I heard Diamond has a new model (Gladiator or something like that), that IBOs at 328. Not the fastest bow on the planet, but it does have a 7" brace.

I just got in also, great show, very busy!

I got to meet a few of the local board members, but only briefly as we were running like chickens much of the weekend like other manufacturers. 500fps stopped by, so did Matt, Len, and I saw Pat (bowtechshooter) during lunch at Champions. OKbowhntr was there, RobVos, and too many to list really...I know I missed alot of guys and I apologize for not mentioning you here. Never got a chance to meet JeffB and others tho and that was unfortunate-- we'll have to do that next time.

The Merlins' new Syntech design limb laminates were a buzz, we had most manufacturers stopping by to take a peek, including Kevin and Stacey while they were out for a stroll. Some others really got in-depth about the entire process, took pics, and asked many questions. Norb Mullaney was by, along with other techs and industry people. We also had Larry Wise in the booth with us all weekend, as he chooses to shoot Merlin also. We were very pleased with the response and our dealer list is definately growing!

The Max Xtreme was shot by alot of people and got the big thumbs up from everyone--they all went "WOW".

We also hardly got out to do any buying or mingling ourselves, I had my staff take care of most of it this year-- unfortunately I had to spend most of the weekend in the booth or the demo area. Perils of being in business![8D]

Great time, great people, and beat the snow when we left. What more can you ask for? Good shooting, Pinwheel 12

I'll try to get a pic in here, but I have trouble sometimes so we'll see how it goes-- Here is a pic of some of the bows with me discussing them (and hiding behind the rack) with Nibal Achkar, CEO of APA Ultimate rests, who also put some of his rests on our bows. (nice rests, thanks, Nibal!)

Here's one of my beautiful wife Kerry and Owner of Merlin Ben Jones getting ready for the day on Friday.

Here's one of Owner and Founder Chris Jones, yours' truly, and Ben Jones, same morning before the opening. (Larry Wise with his back to the camera)

And finally, one of our new "baby", the Max-Xtreme, with Larry Wise and others of us speaking with industry people in the background.

So where was the Black Max 2 during all of this???


Kevin,

Those are some nice looking bows and some great pics. Now I have another reason to regret missing the show.

Sorry I did not get by Kevin. I usually was only able to see stuff that was on the way to the bathroom or by the concession stand..you guys were on the other side!

Kevin Strother/BowTech and the Diamond guys are real tight. They came over and hung out for a bit and shot the BowTechs, and Kevin Strother said Diamond had a new wheel bow that was pretty nice.

WWAG,

Target colors were very nice. Most folks seemed to like the Red better, but I thought the Blue was much prettier. It's one of the prettiest competition color bows I've ever seen.

As for a speed challenge, Every time Kevin pulled the bow out a big crowd would gather..dealers, other manufacturers, us, etc. I heard folks talking about it in the bathroom and when I went to get a soda or lunch. People were aware.

Jeff-

Yep, you were like me--the only time I got a chance to look at anything was if I took the time to skirt the new products showcase on the way to the demo area. We'll hook up eventually.

I did get to speak with Ted Nugent, Myles Keller, Chuck Adams, and a few others, but not anywhere near as many as I usually do.

The Diamond guys had some nice stuff, all mostly built on the Machete riser. I too was impressed with Parkers' new Phoenix lineup, they felt and shot great.

Those new quickspin vanes were nice as well--no more fletching contact and still get more spin than a tight helical! Sweet.

The "Bowboogers" silencers were a riot.

More as I can remember. Pinwheel 12

Pinwheel, any idea if Diamond has any new cam offerings, or are all their new bow designs using the same PF cams of old?

Did you get to shoot the Max Extreme much? Did they let you take one home with you so you could put it through the paces and tell us all about it?

Rangeball-

Diamond came out with two new bows--well really one with two cam options--which are called the Gladiator and Gladiator 2. It is 34" ATA, with 7" brace. The PF MP cam has an advertised IBO rating on this bow of 328. It also comes in the Gladiator 2 with new twin cams that are pretty smooth, 319 IBO rating on this bow. They also have 1/2 increments now available. Other than that the lineup remains the same as it was in 2003.

The Max-Xtreme is one of the smoothest and quietest bows I've ever shot, period. This bow is SWEET. All of Merlins' bows hold and shoot very well and don't exhibit any undue noise or shock but this thing is dead-nuts quiet--everyone who shot it just looked at it and went "wow, this thing is nice".

I won't have any for another week or possibly two-- I couldn't bring one back because we were flying and I didn't feel like buying yet another case and going through the extra hassle at the airports.

Norb Mullaney has one tho. As does Jon Silks and a few other "notables". Look for upcoming reports and articles in the months to come. I will report just as soon as I can get one here, but I CAN tell you one thing because I know you are anxious---I already know which bow will be going to my stands this year---my Hunters' Quest 31 with Whisper cams will soon be up for sale or placed on "backup bow" status. I don't even have to think about this decision after having shot this bow. Yes, they are that nice IMHO. Many others think so as well-- alot of the ones we had at the show walked out the door in dealers' hands, with many many more on order! Good shooting, Pinwheel 12