Merlin Bows...Don't overlook them!

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09-01-2002, 10:17 AM

#11

Straightarrow

Join Date: Feb 2003

Location:

Posts: 2,413

RE: Merlin Bows...Don't overlook them!

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quotequote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote> The Merlins have the tightest tolerances, greatest attention to detail, and are the best handling bows I have shot to date.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Fine attributes I suppose, but completely unimportant to me as a hunter. As a hunter I demand a bow that will enable me to hit a 2" circle at 20 yards - so far every bow I've shot has qualified. I want a brace height around 8" and an ATA around 33-36" for my treestand huntings. I want the bow to be as quiet as it can get and I want a low hand shock. Most importantly I want it to feel good in my hands. Now you tell me how are you going to know a bow will feel good in my hands? Answer- you have no idea, you can only guess. Is your idea of quiet the same as mine? Who knows, I only know that I've disagreed with what many have said about particular bows.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>If you feel what you are shooting is "great", that's fine by me and your opinion,(at least you're shooting something, that's what it's really all about) but to say that you "won't" because it's "not USA made" or that you cannot hold it first is like slapping all of us in the face who went out of our way already.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

How is wanting to buy American a slap in your face? How is wanting to shoot it first a slap in your face? The right feel on a hunting bow is a very personal thing. How can you possibly know if someone else will like it? Every target shooter in the world could prefer it and I wouldn't care. I'm a hunter and I look for different things in my bows, just like many others.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>I don't know about others, but I will NOT steer someone away from what I believe to be the truth.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

I am the same, which is why I will stick by my original advise and recommend that a person should shoot before they buy unless they don't mind selling at a loss if they don't like it.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>If you don't want to believe us, especially those of us who HAVE shot every brand, HAVE won many titles and Championships over the years and HAVE been working in the industry for over 3 decades, then I guess that's your choice, but I'm not following this type of thinking, really.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Are you saying, a vast majority of those who have shot every brand and won many Championships are now singing the praises of Merlin? Are a majority of those working in the industry for over 3 decades, now shooting and promoting Merlins? I don't think so.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>That's the problem with this world today, everyone is getting too independent. Kids don't listen to teachers or parents, people won't listen to those that have "been there and done that", they have to stick their foot in the same chuckhole to find out for themselves that it will give you a broken ankle! I learned from the great techs before me, and did it the HARD way, before computers with info at your fingertips, and altho you can gain lots of knowledge here, NOTHING beats hands-on experience over many, many years with hundreds of brands of equipment of all types. <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

If I bought every bow that some expert thought was the best bow in the world, I'd own every brand of bow in the world. It really doesn't take an expert to figure out if they like a bow. All a person needs it to shoot it a bit.[/quote]

09-01-2002, 10:25 AM

#12

BOWFANATIC

Nontypical Buck

Join Date: Feb 2003

Location: Wisconsin

Posts: 3,903

RE: Merlin Bows...Don't overlook them!

PW12

I've been around the block a few times myself. My post was never intended to be a slap in your face for shooting Merlin. But , if you want to look at it that way , I'm sure , many others , along with myself , feel you just slapped all of the USA made bow shooters in the face with comments like "most big USA manufacturers' bows are NOT on that pinnacle either".

I said it before , I 'll say it again , if your happy with what your shooting , thats all that counts!

Good luck this season!!

"Nocked,cocked & ready to rock"

09-01-2002, 10:53 AM

#13

Kanga

Giant Nontypical

Join Date: Feb 2003

Location: Burleson TX USA

Posts: 6,455

RE: Merlin Bows...Don't overlook them!

Thanks Pinwheel.

The max was the one that I was thinking about then came a long the super nova I am sure it was just to confuse me a little more<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

09-01-2002, 12:11 PM

#14

Sagittarius

Typical Buck

Thread Starter

Join Date: Feb 2003

Location: In a Tarpon Boat

Posts: 846

RE: Merlin Bows...Don't overlook them!

The original point for starting this topic was to showcase the Merlin bows and make others aware of their features and craftsmanship.
Yes, there are some fine bows made in America.
I own a Hoyt Superstar, PSE Mach 8 and 10. A Red Man custom and Bowman custom.

Bowtech, Mathews, CSS, Clearwater/Storm, and Martin among others also make good bows.
But, imho, except for the Bowman, they are not quite on par with Merlin.
Red Man falls a little short because of its finish but otherwise comes close because of its great tolerances and construction.

