Merlin

[Merlin Archery]

But why not just have holes?

Because it is a way of making the riser stiffer. Compare it to a cross section of a girder (spelling?) A structure designed to minimise weight but offer incredible strength and stiffness. Using this method we can remove more weight and keep the riser stiffer than just putting holes in it.

If leaving inserts on really was the #1 solution I hypothisise that a, it would be more common or b, it just plane ugly

In answer to ‘a’, shouldn’t really the question be why do all bows have holes in? Just because they do doesn’t make it the best way to do something. A comment I hear often is ‘so & so doesn’t do that, so it can’t be right’. Ever thought that maybe they just didn’t think of it yet? It is easier and faster to machine a hole. Do you think that also could be a factor in the reason?

In answer to ‘b’ – Without naming names, a lot of the bows out there could all be made by the same company they all look so alike. There is no imagination. We take pride in the fact our bows unique and distinctive. The sticky back inserts are an eye full, no doubt! And we have some god awful colours too! I have cringed more than once when a customer has chosen a particular hologram for our bow, and I think how bad it is, but that person loved it! Then I see a black riser, with black multi-lens holographic and think how cool that bow is. Or a Silver bow with sky blue mosaics. Subtle and effective. Never has the saying ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ been so perfectly true. And if you absolutely don’t like any of the 30 odd colours, the answer is simple. Don’t stick em’ in!

Why did Merlin change to wood grips?

When ever we design a new bow we always struggle with grips. Our bows over the last couple of years were always narrow and I liked them a lot. Especially the supernova grip. But like anything, it is impossible to make one thing that suits everybody and we were constantly asked to make wooden grips for them. So on the X-Range we have both. A wooden grip for those that want them, and a narrow aluminium grip that liked the old style. Personally, I like the metal grip. But some of our customers love the wooden ones.

I am in the minority in our club as I'm the only compound that is not a Merlin

Just the way it should be Paul! Come and pay us a visit and see if we can’t make it a full house.

I used a Nova and entered scores I have never since surpassed (1347 best)

Swaledale – I know some extra special tricks for setting up our bows... If you want, I’ll set one up for you and you can come and shoot some groups at our range and see if we can’t get you above that 1347 mark. (And yes, I’ll leave the glitter balls inside )

And to every one who comments on our bows, (good and bad), Thank you! By no stretch of the imagination am I saying we have a perfect bow. The X-Range will continue to evolve, and customer feedback is crucial. But in the ideal world, I would like everyone to have an open minded view and come and try our bows, along with the rest. Don’t get caught up in the wall to wall advertising of the ‘big’ brands. You might just find you are holding yourself back.

[Shirt]

Originally Posted by Barry C

I think they went for sales in america compromising along the way.

And do you blame them? Whatever you make, you have to shift enough of it such that you don't make a loss. And the US market is massively bigger than the UK one, so why not tailor stuff such that it will sell well there?

Having shot one of the X-range, I have to say I was quite impressed. Cams felt particularly nice with a clearly defined back end. *sigh* If only I shot compound well enough to merit spending money on it...

[Marcus26]

Surely the Supernova is Merlins best target bow to date.

I love the look of the Super Nova, easily the best looking bow in a long time. Bit old school in it's design though and not quite fast enough for wind shooting. But I would still love to own one. (fade blue with silver pockets. mmmmmm)

[Oookster]

Just got my Light Storm 2 back from merlin after new limbs and cams and I`d just like to say "WOW", This thing wasn`t slow in the first place but now hell its very very quick.

Superb finish on the limbs and the cam is excellent

As usual the level of service from merlin was top notch


Cheers

Oookster

[3rdof5]

I have just been tempted back to the darkside,
just got my new bow, After months of deciding what i was going to go for i was offered this bow, Merlin XT with Viper Cams, (just over six months old) Omega Systems Tri-Axis Sight & Scope, 12 Easton ACC`s, 12 Easton Fat Boys, And double Compound carry case all for the price of the bow. When i first saw the bow i just knew i had to get it. As for the inserts well you either have them or you don't, the choice is yours after all.

[whisky]

Welcome to the darkside and enjoy that bow.

Respect those vipers, though don't take (if you pardon the pun) any prisoners!

[Oookster]

The viper is like owning a tiger

Its great but one day it will kill you

Oookster

[greydog]

Trailed an XS with Vipers at the Cheshire Championships and I am very impressed The Vipers are indeed an aggressive cam, but they are built that way on purpose. They produce great speed and have a very crisp feel to the shot. The back wall is solid and that little valley makes sure you commit to the shot or get bitten

[3rdof5]

Ahh well i can say i've already been bitten by the vipers and believe me it brings tears to the eyes.(Lots of them)
I decided to try the quick release that came with the bow, mistake number one.
Caught trigger by mistake thus resulting in mistake number two, before i was ready to shoot.
Release aid went off while i was still raising arm, arm jurked resulting in mistake number three, i am now sporting a three inch round bruise on the side of my arm that stiil hurts like hell and that was last tuesday.
To say i swore is an understatement.
And no i did not have my bracer on as it was in my recurve case.
Ahh well we live & learn

[whisky]

Sorry to hear about that
Try some Arnica cream on the bruise it should help it go down quicker. As for the pride, that takes a little more time to repair