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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Wudstix on November 15, 2019, 04:59:21 PM

Title: Martin Ball Bearing Recurve
Post by: Wudstix on November 15, 2019, 04:59:21 PM
Just got a 62" Martin Ball Bearing recurve, limbs marked 60#@30".  Looks very similar to the Martin Hatfield, take down version.  Is there anyone who knows about these bows?
Title: Re: Martin Ball Bearing Recurve
Post by: Wudstix on November 15, 2019, 08:38:17 PM
After google searching found a 2013 and May 2019 thread on another site.  Martin made them 1977-1988.  They just wedged the limbs to get a better angle and this is a recurve version of the warthog compound.  Hmmm!!!
Title: Re: Martin Ball Bearing Recurve
Post by: PICKNGRIN on November 15, 2019, 09:30:00 PM
I owned that model in the mid 1980's.  You are right.  Martin used the Warthog wooden riser of their wheel bow and made recurve limbs for it.  Mine had 55 and 65# limbs.  It shot great, took several deer with it.  Martin also used their Lynx model magnesium riser with the same limbs.
Title: Re: Martin Ball Bearing Recurve
Post by: PICKNGRIN on November 15, 2019, 09:55:26 PM
Here is a Martin Lynx with the ball bearing limbs.
Title: Re: Martin Ball Bearing Recurve
Post by: Wudstix on November 16, 2019, 12:41:28 PM
Found out they made these from 1977-1988.  Used the same riser for the Warthog compound.  This was an early ILF were adjusting the tiller and brace by tightening and loosening the limb bolts resulted in slight modification to poundage.  Probably hang on to it as my "old man" bow when backing down in poundage is needed, some day.  Marked 60#@30" so is about 52-53# at my draw.  Similar to the Hatfield in riser.  Great mass weight in riser though!!!
Title: Re: Martin Ball Bearing Recurve
Post by: Wudstix on November 16, 2019, 06:22:52 PM
Heard they shoot much like the DH Hunter, which will be a big bonus.  I dearly loved my 1966 DH Hunter, may she be well wherever she is.
Title: Re: Martin Ball Bearing Recurve
Post by: mahantango on November 16, 2019, 06:32:18 PM
That Lynx riser made a fantastic recurve!
Title: Re: Martin Ball Bearing Recurve
Post by: TOEJAMMER on November 17, 2019, 09:50:33 AM
I still have mine.  It was called the Martin MTD Recurve.  Mine differs from the one shown above as the riser is Bubinga which was what they used prior to going to the laminated shown.  I have two sets of limbs, 74# at 28" and 60# at 28".  Always seemed to shoot it with the 74#.  A great bow and a great shooter.  Now at 78 years old, it is boxed up to keep me from hurting myself but I haven't thought of letting it go.
Title: Re: Martin Ball Bearing Recurve
Post by: Zwickey-Fever on November 19, 2019, 08:37:29 AM
That's a beautiful bow Michael! I am actually surprised in all my travels with Martins that I have never owned a Martin take down. But I do like the elegance of a Martin one piece. I actually collect Martins and I have one of Martins new models, "Hibrido". But I am always on the look out for a Martin Dream Catcher 55#@28". Its my white whale. But thanks to you Michael, my hunt for Martins has expanded. LOL
Title: Re: Martin Ball Bearing Recurve
Post by: Wudstix on November 19, 2019, 09:13:16 AM
I'm hoping a praying to find the 1966-67 DH Hunter that I traded away @20 years ago, she went to ID.  Exchanged for a High Country D shaped longbow made by a local ID bowyer.  Swapped a PSE Phaser(?) compound for her in Indiana.  Praying she comes home.
Title: Re: Martin Ball Bearing Recurve
Post by: Zwickey-Fever on November 19, 2019, 09:24:47 AM
I love my Hunter. It's a smooth hard hitting bow!! The Hunter is the most forgiving bow that I ever shot!
(https://i.imgur.com/JwZJUSQ.jpg)
Title: Re: Martin Ball Bearing Recurve
Post by: Wudstix on November 19, 2019, 09:34:47 AM
Didn't think I needed her after I got my Big River recurve.  But I need her.  65#@28"
Title: Re: Martin Ball Bearing Recurve
Post by: Zwickey-Fever on November 19, 2019, 09:48:06 AM
65#@28" would definitely be a hard hitting bow. I always browse RMG web site for good deals on Martins. I picked up a old Diablo from them that I will never part with.
Title: Re: Martin Ball Bearing Recurve
Post by: Wudstix on November 19, 2019, 09:51:01 AM
I just want my baby back.  Praying that will happen.
Title: Re: Martin Ball Bearing Recurve
Post by: Zwickey-Fever on November 19, 2019, 09:51:42 AM
https://rmsgear.com/products/damon-howatt-70-28-62-hh5235?_pos=7&_sid=c2c716978&_ss=r
Title: Re: Martin Ball Bearing Recurve
Post by: Zwickey-Fever on November 19, 2019, 09:53:14 AM
There's a old Hunter 70#@28",,They have a old Super Diablo 65#@28" that I have been eyeing up.
Title: Re: Martin Ball Bearing Recurve
Post by: Wudstix on November 19, 2019, 09:57:26 AM
I have a 1965 DH Hunter 75#@28" that I use as an exercise tool, don't shoot it just draw it couple times a week.  Mine was 1966/67.