Martin Hunter vs Super Diablo vs Super Kodiak

[Echo62]

I'm looking for input from people with more experience with these bows than I have. Want to go with one of the three for my next bow purchase. What are your opinions on the three.

Thanks, Keith

[Bill Carlsen]

Super Diablo has always been an outstanding and beautiful bow.

[Guaraci2010]

I have a new Super Kodiak (60 inch AMO) and it´s a very nice bow!

[JamesV]

My wife owns a mint super diablo, fantastic bow. The Bear is also top shelf in looks and function. Either one you decide on, you won't be dissapointed.

[Bernie B.]

i have both the Martin Hunter and the Super Kodiak.  Both are extremely fine bows.  If you're looking for a 60" length go with the Bear.  The Hunters are 62" and very, very smooth.  I go back and forth with these bows and would have trouble giving up either one of them.  They both have a lot of history behind them and you won't go wrong with either one of them.  I don't have any experience with the Super Diablo.  I also will add that my Super Kodiak is a '69.  I have no experience with the new ones.

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

[chanumpa]

You cant go wrong with either.The 2 companies shoot with the best of them,always have.I am partial to the Martin Hunter.Its a smooth bow,because of its 62" length.The new superKs look sweet too.

[Ryman Cat]

Buy all 3 then you can be on our team. They are all great I have favered the Super D's lately now that I have been shooting them again. Super Kodiak though is hard to beat they all are slightly differant and all shoot and fit me well but you need to shoot some to form your own findings.

[Stickbow]

My experience with the Hunter and Super D says if you do not need a 62 inch bow due to draw length get the the Super D.

[Dan Adair]

I hunted a Martin Hunter from '96 until the fall of 2006 when I got my first 'Tip.

I literally killed a couple tons of game with it.

I sold it to a buddy in Havre Montana, where it's still killing tons of game.  

Great bow, for what a guy can score one for.

[Fanto]

I have the hunter in 60# and a Howatt Mamba in 55# which i believe to be a slightly cheaper , newer version of the super Diablo

couple of things: check the tips, if there is no  layer of black phenolic overlay, its not Fast Flite rated. My mamba top limb was split into 3 parts by a FF string.

as far as the bows, the mamba is lighter, more nimble and very quick. the hunter is smoother to draw, stacks less, and is just as fast. (9 g.p.p at about 180fps)

the mamba also starts to pinch your fingers a little, even at 28.5"

[SERGIO VENNERI]

IMHO, either of the Howatts are Superior to the SK.

[Sixby]

Hunter all the way for me. I have never had a super D though. I have owned many Hunters and Super Ks and own one of each right now. IMHO there is no factory bow and few customs that beat a Hunter or a Monterrey.
God bless, Steve

[Shawn Leonard]

I agree with Sergio and Stephen, the Martins are superior in every way. I have owned all three and I would say the Hunter was the best shooter with the Super D a very close second. Nothing wrong with the Super Kodiak just did not shoot as well for me, not as smooth! Shawn

[Barney]

Dang, now I miss my Howatt Hunter. Thought I finally had it out of my mind. Wish I never sold it.

[Hatrick]

I've had several of all 3. I still own 4 Hunters and a Super D. I also prefer the older 60's to early 70's Damon Howatts with brazilian rosewood. My all time favorite is the 62" Monterey. Good luck finding one in the weight that suits you. I put phenolic tips on mine and I truly believe it will shoot with most any modern recurve out there.

Not taking anything away from the Super Kodiak as it's an excellent bow as well. I just prefer the Howatts.

[stagetek]

I can't tell you whats a better bow for you. Only you can. These are not custom bows, they're available to shoot and compare. Go shoot and compare them. To some, there isn't much difference, to you, there might be a world of difference. Only you can tell what you like. To me, Howatts have long risers and short limbs. Faster, but stack more. Bears, smoother, but slower...or so they say. Shoot a few, you'll know right away.

[JMG]

I have experience with 2 of the bows you was asking about,Super Kodiak and the Martin Hunter. I choose the Martin Hunter hands down. I found the Martin to be quieter as well as faster. Wish ya luck with whatever bow ya choose.  

[joe skipp]

Martin is a far superior performer than Bear. Wouldn't hesitate to select either of those Martin bows.