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Not sure if anyone else has had my kind of experiences with the Martin Mamba or not, but I figured I would throw this out, out of curiosity. I have now owned two Mambas, both of which I felt shot well for me. Unfortunately, on both bows, the bottom limb de-laminated on me. The second one, cost me a slam dunk opportunity on a cow moose, and the other one failed a week before bear season opened. Needless to say I am underwhelmed with the reliability of these bows, especially for the price. Before anyone asks, yes I use a stringer religiously. I WILL NOT string my bow without one. Thanks to some cajoling from my local shop, Martin has offered to come good for whatever I want. As I said earlier, I am thus far underwhelmed with the products of theirs that I have used, but since a replacement is forthcoming, I am considering the Dream Catcher. Any thoughts?
Posts: 4 | From: Canada | Registered: Sep 2011
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why try another product from a company that you have had problems with in this past?
Posts: 299 | From: CA | Registered: May 2011
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I have owned a Mamba for about 10 years and never seen what you describe. I can understand the frustrated feeling though. I have always known Martin to provide good service and glad to hear they are standing behind their product.
I never seen a Dreamcatcher - but what about the Hunter model if available - O beleive all will be somewhat similiar. Good luck with your quest.
Posts: 68 | From: PA | Registered: Oct 2011
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Are these the newest Mambas out? They might be like a green camo color dyed birch? Just curious, because I have never heard of that problem before. Also, how long is your draw? I think they are only made for about a 28" draw. Try a Hunter if your draw is longer. I own 4 Mambas now, and have had others. One is an old grey one, and I have put Many arrows through it using a Fastflight string even though it was not made for it. I like them better than the Dream Catcher, which I have owned. The Savannah is a great longbow. Martin usually makes a very good product, and I am surprised. As you have proven, they also have a good warranty. Good Luck.
-------------------- If it's in your way, move it. Posts: 2376 | From: Illinois | Registered: Sep 2004
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A Martin Mamba was the first trad bow I ever bought back in about 1994 and it has been a work horse. I hunted with that bow for a while and has served as my bow-fishing bow for many years. No problems at all. Have only heard good things about Martin (Damon-Howatt) bows until now. Hate to hear about your problems. Maybe quality control has gone down hill or maybe you just got unlucky and got two sub-par bows that slipped past quality control.
Posts: 346 | From: McDonough, Georgia | Registered: Mar 2004
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Thanks for the response gentlemen. As I said, I have been nothing but happy with the shootability and speed of the Mamba, just somewhat let down with the reliability factor. Having said that, I'm not off of the Martin products yet, especially when wherever I ask they get good reviews. To answer buckracks7, the Mambas in question were both '09 product line. The first one failed in July '09, and the other was the replacement for that one. The second bow held on until Sept. '11. By the point in time that the second one had failed, I had hunted hard in various conditions, was lucky enough to take a few critters with it, and was nothing but happy with it. Once again, thanks for the input gents, and good luck with the remainder of the fall.
Posts: 4 | From: Canada | Registered: Sep 2011
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I have try-id out most of the bows in my 20+ Years of shooting and,OK the Martin looks god but i just think the prices have gone up to much this last 10 Years,to be honest they are not worth 400-700 Dollars(you can`t even compare them to a`Custom Bow). in my experience delamination o cures for/using a`to light Arrow, been doing to many dry fires over the Years,or just a`Pach of BAD Glue or Badly made. And for 6-700 USD you can by a`Custom built Bow from a`Bowyer that`s been building Bows one by one for 20-30 Years? and i don`t think i can remind me hearing about a´Custom Bow that has delaminated?from a`well renowned Bowyer, It`s like any thing ells By Quality and you don`t have to regret it;-)-G
-------------------- Greyarcher1 Speed is Nothing whiteout The Precision. Posts: 19 | From: Sweden | Registered: Nov 2011
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Traditional Rascal, sorry to hear of your double misfortune with the Mamba.
I have owned the Mamba and the Dream Catcher. Beside the fancy handle woods and drawing on the DC, I much preferred the Mamba. It shot better, was smaller for hunting in tight quarters and just felt better in the hand.
I would be inclined to call the factory and inquire what is causing the Mamba limbs to fail. Then maybe try the Mamba again. Maybe third time's a charm!
Although, you probably now have made your decision.
Posts: 693 | From: North Dakota | Registered: Aug 2006
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I have 2 Rebels and a Mamba and haven't had any problems. Good luck, hope Martin makes it right.
Posts: 356 | From: New Iberia LA | Registered: Nov 2011
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As another very satisfied Mamba owner who's never experienced any problems with either of my Martin/Howatt bows, I'd be curious to hear the follow-up on this one. Hope it all works out well.
Posts: 362 | From: Idaho | Registered: Nov 2011
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Sorry to hear you've had trouble with them.I have had several Martin/Howatt bows and haven't any problems with any of them.I still own 5 Martin/Howatt bows at the moment and shoot them regularly.
Posts: 5083 | From: ohio | Registered: Jun 2003
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Could this be a case of draw length? I've been looking at one, but it needs to come back nearly 30". Wondering how it would hold up at that draw length.
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i have shot a martin hunter for over 30 years. no problems from the bow. i have used a mamba also and liked it except i have a 28' draw and the hunter is better suited for my frame. good luck.
Posts: 18 | From: Missouri | Registered: Jul 2012
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I have a Martin Sabre. I drew about 29" with heavy ash arrows and the outer limb lamination has started to separate and crack at the edge of the top fade. I was never happy with the finish on that bow. There are rough edges up the limbs that were not finished properly. Bought it new in 2000. I think that was the last year they made the Sabre. Now I own a Howard Hill Big 5 and won't go back to a recurve.
Posts: 42 | From: Barrie, ON | Registered: May 2012
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Ive owned Howatts for 24yrs; the Mamba ive had and shot for 23 of them hasnt ever failed me and ive put it through complete hell and back...im shooting a Hunter this year and I own others without issue...shame that 2 of them went on you in the same place as well...unusual but things happen. Good luck with whatever you go for..Hills are great bows as well, my best freind has two and my Dads shot them for 38yrs; cheers!
-------------------- 60#Howatt Hunter 65#Howatt Hunter 60#Howatt Mamba 50#Howatt Hi Speed
Lose your temper and you lose a friend; lie and you lose yourself." Hopi Saying.. Posts: 43 | From: Ontario Canada | Registered: Nov 2010
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