I've hunting with a Martin Hatfield TD (50#, 520 grain arrow)for two years now and have no complaints.It's a very smooth shooter and quiet. I've taken several hogs with it(check out the upcoming Martin 2009 catalog for a picture of me with a Fl. hog).I can't think of a con. In my experience, Martins are very well made bows.
Good luck this season.
P.S.I'll be chasing hogs and deer this weekend at Nickie Roth's place! Jim

There is a definate Pro.  They are super fast, stable, and by far the nicest finished and looking "Manufactured Bow" still on the Market.  The only better bow "for it's age" were the origional "Damon Howatt" bow's [which are now the Martin Line of bows such as the one you have] I still have 3 origional Howatt Hi-speeds that shoot right with the 30 or so customs on my bow rack.  Shoot it and enjoy. Keep in mind it may hit a little higher than other bows of it's type as it is usually much faster and flatter shooting than other similar stye bows of like weights.
That's my take on them.
Gene

I started with a Martin Hunter. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that bow. I've many happy memories made with that bow, and quite a few big animals hit the deck.

Love Martin's. No cons at all and as custom as a Widow.

Have had Hunters and Hatfields some years ago (two each), both models were decent shooters and fairly fast bows but in my case they were prone to limb twist even though treated and stored carefully (used bow stringer, stored horizontal on pegs, avoided heat, etc. etc.).  "Bumping' the limb worked for awhile but eventually the twisting persisted.  The company was not at all accomodating regarding the problem, though only one of the bows was purchased new.  

That was 15-20 years ago.  A friend's neighbor recently had a new Martin X-200 recurve...a bit less expensive model than the Hunter...delam on him.  I never had that kind of issue with mine but one has to wonder about the current quality.

I don't mean to dice on Martins, when in good shape they are very good shooters.  But despite owning many other bows over the years I've never had that kind of recurring problem again.  Decent bows yes...but you might want to check your limb alignment every so often just in case.

hawgslayer,
I have a 2007 Martin Serengeti, 50#@28. I love it, it is super fast and smooth, no stack at all.
The grip is a little "thick" but I got used to that, it is also the prettiest bow I own. I don't know why they discontined that model but I wish I had another.
John

 

Thanks gents for the info. Hope everyone has a great season and you fill all your tags with big ones.

H/S...................  

I have had a few Martin's and Howatts I wish I had back. I had a Dreamcatcher with yew limbs that was made for me when I was in business...like to have that one again.

Awesome bows all throughout the Martin line-up.  They have always been good performers in the speed dept and well constructed.  You can order one with custom options.  They are still crafted one at a time in the old Howatt plant.  What's not to like?

I'm still shooting the bow my Dad gave me in 1972 at age 16, a 37 year old Howatt "Coronado", which is similar to the current Martin X200. Since then I've owned Super Diablos, Dreamcatchers, Hunters, a Hi-speed and a Mamba.
  All very good bows. You can't go wrong with 'em.  The only con I can think of right offhand is they seem to consistently understate the draw weight. A bow marked 50#s may be closer to 54#s, etc.

Had a Serengeti too. Nice bow.

Retired my 58" Hunter 1976 model made just 5-years in that length couple of years ago when I got my Lee.Killed some deer and couple of hogs but was really ragged out so Don(bowdoc)Ward made it beautiful again saving it for one my grandkids but shoot it every now and then.Great bows and would not mine it being my go-to if needed.Kip

Yoou won't go wrong with Martin bows. I've shot darn near every model over the years and love them. (nut)

I spent the exact same amount of money on a bear longbow and a martin longbow. The quality was notably better on the martin. Bear lured me in with the wholesome company approach but Martin wins on actual product.

Martin should work on their image. I've no problem with photos of girls from the Friday night line up at "Bada Bing's!" But when guessing who is a more serious archery company its not a vote of confidence in your company catalog while selecting a bow. Underscores the quality of their product. But I guess it gets people to click the links and that's what counts.

Huh? Perhaps I need to check Martin's sight to see what I've been missing.

No complaints. Surprisingly fast bow. Check the poundage of your bow. Often their bows weigh in a couple of pounds more than written. Tune the arrows to the bow not the ink on the bow.
Good luck,
Aram

 

I checked my poundage while I was at the range this morning and at 28"s the draw is 53#'s. The bow is 3#'s over what's listed on the limb. I have no complaints whatsoever with the added 3#'s.
Thanks to everyone who replied and I hope you all have a great season. ( My trip is 13 days away and I hope to put deer in the freezer that I took with this HUNTER).
Thanks again for the info!!!!!!!!!  

how does the martin hunter compare to custom bows? stability,quietness? thnks