Just bought a 2011 Martin Cheetah custom with gear for $350. The deal included a Plano hard case, 12 Easton Axis 400 N-fused carbon arrows, Magnus Stinger Buzzcut (x6) cut on contact broadheads, 6 field tips (brand unknown), bag of collars for tips, Alpine quiver, Limbsaver dampeners and stabilizer, string silencers, Quality Archery Designs drop away rest, Spot Hog Bulletproof sight, extra peep sights, a little bag of extras (maintenance equipment), a Tru Ball short and sweet release and a bow stand.

I thought it was one heck of a deal, so I jumped all over it and I couldn't be happier. What do you guys think? Are there any fans of Martin bows here? What can you guys tell me about Martin bows? I've done a fair amount of research and this is the bow I have been searching high and low for... I just want to hear some outsider opinion. Thanks!

Will post pics in a bit.

Sounds like a great deal. haven't bought a new compound in 14 years, the old Browning still shoots good and is quite.

Sounds like it was a good deal. Depending on which QAD rest is on the bow, that in and of itself could be worth at least $100+ new. If those arrows work for you, you might check your local Academy Sporting Goods as they have the Easton Axis, Epics, Beman (can't recall which model) and the Carbon Express Pile Drivers all on clearance for $19.99 for half dozen.

Now, just get out and practice, practice and practice.

The arrow rest is a QAD make, HDX fall away model. The bow's functionality is VERY smooth and VERY quiet. I used to hunt with an '88 High Country compound that was very heavy. My arrows were Easton aluminum's tipped with Muzzy 100's. It did the trick, but you literally got a work out just toting that thing around (and reached muscle failure lining up your shots).

I hope these images are within the size limit.

DFW PI,

Practice, practice, practice indeed. The good thing about a bow is I don't have to spend $1/round to have fun. I can just walk in to my back yard and unload on my target (FOR FREE)! Speaking of targets... Anybody know of a good target that won't wear out in a week or tear up my arrows? I bought a fairly cheap one from Cabela's (the burlap outter with cardboard and foam inner). They work great for aluminum arrows, but eat up the carbon one's.

I have this one and it is a great one.


Rinehart 18-1

The best Ive found so far is the rinehart 18-1. They cost around $110, but if you can shoot it out within 1 year rinehart will replace it for you. And yes that also includes using broadheads on it.

Really?! That's worth the $100+ in itslef. I will check 'em out. Thanks.

I have a 2010 Martin Cheetah I use for a back up bow, It shoot's good and I've killed stuff with it, I shoot carbon express maxima 350's out of it with some kind of 2 blade broadhead, I can't remember which brand it is

Martin bows are quality units. Fast but not so quiet. do everything you can to tone it down if you are going to use it as a hunting bow.

Went to local Academy Sports to get some more of my arrows (Easton Axis 400 N-fused) and they were all out. Even went to another one down the road and got the same thing. Are these arrows easily available (should I wait for another shipment)? Do you guys know of another arrow that is very close or similar to the specs of the Easton Axis 400?

Thanks.

The Easton St-Epic are similiar

I have a Martin Bengal which is one model up from the cheetah. I like mine alot. It was my first bow. Since then I have shot a bunch thinking about upgrading, but I havent found anything yet that seems to be worth the cash for the upgrade. You have $350 in rest and sight. You got the rest for free

TexasFJ,

That's what I figured. I did a lot of research and I'm really impressed with Martin's products, customer service... everything. So, I'm very happy to be a Martin owner. I'm very happy with mine and I can't wait to put this thing to good use (putting food in my freezer!).

The ST-Epic is being discontinued and the Axis went through a change. They did go quick throughout the area. I was at the Burleson store Friday and they had about a dozen of 400s left in the Axis, and about 10 of the Epics, but in 340s, which would be a bit much for your bow.

Academy probably will not get any archery stuff in until around late August, early September, for the upcoming season, and of course, it will be full price.

Did they have any Carbon Express Pile Driver 350's where you went?

DFW PI,

I wasn't looking for any Carbon Express arrows at Academy Sports when I went, but the one's I did notice had green and yellow vanes with black shaft and green writing. I initially thought they were the Axis, because they look similar. If that's what the Pile Driver's look like... Then yes, the Academy Sports I went to had the arrows you're looking for.

Nice bow

Which Academy?

McKinney and Plano, both off 75

K

the new block targets are great they take any type of head and have easy removal. there also rated for thousands of shots. i had a cabelas foam target but when sighting in broad heads they dont last long. but the block is holding up way better

Thats if your shooting field points, I put a pretty big hole in one with broadheads.

Great deal on a great bow!!! I agree on the Block targets with field tips....they will go away pretty fast with much broadhead shooting

looks like you got a great deal! Where'd you score that?