The reason for my belief of Merlin superiority is...
Merlin has better limbs, limb pockets, grips, riser geometry, and finish than any American bow from a large Manufacturer.

Almost all USA bow use Gordon Plastics Limbs or their materials.
Nothing wrong with Gordon.
In fact, they have improved in recent years and are much better today than in the past.
But they don't rate with Barnsdale or Merlin Profusion.

Most limb pockets of US made bows are good to lousy. I would get blasted if I told you how lousy some are.
PSE's pivoting full capture limb pockets are the best of any large USA manufactured bow.
The Merlin pockets are an absolute work of art. They are beautifully made and beautiful to look at with great specs.

I have handled almost all major manufactured bows over the past few years. No USA bow has a grip that comes close to the comfortable grip on the Merlin bows.
Like I've already stated, all archers who have felt the grips on my Merlins have agreed with me on this but one.

I feel, the Merlin bows balance better than 95% of their American counterparts. The Max2000 and Super Nova are pretty much classic Deflex and Reflex design to the eye.
But the way the grip is slightly offset and overall geometry of the riser make for an extremely well balanced and shootable bow.
Certainly the best balanced bows I have ever felt.

The finish on Merlin's risers, limb pockets and cams is something to see.
Merlin polishes their risers before anodizing them and it shows.
The finish of the Merlin target bows look like the finish on a custom car.
The hunting bows finish is the best looking I have seen also.

Straightarrow,

You mentioned, only being interested in a hunting bow that you can hit a circle with at 20yds.
I agree, if that's all you care about, that's fine.

But for anyone looking for a bow with the best feel, best finish, best tolerances, best balance, and the prettiest bow you will ever see...
Check out a Merlin!
The accuracy isn't bad either.
You might be amazed by how well you shoot a Merlin!

Sag.

Edited by - Sagittarius on 09/02/2002 00:11:37

09-01-2002, 03:37 PM

#15

Pinwheel 12

Typical Buck

Join Date: Feb 2003

Location: .. NH USA

Posts: 970

RE: Merlin Bows...Don't overlook them!

Straightarrow and Bowfanatic-

I truly believe after the many years I have been in this sport that I am a pretty good judge of equipment, and I can honestly say that only a few American bows can sit on the same hill as the Merlins, sorry. I personally don't care if a bow is made in italy, japan, switzerland or tibet, if it's a great item I'm going to shoot it and tell everyone it is great. I love America just as much as the next guy and probably more than alot of you, but much like comparing a Chevy to a Mercedes, sometimes we just to have to face the fact that sometimes other countries build a better product. I've shot them all "on this side of the pond", and have found that few have the comfort, quality, and accuracy that I seek in a bow, no matter how many ads I am force-fed, I trust myself more than all of them put together. Maybe I now see your points on wanting to shoot them yourselves, but the difference is I DO listen to those that have more experience than I do and respect them knowing they have more than me. A private doesn't make the command decisions during battle, the major has more experience and guides them to help keep them alive. This isn't quite as drastic, but works on the same principle. If I'm going through a minefield, I want a guy that has been through a hundred of them instead of a "cherry" in front of me, cause he knows what to look for. Same thing. I and others like Field 14 who "have been around the block" are simply trying to help archers in their quest to find the better mousetrap. Merlin has only been in the USA for a few years, about the same amount of time that Bowtech has been in business. You do not see millions of seasoned archers shooting them yet either. Eventually Merlin will have Factory Shooting Staff personnel in every format here in the States.

I may have been a little overzealous with my wording with the "slap in the face" comment and I apologize for that one, but I am as passionate about this sport as anyone out there.(it's my business and livlihood, not just a hobby) As far as knowing what will be quiet and comfortable in any persons' hands, I really don't believe that to be a Mr. Wizard equation that only one person can answer, yes, I can tell you what is quiet and smooth with great accuracy. I can tell you that twin cams are more tunable than solos, and usually much more forgiving for the average archer, contrary to the "big trend" and popular belief that is being force-fed to most archers today. I can also tell you that a company that has to go full-tilt, 7 days a week for 6 months straight to try and keep up with orders each year will not have the same tolerances and quality control of a smaller company that doesn't have to "run ragged" and takes utmost pride in their overall product instead of the almighty dollar and total numbers sold. Yes, I do know a few things about this industry as I should, I've been around it a long time.

