MARTIN ARCHERY

Forget what you thought you knew about Martin Archery. Iconic as the name may be to bowhunters, everything is new at Martin – new personnel, new philosophy and new bow lines designed virtually from scratch. The 2015 Martin bow that caught my eye was the Thrasher, and not for any one particular reason so much as for a whole lot of particular reasons. Let’s start with the fact that it’s fast, lightweight and compact, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s smooth drawing, quiet and good looking. The hybrid Ghost Cams at the heart of the Thrasher – along with the highly compressed Gordon Glass limbs – promise a top speed of 340 fps despite the 80-percent letoff and generous 7-inch-plus brace height. Mass weight is 3.8 pounds, and axle to axle the Thrasher is an even 32 inches. Grip on a bow is a very personal but important feature. The Thrasher’s grip is a sideplate-type grip – skinny but comfortable. And though it’s a minor feature, I like the shelf, which quiets any arrow clatter and features a lip for an extra margin of safety. Peak draw weights are the standard 50, 60 and 70 pounds, and draw lengths start at 26 inches and extend to 30.5 inches. Finish options are Black Carbon, Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity and the unique Chameleon pattern of Black top limbs fading to Mossy Oak bottom limbs. At under $800 retail the Martin Thrasher is a great buy on a premium bow.

For more information, visit www.martinarchery.com or call (509) 529-2554.