Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: LongStick64 on January 20, 2011, 08:16:00 PM

Title: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: LongStick64 on January 20, 2011, 08:16:00 PM
What would be your choice ? And how well do they perform for you.
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: Andy Cooper on January 20, 2011, 08:51:00 PM
I haven't owned or shot a Dreamcatcher. I have had a 50@28 Hunter for about 14 years and it is, IMO, a very good value. It actually is a few fps faster than my Habu of the same weight. Even at today's prices, you can get three of the Hunters for less than the cost of one Habu. Either way, Martin builds good bows!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: Stumpkiller on January 20, 2011, 09:04:00 PM
I bought a Dream Catcher and do not regret it.  Not a great deal of difference in performance but the looks and materials were more appealing to me.
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: DesertDude on January 20, 2011, 09:16:00 PM
Hunter,  Hard to beat..........
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: Otto on January 20, 2011, 10:09:00 PM
I have both.

Ain't squats worth of difference in performance.

The DreamCatcher looks much better than the Hunter.  Hardwood vs. Plywood.
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: dirtguy on January 20, 2011, 10:17:00 PM
I've never shot a dream catcher.  
I have 3 hunters.  They rock.

Otto  - depends on what vintage Hunter you are talking about.
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: JRY309 on January 21, 2011, 12:01:00 AM
Both great bows,there is only a 2" difference in length.I haven't shot a Dream Catcher but shot and have a Hunter.A smooth and sweet shooting bow,tough choice.I wouldn't mind getting a Dream Catcher to go along with my Hunter.
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: Blackstick on January 21, 2011, 01:03:00 AM
I’ve never shot a Hunter, but a Martin Dreamcatcher is the prettiest bow I own. It’s not only a shooter, but it also has the best grip of all my recurves. Its only drawback is that the draw weight is a couple of pounds heavier than the 50 marked on the riser.
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: buejeger on January 21, 2011, 03:24:00 AM
I had a dreamcatcher a while back, great bow for the money, nice grip, smooth draw and reasonbly quick. Mine too was a couple or three pounds over the marked weight, have heard other dreamcatcher owners say the same thing, so you might want to take that into consideration when buying.
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: mongoose on January 21, 2011, 03:27:00 AM
I have a dreamcatcher(50#@28). Super bow! smooth draw, fast and a real pleasure to shoot  :thumbsup:  I have no experience with the hunter  :dunno:
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: Red Beastmaster on January 21, 2011, 09:08:00 AM
I've had both. You can't go wrong with either one. The Dreamcatcher is a nicer looking bow and had a cleaner shaped riser.

I miss the Dreamcatcher, not the Hunter.
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: rick7 on January 21, 2011, 09:28:00 AM
i have had both, the dreamcatcher was a looker but i shot the hunter so much better.   sold both but wish that i had kept the hunter
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: bigbadjon on January 21, 2011, 09:51:00 AM
The new Martin Hunters are made of exotic hardwoords and very beautiful compared to last years. They are both great shooters the main difference being if you have to have clear glass. I like black glass myself and I think the Martin Hunter is the best production bow around.
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: Benny Nganabbarru on January 21, 2011, 06:46:00 PM
My first real bow was a Hunter. I have a soft spot in my heart for them.
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: Joshua Long on January 21, 2011, 08:01:00 PM
I have a Dreamcatcher and shoot it well even though the grip isn't for me.  It is extremely quiet for a recurve especially with a skinny string and cedar arrows.  I have never shot a Hunter.
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: gregg dudley on January 21, 2011, 10:57:00 PM
Never met a Dreamcatcher that I didn't like!  They are sweet shooters and look great.
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: GraniteStater on January 22, 2011, 09:15:00 AM
I shot one of the newer dreamcatchers and it had a considerable ammount of handshock, (which I've never felt with a recurve).  Not sure why it had it, or if it's a factor for you.

I have shot a hunter, and they are hard consistent shooters.

My 2 cents
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: Ybuck on January 22, 2011, 03:20:00 PM
The Dreamcatcher is a smooth drawing, quick, and quiet shooter. She's got it all. Excellent bow.
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: bosteldr on January 22, 2011, 04:26:00 PM
I own and shoot both at 60 lbs draw. The Dreamcatcher is a pretty bow, the Hunter is the workhorse. Both are good bows.  For perforamce (Speed) I choose the Hunter.  For smooth shooting I choose Dreamcatcher.  When I walk out the door to hunt I take the Hunter.

Dave B
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: Hatrick on January 22, 2011, 08:34:00 PM
Dreamcatchers are nice but I'll take the Hunter all day long. I like the older ones...pre plywood. The ones from the 60's and early seventies had some really nice rosewood and for me, a more comfortable grip.
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: Rooselk on January 22, 2011, 08:51:00 PM
With the use of different hardwoods I do like the new look of the riser on the Hunter this year. A major improvement in my opinion.
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: Sixby on January 22, 2011, 09:08:00 PM
I designed all my bows and theory off of the Howatt Hunter. I believe it is the best production bow ever built. When I owned my archery shop I chorongraphed a Howatt Monterray against every stick bow that came in the shop. Some were very expensive customs. None mame close even at heavier poundage. I have never shot the Dreamcatcher but do like the looks of the hunter better. I did own a Sabre and it felt real loose and whippy compared to the solid feel of the Hunter. I also like the black limbs of the Hunters. My favorites are the older ones though with the rosewood risers. They are some of the classiest fastest stickbows ever made.

I am a fan and would love to see the new ones with exotic risers.

God Bless you all, Steve
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: Rooselk on January 22, 2011, 09:27:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v105/Rooselk/hunter.jpg)

2011 Howatt Hunter.
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: Sixby on January 22, 2011, 09:36:00 PM
Thanks Rich, That really is nice. It lo0ks like the old Bear combination of Shedua, (dark brown) and bubinaga (red) Very classy.   God Bless you and thanks for posting that up, Steve

PS now throw on a couple of overlays and antler tips.. MMMMMm MMMMM MMMMM
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: Hatrick on January 22, 2011, 09:45:00 PM
Hey, Steve. I don't want you coming near my house.     :nono:    I have 3 of those "old" brazilian rosewood Hunters. All in very good to excellent condition. The grips were also nicer on the older ones. I don't know why they changed them. If I was to order a new one I'd have to tell Larry Hatfield to copy the grip from the sixties.

I also happen to have a "like new" purpleheart Hunter.

By the way, I've always admired your work. You have some real talent, Mr. Tallant, and I hope to get to shoot one some day.
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: Sixby on January 22, 2011, 10:25:00 PM
Thank you Dave, God gets that credit. He uses a pretty rough chunk of coal here. God bless you, Steve
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: Achilles1 on February 23, 2012, 07:23:00 PM
My Damon Howatt Hunter

50#@28" Smooth&fast.

 (http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n578/achilles112/IMGP0003-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Martin Dream Catcher or Hunter
Post by: bosteldr on February 24, 2012, 10:00:00 AM
I have both a Hunter and Dream Catcher #60.  Dream Catcher is nicer looking.  Hunter is the bow I go to for hunting.  Seems faster and more stable shooting. Both are nice bows. Try to shoot them both then pick what you like.