What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

Now that we have seen the offerings I thought that we could revisit it. I'll start off with saying that I see three big winners this year. That would be the Hoyt XTEC, the Bowtech Liberty, and the Mathews Outback. That isn't to say that there aren't other fine new offerings out there, but these three seem to have really peaked interest this year. It's interesting too that these three really are in slightly different segments. And it is interesting to me how these segments keep getting chopped up finer and finer. But the other big trend that I keep seeing is that speed isn't selling alone. The market now expects speed so parity needs to be achieved on speed but the differentiation occurs on other attributes like draw cycle or riser length or how quiet and vibration free a bow is. All in all the market is becoming more demanding and the manufacturers are responding.
For me I guess the story with Bowtech is most telling. Because on paper I figured that the new Patriot single would be the bomb, instead the folks took a look at the draw cycle on the Liberty and said yes. And we saw this last year too with the Patriot dually and the harsh draw cycle and folks moving towards the Extreme VFT for speed.
How do you folks see it?

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

I agree with you. The Liberty, Outback, and XTec have made a up-roar, not so much the XTec, but it is still shocking alot of guys.

The comments about better draw cycles is something that I think is going to be taken to a new level next year! BowTech may be able to engineer a new version of the freedom cam that will give the smooth draw characteristics of the F-Cam, while getting speeds like the Infinity Cam.

People want the best of both worlds, they just don't want to short change one to get more of the other!

The thing about these 3 bows is that they are actually pretty different. They all offer something that the others dont!

The competition between manufacturers seems to be increasing and the products are improving! If this rate continues, we should be seeing some KILLER bows in the next few years. One thing that wouldn't suprise me is seeing a new revision on parrallel limb design bows.

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

I think the Bowtech Liberty and the Hoyt Xtec are making the most noise. The Liberty is ridiculously smooth drawing and shoots nice. The Xtec uses the Ultratec riser with a shorter more parallel limb design. What else can you say about the Utratec? Its been a proven top performer regardless of hunting, 3D or spots.

I'm sure there are others out there that will surprise a lot of people. The reason I didn't mention the Mathews line up is because I think they missed the boat big this year. Honestly, they pull too hard for my liking. To me, there was no comparison between the Outback and the Hoyt and Bowtech offerings. Hoyt and Bowtech have my votes.

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

IMO after shooting all the above mentioned , based on smooth draw , hard wall , and the extra innovations...

Mathews Outback! The HP cam is sweet!
Based on smooth draw it's a toss up between the Liberty and Xtec , but the nod goes to the Liberty for the extra innovations.

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

Shoot a Merlin Max-Xtreme. Then you'll reconsider your opinions, I'll bet on it. True level nock travel, super quiet, no shock, no recoil. Syntech limb laminates, carbon parabolic limbs with 10 times the carbon content of other limb designs which provides better torsional stiffness and consistency. Pivoting. dual-locking limb pockets, 3 degree offset grip for a more natural feel and great geometry, heck, the list keeps on going!;) Solocams and even twins will soon become obsolete IMHO--- Hoyt, one of the biggest players in Archery, is so convinced of this that they have put all of their eggs in the hybrid basket already and have scrapped both twins and solos. HUGE step forward for them, they are surely confident in this new technology! Merlin almost followed suit this year but figured to grab a few of the remaining bunch that haven't figured it out just yet. Make no mistake that the hybrid is becoming the mainstay of the industry for the next generation. The Merlin Omega hybrid is IMO one of if not the best hybrid design on the market currently also. As stated, once you shoot one, you'll probably buy one and forget about the advertising of others and who's currently "popular". JMHO. ;) Pinwheel 12

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

Pinwheel12, I looked at the merlin's some and wow, the MaxExtreme's are a sweet looking bow. I just need to find a place to shoot one. I think they are very overlooked company. Probably because they dont have the marketing persistance that the Hoyts, Mathews and Bowtechs are putting out there right now.

I too believe that the solo's are going to eventual degrade and lose a lot of sales in the future. I can see Bowtech coming into the Hybrid arena in the next year or so. A lot more room for advancement as the solo's have pretty much topped out.

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

I'm not sure "persistence" is the right word. I've never seen an ad for a Merlin. They advertise less then Diamond (if at all), and I think we all know that Diamond's idea of marketing is to let bowhunters tell their buddies about them. This is very effective on an individual basis, but a very slow way to gain market share.

If the definition of "hot" is most popular, then any Mathews offering has to be considered. On the other hand, if "hot" means new and most improved, then the Merlin Max Extreme may be a player. Hard to tell since they are not yet on the market.

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

Shot the XTEC yesterday, and I'm not sure if they made some modifications to the cam & 1/2 or not, but the valley was much more forgiving, you didn't get that hard "jerk" when the cams roll, like I get with the ultratec and protec I've had/have. h

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

Very different from last year !

