Tell us all about this bow, like what do the new "parabolic" limbs do for us? Why did Merlin ditch the recurve limbs on this model? I actually was expecting more parallel recurve limbs...

Any other new technology or refinements?

What does this bow offer over the HQ35, which I assume is still available?

Rangeball-

This bow is based on the Max 3000 riser. Longer sight window, angled 3 degree offset grip, geometry is some of the best to be found anywhere. When combining that with the parabolic limb and syntech laminates, it's simply a winning combination.

Parabolic limbs--

The Pro-Fusion process allows us to design limb shapes perfectly suited to the application without the restrictions associated with ordinary limb materials and manufacturing methods. The parabolic design contour keeps shock and recoil to a minimum by redicing forward momentum, while still keeping a perfectly balanced riser geometry and secure limb pocket mounting angle.

As stated, I'll be getting some in soon, and I can give you the full boat in-depth review. (well maybe not a full-in-depth-review, but I'll tell you want you want to know)

Good shooting, Pinwheel 12

Eagerly looking forward to it... That 3* offset grip sound right up my alley...

Rangeball-

If you've never shot a 3 degree angled grip, you're in for a treat. It's much more comfortble once you get used to it. (takes about 10 shots for most people) I'll give you a shout. Good shooting, Pinwheel 12

Kevin, the statement in bold seems to imply that Merlin considered going more parallel but saw problems associated with more steep limb pocket mounting angles.

Is that what happened? If so, what kind of problems did they envision or run into?

Or am I just letting my imagination run wild...

And to make sure I'm understanding correctly, Merlin's pre-formed parabolic limbs give one all the benefit of recoil and shock free VFT without any of the "potential" problems arising from too steep limb pocket angles?

Rangeball-

You're really trying to get me into trouble, aren't you?

I'm going to toss this one back at you and I will simply say that you should e-mail the factory for the "politically correct" answer to this one, altho IMO you have pretty much answered your own question. Bottom line is there is now newer (and IMHO better) technology available both in limb and in cam design, and if you go to AT in the bowhunting section and read the review by TomC, I think that pretty much says it all. Or go to the general archery section and find "Merlin bows" thread with over 100 posts and 3000 views, same concensus.

And TomC's review wasn't even on an Omega system bow, OR a Max-Xtreme with parabolics and the syntech limb laminates! Evolution continues...

Merry Christmas, Pinwheel 12

Ah, come on, you know you're dying to say it...

What good is technology if you can't rant and rave about having it over the other bows out there... Just think of it as strong selling points...

I'll see if Ben feels like playing Hopefully he'll give me permission to post his answer here...

I read most everthing Merlin at AT. Tom C was the dude who bought a bunch of top end bows to compare, with Merlin coming out way on top, right?

Yep, he was, and he didn't hold back on his comparason money, either! Pinwheel 12

Rangeball,

Go ahead and order the Max Extreme.
You're not going to find a better hunting bow with more craftsmanship, shootability, and good looks.
Especially, a parallel limb bow.
BTW, I own the finest equipment of anyone on the net. [8D] NOT Tom C
So take it from one who knows.
Order the Max Extreme and be done with it.
My next bow will be a new Merlin.


Sag.

Actually, I'll probably wait until you or Blackfrog order yours and post a glowing report complete with lots of pictures...