Martin Firecat Pro X

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Martin Archery has a long and rich his-tory that has demonstrated the company's perseverance, innovation and drive. Founded by Gail and Eva Martin in the early 50s, Martin Archery is now guided by the couple's son, Terry and grandson, Ryan.

Keeping pace with the customer's demands Martin introduces their 2008 flagship--the Firecat Pro X. Designed to "have it all", the Firecat is lightweight, fast and quiet. Speed is achieved with Martin's new Hybrid cam system that is advertised to reach super fast IBO speeds while a quiet shot is made possible through parallel limbs, BowJax string silencers, Sims LimbSavers and Martin's own integrated V.E.M. silencing system, including the very practical Omega V Vibration Escape material shelf guard and cover. The Firecat's compact design, almost non-existent limb pockets and open format aluminum riser keep the mass weight well below four pounds.

Basics
Martin builds their 2008 Firecat on a modular riser platform that includes three separate pieces assembled to create the overall finished piece. There are two interfaces/connecting surfaces in this design, one located at the top of the sight window and one in the shelf area. Several bolts and precision-polished stainless steel pins work together to secure the connections.

Comfort is delivered straight to the archer's hand through Martin's Thermal V Grip, which is made with the same Omega V Vibration Escape material as the silencing modules. A thin piece of leather — like material is wrapped around the heel of the grip while the one-piece V Vibration Escape portion of the grip covers the forward surface and both sides. The Thermal V is contoured, ribbed and shaped for comfort. The way the Thermal V fits into the shooters hand encourages consistent grip and shooting form, which in turn encourages accuracy.

On the noise front the Firecat's riser attacks and deadens vibration with the STS String Stopper, two Vibration Escape Modules (V.E.M.s), and a shelf cover made of Omega V Vibration Escape material. These silencing attributes all work together to culminate in a bow that is fit to hunt nervous whitetails that are prone to string jumping.

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Other Notables
One of the more eye-catching Firecat features is the lack of a traditional limb pocket. In fact it is not a pocket at all, it is an innovative limb-to-riser attachment and stabilizing system. Martin's Roto Limb Cup Pivoting Limb System consists of few main components that achieve the same functionality as a traditional pocket with much less material and weight. The Firecat is outfitted with Martin's proven Coreflex laminated fiberglass limbs, which are set at angles that produce a parallel position at full draw. Using temperature controlled high-pressure presses the three-part laminate limbs are bonded with a special aerospace grade adhesive. The Firecat's straight limbs are available in 50-, 60-, and 70-pound peak draw weights.

Martin's new Cat Hybrid Duo Cam system is the driving force behind advertised IBO speeds reaching 335 to 345 fps. This eccentric system maintains synchronization by "chaining" the upper and lower cams together. This system effectively equalizes output from each cam. The cams ride on Martin's Speed Bearings and hardened stainless steel axles. Draw lengths are available from 26 to 30 inches with two rotating modules--a bow press is not required for adjustment. Martin's standard draw module offers 26 to 29 inches while the long-draw module can be adjusted between 29.5 and 30 inches. A specially designed track in the module feeds the cable toward the center of the cam effectively reducing cam lean and making the bow easier to tune. Letoff is adjustable with the draw stop.

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Specifications
Manufacturer:	Martin Archery
Model:	Firecat Pro X
Eccentric System:	Cat Hybrid Duo Cam system
Draw Weights:	50-, 60- and 70-pound peak
Draw Length:	26 to 30 inches-- modular
Riser:	CNC machined 6061-T6 aluminum
Limbs:	Solid, straight, laminated Coreflex
String:	Double Helix, 54 inches
Cable:	Double Helix, 38.25 inches
Mass Weight:	3.6 pounds
Letoff:	80 % standard- adjustable
Grip:	Thermal V Grip
Brace Height:	7 inches
Axle-To-Axle Length:	33 inches
Finish:	Realtree APG
Advertised IBO Speed:	335 to 345 fps
Suggested Retail Price:	$599.00
Comments:	Fast with a smooth draw and an ultra-maneuverable mass weight.

Editor's Note: Petersen's Bowhunting standardized testing includes the use of the same equipment and test methods. For more detailed information on the testing parameters go to bowhuntingmag.com and look for the "bow testing" link.