The Liberty is a very nice bow !! Very smooth draw and balanced near perfect to me !!

The Outback I think is more of the suprise bow for Mathews fans......I didn't expect much when I went to shoot one.....and traded my LX less than 2 weeks later !! It really has more to offer than what's on paper !

I wouldn't know what Hoyt came out with this year......if an occasional Xtec post didn't come up every once in a while !

Pinwheel.....I would've never heard of Merlin if not for you ! Although my interest is certainly peaked .....the lack of availability (ie. close dealers) is my only hold back ! I have a feeling I would by a Max Extreme if it didn't have to be a sight unseen transaction and a e-mail or phone deal ! I am a more meet in person type fella ! If a dealer pops up close by .....I will probably burn rubber to take a look !! I think you've got a great looking bow......I just wish I could drive less than a hour or so to see it :( !! Good Luck !! :D

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

That's b/c Hoyt doesn't pay people to come to this board and goo and gah over their bows.

Take a look around man, why do you think a certain bow continously gets promoted so hard on this board, when in fact, they would be hard pressed to make the top 5 in annual bow sales?

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

The Max Extreme would be the best new hunting bow for me.
Too bad, it's not available in a 31" draw length.
It would probably replace my Mach 8 this year.
I know the Merlin quality first hand.
The only bow that competes with Merlin for overall quality is the Bowman.
Yes, I own both brands and am biased.
But the reason I own both is because I only want to own the very best available.
Other bows are very good to excellent but Merlin and Bowman sit at the top right now. JMO ;)


Sag.

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

DC .....Didn't mean to offend a Hoyt man !! I am being serious......last year (on here and elsewhere).......it was Razortec this......Razortec that......cam.5 this......cam.5 that !!

This year ......I hear the crickets churping !! ;)

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

No offense taken, just releaving some stress:D

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

O god, here we go.....

Double Creek,

Do a poll on here and see how many people here are paid to promote BowTech! I'm not! I have seen what they have to offer and have found it to be better than anything else that I could get my hands on.

The funny thing is that I rarely see commercials for BowTech! They have grown from word of mouth and letting their bows speak for themselves!

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

i shoot bowtech i dont get paid i hunt i have shot hoyt cam and 1/2 dont like it shoot darton dont like it shot two hybrid cam bow makers dont like them see the trend i rather have a true duel cam bow.. the best hybrid cam i have shot is the new nitrous x cam by martin and they just came out with them. i didnt buy bowtech because ''everybody on here shots bowtech" i like the feel of the bow smooth very smooth accurate and fast iam sure merlin make a good bow every bow manafacture make a good bow.. i dont buy a bow because every body shots this brand that brand. i dont shoot 3d, spot or nothing iam after the big boy;).. in my opion everybody has to make a good bow or they wouldnt be in the business.. all true hunter and shooters shot what feels best only the guy that goes to the pro shop and brag about this brand is the only brand the one that buys a bow because ''eveybody shot them'' there are alot of people on this forum that shot bowtech and i have yet to here a complaint about them the only one that i here with a complant is the guy that dont even shoot a bowtech that say they will become opsoliet.[:@]

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

;)well done buck magnet:):D

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

Apparantley you don't get the outdoor channel

.

There are several guys on this board that are on Bowtech's payroll and several that trying as hard as they can to get there;)

I know they make a great bow, I've owned bowtech, it's a good bow.

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

and the gloves are off:D

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

All companies make good bows it all depends who's hands the bow is in.

Shoot what is best for you I know I do;)

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

I've owned close to 40 bows in the last 31 years,,, I'll admit it, I'm a archery junkie:( BUT I'm happy with my addiction!!:D I've looked at Hoyt bows very closely for the last 3 years but have not bought one yet. You can't argue about the quality of their products but they have a few issues with their designs I just can't get around. I look at archery products with a different attitude. The design of any product I'm looking to buy must be very durable, perform as promised and last a long time. I mostly hunt and practice with hunting in mind year round in all types of weather. The design I look for must be simple, without add ons that can fail and render the whole system innoperable on, not only a hunt of a lifetime but a hunt that I've taken valuable time off work or from the family.
If I decide that I'm shopping for a new bow it must be exactly that, a completely new model with improved performance and accuracy if possible (read higher brace heights);) I'll never buy a bow that doesn't offer me more that what I had with my previous bow. Now that I'm getting close to 50, I'll probably start buying bows with 60 pounds peak draw weight for hunting soon [&:] I'll still be looking for speed and accuracy when the day comes!!!! I'll also still be looking for bows with fewer parts;)

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

Should get your facts straight BI /DC. Actually there is only ONE employee of BowTech here on a fairly regular basis and that is BowTech Shooter. Unless you count BowTech R&D's occasional appearance.

