08' Bow testing

[SPIKER]

How many members have tried any of the 08 bows yet?

Let's have this thread reflect the experiences that we've had so far with the new bows. I guess I'll start with the Martin Firecat.


MARTIN FIRECAT

I shot the Firecat the other night at Flying Arrow. Set at 60# with I believe was a 28 3/4" dl.

[Greg Krause]

I shot the Firecat with Spiker and i kind of liked the draw. The draw cycle is as he describes it, but with some getting used to I don't think it would "slam" at all. It was quick and shock free at the shot, but nothing that would make me run out and trade in my bow.

[red]

Hmm...not really what I wanted to hear. The firecat is on my list of bows to test drive in the New Year. Spiker and Skip...which '08 bows have you shot that you have found exciting? I have these on my list so far:

Marquis
Firecat
Airbournes
DXT

[Greg Krause]

I wouldn't count out the Firecat. It is a shooter and has some speed for sure. The draw cycle is just different from what Spiker and I are used to. It just drops inti the valley and against the wall a bit harder than what we are shooting.

I shot the Hoyt Katera as well. Now that the cam has been fixed I actually got to shoot it. It's a bit faster than the Vulcan, a liitle lighter and a nice draw. still not improved enough to make me change from the Vulcan.

[SPIKER]

Not make us change from the Vulcan (The Katera), but......for somebody that doesn't have a Vulcan, that is an awesome bow. There's no more problems with the draw stop, apparently, that was only on the test bows that each dealer got.

So far thats the only new bow (That was on my list as well) that I've had the chance to shoot.

[red]

Thanks, guys...I'll add the Katera to the list of possibles.

[red]

Just looked up the specs on the Katera...a full pound more than bows like the Firecat and DXT. Did you guys feel like the bow was heavy? Thanks,

Red

[jamaltwy]

i haven't had time to test drive the new mathews but will after the holiday's!!! interested in new dxt

[SPIKER]

The Hoyts are heavier...I like that about them. Thats part of the reason they are so steady, and shock free.

Me and skip were talking about that the other day. A pound shouldn't matter unless your walking miles into the backcountry, and you have to carry all your gear in. I'm not that big, and I have no trouble shooting my Vulcan all day. Most of the time, I'm walking a couple of hundred yards to my stand, and I never have a problem.

My whole rig weighs 6.4 pounds, and thats because of the HHA adjustable sight...its heavy as well! I just don't consider weight to be a factor for me, but I know that other people do. And if you do, then a lighter bow will be better for you. The bottom line is to choose the bow that is perfect for you. There are so many good bows out there now that it shouldn't be a problem..

[red]

Thanks for the information, Spiker...I realize that it ultimately will come down to an individual decision, but it is nice to have some unbiased opinions from guys like you and Skip...mostly what you get other places is nonsense from fanboys. I plan on keeping my Switchback for a backup, but I have an open mind to nearly every bow out there. I won't trade a nice, smooth draw for speed, however, I would like to pick some up if I can. I am actually hoping I like the draw on the 82nd and/or the Firecat. Best to ya buddy.