Various questions.....

[Missed Again]

Firstly, my apologies if these questions have been answered elsewhere but I can't find the answers using the search facility.

What is the difference between the shoot through system and standard cable guard system and why is this important.

Secondly, thirdly and fourthly if you have one please can you give me an opinion on a Martin Razor X, a Martin Jaguar and an Alternative eXact?

Finally, apart from eBay does anyone know of of quality vendor of second hand bows? I'm looking for something between one and two years old for the same reason that one would buy a car of similar vintage.

[geoffretired]

First question first.
Shoot through cables are as they say; you shoot the arrow through a space between them rather than pushing them to one side with a cable guard.
The cables fit onto the wheels/cams in the same way, but at a few inches from one end, they are split in two halves and those parts are fixed to opposite ends of the corresponding axle.The results are, less cam lean, less friction, better string fit in the cam grooves. Why it is important is not so easy to answer. I don't think there are any increases in accuracy. The part of the cable closest to the bow arm can catch the arm and cause problems. Loading arrows is not so simple.
I can't help with advice on the bows you mentioned but most archery outlets sell secondhand bows. I would advise that you look on their websites, give them a call or e-mail, and pay a visit if at all possible. Getting a compound that is right for you is worth spending time on. Draw length is very important.

[h20vrrq]

Geoff is spot on about shoot through systems.

As for Martin bows, I would say they are all excellent, the Razor and Jaguar are no exceptions. Dont know much about the eXact though.

I have always shot Martin bows and love em. I got back into archery last year after many years away and after trying lots of bows from most of the major manufacturers I saved the best to last, went to Centre Shot (only supplier of Martin bows in UK) and bought a Cougar III.

Most archery shops probably have a selection of decent second hand bows, and if you are looking at Martin bows the only place to look would be Centre Shot, give Janice a call on 01684 579109.

[Robin Astra]

Hi Missed Again,

I shoot a Merlin Max 2000 with a shoot-through cable system.
I would slightly disagree with geoffretired. I find no difficulty at all with nocking the arrow; it might be that I have been practicing for 7 years! Also I have no problems with cables catching my arm and can shoot without a bracer. The benefits of a shoot-through system are just as geoffretired described, however you hardly ever see anyone shooting this set-up these days so maybe the benefits are more theoretical than practical.

Merlin generally have a selection of second-hand bows available. Also, as they are the manufacturer, they can change the cam, etc to suit your requirement. Merlin's website is Merlin Archery Equipment

Robin

[Missed Again]

Thank you for your replies thus far - they are most helpful.

KG Archery also do Martin Compounds and I've benefited from training by Christine Casgoigne and have shattered all my PBs since that training.

I also found the Alternative site interesting (Alternative Compound Bows)
not just because they are selling kit but because they have taken the trouble to explain the whys and wherefores for relative newbies such as I.

[phil_r_58]

Originally Posted by Robin Astra

Hi Missed Again,

I shoot a Merlin Max 2000 with a shoot-through cable system.
I would slightly disagree with geoffretired. I find no difficulty at all with nocking the arrow; it might be that I have been practicing for 7 years! Also I have no problems with cables catching my arm and can shoot without a bracer. The benefits of a shoot-through system are just as geoffretired described, however you hardly ever see anyone shooting this set-up these days so maybe the benefits are more theoretical than practical.

Merlin generally have a selection of second-hand bows available. Also, as they are the manufacturer, they can change the cam, etc to suit your requirement. Merlin's website is Merlin Archery Equipment

Robin

I agree with Robin, Merlin are worth a look. There is a thread about "old Bows" going on at the moment. One Criticism is the lack of support and spares. With Merlin this is not an issue. Whereas the big manufacturers wind up spares, one could say cynically to make people upgrade, Merlin don't. They make the parts themselves, and keep good stocks.

And don't forget as well as making and designing the bows, Ben and Chris are world class shots, using their own kit, designed from over 30 years of experience. Having said that, they do often sell other manufacturers bows which they recieve as trade-ins.

Yes, I am biased, as I have known Chris a very long time, but would not shoot his bows if they were rubbish !!! I did once stray to a Browning 6T6, but quickly returned to my merlin Vision.

And don't forget, they are made in Britain, providing jobs for people in the UK. So you can shoot first class kit, and support the economy !!!

[pwiles1968]

As Far as Second Hand, someone has already mentioned Merlin, CBA usually have one or tow in stock, they have a list on their site.

[TJ Mason]

A big advantage of the shoot-through system is that it eliminates cam-lean. This is useful on older twin-cam compounds like mine, since cam lean can increase the rate of wear and tear.

Aardvark Archery, between Leeds and Bradford, always has a good selection of 2nd-hand compounds.

[geoffretired]

Sorry I was a bit vague about the shoot through and cables contacting the bow arm. There were instances where the archer at full draw had the cable resting against the bow arm. This was deemed illegal, I believe, as the only contact allowed with the bow is at the grip. The other aspect of contact, is during the power stroke. If you shoot with the bow arm close to the string line and/or if the bow has a low bracing height, there is an increased chance of contact.
I shot shoot through for over ten years with no problems; it can happen though. I have recently changed my alignment and would be in trouble on every shot these days.
My current bow is the only one I haven't converted;and for that very reason.

[h20vrrq]

Originally Posted by Missed Again

KG Archery also do Martin Compounds

Forgot about KG. Last time I contacted them, I dont think they had any current bows and only a very small selection in stock.

There are meant to be 4 Martin suppliers in the UK (according to Martin), Quicks, WAS, KG & Centre Shot. But I found it was only Centre Shot who could offer the complete range and they were the only ones who could help with my older Martin bow.