’ve done a damn good job of taking out the legs and torso too