Huge mistake, went to my local archery shop and shot a Martin Hunter.....right now I am shooting a Bear Kodiak 60 amo, and the Martin was 62 amo, I am amazed at the difference. Is the difference due to difference in quality or length?

Thanks,
Jethro

I can't compare the two, having never seen a Kodiak, but I did enjoy my Martin Hunter, which was my first traditional bow. Between my brother and I, it has taken a boar, a buffalo, goats, donkeys, and brumbies. It is a pleasant bow to shoot.

I'll do my part in trying to keep this on top.

Looking at getting my first bow and am wondering on how insistent I should be about staying over 60".

For a minute I thought you were going to tell us you told your wife how many bows you really have.    

I've owned a bunch of high end bows over the years.  Sold them all and purchased a Martin Hunter a couple of weeks ago and I'm really impressed.  Very nice shooter.

Martin's Hunter is a fine and sometimes overlooked bow that has been a performer for years.  The Kodiak certainly has a well deserved following as well.  Maybe just different strokes for different folks.  You have to factor in differences like grip, draw length and weight.  Besides, it is a well known fact that any new bow shoots much better than the ones at home!

I like to sum it up this way:  all things being equal, nothings the same.  :D

An early 70's Damon Howatt Hunter is the bow that in terms of performance I measure all others against. In the last couple years I've had a bunch of nice bows including Robertsons, Blacktails, Black Widow, Rose Oak, Assenheimer and such. They were all nice but, they are all gone and I still have the Howatt. Very fast, very quiet, shoots where I look. It is a great bow!
 

There are worse mistakes to make  

Both fine bows,

"usually" longer is easier to shoot,

it may fit ya better

you may have had new bow syndrome(concentrating harder)so shoot it a few more times to be sure,

or just buy it and have two!!

Good luck, and have fun!

I like the long recurves myself.    

I think as a general rule, longer means more accurate ... again as a general rule.  Further, in my opinion, as a rule longer is smoother, especially if you have a longer draw like mine ( 30.5inches).  I am a long bow shooter and I personally shoot longer bows better.  Perhaps my opinions do not apply to the recurve shooter.

Bob.

If I may suggest...leave the Martin alone until after hunting season. You are gonna fill your head with doubts and that ain't good for the concentration you will need to hunt.
After hunting season is over give the longer bow a go. In many cases the longer bow will be more stable. Now the new bow seems better(the grass is greener...).
   Pat

Pat,

thats easy enough, I just started traditional and am no where near hunting, that and the az archery deer season is over. I am in the market for a bow thats mine and that martin got me dreaming....too bad my wife doesn't share that dream

I have a 60" zipper now but will be ordering 62" limbs for it the 2" make a huge difference for me since I draw 31" smoother draw and no stacking so to speak of, and in my opinion the longer the bow they are usally easier to shoot.

I like 62,s better myself but then I shoot a long draw.