As for "trying to make the payroll"...... I have a career, and this is about as close as I want to get into the industry again. No way would I want to make my living selling archery equipment these days, either as a dealer (which I've done) or manufacturer. BTW, just so ya know....if BowTech sells 5 bows, I don't make a dime. If they sell 50,000 bows, I don't make a dime. Discounts on bows and clothes? Yep. I'll be ordering my discount bow soon , as soon as I make up my mind .

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

I think the Justice will be one of the top hunting bows when everyone gets a chance to shoot one beside the Liberty, it sure seems like a smaller version of the Liberty but more brace height and very forgiving. I shot my first Robinhood with mine today, I sure hope those new Golt Tips get here soon.

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

To answer a few questions about the Merlins---

Merlin was a relative unknown here when I first picked one up back in 1997, tho they have been a strong force in Europe since the early 1970's.

From the first time I shot one, I knew they were "the one", at least for me. I have been shooting them as my "primary" bow ever since, and currently head the Merlin USA operation. They just continue to improve on all aspects of not only craftsmanship and shootability, but also customer and dealer relations. We have a strong support staff along with a very capable Pro and Amateur shooting staff as well, including master tech and well known Champion/Author Larry Wise. In fact Merlin made great showings in the recent Iowa Pro-Am with a first place finish in Men's bowhunter freestyle, and more recently won the Wyoming State Championships in Men's Pro Open going away-- breaking the previous state indoor Vega face record in the process. Many more victories will come soon in every format and division... Now that word is definately starting to get out about them, they will soon become a highly recognized name in the USA, mark my words. Also now that Merlin USA is established, closer communication with dealers and contacts with industry techs who can test the products and feature them in articles will be ever more present. Advertising will commence soon also. Look for upcoming articles/reports in Petersens Bowhunting, Bowhunter, and Bowhunting World.;)

Muzzyman88--

You live right near where we hunt each year, and are smack dab in the middle of two of our dealers--Larry Wise lives in Mifflintown (1-877-GO4XXXS) and is a dealer, and Appalacian Sports in Punxatawney is also a Merlin dealer and just a quick hour's jump up I-80 for you----they have a 27-29" 60lb Max-Xtreme there for you to try too!. (814) 427-2383. Tell Jim and Sandy I said "Hi".

Hope this answers a few lingering questions about them.;)

Good shooting, Pinwheel 12

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

Yes, there are a lot of new things that happen each year and you'll find leaders and followers in any market. It seems that many are now copying the Darton C/P/S cam. At last count there were at least 6 companies that have jumped on the Darton 'hybrid' cam design.

I see the same happening for Merlin on their new Syntech limb laminates. There were a lot of manufacturers looking strongly at this new technique. Don't be surprised to see Merlin's idea pop up on the competition next year.

Merlin offers quite a product and more in this country are starting to notice them. Having PW12 as the North American distribution network is a big step to making them more popular/available in this country.

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

Good posts Len and Pin but we still need to discuss,,,, "what is the hot new hunting bow THIS year";) Sure there will be improvements in designs and materials in the years to come,, but only after a year of use of those products and designs will tell the tale:)
Double Creek,,,,, I'd like to see your list of just who's on the ,,,,payroll;)

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

Double Creek,
What Jeff said......sure I get some new cool benefits now as recently being added to BowTech's staff( like my secret BowTech decoder ring;)), but just like Jeff........nope not on any payroll. However, unlike Jeff I wouldn't mind getting paid for my BowTech support through the years. Boy I'd love to have Pat's hours.:D
There is one employee of BowTech here on a payroll that I know of? And that is Pat.

Just remember that with Jeff and myself as official staff......the chicken came before the egg.......or is that the egg before the chicken? Anyway our support of BowTech came long before a staff position, not the other way around.

As for the other guys?.......well they're just nuts. We can't control that.
I'm not sure I'd even try.[8D]

The hot new hunting bows for 2004? Of course I'm going to say the Liberty and Justice as well as the Patriot.:eek: But the Outback and LX as well as the Xtec,Vipertec...Whatevertec guys like?;)are all going to be big sellers for sure.
Too bad that Merlin doesn't have more of a foothold because that MaxExtreme sure appears to be a heck of a nice bow as well and given some "In hand" exposure should be a real popular bow. I hate to see a quality piece of equipment overlooked in the selection process for shooters simply due to lack of availability for guys to try. Even given PW's reputation on the boards I know it's just hard for guys to take that "sight unseen" leap.

