Compound Bow | Draw Weight | Draw Length | Brace Height | IBO Speed | Let-off | AtA Length / Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Martin Threshold See Today's Price on Cabelas | 50 to 70 lbs. | 25" - 31" | 7.0" How To Choose Arrows | 310 FPS | 75% | 36.75" / 3.4 lbs. |
| Pros: - A good choice for those just starting out in archery - Long axle-to-axle length makes it forgiving to shoot - Highly adjustable to fit a wide range of archers - Well suited for target shooting | Cons: - Long axle-to-axle length makes it less maneuverable than shorter bows - Not a particularly good choice for hunting from a tree stand or ground blind |
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The Martin Threshold at a Glance
Welcome to our Martin Threshold compound bow review. My first impression of this bow is that it features both a traditional riser and a traditional limb design that makes it appear somewhat outdated. However, with an IBO speed of 310 FPS, it is surprisingly fast and with a weight of only 3.4 pounds, it is surprisingly light for such as long compound bow. Also, it features a single cam system which I have always liked even though single cam bows are generally not as fast a double cam bows.
Martin Threshold Package Contents & Assembly
The Martin Threshold comes as a complete package which includes a Mantis arrow rest, a Striker fiber optic sight, and a twist-lock, six arrow, quiver but, it does not include a string dampener of any sort.
The Martin Threshold Eccentric System (cams)
The Martin Threshold compound bow features a single M-pro eccentric cam on the lower limb with a round idler wheel on the top limb which completely eliminates the timing problems that can develop with double cam bows and yet, even with a traditional limb design and only one cam, it still manages to achieve an IBO speed of 310 FPS. It also includes a set of modules that enable the archer to adjust the draw length in one inch increments over a range of 25 to 31 inches which seems to have become a common feature on today’s compound bows.
Shooting Speed
Although the Martin Threshold has an IBO speed of 310 FPS, it should be noted that IBO speeds are deceptive because they have no standard for draw length. Therefore, the manufacturer can use any draw length they choose to measure IBO speeds and thus, they usually pick a bow with the longest possible draw length in that particular model. However, IBO rules do specify 5 grains of arrow weight per pound of draw weight and thus the following is commonly considered standard for measuring IBO speeds:
- 350 grain arrows
- 70 lbs. draw weight
- Any draw length the manufacture chooses
Also, it is important to note that the lower the draw weight of the bow is, the shorter its draw length is, or the heavier the arrow that you choose to shoot, the slower your bow will shoot. Learn more about what speeds to actually expect.
Kinetic Energy (KE) of the Martin Threshold Compound Bow
The amount of kinetic energy that any compound bow will generate depends entirely on the arrow’s speed and its weight. However, below by viewing the calculated kinetic energies listed below, you will get an idea of how much kinetic energy to expect from the Martin Threshold:
- 70 lbs. / 30″ draw / 350 grain arrows: 74.7 ft-lbs KE
- 70 lbs. / 30″ draw / 425 grain arrows: 90.7 ft-lbs KE
Please note: the kinetic energies listed above are measured immediately in front of the riser. Consequently, to determine the Threshold’s kinetic energy at different distances, you need to subtract about 1.8 ft-lbs. from the values listed above for every 10 yards of distance from your target.
The Bow’s Draw Cycle
No Earth shattering news to convey here. Due to this bow’s moderate eccentric cam, it has a smooth draw cycle that is easy to draw all of the way to the wall and a generous valley that makes the transition from peak to valley relatively mild. Also, it has a firm back wall that makes a consistent anchor point easy to achieve.
Noise Levels and Vibration
I can’t honestly say that this bow is as quiet as I would like for it to be due to the moderately reflexed riser and the more traditional limb design that sets the limbs more upright than those on more advanced models. However, it is not the noisiest bow I have ever shot either and, while there is noticeable recoil, it is no more than I would expect from a bow with this design. Thus, with a little practice, even novice archers should be able to achieve pinpoint accuracy with this bow.
Using the Martin Threshold for Hunting
There again, I can’t honestly say that this bow is the perfect hunting bow since it is somewhat slow by today’s standard. Also, the long axle-to-axle length makes it somewhat difficult to shoot at steep angles from a tree stand and, if you have one of those stands with the metal bar that extends out in front of you, then you may find it difficult to shoot at all. Also, I can’t honestly say that it is well suited for hunting from a fully enclosed ground blind either. However, if you are a spot-and-stalk hunter, then it could very well be your dream bow because the long axle-to-axle length makes it very forgiving for longer shots.
It should be noted that different sized game animals require different levels of kinetic energy in order for your arrows to reach the vitals. Therefore the Easton chart listed below will provide you with an idea of just how much kinetic energy you will need to hunt your chosen 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
As I mentioned earlier, the Martin Threshold has a reflexed riser with a more traditional appearance than some of their more advanced bows with the bridged riser and the solid limbs are set at a more traditional angle than on Martin’s more advanced bows. Thus, it does tend to generate more vibration than bows with a more parallel limb design but, I personally happen to be pleased with its appearance as well as the way that it shoots. However, I have never been particularly fond of grips that consist of nothing more than a rounded section of the riser as is featured on this bow. Thus, I would be far more pleased with it if it had a wood, or even a plastic, grip.
Value for the Money
I would personally consider the Martin Threshold to be an entry level bow designed for novice archers and the accompanying price tag, along with the accessories that are supplied with it, bears out that perception. However, having said that, I also feel compelled to say that I would not feel as if I were at a significant disadvantage hunting with it either since its long axle-to-axle length makes it very forgiving to shoot and, with an IBO speed of 310 FPS, it is fast enough to make a good hunting bow. Thus, I personally feel like the Martin Threshold is a good value for the money.
Martin Threshold Compound Bow Review – Summary
Thanks for reading our Martin Threshold compound bow review. With its long axle-to-axle length, moderately reflexed riser, single cam design, and a wide range of adjustment for draw length, this is an excellent bow for beginning archers that will serve a hunter well until their skills have reach the point where they are truly ready for a more advanced bow. See Cabela's current price and customer reviews on the Martin Threshold if you’re interested.
