I just purchased my first ever compund bow with the help of my buddy a bowhunter and 3D shooter.
His brand of choice is Hoyt. They were a bit out of my price range as a beginner.
My buddy Matt got me going with a Martin Saber 2008 model ( 55-70 draw ) , I wanted the Martin Bengal but none in stock and apparently a bit hotter cam profile.
The Saber was about 300 bucks , the bengal 400 bucks and got some sort of best buy of the year award last year.
He figured the Martin Saber would be a good starter point to figure out if I like the sport and I shouldnt need to upgrade for a couple years.
The Martin Saber is advertised as a 310 fps IBO, so real world I have no idea till I meet a chronograph, Matt and shop guy told me its all the speed I need.
Size wise its a very compact bow which is nice.
I rigged it up with ( well actually my friend picked everything out)
NAP 3000 rest
Cobra Black Boomslang 4 pin Sites
Shurz -a- Peep large Hole peep
Custom carbon rod stabilizer with quick disconnect
Truball release
We went with the least amount of moveable parts so didnt go drop away rest etc.
Currently have it backed off to a 56 pound draw wtih a 28" draw till I get this business figured out, the 70 pound setting is doable but until I get my "bow" muscles I am keeping things backed off. Still getting the technique and I think a few tweaks need to be done to the bow but a ton of fun.
Pros
- good price , bang for buck
-fairly quiet
-compact
-fairly fast shooter
-15 lbs of adjustment in pull weight
Cons
- it doesnt have split limbs like the hoyts ( I am told this is a con, something about stress risers in the limbs )
-?need to upgrade in a year or two?
A