Image | Length | Bow Weight | Draw Weight | Takedown? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Martin Archery Super Diablo See on Amazon.com | 60 inches | 2 lbs How to: choose arrows, draw weight, and tune your recurve | 45 to 65 lbs. | No |
| Pros - Gorgeous and powerful design - Vibration free - Includes a stringer and arrow rest | Cons - Not drilled for accessories - Not suitable for beginners |
| Also recommended: Best Martin Bows |
What Do I Get With The Bow?
Welcome to my review of the Martin Archery Super Diablo. This traditional recurve bow is a gorgeous offering crafted of contrasting hardwoods with maple laminations backed with black glass to provide solid performance. When you purchase the Super Diablo, here is what you should expect to find in the box:
- The Martin Archery Super Diablo Recurve Bow
- A traditional arrow rest
- A Flemish bowstring
- A bow stringer
How Is It Different From The Diablo?
I loved the Diablo when I tried it out, so I was definitely interested to see what had changed between that bow and the Super Diablo. The Super Diablo comes in 0.7 pounds lighter than its predecessory, and is 2″ shorter in overall length. It also loses the takedown status, as the Super Diablo is a traditional recurve bow without removable limbs. The Super Diablo is also meant to be used as-is, without the addition of any accessories like a stabilizer or sight. Finally, the available draw weights between the Diablo and Super Diablo are different, with the Super starting out at 45# and moving up to 65# in 5-pound increments.
How Hard Is The Bow To Assemble?
Since the Super Diablo is a traditional recurve bow, not a takedown, the only assembly required is to string the bow and install your own nocking point. Like with most bows, you don’t get a nocking point in the box, but you do get an arrow rest. The Super Diablo includes a bow stringer, so you don’t have to worry about buying one or finding that one you bought years ago and misplaced.
Is The Martin Super Diablo Powerful And Accurate?
Like its brethren the Diablo and Mambo, the Super Diablo is extremely powerful and accurate. Available in draw weights from 45# to 65#, the Super Diablo pulls so smoothly and easily you’ll think you’re shooting a bow that has a 5-pound lighter draw weight. Take advantage of that.
When I started shooting the Super Diablo, I was amazed at its accuracy and the intuitive nature of shooting the bow. The limb action is so good you can actually feel where the arrow is going to go before you let it loose. I was shooting 2″ groupings from 40 yards with ease when I practiced with the Super Diablo.
Can I Use The Bow For Hunting?
With its raw power, the Super Diablo is perfectly suited for hunting. Depending on your draw weight, you should be able to get a Super Diablo suitable for any game in the country. I chose the 55# Super Diablo, and took it hunting for moose one weekend. Coupled with carbon arrows and expanding broadheads, I was able to take a 30-yard shot at a bull moose that passed clean through the beast and out the other side. He shambled off for about 30 yards before dropping.
This recurve is 60″ long, so it’s short enough to be pretty easily maneuvered through the woods, between the trees, and in a tree stand. It’s also light enough that you’ll barely notice you are carrying it.
Can Beginners Use This Bow?
Because the Super Diablo does not accept any accessories, it’s not really ideal for beginners. When you are first starting out with archery, you really benefit from using a sight, which you can’t install easily install on this bow. It would be far better to look into one of our more suitable beginner bows instead.
What About Accessories?
This particular model of bow is not designed to be used with accessories like stabilizers, sights, or Berger buttons. Therefore, it’s not drilled to accept them, and won’t work with them out of the box. If you really want to mar such a beautifully finished bow, I suppose you could easily take the bow to a technician and have the holes drilled and threaded. Personally, I prefer instinctive shooting, which this bow excels at.
What Are The Best Arrows To Use With The Bow?
Arrow selection is a highly personal thing, and many a feud has broken out over brands, materials, and sizes. If you’re an established archer, you should be able to use your favorite arrow with the Super Diablo without any problems. If you’re a beginner or just want to look into a change, check out our guide to selecting the right arrows for your preference and purpose.
How Durable Are The Limbs And Riser On The Recurve?
The Super Diablo is definitely built to last, and the materials show that. The bow is made from hardwoods laminated with maple, and then backed with black fiberglass. I’ve used the Super Diablo for years without any sign of limb twist, cracking, or lamination falling apart. I suppose if you abused it enough, one of those things could happen, but I’m pretty rough on my bows and it’s never happened with mine.
What Strings Will Fit This Recurve Bow?
The package includes a Flemsih bow string, so what does that tell ya? The limb tips are reinforced, so you could even go with a Flemish string with FastFlight fibers, if you wanted the extra power. You’ll need a bow string of the appropriate length, 60″ AMO, and just about any string will do the trick.
Is It Heavy?
The Super Diablo weighs in at a mere 2 pounds, so it’s not at all heavy. I was able to use and carry this bow all day long without any problems of fatigue or hand cramping, so you should be safe to assume that the light weight of the bow is a good thing.
How Quiet Is The Bow?
With its silky draw and almost silent release, you’ll hardly know you’re shooting it. There is almost no vibration or hand shock, helping quieten the bow and also making it one of the comfortable bows in the world to shoot.
Recurve Bow Summary
Thanks for reading my review of the Martin Archery Super Diablo. This is a fantastic traditional recurve, with very few negatives to report. The only downside to this bow is the fact that it doesn’t accept accessories, so it’s not good for beginners or others who might be used to shooting with a stabilizer, sight, or Berger button. Take a look at Today's Amazon.com price on the Super Diablo if you’re interested.
