Martin Eclipse Review

Editors' review

The 2012 Martin Eclipse was designed for young and beginning archers so that it could grow with them. It has a 25" - 31" draw length range and a 35# - 70# draw weight range. The draw weight has three separate weight range posts on the cam, which requires a bow press to change positions, but is easily adjustable otherwise. With a 31" ATA, a 7" brace height, and the ability to reach speeds of up to 320 fps, this bow can easily be used by seasoned veterans too. Most shooters having shot this rig will gladly tell you about the smooth draw, the lack of vibration, and the consistency and accuracy of this bow. If you are looking for a very nice bow and on a shoestring budget, this one can be found fully loaded for less than $400.

Finish

This bow comes in Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity Camo, Carbon Black, Target Red, or Frost White.

Risers/Limb

This rig uses a slightly longer riser (this is the Bengal riser with additional VEM dampeners) with an advanced limb angle for enhanced performance. The riser is CNC machined from a solid block of 6061T6 aluminum, providing a very rigid riser that is also lightweight. The riser is capped with Martin's Roto Limb Cup Pivoting Limb system that eliminates any possible forward or lateral movement throughout the draw cycle. The limbs are Martin's five-layered X4 parallel split limbs. The draw weight is easily adjustable simply by using the limb bolts and cam posts, and can be adjusted from 35# - 70#.

Other Components

This bow is designed for, and will grow with the young archer. Besides being very adjustable, this rig also comes with Quad VEM Vibration Vortex Escape Modules, Double-Helix Bowstrings, Teflon-plated cable guards, Core-Flex limbs, CCS roller guard, and a Carbon Stealth string suppressor.

Eccentric System

This rig uses the Fury XT single cam system. This lightweight aluminum cam is easily adjustable and easy to tune. Paired with the limb set on this bow, it will throw an arrow downrange at up to 320 fps. This cam has 80 percent let-off, making it easy to hold on target. The cam has three posts that aid in the draw weight adjustments and enable the shooter to reduce the weight by as much as 20 pounds. The draw weights according to the post position are 35# - 50#, 45# - 60#, and 55# - 70#. A bow press is required to make this adjustment though. This cam also had a decent valley that the string slides into quite easily during the draw. With an adjustable draw stop, the back wall can be set to whatever your preference is. The draw length can be adjusted from 25" - 31" (adjustable in half inch increments) simply by moving the rotating module to the correct position on the cam.

Draw Cycle/Shootability

This bow was touted as the smoothest drawing single cam bow on the market, and is still as smooth and easy to draw as most newer bows. It is easy to draw at all draw weights and has a very slight hump at break-over. It is easy to hold and almost no vibration when shot. This rig also uses the CCS Roller Guard system which is a contained roller guard technology, which eliminates any residual string vibration. Several shooters with years of experience have stated this is the best bow they have every shot. All that have shot it have commented on the smoothness of the draw, lack of vibration, and how accurate it shoots.

Silencing Package

Built for the beginning shooter, and designed to grow with them, the Martin Eclipse has some inherent silencing qualities, but also comes with a few extras to help make it a good prospect for a good hunting bow as well. These additions include a Carbon string stop, Quad VEM Vibration Vortex Escape Modules, Teflon-plated cable guard, and a CCS roller guard. These items make this bow virtually noise and vibration free.

Grip

The bow uses a saddleback thermal grip design that enhances comfort and accuracy. This grip also reduces any tendency to slip when the palms get a little sweaty or there is moisture in the air.

Compared to Similar Bows

Bow	Martin Eclipse	Bear Escape
Version	2014	2016
Picture
Brace Height	7 "	6 "
AtA Length	31 "	32 "
Draw Length	25.5 " - 31 "	25.5 " - 30 "
Draw Weight	40 lbs - 70 lbs	45 lbs - 70 lbs
IBO Speed	320 fps	350 fps
Weight	3.8 lbs	4.0 lbs
Let-Off	80%	75%
Where to buy Best prices online	$500 Compare prices	$1000 Compare prices
	compare more bows

Although the Martin Eclipse is an older bow, it is still a very nice beginner's bow and still relevant for younger archers. The Eclipse is similar to the new Bear Escape. The Eclipse has approximately ten more pounds of draw weight, one half inch more length, one inch shorter ATA (31" for Eclipse, 32" for Escape), and an extra inch brace height 7" for Eclipse, 6" for Escape). The Bear, however, is much faster. This dual cam platform will give you about 30 fps more than the Martin (350 fps vs. 320 fps respectively). The rest will come down to the needs of the shooter/buyer. As stated, the Eclipse is an older bow and can be found fully loaded for $400 or less. The Escape is part of the 2016 Bear lineup and the bare bow will cost you $700 without any bells and whistles.

Usage Scenarios

This bow is designed for beginner, and is designed to grow up with the younger shooters. The design allows the youngest archer to learn technique and mechanics of shooting, and can eventually find its way into a ground blind or a tree stand. This bow could easily be found anywhere from the shooters back yard to target and 3D ranges and even the field.

Value

This rig is from the 2012 lineup, so purchasing one today will be online or possibly a local used sporting goods store or a pawn shop. This rig can be found completely decked out and ready to go for $400 and under. The Eclipse can be found, but you will need to do some work to find one. If you do find one, it will be worth the time to test it out.

Summary

Martin came out with the Eclipse in 2012, bringing a new platform that would fit the beginning archer, as well as the seasoned veteran. This new rig provided the shooter with draw length adjustments from 25" - 31" and a draw weight range from 35# - 70# without the need to replace the limbs or the cam. The short ATA (31") is perfect for any archery scenario, and the 320 fps means it will take down most game animals in North America. Just because it is touted as an entry level bow, do not be fooled.