Compound Bow | Draw Weight | Draw Length | Brace Height | IBO Speed | Let-off | AtA Length / Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Martin Krypton See Today's Price on Cabelas | 50 to 70 lbs. | 17" - 30" | 7.0" How To Choose Arrows | 315 FPS | 80% | 31" / 3.2 lbs. |
| Pros: - Excellent value considering the low MSRP - Bridged riser increases accuracy - Extra light weight makes it easy to carry - 31″ axle-to-axle length makes it very maneuverable | Cons: - An entry level bow with minimal technology - Some archers may find the short axle-to-axle length too short to suite them |
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The Martin Krypton at a Glance
Welcome to our Martin Krypton compound bow review. It seems like everyone is copying everyone else these days since I saw a Bear compound bow the other day that looked like a PSE and now I have run across a Martin that looks like a Hoyt! In fact, the riser on the Martin Krypton is so similar to Hoyt risers that I have to look close to tell the difference. However, it is true that the bridged riser is significantly stiffer than a standard riser and thus, bridged risers are inherently more accurate. Also, with such a short axle-to-axle length combined with a such lightweight, this bow well suited for hunting in tight quarters.
Martin Krypton Package Contents & Assembly
The Martin Krypton is available either with or without an accessory package. Thus, you can choose to accessorize it as you please or, you can purchase it with the available accessory package which includes a Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, a Copper John Rut Wrecker Sight, a Martin Round-A-Bout stabilizer, a Martin wrist sling, a Nitro Peep sight with tubing, a string loop, and a Martin 5-arrow bow quiver.
The Martin Krypton Eccentric System (cams)
The Martin Krypton is a double cam compound bow with a moderate cam design that provides an ultra-smooth draw cycle while also achieving impressive arrow speeds. Plus, the draw length is adjustable over a wide range from 17 inches to 30 inches.
Shooting Speed
The Martin Krypton is one of the faster compound bows on the market with an IBO speed of 315 FPS. However, IBO ratings are somewhat deceptive since they are based upon the rules which govern participants in IBO archery competitions and thus, their only standard is 5 grains of arrow weight per pound of pound of draw weight. Therefore, they are usually measured using the following criteria:
- 350 grain arrows
- 70 lb. draw weight
- Any draw weight the manufacturer chooses
However, it should be noted that the lower the draw weight, the shorter the draw length and/or the heavier the arrow, the slower your bow will shoot. Learn more about what speeds to actually expect.
Kinetic Energy (KE) of the Martin Krypton Compound Bow
Because most compound bows have an adjustable draw weight, the kinetic energy of the Martin Krypton will vary depending on your draw weight. However, some close estimates of what KE to expect from Martin Krypton are listed below:
- 70 lbs. / 30″ draw / 350 grain arrows: 77.1 ft-lbs KE
- 70 lbs. / 30″ draw / 425 grain arrows: 93.7 ft-lbs KE
Important: Please note that the energies listed above are based on arrow speeds that are measured immediately in front of the riser as the arrow leaves the rest. Thus, to determine the Krypton’s kinetic energy at different distances, subtract approximately 1.8 ft-lbs. from the values above for every ten yards of distance from the bow.
The Bow’s Draw Cycle
Due to its moderately radical cam design, the Martin Krypton has a reasonably smooth draw with a peak that is not too steep and a good, solid, wall that provides a consistent anchor point. However, the due to the shape of the cam, the valley is somewhat narrow. Thus, the string must be held at full draw at all times because any let up will cause the bow to fire unexpectedly. But, having said that, it does have a relatively smooth draw cycle.
Noise Levels and Vibration
The Martin Krypton is actually an amazingly quiet and vibration free bow partly due to the extra stiff riser and partly due to the integral vibration dampeners installed in either end of the riser which reminds me of those used by Mathews. Also, Martin has eliminated the plastic limb pockets used on many other compound bows which serve to further reduce noise. Plus, it also comes with a string dampener installed on the belly of the riser to quickly catch and quieting the string after the shot.
Using the Martin Krypton for Hunting
The Martin Krypton is an excellent choice in a hunting bow since it has a very lightweight and a very short axle to axle length as is the vogue these days for a hunting bow. Therefore, it is easy to carry as well as being easy to maneuver in tight quarters. Also, with an IBO speed of 315 FPS, it is easily fast enough to hunt any game species you might choose to pursue.
Depending on the size of animals you plan to hunt, you’re arrows will need sufficient kinetic to penetrate to the vitals. Therefore, the following Easton chart will provide you with some idea of how much kinetic energy is needed for hunting different species:
| Kinetic Energy: | You Can Hunt: |
|---|---|
| < 25 ft-lbs | Small Game (groundhog, rabbit, wild turkey) |
| 25-41 ft-lbs | Medium Game (Antelope, Whitetail deer) |
| 42-65 ft-lbs | Large Game (black bear, wild boar, elk) |
| > 65 ft-lbs | Largest Game (Grizzly bear, Cape buffalo, Musk Ox, African elephant) |
Limbs, Riser, & Grip
The Martin Krypton features a less radical parallel limb design than many of the compound bows on the market today which makes it appear a little more like a traditional compound bow. However, the bridged riser tends to give it a modern, space age, look that is just plain weird looking to me. But, I also have to admit that it does make the riser much stiffer than a traditional, non-bridged, riser which definitely contributes to its accuracy. In addition, it also features the new style grip which I do understand is designed to help eliminate torque but, quite honestly, I find it neither comfortable nor aesthetically pleasing. Thus, I would prefer for it to have more traditional wood grip.
Value for the Money
With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of only $299.99, the Martin Krypton includes an amazing level of technology which makes it hard to go wrong with this bow. Thus, unless you are specifically looking for a Mercedes Benz, the Martin Krypton is, in my opinion, an excellent value for the money.
Martin Krypton Compound Bow Review – Summary
Thanks for reading our Martin Krypton compound bow review. After having shot this bow, I have to say that I am very pleased with it considering its inexpensive price. Thus, I would personally consider it to be an excellent choice both for archers who are just now entering the sport and for archers who are looking to upgrade an older compound bow without spending enough to purchase a new car. See Cabela's current price and customer reviews on the Martin Krypton if you’re interested.
