- Joined
- Aug 4, 2009
- Messages
- 6,234
Picked up a Martin Howatt Dreamcatcher for my brother for Christmas in like-new condition. Other than a few handling marks this thing is perfect. Less than 200 dollars to the door, and the name on the shipping box is none other than Greg Pearson himself. Boy is my brother going to have fun with this baby! Probably the best gift I've ever given. Having some custom carbon shafts fletched with red and black feathers, picking them up this evening. Going with a red and black theme-brother's a Lit major and has a thing for red and black. I found him a really nice red/black engraved leather wrist guard on the bay as well, it's got a griffin on it. He goes to a school with a nationally known traditional archery team, has a range right on campus and has to take 16 credits of PE, so he's got the lessons taken care of. I'm so happy with the outcome of this present idea, and at the same time completely jealous of this beautiful red bow.
I run a Howatt Hunter myself (both bows 55 lb draw, both 60 inches long), and have a Howard Hill Big Five that's been a safe queen since my grandfather's recent passing. I wish I'd have brought the Hunter home-I could have given the two a side-by side review. The Dreamcatcher feels a bit less forgiving-very solid, hefty and stiff. The Hunter is very light, fast, reflexive and whispy. Comparing these two are like comparing a heavy barreled Sendaro rifle with an M4. I know the riser is paduak, which would explain the heft, and may help add some stability-thus probably more suited for a designated range/target bow. If you're packing long distances and are the upright-stalk kind of person that likes taking snap shots in thick brush at jumpy game, the Hunter is definitely going to be a more suitable bow. Hunting from a stand or a blind, the heavy stable Dreamcatcher would be more ideal. The grip on the Dreamcatcher is very full, and the contour fits like a glove. Ergos are perfect. I know these things are hand shaped and each piece is going to be different, but my Hunter's grip is noticeably thinner. I haven't shot the Dreamcatcher yet, but I'm sure we'll get some range time in. The sheer stiffness in these limbs screams POWER.
F&F are unbelievable. This bow is a piece of artwork, obviously expertly handmade. The laminations are even, well contoured and beautiful. The grain in the limbs are completely parallel and straight, and spaced so even it's hard to believe it's wood. Unfortunately it's buried under glass laminate because I'm sure the limbs are just as beautiful as the riser. A dreamcatcher is hand painted on the riser, and the bow's stats hand scribed beautifully upon the upper limb. Neat Martin logo on the lower limb.
And to think the plastic factory crap at Cabela's retails for 399....
Could have spent alot less on this project and saved some for myself, for a BK10 or a Swamp Rat Rucki, but I'm so dumbfounded at the beauty of this bow and excited about the whole kit I'm overall happy with the investment. It's an heirloom quality piece that should keep my brother disciplined and engaged, and hopefully will spur some interest in hunting and other outdoor recreation. If you're considering getting into traditional archery as outdoor recreation, or for hunting or survival, I think you'd be foolish not to. It can get a bit skill intensive, but it's so lightweight, simple, practical and effective, and really inexpensive if you get it all set up right and maintain your arrows (IE don't robin hood or lose them).
I run a Howatt Hunter myself (both bows 55 lb draw, both 60 inches long), and have a Howard Hill Big Five that's been a safe queen since my grandfather's recent passing. I wish I'd have brought the Hunter home-I could have given the two a side-by side review. The Dreamcatcher feels a bit less forgiving-very solid, hefty and stiff. The Hunter is very light, fast, reflexive and whispy. Comparing these two are like comparing a heavy barreled Sendaro rifle with an M4. I know the riser is paduak, which would explain the heft, and may help add some stability-thus probably more suited for a designated range/target bow. If you're packing long distances and are the upright-stalk kind of person that likes taking snap shots in thick brush at jumpy game, the Hunter is definitely going to be a more suitable bow. Hunting from a stand or a blind, the heavy stable Dreamcatcher would be more ideal. The grip on the Dreamcatcher is very full, and the contour fits like a glove. Ergos are perfect. I know these things are hand shaped and each piece is going to be different, but my Hunter's grip is noticeably thinner. I haven't shot the Dreamcatcher yet, but I'm sure we'll get some range time in. The sheer stiffness in these limbs screams POWER.
F&F are unbelievable. This bow is a piece of artwork, obviously expertly handmade. The laminations are even, well contoured and beautiful. The grain in the limbs are completely parallel and straight, and spaced so even it's hard to believe it's wood. Unfortunately it's buried under glass laminate because I'm sure the limbs are just as beautiful as the riser. A dreamcatcher is hand painted on the riser, and the bow's stats hand scribed beautifully upon the upper limb. Neat Martin logo on the lower limb.
And to think the plastic factory crap at Cabela's retails for 399....
Could have spent alot less on this project and saved some for myself, for a BK10 or a Swamp Rat Rucki, but I'm so dumbfounded at the beauty of this bow and excited about the whole kit I'm overall happy with the investment. It's an heirloom quality piece that should keep my brother disciplined and engaged, and hopefully will spur some interest in hunting and other outdoor recreation. If you're considering getting into traditional archery as outdoor recreation, or for hunting or survival, I think you'd be foolish not to. It can get a bit skill intensive, but it's so lightweight, simple, practical and effective, and really inexpensive if you get it all set up right and maintain your arrows (IE don't robin hood or lose them).