I attended the Traditional Bowhunters of Washington banquet last night and Larry Hatfield was in attendence as well. As I said I would do, I asked Larry specifically about these rumors concerning Martin traditional bows. I was assured that Martin has simply decided to market their traditional bows differently than in the past and that the rumors about closing the Yakima plant, or eliminating the trad lineup, are completely unfounded. A new website for the traditional bows is not yet up but is in the works.
After talking with Larry last night I am actually excited. The fact that Martin has decided to change it's marketing strategy is just one more indication of the growth of traditional archery and bowhunting in recent years. So rather than being the subject of unfounded rumors and concern, I think this change is will prove to be a great move that should be welcomed by all of us in the trad community.