2009 Martin WART HOG in Next Camo
2009 Martin WART HOG in Next Camo

Christmas came early at our house on December 13th when I arrived home from work to find a new-in-the-box 2009 Martin Warthog waiting.  As I opened the cardboard shipping box I looked with amazement at the updated design .

Martin has made a number of improvements to the bow that was known as the Slayer in 2008. 
Things that are different:
  • The pivoting Roto Limb Cup that we saw for the first time on last years “Firecat” model has made its appearance on the Warthog.  Combined with the Vibration Escape Modules in the riser and VEM Material on the shelf and grip, the bow is quieter this year than my 2008 Slayer.
  • The Riser is more sleek and lighter than last years model.  The bare bow comes over a half of a pound lighter.  That will come in handy in the mountains. 

 

  • The Axle to axle length is an inch shorter.  The bow still holds steady, and the string angle is not noticeably different except for peep placement.

 

  • No LimbJaxs, or Limb savers.  Why?  This bow is quiet enough that it doesn’t need ‘em. 

 

  • The Bow came dipped in the NEXT camo instead of the Realtree APG green that my ’08 slayer wore.  I’m not a big camo guy, but I like the looks of this pattern.   

Things that stayed the same:

  • Speed.  The bow still IBO’s at 350 fps.  I haven’t shot my setup (414 gr. arrows at 28.5 DL) through a chrono yet, but I expect to be in the 290′s with no problems.

 

  • STS (shock termination suppressors) prevent any arm slap, Take out any string buzz or twang, and make it more of a dull “thunk”.   Don’t bother getting limbsavers for this one.  It doesn’t need it.

 

  • C.A.T. cams- the hybrid duo cam system is adjustable from 27 to 31 inch Draw Lengths, without switching modules.  A growing teen in the upper 5 feet in height could conceivably grow with this bow until he or she was an adult.  The CAT cams come with a draw stop peg for rock solid wall, and a customizable let-off.  80% comes standard, but I adjust it to more like 65-70% by shortening up the draw stop peg.  (And it holds like a dream).  The CAT cams are a speed setup with an aggressive draw cycle, but after a few shots you do note that it is smooth. 

 

  • Thermal V leather grip- This was my first thermal grip with the VEM material, instead of wood side plates, and I was pleasantly surprised.  It wasn’t bulky or clunky feeling.  I won’t change it.

 

  • The Double Helix ELITE string.  It could be one of the best stock strings on the market today.  I never changed my Slayer String, and I doubt I will have to change the one on this Warthog for a couple years.

So back to opening the Bow package….

I attached my Ripcord rest, and tied in a d loop, and bolted on my Hoggit sight that was on the Slayer.  Once I made sure the centershot was correct, I went out side with 3 arrows and checked the draw length.  It shipped at 29 inches, and 80% let-off so I moved the draw stop from the #7 position to the #5 position.  EHHH, too much.  Back down to # 6…..PERFECT.

Now I didn’t have my peep in the string yet, and I wanted to shoot it SO BAD.  So I did.

I drew back with my first arrow at 4 yards and released.  A quiet “Thunck” of the bow and “THWAAAP” of the arrow in the target followed in rapid succession merging into one sound.  Right now, I’m thinkin’ “OOOOHHH BABY….”

I backed up to 20 paces, and with no peep. sighted my pin on the first arrow.  “Thump-Thwap” again.  Just to the right.  The next arrow repeated the performance and was touching the second arrow.  Quiet, Steady, and Fast.

Just to be clear, I performed all this setup in an hour after opening the box.  I spent that evening customizing the stabilizer end weight arrangement to my liking. The next morning , with help from my pro archer buddy, Dave Bengston, tied in a Super Ball Peep, and I was ready to go.

Now all that remains is some more adjustment of the rest position through bare shaft and broadhead tuning and I’ll be hitting X’s at the Thursday night indoor league.

So if you are in the market for a speed bow for 3-D or a fast hunting bow that takes no prisoners, the Martin WartHog delivers.  It’s a bow that is prettier than the name suggests, and brings improvements for 2009 while keeping the proven quality of speed from the 2008 Slayer.   

Here are the specs in case you missed ‘em:

Technical Specifications
IBO Speed: 350 FPS (70#, 30”, 350 gr.)
Let-Off: 80%
Draw Weights: 60#, 70#
Draw Length: 27”-31”
Brace Height: 6.25”
Weight: 3.85 lbs.
Axle Length: 35”

 Martin Archery website 

 

 

 

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