"Tolerances and attention to detail" are important to everyone who picks up a bow. Why? because it is the little things that make a bow "great". It's overall geometry and holding properties. The thumb-knuckle cutout that eliminates torque and callouses! A great bow that will go many years without failure, one that will require less maintenence,(especially if it's a hunting rig and not treated too kindly) and one that will give you the most accuracy for your money. If you can hit a 2" spot at 20 yds with any bow, that's great! But, the difference between "good" and "great" is how long will that bow do that without maintenence? One year, two maybe? Who really bothers with correct maintenence schedules? Few of us do. With sloppy tolerances everything gets "loose" much quicker over time and can move, wearing parts(that are cheaper also!) much quicker and affecting accuracy. That 2" could be 4" or 6" next year, depending upon how much you shoot. Precision tolerances and higher grade materials help to keep your bow at it's optimum performance level for many years. I'm not here to cut down our American products and sorry if it looked that way, as stated some are very good, the Bowmans' for instance are excellent bows, so are the Redman as Sag has stated. But I am here to try and help archers choose a "great" product, and unfortunately I must say some of the bigger USA companies are lacking because they cut too many corners and use cheaper materials and parts. Maybe if their sales went to companies that build a better product it would be incentive enough for them to get with the program too instead of roping everyone in with all of the "smoke and mirrors" we currently see. That's it in a nutshell.

The bottom line is as was stated---If you are happy with what you are shooting, enjoy your bow and your shooting! THAT is really what it is all about! <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> The rest is up to each individual, all guys like myself can do is offer our experience to help. Maybe from now on I'll wait to be asked first tho! <img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle> <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> Good shooting, Pinwheel 12

Edited by - Pinwheel 12 on 09/01/2002 19:45:59

09-01-2002, 06:07 PM

#16

PABowhntr

Boone & Crockett

Join Date: Feb 2003

Location: Lehigh County PA USA

Posts: 12,157

RE: Merlin Bows...Don't overlook them!

Ok Sag...

One, how in the heck am I supposed to hunt with a bow that looks like that? First I would be afraid of scratchin' the darn thing and, second, I would be afraid to put it down as someone will likely pick it up...

You need to get one in that fancy Sherwood forest camo man!

Two, just how much is one of these pretty little gems gonna run me???

...and do they actually sell something to my liking?...aka, an under-34 inch axle to axle length, single cam that can be adjusted to a 31 inch draw length....or is it all those darn long, heavy, recurve limb-looking target bows?

I long for the days of the Hoyt anodized finishes....and that Sherwood camo looks so darn pretty.

09-01-2002, 06:41 PM

#17

jgauthier

Join Date: Feb 2003

Location: leominster Ma USA

Posts: 1

RE: Merlin Bows...Don't overlook them!

I also have to put in a good word for the Merlin's. I have personally seen 3 of there models,the Super Nova, the Max 2000, and the Hunter's Quest Twin Cam. I myself own a "Top of the Line" American made bow. I personally find this bow to be okay, however it doesn't compare with the Merlin line of bows. About the only thing I would say I like better about my American bow is that it is quieter than the Merlin. However the Hunter's Quest that I shot was so unbelievably quiet it was unreal, and this bow is a 2 cam which are usually noisy. I must also point out that the Hunter's Quest was set about 10 pounds higher than my bow and my arrows were heavy for the set up were the Hunter's Quest arrows were I believe close to 5 or 6 grains per pound. So as of now I have a Max on order, and after this hunting season my American Bow is going up for sale and I will be buying a Merlin Hunter's Quest 35 for hunting. I would order one now but hunting season starts in 2 weeks and the wife would kill me right now. So for all of you who wouldn't buy a Merling because you can't see it, that is your choice. However you are really missing out.

09-01-2002, 06:58 PM

#18

Sagittarius

Typical Buck

Thread Starter

Join Date: Feb 2003

Location: In a Tarpon Boat

Posts: 846

RE: Merlin Bows...Don't overlook them!

Frank,

Don't worry. I plan on getting a Sherwood Forest Merlin eventually.
The Hunter's Quest 35 is available with the fabulous Profusion limbs in your 31" draw length.
Yeah, I know it's not 32" ata but look at it this way.
Only three more inches and you can be shooting the best short ata bow on the planet. And by far the best looking too.
Heck, I'm still waiting on my custom Trails End Recurve to arrive in October. It will be 64" long and I plan on hunting with it from a tree stand.
So how can a 35" compound be too long for you ?
As far as price, contact Pinwheel 12 as I'd rather not put any prices on the message board.
Pinwheel will treat you right!
Go for it Frank.
You know you want one!

Sag.