I have the opportunity to buy a new Merlin Tempest reasonably. It is 29" draw with rapid cams. After looking at Merlin's site, I'm not sure that a simple module replacement will get me to my 26" draw length. Do I have to change cams altogether? Anybody have experience with this particular bow? I know Merlin's rep as an excellent bow manufacturer.

I am going to bump this over to the tech. forum as I know there are several Merlin shooters over there.

Hope this helps.

I've been shooting the Merlins for the past 4 -5 years now. One of the best customer service in the industry. I think the Tempest has been out of production for more then 3 years now. I still think you might be able to get modules for the rapid cam form Merlin though. The rapid cam was modified a few years ago but I think you have the original model(which will make a difference in the modules). They will know by the #on the cam. You will have to go to the Merlin site and find a dealer closest to you and I'm sure they can help you out. If you don't have a dearler close then contact Pinwheel archery. They are the Internet sales Rep. Also 300 Archery. I have dealt with Kevin numberous times and he is a pleasure to deal with. Good luck. Jerry

First, thanks for the assist Frank and Jerry, much appreciated guys!

The Tempest was Merlins' cheapest bow ever built. Altho people try to do it, one simply cannot compare those to the top of the line Merlins that are being spoken of in most tournament and hunting circles today. Basically the Tempests were a mass-produced distributor bow built with lesser components, and plastic grips. They have been discontinued since 2001, and many earlier ones went to liquidators in 1999 after two distributors cleaned out their warehouses in 1998. Last time I looked they were being sold for around $159.

Modules are still available for the rapid cam---contact www.pinwheelproducts.com for more info. Limbs are tougher to get and pricier too, and IMHO not worth the money or effort---considering the entire bow was selling for $159, and that you will easily pay over $110 for limbs, it makes more sense to just find another Tempest if you can and use any broken ones for parts.

Merlin discontinued their lower-priced models simply because that really isn't what they are about and they regret ever building the cheaper bows--- they now continue to build some of the finest built compounds to be found anywhere in the World today, and their name precedes them. More and more Merlins are being found at major tournaments, and more and more are winning in all formats. If you get a chance, check out some of their top models, you may be pleasantly surprised at the craftsmanship as well as their shootability. Good shooting, Pinwheel 12