Merlin

[Barry C]

Why did merlin change to wood grips, in the old days they said that a razor edge would be a perfect grip and their bows did have that kind of feel, so why the change to chunky wood? Does anybody know why?

[Barebow]

I don't know, but I have a Merlin Vision the wooden grips are only on the side, since I hold my hand open when releasing, I don't find it a problem

[greydog]

The new slim aluminium grips are available for the 'X' range of Merlin compounds now. I have a nice silver one

Originally Posted by greydog

The new slim aluminium grips are available for the 'X' range of Merlin compounds now. I have a nice silver one

What it like GD? I like the look of them. But mention Merlin compounds round our parts and people look at you like you have two heads

[greydog]

I prefer them to the wooden pistol style grip that they have. It's only fractionally wider than the riser itself and very comfortable. Your hand seems to slide into the same position shot after shot, rather than with the larger wooden ones which if you weren't carefull you could find a different position now and then
I would guess that the chunky wooden handle has been introduced more for the american bowhunting market as it won't get anywhere near as cold as the riser on a winter morning.
I've heard alot of Merlin bashing too, but I have to say I'm very pleased with the bow. Alot of the comments go back to when Merlin were farming out their limb production and were getting let down badly by their supplier. The limbs are now produced in house and are excellent, one of the best laminate limbs out there.

[Barry C]

I love merlin compounds my brothers old bow shot great mostly due to the superb old torque resistant grip that im sad to see has gone. It wasnt as smooth as my old hoyt but it was a great bow.

[Alex Greig]

I love my XT

Where do you get these silver grips from?

[pwiles1968]

Originally Posted by greydog

Merlin were farming out their limb production and were getting let down badly by their supplier. The limbs are now produced in house and are excellent, one of the best laminate limbs out there.

The only thing I think is wrong with the bows is the cut-out on the limb where the cam goes, they look like the slot was cut by hand and not finished, It is only minor, I am sure it is not an issue or they would not leave it that way, it is just attention to detail and compared to the riser finish which is excellent, I am not sure if the current X range has the same issue.


I am in the minority in our club as I'm the only compound that is not a Merlin and when it is time for am upgrade they will be on my list of bows to look at.

[greydog]

Alex - contact Merlin info@merlin-bows.co.uk or 01509 233555 for the handles.

pwiles1968 - I agree, the finish on the limb forks could be better from a cosmetic point of view, I imagine that's something that will be resolved in the future

[Swaledale]

I used a Nova and entered scores I have never since surpassed (1347 best)
then the old girl broke. I was heart broken but as it was under lifetime waranty
I was given a new Max 2000, suffice it to say I had a new Hoyt within two months! When the new XT has a track record I'll think about it, as for those little disco glitter balls in the cutouts...well....as my friend observed; " Looks like the back end of a Nissan Bluebird" he's from Bradford if you get my drift!