I know if I was shopping for a new bow, the ones I mentioned as well as a few others that might not neccesarily be on the "Hot" list , would be my immediate short list of bows to try and narrow down a new hunting bow. I might be "Official" but I'm definitely not shy about giving a bow "Props" if it deserves them.:)

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

WWAG--

I thought we WERE talking about the "NEW" (as in NEW parabolic limbs, NEW vibration absorbing and protecting "Syntech" laminates, NEW as in getting away from conventional twin and solocam designs and offering straight and level nock travel that is a snap to tune and is incredibly accurate, and a NEW, (in the USA) fresh, and full of promise company!;) )

"Hot", as in it will surely be one of the hottest selling bows this year after everyone reads about them in all of the hunting mags and hears the rave reviews from people that own them!;)

"Hunting bow" as in 33" ATA, 8" of brace height, and XTreme quiet!;)


That's right, I'm talking about a MERLIN MAX-XTREME! ;)

Doesn't that cover the bases for"new, hot hunting bow for THIS year"?;)[8D]:D I thought so!;) Good shooting, Pinwheel 12

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

Joel ! You keep getting yourself in trouble here, what's with that my friend?Wouldn't you like to hang out with the guy's you most likely have thing's in common with.Oh I guess that's why your here isn't it .
nubo

P.S. There's lots of great bow's out there we just prefer BowTech but that doesn't mean in no way that we don't like the other bow's out there.
I believe the Liberty ,xtec and the Outback are the most common that we read about here ,but that's just for this forum it might not be elsewhere.

Stay out of trouble Joel D/C

nubo

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

I'll just throw this out for further discussion;) I believe the most popular hunting bow for the model year 2004 will be the one that is the most available through the most dealers, has the smoothest draw for the given performance that it delivers, is somewhat compact for hunting, is reasonably priced, is very accurate and is very quiet. Could be any of the bows produced by the top 3 or 4 manufactures, depending on the dealers that sell them and the money they make from those particular models.
All that said, my favorite hunting bow the 70 pound Patriot Dually is not for everyone but it fits my demands perfectly;)

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

Those are very wise word's coming from a ugly good looking guy like yourself walk's with a gimp.hahaha hope you know I'm just kidding .

nubo

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

wwag:

The "...hot new hunting bow this year?" really has yet to be determined. After all, the ATA Show just ended and the majority of customers have yet to 'hit' the stores. To me, it would be ridicules to speculate so soon. And besides, I don't like to make recommendations, even to my customers. What one customer finds best is another's 'pits'.:D

What I mentioned were the elements that I felt could be featured/desired in this year's "...hot new hunting bow...". I agree with you when you posted "...but only after a year of use of those products and designs will tell the tale...". If you consider where we agree, then the C/P/S (and its offspring) have really been around for about 7 years.;)

I think the "...hot new hunting bow this year?" might be one that has the C/P/S cam system, which the Merlin has, and other unique features that make it note-worthy. Other than that I found quite a few at the ATA Show that really 'blew' me away. But, it's always up to the customer to make the final decision. And, that decision has some time before it can be made.:D

The Hoyts and BowTechs seem to be very hot so far. The freedom cam by BowTech seems to have opened up the market for them. Again, time will tell. I just wanted to add a little insight into the thread. [&:];)

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

I trust you guys dont get paid but this is a BowTech board anyway you look at it......;)

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

Hawgz,

That's why I call it Bowtechbbs. ;)
Archery Talk is Pro Martin as can be and the reason some call it MartinTalk. :D
It is sponsored by Martin so that makes sense.


Sag.

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

For me the Hot New Bow this year is the Mathews Outback!

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

rcd567, the Outback could very well be by the end of the year, we'll just have to wait and see how it all shakes out;)

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

HOT, FAST, LIGHT WEIGHT, ACCURATE!

Simply put 1AWESOME BOW!

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

By my calculations, "a long time" would be about 8 months! ;) I'd hate to see the ones that didn't make the cut.

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

I see the "dig" Straightarrow:D No, I've never wore out a compound bow and have traded a lot in my time. Just like this year's bows, improvements are constantly being made in materials and designs that prompt me to sell and buy new products. I currently have two hunting bows and one target bow with an '04 target bow ordered;) I gave up on my 25+ gun collection and I don't fish or golf so my time and money goes toward archery and bowhunting. Really a pretty reasonably priced hobby and outdoor activity compared to many others out there. Good luck this year!!!:)

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RE: What's the new hot hunting bow this year?
 

As for the subject at hand, I think the Hot bows will be the three mentioned so far (Liberty, X-Tec and OB) and sheer numbers may not be as high, but the Merlin Max,The Martin Razor-X, the PSE Scorpion, the Parker Phoenix, and the new AR w/ Ram & 1/2s should do really well too I would think. The Phoenix in particular as I see now that Parker is not selling dealer exclusive..this should bump the sales up.