The Max Xtreme is not "heavy" by any means, just heavier than the current featherweights! (Machete for instance is 3lbs 6 oz and the Max-Xtreme is 4lb) Everyone has gone to this "lighter is better" mentality and no-one can tell me that they hold better at full draw with a much lighter bow---a heavier bow is much more stable.

I carry both the Diamonds and Merlins in the shop, and they are two different animals---the Diamonds are less expensive because of alot of attributes that they simply do not have when compared to the Merlin--

Carbon limbs with the highest carbon content in the industry with parabolic design and laminated limbskins on the Merlins versus standard composite limbs of the Diamonds.

Hybrid cam system with straight and level nock travel at all drawlengths versus conventional modular solocam without.

Locking, pivoting limb pockets lined with vibration-reducing membrane, versus standard bolt-on.

Adjustable carbon cableguard versus non-adjustable straight rod.

6082 Aluminum machined riser versus 6061

Soloflex premium 8125 strings and cables versus stock factory D97 or 450+

The price of admission is different certainly, but you start to see why....

I have also tested the Max-Xtreme versus the Machete and feel that SA is correct on most points--I agree the Machete is a bit faster, but does exhibit more recoil than the Max-Xtreme. The Machete also as noted has less brace height, and shorter ATA which will account for some of this. The Max-Xtreme is meant to be a smooth quiet hunting bow with no recoil or handshock, not designed to be a barn-burner. However even so it produces very capable speeds and is actually only 9-10FPS slower than the Machete through our chronos at the same drawlength and poundage using the same arrow. If we directly compare it to the Undertaker instead of the Machete which is much closer to the same specs as the Max-XTreme this difference drops to less than 4-5fps.

Dynamic balance is awesome on the Xtreme, and probably would be also on the Machete if it had the same cam system---conventional solo systems do not have symmetrical eccentrics on both ends of the bow such as a twin or hybrid system does, therefore dynamic balance suffers. They also can have differing limbtip travels due to this and some will "kick" at the shot. The Machete does well for a conventional solo however and will settle down nicely with correct stabilization. The Max Xtreme is dead-nuts still at the shot with great balance even without any stabilization. It only gets better when you add the goodies.

Both bows fill a different niche and as stated are two different animals that target two different clientels----and it all simply depends upon what you are looking for in a bow. Personally money is no object to me when choosing equipment because I demand only the best and will pay to get it. I sell both bows out of the shop and they both cater to their intended clientel quite well. Good shooting, Pinwheel 12