I have a chance to purchase a Martin Mountaineer ML-14 55#@28 68amo longbow,anyone have any experience with these bows.This would be my first longbow, and I want to enjoy it as much as the rest of my archery equipment.Opinions needed!!! Thanx Jay
I have some experience with Martin Stickbows. I have the ML10, which is much lighter, and does not have the mass of the Mountaineer. The Martin Stick does not have a good reputation, if not tuned right, and right brace height, the handshock will rattle your teeth, and it stacks a bit on the draw as well. The Mountaineer is a step up from the ML10, I've seen a couple, they are handsome bows. It's tough call, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". At 68 inches it should have some smoothness and forgiveness to it. I would recommend try shooting a couple of Hill Style longbows first, and see if you like them. On the other hand, if you're getting a great deal on price, if you don't like it, you can always resell it.
My first longbow was an 55# ML-14, about 18 years ago. I still have it. I was very happy with the looks and the way it shot. I killed several game animals with it. Since then I've bought several other longbows with varying degrees of R/D. Every now and then, I pick up the Mountaineer and shoot it for old time's sake. It does have some hand shock and feels a bit slower than my other bows, but it is not a bad longbow at all.
Mike